Southampton: 20-cap star will sign 'pretty soon' at St Mary's

Southampton are set to sign Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo ‘pretty soon’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Saints have long been linked with a move for the talented 25-year-old who has impressed throughout his three-year stay with the Glasgow giants.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that Southampton ‘are in negotiations’ with Rangers for Aribo, who only has 12 months remaining on his current contract.

It’s claimed that the 20-cap Nigeria international’s existing deal has ‘always included a £10 million release clause,’ and Ornstein states that the Gers will not accept a total package below that value.

Aribo, meanwhile, is said to be happy to join Ralph Hasenhuttl’s charges and a contract spanning a minimum of four years is reportedly being prepared.

If Southampton are able to bring the 6 foot ace to St. Mary’s then they will have beaten off competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, who were also credited with an interest.

Hasenhuttl has already brought in Gavin Bazunu, Mateusz Lis, Armel Bella-Kotchap, with Romeo Lavia also set to join from Manchester City, and O’Rourke believes Aribo will be the next player through the door.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I think Rangers have decided to maybe think we’ve got to cash-in on Aribo, and Southampton have made an offer which is deemed to be acceptable.

“So, it seems he will be a Southampton player pretty soon, and Rangers will have money in their pocket to try and go and find a replacement for him.”

Aribo showcased himself to be an extremely intelligent footballer throughout his time with Rangers, capable of playing in multiple positions without experiencing a