Murty ready for Morelos contract talks

Rangers manager Graeme Murty is happy to have contract talks with Alfredo Morelos - if the striker shows he is content to continue developing at Ibrox.

Murty admitted the Colombian was "confused'' after Rangers turned down an offer from China which Ibrox sources valued at £8million.

But the Rangers boss confirmed the 21-year-old was available to face Hibernian on Saturday and the club would consider improving his terms to reward him for his 13-goal start to his Ibrox career.

"We're discussing all contracts at all times with all players,'' Murty said. "If a bid comes in for someone that doesn't meet our valuation, we have to reassess their valuation in our eyes.

"But we'll be sitting down and talking to Alfredo throughout this week and next week, making sure he's happy. Because we want happy players, desperate to play for our club. So we'll be discussing his future and his targets with him this week.

"We have to make sure first and foremost the player is happy. If he's happy with where he is at the moment, if he wants to talk about his contract, I've got a director of football (Mark Allen) who's fantastic about that kind of thing. I'll be there to talk to him about it as well.

"Alfredo has been fantastically professional. He hasn't let any confusion or speculation affect his training or his mentality about the place.''

Murty stated after Wednesday's win over Fraserburgh that the former HJK Helsinki striker had been affected by reports over life-changing money but questioned how "substantial'' the opportunity was.

Clarifying what he meant, Murty said: "Until things are signed and across the line, it's all just speculation and ifs, buts and maybes. Until things are actually concrete and done, then there's no point wasting time and energy on it.

"And let's not forget, Alfredo's only 21, he's only been here for half a season. He has lots more to come, you have just seen the tip of the iceberg and we hope to improve him.

"Anything we were offered, we think we can get more than that, if we choose to take it. Possibly in the past we may have looked to move him on to make a vast profit. We looked to hold on to our best players to push on at the top end of the league and challenge in the cup.''

Rangers were happy for some other players to move but the likes of Eduardo Herrera, Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardoso and Dalcio remain at Ibrox. Murty previously admitted his squad was "heavy'' but he feels his fringe players have a major part to play if they remain positive.

"There was opportunity for people to go and play for other clubs and they chose to stay here,'' he added.

"As far as I'm concerned, that's a massive positive for me, because people want to be part of what we are trying to do.

"They are our players and I will utilise them if I see fit. They have to go out and bust themselves every day to prove that they're worthy of a spot in the team.

"We have healthy competition and a real good tempo and intensity around training. It gives me a bit of a headache but that's why I'm doing the job.'

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