Fuming Gheorghe Hagi has shut down claims that son Ianis could leave Rangers this summer - insisting speculation over a switch away from Ibrox was "stupid".
Despite returning to first-team action after a 13-month layoff with a serious knee injury, the playmaker is still working his way back to becoming an Ibrox regular with his only start coming in the Scottish Cup victory over Partick Thistle. Michael Beale has opted to give the 24-year-old minutes off the bench as he builds up his fitness levels, but showed his faith in the Romania international when he handed him a new Ibrox contract as one of his first acts as boss.
Hagi has a deal until 2026, but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill going into overdrive with the summer window rapidly approaching. It has been claimed that Celta Vigo talent spotter Luis Campos was keen on a £3million move to bring Hagi to La Liga, while reports in Romania suggest a loan move to FCV Farul Constanta could be on the cards.
Speaking to Digi Sport reporter Marius Niculae about the possibility of a move away from the Scottish Premiership, bristling Hagi Sr stated: "You cannot talk about the departure of a player who renewed his contract two months ago. He's at the Rangers and he plays for the Rangers.
"He stayed for a year or so and he is not leaving on loan because he is a valuable player. If Rangers renew your contract it means you are a very valuable player. There is no loan coming to Farul. He is an important player and it is a shame to throw out untrue things. Don't give me lessons, Ianis was the best player until he got injured.
"Now he has a process of readjustment to the effort, that's all. He is a starter at Rangers, not a reserve. There is no such possibility; This is stupid. He has reached a level and cannot come back.
"Ianis is going through a rehabilitation process, when he will play, let's see. I know from reliable sources that he is a very important player for Rangers, for the future of the club. He is healthy, he trains with the team. It is not easy, it is important for Ianis to play"
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