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Rangers news: Steven Gerrard receives huge boost ahead of Celtic clash
RANGERS have received a major boost going into today’s Old Firm derby with Alfredo Morelos having agreed a new contract.
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The 22-year-old striker has been handed a new-and-improved deal that keeps him in Glasgow until 2022 and rewards him with a significant wage increase.
The Colombian was subject to deadline day interest from Bordeaux and Dynamo Kiev with the Ukrainian outfit having been willing to offer as much as £7million.
But Steven Gerrard was desperate to keep hold of Morelos, who scored 18 goals in all competitions in his first season at Ibrox last year, and warned interested clubs not to even bother bidding.
Morelos has six goals in 12 appearances for Rangers this season, as well as two red cards - including one for picking up two yellow cards on Thursday as the Light Blues booked their place in the Europa League group stages.
And fresh from his first international call-up last week, the ex-HJK Helsinki ace revealed his delight at extending his terms with Rangers.
Morelos told the club’s official website: “I am delighted to have extended my contract. This is such a massive club and I want to be with Rangers for as long as possible.
“I appreciate very much the support I have been given and I believe I have a special bond with the fans. To play in front of them always excites me.
“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.”
Morelos is expected to lead the line for Rangers when they take on Celtic today (12pm) at Parkhead in the first Glasgow derby of the season.
?????? #RangersFC are today delighted to announce that Alfredo Morelos (@morelos2106) has signed a new contract with the club.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 1, 2018
➡️ Full story with reaction from #ElBufalo and Steven Gerrard: https://t.co/4dA75oLUXb pic.twitter.com/kfuB1bMYqw
With the new manager here it feels as if we are building something special and I want to play my part in that.
And Gerrard - having yet to lose any of his 12 matches as Gers boss - expects plenty more to come from Morelos over the coming campaigns.
The former Liverpool captain said: “I said we were talking about giving Alfredo a new deal and I am delighted to confirm we have now done exactly that.
“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.”
Kyle Lafferty - who has four goals in his last four matches against Celtic - could also lead the line alongside Morelos at Celtic if Gerrard opts for an attacking line-up.
The Northern Irishman scored a brace in their Scottish Premiership draw with Motherwell last weekend.
Gerrard has also revealed that he is relishing his first experience of Rangers’ renowned rivalry with Celtic.
He admitted: “This is a big game for me, of course it is.
“I am going into my first Old Firm so it is going to be a new experience for me and one that I am really looking forward to.”