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Rangers are reportedly hoping to tie forward Alfredo Morelos down to a new contract this summer, amid uncertainty over the striker’s future at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

As per Rangers Review, the Old Firm outfit are keen to extend the 25-year-old’s stay at Rangers by offering the player a new deal behind the scenes, with just a year remaining on his existing contract.

The 11-cap international – who joined the Glasgow side on a £1m deal from HJK Helsinki back in 2017 – has frequently been linked with a departure throughout his time in Scotland, with some suggesting that he could well finally depart this summer.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst and co will no doubt be hoping to avoid that scenario – as well as the prospect of losing him for nothing next term – hence the desire to extend his deal.

Best business of the window

Although the current window will largely be dominated by talk of who will be coming into the club to help the Gers bounce back from last season’s Scottish Premiership disappointment, ensuring that their key man doesn’t find a new home could prove to be the most important piece of business of the summer.

Morelos has proven himself a lethal, goalscoring presence since his move five years ago, having netted an impressive 113 goals and provided a further 51 assists in just 224 games in all competitions.

That remarkable tally was bolstered by another standout scoring campaign during the 2021/22 season, as the £11.7m-rated powerhouse provided 27 goal contributions across all fronts, notably netting 12 goals and adding seven assists in just 26 league outings.

That haul would no doubt have been far greater had he not been struck down by a thigh injury for the final few months of the season, forcing him to miss the final three knockout rounds of the club’s lengthy Europa League run, as well as the Scottish Cup triumph over Hearts.

While that latter success proved that Van Bronckhorst’s men can still perform without their leading striker, that’s not to say that they will be wishing to see the back of him any time soon, with it unlikely they will be able to secure a like-for-like replacement who won’t cost over the odds.

Equally, the £33k-per-week brute is not simply just a goalscorer, with his physical presence in leading the line also proving vital, with ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose having dubbed him “very difficult” to defend against following the two sides’ meeting earlier this year.

Such talents don’t present themselves too regularly, particuarly not for the type of figures that Rangers are likely to spend, ensuring it is integral that the club do manage to tie him down to an extension in the coming weeks and months. It could be the best business that they do all window.

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

Morgan Sanson has failed to win over Aston Villa fans since his switch from Marseille and it seems as if he could be on his way out of Villa Park this summer.

What’s the word?

Reports from earlier this year tipped Sanson for an exit after a disappointing spell in England, which has seen him make just 20 appearances in all competitions, in which he has failed to score or assist.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Josh Holland said:

“I think Tyrone Mings will be given another chance at Villa; I don’t think he’s been that bad to be sold. But Sanson, I think he’s more or less done.”

Villa supporters will be buzzing

Given Sanson’s less than impressive performances, Villa fans will surely be glad to see the back of Sanson and will be hoping that the club can recuperate a good portion of the £16m they paid Marseille to sign him in 2021.

The 27-year-old is contracted at Villa Park until 2025, so fans will be desperate to see him leave for a fee before then, otherwise, the club will continue to pay him for sitting on the bench.

With Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara having already joined Villa on permanent deals so far this summer, playing time will perhaps be even harder for Sanson to come by next season, and it will surely be best for all parties if he departs.

Last season saw the Frenchman make just ten appearances in the top-flight, seven of which came from the bench, as he averaged a disappointing 6.34 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranked him as the second-worst player in Villa’s squad of those to make at least ten appearances, which shows just how poor he has been for the Villans in his time at the club.

Fans will be hoping that Holland’s claim is true and that Sanson is on the brink of leaving the club as unfortunately it simply hasn’t worked out for the former Marseille man in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Gerrard can unleash Villa’s next Grealish in teenage sensation

Rangers fans were boosted by the surprise news yesterday that Connor Goldson had signed a new four-year deal at Ibrox, despite heavy reported interest from south of the border.

The centre-back followed in the footsteps of Steven Davis, who also committed to a new one-year deal earlier in the week, and it seems as if the good news won’t end there for Rangers fans.

What’s the word?

Daily Record journalist Mark Guidi has made a bold claim about the future of Allan McGregor, with the 40-year-old currently out of contract with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, he said: “I don’t think he’s ready to give that up. He’s got far too much to offer as a goalkeeper. I’d be absolutely astonished if he does not sign a new one-year deal with Rangers.”

Supporters will love it

McGregor has made 446 appearances across two separate spells at Rangers and will undoubtedly go down as one of the greats, but his performances this season suggest that he still has something to offer at Ibrox.

