Rangers injury news on Alfredo Morelos

Jordan Campbell has now given his reaction to some Glasgow Rangers injury news on Alfredo Morelos.

The Lowdown: Morelos out for the season

The Ibrox club confirmed on their official website on Tuesday that Morelos has now been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to his thigh.

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His rehabilitation programme is now underway, but the Colombia international will not come back to training until pre-season.

The Latest: Campbell reacts to Morelos blow

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Campbell has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that it is a ‘huge blow’ for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

The reporter stated: “Rangers confirm that Alfredo Morelos has undergone thigh surgery and will miss the rest of the season.

“His absence is a huge blow for the team and how they play, particularly at European level. He’ll return to training in pre-season – when he enters his final year of contract.”

The Verdict: Devastating for Rangers

The fact that Rangers are going to be without Morelos for the rest of the season is truly devastating, not only for any faint title hopes that they may still have, but for their European campaign as well.

The 25-year-old is their top scorer in the Premiership with 11 goals, but the Light Blues now find themselves six points off league leaders Celtic after losing the Old Firm derby 2-1 over the weekend.

In the Europa League, they travel to Braga for the first leg of their quarter-final on Thursday night, and Morelos is also their joint-top scorer in that competition with four goals, showing just how important he is to the team.

Nonetheless, the likes of Kemar Roofe will now have to step up in his absence if the Light Blues are to achieve their goals for the campaign.

In other news, find out who would now ‘seriously consider’ leaving Rangers

Crystal Palace keen on Alex Moreno

Crystal Palace and Tottenham are both thought to be keen on signing Spanish left-back Alex Moreno this summer.

The Lowdown: Moreno profiled

Moreno has spent his entire domestic career in his native country and currently plies his trade with Real Betis.

The 28-year-old, who can also play further forward when needed, is valued at £10.8m and is under contract until 2025.

He has impressed this season, contributing to ten goals in 36 games. Before 2021/22, Moreno had only contributed to seven goals in 58 appearances for Betis, and it seems as if his red-hot form this term has now caught the eye of Palace officials.

The Latest: Palace interest

Barca Universal relayed an update from Mundo Deportivo regarding Moreno on Thursday.

They claimed that Barcelona, Palace and Spurs are all keen on Moreno, with Betis preparing to lose the full-back over the coming months.

The Verdict: Competition for Mitchell?

Palace youngster Tyrick Mitchell has starred under Patrick Vieira, playing every Premier League game this season.

The 22-year-old is the only senior left-back on the books at Selhurst Park, though, so it could be wise to bring in someone like Moreno over the summer.

Moreno, who has 25 assists to his name during his career, would provide cover and competition to Mitchell and would also be able to play as a winger when required. Palace face some tough competition for his services, but it could be a deal to keep a close eye on.

In other news: Source drops big Palace claim as Freedman now closes in on first summer deal. 

West Ham fans react as Reece Oxford leaves on loan

West Ham supporters have been pretty downbeat in recent times after seeing their side suffer an 11th Premier League defeat of the season on Tuesday night.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men went into their clash with Wolves looking to bounce back after falling to a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth in their previous league encounter, with an embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of AFC Wimbledon also sandwiched in between. Yet the Hammers were unable to do so in going down 3-0 at Molineux, with a brace from Raul Jimenez and a Romain Saiss strike sealing a routine victory for the West Midlanders, in turn instigating West Ham’s fall to 12th place in the Premier League table.

As such, there have been many disappointed Hammers fans up and down the country, plenty of whom have taken to Twitter to express further dissatisfaction at the news that Reece Oxford left the club on Deadline Day (as per the club’s official website).

The 20-year-old has come up through the ranks at the East London club to appear 17 times for the Hammers, and was tipped as the next big-thing upon bursting onto the scene many years ago as a 16-year-old when he starred in the Premier League against Arsenal back in August 2015.

However, the versatile defender has since then failed to really kick-on in appearing only 17 times in all for the Hammers, thus prompting the youngster to make loan moves to Borussia Monchengladbach and Reading in a bid to get his career going – that didn’t quite happen though either.

Yet the Englishman will again try his luck having officially signed for Bundesliga outfit Augsburg on loan until the rest of the season, and while he hasn’t actually featured for Pellegrini’s side prior to his departure, his exit does leave the club somewhat short of cover in the centre back ranks.

And that has been the source of much frustration and surprise among several West Ham fans on Twitter…

West Ham fans… what do you think? Let us know!

WBA had a howler over Aubameyang transfer

West Brom have been fairly active in the transfer market whenever they get the chance, bringing players in either on loan or permanent deals.

However, one deal that the Baggies had the chance to complete and will now be regretting is one for Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

According to an article from the Express & Star, the Midlands club were watching the centre-forward back in 2011 while he was on loan at Saint-Etienne from AC Milan.

