View: Rangers talks with African star surely means one thing for Ibrox defender

Rangers are surely preparing to send Max Aarons back to Bournemouth ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The English defender joined the Gers on a season-long loan last summer, but it would be surprising to see him have a future at Ibrox.

Koffi Kouao is wanted at Ibrox, with the Metz right-back announcing he will leave the Ligue 1 outfit once his contract expires in June.

The Govan side have already held talks with the 27-year-old Cote d’Ivoire international, with a bargain deal possibly on the cards in G51.

Danny Rohl hasn’t relied on Aarons much in the current campaign, and with James Tavernier on his way out, the Glaswegian outfit have already put plans in place for the summer.

Max Aarons hasn’t done enough for Rangers stay

Aarons has made 19 appearances in the William Hill Premiership for the Gers this season, starting in eight matches.

The Bournemouth loanee featured prominently in Russell Martin’s plans at Ibrox, but he hasn’t done much to convince the current management, creating just one big chance in the league, as per Sofascore.

With the 26-year-old being predominantly used for his attacking influence, he’s been unable to do much, and his defensive numbers haven’t caught the eye either, keeping two clean sheets.

The defender has recorded 0.4 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 0.7 clearances and won 2.7 duels per game, losing possession 6.7 times on average.

With Dujon Sterling preferred by Rohl at right-back for now, Aarons should already be planning for his next destination ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Koffi Kouao can bring cutting-edge to Ibrox

It isn’t surprising to see Rangers keeping tabs on Kouao, with the right-back keeping six clean sheets in 26 Ligue 1 appearances.

The Ivorian defender has recorded 1.1 interceptions, 2.7 tackles, 4.9 ball recoveries and 2.6 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

Going forward, Kouao has the technical ability to make a difference, averaging 0.9 shots, 0.4 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game with a 71 per cent success rate.

The African’s arrival in Glasgow can surely only mean one thing for Aarons — no future under Rohl.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.