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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'Mixes things up' - Michael Beale offers update on Alfredo Morelos Rangers talks

Michael Beale has revealed Rangers contract talks with players including Alfredo Morelos might "have a different angle" after his Ibrox arrival.

The Rangers boss offered an update on talks with Morelos as he insisted the change of manager could have impacted discussions with the club just as able to consider contract talks or lack of as players with expiring deals.

Beale appeared relaxed on the issue of contract negotiations as he stated he'd rather have players with six months left on their deals than six years.

It's just as well with Ryan Kent and Morelos two major names with just over six months currently left on their respective Ibrox contracts.

Quizzed on whether the expiring contract scenario is becoming a more pressing matter, Beale told Sky Sports: "I will always say if you have a player with six months on his contract rather than six years I would take the one with six months. They tend to be fit, they tend to be focussed and obviously trying to the best on the pitch for the team and themselves.

"I think with Alfredo's situation, as well as with one or two others, we have an option to look as well. There has been a change of manager so there is a chance of eyes.

"That mixes things up and I think it's fair to say that the conversations that might have been happening might have a different angle with me coming in, and every person is unique in that."

While Beale has offered no cast-iron guarantees on where Morelos' future lies past the summer, the manager is certain he is getting full commitment from the striker.

He defended the striker when asked if he was looking for improved fitness as well as performances from Morelos.

He said: "Of course. When Alfredo is at it, there's not a lot of difference as to how he looks on the eye in terms of his physical shape.

"He always has been that way. I'm reminded of when he was scoring winners against Porto and teams like that, it's how he looks.

"I just think Alfredo’s been out of rhythm. He’s been out with an injury, a quite serious one at the back end of last season which trailed into this one.

"He’s been in and out of the team and at the moment, he’s probably playing when he is one of those playing through the pain barrier for the team so I'm never going to question in terms of his mentality when he's here because there are things where you could question him for, as he has been, but certainly not for commitment when I see him day in, day out.

"In terms of whether is he in tune, Is he here fully? Is he training well? Is he playing to the maximum he can at the moment? I think he is. Whether he is in form or not, I think that’s for everyone else’s opinion."

The Insider newsletter is the latest move by the team at the Rangers Review to bring content directly to you. We already have accounts on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Tik Tok and Instagram but we will also send exclusive bespoke opinion pieces every day at 5pm direct to your email. Not only will you receive this piece from one of our team of Joshua Barrie, Derek Clark or Jonny McFarlane but you will also get our list of the best content published in the last 24 hours. It's a handy way to keep abreast of what's going on amid all the noise surrounding Scotland's most successful club. You can sign up here in five seconds with just an email address.

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