SOUTHAMPTON are reportedly 'weighing up' a transfer swoop for Joe Aribo.

The Nigerian midfielder, 25, has been a key player at Ibrox this season fuelling speculation over a move to the Premier League.

The Daily Record now claim Aribo is being scouted by Southampton.

Reports claim a scout from the Saints was at Ibrox to watch Rangers' 1-0 victory over Dundee United on Saturday.

Aribo was on the bench as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looked to rest his star man, but was forced to bring him on around the hourmark with the match level.

It's reported scouts watched as he played his part in the 1-0 victory which adds to the detailed number of checks Southampton have carried out on the possible transfer target.

Aribo is contracted at Ibrox until at least the summer of 2023, but reports claim club chiefs are preparing for bids next month.

Explaining Aribo's omission from the starting line-up on Saturday, manager Van Bronckhorst said: “I was looking ahead with Joe. It was a bit of a risk for him to be playing because we could lose him if he is booked.

“I would never have put him in if we were winning — but at that moment we needed his input.

“I had to take off John Lundstram at half-time because the game needed some other formation.

“I tried it first with Ianis Hagi inside with Scott Arfield.

“Then I put Joe in there to give us more threat going forward.

“I’m just happy he didn’t receive a yellow. We will now have him until the winter break.”