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Aribo blanks Premier League talk when quizzed in Nigeria

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It won’t be the first, nor the last of this close season period but Joe Aribo has again been quizzed on links to Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard.

It was the Liverpool legend who brought Aribo to Ibrox from Charlton, he believed in him and the player thrived under him in a blue shirt so it is obvious that the talk will continue. Gerrard is known to be in the maret for another attacker so he could yet turn to his old club for a deal.

As for Aribo, the question was put to him in Nigeria, where he is currently taking part in games with the national team, but he would not be drawn on the matter, playing it down right away.

AllNigeriaSoccer reported that the London-born player was asked about a move to the Premier League with Villa, as well as Crystal Palace, to which he responded:

“I’m not focused on that. Right now I’m with Nigeria so I’m just focusing on playing with my country and representing my country.”

He was then asked about the pull of his former boss, now at Villa Park, stating on Gerrard:

“He’s a good coach on and off the pitch. He really helped me settle my first time away from home so I’ve got no bad word to say about him.”

Focus

Obviously Aribo is going to divulge any provate thoughts of a possible move in public, especially when away as part of the international camp. The 25-year old was keen to stress his focus was on Nigeria and rightly so.

Following these games, he will get a hard earned break, ahead of returning to Auchenhowie at the end of the month. If and when, a bid is tabled, that is when Rangers will have a decision to make, ahead of what will be Aribo’s fourth season at Ibrox.

Player trading, refresh, cashing-in – whatever way you put it, one or two players should and will be sold. It is the model Rangers must follow moving forward. With just one full season remaining on his current deal at Ibrox, key discussions will follow in the weeks to come with a move quite possible.

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