Rangers' recent links with a striker could pave the way for Alfredo Morelos to leave Ibrox.

There has been some uncertainty over the Colombia international's future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Glasgow, and that could continue to be the case despite reports this week that he is in talks over a new deal with the Light Blues.

The Premiership giants have been linked with a move for Sunderland striker Ross Stewart recently, and if he were to arrive at Ibrox this summer, it could be the catalyst for Morelos departing.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side have been regularly linked with the Scottish striker after he excelled in English League One last season, hitting 26 goals as the Black Cats were promoted to the Championship.

If the 25-year-old were to make the move back to Scotland, then it would perhaps not be a surprise to see Morelos move on from Ibrox, especially if contract talks ultimately lead nowhere.

While it will be very difficult to replace 'El Bufalo' after his sensational performances for Rangers in recent years, which have seen him hit 113 goals in 224 appearances for the Teddy Bears, Stewart's displays last term suggest that he could be a more than capable heir to the South American.

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The former Ross County marksman earned an incredible 7.40 average rating from WhoScored for his performances in League One, which ranked him as the third-best player in the division across the campaign.

During his time in Scotland, Stewart enjoyed moderately prolific spells with the likes of Alloa Athletic and Ross County, so he could find the net on a regular basis if afforded better service at Rangers.

Former Gers right-back Alan Hutton is a big fan of the Sunderland predator, telling Football Insider: "He was outstanding in League One but we’re talking about elite level. Only time will tell if he can reach those heights.

“I’m pretty sure Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have sights on a few different players. Stewart is a particular type of number nine. He’s a big guy, he’s not the usual profile that Rangers go for."

Stewart could certainly offer Rangers a different option up front next season, as Morelos was the club's best attacking aerial threat last term, with just 1.8 headers won per game, whereas the Scotland international won 5.6 per match in League One.

The Sunderland striker offers pace, power and clinical finishing, so if Morelos is to leave Ibrox this summer, Stewart could well be the ideal replacement. It's a prospective deal which Rangers chief Ross Wilson simply must get done over the coming weeks and months.

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