Exclusive: Rangers face fight after King claim backed up by £11m Ibrox transfer reveal
Rangers are braced for interest in Joe Aribo next year as he attracts growing admirers from down south and across Europe, Football Insider understands.
The versatile midfielder has developed impressively since joining Steven Gerrard's side on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2019.
Football Insider pundit Noel Whelan has suggested it could take up to £20million to prise Aribo from Ibrox next summer.
The former Aberdeen striker is not the only observer placing a premium on the talent of the strapping left footer.
Former Rangers chairman Dave King revealed at the club's AGM last year that the squad had a projected value of £103million following analysis from director of football Ross Wilson and manager Steven Gerrard.
Football consultancy and analysis firm 21st Club claim that value has now rocketed to £170m as a result of the Glasgow giants' remarkable unbeaten start to the season.
Among the six players they value highest is Aribo, who comes in fifth at £11m.
Ibrox sources have told Football Insider that officials at the club believe they are well placed as the Nigeria international has a contract that runs until 2023.
But they know that an end to the club's trophy drought and an extended Europa League run, attracting admirers from all over the Continent, would bring with it complications.
Aribo missed a chunk of the autumn period with ankle injury but has returned to nail down a starting spot in Gerrard's team.
His 10 appearances in all competitions have yielded four goals this season, three of which have come in the last three league matches.