Leeds reportedly willing to sell defender, Rangers could solve problem area

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This summer, one of Steven Gerrard’s main priorities will be to bring in a new left-back at Rangers after Borna Barisic failed to make the grade on the left side of the defence – and a Leeds United man might be perfect.

Croatia international Barisic has struggled this season, since his move from NK Osijek. A number of niggling injuries prevented any real momentum, while he did not seem to cope with the physical style of Scottish football.

Jon Flanagan has been used as has Andy Halliday, but the latter is more of a midfielder and Flanagan is right-footed. Gerrard desperately needs to sign a left-back that is going to start game after game.

The Yorkshire Evening Post have claimed that Leeds United defender and England Under-20 international Tom Pearce will be allowed to leave Elland Road, with the club willing to listen to offers.

It is clear that Gerrard is looking to bring in younger talent this summer to freshen up his squad. Jake Hastie and Jordan Jones have been signed, while George Edmundson has been linked with a move from Oldham.

Though Rangers need players in their peak, if they are to stop Celtic’s hunt for 10 in a row, but after signing Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe, Gerrard has realised younger players for the future are required.

Pearce is the perfect example of that. Breaking into the Leeds team, he has made 10 first-team appearances and impressed on loan at Scunthorpe last season. Leeds signed Barry Douglas, and the Scot is keeping Pearce sidelined.

Plenty of pace and even an eye for goal, the England youth star is certainly worth investing in. His crossing ability and willingness to get forward would suit the Gers. Rangers would solve their left-back woes with Pearce.