The veteran shot-stopper conceded just 25 goals in 29 league appearances this season and was also a crucial part of the Gers’ run to the Europa League final, making 14 appearances in the competition before the penalty shootout heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt.

McGregor received a standing ovation when he replaced Jon McLaughlin for the final minute of Rangers’ Scottish Cup final win against Hearts last month and it is clear that he has established himself as a fan favourite during his time at Ibrox.

Tam MacManus was full of praise for the former Hull man after that appearance. He said: “I think he’s Rangers’ best ever goalkeeper personally.

“Andy Goram would be up there. Stefan Klos wasn’t at Rangers a long time.

“But for me, Allan McGregor in terms of longevity and what he’s achieved, is right up there.”

Although van Bronckhorst may feel that a younger ‘keeper is needed at Rangers next season, McGregor undoubtedly still has something to offer the Teddy Bears and from what Guidi suggests, it seems as if a new one-year deal is on the horizon for the Gers legend, something that supporters will no doubt love.

And in other news: Rangers can unearth Bassey 2.0 by signing “brave” 21 y/o gem with “so much ability”…

Rangers ended their 2021/22 campaign on a high as they won the Scottish Cup final to bring one trophy back to Ibrox.

The Gers missed out on silverware in the Premiership and the Europa League as they finished runners-up in both competitions.

Gio van Bronckhorst will now have his first summer transfer window in charge to improve his team in order to go again next term with the hope of winning more than one trophy.

One position in which he is looking to strengthen is at centre-back as the club have been linked with a move for Cameron Humphreys.

The defender is set to leave Belgian outfit Zulte Waregem at the end of his contract this summer and Rangers are reportedly interested in signing him, alongside a number of teams from England.

Van Bronckhorst has a difficult situation to manage at centre-back as Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson are out of contract and Calvin Bassey has been touted with an Ibrox exit.

Imagine him & John Souttar

However, Souttar will be arriving from Hearts ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and he can form a dream partnership with Humphreys at the back.

The Scotland international is a proven, quality, Premiership performer who can slot straight into the team and lead the backline next term. In the top-flight this season, the 25-year-old averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.30 in 27 appearances.

He won a whopping 71% of his duels and made 3.9 clearances per game as he made himself a rock at the back for Hearts. Souttar has shown that he can deliver on a consistent basis and this means that he would be the perfect partner for a young player coming in from abroad – Humphreys.

The 23-year-old defender won 71% of his aerial battles and 62% of his duels in total in the top-flight of Belgian football in the season just gone, showing that he can be physically dominant and not be bullied by the opposition. He also made 2.2 tackles and interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game as he showcased some strong defensive instincts.

Humphreys is untested in the Premiership, though, and this is why pairing him with a proven quantity – Souttar – can make for the perfect blend at the heart of van Bronckhorst’s defence.

Former Man City coach Simon Davies once claimed that the gem can become a “real leader” and this highlights the potential he has from a mental standpoint. He can grow into a key figure on and off the pitch with his leadership skills, which can also be aided by Souttar’s presence – who has captained Hearts in the past.

It is now down to Ross Wilson to convince the Englishman to turn down interest from his home country to make the switch to Glasgow as it would be a dream deal for the club to solve their centre-back issues.

AND in other news, GvB can find Kemar Roofe 2.0 in Rangers swoop for “clinical” gem who “rarely misses”…

Sky Sports have now shared an ‘interesting’ live TV update for Tottenham Hotspur supporters after a major £150m announcement in midweek.

The Lowdown: Spurs set for £150m windfall…

On Tuesday, Spurs announced a big boost for manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici before their transfer meeting in Italy.

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Indeed, the club revealed to Lilywhites fans that ENIC and chairman Daniel Levy have agreed a £150m capital increase in a move which has been reliably tipped to bolster Conte’s transfer kitty.

Alasdair Gold of football.london claimed that the ‘bulk’ of these funds will be used to support Spurs in the summer, with Sky now sharing an ‘interesting’ update on live TV.

The Latest: Sky Sports share live TV update…

As relayed by the broadcast giant (via Football Daily), Tottenham will target ‘several positions’, including a goalkeeper, centre back, wing-back, central midfielder and striker.

Sky’s reporter explained: “Regarding the £150m potentially available to Antonio Conte in the transfer market, this is what they’re saying, they’ll target several positions including including a goalkeeper, centre back, wing-back, central midfielder and striker. As many as six or seven players could arrive.

