Category Uncategorized

Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has come under fire from pundit Neil McCann for his social media activity. 

The lowdown

The 26-year-old’s involvement for Rangers this season has been limited, with just 175 minutes of football under his belt.

After playing 72 minutes of the Champions League clash against Napoli last week, Morelos was an unused substitute for the 2-1 victory over Dundee United at the weekend (Transfermarkt).

Attitude concerns seem to be playing a big part in his sporadic game-time, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst leaving the Colombian out of the squad for the Champions League play-off second leg against PSV Eindhoven because he did not deem the striker ready to play (via The Athletic).

The latest

Speaking to BBC Sportsound (via Ibrox News), McCann tore into Morelos for videos that he had posted on social media, although he did credit Van Bronckhorst for his management of the 26-year-old.

The ex-Rangers winger said: “There’s lots of things – Morelos is annoying me that he’s sending social media videos in the gym. Who cares? No seriously, who cares? He shouldn’t be in a public gym.

“The world of football has changed in terms of how you deal with players and I think Giovanni has made a couple of great managerial decisions with Morelos.”

The verdict

Whatever you make of Morelos’ social media activity, it feels like the end may be in sight for the striker at Rangers.

His £33,000-per-week contract is due to expire at the end of this season, and you don’t imagine the current circumstances are particularly conducive to a renewal. Morelos has publicly expressed a desire to leave Ibrox in the past, perhaps believing that he should be playing in what he feels is a stronger league.

Maybe Rangers would even consider selling him in January, seizing upon what could be their final opportunity to cash in on the Colombian.

Everton are reportedly ‘preparing’ an official bid for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

The Lowdown: Striker needed

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proven last season and already in this one to be susceptible to injuries, meaning that he cannot be trusted to be fit for the whole campaign.

The Goodison Park outfit have of course sold Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur as well, so bringing in a new striker is imperative in order for them to achieve their goals for this term.

The Latest: Ramos bid prepared

As per Record (via Sport Witness), the Merseyside club are ‘preparing to come forward’ with a bid for Ramos, and have officially ‘joined the list of interested parties’ for his signature.

Fellow Premier League rivals Southampton, Newcastle United, Wolves and Nottingham Forest are also thought to be in for the Portugal U21 international.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given the level of competition for his signature, Frank Lampard’s team simply cannot afford to let Ramos go to a top-flight rival, and so should be doing everything that they can to get this deal done.

The 21-year-old already boasts five goals and three assists in just five games so far this season, including a hat-trick in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland (Transfermarkt).

He reportedly has a huge €120m (£100m) release clause in his contract, but the Toffees should be able to negotiate a suitable fee that would suit both clubs.

Everton talks to potentially sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja are still ‘ongoing’.

The Lowdown: Broja interest

It has been reported throughout the window that the Goodison Park outfit hold an interest in signing Broja.

Having sold Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur, on top of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury, they are in desperate need of a new striker, and after strengthening their midfield and backline with the signings of Amadou Onana and Conor Coady, it is expected that they will now go in for one.

The Latest: Toffees talks ‘ongoing’

Writing in his latest piece for iNews, journalist Mark Douglas has revealed that talks over the possible signing of Broja are ‘ongoing’.

He adds that the Merseyside club have also agreed the heavily reported deal for their former midfielder Idrissa Gueye, so can now focus their attentions on the Albania international.

The Verdict: Get it done

With their need for a striker growing by the day, Frank Lampard’s side simply need to get this deal done.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Hailed as ‘devastating‘ by Albania assistant coach Sergio Porrini, and a forward with ‘incredible pace and strength’ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, Broja rightfully received plenty of plaudits last season, as he scored nine goals in a successful loan spell at Southampton, six of them coming in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

It is easy to forget that he is still only 20 years of age as well, and so Broja has the potential to reach the very top, with the Toffees benefiting most should they be able to get him in.

