Three English sides express interest in signing Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo

CHANCES that Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo may move to the English Premier League during the January transfer window have increased significantly after three clubs indicated that they were interested in securing his services.

Former England skipper Gerrard, used to manage Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers up until last month  and while he was there, he signed Aribo and made him his midfield lynchpin. However, Aston Villa named Gerrard as their new manager following the sacking of Dean Smith and he now wants to bring his protégé south of the border with him, raising hopes that Aribo will move to England soon.

Now, the chances of Aribo moving south of the border have increased after English Premier League sides Watford, Brentford  and Crystal Palace all signified an interest in signing the midfielder. Aribo, 25,  joined Rangers in 2019 from Charlton and has flourished since going to Scotland, making 116 appearances, scoring 21 times and setting up 18 further goals.

Aribo has displayed his versatility, playing centrally in midfield, out wide and even deputising on occasions at left back. He has continued to shine in the early days of new Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox rein, being named man of the match in Sunday’ 3-1 win at Livingston.

Over the weekend, Aribo scored a stunning goal for the Scottish Premiership leaders at Livingston and Van Bronckhorst is thought to be keen to deploy him in a more advanced role to maximise his attacking qualities. Rangers will be reluctant to lose Aribo who during the January transfer window but he is now into the final 18 months of his contract, leaving the club vulnerable.