Former Scotland winger Simon Donnely believes Joe Aribo is keen to join a Premier League club this summer.
The Nigerian international has rejected Rangers’ offer of a contract extension, with just a year remaining on his contract.
Southampton have emerged the frontrunners for his signature.
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In an interview with the Go Radio Football Show, Connelly suggested that Aribo may have been distracted by Premier League offers.
“He’s a player that can make things happen , that can go past an opponent,”Connelly said.
“There’s not many of those around .
“Up until the turn of the year,I thought he was Rangers’ best player last season.
“He tailed off a bit,he wasn’t as potent as he had been before (the African Cup Of Nations), and from a Celtic perspective I was quite happy that he came back and dropped off a bit.
“But I think he is a threat. Because he can go past someone,he can score a goal,it’s obvious that teams come looking.
“Has he had his head turned maybe by the Premier League? Possibly if he has knocked something back from Rangers.
“He will be a big one to fill, that will be a challenge . He has been a really good player for Rangers and I think they will have their work cut out trying to fill that void.
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” Gio will have to look hard to get somebody of that quality to replace him.”
The midfielder scored nine goals and recorded 10 assists from 57 games for Rangers in all competitions last term.
Rangers finished second in the Scottish Premiership with 89 points from 38 matches.
By Toju Sote
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