Alfredo Morelos has delivered a cryptic clue on his Rangers future after the Ibrox talisman was benched for a third game in a row during the Light Blues' Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Raith Rovers.
The Colombian's contract expires in the summer alongside a host of top names and there's been speculation that he could end his six-year stay in Scotland, with a pre-contract agreement to join La Liga side Sevilla said to be on the horizon. Antonio Colak has been boss Michael Beale's main man up front since Rangers Viaplay Cup Final defeat to Celtic last month as Morelos cut a frustrated figure in the stands.
Beale challenged Morelos to earn a new deal saying he needs to see "more energy" from him if he is to stay beyond the summer. But appearing to hit back at his manager's comments, Morelos took to Instagram after the win over Raith to share an image of hanging keys which translates from Spanish as, "Do not give up. Sometimes the last key is the one that opens the door."
Asked if the club had submitted a fresh deal to the 26-year-old, Beale said: "No, we've not spoken to him and offered him anything. We've not done anything with any of the out-of-contract players. We want to have a look and keep talking. I think Ryan Jack is in a place where I've said publicly I'd like him to stay and the same with Ryan Kent. That's above me so you can communicate it. Alfredo's situation is slightly different. He's been at the club a long time and I need to see a little bit more from Alfredo day in day out.
"When he's needed to play he's been fine but I want a bit more energy in the final third. Can he provide that? If he can then he's a better option than what he has been the last few months. Everything I'm saying here has been said to him as well."
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.
You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
READ MORE
