Bubbling Joe Aribo to Rangers rumour ALREADY has answer from Southampton star in 'comfort' mantra amid return clamour

A return to Rangers for fan favourite Joe Aribo is being touted by some fans - with Michael Beale left searching for a Malik Tillman replacement going into the new season.

However, the Ibrox punters may have already had their answer from the Southampton playmaker. The Nigeria international has helped his country qualify for the African Cup on Nations to round off a disappointing first campaign in the English Premier League following his move to the south coast having been used sparingly by three bosses last season - Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles - and dropped to the U23s at times this season.

Aribo is facing the prospect of playing Championship football next term after the Saints finished rock bottom of the English top flight - just over a year since he wrote his name in Rangers history by netting in the Europa League Final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. And with Tillman unlikely to return to Ibrox - some supporters on social media are calling for Beale to make a move to bring Aribo back on loan.

Bayern Munich have bought out the Light Blues option to buy and the PFA Young Player of the Year is set to spark a bidding war this summer - with Premier League sides reportedly interested. So could Aribo be the solution next season?

The 26-year-old has already hinted that a move could be unlikely - with his career mantra taking him out of his "comfort zone". Speaking to the Daily Echo about exit from Ibrox, he insists that is how he has grown as a professional.

"I think for me, what’s so important is the timing of everything. I had some offers down south but I chose to go away from home, come out of my comfort zone - which is so important for your own growth personally.

"So for me, life is about little