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Daily Record
Sport
Jack Thomson

Should Rangers cash in on Alfredo Morelos now Jermain Defoe is hitting form?

They always say you don't know what you've got until it's gone but that's never been the case for Rangers and Alfredo Morelos.

The Colombian striker is a feisty character, who has his critics for a patchy disciplinary record - having been sent off on five occasions this season.

But for every critic, there's an admirer for the way he has burdened the goalscoring responsibility during the current Premiership campaign.

However, that burden is showing signs of being eased as Jermain Defoe put in another impressive performance for Steven Gerrard's men against Hearts.

(PA)

Steven Gerrard insists Jermain Defoe is Rangers' first choice striker as he fires Alfredo Morelos warning  

The 36-year-old scored the opener as Rangers put Celtic's title party on hold this weekend and he is undoubtedly starting to claim more responsibility for the Ibrox outfit.

Could this mean it's time for Gerrard to capitalise on Defoe's improvement in performances and cash in on his teammate?

Record Sport Online looks at the debate of whether Rangers need Morelos now that Defoe is hitting form.

Yes - El Buffalo is key for Rangers

(Reuters)

Morelos has scored 29 goals so far this season.

It's an astounding figure that could yet rise before the end of the campaign.

But it's not just his goals. When at the top of his game, Morelos sets the standard for those behind him.

He presses, hassles and terrorises opposition defenders by dragging them out of position off the ball and using his intelligence to get in behind them.

It doesn't matter the size of his opponents, he will use his core strength and energy to barge and bully those bigger than him. 

Alfredo Morelos celebrates his side's third goal of the game (PA)

Steven Gerrard salutes his 'aggressive' Rangers stars for standing up to Hearts  

Gerrard has admitted at times Rangers are "too reliant" on Morelos, which is testament to just how well he has played this season.

He showed he can mix it in the Europa League and played superbly - albeit not scoring - when Rangers beat Celtic at the end of December.

Perhaps the striker does play on the precipice, always at risk of a fuse sparking and a red mist moment occurring, but when channelled properly his aggression can see the striker produce frighteningly impressive displays.

That's a quality you shouldn't give up in a hurry.

Above all else Gerrard would far rather have the headache of having both Morelos and Defoe available for selection next season. Horses for courses and cover for injury - or suspension more than likely - means the more options Rangers have, the better.

No - it's time to cash in

Alfredo Morelos is red carded after elbow on Scott Brown (Getty Images)

A hefty price tag has been slapped on the prolific frontman, with managing director Stewart Robertson confirming Rangers rate Morelos as a £20 million striker in March.

The Ibrox chief revealed at a Q&A in New Zealand that they considered Morelos to be "at least the same as (Moussa) Dembele in terms of value."

Dembele joined Lyon for £19.8 million so if Rangers were to bank a similar fee for Morelos, it would provide a significant reinvestment opportunity for Gerrard in the summer.

The manager has warned the board to back him with serious cash as he looks to bridge the gap with Celtic and selling Morelos would provide those funds.

Jermain Defoe scores to make it 1-0 Rangers (SNS Group)

Scott Arfield warns Rangers team-mates they're battling for their Ibrox futures  

Defoe has the experience and the nous in front of goal to lead a Premiership front line. This is a man that's played at the highest level in the Premier League, Champions League and World Cup. Not to mention ... he can keep his cool.

Gerrard even said himself today: "You can tell defenders are scared to get too close to him because of his quality.

"He's contributing whether it's goals or assists. He's got the number nine shirt at the moment, it'll be interesting how he performs from now until the end of the season." 

Perhaps selling Morelos and investing in the whole squad - improving the creative options behind Defoe, as well as bringing in firepower to help him out - would be a smart way for Rangers to go about their business this summer.

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