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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Steven Mair

Steven Gerrard lays down Rangers gauntlet to Alfredo Morelos amid Porto interest as he wants striker 'fit and firing'

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard says Alfredo Morelos will be given a well-earned break after the Copa America amid rampant speculation linking him with Porto.

But he's told the striker to make sure he stays focused on his club when his participation in the tournament ends in order to be ready for the first games of the season.

Colombia and Morelos are in the quarter finals but their tournament could end on Saturday night when they take on Uruguay.

Or they could progress all the way to the final in a week's time, which would give the Ibrox frontman precious little time to recharge ahead of the Premiership opener on July 31 and Rangers' first Champions League qualifier the following midweek.

With Porto circling for a potential summer transfer, the manager won't want a repeat of last summer, when Lille's interest affected Morelos' frame of mind in the delayed Europa League tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

First and foremost though, Gerrard is made up for his main man as he represents his country on the biggest stage in South America and he told Rangers TV: "Fantastic. We all know how proud Alfredo is to represent Colombia.

"He’s on the other side of the world but we still have our eyes on and still making contact and making sure he’ll do the right thing.

"When he finishes in the tournament he’ll have a short break and then come and join us for the rest of pre-season and we’ll try have him ready for game one as well.

"It’s important he does the right things when he stops until he comes back because he’ll have a very short pre-season and we need Alfredo to be fit and firing for the important games coming our way."

In terms of incoming players, Gerrard wants to prioritise quality over quantity in the summer window.

Alfredo Morelos is currently with Colombia (REUTERS)

Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Ofoborh have been signed on pre-contracts but after an unbeaten title-winning season he only wants to make additions if they will really improve the team.

"The recruitment lads, Ross (Wilson) and myself have worked ever so hard to identify the targets we want," Gerrard added.

"The board and Ross know the players I want to strengthen us and make us better and give us the best chance to be successful next season.

"Hopefully we can go and deliver them. We’re really close on one piece and hopefully in the coming days we’ll have an announcement for the fans.

"I like to get them excited this time of year , they’ve been patient.

"There won’t be wholesale signings because the squad is strong and good. We’ve brought some good additions in six months ago so we’re looking for quality rather than quantity at this stage."

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