Why Umar Sadiq could help Rangers keep Alfredo Morelos – TBR View

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Alfredo Morelos reminded Rangers fans why he is so highly-coveted at Ibrox as he netted two goals and created another against St. Mirren on Sunday – and Umar Sadiq could now have a huge say on his future.

Morelos, 24, went into Sunday’s league game against St. Mirren having struggled against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night in the Europa League. Steven Gerrard claimed his head had been turned by interest.

Of all the clubs that have been linked with Morelos, Lille are said to have had the strongest links with the Colombian as BBC Sport confirmed talks had taken place. Foot Mercato claim Brighton, Sassuolo and Sevilla are also keen.

Lille are keen to sign a striker after Victor Osimhen left the French club to join Lille. Jonathan David is expected to sign for the Ligue 1 side, but they may also look at bringing in a second forward – and Umar Sadiq’s name has arisen.

Own Goal Nigeria have claimed that Sadiq – who flopped during a loan spell at Rangers during 2018-19 and managed only four appearances – has emerged as a target. He has starred for Serbian side Partizan during 2019-20.

The Nigeria international has netted 17 goals of his own and created the same figure in terms of assists. Partizan are open to a sale, as per the report, with Lille interested – though Lille will have to pay in the region of £13.5million.

Lille are expected to return with a second offer after having an initial bid rejected and while they remain the team most linked with Morelos, they saw an offer of £16.25million rejected for Morelos – as per the Mail.

So, Lille could instead go after Sadiq after having a bid rejected for Morelos – and that may see Rangers keep their South American hothead, thanks to Sadiq, if the former Roma man chooses to join Lille.