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Alfredo Morelos' future has been a major talking point at Rangers in recent months and his recent comments concerning his future at Ibrox suggest that Steven Gerrard should already be scouting for his replacement.

What's the word?

Morelos was always likely to attract attention from afar after scoring 29 goals in all-competitions this season, and his recent comments on his future suggest that a multitude of clubs are lining up to secure his signature.

Indeed, according to a recent report from the Daily Record, the Colombia international has opened about the summer window and confirmed he is aware of interest from outside Ibrox.

"There is a lot of speculation about my possible departure, but there is nothing concrete yet.

"I know what there are many interested clubs asking and as soon as there is something official I will be announcing it."

Morelos later went on to add: "I dream of playing in a much better, more competitive league.

"I look at the English Premier League and the Spanish League. The leagues in France and Italy are very big leagues too and very competitive."

Gerrard's most season-defining summer task

With these quotes in mind, it's fair to say that Gerrard knows exactly where his priority needs to lie in the summer.

The fact Morelos has confirmed he could be announcing something official and is also dreaming of playing in a more competitive league is incredibly ominous.

Gerrard has heavily relied on the 22-year-old to provide a clinical edge in front of goal this season and Rangers are lacking the necessary depth at centre-forward to compete in his absence.

His farcical petulance and shocking disciplinary record have tainted his reputation but it's generally been accepted that, without Morelos, Rangers would have been cut even further adrift of Celtic at the top of the SPFL.

But, in light of his recent comments, it seems that the Gers are facing a future without their star striker, a reality which could define the 2019/20 season.

If Gerrard is able to swoop for an exciting, reliable and cutting edge replacement, Rangers should be able to build on the progress they made this season; a weak replacement, however, would certainly result in a season characterised by intense disappointment and underachievement, such is the enormity of Morelos' importance.

Gerrard's most season-defining summer task is already staring him in the face and the post-Morelos era could yet make or break his Rangers career.