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Matt Targett clocked up his 100th Premier League appearance as Aston Villa beat Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Targett came through Southampton’s youth ranks before joining Villa for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2019.

The left-back broke into the side that September and missed only four games between then at the end of the season, all through injury (via Transfermarkt).

This season, Dean Smith has selected him for every single Premier League match.

Targett in the running for Villa accolades

He’s been one of the standout performers as Villa, who narrowly escaped relegation in 19/20, have mounted a challenge for European qualification. Gregg Evans recently picked him out as his player of the season so far.

Amongst the Villa squad, Targett ranks second for tackles and interceptions per 90 and he’s also in the top five for successful aerial duels and accurate long passes (via WhoScored). Only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Ollie Watkins have played more minutes.

The club’s official account congratulated him on Sunday’s landmark, and plenty of supporters heaped praise on the Englishman in the replies.

Villa fans hail Targett

“The way you’ve improved this season really deserves a lot of credit”

Credit: @RJHINTONbot

“Will be European appearances soon”

Credit: @avfck1eran

“Mate I hope you leave a legacy at villa, you don’t get enough credit keep it up”

@JamesPearceSmi1

“Been brilliant all season for us”

Credit: @GW_94

“Brilliant season @Mattytargett, player of the season for me”

Credit: @nigeltaylor63

“We have the best English LB and RB in the country”

Credit: @Scott84764090

“Helluva season from this boy”

Credit: @PaddyMcConway

In other news, this Villa player came under fire from the supporters at the weekend.

Manchester United reportedly want to add to their midfield options this summer with the addition of Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

According to Fichajes, Red Devils’ boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a huge fan of the Bosnian and sees him as an ideal replacement for Fred in the heart of the United midfield.

However, Ed Woodward – who is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the year – would be rounding off his tenure with a shocking mistake should he sign-off a move.

Since arriving at the Nou Camp, Pjanic really has been underwhelming. The 31-year-old has made just 28 appearances in all competitions for the Catalans, only managing to rack up three assists. Compare this to even his last season in Turin, where he notched three goals and eight assists in all competitions, it is clear that Pjanic is currently on the decline.

That aspect is certainly exemplified by the huge hit that his transfer valuation has taken whilst in Spain.

Having been rated at £63m as recently as December 2019, the former AS Roma man now sits at just £25.2m – a huge drop of just under £38m in a year-and-a-half.

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Now over 30, there is no reason to suggest that he might be able to recover both his form and his rating.

It is mystifying then that Solskjaer wants to replace Fred – who is three years his junior – with the current Barca midfielder.

According to WhoScored, the current Manchester United man comes out on top in tackles and interceptions, clearly excelling in his preferred defensive midfield role.

Intriguingly though, the Brazilian also excels in an attacking vein too having racked up more shots, key passes and dribbles than Pjanic per game throughout 2020/21.

Again then, it seems bizarre that Solskjaer would see the Barcelona midfielder as a viable option in the centre of the park.

Should Woodward agree a deal to sign him this summer then he would be making another glaring error.

AND in more news, read which summer signing the Red Devils must hold onto for next season…

Alfredo Morelos fittingly scored his 55th Rangers league goal in the 1-1 Old Firm derby draw at the weekend and in order to keep him at Ibrox this summer, Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson should offer him a new deal.

The Colombian international has impressed for the Ibrox outfit since joining from HJK Helsinki in 2017, having made 176 appearances for the Gers, in which he has contributed a superb 93 goals and 46 assists.

The 24-year-old has played a huge part in Rangers’ title success this season, with 11 goals and three assists to his name in the Premiership so far this season.

Across his 25 appearances in the Scottish top-flight, he has averaged an excellent 7.20 rating, which is enough to see him rated as the sixth-best player across the league campaign thus far.

He was also one of Rangers’ star performers in their impressive Europa League run, as he managed three goals and five assists in just 10 appearances, averaging a 7.17 rating.

These goals were enough to see him overtake Ally McCoist as Rangers’ top scorer in European competitions with his goal against Benfica his 22nd in Europe for the Gers, although he has now extended that tally to 23 with his goal against Royal Antwerp in the 5-2 win earlier in the season.

If Rangers want him to continue scoring goals in Europe in the Champions League next season, then they should be looking to tie him down to a new deal in order to fend off some of the interest that will undoubtedly be shown in him during the summer after another successful season at Ibrox.

