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One of the major transfer stories surrounding Rangers at present is the uncertainty surrounding the future of striker Alfredo Morelos, with the Colombian striker having just a year remaining on his existing deal at Ibrox.

Although there have been reports that the Old Firm outfit are keen to tie him down to a new deal, there is a real risk that the Glasgow giants will be forced into a sale this summer, in order to avoid letting him depart Rangers for nothing in 12 months time.

Signed from HJK Helsinki for just £1m in 2017, the 25-year-old has gone on to become a cult figure for the Gers, netting 113 goals and providing 51 assists in 224 games in all competitions thus far, including 27 goal contributions from the most recent campaign.

The £33k-per-week ace’s season had been cut short due to to injury, leading to very real fears that he could have already played his last game for the club, with concerns now as to just how the club will be able to replace him.

Well, one name that has emerged as a possible new centre-forward addition who could potentially fill Morelos’ shoes long-term is Aston Villa youngster Cameron Archer, with the 20-year-old tipped to make the move north of the border.

The latest suggestion from The Athletic is that Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keen to look more closely at the Englishman in pre-season – with the striker having been on loan at Preston North End last term – before deciding whether or not to let him leave, most likely on a temporary deal.

Having already seen their 16-year-old sensation Rory Wilson make the controversial move to join the Midlands side, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and co could get their own back by plucking Archer this summer, with the promising starlet a player who could make a real difference in the Dutchman’s side.

The £5.4m-rated speedster – who has already scored four goals in just six senior appearances for his parent club – caught the eye during his stint at Deepdale last term, chipping in with seven goals and one assist from his 20 league appearances for the Championship side.

While that respectable return has undoubtedly caught the eye of potential suitors, it is his form on the international stage that has really catapulted him into wider focus in recent weeks, the Walsall-born marksman having scored four goals in his last three games for the Three Lions at U21 level.

That electric, post-season form has seen him dubbed a “goal machine” by Ty Bracey, with all the indicators pointing to a prodigious talent who is only set explode in the coming years.

The loss of Morelos would be a sizeable blow for the Scottish Premiership side, although they can perhaps find his heir in young Archer.

AND in other news, “Rangers will…”: Jordan Campbell drops big transfer update, supporters will be livid…

Tullio Tinti has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Alessandro Bastoni.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Sportitalia (via Football Italia), the 23-year-old’s agent revealed that, despite his client being more than happy to remain at Inter Milan this summer, Bastoni will adjust his outlook according to the whims of the transfer market. The Serie A club desperately need to raise funds, while Tottenham are willing to pay the centre-back’s £54m asking price.

Concerning the Italy international’s future, Tinti said: “He is certainly a big fan of the team he plays for, so he will happily remain at Inter. However, he is also a professional. This is football and he has to adjust. It’s clear he is very happy to play for Inter and feels this jersey like a tattoo on his skin.”

Conte will be buzzing

With it being widely reported that Antonio Conte had identified Bastoni as his primary target for a new left-sided centre-back in the summer transfer window, the 52-year-old will surely be buzzing with the defender’s agent seemingly opening the door – in the words of the Daily Mail journalist James Cohen – for Fabio Paratici to move for the Inter starlet.

It is not difficult to see why the Spurs boss is keen to secure a deal for the £60m-rated talent this summer, as Bastoni perfectly fits the bill of the left-footed ball-playing defender that Conte is looking to add to his Tottenham side ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

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Indeed, according to FBRef data, the £122k-per-week youngster ranks in the top 14% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 25% for pass completion, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 22% for dribbles completed, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for pressures over the last 12 months.

As such, Tinti’s hint that the player who LiveScore’s Mitch Fretton dubbed “world-class” may well be forced into leaving the San Siro this summer is undoubtedly fantastic news for Tottenham and Conte, with the 23-year-old’s agent’s comments certainly appearing to indicate that a deal is there to be done for Paratici in the coming weeks.

AND in other news – “For sure..”: Italian journalist drops £100m Spurs transfer claim, supporters will love it

Manchester United have initiated contact with the representatives of Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, according to reports in Spain.

