Alfredo Morelos takes on Santos as Rangers hero makes wild pledge AFTER release with pay off roadblock emerging

Bullish Alfredo Morelos has declared he hopes to see out his Santos deal - with the fallen heavyweights reportedly unwilling to trigger the release clause in the Colombian's contract.

New president Marcelo Teixeira is said to be looking to trigger a release clause in the contract of the former Rangers striker - with the frontman on a reported £40,000-a-week to play for the club with his contract set to run until 2025. Santos will be playing in Serie B for the first time in their history next term and Morelos had a relegation release clause in his contract if the club went down - but it could only be activated if the club agreed to it with the player set to land a massive £2.3 million pay-off.

The Brazilian giants had already announced Morelos was among the group of players that would leave on January 1 just six months after leaving the Scottish Premiership side. But with major cost-cutting measures underway at the club, UOL report that the club are attempting to negotiate the pay-off down with the player's representatives after he managed just 76 minutes of football last term. However, Morelos appears unmoved after declaring his commitment to Santos during an interview in his homeland.

Speaking to Colombian outlet Win Noticias, Morelos was asked what contact he had from Santos over a potential exit. He responded: "So far there is nothing. I remain at Santos.

"I have a two-year contract and we are working. I like playing in the Brazilian league. I am very happy to play in Brazilian football.

"I am working. Santos was relegated, it is a difficult time, but, with the mentality of those who remain and the players who will arrive, we will finish among the first."