Steven Gerrard has silenced speculation linking Borna Barisic with a move to Leeds United, telling the Glasgow Evening Times that there has been no contact from the Premier League newcomers.
During Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League last 16, the German giants paid the best tribute possible to a Croatian international left-back.
Fully aware of Barisic’s ability to create a goal out of very little with a perfectly weighted cross, Leverkusen pressed the former Osijek man ferociously whenever the ball ventured anywhere near him on the wing.
Clearly, Barisic is being viewed by opposition managers as a major threat these days.
And who can blame them, given that the £2.2 million man produced an impressive 14 assists in all competitions across 2019/20?
Leeds have been linked of late too, with Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship winners crying out for a consistent option down the left hand side.
But, according to Gerrard, Leeds are yet to make their alleged interest known to anyone at Ibrox.
“No [there has been no contact from Leeds]. Borna is focused here and has signed a long contract,” the former Liverpool captain says.
“He’s really settled, he’s in good form and we’re delighted to have him. Nothing has come to us in terms of that situation. But it’s no surprise because obviously he was in the running for player of the year last year, very consistent.”
Though injuries haven’t helped. Barry Douglas has not come close to living up to lofty exceptations during two years at Elland Road.
And, while Gianni Alioski, Jack Harrison and Stuart Dallas have filled in to great effect in an unfamiliar position, the left-back area is a problem Leeds need to solve this summer.
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