With a return to the Scottish top flight secured, Glaswegian giant Rangers is reportedly monitoring Burnley midfielder Joey Barton.
Out of contract at Turf Moor, Barton is close to securing a deal with Rangers after touring the club's Auchenhowie training ground Saturday, according to Richard Wilson of BBC Sport.
Rarely far from controversy, Barton, 33, enjoyed a brilliant season and a return to form with The Clarets, scoring three times in 38 matches while earning a spot on the Championship's Team of the Year. The former Queens Park Rangers player was also named Burnley's Player of the Season.
Burnley won the league and earned automatic promotion to the Premier League, returning to the top flight after a year in the second tier.
The connection between Barton, Burnley, and Rangers stems from Frank McParland's appointment at Ibrox. McParland was Burnley's sporting director, signing Barton after a mercurial spell with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle, and QPR.
McParland is now head of recruitment at Rangers, and has reportedly vouched for Barton in discussions with The Gers' gaffer Mark Warburton.