Fiorentina eyeing Morelos but Donati fears his temper is a problem
Fiorentina have targeted Alfredo Morelos as their No. 1 signing target ahead of the new Serie A season.
Rangers are adamant it would take a minimum offer of 20million euros (£18.75m) before they would consider letting the prolific Colombian striker leave the club.
That is despite the fact they have already been active in the transfer market themselves, bringing in two proven goalscorers in the shape of Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten.
And they have underlined their determination not to sell on the cheap by rejecting a bid of £16.25m from French club, Lille.
Sources in Italy report Fiorentina unsure whether they are prepared to match the valuation of the controversial hitman.
However, with the 2020-21 Serie A campaign due to kick off next weekend, a decision is expected in the next few days.
Morelos was stretchered off with a knee injury yesterday, but it does not appear as bad as it first appeared.
One person who reckons it would be a great move for Morelos and Fiorentina is Massimo Donati, former Kilmarnock assistant manager and ex-Celtic midfielder.
“I could see this one happen, I really could,” he said.
“I know Morelos very well.
He is a player who has good technical qualities, in every area of the game.
“But his real strength is his nose for goals. This is a great thing that many more famous forwards than him do not possess.
“I think he could be very happy at Fiorentina as he would play with Federico Chiesa and Franck Ribery, two extraordinary players who could give him many assists.
“With their support, I think he could be a big success in Florence.”
However, Donati warned it would not be an open goal for the controversial 24-year-old.
“Moving from the Scottish Premiership to Italy’s Serie A, which is much more technical and tactical, could create difficulties for him,” he said.
“I think with the right coach – and, who knows, that could be Giuseppe Ianchini – he could overcome these problems.
“Much would depend on him, on his attitude and his desire to grow.
“One thing that definitely needs to improve is Morelos’ temperament, which has been a problem. During his time at Rangers, he has been sent off several times.
“Leaving his team-mates down to 10 men so often is a problem – bad for him, who can feel guilty, and bad for the team that has to work harder.”
Italian clubs have been increasingly taking note of the Scottish market, with Bologna snapping up Aaron Hickey from Hearts last week in the face of counter interest from Bayern Munich.