Rangers have opened contract talks with Alfredo Morelos.
Record Sport can reveal the Ibrox side have been in discussions with their top striker for several weeks.
The Colombian international signed a new four-year contract last March but Rangers are keen to extend that agreement further and have offered improved terms.
Talks and negotiations remain open and on-going with the player and his representatives.
Boss Steven Gerrard is keen to keep the 29-goal frontman and has backed him to overcome his recent controversies.
A 12-year-old boy has been charged with racism directed at Morelos during December’s 2-1 win at Parkhead.
Morelos has also been in the headlines following incidents involving his sports car and a fake translation that forced Sky Sports into a grovelling apology.
The striker drew blanks recently against Ross County, Aberdeen and Hibernian after returning from a suspension he picked up for his dismissal against Celtic.
However, he was returned to the scoresheet in the 4-1 win at Hamilton Accies with his 29th goal of the campaign ahead of tonight’s visit to Kilmarnock.
Gerrard said: “You can’t underestimate the importance of a goal, especially if you’re a striker. To go three games without a goal could have had the reverse effect.
“Alfredo was in the right place at the right time to score with the header at Accies and he also had another couple of opportunities. Hopefully that will be the one that fires him to many more.”
Gerrard revealed he’s held several heart-to-hearts with Morelos in the wake of those off-field dramas, but is backing him to shine as he bids to become the first Rangers striker since Ally McCoist to net 40 goals in a season.
Gerrard added: “I’ve had a good chat with him since we returned from the winter break.
“We always support all the players across the board, not just Alfredo. I will always be there for them, my door is always open.
“Alfredo’s mindset at the weekend looked all right, he played his part in another win. He looked a lot sharper and took his goal well.
“If he goes onto to achieve individual accolades then fine, but I’m always one for the team.
“If he breaks an individual record as a player but we achieve nothing as a team that’s not where I want to be.”
