Leeds United’s search for a new left-back has seen them linked with a number of players in January and the latest is Rangers star Borna Barisic – a player Jose Mourinho wanted at Tottenham in 2020.
Barisic, 31, has entered the last six months of his contract at Rangers. It comes after almost four years at Rangers, joining the Ibrox outfit in the summer of 2018 – under the guidance of boss Steven Gerrard.
The Croatia star has gone on to play 224 times for Rangers in five and a half years in Glasgow – scoring nine and laying on a further 53 assists. Rangers want to hand him a new deal this month, amid interest.
Clubs from France, Spain and Italy all want to sign Barisic before the end of the window – or even, on a pre-contract arrangement, with clubs able to approach Barisic on a free. But, we want him this month.
A player that Gary McAllister once said – having worked with Barisic as Rangers assistant under Steven Gerrard – has a “beautiful left foot”. A player that Leeds actually bid £8m to sign, under Marcelo Bielsa.
Jose Mourinho wanted new Leeds target Borna Barisic at Spurs
Barisic is past his best. That best being Croatia’s first-choice left-back, and playing a part in Rangers reaching the Europa League final – where Giovanni van Bronckhorst watched his side lose on penalties.
But, he still offers plenty. A player that is renowned for his crossing ability – something which attracted Mourinho which he was Spurs manager, little over three years ago. 90Min said Spurs were interested.
Indeed, Mourinho was looking for a replacement for Jan Vertonghen and a fee was reported to be a huge £22m for Barisic. It did not materialise – but it is still the same player, just three years on.
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