Lee Bowyer admits that it is tough for players to turn down big moves as Joe Aribo closes in on a move to Rangers, amid interest from clubs across Europe.
The future of the Charlton Athletic midfielder has been the subject of much speculation, amid interest from Arsenal, Rangers and several other clubs.
Reports suggest that the 22-year-old is on the verge of joining the Scottish giants, on a four-year deal, with his contract at The Valley expiring at the end of the month.
Charlton would receive some compensation if he does move on this summer, but the Addicks boss has admitted that it is hard to compete with what other clubs can offer Aribo, who scored ten goals in 39 appearances as Bowyer's side gained promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.
“The difficult thing is that he had such a good season. That was his first full season last season and he has come on so much and improved," Bowyer told Talksport .
“For me, he needs to stay and learn more. There are points of his game that he needs to improve on, and he knows that, and I speak to him all the time.
“But the hard thing is that we have a budget. There are other clubs interested him – we can’t deny that – and they are going to blow us out of the water with what he gets offered.
“We can’t fight against that. At the end of the day, we have a budget, and that’s what it is.
“It is going to be tough to keep him. If it had been clubs at our level in the Championship, or even League One, trying to get him then yes, he would have stayed with us.
“But there are Premier League clubs in for him, and in Scotland, Rangers are interested as well.
“There are also clubs in France and Germany interested in him, so there is tough competition to fight against, but if a Premier League club comes in for you, with the financial side of things, and the playing side to play with top players, it is a tough thing for a young kid to turn down.
“Everyone wants to be the best that they can, and I understand where he is coming from."
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