Rangers are reportedly ready to step up their interest in signing Connor Barron from Aberdeen.

The Scotland Under-21 international is out of contract this summer upon the expiry of his deal at Pittodrie.

Given his contractual situation at the Scottish Premiership side, the midfielder has garnered plenty of attention from potential suitors both in the UK and abroad.

Barron is currently on holiday in Portugal as he enjoys the off-season.

However, the Scottish Sun reports that Rangers are at the front of the queue to sign the 21-year-old - and Barron could even fly home for a medical and negotiations.

Despite being out of contract at Aberdeen, they will be due compensation for the player having developed him through their youth system.

If Rangers is the player's destination, then it will be up to the clubs to agree a fee for the transfer. If a deal can't be struck, then a tribunal would be the outcome, similarly to Lewis Ferguson's move from Hamilton to the Dons in 2018.

Should Barron move to the likes of Italy, where there is strong Serie A interest in him, then compensation payment could be as high as £500,000 due to cross-border regulations.

It is believed that Barron's personal preference is to move to England - where Swansea and Middlesbrough have shown interest - or overseas.

READ MORE: Rangers transfer news & rumours before window opens

That said, he is open to working with Philippe Clement and his soon-to-be new-look squad at Ibrox.

A big factor in Barron's decision will be where he feels he can get the most game time to help him in his quest to become a full Scotland international under Steve Clarke, who very nearly selected him for the Euros but for a return to fitness for both Ryan Jack and Stuart Armstrong.

Should a deal for Barron go through, he will join Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Clinton Nsiala as Rangers' new recruits this summer.