A transfer update regarding the future of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has been dropped, and it could leave Ibrox manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst frustrated.
What’s the news?
BBC Scotland reporter Fraser Fletcher tweeted: “My sources tell me interest in Alfredo Morelos is high but no offers on table. I’m also told Rangers want him to stay at the club as his deal reaches its last year.”
With no indication that the striker wants a new deal to extend his stay at Ibrox, the manager might have felt that getting a big fee for the Colombian this summer would help the 47-year-old to pursue other targets.
Van Bronckhorst may be frustrated
Football Scotland have claimed that a bid from Sevilla worth €8m (£6.6m) is being reported from Spain, but this could be well below the fee that Van Bronckhorst will be seeking if he is willing to sell the 25-year-old.
Clubs will obviously try and sign the player at a knockdown price, especially with his contract expiring in a year’s time, but he is too important for that.
The Colombian didn’t seem himself at the beginning of last season, scoring just four league goals by Halloween. However, once Steven Gerrard left and the Dutchman arrived, he looked leaner, and a slight tactical tweak saw him back amongst the goals.
He scored 12 goals under Van Bronckhorst before a thigh injury on international duty curtailed his season in March. He missed the Europa League and Scottish Cup finals, and his presence was particularly missed during the continental run as Rangers came up just short in the Seville showpiece.
With the Ibrox club desperate to claim back the Premiership title from Celtic next year, Van Bronckhorst will want to have as strong a squad as possible at his disposal.
With the Gers being linked with a move for free agent Erik Botheim, this might be an indication that, if a big-money bid arrives for Morelos, Ross Wilson will take it and invest it into other areas of the squad.
A crucial few weeks await for Van Bronckhorst, who could feel frustrated over how things are panning out regarding the Colombian striker’s future.
