Ianis Hagi exploring options to LEAVE Rangers as Michael Beale names three players ahead of him in Ibrox pecking order

MICHAEL BEALE has admitted Ianis Hagi could LEAVE Rangers after being left out of the European squad to face PSV in the Champions League play-off crunch.

Hagi was sidelined along with Ridvan Yilmaz while Rabbi Matondo and Ben Davies were drafted in.

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Ianis Hagi is on the fringes of the Rangers squadCredit: Willie Vass

Beale was quizzed on his big call and the playmaker’s future ahead of the vital Euro game.

It falls just days after the player openly expressed his own frustration at his bit-part role around Ibrox following the Viaplay Cup match against Morton.

But after a significant summer rebuild and recruitment his boss has warned the Romanian star he won’t have it easy forcing his way into his team.

First team football may lie elsewhere and Beale conceded that there WERE interested clubs giving Hagi exit options away from Glasgow.

He explained: “Over the summer he has worked really hard to get fit but I wouldn’t say he’s at optimum fitness right now.

“The conversation has always been very honest and I have a strong relationship with him on a personal level.

“He has the desire to be a starter and play every single game. No-one has that guaranteed here at Rangers and he’s competing with Todd Cantwell for that role and maybe Sam Lammers and one or two others.

“Tom Lawrence is also now returning.

“It’s more what does Ianis need after being out for a year with an ACL.

“Those are conversations and options Ianis and his agent have been looking at for the last week or so, so there’s been a lot going on.”

Hagi opened up on his frustrations on the fringes of Beale’s squad following his substitute appearance against Morton.

The Turkish-born playmaker was considered a coup when drafted in from KRC Genk in 2020.

But he has fallen by the wayside and been unable to return to the team regularly since rupturing his ACL last January against Stranraer.

After playing nine minutes the 24-year-old admitted: “Every player wants to play. I’m disappointed about the situation but I respect the gaffer’s decision although it doesn’t mean I agree with it.

“He’s the manager. I’m a simple guy – I just love football, I train on a daily basis. I’ve had a one-year injury, they know me and my history and what I did.

“I’ve never felt better. I knew I needed a full pre-season. I think I’m the only one who didn’t miss a session and I’ve been available in everything.

“I’m really happy with how I am physically and some of my stats are better than prior to the injury.”

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