Gerrard ready for Ibrox Bar

ASTON VILLA boss Steven

Gerrard is plotting an £8million January swoop for Rangers leftback Borna Barisic.

The Croatia ace played a key role as Gerrard masterminded Rangers’ Scottish title triumph last season.

While Gerrard, who took charge of his first Villa game yesterday, is understood to be reluctant to raid Ibrox for his old players, he is keen to lure Barisic.

Gerrard signed the defender from Croatian top-flight club NK Osijek for around £2m on a fouryear deal in 2018, before Barisic last year extended his contract until the summer of 2024.

Barisic has ambitions to play in one of Europe’s elite leagues – and the chance to reunite with his old boss is sure to appeal.