Ally McCoist says Joe Aribo leaves Rangers with 'thanks and blessings' with the midfielder increasingly likely to leave Ibrox this summer.
It's been reported that the midfielder - who joined back in 2019 from Charlton Athletic for just £300,000 - has rejected fresh terms with his contract entering the final 12 months. Southampton appear to be in pole position to land the 25-year-old with a £6 million fee mentioned. Rangers hero McCoist reckons that kind of money is 'strange' given a £10m clause but points to potential add-ons taking the deal above that figure.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will see the departure of the Nigeria international as a major blow as he bids to recapture the Premiership title from Celtic and qualify for the Champions League proper with qualifiers on the horizon. He was instrumental in the run to the Europa League Final last season and Scottish Cup success. A move out of Ibrox doesn't come as a shock to McCoist who believes the English Premier League outfit will be getting a 'very, very good player'
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And should Aribo decide to quit Glasgow for a return south of the border, he will go with a big thank you for his service over the past three years and a good luck message.
McCoist told talkSPORT : "Yes, but not shocked. Joe Aribo goes with our thanks and our blessings. I think it was Charlton we got him from a few years back, and he has been fabulous. He has blossomed and he has grown. He has 20 odd caps for Nigeria, and if he goes to Southampton they will be getting a very, very good player.
"But I am looking at it, and it's strange, I don't know why they would have a £10m clause and the fee is £6m, it's a strange one that isn't it? The add ons could potentially take it over.
"The bottom line is if he does go I would have no problem in speaking for the Rangers fans and saying thank you Joe Aribo and wishing him all the best. i think Southampton will be getting a very, very good player."
Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent also have one year left to run on contracts at Rangers with big decisions to be made should they decide against extensions at the club.
Calvin Bassey - who has two years left - is another who has been mentioned as a potential target for a number of clubs.
When asked about the out-of-contract players, McCoist added: "I am a little bit concerned. Morelos' contract is up after another year, and I think Ryan Kent's contract is up after another year. I would actually be happier with my Rangers supporting scarf if we tied those two down for another year.
"Also another player who was outstanding towards the end of the season was Calvin Bassey. In all seriousness, he was incredible. I'm a little bit concerned, but there are a lot of good things happening at Rangers."
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