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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Every striker linked with Rangers transfer so far as Alfredo Morelos contract limbo sends search into overdrive

It's set to be a busy summer for Rangers and a striker looks to be at the top of the transfer wish list Gio van Bronckhorst handed to sporting director Ross Wilson.

It's easy to see why with the Dutchman's options up front severely limited on the road to the Europa League final and Scottish Cup triumph at Hampden to round off the campaign. With Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe sidelined the boss was forced to choose between Fashion Sakala or play Joe Aribo out of position on the road to Seville.

This could become a more permanent problem at Rangers with Colombian talisman Morelos rapidly approaching the final year of his Ibrox contract. The club have turned down bids for the 26-year-old before from the likes of Lille, but this summer feels different with Wilson having to roll the dice on letting Morelos leave for free if the club don't cash-in in this window.

That has seen a long list of candidates tipped to arrive in the Scottish Premiership to bolster the attacking ranks ahead of the new campaign.

Names have appeared from across the globe and fans will be keen to see some transfer activity, with John Souttar the only new arrival so far having penned a pre-contract deal in January. Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Connor Goldson have also penned new deals.

Record Sport looks at every striker Rangers have been linked with so far during the transfer window.

Mateo Cassierra

The Colombian was vocal in linking himself with a move to Rangers as he attempted to engineer a move away from Sochi in the Russian Premier League. He claimed van Bronckhorst as an admirer from his Ajax days, when the current Rangers boss was manager of Feyenoord.

However, his agent didn't seem to share the same view as his client - even stating he would like to remain in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg interested. Nikos Petropulos omitted Rangers from a list of potential suitors in a radio interview, claiming Zenit, River Plate, Red Star Belgrade, Olympiacos and Fenerbahce were showing interest. A move to Ibrox appears to be off the cards for the Colombian.

Erik Botheim

Reports in France suggest that the Ibrox side and Marseille are both keen on the Norwegian striker after he became a free agent. Botheim had his contract terminated at Russian side FC Krasnodar shortly after his move from Bodo/Glimt and is on the hunt for a new club this summer.

The Ligue 1 side appear to be leading the race for his signature this summer, so it could be another link that fizzles out for Rangers during a busy summer.

Cameron Archer

The Aston Villa prospect produced several eye-catching displays last season while on loan at Championship side Preston last season, and has rounded off the campaign with some impressive showings for the England U21 side. Steven Gerrard is set to give the striker a chance to impress in pre-season as he assess his options for the upcoming English Premier League campaign.

(NurPhoto/PA Images)

If Gerrard does give the green light for a departure, the 19-year-old is reportedly keen on returning to to Deepdale on loan next term. It had been claimed in reports south of the border that Rangers were looking at a permanent transfer for the talent.

Ross Stewart

The Scotland striker has been heavily linked with the Ibrox club after firing Sunderland back to the Championship with 26 goals for the Black Cats. That includes a strike in their 2-0 League One play-off final victory over Wycombe Wanderers that finally fired them back into the second tier of English football.

Sunderland striker Ross Stewart is a man in demand this summer with interest from Rangers (Getty Images)

The Newcastle Chronicle have stated that Sunderland are willing to hold out for as much as £8million for the 25-year-old as they enter talks over a new deal. No double that price tag could scare off a few clubs, including Rangers.

Ellis Simms

Simms added a different dimension to the Hearts attack when he arrived on loan from Everton in January. He formed a formidable partnership with Liam Boyce, and Jambos' fans will be keen to see him back at Tynecastle next term.

Ellis Simms impressed on loan at Hearts (Getty Images)

However, the 21-year-old could make his return to the Scottish Premiership with a rival with Rangers tipped to make a move for the frontman. English Championship clubs have also been mentioned as chasing the striker and Simms faces a big call when deciding his future.

Stephen Odey

Reports in Nigeria have claimed that Rangers are mulling over a move for Stephen Odey this summer to add depth to their attack. Randers will reportedly start the bidding at £3.5million if any club is to snap up the Nigeria international this summer.

Stephen Odey of Randers FC has emerged as a target for Rangers (FrontzoneSport via Getty Images)

Sporting director Soren Pedersen insisted there has been no concrete bids when asked about Rangers interest, but left the door open for a move. He said: "It can happen easily. There are many clubs that have shown interest in him because he is a good player, but there is nothing concrete from there."

Antonio Colak

Croatia international Antonio Colak appears to have grabbed the attention of sporting director Ross Wilson during the Champions League qualifying rounds. The striker scored twice at Ibrox as Malmo saw off Rangers in the Champions League third qualifying round.

(Bongarts/Getty Images)

He has returned from his loan in Sweden to PAOK, but the 28-year-old has failed to recapture the same form he showed for Malmo. However, reports in Greece said Rangers have had a bid turned down with talks to continue between the two clubs.

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