If a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola is believed to be true, Porto are closing in on Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos following prolonged negotiations with the club as well as the player’s entourage. He was instrumental in the Gers’ Premiership triumph after decade-long despair and has now been backed by former teammate Daniel Candeias to ply his trade at Estadio Dragao.
The Dragões, meanwhile, are ready to pay £10.3m upfront with the potential for a further £4.3m in add-ons to take it close to £17m. The Colombian’s move to Lille collapsed last year despite advanced talks. Thus, Rangers should respect the player’s aspiration to explore a new challenge elsewhere if they get a fair price.
Morelos was one of many summer arrivals during Pedro Caixinha’s regime four years ago. The Portuguese used his influence to bring in fellow countrymen Bruno Alves, Daniel Candeias and Oscar Cardoso. However, none of them left a long-lasting impact at Ibrox. Candeias still spent a couple of years down the right-hand flank, whereas the other two had to find new suitors a year later.
Candeias’ Take On A Potential Porto Transfer
Alves is a legend in his own right, and the soon-to-be 40 centre-back has penned a two-year contract with Famalicão after reviving his career at Parma. On the other hand, a stellar spell with Santa Clara has earned Cardoso a high-profile Porto transfer. Thus Candeias, who began his professional career at Porto, is keen to see the former teammates reuniting at his boyhood club.
“He loves Rangers and it’s a fantastic club, but after four years I think he’s done his job. He will always be an idol.
“They (Porto) have direct access to the Champions League and there are the other Colombians in the squad. I think it will also help him play for the national team.
I see a change in motivation. I’ve been getting involved with him, telling him that I’m waiting to see him at Porto.”
Revealed the 33-year-old in a recent interview with A Bola.
Steven Gerrard, on the other hand, is not worried about speculations. The 25-year-old is representing his nation in the ongoing Copa America competition and the gaffer wants him to be ready for the first competitive fixture after a short break once done with the tournament.
Having said that, the Bears have already roped in Fashion Sakala, who is set to join the group in a few days time. The Zambian would restore the balance high up the pitch alongside Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Jermain Defoe as an outright ‘number 9’.
