Aston Villa are now facing stiff competition in the race for Joe Aribo...

What's the word?

Earlier this week, transfer insider Dean Jones suggested that the Midlands outfit could make a late move for the Rangers star before the end of the transfer window. He told GIVEMESPORT:

“I think Aribo will become an option a bit later in the window from what I’m told.

"I think he had ideas of going somewhere else that have fallen through, and now they’re going to look at further options, and I know that Villa is just one of those that need to be explored."

However, according to the Daily Mail, Premier League rivals Southampton are leading the charge for the 25-year-old's signature, with newly-promoted duo Nottingham Forest and Fulham also keen.

Lange must act

It's now on Villa sporting director Johan Lange to act as Aribo would surely be something of a dream signing for manager Steven Gerrard, given the Nigerian spearheaded his midfield at Ibrox.

The Gers star has continued to impress north of the border, playing an integral role on their way to the Europa League final, where he scored his ninth goal of the season. He also added ten assists across all competitions, too.

But the Scottish side are in a powerless position because the midfielder is out of contract next summer, so it's either sell now for a fee or risk letting him leave for nothing.

The £9m-rated dynamo appeared 112 times for Gerrard in Glasgow and delivered 20 goals and 18 assists, meaning he provided a goal contribution once in every three games, as per Transfermarkt.

During their time together, the Liverpool legend lauded the tenacious midfielder as "a joy to watch", whilst talkSPORT transfer expert Alex Crook believes the 25-year-old "ticks a lot of boxes."

Also dubbed a "special" talent, Aribo would certainly be the icing on the cake for Gerrard's summer business at Villa Park, though given the coveted interest in his services, it's on Lange to move quickly.

AND in other news, Imagine him & McGinn: Gerrard can form “outrageous” Villa duo by signing £50m wizard...