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Morelos’ current deal is set to expire in 2023 and with him valued at £10.8 million by Transfermarkt, interested clubs may well see the potential fee they’d have to pay as a bargain when considering his excellent goalscoring record both domestically and in Europe.

Gerrard was full of praise for Morelos back in 2019, saying:

“He deserves to be praised. I’ll never get bored of talking about him. He’s a fantastic player.”

Although the Colombian is already reportedly the highest earner at Rangers, the club should be boosted by Champions League revenue next season and will want to keep hold of their best players as they look to retain the title and challenge in Europe again next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“588789″]

Therefore, although it could be an expensive deal for Rangers to complete, Gerrard will undoubtedly want to keep him around his squad ahead of next season, so Wilson should consider offering him a new deal.

And, in other news… Forget Boupendza: Wilson can save millions with Rangers swoop for 28 y/o international

Many Everton fans have been left to buzz at some comments made by Carlo Ancelotti on the future of Richarlison and whether he will stay at Goodison Park.

As relayed by the Liverpool Echo, the Italian boss has claimed that the former Watford star will stay at the Merseyside club for as long as the gaffer does.

This has come as such a welcome relief to several Toffees supporters given just how important he has been to the team over the years.

The Brazil international has scored no fewer than 40 goals and made a further nine assists in 105 games in total over all competitions over three consecutive terms so far since arriving at the Blues (Transfermarkt), and at just 23 years of age, is a precious asset to have.

Nonetheless, it looks as if he is going to stay at Everton at least for the near future, with Ancelotti under contract at Goodison until 2024.

Everton fan reaction to Ancelotti’s Richarlison comments

These EFC supporters were left buzzing after hearing about Ancelotti’s comments on Richarlison on Twitter:

“If we can keep him for a big season next then I would be made up”

Credit: @Wazefc83

“Ooooh this I like”

Credit: @cattywhites2

“Love this!!!!!!”

Credit: @TommyHanson93

“Absolutely love this and they both are not going anywhere!!”

Credit: @TashEFC

“I hope so, the best signing we made for years was appointing Carlo, he’s happy and the players clearly are, but in order to keep the likes of Richy we need European football, we will get it if not this year its next easy but it’s keeping what we have, I think we will”

Credit: @Lano1878

“I want them to stay forever”

Credit: @CherylSwanick

In other news, find out what triple injury blow Everton have been dealt ahead of West Brom here!

Former Premier League defender Danny Mills believes that Celtic defender Jack Hendry could work his way into the new manager’s plans for next season.

Hendry’s possible return

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Belgian Jupiler League outfit Oostende for the second season running after being edged out of the Hoops’ starting XI following a serious knee injury which saw him sidelined for a significant amount of time.

Hendry found himself heavily scrutinised by many of the Parkhead faithful during his time in Glasgow and told the BBC that he is open to any opportunity for the 2021/22 campaign, saying: “I’m open to anything that comes my way.

“It’s vital that wherever I choose next season, I need to play every week to continue my development. If Celtic want to keep me, that’s something they would need to make a decision on.”

However, after Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Dundee United confirmed Rangers as this season’s champions, Celtic can now turn their focus to what will be the most important summer in recent years.

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills believes that Hendry could play a key role for Celtic if allowed to stay at Parkhead next season. The former England defender said:

“There’s always a chance when a new manager comes in. New brush, sweeps clean and all that. Everybody’s got a fresh start and a new chance. There’s always an opportunity.

“I would always say to players coming back use the summer very wisely. The first thing a new manager is going to look at is attitude, the second thing he’s going to look at is fitness.

“If you come back in pre-season in fantastic shape and you’ve got a great attitude that doesn’t half go a long way to making a huge impressing on a new manager.

“Any player that wants to have a chance and do anything like that, that would be my recommendation. Get yourselves in great shape because first impressions make a huge difference.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

This might not be the news that many disparaging Celtic supporters will want to hear if this turns out to be the case, with the much-maligned Hendry often overlooked for even a substitute’s place over the last couple of years when he has been at the club.

We don’t expect any decisions to be made regarding the new manager until Dominic McKay takes his seat in his new position as chief executive, but Mills raises a good point that all players deserve to be considered fairly regardless of what has gone on before.

Time will tell whether Hendry’s future lies at Celtic or elsewhere.

