RANGERS v ST JOHNSTONE LILLE BOY BLUE

Morelos’s dream move to France hits the skids

LILLE will finalise the big-money capture of Jonathan David today and all but kill off their interest in Alfredo Morelos.

The Ligue 1 club have agreed a £27million deal to sign the

Canadian striker from Gent.

David underwent his medical yesterday and providing there are no last-minute hitches he is expected to sign a five year contract.

Lille are still in the market for another striker after selling Victor Osimhen to Napoli but are not expected to splash the sort of sizeable sum that would float Rangers’s boat to sell their prize asset.

The Colombian had previously agreed terms with the French side but the two clubs were unable to agree a fee.

Sources in South America now believe that the signing of David has ended

Lille’s pursuit of Morelos.

The Colombian himself, is understood to be fully aware of the situation and is completely focused on getting the new season up and running, after his brace against St Mirren at the weekend.

Lille made several offers for Morelos but never got close to Rangers’ valuation, even though they were more than happy to smash that fee to get

David.

Sources in France claim that Lille made an offer of £17million but that was turned down by the Ibrox outfit.

The Ligue 1 have cash after selling Osimhen and

Nicolas Pepe but they also have to curtail their spending after being pulled up for financial fair play issues.

That is another reason why a move for Morelos now seems to be dead.

Lille sporting director Luis Campos is still looking for a striker but the fact they are now being linked with Rangers loan flop Umar Sadiq shows that they are now looking at a much lower price bracket. Steven Gerrard (left) confirmed that he spoke to Morelos after the Europa League exit to Bayer Leverkusen and told him he needed more. He responded with a double and is more than happy to remain at Ibrox. Morelos is also attracting interest from Premier League new boys West Bromwich Albion. Rangers have already signed Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe (inset) but Gerrard would love to have them and Morelos at his disposal.