In what could be a sign of things to come, Joe Aribo and Nathan Patterson have been linked to serious interest from the Premier League.
The clubs said to be interested are Southampton and Everton, respectively, with further moves likely once the transfer window opens at the turn of the year.
Joe Aribo has been a consistent performer for Rangers this season, with his levels increasing under the leadership of Giovanni van Bronckhorst. It is no surprise if English clubs are looking on wth interest as he clearly has the ability to be playing at a higher level. For the Scottish champions however, Aribo is a man that must be retained in order to strengthen the chances of keeping the title at Ibrox come the end of the season and that should only change with an offer that is too good to refuse.
With Patterson the situation is different. He clearly has talent and serious further potential but in his way is the club captain and senior player in the form of James Tavernier. It is not expected that Patterson would go to the Premier League to play instantly, he would be back-up initially, as he is now at Ibrox but Rangers could be tempted to do a deal with the negotiating starting at least around the £1o million mark with a further sell-on clause to be included.
Balance
Ultimately, those decisions will be made by Ross Wilson with the input of GvB and it is increasingly likely that there will be significant transfer activity next month at Ibrox, both players departing and those coming in.
It was The Guardian who have reported on Patterson today with their update on the Scotland international stating:
“Everton are expected to renew efforts to sign Nathan Patterson from Rangers in January when Rafael Benítez hopes to strengthen both full-back positions.”
“The 20-year-old Scotland international was the subject of two bids from Everton in the summer, when Steven Gerrard, Rangers’ manager at the time, labelled their opening £5m offer “a joke”, but his suitors are ready to make a third attempt when the transfer window reopens.”
Meanwhile, the Southampton link for Rangers midfield maverick came from the Daily Record:
“Southampton are the latest English Premier League side weighing up a move for Rangers star Joe Aribo. Saints had a representative at Ibrox on Saturday to watch the Nigerian international against Dundee United.”
“Southampton have already got a number of reports on Aribo, who has been a standout for the Light Blues this season.”
The price of success is interest in our players and that should be welcomed, along with the responsibility to balance the quality in the team at a very important period for the club. The fans should be confident that no players will be leaving unless serious money is involved, or otherwise that their contract situations means a deal is in the best interests of Rangers.