ALFREDO MORELOS has been axed from Rangers' squad for their Champions League second leg play-off clash against PSV.
The Ibrox frontman has been left out by Giovanni van Bronckhorst due to fitness and attitude concerns.
Morelos arrived back from his summer recuperation period carrying unacceptable levels of weight. Sources say that since then his attitude and behaviour around the club have not been at the level expected of an elite player.
His manager has taken his tough stance with the full backing of senior figures and the influential player leadership group are understood to be firmly behind the manager.
Close observers would have seen a red flag when captain James Tavernier took an unusually hard line with the Colombian after the 2-2 draw with Hibs on Saturday where he branded his violent conduct red card “stupid”.
Tavernier, normally a reliably composed media performer who rarely gives the media much to chew over, being so outspoken is a signal of internal frustration, as is such strong comments emerging, of all places, on the club TV channel.
Now what does the future hold for Morelos?
Summer transfer?
Morelos could be sold this summer window and like a usual transfer period, the striker has already been linked with a number of clubs.
Sevilla, Aston Villa, Porto, Leicester City and Besiktas have all been linked the player this window.
Contract talks?
Van Bronckhorst recently disclosed that contract talks were underway with Morelos over a new deal.
He said: "We are in talks especially with players who will come into the last year of their contracts.
"In the last year attention will come to your players but so far the interest we have in our players is not very high.
"But in football you never know you just have to wait and see what happens in the future.
"We are working hard with Ross Wilson to make sure we are ready and making sure we get in the players we want."
Immediate future
Morelos will likely train with the Rangers B team or on his own while the first team is in Holland for their Champions League test.
The player has a year left on his deal before he can depart on a free transfer and it's shaping up to be a crucial season in the club's history.
While further contract talks have been put on hold, no doors have been closed and his quality is valued but at 26, it’s considered time for him to step up and take responsibility.