In other news, ‘Players will become better’ – Pundit urges Celtic to secure ‘incredible’ manager target.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has revealed that Glasgow Rangers have failed to match UEFA’s wage-to-turnover ratio this season.

Maguire reveals UEFA issue

The Gers have spent £43.3m on wages across the 2020/21 campaign, which represents 73% of their turnover – UEFA want clubs to hit 70% or below.

However, speaking to Football Insider, Maguire believes the Gers have actually done well this term given the effects of the ongoing global pandemic. He said:

“The UEFA target rate is below 70 per cent. But given that the 74 per cent contains an element of Covid in the sense that they weren’t able to play all matches last season in front of a paying crowd.

“It would have been lower if that wasn’t the case. So I think it’s a pretty decent achievement all-round.

“West Ham’s was 94 per cent, Everton’s was 91 per cent and we’re seeing some horrendous numbers coming through south of the border.

“Given that the Scottish clubs are more reliant on ticket sales than English clubs because the TV deal is worth much less, it’s good work from Rangers.”

Still promising

Normally, those figures would be particularly alarming for Ross Wilson and co, and even in this current climate they will want to improve on those numbers as soon as possible. However, as Maguire explains, the Gers have been deprived of having fans at Ibrox, which is an important source of income for the 55-time Scottish champions.

An appearance in the Champions League group stage next season would only boost the Gers’ coffers. This is a promising time to be a Rangers fan or to be involved with the club – everyone must work to make sure the Gers remain on top of their finances.

In other news, some Rangers fans hammered this man’s performance against Celtic.

According to The Bournemouth Echo, Glasgow Rangers are closing in on the signing of Nnamdi Ofoborh.

What’s the word?

The 21-year-old midfielder has been a bit-part player for Bournemouth this season, playing just five games across all competitions for the Cherries, but has shone on those rare appearances so far.

The Bournemouth Echo claims he has been locked in negotiations with Rangers over a pre-contract agreement ahead of a possible move to Ibrox in the summer.

And now, Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall has confirmed he is “close to agreeing things” with Rangers.

Steven Davis 2.0?

Rangers are pretty well-stocked in their midfield options following the capture of Bongani Zungu during the extended summer transfer window.

Zungu, though, has struggled to make a big impact, as he is yet to start in the Scottish Premiership so far. It might seem harsh but the Bafana-Bafana midfielder will need to do a lot more to firmly establish himself in Steven Gerrard’s plans.

Steven Davis and Ryan Jack have been Gerrard’s go-to options to complement Glen Kamara in his preferred three-man midfield. Whilst Davis has been in exceptional form so far this season, there are still question marks over Jack’s fitness after an injury-stricken campaign.

Suffice to say, Rangers need a quality midfielder to reduce the workload of the likes of Davis and Jack, and signing Ofoborh could be a wise investment for the future.

He may have only made three appearances in the Championship this season but Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is a big admirer of his talents after he made waves with his impressive performances for Wycombe Wanderers.

“Yo Nnamdi, what’s up man? It’s your boy PP,” he said following the Chairboys’ promotion to the Championship. “I heard about you, I just wanted to congratulate you on your promotion to the Championship. I heard about your long journey, in football and outside football. For sure, it’s not easy, it’s difficult what you did.”

“I just want to wish you the best – carry on, keep it up, keep doing what you’re doing man. I’m going to be looking after you, and looking at what you’re doing until you get to the Premier League. Keep it up my G, be together, peace man.”

Like Davis, Ofoborh is predominantly a right-footed player, and the comparisons don’t stop there, either. Last season, the Englishman, described as “reliable”, averaged 1.1 tackles per game, just shy of Davis’ 1.1 per 90 in the Premiership this season so far, via WhoScored.

Whilst he is still at the early stages of his career, his eye-catching performances for Gareth Ainsworth’s side suggest that he has the potential to play at a high level. Given his age, he may not be a regular starter for Rangers, but he’d add depth as a backup option in the midfield.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers dealt Wigan Athletic striker Kyle Joseph transfer blow…

The fixtures come thick and fast in December, and Leeds United will be pleased that they face a damaged Newcastle squad only five days after their 2-1 defeat to West Ham at Elland Road. Phil Hay has provided an injury update for supporters after hearing from Marcelo Bielsa.

The latest on Leeds

Hay tweeted from Bielsa’s pre-match press conference: “No new injury updates from Bielsa’s latest presser. He did say he’s going to refrain from naming his full team in public from now on, not because he thinks it’s wrong but because it became a talking point last week.”

