Former Celtic hitman Frank McAvennie believes Rangers will only sign a high-profile player in the January transfer window if Joe Aribo departs the club.

The Nigeria international will enter the final eighteen months of his contract with the Light Blues in the coming days and it is known that he is not interested in extending his stay at Ibrox Stadium, meaning the Scottish champions will look at the possibility of cashing in on the versatile midfielder as from the winter transfer market.

Watford, Crystal Palace and Brentford are among the Premier League clubs monitoring the situation of Aribo.

The former Charlton Athletic man has emerged as a key player since joining Rangers in 2019, with a goal involvement of 43 in 123 appearances across all competitions

Should Aribo depart Rangers, McAvennie insists that the club will bring in a player with the money they will earn from his sale.

"There has been a lot said about Joe Aribo going, that would be a major mistake," McAvennie said to Football Insider.

"If he goes for massive money they will have to replace him, and I can see that.

"Then they will have a bit of money left over I imagine but if that offer doesn’t come in then why would they sign anyone?

"I’m not sure there is a point. I only see people arriving if a high-profile player leaves."

The list of Aribo's suitors is destined to increase given that he is expected to star for Nigeria at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.