Southampton sent scouts to Ibrox on Saturday as Rangers beat Dundee United to add to their dossier on Joe Aribo for the January transfer window, according to the Daily Record.
The Saints have amassed a raft of glowing reports on the midfielder from Premiership and European fixtures this season. But the Premier League side only saw Aribo for the final 26-minutes at the weekend, as he entered the action shortly before James Tavernier scored.
Aribo has been in sensational form of late with four goals and two assists in his last seven league appearances. He has only scored two and assisted two in 24 further outings across all competitions so far this season.
But Rangers risk losing Aribo in the not-too-distant future with the 25-year-old entering the last 18-months of his £14k-a-week contract. His situation has put a host of English sides on alert to a possible bargain, with the Daily Mail citing Crystal Palace, Brentford and Watford.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Rangers want Aribo to sign a new contract and stay at Ibrox. The Gers are loath to allow their £300k capture from 2019 to enter the last year of his deal. But the Glasgow outfit are yet to agree terms to see them keep Steven Gerrard’s signing.
Competition building for Aribo as Southampton join transfer hunt for Rangers star
Competition for Aribo’s services is building, too, with Southampton now also considering a transfer for the star Rangers midfielder. The Saints have a number of positive reports on his light blue performances, which had already piqued Premier League interest.
Aribo has also delighted former Rangers defender Richard Foster with his efforts since Van Bronckhorst took over from Gerrard. He dubbed the Nigeria international as the Gers’ ‘star-man’ on BBC Sportsound (15/12, 20:45) during their 2-0 win over St Johnstone last week.
Aribo did not score against the Saints, but pulled the strings and set Alfredo Morelos up to assist Ryan Kent. He also controlled the game without the ball and constantly found space.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
