The Scottish giants are leading the race to land the highly-rated midfielder but a deal for the soon-to-be free agent is riding on what happens in the next few days. Aribo featured 39 times in League One this season for the Addicks on their way to gaining promotion back to the Championship, via a last-gasp winner in the play-off final against Sunderland at Wembley. The 22-year-old came through the ranks at non-league club Staines Town before signing a one-year contract following a successful trail in 2015. Express Sport understand that Aribo has told Bowyer he wants to join Rangers following a meeting with the Charlton boss, who just signed a new deal of his own.

The former midfielder will do everything he can to keep the star at The Valley but he already knows he is fighting a losing battle. Bowyer has revealed that Aribo had a message for him during their first point of contact since putting pen to paper earlier this week. “I’ve got a meeting with Joe Aribo on Friday,” he told London News Online. “He has just come back from holiday and I spoke to him on Tuesday. He said: ‘Bow, I’m glad you’re sorted’.”

Lee Bowyer has revealed what Joe Aribo has said to him before Rangers transfer talks

Rangers are hoping to seal the transfer of Joe Aribo as soon as possible from Charlton

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is hopeful Joe Aribo will join up with his squad in Portugal

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is hopeful that Aribo will be able to join up with his squad in Portugal for their pre-season tour which begins this weekend. The former Liverpool captain is set to put his players through their paces to brush off the cobwebs after a few weeks off. The Gers have already won the race for George Edmundson, a 21-year-old defender who impressed for Oldham in League Two last term. Charlton boss Bowyer agreed a one-year contract extension with the club on Tuesday to the delight of supporters.

Joe Aribo sat down with Charlton boss Lee Bowyer on Friday amid interest from Rangers

Lee Bowyer signed a one-year contract extension with Charlton this week