The stories linking Joe Aribo with a big move to Southampton are infinitely more concerning than the prior ones.

As you’ll recall, when Steven Gerrard was linked to Newcastle, we laughed at it – it was a ludicrous story and we knew he wasn’t interested. But the moment Villa came up, the laughing stopped and we knew it was serious interest on both sides.

Southampton and Aribo hints at the same.

Watford, Palace and Villa are clichéd links, lazy stories, Palace especially given the similarities between Aribo and their manager. Villa as well due to who their boss is.

But Southampton seems more concrete, more tangible. Ralph Hasenhüttl has overseen a fairly average period at St Mary’s, and they could certainly do with more creativity.

Aribo is gaining a LOT of attention in the UK for his standout displays at Ibrox and his value has hiked considerably – it is starting to look inevitable that he’ll move on to a better league, if not a better club, of course, and that is probably his ‘destiny’.

What fee would Rangers expect? Given his stock right now, £15M+ at least. If Celtic can get £20M from unwanted, wantaway Ajer, Rangers can expect a good payday for Aribo.

Albeit we’d rather hold onto him.

Same time though, the AFCON is coming up, and these tournaments do see a lot of business done as suitors watch targets play for their country.

If Aribo has a strong Old Firm too, Rangers will have to fight to retain him.

But either way, Rangers are the winner – we either sell for a big chunk of cash, or keep a top class player.

Works both angles.