Rangers boss provides update on Aribo's contract situation amid midfielder's departure links

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has provided an update on Joe Aribo's contract situation amid speculation linking the midfielder with a summer departure from the Ibrox Stadium.

Allnigeriasoccer.com can reconfirm that the leadership of the Light Blues has opened preliminary talks with Aribo and his representatives over a contract extension.

Initial talks on a contract renewal were not productive at all, with the Nigeria international making it clear that he is not interested in extending his contract which runs out on June 30, 2023.

This website has been told that Rangers are not interested in selling their number 17 but have no choice but to do so in the summer if he does not sign a contract extension and are willing to listen to offers in the region of five million pounds.

Van Bronckhorst has revealed that he has not held fresh contract talks with Aribo and Ryan Kent, which is not surprising as the Nigerian was away on international duty for almost the whole of January.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the Europa League meeting with Borussia Dortmund, Van Bronckhorst told reporters : "I haven't spoken to them about extending their contracts or new talks.

"That's something the club will do in the near future. We must make sure we have the future well planned.

"Of course these are players who are very important for our team so the talks will begin.

"The players with these qualities you want to have as long as possible with the club."

There's also uncertainty over the future of another Nigeria international Leon Balogun at Rangers as his contract expires at the end of the current season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel