Morelos is crucial to Gers’ hopes of lifting trophies, says Durrant
RANGERS cannot afford to sell Alfredo Morelos if they want to win silverware this season, according to former Ibrox midfielder Ian Durrant.
Manager Steven Gerrard last week predicted a bid would land for one of his players during the last seven days of the transfer window.
Reports in France later claimed Rangers were interested in Amiens forward Moussa Konate, fuelling speculation they were lining up a potential replacement for Morelos.
The Colombia ace has scored nine goals already this season after hitting 30 last term.
Rangers have entered a huge week in their season, with their Europa League decider against Legia Warsaw followed by the visit of Celtic on Sunday.
But Durrant believes keeping hold of Morelos over the coming days is also crucial.
“It’s everything,” the former Rangers assistant manager said. “For both sides of the Old Firm, and if you look at Aberdeen with (Scott) McKenna, it’s important they keep their best players.
“Rangers are going for everything this year. They are in a good place in Europe, second behind Celtic on goal difference, and Gary McAllister said they’ve a squad to compete on all fronts.
“If you are going to win leagues and cups and have a good run in Europe, you need to keep your best players. Morelos is a key factor in that.
“The manager said there might be a bid coming in for (James) Tavernier or Morelos so he’ll be wanting to fend that off.
“Hopefully it will be quiet and Rangers can keep him, because if Rangers want to win things, they will need Alfredo Morelos.”
Despite taking his tally to 57 goals in just over two years at Ibrox, Morelos has never scored against Celtic in nine derby matches, and was sent off on his last start against the champions.
But Durrant said: “It will come. He’s a class player and I’m sure he will get the opportunity.”