Connor Barron to Rangers transfer gathers pace as out of contract Aberdeen FC star 'ready for medical'

Rangers have reportedly ramped up their interest in Connor Barron after the end of his Aberdeen contract.

Barron is set to leave Pittodrie as a free agent with a host of clubs across Europe chasing a deal for the Scotland U21 international. Record Sport revealed that Bologna were among a host of Italian sides looking to snap up the midfielder after the success of Lewis Ferguson following his move the Serie A from the Dons two years ago - with Cagliari and Sassuolo also declaring an interest in the 21-year-old.

Any move to Italy would see Aberdeen recoup a compensation payment that could be as high as £500,000 due to cross-border rules - but the Light Blues appear to now be leading the race for Barron. The Sun report that Rangers are "ready to step up their interest" in the out of contract star - with Philippe Clement's side "at the front of the queue" for a deal.

It is claimed that Barron could fly home to Scotland from a break in Portugal to hold contract talks and undergo a medical. If a move to their Scottish Premiership rivals is seal, Aberdeen will have to wait on a Scottish tribunal decision before finding out the compensation the club are due.

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers podcast page and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We've also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community up and running. Follow NOW to get the latest breaking news and transfer gossip from Ibrox directly to your phone.