Joe Aribo Rangers transfer resolve to be tested as Southampton plot their move for midfielder

Southampton have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Rangers contract rebel Joe Aribo. The midfield playmaker is in the final 12 months of his Ibrox deal and Gers chiefs face a huge call this summer as they weigh up whether to keep him or cash in now.

But they may soon be forced into a decision as Saints weigh up a move. Record Sport revealed back in December scouts from St Mary’s had been sent north to keep tabs on the £300,000 recruit from Charlton. Crystal Palace, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have been previously linked with the 25-year-old Nigeria international but Southampton are also now taking a keen look as they eye up a summer swoop.

Rangers - who fly out to Portugal on Monday for a pre-season training camp – risk losing Aribo for nothing next summer if he stays. But former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor expects to see firm interest from down south in the weeks before the transfer window shuts amid rumours of a £10million release clause in his contract.

He said: “There will be clubs interested in Joe Aribo. If there is a £10million release clause I’m sure that will be met because of what he showed in the (Europa League) final with his goal.

"Every time I watched him over the last couple of seasons he’s been a player that’s stood out for me. He’s very comfortable on the ball, always shows that work rate and can play a number of positions. He’s a top player who Rangers will not want to lose, definitely.”

Meanwhile, Greek sources close to Antonio Colak insist a deal for the PAOK striker is inching nearer. However, the Ibrox club could be forced to wait until just 48 hours before the start of the new season to clinch Colak if PAOK don’t find a replacement before kicking-off their Europa League