Latest comment from Southampton manager opens door to Rangers return for Aribo

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder Joe Ayodele-Aribo could return to Rangers in the remaining days of the January transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old played 32 of the Saints' 38 Premier League games last season, scoring three goals. However, relegation to the Championship and a change of coaches have seen the London-born Nigerian midfielder struggle for minutes this season.

Aribo has played just 111 minutes in the English second-tier this season, across seven games, none of which he started.

The former Charlton Athletic midfielder was linked with a move to Rangers during the summer transfer window, but no official contact was made by the Scottish side.

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Southampton manager's speech sparks Aribo-Rangers rumours

The 34-cap Super Eagles star donned the blue colour of Rangers for three years before heading to the St. Mary's Stadium in 2022.

Aribo's contract at Southampton runs out in the summer, but the midfielder is desperate to salvage his career by making a move this month.

Former Southampton boss Will Still dropped Aribo from the squad, and the player had to wait until November for his first appearance under interim gaffer Tonda Eckert.

The German coach has now revealed that the chances of the one-time SPFL winner returning to Scotland before the end of the month are very hard.

“In general, I was very happy with the players we had available for matchdays, and that's where the situation is at the moment.

“The transfer window goes for another two weeks. Then we see what happens and, in general, I think the squad needs to become a bit lighter,” the 32-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.

Away from Rangers, Turkish sides Goztepe and Trabzonspor are also said to hold an interest in Aribo, but his heart favours Scotland.