Alfredo Morelos banished to Santos reserves as ex Rangers star declared a 'very serious problem'

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira admits the club are locked in talks with Alfredo Morelos' representatives as they look to rip up the ex-Rangers star's contract.

The Colombian striker, 27, has been banished to the reserves and looks certain to have played his last game after a turbulent year at Pele's old club. Morelos has scored just twice in 14 appearances for the crisis-hit Brazilian club and was unable to save them from top-flight relegation for the first time in their history.

Morelos agreed to halve his wages following the club's drop to the second tier but the ex-Ibrox hero has managed just four starts since the season started in January. That's led to stinging criticism over his performances and Santos are now looking to get El Bufalo's lucrative salary - understood to be around £19,000 a week plus a £1,500 goal bonus - off their wage bill.

Teixeira said: "There is a very serious problem about Alfredo Morelos' contract. We are monitoring the situation. There are two players in the squad who won't be used in Serie B - Alfredo Morelos and Dodo. They are remnants of the past administration at this club.

"Their contracts are being discussed and now more than ever it becomes the board's commitment to try to resolve this situation.”