Rangers 'agree' long-term deal with bargain signing despite intense competition

Rangers are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Aberdeen star Connor Barron despite facing competition for the youngster’s signature. The Gers are working hard to improve their squad this summer after a disappointing end to last season.

This will be the first summer Philippe Clement has had to put his own stamp on his squad, and it looks as though he intends to take full advantage. Aberdeen man Barron has been heavily linked, out of contract this summer, although the Dons are still due a hefty compensation fee.

Recent reports have claimed there has been serious interest in the midfielder from down South, with the likes of Cardiff City, Swansea City and others being linked. But the Daily Record now say that Rangers have won the race, and that they will close the deal within the next 24 hours.

It’s claimed Barron will pen a long-term deal to keep him at Ibrox until the summer of 2028, and a medical is likely to take place in the not too distant future. As for the fee, Rangers won’t have to pay the £500,000 that would have been due for clubs outside of Scotland, but they will still have to pay compensation.

Rangers will either have to agree a fee amicably with Aberdeen or risk having to pay more at the end of a tribunal, depending on which way the pendulum swings in the ruling. At 21 years of age, Barron has already racked up 59 league appearances with Aberdeen, while he is also a three-time Scotland under-21s international.

Aberdeen will be disappointed to lose the talented midfielder for such a low fee, while Barron has previously spoke of his love for the Dons. He said in a previous interview: “I’m an Aberdeen fan. Nothing’s really changed out and about, everyone’s still the same with me although you get recognised that little bit more. But I’m still the same person as I was before and always will be.

“My family and friends are all Dons fans and they come along to the games, home and away, which is good. It’s great to play in front of them and make them proud. They’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years driving me to games and training and it’s good to see a smile on their faces when I’m on the pitch. I’m not one to let pressure put me down. I feel that I strive off it myself. If you’re at a big club like Aberdeen you’re going to have that pressure at all times. It’s just how you handle that.”