BURNLEY midfielder Joey Barton would be the leader Rangers need for their return to the Premiership, according to former player Ronald de Boer.

The 33-year-old midfielder is in talks with Gers over a three-year contract and visited Ibrox and the club's Murray Park training ground on Saturday.

Barton is out of contract at Turf Moor after helping them win the Championship and former Holland midfielder De Boer, who played for Rangers between 2000 and 2004, claimed the Englishman's experience would help the Light Blues after a four-year absence from the top flight.

Burnley have offered Barton a deal to stay at Turf Moor.

He said: "If he comes I think it will be a good signing. He has the knowledge of the game, he has seen everything.

"It is also important because Rangers are nowadays a young team and they need a guy with experience, not only on the pitch but on the training ground and in the dressing room because next year it is really going to matter.

"Being back after so many years, you want to have a great start so you need a leader and I think Joey Barton can do that.

"It sends out the message that they really want to challenge for the title.

"But you have to be realistic and don't buy because it makes the fans happy. You have to buy because you think you need to strengthen in that position.

"You have to use your sense. It is important that you do your homework well."