Rangers are interested in signing former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, according to reliable CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Leaving Chelsea

Premier League giants Chelsea announced this week that the 28-year-old has left the club upon the termination of his contract by mutual consent.

The former Everton ace is now a free agent with just days to go until the transfer window shuts, after enduring a difficult spell in west London.

Barkley joined the club in January 2018 in a deal worth £15m, signing a £110,000-a-week five-and-a-half-year contract which was set to expire at the end of the current 2022/23 Premier League season.

The former England international made 100 appearances during his disappointing stint for the Blues, bagging 12 goals and 11 assists.

The Latest: Glasgow battle

With Barkley now available on a free transfer, speculation has arisen surrounding his potential next club.

And Jacobs has revealed interest in the midfielder ahead of this week’s transfer deadline. Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Ross Barkley has left Chelsea by mutual consent. There is genuine interest from Rangers and Celtic. Plenty of Premier League clubs have considered Barkley, too.”

The Verdict: Great signing

During the 2020/21 season, Barkley spent the year on loan at Aston Villa, where he enjoyed 26 Premier League appearances.

Whilst he didn’t put up world-beating numbers, statistically he performed well in a Villans shirt.

As per WhoScored, the 28-year-old averaged 1.6 key passes, 1.2 shots and 1.2 dribbles per game, showing that he can still perform when actually given a chance to keep up his fitness and confidence.

Dubbed ‘dangerous’ in attack by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, Barkley certainly has the raw talent to succeed in the Scottish Premiership.

Therefore, it is mainly a question of which Glasgow club has the guts to take a gamble on a player with plenty of talent just seeking the perfect fresh start.