Joey Barton is closing in on a deal for Rangers midfielder Jordan Rossiter, as reported by the Scottish Sun.

The 22-year-old is a former Liverpool trainee who made the switch to Ibrox in 2016. He's played for England up to Under 19 level, but has seen his progress halted with a move north of the border.

During his time with Rangers he's managed just 16 appearances, ten of which have come in the SPFL over a three-season period. Last time out he spent a spell with League Two side Bury on loan, helping them to promotion from League Two with 17 appearances and a single goal.

Rossiter joined Rangers at the same time as Joey Barton in 2016, with Barton's ill-fated spell lasting just five games and ending in a terminated contract.

Since then Barton has rebranded himself as a manager with the Cod Army, helping them to a respectable mid-table finish last season.

The Verdict

This would be a good signing for Fleetwood. Rossiter was highly-regarded when he left Liverpool for Rangers, but he hasn't been able to kick on since he arrived at Ibrox.

He impressed at Bury last season and whilst Fleetwood is a step up, he would surely be just as comfortable in the third-tier.

As for Barton, he wasn't a popular figure at Rangers and it is a surprise that he's able to do business with them after his spell at the club. That said, football moves quickly and the personnel are different now.

Rossiter needs fresh life breathing into his career and Fleetwood expect to be challenging for the top ten, giving him the perfect platform to start rebuilding his reputation in England.