“Gerrard has to be worried,” pundit claims transfer rumours giving Gers boss sleepless nights

Former Aberdeen striker, Noel Whelan, has claimed that Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard, must be worried about the prospect of losing Alfredo Morelos in the January transfer window in an interview in Football Insider.

His revelation comes as interest intensifies around the Colombian and will no doubt be ramped up again now that he has scored his first international goal.

What has Whelan said?

Whelan was asked about what he thought Rangers will do if a big money offer comes in for Morelos:

“The more goals Morelos keeps scoring, the bigger problem Rangers have got, you look at Premier League teams who need a goalscorer, they’re going to be looking at Morelos”.

“I’m sure there will be offers for him in January. He’s scoring bundles of goals, playing brilliantly, he’s young and has room for improvement”.

“Steven Gerrard’s said Morelos won’t go, but can the board continue to hold on if big offers come in? Privately, Gerrard has to be worried now, and that will be the same until the January window shuts”.

“Premier League clubs have the money to afford Morelos. Goalscorers are rare commodities. I’m not sure what the Rangers board will do, but money often talks in these situations”.

So is Whelan correct?

To coin a phrase, “every footballer has their price,” Rangers will have a figure that, if it is offered, will see Morelos be allowed to speak to other clubs. The previous director of football, Mark Allen, stated that it would have to be a figure over the £19.7m paid for Moussa Dembele when he left Celtic before they would entertain negotiations.

Allen, made that claim before Morelos started this season with such incredible form scoring 22 goals in 26 games for Rangers including 11 in the Europa League and also, as previously mentioned, scoring his first international goal for Colombia. With every game it seems as though his transfer value, and his importance to Rangers, rises.

Gerrard has claimed that he is “100% sure” that Morelos will be at the club beyond the January transfer window and new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has also said that he won’t be sold. The Light Blues gaffer is known for speaking honestly (sometimes brutally so) and it seems as though an agreement has been made with Morelos.

Things can change quickly in football, Morelos is obviously happy at Ibrox, his performances and relationship with Gers fans is clear for all to see, but if another team with European ambitions and the capability of winning silverware offers the right amount of money, it would be difficult to keep a hold of him.

Old Firm rivals, Celtic, are in the same boat with Odsonne Edouard, with speculation increasing that Premier League clubs are chasing his signature in January. The club that keeps their star man could well be the one that secures the most contested title in a decade.