Barisic is set for £2m Ibrox move
RANGERS are expected to secure the £2million signing of Croatian international left-back Borna Barisic today as Steven Gerrard continues his recruitment drive. The Ibrox club, who yesterday lodged an appeal against the red card shown to Alfredo Morelos in Sunday’s controversial 1-1 draw against Aberdeen, have moved swiftly after Barisic impressed as Osijek captain in their recent Europa League clashes. The 25-year-old scored with a deflected strike at Ibrox last Thursday evening and was his side’s stand-out performer across the two
legs of a 2-1 aggregate defeat. Barisic was in Glasgow yesterday afternoon and will conclude contract formalities providing there are no issues with his medical. He was part of Croatia’s preliminary 32-man squad for the World Cup but missed out in their final selection. The ex-Dinamo Zagreb player is poised to become Gerrard’s 11th summer addition, with the prospect of a 12th later this week as Rangers remain keen to conclude a loan deal for young Bournemouth centre-back Jake Simpson. Speaking at the weekend, Barisic (right) admitted he would love to play at Ibrox on a regular basis. ‘The atmosphere was incredible and I was hugely impressed, he said. ‘Who would not like to play every week in such an atmosphere? I’d love to play at Ibrox in every game.’ The Croatian would rival Jon Flanagan for a starting left-back role in Gerrard’s plans and could signal an exit for both Declan John and former club captain Lee Wallace. Swansea are among the clubs interested in taking Welsh international John on loan. Meanwhile, Rangers are contesting the dismissal of Morelos for kicking out at Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna. The Colombian was sent off by referee Kevin Clancy after just 12 minutes, with Gerrard insisting they felt ‘hard done by’ because Morelos was provoked by ‘two violent barges’ from McKenna. Rangers have now lodged their appeal at the SFA, with a hearing to take place later this week. Should they fail to have it overturned, Morelos would be facing a two-match ban, ruling him out of Sunday’s Premiership clash with St Mirren as well as their Betfred Cup clash at Kilmarnock on August 19. Ibrox midfielder Ryan Jack was taken to hospital on Sunday after suffering a head injury when clattered in a challenge by Stevie May at Pittodrie.
Sportsmail understands he was later released by medics but, given the nature of the knock, it remains to be seen whether he will be available for Thursday’s Europa League first leg against Maribor.