Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos finds himself very curiously in the middle of reported transfer interest from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
According to reports in Spain, Diego Simeone is sizing up a £15m move for the 29-goal striker [AS Diario] with goals hard to come by at the Wanda Metropolitano this season.
And why not? Morelos’ robust, hard-working style is perfect for a Simeone side with his feistiness and fire just a welcome bonus.
Atletico very much feels a Morelos team and Rangers fans by and large feel pretty resigned to losing their star striker at some point, whether it’s next season or not.
Some might even be happy to see the club’s talismanic forward leave should the money be right with Morelos’ attitude and application seriously brought into question over the last few months.
But it is in reports suggesting Atletico could veer teenage talent Rodrigo Riquelme towards Ibrox as a makeweight [La Razon] where things get particularly interesting.
Rangers and Celtic are reportedly battling it out for the signature of the talented Spaniard [Marca], with competition fierce at Atleti and his contract expiring in the summer.
Of course, the lack of a contract could be a potential hiccup in any deal involving the youngster given Riquelme is free to speak to whoever he pleases and move elsewhere.
But influence from Atletico Madrid might help swing the right-winger towards Ibrox if any move for Morelos is made concrete.
Whilst the undoubtedly talented player will be scant replacement for the boisterousness and goals of Morelos, there are a few benefits to this.
Firstly, Rangers could negotiate a similar sell-on clause between both stars in any agreement, ensuring that both sides benefit if either player is a success.
The blow of losing one of the club’s most influential players is softened by picking up a top young European talent.
And it also guarantees that Celtic won’t be signing a player who is obviously considered a big talent at both Ibrox and Parkhead.