The article also claimed that the Baggies had the chance to bring in the Gabon international on loan but opted against the move.Shortly after being scouted by West Brom in 2011, the striker ended up joining Saint-Etienne on a permanent deal in the 2012 January transfer deal.Since that point, the attacker has had spells at Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal before making a move to Barcelona during the previous January window.According to a report from Football Espana, the former Gunners star took a significant pay cut from the £300k-per-week wages he was on at the Emirates, to complete his move to the Nou Camp, where he is reportedly now earning a weekly wage of just over £96k-per-week.Having been praised for his “phenomenal” form at the north London club by Mikel Arteta, Aubameyang has hit the ground running in Spain by racking up nine goals in 11 appearances across La Liga and the Europa League.Throughout his entire career, the 32-year-old has scored 305 goals in 592 senior and youth club appearances across all competitions in England, Italy, Germany, France and now Spain, winning several trophies in the process.One other award the striker picked up during his time in England was the Golden Boot in the 2018/19 Premier League season, having found the back of the net 22 times.Taking all of this into account, it’s seems as though the Baggies made the wrong call in not choosing to sign the Gabon star on loan when they had the chance.Had they done so and Aubameyang managed to impress, there would have been a chance that the club could have secured him on a permanent deal, thus sealing their own goalscoring superstar.However, the club will now have to live with their mistake and move on from the matter rather than reminiscing over what could have been.In other news: Sold at £13m, now worth £49.5m: WBA will have nightmares over 6ft4 “beast of a man”

Celtic: Postecoglou confirms injury doubt

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed a fresh doubt over David Turnbull ahead of the Hoops’ Scottish Cup semi-final clash this coming weekend. 

The lowdown: Not so perfect

As the Bhoys completed a 7-0 annihilation of St Johnstone at Parkhead to temporarily move nine points clear at the top of the Premiership, all appeared to be positive for Postecgolou.

However, soon after the match, it emerged that Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis had suffered a hamstring injury before being replaced in the first half.

Now it appears that Celtic have a fresh concern regarding another key player…

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The latest: Turnbull a doubt

Speaking to Celtic TV, as quoted by The Herald, Postecoglou admitted that there is also concern over Turnbull’s availability for the semi-final against Rangers on Sunday.

The 56-year-old stated: “Nothing concrete yet. Again, we’re still waiting on the final scans on it.

“Hopefully, it’s not too bad. He [Giakoumakis] feels like it’s not too bad. But until we get the information we won’t know.

“Similar with David Turnbull, he obviously got a pretty hard knock. It’s only a couple of days after so we’ll see how it all settles down.

“With both, I’m hoping it’s not too lengthy an absence.”

The verdict: Worth the risk?

So far this term, the 27-year-old Greek marksman has scored 13 times in 24 appearances, whilst Turnbull – who was hailed as a ‘class act’ by ex-Hoops boss Neil Lennon – has directly contributed to 17 goals in 37 outings across all competitions. Therefore, both are players who can make a discernible impact.

As Postecoglou prepares for what looks to be a crucial run-in on the quest for a domestic treble, it seems unlikely that the 56-year-old would take any unnecessary risk over two players of such importance.

Having won both Old Firm derbies since the turn of the year, the Hoops go into the semi-final encounter full of confidence, and with the returning Kyogo Furuhashi fit and available once again.

In the absence of Giakoumakis and Turnbull, the Japanese forward could be called upon to lead the line, whilst Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are likely to make up the midfield trio.

In other news, Pundit reacts to presure claim from Celtic man. Read more here.

Hatate ran the show for Celtic vs Hibs

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side got the second half of their Premiership campaign off to a perfect start against Hibernian on Monday evening, with the Bhoys securing a 2-0 victory at Parkhead to take them back to within three points of the current league leaders.

And, although the Hoops rather unusually saw the away side enjoy more possession of the ball, as well as Shaun Maloney’s side completing more passes in the fixture, the clinical nature of the Bhoys’ performance will nevertheless have been one that will have delighted Postecoglou – as putting teams to the sword is something that the 56-year-old’s side have struggled to do at points this season.

Furthermore, there were also two incredibly impressive debut displays for Celtic, with centre-forward Daizen Maeda – who took just four minutes to open his goalscoring account in Glasgow – and central midfielder Reo Hatate arguably being the 56-year-old manager’s best two players on the night.

However, while Maeda was fantastic against Hibs, it was undoubtedly the show-running performance of Hatate that will have most impressed Postecoglou and Celtic fans alike on Monday evening.

61 touches

Indeed, over his 75 minutes on the pitch, the central midfielder appeared to be everywhere for the Bhoys, with the 24-year-old enjoying 61 touches of the ball – the second-most of Celtic’s midfielders – completing 37 passes – three of which were key – and finding his man with three of his five attempted long balls.

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The £1.08m-rated man also had three shots at the Hibs goal – one of which forced Matt Macey into an excellent diving save from a shot from the edge of the box – won 100% of his ground duels and made one tackle, one interception and one clearance.

These returns saw the Japan international receive a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.4, while the midfielder was also dubbed an “absolute pler” by Everything Celtic and won the Man of the Match award for his efforts on the night.

Indeed, should Hatate be able to keep up this rather extraordinary level of performance going forwards for Celtic, the 24-year-old will very quickly make his £1.38m transfer fee seem like one of the bargains of the season, with the former Kawasaki Frontale star undoubtedly now a nailed-on starter for Postecoglou at Parkhead.

