Graeme Murty is confident that Alfredo Morelos won’t leave Rangers despite the forward being left confused over transfer speculation.
Beijing Renhe tried to sign the 21-year-old on transfer deadline day in Scotland with the Scottish Sun reporting that the Chinese club bid £8million for him, but the Gers rejected the offer.
The same report shared that Beijing Renhe were willing to give Morelos a deal which would see him earn £27,000-a-week after tax, which would dwarf his current £7,000 salary at Rangers.
However despite the Chinese side’s interest, Murty shared after the Light Blues’ 3-0 victory against Fraserburgh, that the club wanted to keep Morelos.
“The message I have had is that I don’t need to sell anyone for any economic imperative,” said the Gers manager, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“I’ve made that decision, I want Alfredo to be here.
“We have to make sure Alfredo understands out position because we are not trying to derail anything for him, we are just trying to take care of him and the club at the same time.”
Morelos is currently the Scottish Premier League’s top scorer, having scored 11 goals in 22 league appearances.
The 21-year-old’s form has helped Rangers climb the table to sit third, but Murty admits that the Chinese club’s offer has caused Morelos to be confused.
“He is confused at the minute because there are figures being bandied about which would turn anyone’s head, it’s almost designed to confuse and unsettle,” admitted Murty.
“We just have to make sure he understands our position that we want him here with us.”
Despite the transfer window in Scotland being closed, Beijing Renhe have until February 28 to buy Morelos as that’s when their window closes.
OPINION
This is worrying news for Rangers in many ways. While Murty has effectively ruled out a move, the Chinese club are capable of returning with an offer that the club would be foolish to turn down. Murty’s update on Morelos is also a reason to be concerned, as Rangers need him to be at his best in the second half of the season. However, if he feels he should have been allowed to move to Beijing Renhe then he won’t have the right mindset which will allow him to continue his impressive season. It’s a nuisance that this transfer saga could drag on into February due to the closing date of the Chinese transfer window.