Rangers have 'begun talks' with Borna Barisic over new contract | OneFootball

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Rangers have 'begun the process' of attempting to tie Ibrox star Borna Barisic down to a new contract, but transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT whether a January exit could be on the cards after attracting interest.

It has been a hectic season for the Gers, with boss Philippe Clement penning a contract until the summer of 2027 after the board were forced into making a change in the dugout thanks to falling behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premiership title and crashing out of the Champions League before the group stage.

Although Rangers spent close to £14million on reinforcements during the summer, the Belgian tactician will be handed an opportunity to stamp his authority by freshening up the squad he inherited when the winter window opens at the turn of the year.

Rangers have put a fresh two-year contract on the table as they look to convince Barisic to extend his stay in Glasgow, according to TEAMtalk, and Clement is desperate to keep him out of Premier League side Nottingham Forest's clutches.

The report suggests the Tricky Trees' interest in the left-back, who has made more than 220 appearances during his time at Ibrox, has refused to go away since they joined a host of admirers in attempting to acquire his services during the summer window.

Rangers are eager to see Barisic put pen-to-paper and strengthen their resolve ahead of suitors potentially aiming to prise him away in the coming weeks as he is due to enter the final five months of his £21,000-per-week deal at the turn of the year.

The Croatia international's current situation means he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January, which has led to Roma boss Jose Mourinho wanting to lure him to Serie A and Aston Villa also keeping tabs.

Watford are open to offering a route into the Championship south of the border as Hornets boss Valerien Ismael aims to guide his side back into the top flight, highlighting that Barisic has a host of options if he decides he is keen to embark on a fresh challenge away from Rangers.

Respected reporter Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that the 31-year-old could see returning to his homeland with Dinamo Zagreb as an attractive proposition as he moves into the final stages of his career.

Dean Jones update - Borna Barisic

Jones understands that Barisic is being coveted by a number of clubs while there is ongoing uncertainty over whether he is willing to extend his spell at Rangers.

Although the transfer insider is aware that the Gers are doing all they can to tempt the former NK Osijek man to pen a new contract, having been on the club's books since sealing a £2.2million switch in 2018, he believes Clement could be forced to look to cash in if it becomes clear that an agreement will not be reached.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

Raskin has complications in injury recovery

Nicolas Raskin is in line to undergo another round of testing in the coming days after he has struggled to recover from an injury he suffered during Rangers' clash with Hearts last month, according to Football Scotland, meaning he is set to miss a key run of fixtures.

The report suggests Clement, who headed into the Ibrox dugout having clinched silverware seven times in his homeland, is unhappy with how long it is taking the central midfielder to shake off the issue and it has resulted in being forced to seek solutions within the squad.

Raskin had been one of the first names on the team sheet before heading onto the treatment table, with him chalking up two goal contributions over the course of 14 appearances, and his absence has come as a blow as Rangers aim to close the gap on Scottish Premiership table-toppers Celtic.

It is understood that the 22-year-old, who is approaching 12 months at Ibrox after joining in a deal worth up to £1.7million from Standard Liege, played a key role in ensuring Clement was handed the managerial reins in October.

That is because due to his attacking style of play and being able to bring clarity to the dressing room after a woeful start to the campaign.