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Daily Record

Sport

Ross Pilcher

Every Rangers contract situation as Gio van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson hit with sign or sell dilemma

van Bronckhorst Ross Wilson Rangers Gers (Organization) Ryan Kent Alfredo Morelos Steven Gerrard Allan McGregor Connor Goldson Celtic

Given it’s his first transfer window as Rangers manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is expected to be busy as he gets a first opportunity to put his stamp on the squad.

There’s a Premiership title to try and win back from Celtic, while the Champions League qualifiers are on the horizon as the Gers target a share of the mega prize pot the group stages of Europe’s premier competition opens up.

But just as important is holding on to the stars that helped the Ibrox club reach the Europa League final last season.

Work on that front has already been done.

The shock announcement that Connor Goldson had committed his future for the next four years was music to the fans’ ears.

The defender’s previous deal was up this summer and talk of putting pen to paper on a new one had died down, with Goldson expected to return to England.

Scott Arfield’s contribution - not least a Scottish Cup semi-final equaliser against Celtic - earned him a year’s extension, while veteran Steven Davis also decided to stay on for another 12 months.

However, Rangers have a number of their main men now entering their final year and van Bronckhorst, along with Ross Wilson, may have to make decisions that prevent some leaving for nothing next summer.

Allan McGregor

The experienced keeper looked to have said a final farewell when he was brought on for the last minute of Rangers’ extra-time win over Hearts in the Scottish Cup final last month.

The 40-year-old is still set to leave as things stand, but Record Sport revealed talks have begun over staying on for what will surely be a final season between the sticks.

There remains the possibility that McGregor hangs up his gloves, although it wouldn't be a surprise if a new offer included a coaching role with a view to that happening next year.

Ryan Jack

The midfielder has established himself as key member of the Ibrox engine room since signing from Aberdeen five years ago.

Injuries robbed him of playing time last season, but he returned to fitness and form for the campaign’s run in, crowning his season with a stunning opener to break Hearts’ resistance at Hampden in the cup final.

The hope will be that enjoys an injury-free run next term, but getting round the table and thrashing out a new contract will likely be a priority for Ross Willson.

Ryan Kent

When the former Liverpool loanee was signed on a permanent basis for £7million in 2019, it was almost certainly with a view to making a big profit further down the line.

The window to make money on Kent is rapidly closing though.

His deal is up in June 2023 and interest in the wide man has never gone away.

Leeds United have been long-term admirers and have previously had two bids rejected, with then-manager Steven Gerrard saying they were “nowhere near” the club’s valuation.

Ironically, Gerrard could try and lure Kent away himself if he feels he’d be a good fit at Aston Villa.

Given his contract situation, that figure will have changed and if Kent is keen to return to England and doesn’t indicate he’s open to extending his stay in Glasgow, then a fee this summer will look tempting.

Alfredo Morelos

Transfer speculation linking the Colombian with a move away is nothing new. It happens in almost every transfer window.

Indeed, Morelos himself have previously admitted he sees himself playing in one of Europe's big five leagues at some point.

Lille had a £16million offer booted out by the Gers in August 2020 and it was reported that Rangers were holding out for around £20million.

Like with Kent, the profit potential on Morelos dwindles the less time there is on his contract.

Injury deprived van Bronckhorst of El Bufalo’s services for the tail end of last season, but his importance to the team was highlighted during that spell.

Other clubs will have been watching with interest and once he is back to fitness, they are likely to come sniffing around in the hope of doing a relatively cut-price deal.

Joe Aribo

The Nigerian started the season on fire and while his form dipped dramatically after returning from the African Cup of Nations, he was back at it during the business end.

His Europa League performances in particular caught the eye, and scoring the opener in the final against Frankfurt won’t have done anything to dissuade potential suitors.

Crystal Palace seem to have the most serious interest, while a reunion with Gerrard at Villa Park won’t be ruled out until it’s impossible.

Another who’s set to depart in 2023, now could be the time to sign him up or sell.