RANGERS have been warned that they face a major challenge if they have to replace Joe Aribo – with Southampton interested over a potential move, the PA news agency understands.
The Nigeria midfielder, 25, has reportedly rejected the offer of a new contract and could be on his way out of Ibrox in the coming weeks.
Southampton’s interest is understood to be in the early stages for a player who has only a year left on his current deal and Rangers will likely need to sell him before the August transfer deadline to ensure a major fee.
The versatile former Charlton player has scored 26 goals in three seasons for Gers and has been a key player under both Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
As well as the Saints, English top-flight clubs Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Gerrard’s Aston Villa and Fulham have all been linked with a potential transfer bid.
Former Celtic attacker Simon Donnelly believes Aribo’s loss would be a major blow to Rangers.
“He’s a player that can make things happen, that can go past an opponent and open things up with his ability,” Donnelly told the Go Radio Football Show. “There’s not many of those around.
“Up until the turn of the year, I thought he was Rangers’ best player last season.
“He tailed off a bit, he wasn’t as potent as he had been before (the African Cup of Nations), and from a Celtic perspective I was quite happy that he came back and dropped off a bit.
“But I think he is a threat. Because he can go past someone, he can score a goal, it’s obvious that teams come looking.
“Has he had his head turned maybe by the English Premier League? Possibly, if he has knocked something back from Rangers.
“He will be a big one to fill, that will be a challenge. He has been a really good player for Rangers and I think they will have their work cut out trying to fill that void.
“Gio will have to look hard to get somebody of that quality to replace him.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel