James Tavernier admits it would be a major blow for Rangers to lose Alfredo Morelos this window after already watching Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey leave. He's urged the Colombian to follow his own example instead - and pen a new contract at Ibrox.
The skipper was speaking to the press ahead of Saturday's Premiership opener against Livingston as Gio van Bronckhorst's new-look side hope to kick off a successful domestic season. They've lost Aribo and Bassey as well as Leon Balogun, but Tavernier and Connor Goldson have both penned new long-term deals, and will be joined by a host of new signings including new man Ridvan Yilmaz.
Morelos is out of contract in 12 months' time and anxiety is beginning to grow over whether he will run his contract down for free in 12 months. If he refuses to sign, then Rangers may need to decide whether to do just that, or cash in now while they can.
But Tavernier insists the club will be doing all they can to keep him long-term. And he reckons the interest shown by the likes of Southampton and Ajax in their top stars shows just how far they have come since he signed back in 2015.
Tavernier said: “You always want to keep hold of your best players and the players that make an impact and Alfredo has obviously made a massive impact in the years he has been here. It’s in the best interests of the club to keep the best players. We’ve obviously lost Joe and Calvin but I’m sure the club will be doing everything they can to keep our best players.
“When I first came here it was a case of trying to get Rangers where we want to be and over the years we’ve got better and better. I think everything is showing that. You look at the players we're getting through the door and you see teams like Southampton and Ajax coming in for our players and that’s what you have – big teams coming in."
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