Kealan Hughes

Sat 9 January 2021 18:30, UK

Rangers are interested in signing Fashion Sakala but he may not be the player they need to get the best out of Alfredo Morelos.

The Colombia international has experienced a dip in his goalscoring form this season, and that would provide cause for concern if the Gers weren’t 19 points clear at the top of the league.

That being said, there has been criticism of recent performances, and possible signs that Steven Gerrard’s men are slowing down a little.

If that is the case, then the club should use the January transfer window to strengthen.

That means reinforcements, with Zambian Sakala touted as a possible target.

The Daily Record report that the Gers are eyeing a pre-contract deal for the striker, who can also play on the wings, which is cause for concern for two reasons.

Firstly, Gerrard should be looking to bring in players immediately, and the KV Oostende player is not of the quality required.

The 23-year-old’s current wage of £3,300 a week is a bonus as he could be signed cheaply, but his stats suggest he wouldn’t provide Morelos with much help.

For example, Sakala has achieved just one assist this season, while a pass accuracy of 78% (WyScout) falls short of the standard expected at Ibrox.

To explore that further, the attacker has completed just one through pass in 18 games for club and country in 2020/21.

Likewise, a 6% crossing success rate, and a completion of just 16% of his attempted passes to the final third shows he is not the foil Morelos needs.

The figures portray an image of a striker who relies on chances to be produced for him, rather than doing so himself.

That is the opposite of what Rangers need considering Jermain Defoe is also at the club, and if they want to get Morelos back to his best they should target a player who can work well with the Colombian.

In other Rangers news, a big Bundesliga side is expected to submit an offer for attacking player.