Newcastle United have reportedly now ‘enquired’ over the possibility of signing Lyon attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The Lowdown: Paqueta wants to leave Lyon

It has been reported that the 24-year-old wants to leave Lyon in the current transfer window, putting the St James’ Park club on high alert.

They are thought to be interested in signing the Brazil international and could make their move before the new Premier League season starts in just over three weeks’ time.

The Latest: Newcastle enquiry

Taking to Twitter, CBS Sports Golazo journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Lyon will now ‘seriously consider’ offers in the region of £55m for Paqueta and will not stand in his way if their valuation is met.

He added that Newcastle, along with both Arsenal and AS Roma, have ‘enquired’ over the possibility of signing the 24-year-old, but they are also thought to be exploring other creative options.

The Verdict: Get it done

The prospect of Paqueta linking up with his former Lyon team-mate and fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes is a truly mouth-watering one for the Toon Army, and adding another Samba star alongside Joelinton in the middle of the park should really catch the eye.

Backed by pundit Frank McAvennie to be an ‘incredible signing’ when first linked with Newcastle, Paqueta would offer another dimension in midfield, as he scored an impressive 11 goals and supplied a further seven assists for Lyon across all competitions last season (Transfermarkt).

European football expert Alex Barker raved about the 24-year-old’s ‘phenomenal’ performances in Ligue 1, and he looks well able to make the step up to the English top flight.

Of course, at £55m, it would be a risk for Newcastle to break their club-record transfer fee on him, but Paqueta is a player who could seemingly take Eddie Howe’s side to the next level – nobody at St James’ Park managed more than eight goals last term, while only Callum Wilson struck more than five.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid full-back Manu Sanchez, according to Spanish journalist Sergio Gomez. 

The lowdown: Top talent

The left-back has enjoyed a steady rise through the youth system in the Spanish capital and has spent the last two seasons out on loan at Osasuna to further aid his development.

The 21-year-old has also been recognised at under-21 level for Spain and has been a highly-rated prospect within the academy at the Wanda Metropolitano, making 30 appearances for the La Liga club’s B team while also being handed seven senior outings.

Despite being under contract in Madrid until 2025 (Transfermarkt), Forest and a Premier League rival appear to have taken a liking to Sanchez…

The latest: Forest ‘love him’

Taking to Twitter, Gomez, who writes for major Latin football outlet Relevo, has claimed that both the Reds and Brighton are enamoured with the Spanish starlet.

It’s claimed that Sanchez wants to return to Osasuna for a third loan deal, although a permanent move away could be on the cards for the Spaniard, who was recently praised by football analyst Marcus Bring for his ‘brilliant final third threat’.

Santos said: “Theme Manu Sánchez-Atleti. The club will announce its renewal but intends to make the most of it because it has a market. The plan was to repeat a transfer (the player prioritizes Osasuna), but a transfer is no longer ruled out. Brighton and Nottingham love him.”

The verdict: Smart signing

In 2021/22, Sanchez scored once and provided three assists in 33 La Liga appearances, gaining invaluable exposure at the top level whilst earning an impressive 6.70 average Sofascore rating in the process.

Boasting strong defensive and attacking qualities including tackling and crossing (WhoScored), the attack-minded Spaniard looks ideally suited to Cooper’s style of play as the Welshman likes his full-backs to get on the ball either in a natural defensive role or as a wing-back.

Although the wide areas were a position of strength during Forest’s surge to promotion, left-back is certainly an area that Cooper will need to address before the 2022/23 season commences.

As things stand, the only natural senior option in that role is Gaetan Bong, who is set to leave the club as a free agent this week. Therefore, signing the £9m-valued Sanchez would be a smart move from the City Ground hierarchy.

Manchester United could be in for a new left-back, as Erik ten Hag is now considering a move for Argentine defender Nicolas Tagliafico.

 What’s the word?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who spoke on The United Stand about a number of potential targets that Ajax could offer Manchester United.

