Reports in the Scottish media are claiming that Lille’s move for Alfredo Morelos is over after they completed the signing of Jonathan David for £27million from Gent.
The Colombian international is said to be “committed” to the cause at Ibrox, according to The Daily Record, and his performance against St Mirren would suggest that his focus has returned to all things Rangers rather than elsewhere as previously suggested by his manager.
Rangers have said for some time that £20m is the asking price for Morelos and allegedly turned down as much as £16.25m from the Ligue 1 side, with personal terms rumoured to have already been agreed.
To throw further mud into the water, Lille are apparently being monitored under Financial Fair Play regulations and are having to spend only what they bring into the club but they still have money to play with after selling Victor Osimhen for upwards of £50m.
Will Morelos still be at Rangers when the transfer window shuts?
Yes
No
There also appears to be confusion as to whether or not Morelos is still a target as there continues to be claims that Steven Gerrard’s prized asset remains on their shopping list.
The Gers gaffer was impressed with the striker at the weekend, praying his return to form after a sticky week:
“I think his two performances domestically have been fine.
“I thought he was decent at Aberdeen – could have been better in taking his chances and getting his shots off.
“Today I thought his all-round performance was good.
“More often than not, if you’ve got his talent, and you play well the numbers will come.
“They came today and I’m pleased with his all-round contribution.”
Rangers now face an anxious wait to see if Morelos will get the opportunity to continue his return to form this week against St Johnstone after the Scottish Government threatened to step in and halt the SPFL following Boli Bolingoli’s decision to fly to Spain and not quarantine on his return.
One thing is for sure, unlike the Celtic left-back, El Bufalo won’t be going anywhere, for now at least.