08.03.2019 14:51 h

Morelos signs third new Rangers deal in a year

Rangers' top scorer Alfredo Morelos signed a third new contract in 12 months till 2023 on Friday as the Glasgow giants try to hold onto the Colombian striker.

The 22-year-old joined Gers from HJK Helsinki in the summer of 2017 on a three-year deal and signed extensions on March 9 and September 1 last year.

Morelos has scored 28 goals this season and won a call-up to the Colombia squad this week.

Eintracht Frankfurt, Cardiff and Nice are among the teams to have been linked with Morelos, who was the subject of a failed bid by Bordeaux in August.

"I said we were talking about giving Alfredo a new deal and I am delighted to confirm we have now done exactly that," said Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.

"Alfredo is a vital part of what we are trying to create here and although he has attracted close attention from other clubs it is important we hold on to him.

"He is still very young and although he leads our line extremely well, the best has yet to come."

Morelos has largely kept Jermain Defoe on the sidelines since the former English international joined on loan in January.

However, his poor disciplinary record may stand in his way of a big money move to one of Europe's top five leagues.

Morelos has been sent-off four times already this season, although his first red card against Aberdeen on the opening day of the season was later rescinded.

"With the new manager here it feels as if we are building something special and I want to play my part in that and also repay the faith he and all the fans have in me," said Morelos.