Alfredo Morelos set for Rangers exit as reports in France claim striker has agreed deal with Lille

Rangers look set to lose star striker Alfredo Morelos on the eve of the new Scottish Premiership season.

According to RMC Sport in France, the 24-year-old is on the verge of completing a move to Lille.

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Morelos looks like he could be on his way out of Ibrox

Morelos is said to have already agreed personal terms with Lille and the two clubs are now negotiating over the fee.

The Colombian has scored 77 goals in 137 appearances for Rangers since his arrival at Ibrox from HJK Helsinki in 2017 for a fee of around £1million.

While his goal record has been impressive, his disciplinary record has been woeful, having been sent off seven times over the past two seasons.

Boss Steven Gerrard will not be happy to lose his talisman, though, with just a week to go before the 2020/21 season kicks off.

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Gerrard’s squad will be severely weakened by the departure of Morelos

Speaking earlier this week, Gerrard stressed the need to strengthen his squad if his side are to stand any chance of ending Celtic’s long reign.

“We need more,” said the Ibrox manager. “I have told the club that, I’ve been honest and open with what I feel we need.

“In terms of where we are at from a financial point of view, they are questions for other people – but I have made it quite clear that we need to add to what we’ve got.

“We need to add players into the 11 to make us stronger and then, naturally, that will make the squad stronger. At the moment, we still need to get people in the door.”

Morelos played an hour of Rangers’ pre-season friendly against Coventry on Saturday.

With Jermain Defoe missing out on the 2-0 win at Ibrox due to injury, Gerrard will have few options for next Saturday’s opener at Aberdeen should Morelos depart.