Lille owner Gerard Lopez has addressed his club’s reported pursuit of Alfredo Morelos in an interview with BBC World Service, admitting that they are ‘watching’ the Rangers striker.
In late July, Sky Sports reported that Morelos had agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 side ahead of a prospective transfer.
However, the clubs were unable to agree a fee and El Bufalo remains a Rangers player.
On Tuesday night, Lille announced the signing of Canada international striker Jonathan David from Gent for a reported €30 million [Goal.com] and it has been reported that the French club will now only rekindle their interest in Morelos if they sell one of their current crop of forward players [L’Equipe via Get Football News France].
Lopez’s comments hint that that report may well be accurate.
“Obviously Morelos is a good player,” he told BBC World Service.”He’s part of a list of players we’ve looked at, but we’ve made a move for another player, so we have something like 11 offensive players for four spots now.”
“He’s a player who is extremely effective and at this stage, we’re watching, but nothing’s done.”
With David, Burak Yilmaz, Jonathan Ikone, Luiz Araujo, Isaac Lihadji and Timothy Weah amongst those already on the books, coughing up an eight-figure transfer fee for Morelos would seem somewhat unnecessary.
Lopez has confirmed his interest in the Gers talisman, though, so if one or two of those attackers leave Lille before the end of the transfer window, they could go back to Rangers with an improved offer.
