According to a report in Goal (via Talksport), Rangers are set to offload top-goalscorer Alfredo Morelos and have already drawn up a short list of potential replacements.
Morelos was the subject of speculation prior to the winter break with a host of Premier League clubs said to be lining up bids in the region of £20million for the Colombian international, with 28 goals before the winter break, his form caused Steven Gerrard to state that he wouldn’t sell him for £50m but the Ibrox club didn’t receive any official offers.
The 23-year-old striker has had a troubled start to 2020 having been the source of constant pressure from the Scottish tabloids and is still in the middle of a police investigation after a man was caught interfering with his car, not only this but he has also been subjected to racist abuse on more than one occasion in his time in Scottish football.
After returning from suspension injured, Morelos has struggled for goals, he has had two wrongly disallowed and has still produced decent displays but his form in front of goal has deserted him. The culmination of these two factors resulted in Rangers dropping behind Celtic in the league and Gerrard will have to address his side’s over reliance on the striker.
Should Rangers cash in on Morelos?
Yes
No
In the report, potential targets are identified should the Light Blues decide to cash in and some will be better known than others to Gers fans across the country.
Rhian Brewster on-loan at Swansea, but on the books at Liverpool tops the list, but at 20-years-old it would be a surprise if he is charged with leading Rangers’ line at such a young age.
The prolific Lawrence Shankland at Dundee United is also one that’s mentioned and fits the profile, however, the biggest drawback is his lack of experience (and goals) in the top-flight despite his international experience.
Josh Maja of Bordeaux will be a familiar name to those that have watched the “Sunderland till I die” documentary on Netflix and would provide more pace whilst maintaining the physicality and finishing prowess that Morelos has.
The lesser-known players are Sierre Leone forward Mohamed Buya Turay and Clermont frontman Adrian Grbic, again, like Brewster, they may be targets, but few would expect them to shoulder the pressure of being the main man.
Gerrard will have a decision to make when football returns, but until a suitable bid is accepted for Morelos, he will remain the man trusted to return Rangers to the top of Scottish football with every Gers fan hoping for the return of the 2019 vintage.