STEVEN Gerrard was last night adamant Alfredo Morelos won’t be sold next month and insisted the Rangers striker wouldn’t be affected should a January bid come in for him.
The Colombian’s form took a dip 12 months ago following interest from China and then Bordeaux had a £4million offer turned down in the summer.
Morelos has been in superb form this season and scored his 19th goal of the campaign when his last minute winner at St Johnstone on Sunday ensured his team were back a point behind Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Gerrard would not be surprised if the 22-year-old has not attracted even more interest but is confident the transfer window will close with his top scorer still at Ibrox.
“I’m not resistant to bids,” said the Rangers manager. “But I won’t have his head turned in January, that’s simple. Alfredo won’t be going anywhere. T
“The player knows what I think on that situation. I understand and respect that there will be bids, of course there will, but there will be bids for all top players around the world there’s nothing you can do as a manager.
“It’s not that I’m resistant to them, but what I don’t want is for someone to turn his head and rock the boat because he’s in such great form.
“He’s fired his team into a good position where we stand right now and I think it’s important that he sees the season through and tries to have a consistent season from start to finish and go and rack up more goals.
“That’s what’s important for him and his career right now and that’s what other teams will be told, very, very clearly. He’s not for sale.”
Morelos has become a huge favourite with Rangers supporters, something which pleases his manager.
Gerrard said: “That happens at all top clubs, especially number nines. Fans adore them.
“ I’ve played with many myself, Torres, Suarez, Fowler, those kind of players, and he’s got that same link here because he’s consistent in front of goal.
“He’s the one when the game’s in the balance or a bit tight or you’re looking for someone to step up in the final part of the pitch and he delivers magic moments like he did at St Johnstone.
“He deserves all that respect and love from the fans and he knows that he’s respected and loved not just by the fans but by his team-mates and the staff and we’re doing everything we can to keep developing and improving him, not just the player but the person as well.
“He’s working really hard at that.”
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