Ex-Rangers boss reacts to reports Aribo could replace Chelsea-owned midfielder at Crystal Palace

Former Glasgow Rangers boss Alex McLeish has reacted to reports in the media suggesting that Joe Aribo is a target for Crystal Palace as a potential replacement for Chelsea-owned midfielder Connor Gallagher.

Gallagher became the fifth summer signing of Palace when he joined on a season-long loan in July and is expected to return to Stamford Bridge in June, which would see the Eagles be in the market foe a new midfielder.

Aribo has had a great time since joining Rangers in 2019, with a goal involvement of 36 in 107 appearances, and has broken into the Nigeria squad on the back of his fine performances for the Light Blues.

Aribo recently stated that he is focused on Rangers amid speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, but McLeish has insisted that the Nigerian was only playing down the reports.

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish said : "These days, they train young players for the media.

"It’s a bit of propaganda from the player, even when his thoughts could be lying elsewhere.

"He seems like an intelligent guy, seems happy at Rangers – let’s wait and see.

"It might be a case of a big club coming in, and there could be a lot of money to be made for Rangers."

Rangers could be forced to sell Aribo as from the summer of 2022 if he doesn't sign a new deal as the current agreement between club and player expires at the end of next season.

Igho Kingsley