He claimed: “I would keep an eye on Nicolas Tagliafico until the end of the market. Not just Man United, but for many clubs [he] could be an option because he is out of contract next summer. I see him leaving this summer so it could be an interesting opportunity.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Luke Shaw’s Manchester United career has been tumultuous at best, as the full-back has struggled for fitness since signing for £27m back in 2014.

Having only featured 20 times in the league this season, the England international has not found the net in any competition and only has three assists to his name.

It is therefore unsurprising to see new manager Ten Hag head back to his old club Ajax to fix this solution and provide further competition for Alex Telles.

Tagliafico had fallen out of favour last season, however had already proven his consistency, as he boasted an average SofaScore rating of 7.17 or higher in each of his three seasons prior to 2021/22.

Shaw conversely has only ranked above this once in his entire career, back during the 2020/21 season.

Also, whilst only slightly better, the Argentina international’s four goal contributions this season combined with these ratings makes for much better viewing than his potential competition.

It is this consistency that led to former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell dubbing the 29-year-old “top-quality”.

“He’s got lots of experience in the Champions League and on the international stage so I think it would be a smart signing”, he continued.

Meanwhile, Shaw has come under fire over the years from various managers whom he has worked under. Jose Mourinho had a very public dispute with him, whilst Ralf Rangnick had claimed he was “not good enough” whilst speaking to the United hierarchy.

Former West Ham forward Frank McAvennie claimed that both he and Harry Maguire would be a “disgrace” had they performed for England following their embarrassing season with Red Devils.

The two both played roles in what is statistically the worst Manchester United team of all time.

Whilst Shaw is not the worst of the problems at Old Trafford, perhaps gutting this old squad that has a history of failure would not be such a bad idea for Ten Hag.

Shipping off those with resale value could also prove an intelligent move, as the new manager will have his eyes set on those with experience at the top level, who he knows he can trust.

As such, Romano’s latest update regarding United’s interest in a move for Tagliafico is sure to be one that will leave the Old Trafford faithful buzzing, as the 29-year-old would undoubtedly represent a huge upgrade on Ten Hag’s current options at left-back.

AND in other news: Man Utd now plotting bid for “wonderful” £69m target, he’s a huge upgrade on Rashford

One former BBC pundit has insisted that Rangers ‘can’t afford’ to let Joe Aribo leave the club for free, amid continuing uncertainty over his contract.

The Lowdown: Contract uncertainty

The 25-year-old has entered the final year of his current deal with Gers, opening up the possibility of pre-contract discussions with foreign clubs from next January.

However, speaking on Nigerian radio station Brilla FM (via Complete Sports), the former Charlton player has maintained that he is happy at Rangers and is not thinking about leaving Ibrox this summer.

Following the Light Blues’ impressive run to the Europa League final, Aribo has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with the most notable reportedly being Crystal Palace.

The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Aribo

Whelan, who used to work as a pundit for BBC Radio, has suggested that Aribo’s uncertain contract situation could force Rangers into selling him this summer rather than letting him walk away for nothing next year.

Speaking with Football Insider about the Nigeria international, the 47-year-old claimed: “They really can’t afford to lose him for free.

“As much as the European run has brought in, they still need to stay in the black and bring new players in. Especially if you’re losing players like Aribo.

“They can’t just let him walk away for free. This money generated by players is vitally important to Rangers, we know that.”

The Verdict: Rangers need the money

With Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side entering the Champions League qualifying stages in the third round, Rangers will be looking to build a squad capable of making it to the group phase.

According to The Athletic, the Light Blues could decide to sanction a significant sale this summer in order to boost their transfer budget.

Therefore, the Gers may be hesitant to run the risk of losing out on a decent fee for Aribo, which is expected to be in the region of £10m.

Therefore, an Ibrox exit this summer could the plausible for the man who former Charlton team-mate Ezri Konsa likened to a “‘left-footed Yaya Toure”.

