Southampton are relegated from the Premier League in a potential Rangers boost, amid reports of a rejected Ibrox bid for Antalyaspor striker Haji Wright.
According to reports from Turkey, Rangers have had a bid of £7m rejected for USA international forward Haji Wright, who is also said to be interesting Southampton.
But with the Turkish outfit reportedly set to demand up to £8.5m for the 25-year-old forward, both Rangers’ potential interest in the striker and that of relegated Southampton appears up in the air.
Rangers and Southampton doubts amid Haji Wright links
For Rangers, shelling out such a substantial fee in the middle of a summer rebuild might be viewed as unwise, even if Michael Beale hinted the club would be spending on a striker this summer.
At the same time, Southampton reportedly face substantial downsizing in the face of their relegation, meaning they may well turn their attentions to cheaper options than Wright ahead of their stint in the Championship.
It leaves the future of Wright up in the air, with the striker enjoying an impressive season in the Turkish Super Lig.
The seven-capped USA star has netted 15 Super Lig goals as Antalyaspor staved off relegation from the Turkish top flight, but things aren’t exactly going swimmingly amid the exit reports.
Wright finding it tough in Turkey
Antalyaspor manager Nuri Sahin had to defend Wright after he was booed by his own fans amid much speculation surrounding his future.
“I am not a person who has understood whistling all my life,” said Sahin.
“I have always stood against it both in my football career and in my coaching period. I was surprised, I was surprised because it is clear that Haji has given us so far, it is clear what he will give.
“He became a father abroad, not in his own country. Maybe his wife was alone in the hospital. There are a lot of things.
“Because it is obvious that Haji is both a football player and a human being and what he has done for us. He could have easily gone to other teams at the beginning of the season, but he preferred us. Loyalty is very important, humanity is very important.”
Rangers and Southampton linked Wright started his career with New York Cosmos, before spending time with Schalke 04 in Germany, VVV Venlo in the Netherlands and Sønderjyske in Denmark prior to making it in Turkey.
