Barry Douglas open to Rangers move following Leeds United exit

Outgoing Leeds United left-back Barry Douglas has admitted he is open to potentially joining Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.

The Scottish full-back has said his goodbyes on Twitter following the end of his three-year contract at Leeds, who finished ninth in the English Premier League this season, and he is considering his next options ahead of 2021/22.

The Yorkshire Evening Post claims on their website that the 31-year-old is "unaware of the 'noise' linking him to a move to Rangers", but would have to consider the chance to play for the Light Blues if an opportunity to join them came.

"It depends what opportunities present themselves," Douglas told the YEP.

"As a family it would be a lot more difficult [to go abroad] now, we've got a newborn and a toddler, Kayden is three next month, obviously we need to take that into consideration now.

"But we'd definitely be open to trying something new and getting out of the comfort zone. If it's a new culture and a new language again absolutely. But if it's domestic, great."

Good move for Rangers?

Douglas grew up supporting Rangers, revealing so during an interview on Talking Shutt’s YouTube channel.

The chance to fulfil a childhood dream could be exciting, and he can be a huge boost for Steven Gerrard's side as they look to defend the Premiership title next term.

Rangers currently have Borna Barisic as their first-choice left-back, and while the Croatian was impressive in 2020/21, landing another quality player to provide competition and cover would not be bad.

Douglas left Premier League side Leeds temporarily for Blackburn Rovers last summer after not getting assurances over regular playing opportunities, and while we would love to see him at Ibrox, he is not likely to be open to a move except he is promised frequent first-team football.

Gerrard is likely to be keen to use 21-year-old Calvin Bassey as his back-up at left-back for next season, and a move for another player in the position may not be on the cards.

Douglas joined Leeds from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2018, becoming one of head coach Marcelo Bielsa's first signings.

He played in 27 Championship games in his first season at Elland Road, but injuries limited him to just 15 appearances in 2019-20, contributing little to Leeds' promotion.

Douglas featured in 30 league games for Blackburn in 2020-21, weighing in with two assists, and a permanent move to join them appears to be a feasible option [Lancashire Telegraph].

In other Rangers news, Stephen Craigan was thrilled by this Gers ace's performance live on Sky Sports.