Michael Beale has agreed to shelve talks on Alfredo Morelos ’ future until the summer after being assured the Colombian has not signed for Sevilla.
Reports from Spain last week claimed the out-of-contract Ibrox ace had agreed a deal to join the La Liga giants this summer. But Morelos has informed Gers that is not the case after heart-to-heart talks with his boss earlier this week. A switch to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan may not be on the cards but just where the 26-year-old will be playing his football next year remains a mystery.
But Beale is content to wait before coming to a final decision. The Londoner said: “We spoke after the game on Sunday and there’s no truth in that (Sevilla rumour). I was pretty cool on that beforehand as we have such a strong relationship. We’re committed to each other until the end of the season when we’ll sit down and have a chat then.
“If Alfredo’s here and offered a new contract, great. If he moves on then he’s going as our record goalscorer in Europe. He’ll get a hug and on he goes. But at this moment in time we’re just focusing on the games ahead.”
Beale has made clear he wants Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent to sign on again before they become free agents this summer. But he was less certain about Morelos when speaking after last week’s win over Raith Rovers as he insisted the man Rangers signed for £1million back in 2017 has to show more to win back his place from Antonio Colak.
He said: “The big thing is where do we see the club moving forward and who do we want to build around for the next three or four years. So I need to think when I’m making these offers, ‘Do I feel I want to build something with them for the next few years?’
“It’s a moment where there’s a lot of players out of contract and so there’s a lot of salaries coming back in if we weren’t to renew with these players. That gives the club a lot of options this summer.
“I’ve identified a few players that we’re away working on now, doing our scouting. There’s almost two jobs going on. There’s the team now and trying to improve that and then behind the scenes we’re working towards what Rangers are going to look like from July 1 when we return for pre-season.
“Those are big decisions to make. Alfredo has played a huge part for this club over the last few years and there’s certainly only nice things for me to say about him and our relationship.
“But at the end of the season there’s a conversation to be had over whether we continue our relationship or not. That’s very open at this time.”
And Beale backtracked on his weekend criticism as he said: “In terms of Alfredo’s work ethic, it’s fine. I’ve got to be honest, since I came back in Alfredo has been fantastic in all aspects. There’s been no issues whatsoever.
“I think sometimes people try to force and find one. He’s scored seven goals and had five assists in the time I’ve been here.
“He hasn’t played every game. For example he didn’t (start) the three last week so if you look at his goal contribution per game, he’s one for one. I’ve just got a decision to make on where I want to take the team in the future and Alfredo has got a decision on where he sees his long-term future as well.
“It’s going to be a summer where he’s not the only one we’re discussing that with. There are other players who are in contract who I’ve had that discussion with as well.”
Malik Tillman will return to the Ibrox squad for Saturday’s Fir Park trip but Nico Raskin could be a doubt for the Motherwell clash after being sent for a scan on a thigh problem. Beale said: “Nico has a slight issue, he missed training today. He had a bit of an issue with his quad after the game the other day, but we don’t think it is anything major.
“It is touch and go. We’ll see tomorrow and if there is any risk it will be a no, but at the moment it is quite promising that he will be OK.”
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