Exclusive: Defoe ‘character reference’ helping Rangers star to secure move – pundit
Alan Hutton expects interest to build over Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos after Jermain Defoe’s glowing “character reference”.
The former Gers defender and boyhood fan of the club, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the veteran forward’s comments will have caught the attention of the 23-year-old’s suitors.
As revealed by Football Insider earlier this month, Premier League side Leicester City are set to launch a ‘deep dive’ into Morelos’ character and background ahead of a potential move.
Hutton believes that Morelos’ suitors will be paying close attention to what the ex-Tottenham striker has to say, suggesting it could alleviate doubts over his character.
“Defoe’s another player that’s scored hundreds of goals at a high level through his whole career, he’s an absolute predator,” Hutton told Football Insider.
“I’ve been lucky to play alongside him as well and see how he is himself, the way he trains, the way he plays – he’s a winner and I think he sees the same kind of positives at Morelos. They’re very similar in terms of a predator striker.
“He’ll know what he’s capable of, he’ll see it daily and he’ll know there’s obviously room for improvement.
“That sort of praise coming from him, oh, it’s massive and I’m pretty sure other coaches or people in the game will be looking at what he said and use it as a character reference.
“You would take what he says on board because he is so good at what he does, he’s done it for years. He’s what, 37 now and he continues to score goals.
“Praise coming from him, they will definitely take it in.”
Speaking about his teammate, Defoe told Sky Sports: “He’s really impressed me – he’s a natural goalscorer – I think people need to understand that he is still young. I feel like this season, particularly the first part of the season, he improved a lot.
“He is funny in the changing room, as you can imagine, he’s a character. He is a nice guy. He is a top, top player, a natural goalscorer.”
Morelos has netted 29 times across all competitions this season, although he has scored one less goal than Defoe’s 13 in the Premiership.
In other Rangers news, Hutton has tipped a forgotten Gers star to become a “great player” at Ibrox.