Steven Gerrard: Rangers boss aims to 'keep Rangers heroes' like Alfredo Morelos
- Published
Alfredo Morelos has scored three goals this season to add to the 18 in his first Rangers campaign
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says it is his responsibility "to keep heroes" at Ibrox as he repeated his desire to see Alfredo Morelos given an improved deal.
The Glasgow giants rejected a £3.75m bid from Bordeaux for the striker, who only agreed new terms five months ago.
Gerrard described the Colombian as "arguably our best player", who Rangers are "trying to build a team around".
"We can't fight to keep our best players and then not reward them with what they are worth," he said.
"That is one for the board to discuss, but I feel he should be looked after. My job is to manage the situation, tell him how much he is loved here.
"The fans sang his name non-stop last night. He is a big hero of theirs and it is my responsibility to try to keep heroes here for the fans."
Gerrard offered no further update on Rangers' pursuit of striker Kyle Lafferty, after Hearts manager Craig Levein confirmed talks are continuing following the rejection of Rangers' initial £200,000 offer.
But the Ibrox boss stressed he is keen to add another striker and centre-back to his squad before the transfer window shuts on 31 August.
Rangers earned a 0-0 draw at Maribor in their Europa League third qualifying round second leg to clinch a play-off tie with Russian side Ufa over the next two Thursdays, 23 and 30 August.
Those two matches follow Sunday's last-16 League Cup tie at Kilmarnock, and sandwich a Premiership game at Motherwell next Sunday, 26 August.
A busy schedule concludes with the first Old Firm game of the season at Celtic Park on Sunday, 2 September before an international break.
"It isn't just about the workload," he said. "It is about the positions.
"We feel we are a bit light up front. We let Josh Windass go to Wigan recently and he scored a big number of goals for us last season. The idea is to replace those goals.
"Also at centre-back, we have asked a lot of Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson, who have been absolutely tremendous so far. We would like some cover in that area as well."
Meanwhile, midfielder Lassana Coulibaly has had a scan on a thigh injury which forced him to miss Thursday's Europa League game in Maribor.
"We don't think it's a serious problem but he's an important player for us so we want to check it out just to see if there is any damage in there," he added.
Lassana Coulibaly has swiftly emerged as an important player in Rangers' midfield
'Morelos has to be more consistent' - analysis
Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds on Sportsound:
Morelos still has a lot to learn. He has done well to get that Rangers mindset where if you miss a chance, you don't sulk. Gerrard has helped him get over that.
He has been scoring, which adds to his confidence, but he has to be more consistent if he is worth the money.
I have yet to see the consistency of both performance and mentality. If he gets that sorted, Rangers can maybe sell him for a lot more in the future.
Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald on Sportsound:
Rangers need to build on their squad rather than letting go one of their better players. They are looking to bring in one or two more, Kyle Lafferty being one of them.
I think they will be wary of spending too much money on a 30-year-old. I wouldn't imagine he would play every week.
The beauty of Kyle though is he can play in the wide areas as well, which helps the squad. He can fill in somewhere and cause chaos.
I think he would be a great addition to the Rangers squad.