Gerrard reveals transfer bid is ‘getting warmer’
Steven Gerrard is bracing himself for a transfer bid to arrive for one of Rangers’ top players in the next few days.
The most likely scenario is an offer for striker Alfredo Morelos.
But the Ibrox manager will not entertain clubs who try to grab a player just before the transfer window slams shut.
Gerrard said: “I predict a bid will land for one of my players.
“There’s nothing really solid that we have to make a decision on – but it’s getting warmer as the days go by.
“We have had interest in some of our players for loans, and also we’ve had people suggesting that there could be a bid landing for some players as well.”
It will be no surprise if men like Jamie Murphy, Eros Grezda, Graham Dorrans, Jason Holt and Joe Dodoo depart on a temporary or permanent basis.
They are not currently in Gerrard’s plans, with Murphy – just back after a season-long injury – the only one who might still prove to have a long-term future at the club.
The club won’t stand in their way of move. But any suggestion of first picks, like Morelos or captain James Tavernier, being sold will create a problem for the Light Blues.
Gerrard is realistic enough to accept that every player has a price, but he would want a quality replacement.
He can only hope the Rangers board sees things the same way.
The Light Blues boss said: “I think it would depend on what comes from above, what their opinion is on it.
“At the end of the day, it’s their money. The players are owned by the board. “I want to keep as many good players as I can, but I’m also not stupid enough to realise that if a bid comes for a player and the board accept it, then it’s a tough position for me to be in. We always think worst-case scenarios.
“That type of work is always going on. I was watching clips of players yesterday, just in case.
“But certain players are more difficult to replace than others. And each day that goes by, that becomes tougher.
“There will be a cut-off point in the coming days where we go: ‘ We don’t even pick the phone up’.
“It’s a simple as that. There is no possible way we can move forward and challenge on all fronts if we were to lose a main player.”
If the Rangers’ squad stays intact, it’s unlikely there will be any additions.
Gerrard would still love to sign Ryan Kent from Liverpool but there’s no sign of movement on that front.
He said: “I’d never shut the door on any player and certainly top players but I have to understand, respect and appreciate the situation of his parent club.
“They were obviously very helpful in giving him to us in the first place.
“If you’re told no, you have to accept the answer is no until there’s ever a time that changes. Where we stand right now, that hasn’t changed.”
The 39-year-old would be in a strong position to rebuff any offers if Rangers make it to the Europa League group stage.
They look well placed to do so after drawing 0-0 away to Legia Warsaw.
Finishing the job this Thursday will justify Gerrard’s policy of having two players for every position in his squad.
He believes that helps to play European ties, and then produce a fresh side to take on games like the Premiership clash at St Mirren today.
Gerrard said: “Would there be an advantage to just having one game a week? I’m sure there would be, but at big clubs you can’t prioritise.
“You need to have a squad capable of competing on all fronts.
“That’s why I made numerous signings. “At certain times last season, we felt the effects of Sunday-thursday-sunday. “I’d look behind me on the bench, and wasn’t really comfortable and confident when I was taking a player or a regular off that I had the same level of player to bring on.
“I am more confident that the squad is stronger and further down the line that it was.
“But we’ve got to go and prove it now, and get the results that back my statement up.
“I’m sure St Mirren will sit in and make it very difficult for us.
“They have a bit of pace in their team now that can hit us on the counter-attack.
“They did that against Aberdeen and got a fantastic result.
“It took Hibs until the last few minutes to get a breakthrough against them, so I expect a tough game.”