Gary McAllister has urged Alfredo Morelos to have at least one more year at Ibrox before moving to England.
The Rangers No.2 is a huge fan of the Colombian hitman, despite the disciplinary issues which have blighted his 29-goal campaign.
Those issues saw him miss out on his country’s 40-man squad for the Copa America but McAllister is convinced the front-man – who Ibrox chiefs value at £20 million – needs another year here.
He said: “We don’t want Alfredo to go the Premier League, we see him as a key player for Rangers.
“As far as moving on to further his career in the future, that might be a pathway he wants to follow.
“His desire and hunger is there for all to see. He has the power and pace you need in that league.
“But I think he’d benefit from another season here. Under the stewardship of the people here, we can make him better.”
Morelos has been sent off five times this season but
McAllister is convinced he’ll learn his lesson.
He said: “Alfredo’s whole journey is a fantastic story.
“The more you get to know him and how his career has developed, it’s amazing what he’s done. There have been down sides but over the piece, it’s been a special story.
“I like him as a man. I’ve watched a lot of Luis Suarez and I see similarities in that they act poorly in
certain moments.
“I’ve played with guys before who have the desire to win at all costs. Sometimes that has hindered them, like Alfredo.
“But the guys I’m talking about, I’ve seen them grow and develop into top
players. The penny finally dropped with them.”
McAllister has opened the door for the likes of Jordan Rossiter, Greg Docherty and Zak Rudden to kick-start their Rangers careers next term.
All three have been on loan at Bury, Shrewsbury and Falkirk respectively.
McAllister said: “Jordan has done well and we’ve been mightily impressed by Greg.
“Zak has also been outstanding at Falkirk so they’ll come back into the group in pre-season.”
