Leeds United are plotting a move for Rangers left-back Borna Barisic, Football Insider understands.
The Croatia international, 27, has developed into one of the prize assets at Ibrox two years after signing from NK Osijek.
A Leeds source has told Football Insider that the club are in the market for a senior left-back and Barisic is firmly on their radar.
Converted winger Stuart Dallas was the first choice at left-back in United’s Championship-winning campaign.
But manager Marcelo Bielsa has made it a priority during a recruitment meeting with Leeds chiefs to reinforce in that position ahead of their return to the Premier League next month.
It remains to be seen what that means for Barry Douglas, the £3million signing from Wolves, or Ezgjan Alioski, another converted winger who has played extensively at left-back for Leeds.
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As Football Insider revealed in June, the Ibrox hierarchy anticipated only star striker Alfredo Morelos would generate more interest than Barisic this summer.
The Colombia international is in advanced talks to join Lille for around £17million after Rangers signed two new strikers this week in Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten.
Now, Leeds are ready to test their resolve over Barisic, who many see as the second most valuable asset in the playing squad.
Rangers are well placed to keep the defender, or at least secure a major fee for him, as he signed a new four-year contract at the end of January that ties him to the club until the summer of 2024.
Barisic made 39 appearances in 2019-20 and was a reliable creative source, contributing an impressive 14 assists as well as two goals.
Rangers signed a new left-back in Calvin Bassey, 20, earlier in the window but that came after they released Andy Halliday and Jon Flanagan at the end of May.
In other news, Michael Brown drops major Leeds United transfer reveal.
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By: Wayne Veysey
Title: Leeds United plot stunning swoop for Rangers star Barisic
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-line-up-move-for-rangers-27-yr-old/
Published Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2020 10:13:59 +0000
