Speculation ‘affecting Morelos’

RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard last night hit out at the destabilising forces that are having a negative impact on star striker Alfredo Morelos. The 30-goal Colombian forward (left), has consistently been linked with a host of clubs, with reports claiming last week he had rejected a £10million a year offer from Chinese Super League outfit Hebei Fortune. However, Rangers are yet to receive a single approach for a player Gerrard is desperate to keep as he aims to stop Celtic reaching Nine-in-a-row. And the Ibrox boss is becoming increasingly frustrated at seeing 23-year-old Morelos constantly being touted for a move. Gerrard said: ‘There’s zero truth in the speculation linking Alfredo with China. ‘The disappointing thing is

that someone, somewhere is creating a lot of nonsense and speculation around the kid and it’s not helping him. ‘It’s certainly nobody connected to this club because everyone here wants him to stay and be successful. So someone, somewhere is creating a lot of noise for this kid. ‘He’s been linked with around eight to ten clubs but nobody’s phone at Rangers has rung to do with Alfredo Morelos. ‘If I talk to him about (interest from China) then I’d be talking to him again in three or four days’ time because it’s a different club every three or four days. ‘I’ve experienced this kind of speculation before around players but more often than not there’s some truth in it. ‘There’s a difference between speculation that’s true and speculation that’s nonsense. ‘But it’s difficult to talk about it because we don’t know who it is and we don’t want to accuse anyone of anything.’ Asked if the speculation was coming from Morelos’ agent, Gerrard replied: ‘I wouldn’t like to comment on that.’ Meanwhile, teenage attacker Glenn Middleton is closing in on a season-long move to Dutch side NAC Breda, and flop winger Eros Grezda to Brest in France. Gerrard now hopes to bring in one more new face before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. ‘It is a fantastic opportunity for Glenn to go and play a lot of games and fight for the title in Holland,’ said Gerrard. ‘He’s excited about that and it was his decision. He chose the club. ‘There’s interest around Eros Grezda and that one could move, but in terms of Jason Holt and Graham Dorrans it’s quiet.’ Contrary to reports that Dorrans has suffered an injury in training,

Sportsmail understands the 32-year-old only has a tight calf and he will be fine. Steven Davis is a doubt for tomorrow’s Premiership opener at Kilmarnock, while Jon Flanagan and Filip Helander are still up to ten days off full fitness.