Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Serie A side Roma are interested in left-back Borna Barisic and that the Italian side have been keeping tabs on him for a while:

“That’s true. There has been interest in Borna for a long time, even when his form wasn’t in a place where it is right now. Everyone respects you’re talking about the Croatian No 1 left-back and they’re a team that has massive respect around the world.”

Gerrard wants to keep hold of the 27-year-old, and despite the defender still having two and a half years left on his contract at Ibrox, the Light Blues are holding talks with the player’s agent about a new deal:

“I’m in contact with and close enough to the agent, we’ve had dialogue over the last couple of weeks. We realise where he is with his contract and I’d say there is low-level talks in terms of trying to get him to extend because we’re pleased with the job he’s done so far.”

Barisic has been in excellent form for the Gers, having laid on 13 assists in 27 appearances so far this campaign. His status as Croatia’s first-choice left-back, though, does mean he garners unwanted interest from other clubs.

Whether Roma will actually make a bid for the fullback, we shall have to wait and see. Gerrard also stated that while every player in his squad “has a price,” it would take a “crazy offer” for the club to sell a first-team player this month. Fans will be hoping he keeps that promise as the Bears set their sights on title number 55.