Connor Barron is a name that Rangers fans are hearing more and more frequently.
The Aberdeen midfielder, 21, is considered one of the Scottish Premiership’s brightest talents and is out-of-contract this coming summer.
It’s led to many Rangers supporters recommending their team move for the midfielder but as things stand there has been nothing concrete to suggest official interest.
Connor Barron has instead appeared more likely to make the move down south, with Swansea City reportedly having a bid rejected in January.
Now, one former Rangers star has been urging his old side to make the plunge, claiming that Barron is a ‘no-brainer’ for either side of the Old Firm.
Andy Halliday: Connor Barron a Rangers ‘no-brainer’
Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, Andy Halliday has claimed that Connor Barron bossed the Celtic midfield at Hampden on Saturday.
The Aberdeen midfielder put in a stellar performance as the Dons narrowly missed out on the Scottish Cup Final, losing out on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Claiming that Barron was the ‘best player on the pitch’, Motherwell midfielder Halliday has suggested that Rangers or Celtic would be mad not to move for the Pittodrie talent.
“I thought it was a really off performance for Celtic’s midfield,” said Halliday.
“I think it’s the strongest department of Celtic’s team. I thought Aberdeen got the better of them for a large period of that.
“Personally I thought Connor Barron was the best player on the pitch on Saturday to be honest.
“He’s out of contract in the summer. I’m not trying to prise him away from Aberdeen but I always feel that they are the sort of no-brainers that Celtic and Rangers should be looking for.
“Especially when they’re trying to get European talent for their homegrown squads. I thought he was excellent.”
When asked if he is urging Rangers to move, Halliday said: “Absolutely not, I’ve heard a few links down south as well.
“I just feel as if they’re no-brainers for Rangers and Celtic but it doesn’t seem as if there’s been much chat there.”
Will Rangers rue failing to move for Aberdeen star?
Rangers fans have seen this story before.
Connor Barron might not be mentioned in any official Rangers transfer reports, but that hasn’t stopped plenty analysing the midfielder.
Rumours earlier in the season appeared to point toward an Ibrox deal, with the midfielder potentially the long-term successor to another ex-Pittodrie star currently at Rangers.
Ryan Jack is out of contract at the end of the season and perhaps Connor Barron is a natural option to come in and replace him to maintain the club’s homegrown options.
With Connor Barron also switching agents this season, it appears the Aberdeen star is trying to strike the best deal possible in the weeks and months ahead.
But so long as Rangers aren’t officially mentioned, there will be some doubts about a potential Ibrox switch.
It’s given rise to fears Rangers could miss out on yet another homegrown talent.
Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson – who has just been handed a devastating injury diagnosis – stands as the biggest example of one that got away for Rangers.
But there are several others – including one youngster who’s just been linked to Manchester City – that Rangers might rue not striking a long-term deal with.
Could Connor Barron be the next?