Llorente still out

With players like Jamie Shackleton returning from injury, Bielsa only has four players missing, which is probably the fewest he has had since the club returned to the Premier League.

The bad news though is the fact that three of these injuries are to defenders, and with Leeds conceding the joint-second most goals in the division, no ‘new’ updates means no new additions, namely Diego Llorente, to the back four that struggled against West Ham.

Due to these injuries, the manager had to move Luke Ayling from the right-back position to centre-back against the Hammers. He actually picked up the best rating on the pitch (8.0), but the gaps in the defence were there for all to see and the Hammers really should have bagged more.

Ayling has also been a vital asset for the attacking game plan, and last month, the defender was in the top three Premier League defenders with the most passes into the final third this season.

So, Llorente in particular still being out is a big blow. Robin Koch is out long term, but Llorente is the one fans must be praying will return sooner rather than later.

Guillem Balague praised Llorente for his athleticism and ball-playing ability, calling him a ‘top player’ and saying he is ‘fantastic with long passing’, and the fact that he not only is he missing but that his absence will likely force Ayling into unfamiliar territory again, is a big loss for Bielsa.

In other Leeds news one star has been praised by legend Deco, have a read who it is here!

Many Liverpool fans reacted in delight over a transfer update regarding Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba.

According to Goal journalist Romeo Agresti (via Anfield Edition), the Reds have submitted a contract worth in the region of £9m a year in line to a free transfer in the summer, with his Bavarian contract due to expire at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

If this deal was to go through, the Austria international will reunite with his former teammate Thiago Alcantara – who left the Bundesliga champions to join Jurgen Klopp’s side for £20m.

Alaba has been hugely successful with Bayern, winning nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues with over 400 appearances to his name (TransferMarkt).

In light of Liverpool’s catastrophic injury crisis at the back, with both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez ruled out for a significant time, supporters were keen to see Alaba in a red shirt as soon as possible.

Fans gush over Alaba bid

“Big if true”

Credit: @benharding__

“We really need this guy, he will fit in directly”

Credit: @slivarado

“Amazing, really versatile player and a great Wijnaldum replacement (can play in the midfield), but we need him NOW, not in the Summer, this doesn’t help us at all right now”

Credit: @anfieldfocusuk

“Pleaseeee”

Credit: @sisenor_9

“Oh yes please”

Credit: @frickkerrr

“Get it done”

Credit: @ElliottPurcell2

In other news, Paul Joyce drops huge Michael Edwards claim which will be grim news for Liverpool fans.

With the transfer window reaching its conclusion, Celtic are working on two deals before the deadline closes.

What’s the word?

Late last night we received word that Jonjoe Kenny was set to join the Hoops on loan from Everton. However, another loan deal could be on the cards for Neil Lennon’s side.

On Deadline Day, it was reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph that Celtic were interested in signing Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga.

It’s thought that the 21-year-old will find out later whether he is free to leave for a temporary switch. Two Premier League club’s are also eyeing a move for the young defender.

Sky Sports claims that he is one of a number of defenders the Bhoys are considering before the window closes.

Forget Duffy

Signing another centre-back in January is of utmost importance for Celtic. They have been shocking in that department this season, shipping 19 goals in six Europa League outings and letting in 13 more than Rangers domestically.

It’s been a horror show for Celtic and a large part of that has been down to Shane Duffy. The Brighton loanee has made numerous blunders in recent weeks and months. He was nearly sent off in the Old Firm derby and is making a succession of lacklustre errors.

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Signing Tanganga, therefore, would be a huge bonus. Not only can he play in the middle but he’s also a capable full-back so like Kristoffer Ajer, would provide Lennon with an enormous amount of versatility.

Unlike Duffy, his decision making seems to be better and pivotally, quicker. After his Spurs debut last year, Tony Cascarino commented: “He runs with pace and you can tell he sees things quickly, he gets there. He made a couple of last-ditch challenges.”

This has the potential to be huge for Celtic. Duffy is typically a slow player and relies on his big frame to outmuscle defenders. Tanganga, though, is not only physical but can use his pace to recover and make important tackles.

If Celtic can sign the £25k-per-week youngster, it would be a great way to end the window.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Soro: Celtic must make late swoop for 28 y/o brute likened to Vieira…