Rangers transfer target given damning verdict by ex Ibrox star as old teammate deemed ‘miles ahead’

A former Rangers teammate has given Borna Barisic the highest recommendation as manager Philippe Clement continues to look for a new left-back.

The Croatian international’s contract expires this summer,

and Clement must decide whether to offer him a new contract or to let him leave the team for free at

the end of the current campaign.

During his five and a half years at Ibrox, the 31-year-old,

who was signed by Steven Gerrard from Osijek in 2018,

has experienced numerous highs and lows.

For the majority of this season, Barisic has been the starting left back.

Ridvan Yilmaz did play in the final four games prior to the winter break,

but there have been rumours circulating that the latter will be moving to Hellas Verona in Italy.

Due to uncertainty surrounding that part of the team,

Belgian manager Clement is trying to expand his choices, and Josh Doig,

a former star for Hibs, is at the top of the list.

However, former Light Blues centre back Nikola Katic is adamant that Barisic,

his former teammate, is still the best choice to take over in that problematic position.

Before being sent out on loan because of a long-term injury, Katic,

who played four years with Barisic in Glasgow, told the Daily Record:

“I still speak with Borna a lot.” We become really close after moving to Glasgow.

We shared daily life together and were residents of the same building.

Since my departure, that friendship has persisted.

“Borna is an elite athlete. He has been playing at a high level consistently for about six years.

That now depends on chance. He’s been doing it regularly for a while.

The Rangers organisation is aware of his abilities and undoubtedly

wants to retain him for an additional two or three seasons.

“He never fails to perform in Europe. Borna is happy with Clement, according to our conversation,

so I believe they will work out a new agreement. Given great respect to both Yilmaz and Doug,

I believe Borna is far superior. Doig from Hibs comes to mind. He is a skilled athlete.

If he signed with the Rangers, Borna would have some good competition.

But Borna also experienced that with Calvin Bassey. In the end,

Borna repeatedly demonstrated why he is the best in that role.”

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