Sky Sports punditSky Sports pundit Alex McLeish has now dropped a big Glasgow Rangers claim involving three key players at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Contracts expiring

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team have a few key players whose contracts are set to expire next year, including the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Joe Aribo.

It means that they can all leave on a free transfer next summer, unless new deals can be struck or bids arrive this year, while the likes of Allan McGregor and Leon Balogun are all set to leave even sooner.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

Asked about the players' contract situations, former Light Blues manager McLeish admitted to Football Insider that it is 'worrying' to see so many running down, although he claims that there will be talks 'in the coming days, weeks and months' to try and get them renewed:

“I think it will always be there at the back of their minds.

“At the same time, they have to have that mentality and professionalism that they have to put all that aside when it comes to the action.

“It is a little bit worrying when contracts are running so close to finalising. We all talk about the coming months and it’s something Rangers have to deal with.

“Whether they feel the need to bring some money in and somebody goes for a big fee, Calvin Bassey, there’s been talk about him. That helps Giovanni bring his players in as well.

“The ones he feels are at the top quality, he won’t want to let them go.

“I’m sure the strategy won’t be to allow the contract to run down. I’m sure there will be talks galore in the coming days, weeks and months.

“Sometimes it can go right to the wire, as we’ve seen with Connor Goldson. That is the wee dilemma that intrigues the football world, especially the Rangers fans.”

The Verdict: Get it sorted

The Teddy Bears simply cannot afford to let a host of their best players go over the next year or so, especially without getting any transfer fees for them.

Thus, they need to tie them down to new deals as soon as possible, in order to fend off any potential interest this summer or at the very least ensure they get a decent fee.

They could perhaps look to sell just one player for a big number, possible Bassey as McLeish mentions, which would then give them the money needed in order to help renew the other contracts and keep the majority of the squad together.

In other news, find out what other worrying Gers contract update has now emerged here!