Steven Gerrard has confirmed Rangers are close to signing Manchester City youngster Brandon Barker after missing out on Ryan Kent.
Kent scored six goals in 27 Scottish Premiership matches during a loan spell at Ibrox last season and Gerrard has admitted the club tried to secure his services once again.
Rangers to sign Barker: Five key things to know…
- Rangers had tried to secure Ryan Kent on loan once again this season.
- But Jurgen Klopp was only willing to listen to permanent offers.
- As a result, Rangers have had to seek out other targets.
- They have turned their attention to Man City’s Brandon Barker.
- Gerrard confirmed Barker is having a medical ahead of a potential free transfer.
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However, Jurgen Klopp was unwilling to allow Kent to leave Anfield on loan again and preferred a permanent deal, meaning Rangers have had to explore other targets.
Now, it appears they’ve settled on 22-year-old Barker, who has made just one senior appearance for Man City despite being at the club since 2004.
Speaking after Rangers’ 4-2 Europa League qualifying win over FC Midtjylland, Gerrard said: “We haven’t signed Brandon yet. He is having a medical. It’s close. Would that be it in terms of the squad? Who knows.
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“I don’t think it is a secret we tried to get Ryan Kent to return. Liverpool knew how much wanted the player to come back.
“But I was told a week ago by Jurgen Klopp that he wouldn’t be going out on loan, so I respect that decision.
“We checked again a couple of days ago. I spoke to the technical director Michael Edwards. He made it very clear, again, that it wouldn’t be happening so we had to move in a different direction.”
After beating Kilmarnock 2-1 last week in their Scottish Premiership opener, Rangers face Hibernian at Ibrox on Sunday.