Stoke City are among a number of clubs interested in signing midfielder Connor Barron this summer as the 21-year-old is set to leave Aberdeen at the end of the month, according to reports.
The Potters are currently looking to bolster their squad, with the transfer window now open, to avoid another relegation dogfight next season. The Championship side have already completed the signing of Viktor Johansson from Rotherham United for a reported £1 million after activating his release clause, while Ben Gibson has also moved to the Bet365 Stadium as a free agent after his contract with Norwich City expired.
Nevertheless, the Stoke-on-Trent club are not set to stop there. The Daily Record are claiming that Stoke City have joined the race for Aberdeen star Barron whose contract expires at Pittodrie at the end of the month. There is currently no indication that the young midfielder will sign an extension with the Dons before June draws to a close in just over a fortnight. Furthermore, the Daily Record has revealed that Cardiff City, Swansea City, Plymouth Argyle and Scottish giants Rangers are also in the running for Barron’s signature.
However, it was reported by the same publication back in April that Leeds United were keeping tabs on Barron’s situation in Scotland and were interested in securing his services this summer, while the Coventry Telegraph have stated that Coventry City are also keen on the Scotland U21s international.
Writer’s View
With such a saturated race for the Barron, the player will need to go to a club where he is likeliest to play regular first-team football. While Leeds may be a more attractive suitor than anyone else in the race given the financial power of the club, Stoke City, Cardiff, Plymouth, Coventry or Swansea may be able to offer him consistent minutes.
Nevertheless, Aberdeen will certainly feel aggrieved should they lose Barron on a free transfer. The club have struggled over the past few seasons and now could lose a player for free who may be worth millions within the next few years.