The lowdown: Exit pending

Out of contract at the end of June (Transfermarkt), the future of Dembele at the Camp Nou has never been more uncertain.

Linked with a host of the elite clubs around Europe including Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea, it seems inevitable that the 25-year-old will leave the Catalan giants five years after signing for an eye-watering £135.5million from Borussia Dortmund (BBC).

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However, the Red Devils could also be in the mix as Erik ten Hag attempts to strengthen the Old Trafford ranks in his first window at the helm.

The latest: United interest

As per reports in the Spanish press, Manchester United are believed to have ‘contacted’ the agent of the flying Frenchman.

It’s claimed that only a ‘miracle’ would see Dembele stay at Barcelona and as such, the Red Devils’ boss has personally ‘requested the hiring’ of the World Cup winner.

The report also states that United will put a ‘blank cheque on the table’, although the man once hailed for his ‘frightening pace’ by Lionel Messi would likely reject a move to Manchester due to the absence of UEFA Champions League football.

The verdict: An unnecessary addition

Despite possessing undoubted mesmerising skill and direct running ability, labelled a ‘phenomenon’ by Messi, signing Dembele would see the wide department overflow at Old Trafford with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and returning loanee Amad Diallo all vying for a spot on either wing.

Badly hit by injuries during a stop-start Barcelona career, the 27-cap France ace remained relatively fit throughout 2021/22 and managed 15 direct goal contributions in 32 appearances across all competitions.

Regardless of this form, even without the requirement of a transfer fee, United would be well served to avoid shelling out likely extortionate wages for the man currently earning £287,000 per week in Spain – he has missed over 100 games through injury during his time in Catalonia.

In other news, Erik ten Hag could be key in luring this star to Old Trafford.

Liverpool are now in the market to sign another attacking player after reports have emerged that Sadio Mane will leave the club this summer and an update on a potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to news outlet Football.London, Liverpool were set to make a huge bid for Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min this summer had the North London club failed to secure a top-four Premier League finish this season.

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As per the report, the Merseyside had been planning to make a move due to the likelihood that either Mane or Mohamed Salah could leave Anfield and identified Son as a potential transfer target to replace one of their forwards.

Liverpool are sadly not expected to make an approach following Spurs’ Champions League qualification.

Any deal would have cost a sizeable amount with Chris Waddle suggesting he is a player now worth in the region of £125m.

Liverpool’s next Mo Salah

Although a deal for Son is seemingly unlikely following the aforementioned report, signing the player would be a major coup for Liverpool as he could have easily become the club’s next Salah if he was to make the move to Anfield.

According to FBref, the Egyptian winger is considered one of the ten most comparable players to Son this season, and it is no wonder they are so closely similar after the pair won the joint Premier League golden boot in the most recent campaign, scoring 23 goals each.

Although Salah has had more shots on target (49), the Spurs winger has a much better percentage of shots that are on target overall (54.7%) and Son has completed more passes (933) compared to the Liverpool star too.

With that being said, due to the fact that Mane could potentially leave this summer and Salah has not sealed his future a the club beyond the one year that is left on his contract, Liverpool should explore the potential of signing Son more seriously as he is not only Premier League proven but is a like for like replacement that could really work.

He also has that sneaky ability to rile his opponents with the Independent claiming he has a “mastery for the dark arts” this term.

The 131-goal star who was also dubbed “special” by Antonio Conte is tied into a contract at his current club until 2025, so if FSG did want to land a deal for the forward in the future they would need to make an ostentatious bid that Daniel Levy could not refuse.

AND in other news: Forget Mane: Klopp can land new LFC hero in deal for “tenacious” £100m “predator” 

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has delivered a damning assessment of the role of previous Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick. 

The lowdown: False dawn

Appointed as interim manager last November following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from the Old Trafford hot seat, Rangnick was tasked with the job of resurrecting the 2021/22 campaign.

Instead, the Red Devils slipped further down the Premier League table as the experienced German coach was unable to address the key issues facing the squad.

