By Pranav Shahaney

21st Nov, 2021 | 8:40am

Aston Villa keen on signing Rangers defender Borna Barisic in January

Aston Villa and new manager Steven Gerrard are keen on bringing Rangers left-back Borna Barisic to the Premier League, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The report on page 72 of the November 21 edition, states that Villa are plotting an £8million January swoop for the 29-year-old.

He was one of Gerrard’s favourites during his time at the Ibrox and the former Gers manager is now keen on luring him away from Glasgow.

Dicey

While Barisic is one of the most important players at Rangers, the club hierarchy are well aware of his age.

At 29, he is unlikely to get better in what is a physically demanding role of running up and down the pitch.

Defenders do peak at 27, 28, but that’s usually for centre-backs as their role is more technical rather than something that relies on their stamina.

Barisic may not be the player he is today two seasons from now and Gers may regret not cashing in on him.

Having signed him from NK Osijek in 2018 for £2million they’re already set to make a decent profit from his sale.

Ideally, Rangers should turn down their first approach and demand an eight-figure fee.

That money could help Giovanni van Bronckhorst strengthen in whatever position he deems fit.

It’s a tough choice for the club to make, but an important one to consider, given all factors and we will not be surprised if they decide to cash in on his services this winter.

In other Rangers news, a Gers player has been linked with a January exit and is touted by a number of British clubs