STEVEN GERRARD has confirmed Rangers are set to clinch a deal for Manchester City winger Brandon Barker as he closes in on his ninth signing of the summer.
The 39-year-old saw his side take a step towards the Europa League play-off round with a terrific 4-2 win over Midtjylland last night.
And he is now poised to add another attacking option to his squad as Barker gets set to put pen-to-paper on an Ibrox deal.
Gerrard said: “We haven’t signed him yet. He is having a medical. It’s close.
“Would that be it in terms of the squad? Who knows.
READ MORE: Joe Aribo savours Rangers' European triumph after thrilling win in Denmark
“I don’t think it is a secret we tried to get Ryan Kent to return. Liverpool knew how much wanted the player to come back.
“But I was told a week ago by Jurgen Klopp that he wouldn’t be going out on loan. So I respect that decision.
“We checked again a couple of days ago. I spoke to the technical director Michael Edwards. He made it very clear again that it wouldn’t be happening. So we had to move in a different direction.
“We thank Ryan for everything he has done. Time will tell whether our paths cross again but he is a magnificent player. We did everything we can to get him back but it is not to be and we respect Liverpool and thank them for letting us have him for a year.”
Gerrard also confirmed that Rangers had received no offers for striker Alfredo Morelos before the English Premier League and Championship transfer windows closed on Thursday evening.
Morelos opened the scoring in Herning last night and produced another superb showing as he proved his importance to the Light Blues once again.
Gerrard said: “He is top quality. He is a top level striker.
“I thought his all round performance, his work-rate, standing up to the physicality of their three big lads at the back, was excellent.
READ MORE: Midtjylland 2 Rangers 4: Five talking points from impressive Rangers showing
“Top strikers are always in the right position for good deliveries. You know Tav is going to put in good deliveries. Top strikers get there and it was a fantastic performance.”
The opener from Morelos set Rangers on their way to a remarkable victory as Joe Aribo, Nikola Katic and Scott Arfield also found the target.
And boss Gerrard was rightly delighted with the showing from his side as they take a two-goal advantage into the return leg next Thursday.
He said: “It was a fantastic performance and I think we thoroughly deserved our win. Across the board, there were so many standout performances against a very good team, a team that have got good players, a good style. They have a physical presence and they carry a threat off set-pieces. It’s a good result and it’s a good position to be in but it’s only half-time.
“We will have to match the performance to get the job done next week. No way are we going to celebrate this. We have major respect for the opposition and we will need to perform next week. I need the roof to come off Ibrox to help the boys get over the line next week.”
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