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Despite the ongoing on-field struggles and being named Austria national team boss recently, the 63-year-old is expected to carry on in a pre-agreed consultancy role at United, with Erik ten Hag taking over as manager.

The latest: Rangnick told to ‘just go’

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT pundit Agbonlahor urged United to part ways with Rangnick after what has been an unsuccessful spell at Old Trafford.

The former Aston Villa striker said: “Ten Hag will want Rangnick to just go. If I was Ten Hag I would tell Rangnick to go and say ‘I’ll do this myself. You’ve done nothing since you’ve come in, I want to start fresh with my own staff’. I don’t think he needs Rangnick there at all.

“It doesn’t make sense for him to still be there anyway with him taking the Austria job. He should be gone.”

The verdict: He’s right

At the time of Rangnick’s appointment, the decision to bring him in with a view to staying on appeared to be a sensible stop-gap option, with the 63-year-old boasting an impressive coaching CV.

However, it simply hasn’t worked out, winning just 11 of his 28 matches in charge; and after Ten Hag remained coy on the role of the German when admitting that he will ‘analyse’ the situation by himself upon arriving at Old Trafford, it may well be time for the club to cut ties with the former RB Leipzig boss.

Furthermore, Rangnick has already accepted another role with Austria and will likely be unable to commit to the Red Devils fully as the club attempts to undergo a much-needed root-and-branch overhaul, so we think Agbonlahor is right to call for the German’s exit from United altogether.

In other news: Man Utd and Ten Hag launch ‘important offer’ to sign ‘the future’ of football along with De Jong

A significant West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Wolfsburg forward and current Torino loanee Josip Brekalo.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing fresh faces…

Hammers boss David Moyes, having guided his side through another memorable Premier League season, reportedly has fresh faces on the agenda before the beginning of 2022/2023.

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The Times say he’s set to target a central defender, new midfielder and striker with West Ham having failed to bolster the latter position in January.

Moyes needs an alternative option to Michail Antonio given the Jamaica international’s concerning injury record in past campaigns with news now emerging on Croatia international Brekalo.

The Latest: West Ham open discussions…

According to Calciomercato.it, West Ham have opened discussions to sign Brekalo by expressing their interest – emerging as one of the clubs to either lodge a ‘draft offer’ or ‘formal request of information’.

Indeed, the Italian source also claims that Moyes’ side have made a ‘concrete’ pre-summer move for Brekalo alongside the likes of Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt and Southampton.

The Verdict: Ideal man?

The 30-cap ace has seriously impressed whilst on loan in Serie A from Wolfsburg with members of the media even calling his form ‘frightening’ (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette).

His seven goals and two assists domestically just scratch the surface of his quality with Brekalo also averaging more key passes per 90 than any regular Torino regular over 2021/2022 (WhoScored).

The forward averages 1.3 successful take-ons per 90, a greater number than all of his teammates, leaving little wonder Moyes and co have now made contact.

In other news: Report: Moyes now very likely to make major bid for ‘world class’ player who ‘likes’ West Ham! Find out more here.

Celtic will tie up a deal for Jota ‘as soon as possible’, BBC pundit Alan Hutton has told Football Insider. 

The lowdown

Jota, who’s owned by Primeira Liga outfit Benfica, is coming to the end of his season-long loan spell at Celtic.

The Hoops, who clinched the Scottish Premiership title in midweek, conclude their campaign at home to Motherwell on Saturday.

But the 23-year-old could yet join long term, with Ange Postecoglou’s side able to trigger a £6.7million purchase option under the terms of the agreement.

Celtic also have a decision to make over Cameron Carter-Vickers, whose parent club is Tottenham Hotspur. He would cost an initial £6million, potentially rising to £10million.

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The latest

Hutton, a commentator for BBC Sport, says Jota can continue build on an ‘incredible’ first season at Parkhead.

He tells FI that Jota is a favourite among the Hoops faithful and that he has stood up to the pressure admirably.

“Jota’s only 23-years-old, he’s still developing. He’s probably only going to get better, I think he can get better.

