Aston Villa join transfer race for Rangers star Joe Aribo with Crystal Palace and Brentford in the hunt

ASTON VILLA have joined the Premier League chase for Rangers star Joe Aribo.

The Nigeria international was a key figure when Villa boss Steven Gerrard led the Gers to last season’s Scottish Premiership title.

And the pair could be reunited with the versatile midfielder tipped to return south of the border this summer amid interest from Crystal Palace, Brentford and other top-flight English clubs.

South London-born Aribo, 25, made his breakthrough at Charlton before signing for Gerrard’s Rangers in 2019.

He played mostly as a deep-lying midfielder, but also featured in a more attacking role and wide on the right.

Aribo has also played in a variety of roles this season, even taking a turn at centre forward in the first half of Rangers’ victory over RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Europa League semi final.

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His current contract runs out next year and he has so far resisted attempts to persuade him to sign a new deal.

Rangers will hope to drive up the price but could sell for less than £10m.

Aston Villa have already announced the signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

The Brazilian, 29, reunited with Gerrard back in January when he joined the club on loan.

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But earlier this week he signed a long-term contract for a transfer fee of just £17million.

The Villans are also keen to strike a deal with Liverpool for out-of-favour defender Joe Gomez.

Gerrard wants to completely upgrade his team's spine in the upcoming window and is scouting midfield and defensive reinforcements.

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