“They say that extensive homework is carried out on player ability and character, Spurs recently rejected the chance to sign one talented Premier League player because their research highlighted concerns he could be disruptive.

“So, interesting, they’re going to target several positions.”

The Verdict: Tottenham tide turning?

This update could perhaps highlight the tide truly turning at Tottenham under Conte, particularly after they rejected the chance to sign a talented player after extensive behind-the-scenes research.

Indeed, after their major cash injection, pressure will be on the club’s hierarchy to spend that money wisely and back their manager with his preferred additions ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

In other news: Conte now green-lights move for ‘superstar’ eyeing sensational transfer to Spurs! Find out more here

Newcastle United, and by extension their owners the Saudi Public Investment Fund, have sent a senior official to watch Nice forward Amine Gouiri, according to The Northern Notebook from iNews correspondent Mark Douglas. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Having graduated from the academy at Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, Gouiri made the switch to Nice in 2020 for €7million (£5.9million) in July 2020 (Get French Football News).

Having been crowned the top goalscorer at the Under 17 European Championships 2016/17, since the move, the 22-year-old has amassed 45 direct goal contributions in 83 outings.

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Now it seems Newcastle could be eyeing a sensational swoop for one of the hottest properties in European football…

The latest: Magpies keen

As per Douglas’ latest instalment of the Northern Notebook, PIF have ‘dispatched a senior member of staff’ to watch Gouiri, dubbed ‘the new Karim Benzema’.

It’s claimed French sources have confirmed that Newcastle are ‘monitoring’ the 18-cap France Under 21 starlet.

The report also states that Real Madrid and Arsenal are also both interested in the £30million rated youngster, who has been called a ‘world class’ talent by Ligue 1 expert Adam White.

The verdict: Make it happen

So far this season, the French sensation has scored 12 times and provided nine assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.05 Sofascore rating whilst completing 1.6 dribbles, 1.3 key passes and 2.0 shots per game on average.

Capable of playing across the frontline and possessing a close stylistic likeness to star names such as Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Barcelona’s Memphis Depay (FBref), Gouiri seems destined to keep illustrious company throughout his career and has already established a burgeoning reputation.

As Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and indeed the club in its new guise look to move onto the next phase of their development, signing a prodigious talent such as Gouiri for the mooted asking price would be a huge statement of intent.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

Nottingham Forest striker Keinan Davis is fit for his side’s Championship playoff clash with Sheffield United, coming as a late boost after he was initially ruled out.

The Lowdown: Promotion showdown

Steve Cooper’s side face their biggest game of the season to date on Saturday, as they host the Blades in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

A long-awaited return to the Premier League is now within touching distance for Forest, who are arguably the favourites to seal promotion at this point, given their form to end the campaign.

On Friday, Nottinghamshire Live reported direct from Cooper’s pre-game press conference that Davis would miss the clash with United through injury, but a twist emerged late on Friday evening.

The Latest: Journalist drops Davis claim

Taking to Twitter, Midlands reporter and commentator Trent Hutson claimed that the youngster is now available for the game:

“I’m told Keinan Davis is fit and will travel to be a part of NFFC’s 18-man squad against SUFC.”

The Verdict: Huge boost for Forest

The 24-year-old, hailed as ‘incredible’ by EFL pundit George Elek, has scored five goals in 15 appearances in 2021/22 to date and he could be a key weapon from the substitutes’ bench if he doesn’t start proceedings.

According to Sofascore, Davis racks up two shots per game and creates over one chance per game, so his availability adds yet another potent weapon to Cooper’s arsenal.

Squad depth is going to be vital in these two legs against the Blades, and hopefully the final, and Davis is someone who could play a massive part in the next few weeks.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Leeds United striker Rodrigo will likely not be ‘willing to stay’ if the club gets relegated at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Club-record signing

The 31-year-old first arrived at Elland Road from Valencia for what was a club-record fee of £26m back in 2020, where has since gone on to make 59 appearances for the Whites in all competitions to date.

As a result of the Yorkshire outfit’s recent 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal, and given the fact that Everton have had a positive turnaround in form, this means that Leeds have now dropped into the relegation zone ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Chelsea.

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The Latest: Rodrigo could follow star trio

Leeds could face losing some of their stars if they are unable to maintain their Premier League status for yet another season, with Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Patrick Bamford all potentially leaving.

And O’Rourke has admitted that he thinks Rodrigo could be the fourth major exit.