“What he’s done this season has been incredible, for him to come from his parent club, where he’s not really been playing.

“Benfica are a big club in their own right but to come to another club where there’s a lot of pressure, to perform at such a young age, he’s stood up to that task.

“Jota’s that player fans want to see. He’s exciting, he takes people on, he makes things happen, he scores goals and ticks all the boxes.”

Hutton expects Celtic to activate their option to buy swiftly to avoid any uncertainty.

“So for £6.7million, I would expect them to do that as soon as possible. That means he is settled as a player and all the Celtic fans are happy. He can then just concentrate solely on his football moving forward.”

The verdict

It should be stressed that £6.7million isn’t small change for Celtic. That outlay would make Jota the eighth-biggest signing in the club’s history.

But significantly, the club are due to reap the financial rewards of qualifying for the Champions League group stage for winning the SPFL. In the circumstances, then, it’s a no-brainer for the club.

Jota leads the way in the Celtic squad for overall goal involvements (24, four clear of Liel Abada), assists (12, three clear of Tom Rogic) and is second only to Kyogo Furuhashi (15) for goals (12).

Pundit Marvin Batley has billed him as a striker’s ‘dream’, while Postecogolou has dubbed him ‘unbelievable’.

If no option to buy had been agreed last summer, then Benfica would surely have been demanding more than £6.7million off the back of a season like this.

In other news, a Celtic transfer target has emerged.

Liverpool have reportedly received a boost in their hopes of signing Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports coming out of France.

What’s the word?

As per Foot Mercato, Jurgen Klopp’s side have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the report suggesting that the Anfield outfit are ‘ideally placed’ to secure a deal.

A move to Merseyside is also believed to be ‘a priority’ for the young Frenchman, albeit with La Liga giants Real Madrid not yet out of the running as they look to freshen up their ageing midfield ranks.

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This follows a report from 90min earlier in the month which revealed that both Champions League finalists had spoken with the Ligue 1 outfit to ‘register their interest’ in the player, with the club’s asking price set at roughly €60m (£50.4m).

Fabinho upgrade

The base of Klopp’s midfield may not appear to be an area in need of strengthening, but despite his relative youth Tchouameni could actually prove to be an upgrade on current Reds starter Fabinho.

The former Bordeaux starlet has been in stunning form at the Stade Louis II this season, chipping in with three goals and two assists in Ligue 1 thus far, while also averaging a remarkable 2.9 interceptions and 2.5 tackles per game and winning 64% of his duels.

By contrast, Brazilian star Fabinho has enjoyed a surprisingly profitable campaign in front of goal with five league goals to his name thus far, although his defensive statistics are less impressive, as he has averaged 1.4 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per game, while also just winning 50% of his duels.

Can’t get enough Liverpool football content? Watch Liverpool FC live streams and other videos at StreamFootball.tv.

Equally, Tchouameni has also performed favourably up against those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 1% for interceptions made and top 17% for tackles made, while the current Reds midfielder ranks in just the top 25% for interceptions and 35% for tackles made.

Of course, there is a difference in the standard of the Premier League and the French top flight to take into account, although such records illustrate the undoubted quality that the youngster is already showing, having proven himself as more than just a player with potential.

The £36m-rated gem – who has been tipped to become the “complete midfielder” by Monaco team-mate Cesc Fabregas – has also demonstrated his vast talent on the international stage, partnering Manchester United’s Paul Pogba in the centre of the pitch as France claimed the Nations League title last year.

It may prove to be a bold move, although Klopp and co will surely reap the rewards of replicating their 2018 raid on Monaco to sign Fabinho, in this case getting someone who could be an upgrade again.

In other news: Liverpool eye bid for exciting wonderkid, he could become a “scary” £127m-rated talent

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Raheem Sterling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a claim made by Ben Jacobs, with the CBS Sports Golazo presenter revealing in a recent interview with The Gooner Talk that, despite recent reports linking Arsenal with a move for the Manchester City forward at the end of the current campaign, it is actually Spurs who are leading the race to sign the 27-year-old.

