Rangers manager Steven Gerrard will take a decision on Bruno Alves’ future after Portugal’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign comes to an end. The veteran defender is currently representing his nation in Russia after putting in some solid displays for the Teddy Bears during the course of last season. Portugal has managed to qualify for the Round of 16 where they will face off against Uruguay for a place in the quarterfinals of the biggest sports competition in the world.
However, the 36-year-old is yet to play a single minute of this World Cup campaign and had to settle for a place on the bench so far. Some sources have recently claimed that the experienced Portuguese defender is gathering interest from Vitoria Guimaraes, who are eager to seal a move but can’t afford to buy the Gers centre-back.
Alves’ current deal at the Ibrox Stadium is set to expire in the summer of 2019 which means that the Glaswegian giants need to take a decision on whether to sell him in the coming months or risk losing him for free next year.
He joined the Teddy Bears from Cagliari last summer and had an impressive debut season in the Scottish top-flight. The Portuguese had featured in 25 matches for the Gers last season and has two goals and one assist to his name in all competitions.
It is believed that Gerrard is looking to cash in on some of his prized assets in order to generate money to bring in some fresh faces during this ongoing transfer period. The Gers boss recently revealed that he has deliberately not been in touch with Alves as he wants the Portuguese defender to concentrate solely on his country’s World Cup campaign.
Gerrard has recently brought in Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic to the Ibrox which has thrown Alves’ future in doubt. In a recent interview, the former England international was quoted to have said, “I haven’t spoken to Bruno yet.
“I have given him the respect he deserves and he has got very important things to focus on right now in terms of the World Cup and that should be his priority.
“I don’t think I should be phoning him and having a conversation on his domestic career just yet. There will be a time for it. “He will have a break after Portugal either win the tournament or get knocked out and then I will have a conversation with Bruno and talk to him.
“I didn’t want to go in and speak to him or try and get contact with him while he has got important things to focus on.”
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Retaining some of their top talents like Alves could go a long way in helping Rangers challenge for the Scottish Premiership title in the upcoming campaign. The Portuguese defender has a wealth of experience which could come in handy during a long and gruelling campaign in the top tier of Scottish football. For now, the Gers should do everything in their power to keep hold of Alves for at least another year. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Alves and whether he ends up departing the Ibrox this summer.
