‘I would…’ – Charlie Nicholas makes big Rangers transfer claim as striker replacement ready
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has said that Rangers should sell Alfredo Morelos this month.
Morelos has made 26 appearances this term but Nicholas says he’d be open to selling the striker if he was manager.
A return of four league goals from the Colombia international may be a reason for that, though the former Arsenal man also points to the other options available to Steven Gerrard.
A January move for Morelos would likely cause surprise, particularly with the club well placed both domestically and in Europe.
Speaking to the Daily Express, via the Scottish Sun, Nicholas said:
“If I were Steven Gerrard I would sell Alfredo Morelos if a decent offer comes in this month.
“I don’t think Rangers actually need him for the run-in. He has hardly produced this season, outside of maybe some of the European games.
“Kemar Roofe looks like he could more than replace him and he has already chipped in with more than his fair share of goals.
“What I would say is that Rangers have actually beaten Celtic in the last couple of games without their strikers firing.”
Big risk
Morelos has been a key player for Gerrard since he took charge and although he has misfired this campaign, there is little doubt that he could play a key role in winning the title.
The £33,000-a-week star provides more than just goals, too.
This season the 24-year-old has won 34% of his offensive duels per WyScout, while contributions from Kemar Roofe and James Tavernier mean his goal record should not be a big concern for Gerrard.
More important is the fact that he has led the line well and caused problems for the opposition.
In that regard, there are few players like him in the squad, so it is surprising that Nicholas would be open to selling.
Rangers must keep their best players currently. Gerrard aims to do that and since they have rejected bids for Morelos before, it is important they do so once again if they want to maintain their place at the top of the SPFL.
The summer is a different matter.
In other Rangers news, one target has handed in a transfer request at his current club.