In other news: Alex McLeish has made a big claim about Nikola Katic returning to Ibrox

Newcastle United journalist Jordan Cronin was left stunned by the injury suffered by Joelinton away at Burnley in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Revelation

Joelinton has been nothing short of a revelation for the St James’ Park faithful this season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Reborn as a central midfield player, he has only missed one game this campaign in where he has been available for selection, scoring four goals and supplying one assist in the top flight (Transfermarkt), and being a key part of the team that dug themselves out of relegation trouble under Eddie Howe.

The Latest: Injury

Joelinton was forced off injured in the opening few minutes of their 2-1 win away at Burnley this afternoon, and Cronin gave his instant reaction on Twitter.

He observed: “Joelinton departs on a stretcher. Jacob Murphy on. Horrible to see, especially after the season he’s had. All fingers crossed it isn’t serious.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is certainly a shame to see Joelinton go off in that manner, and Newcastle will now be sweating on his fitness ahead of their pre-season schedule.

It did look like a nasty one for the Brazilian, so he may not be able to recover as quickly as he would like.

Nonetheless, at least competitive football is over for a while now, which should help Joelinton in his recovery, as he will no doubt be a key player on Tyneside once again next term.

In other news, find out what ‘brilliant news’ has now emerged for Howe here!

As per ‘French sources’, speaking to The Telegraph, a big West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyes move…

Irons boss David Moyes attempted to sign the Morocco international at the start of this Premier League season, a failed bid which will arguably be rued when looking at West Ham’s most recent defensive injury crisis.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Scotsman was apparently interested in a deal to sign Aguerd but talks did not progress to the final stages, prompting Rennes’ star defender to put pen to paper on a new deal until 2025 (The Telegraph).

A key player for the Ligue 1 side over 2021/2022, it appears Moyes could now return to the charge as The Telegraph share an update.

The Latest: Telegraph share big update…

According to their ‘French sources’, the Hammers are ‘looking at reviving a deal’ for Aguerd amid Moyes’s search for a new centre-back.

The 6 foot 2 defender is apparently back on Moyes’ personal radar as he sets his sights for the summer, and what’s more, Rennes are ‘are braced for West Ham to make their move.’

The Verdict: Time to pounce?

Rated at around £20m, Aguerd could prove to be a shrewd addition going by his brilliant form over this year.

Lauded as the ‘real boss’ of Rennes by journalist and former Angers press manager Mohamed Toubache-Ter (Twitter), the 26-year-old is commanding in the air – winning more duels than any player in their squad domestically (WhoScored).

He also rules the roost in terms of clearances, averaging a colossal 4.1 of them per game, more than any West Ham player bar Kurt Zouma (WhoScored).

Going by his numbers and plaudits, Aguerd could well be the ideal man to partner Zouma under Moyes next season.

In other news: Talks held: West Ham offered five players as club chief meets them in London! Find out more here.

Here’s what the Luck Index has to say

ESPNcricinfo Stats Team04-Apr-2019Sunrisers Hyderabad got their third win a row, beating Delhi Capitals in the penultimate over. They had a bit of luck on their way there, with Jonny Bairstow dropped at the start of the innings. ESPNcricinfo’s Luck Index analyses how costly was that drop for Delhi Capitals.ESPNcricinfo LtdAxar Patel dropped Bairstow in the second over of the innings, when he had five runs off three balls. After the drop, the Bairstow scored 43 runs off 24 balls. Luck Index estimates that the drop had a positive impact of 20 runs for Sunrisers. That is, if the catch was taken, other batsmen would have faced the 24 balls that Bairstow faced and they would have scored 20 runs fewer than what Bairstow scored.Luck Index and Smart Stats are a part of Superstats, a new set of metrics by ESPNcricinfo to tell more enriching and insightful numbers-based stories. To know more about Superstats, click here.