STEVEN GERRARD revealed Alfredo Morelos has had his ‘head turned’ by talk of a big money move to Lille after a poor performance in what could be his final outing for Rangers.
The striker was rarely involved as Gerrard's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night and exited the Europa League at the last 16 stage.
Morelos has been the subject of sustained interest from Ligue 1 side Lille in recent weeks and will be allowed to leave this summer if Rangers' valuation of around £20million is met.
Gerrard has already secured replacements for the Colombian after completing deals for Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten this week but refused to use the noise surrounding his star striker as an excuse for the European exit.
“I don’t know, because I can’t control what goes on outside,” Gerrard said when asked if he expected Morelos to still be at Rangers next week.
“Everyone knows he has had his head turned, for sure. There is no denying that, but we just move forward.
“My focus is on the team and the players that want to be here and my focus is certainly on St Mirren.
“If a bid comes, I will say it again, if a bid comes that the board like and are interested in and the player tells me face to face that he wants to go, then we will see what happens.
“I don’t think [having his head turned is showing in his performances]. I think Alfredo is professional enough to try and block the noise out and focus.
“He hasn’t had the best of games tonight, but we haven’t as a team either. There are certainly no fingers blamed on anyone.
“We have given it our best shot and unfortunately we fell short. But, you know, we all have to improve.
“There is certainly no finger pointing tonight on anyone’s performance. But Alfredo needs to remain focused.”
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