He told GiveMeSport: “He is a quality player, Rodrigo. Leeds fans, I don’t think they’ve seen the best of him. If they go down, I think they might have a problem keeping him.

“He might have to be sold because he’s on big wages, and I’m not too sure if he would be willing to stay and play in the Championship.”

The Verdict: Great attacking threat

The £100k-per-week ace would be a huge loss to the Whites if he was to depart this summer, having made a total of 16 goal contributions during his time at the club so far.

The forward, who was once hailed as an “extraordinary” footballer by former Barcelona manager Quique Setien, has proven to be a real threat in the final third this season, where he has averaged 1.6 shots and 1.2 key passes per game in the top-flight, via WhoScored.

Should Leeds make the fall back down into the Championship, Rodrigo won’t be the only name whose future will be put under doubt, with the aforementioned trio even joined by Joe Gelhardt in recent exit reports, and relegation could now seriously damage the long-term future of the club.

In other news… the Whites are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League maestro this summer.

NSWE can save Aston Villa millions by finally unleashing 18-year-old Louie Barry next season as Steven Gerrard is a big fan of the teenage striker.

With the manager looking to stamp his authority on the squad during his first summer transfer window at the club, bringing through youth talents such as Barry would be a welcome move as well as adding in his own signings.

The youngster has had quite the footballing journey so far, starting off at West Bromich Albion before joining the famed La Masia academy at Barcelona, becoming the first Englishman to do so.

After a few months he joined Villa, with academy manager lavishing praise upon the highly regarded striker, dubbing him “outstanding” and he went and scored the winner for Aston Villa U23s in a match against Cardiff.

His development has continued this season with a disastrous loan spell at Ipswich – in which he struggled for much game time in League One – followed by a drop-down to League Two Swindon Town.

His performances for Swindon have been excellent, with an average SofaScore rating of 7.03 and a total of six goals scored in 14 matches, he has adapted to the fourth tier with ease.

Barry’s potential is huge and scoring goals is one way he’ll continue to take acclaim. One such plaudit came from Lee Hendrie who speaking to Football FanCast said he was like a “young Michael Owen.”

The stats above will no doubt please Gerrard, who made the choice to send the striker down to Swindon for him to get more game time.

There looks like a pathway for youngsters at villa Park, especially if they are talented enough. Just look at the likes of Jacob Ramsey, who only two years older than Barry, has made 31 appearances for the side this season in the Premier League.

With Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings being the only centre forwards in Gerrard’s squad, if Barry has a solid pre-season, then there may well be a fantastic opportunity ahead for the youngster.

AND in other news, Source: AVFC’s “difficult” dud could now leave Villa Park, it’s great news for Gerrard…

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie is ecstatic that six Hoops players have made it into PFA Scotland’s Team of the Year for 2021/22.

The Lowdown: Hoops dominate Team of the Year

The Hoops are on the verge of being named the new Scottish Premiership champions, taking a six-point lead with them into the final three matches of the campaign.

Celtic’s dominance has now been recognised, with the news that Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic, Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor, Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi are all named in the Team of the Year.

All six have enjoyed superb seasons, playing a huge role in Ange Postecoglou’s side being so close to title glory.

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The Latest: McAvennie reacts to news

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie couldn’t hide his delight at the news:

“I can’t believe it, if you told me six players would make it into the team of the year at the end of last season, I wouldn’t believe it. The team we had last year was rotten. In such a short time Ange has turned it around.

“If you look at those six, Juranovic, Jota, Kyogo and Carter-Vickers all came in this season. I can’t believe that. Four brand new signings all in the team of the season, it’s just, wow.

“That is down to Ange as well because he brought them in. He is the one to thank in all this.

“McGregor and Rogic have improved so much as well, all of them deserve it. I know it doesn’t really mean much but it’s just another sign for the incredible year we have had and hopefully it’s a good sign for the future.”

The Verdict: Richly deserved recognition

To see over half of the Team of the Year dominated by Celtic players is just reward for their efforts, with Postecoglou getting huge amounts out of his squad in his first season at Parkhead.

Carter-Vickers has been an influential figure on loan from Tottenham, averaging 4.1 aerial duel wins per game, while Rogic and McGregor have brought class and fight to the midfield.

Meanwhile, Jota has been another inspired loan signing, chipping in with 18 goal contributions in the league – nine goals and assists each – and both Juranovic and Kyogo have also done their bit for the cause at right-back and in attack, respectively.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly keen on selling one player this summer. Find out who it is here.