Rangers have a ‘huge opportunity’ to persuade star striker Alfredo Morelos to stay at the club if they can win the Europa League, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 25-year-old has entered the final 15 months of his current contract with the Gers and sparked intense speculation over his future after switching agents recently.

What is the latest news involving Morelos?

Since arriving at Rangers from HJK Helsinki back in July 2017, Morelos has established himself as one of the most dominant stars in the Scottish Premiership.

The Colombia international, who was previously described as "powerful", has taken his club career goal tally up to an impressive 159 after bagging 113 strikes in 224 appearances for the Glasgow giants.

And Morelos finally secured some silverware to show for his efforts in the royal blue of Rangers, firing them to their first top-flight title in 10 years last term.

However, the South American will be unable to help Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s charges in their quest for an unlikely treble after he was ruled out for the season with a thigh injury.

Morelos sustained the problem while on international duty and has already undergone surgery on the problem, meaning he will play no part in Rangers’ run-in.

What has O’Rourke said about Morelos?

After seeing off Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade and Braga in the previous knockout round, Rangers are set to take on RB Leipzig in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

The winners of Europe’s second-tier competition earn automatic entry into next season’s Champions League, and O’Rourke believes that could be enough for Morelos to stay put.

Erik ten Hag TALKS Man United job! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

He told GiveMeSport: “If Rangers were to go on and win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League, it gives them a huge opportunity maybe to persuade Morelos to stay on and play in the Champions League. Every player wants to play at the highest level.

“So, if Rangers were to do that, I'm sure the ambition will be there from the club to try and get Morelos to stay, and I'm sure he would see that ambition if Rangers are successful, and it gives them a better chance of keeping him.”

Who could Rangers replace Morelos with?

If Morelos does decide to depart Rangers in the summer, then it seems as though Sunderland forward Ross Stewart is at the top of their wish list.

According to the Northern Echo, Norwich City, Swansea and the Gers are all eager to snap up the 25-year-old, who has scored 22 goals and provided five assists in 43 League One appearances this term.

Sunderland’s promotion fate is likely to be the deciding factor in whether Stewart seeks pastures new or remains at the Stadium of Light, yet the pull of Rangers could be too much to turn down for the Scotsman.