Nigeria star now face a major decision to return to former club

By Ed Emeanua

For Joe Aribo to return to the Ibrox Stadium this summer, an exceptional cut price would be necessary for the move to take place.

Former Celtic ace  John Hartson has emerged a shock haggler in discussing the former Rangers midfielder’s unimpressive season with relegated Southampton. He insists the former Gers star is not worth more than a third of £10million in current asking price to Rangers.

Hartson says to Go Radio’s Football Show: “The fee would have to come down, it won’t be £10million. It would have to be at least a third of that.

“I’d take him back in a heartbeat if the opportunity was there but how would it work financially?

“Southampton will want some of the fees back if he’s out of the picture, meanwhile Michael Beale wants to build his own team. And if they sign Malik Tillman?

“If he became available I’d take him. He knows the club and did well so why not. But it will depend on wages and fees.”

The 26-year-old departed Rangers last summer for the more glamourous Premier League, with Saints coughing up to £10million for the Nigeria ace.

However, Aribo’s seemingly snazzy transfer soon went out of style, as he found game time hard to come by following Ralph Hasenhuttl’s exit from the coaching office.

Barely playing under Nathan Jones, the Nigeria midfielder only grossed 26 run outs season long with the most of them directly from the bench.

He entertained two goals to his credit along the way as Saints were dragged to relegation to the Championship cadre next season.

Now, Hartson figures Rangers would have him back “in a heartbeat” if a deal became possible.