The journalist goes on to state that this is down to Tottenham offering the England international assurances about his position in their first-team squad, while it is also believed that the former Liverpool starlet is keen to work under the management of Antonio Conte.

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Regarding the interest in Sterling, Jacobs said:  “Sterling is an interesting one, because I do think that the door is open for Sterling to leave Manchester City. I think there will be almost a North London derby-style pursuit for Sterling and, from what I gather, should he leave Manchester City, Tottenham are ahead of Arsenal in that particular pursuit.

“So, if Sterling is to join Arsenal, then Edu and [Mikel] Arteta are going to have to move quite quickly, but I think that Sterling is very intent – even though he will know Arteta very well – to play under Conte as his next manager if he is to make a move.

“The reason for that is because Tottenham have given him guarantees about style and about position. I think that Tottenham’s pitch is around ‘let’s get you back to doing what you do best,’ which is scoring goals, and I think Arsenal’s pitch is going to be ‘let’s get you back to what you did at the beginning of your career,’ which is being a very fluid, very versatile wide player that cuts inside.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a forward Sterling quite clearly is, the prospect of the winger linking up with the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is sure to be something that will have left the Spurs faithful buzzing, particularly if Fabio Paratici can land the 27-year-old ahead of Arsenal.

Indeed, according to FBref statistics, the £76.5m-rated attacker ranks in the top 15% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty xG per 90 minutes, as well as the top 22% for assists, the top 16% for xA, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes completed, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 3% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.

The £200k-per-week dynamo’s defensive metrics are also impressive, with FBref ranking the 74-time capped international in the top 17% of forward’s in Europe’s big five leagues for tackles per 90, in addition to the top 23% for interceptions over the last year.

Speaking more generally, it is clear to see that the signing of a player who has scored 153 goals and registered 118 assists over his 466 appearances for both Liverpool and Manchester City would be an excellent addition to Spurs’ current attacking options – with Sterling boasting an extremely impressive record of a direct goal involvement every 126 minutes of football played.

As such, should Tottenham go on to land the 27-year-old – who is reportedly available for around £45m – this summer, it would certainly appear something of a coup for Paratici and Conte, while also being a signing that could help to transform Spurs from a top-four contender to a title challenger next season.

AND in other news: “Being monitored”: Kilpatrick drops Spurs transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Paddy Kenny has been left reacting to some Everton news that has now emerged on Richarlison ahead of the clash with Leicester City.

The Lowdown: Investigation

As per iNews, Richarlison is now being investigated by the police, after he threw a lit flare while celebrating his winning goal during the 1-0 win against Chelsea in the Premier League at Goodison Park last weekend.

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The Brazil international is also at risk of disciplinary action from the FA, although they have paused their own investigation for now.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United and Sheffield United goalkeeper Kenny has now given his reaction to the news, claiming he will be ‘lucky’ to avoid a ban, which will be a big ‘blow’:

“He will be lucky to avoid a ban for that, you can’t do it.

“I get that emotions get high. Everton are in a real pressure situation and everyone is stressed.

“There are processes in place for this. You leave the flare and a steward will come on and deal with it.

“I don’t know where Richarlison was trying to throw it. I’m sure he wasn’t trying to hit a fan.

“But he could have really hurt someone. Even after carrying it around, I’m not sure why he threw it into where people were sitting.

“He will be fined, there is no doubt about that. I think the FA would be well within their rights to ban him which would be a blow to Everton.

“He is the guy to score the goals to get them out of this so if he gets banned he will look very silly.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It certainly is worrying that Richarlison could now receive a ban for his actions, given that there are only a few games left of the season to go.

It is not clear how many matches he would be banned for, but starting with a trip to Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, the Toffees have some winnable fixtures coming up that will be crucial in getting them out of the relegation zone.

With four goals and one assist in his last six appearances in the top flight, including the winner against Chelsea last time out (Transfermarkt), Richarlison is a player on form, and so losing him will certainly hinder their chances of winning some of those remaining games.

In other news, find out what big Blues transfer boost has now emerged here!