Barry Ferguson admits Rangers may need to sell Joe Aribo this summer.
The Light Blues midfielder is entering the final 12 months of his current contract agreement and has yet to commit to fresh extended terms. He's been a key man since his arrival at Ibrox under Steven Gerrard and has continued his fine form with Giovanni van Bronckhorst, playing a major role in the run to the Europa League Final in Seville last term.
A number of clubs south of the border have been linked with a summer swoop for the Nigeria international, including the likes of Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. Southampton are the latest name from the English top flight to emerge and Ibrox hero Fergie can totally understand why the Saints would want him. He has described the 25-year-old as a 'top level' star but concedes every player has a price and if that valuation tag is met and he doesn't want to stay in Glasgow then his former club may need to cut a deal.
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Speaking to Go Radio, he said: "I can see why they [Southampton] are interested in him.
"He's grown into a top midfielder with some of his performances. He's a top level player and there's been a number of clubs linked.
"That will be a worry for the Rangers fans but money talks. But if that valuation is met and he doesn't want to commit to Rangers, they might need to do business.
"I would like to think they are trying to get him on a longer term contract."
Aribo featured in 57 club games in all competitions last season scoring nine goals and providing a further ten assists.
The 25-year-old joined from Charlton Athletic back in 2019 - penning a four-year at the time.
Van Bronckhorst faces a number of big decisions with Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent also in the final year of their deals and no agreements yet in place.
John Souttar is the only arrival in the door this summer after penning a pre-contract from Hearts earlier this year.
Antonio Colak is a top target for the Ibrox boss while Connor Goldson handed the Dutchman a major pre-season boost by signing a new long-term contract at the club.
Pre-season is underway for the Ibrox side who are currently at a warm-weather training camp in Portugal as they gear up for Champions League qualifiers and the Premiership return.
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