Giovanni van Bronckhorst expects Rangers to discuss new contracts with Steven Gerrard’s reported Aston Villa targets Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent soon, via quotes by the Daily Record.
Both Aribo and Kent will enter the final year of their respective contracts at the end of the season. However, Van Bronckhorst is desperate to see the Gers strive to retain the pair as they hold crucial roles in the Ibrox natives’ plans as they eye successive Premiership titles.
Gerrard led Rangers to the Scottish top-flight crown last season before departing Glasgow for Aston Villa in November. Aribo scored six goals and provided four assists over 25 games while Kent struck eight goals and nine assists over 33 appearances on route to top honours.
Van Bronckhorst is now reaping the rewards of Gerrard signing Aribo and Kent for Rangers. The former has struck six goals and five assists in 24 games so far this term under the pair. Kent, meanwhile, has only scored twice in 17 games, but has provided eight assists to date.
Van Bronckhorst expects Rangers contract talks for Aribo and Kent
Van Bronckhorst has not spoken to either Aribo or Kent over their contractual situation at Rangers. But the Ibrox boss expects the Gers to begin formal discussions soon and is keen to see both players commit their futures to the Glasgow outfit against widespread interest.
“I haven’t spoken to them about extending their contracts or new talks,” Van Bronckhorst said. “That’s something the club will do in the near future. We must make sure we have the future well planned.
“Of course, these are players who are very important for our team, so the talks will begin. The players with these qualities you want to have as long as possible at your club.”
Gerrard to suffer blow in Aston Villa transfer interest of Aribo and Kent
Aribo and Kent signing new contracts with Rangers will deal Gerrard a blow to Aston Villa’s reported transfer plans. All Nigeria Soccer report the Villans are one of five Premier League clubs along with Brentford, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Watford keen to sign Aribo.
They also note the Gers are ready to sell the Nigeria international for £5m as he has made it clear he will not pen new terms. Rangers have halved their valuation from the £10m The Sun report given Aribo will be out of contract next year and thus has a lesser market value.
Kent, meanwhile, was among the first names Gerrard considered targeting a transfer for as Aston Villa manager, per the Metro. The now-Villans boss was instrumental in the winger moving to Ibrox from Liverpool for £7.5m on a four-year contract in the summer of 2019.
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