No Rangers discussions about new contracts for Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has admitted he is unsure whether Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo will sign new contracts at Ibrox.
The pair are two of the first names on the team sheet in Glasgow, but each have just 18 months left on their current deals with the club.
Aribo has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace, Brentford and Watford [Daily Mail], while Kent has been touted to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa [Birmingham Mail].
In his pre-match press conference on Friday (17 December), van Bronckhorst was asked about the chances of the two players extending their stays with Rangers.
“We have to see,” the Dutchman replied. “Especially the players who are playing really well at the moment, they’ll have lots of interest.
“I’d rather have this situation than players who aren’t playing well. I know of course when you play well you get interest.
“Of course, I like all my players, but sometimes you have to make a decision if you get new contracts. Both parties need to be positive about that.
“We will see what happens during this break and the summer break. The most important thing is that you are prepared as a club no matter what.”
Worrying
This is not quite the reassuring answer that Rangers fans would have hoped for as speculation continues to hot up around two of the team’s stars.
Both players were essential parts of the side that won the club’s first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years last season.
Aribo in particular has continued to go from strength to strength this season and seems to be loving the freedom to make runs into the box under van Bronckhorst; the Nigerian international has scored three goals in five league games since the Dutchman’s arrival.
It is no surprise that the pair are attracting interest from the Premier League and if their contracts are allowed to run down, the likelihood of the pair moving to England will only increase and they will get cheaper to buy too.
Even if Rangers agree extensions with them that include release clauses, that would be worthwhile.
However, in saying ‘both parties need to be positive’, is van Bronckhorst hinting that Kent and/or Aribo are reluctant about signing new deals?
In other Rangers news, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has provided an injury update on a key player.