A return to Rangers for Joe Aribo would be derailed should Malik Tillman return to Ibrox this summer.
That is the view of John Hartson and Stephen McGinn as the duo admitted that Southampton could price Michael Beale's men out of a return for the playmaker. The Nigeria international has struggled to transfer the form he showed during his time at Ibrox in the English Premier League following his move to the south coast, having been used sparingly this term and dropped to the U23s at times this season.
With relegation now confirmed for the Saints, It marks a remarkable fall from grace for the 26-year-old to the English Championship just 12 months after scoring in the showpiece Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. A potential career lifeline was floated on the Go Radio Football Show with a return to Rangers and a reunion with Beale at Ibrox mentioned by the pundits.
However, the club are weighing up bringing back playmaker Tillman this summer - who filled the void left by Aribo when he moved south of the border. The PFA Player of the Year winner could return from Bayern Munich with the Scottish Premiership side holding an option to buy in the deal.
McGinn said: "I think it's a strong area of the park for Rangers especially if they sign Malik Tillman. There are other positions that need solved. Maybe Michael Beale thinks he can get the best out of him, but I think Joe Aribo's time has moved on."
Hartson added: "The fee would have to come down, it won't be £10million. It would have to be at least a third of that. I'd take him back in a heartbeat if the opportunity was there but how would it work financially?
"Southampton will want some of the fee back if he's out of the picture meanwhile Michael Beale wants to build his own team. And if they sign Malik Tillman? If he became available I'd take him. He knows the club and did well so why not. But it will depend on wages and fees."
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