Coventry City face competition from Rangers as a transfer target close to making a decision

Rangers are ready to “step up their interest” in out-of-contract Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron, who is said to be a transfer target for Coventry City.

The 21-year-old has been offered a new contract but interest is growing in the deep-lying playmaker, with the Sky Blues and Championship side Swansea reported to be ‘encouraged’, according to our sister headline the Daily Record, while Bologna, According to the report, they have joined the growing list of Italian clubs weighing up a summer move for the player.

Now SunSport are reporting that Rangers boss Philippe Clement – a former Sky Blues player – is at the head of the queue to land the Scotland Under-21 star this summer.

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The 21-year-old still has suitors in Italy and England, with Cagliari leading the interest in Serie A, it is claimed. But the Gers, who have already signed Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Clinton Nsiala this summer, are keen to land him.

Barron is understood to have been on a short break in Portugal but could fly back for medical and contract talks.

Aberdeen would be fitting compensation for a player who came through the youth ranks at Pittodrie. If Barron heads to Italy, the compensation payout could be up to £500,000 due to cross-border rules.

But the Dons may have to sweat over a tribunal decision if the Premiership rivals cannot agree a fee for a transfer to Scotland.

Barron, who has also been linked with Swansea and Middlesbrough, shone under caretaker boss Peter Leven at the end of last season.

The Sky Blues, of course, have yet to replace Gustavo Hamer and Barron is seen as a dynamic midfielder who can do a bit of everything like the Dutch/Brazilian standout, from winning the ball to creating attacking opportunities. His age also means he fits perfectly into City’s development model of taking up and coming young players and helping to turn them into star assets under the expert coaching of Adi Viveash.

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