Craig Levein has told the Scottish Football Podcast that he thinks Rangers are ‘closer to a deal’ in selling Alfredo Morelos than ‘everybody thinks’ because of Steven Gerrard’s recent comments.
Morelos was left out of the Gers’ recent matchday squad, with his manager stating that a lack of ‘hunger’ from the seemingly wantaway star was a key reason behind that, as quoted by BBC Sport.
There has been a lot of talk for some while now that Ligue 1 side Lille want to sign the Rangers player, with rumours of a £16 million bid from the French side [BBC Sport].
Levein also pointed out that Morelos’ advisors may also be in his ear and that could be a reason behind his lack of desire in wanting to play.
“You also don’t know what his advisors are saying to him,” Levein told the Scottish Football Podcast. “You have no idea if they are telling him that it’s better if he doesn’t play because if he gets injured then this dream move might not happen, so that has to be taken into account as well.
Ally McCoist: Rangers hero
- Lethal striker
Ally McCoist is best remembered for his spell as a Rangers player. He was a prolific striker, scoring 382 goals for the club. His best season came in 1991/92, when he netted 49 goals in a single season.
- Key part of Rangers’ success
McCoist’s goals helped Rangers enjoy sustained success. He won 10 league titles, and 10 domestic cups at Ibrox.
- Rangers’ darkest moment
McCoist stepped in as Rangers manager at the club’s darkest hour. Forced to restart in Scotland’s fourth tier, McCoist led Rangers to back-to-back promotions to begin their journey back to the Premiership.
“There are so many factors that can affect a player when he goes out onto the pitch. And this one, when somebody is on the brink of a big move, is the one that is very, very difficult to deal with. It’s very difficult to deal with.
On Gerrard’s comments: “That’s what makes me think that there is, as Andy [Halliday] said, something different about this.
“Steven has done everything he can to support him. Publicly, he has supported him in sort of some difficult situations, and in this one, he is not. That makes me think that we are closer to a deal than everybody thinks.”
This time last summer, it would have been a disastrous situation for Gerrard in losing Morelos because of how crucial he was to his plans.
And whilst he is still a key player, it could be argued that someone like Ryan Kent is now more important, and the addition of Kemar Roofe, perhaps relaxes those around Ibrox that it’s best they should part ways with the player, as long as they get a reasonable fee for his services.
It doesn’t help Gerrard’s cause that the delayed summer transfer window doesn’t slam shut until October, so this may well rumble on for another month at least.
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