Joey Barton and Rangers a good fit, says Ronald de Boer
Monday 16 May 2016 14:18, UK
Joey Barton would be a perfect leader for Rangers in the top flight of Scottish football next season, according to Ibrox legend Ronald de Boer.
The 33-year-old midfielder is in talks with Gers over a three-year contract and visited the club's Murray Park training ground over the weekend.
Barton was reportedly offered a one-year extension at Burnley after helping them win the Sky Bet Championship but is keen on a longer deal.
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Former Netherlands midfielder De Boer, who played for Rangers between 2000 and 2004, claimed the Englishman's experience would help the Light Blues in the Scottish Premiership after they worked their way through the lower leagues over the past four years.
He said: "If he comes I think it will be a good signing. He has the knowledge of the game, he has seen everything.
"It is also important because Rangers are nowadays a young team and they need a guy with experience, not only on the pitch but on the training ground and in the dressing room because next year it is really going to matter.
"Being back after so many years, you want to have a great start so you need a leader and I think Joey Barton can do that.
"It sends out the message that they really want to challenge for the title. But you have to be realistic and don't buy because it makes the fans happy. You have to buy because you think you need to strengthen in that position.
"You have to use your sense. It is important that you do your homework well."
De Boer was speaking at a media event at Hampden Park organised by William Hill, sponsors of the Scottish Cup.
Rangers, who added the Ladbrokes Scottish Championship to their Petrofac Training Cup success, will play Hibernian in the final on Saturday with the winner gaining entry into the qualifiers for next season's Europa League.
De Boer, who won the Scottish Cup at Rangers in 2002 and 2003, feels the lure of European football could also help Rangers' recruitment plans
He said: "If you want to sign people that is very important. It will attract players. Rangers is a huge club and they are now back.
"Everyone knows the magnitude of Rangers in Scotland, they know they will be the biggest rivals for Celtic but they have to strengthen in some places."
