By Wayne Veysey

15th Oct, 2021 | 7:00am

Sources: Crystal Palace plot raid for 'phenomenal' Rangers star Aribo

Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Rangers star Joe Aribo, Football Insider understands.

The versatile midfielder, 25, is a key member of Steven Gerrard’s side and displayed glimpses of star quality during his three seasons at the club.

An industry source has told Football Insider that Aribo is on Palace’s radar going into next year and his situation at Ibrox will be closely monitored.

The left footer, who can operate in central and attacking midfield roles as well as out wide, has a contract with the Glasgow giants that runs until the summer of 2023.

Palace signed two central midfielders during a summer of extensive recruitment.

Will Hughes joined from Watford for around £6million and Conor Gallagher was a loan signing from Chelsea.

Hughes has yet to make his Palace debut after an early season injury but Gallagher has made a big impression since his temporary arrival.

However, he is due to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and that means Palace will be in the market for a new midfielder.

Aribo is generally played in advanced midfield roles by Steven Gerrard as he is comfortable combining the play and is a regular scorer and creator of goals.

The former Charlton man has started all eight of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches this season among 15 appearances in all competitons.

Football Insider columnist and Celtic legend Frank McAvennie is among those who believe the seven-times Nigeria international is an outstanding talent and ex-Rangers star Steven Thomson has hailed him as “phenomenal”.

Aribo was lured from Charlton on a free transfer in the summer of 2019 after his contract had expired.

He has played 106 times for the Light Blues, scoring 19 goals and providing 17 assists.

In other news, Rangers star ‘not expected’ to be at Ibrox next season.