Rangers aren't signing 13-goal striker to replace Ibrox hero, ex-Gers insists

Former Rangers defender David Bates thinks it will be “difficult” for Fashion Sakala at Ibrox if the striker joins the Light Blues and Alfredo Morelos remains at the club this summer – but admits the pair “would probably play well together” if Steven Gerrard was to link the pair.

Sakala has reportedly been offered a contract by Rangers ahead of his KV Oostende deal ending this summer and Bates doesn’t think the Zambian is being lined up to replace El Bufalo.

Morelos has been invaluable for Rangers over the last few years, showing again what he brings to the side with a stunning finish in this afternoon’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

Bates has come up against Sakala during his time in Belgium with Cercle Brugge and believes the 13-goal striker offers something the Light Blues don’t currently have in their arsenal.

“It will be difficult for Sakala with Alfredo still there but it could also work out well because of the way he plays,” Bates told the Daily Record.

“I don’t think Sakala would be a replacement because they are different types.

“Maybe that’s why Rangers were looking to get him – because he gives them something they’ve not got.

“They would probably play well together because Alfredo has that strength about him. Sakala’s smaller, very quick and makes runs into space.

“He also gets himself into good positions in the box and he’s got himself a few goals this season. But Sakala is definitely a striker who needs to play alongside someone, instead of being up on his own.

MORE RANGERS STORIES

“He needs someone to play off because he won’t win aerial battles for you or drop deep, make little passes and link play.

“He’ll be off the front, chasing things down and trying to run in behind to stretch defences.

“He definitely offers something different to what Rangers have.