In other news: Ange Postecoglou drops teasing transfer hint that will have Celtic fans buzzing

Leeds: Paul Robinson thinks Mateusz Klich could be left out vs Palace

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson thinks Mateusz Klich could be left out of Jesse Marsch’s starting line-up against Crystal Palace on Monday.

The Lowdown: Klich a regular

Klich has made 31 appearances in all competitions this season, taking his Leeds tally to 173.

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The 31-year-old has turned out as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder and is yet to miss a game under new boss Jesse Marsch.

He played alongside Robin Koch in the 3-0 win over Watford last time out but made way on the hour mark for Kalvin Phillips.

The Latest: Robinson’s reacts to Phillips image

Talking to MOT Leeds News after seeing an image of Phillips back in full training, Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, gave his thoughts on how Leeds’ midfield could shape up at Selhurst Park.

He believes Phillips, who was spotted in full flow at Thorp Arch this week, could make a first start since December alongside Koch, which would mean Klich would drop out.

“For me, Phillips and [Adam] Forshaw both come in if they’re fit and able to play 90 minutes.

“I know they played well at Watford so I don’t think both Phillips and Forshaw will come back in.

“Forshaw’s been out so he’ll probably have to get his game-time off the bench.

“Phillips should come in alongside either Klich or Koch.

“It’ll probably be alongside Koch if Jesse Marsch is going to play that way again.”

The Verdict: Right call?

Bringing back Phillips from the off could be a wise by Marsch move following Leeds’ 16-day break.

Klich also had an afternoon to forget at Vicarage Road last time out. As per SofaScore, he was Leeds’ worst-rated player in the 3-0 victory, losing possession 16 times and failing to complete any of his attempted long balls.

The central midfielder was also second best in nine of his 12 duels, so it could be a wise move to leave him out of the starting XI at Selhurst Park as Leeds look to take a step closer to safety.

In other news: Approach made: 49ers and Radz now in exit talks with club for ‘awful’ Leeds defender. 

Celtic: Journalist shares Jota update

Celtic are continuing to work on a deal to make Jota the biggest signing of the Ange Postecoglou era, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, talking to Give Me Sport.

The Lowdown: January rumours

The Hoops have been busy this month, bringing in five players so far with days remaining of the January window.

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However, they are yet to make Jota or Cameron Carter-Vickers’ moves permanent, despite opening talks with Benfica and Tottenham at the beginning of the month.

Celtic have an option to sign Jota permanently in the region of £6.5m, with the 22-year-old recently returning to action following a hamstring injury.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke was talking to Give Me Sport regarding a permanent swoop for Jota. He believes the Hoops hierarchy are working on a deal and may not be announced until the end of the season.

“I think this one’s something that Celtic are continuing to work on and will work on it during the end of the season and hopefully get it done ahead of next season in the summer transfer window.”

The Verdict: End the month on a high?

It’s clear that Celtic want to activate their option in the season-long loan agreement early, and if they can, £6.5m would be the most expensive signing of the Postecoglou era, surpassing a £4.86m move for Kyogo Furuhashi.

Finalising a move before the summer will also give Michael Nicholson one less thing to worry about heading into the next campaign.

A permanent January transfer could also help Jota in regards to the winger having clarity on his long-term future, and who knows, Postecoglou could reap the rewards of that on the pitch before the end of the season.

In other news: ‘Watch this space’ – Exit for Celtic player could go ‘right down to the wire’ – Sky Sports man. 

Newcastle make Keylor Navas approach

Newcastle United have been knocked back in an approach for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas, according to RMC Sport. 

The lowdown

Newcastle have used three goalkeepers in the Premier League so far this season – Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman.

However, when you go by post-shot xG, the Magpies have let in 5.9 goals more than they should have. Only Aston Villa boast a poorer record in that department (via FBRef).

In terms of individuals, Dubravka boasts the strongest shot-stopping record, preventing 0.8 goals overall, while Woodman (-3.3) and Darlow (-3.4) rank near the bottom of the league.

Navas, who turned 35 last month, joined PSG from Real Madrid in 2019. He is under contract in the French capital until June 2024 and is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt.

The latest

The report from RMC Sport stated that Newcastle ‘called Paris Saint-Germain’ to enquire about Navas, but the Ligue 1 leaders ‘closed the door’ on any move.

PSG intend to see out the current season with both the Costa Rica veteran and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The verdict

The problem for Newcastle is that, despite Donnarumma’s arrival in Paris, Navas hasn’t been relegated to a backup goalkeeper who rarely gets a look-in. In fact, he has played 17 games in all competitions this season, compared to the Italian’s 13.

It would have been some signing for Eddie Howe’s side, though. This is a goalkeeper who was named the best in Ligue 1 last season, and the best in the Champions League in 2017/18.

Indeed, no ‘keeper has reached the milestone of 10 Champions League clean sheets faster than the Costa Rican, who did it in just 11 games. He could also be described as a real winner, having racked up a whopping 22 trophies over the course of his career.

Imagine what it would have been like having someone of such prestige as Newcastle’s last line of defence as they try to battle their way out of the Premier League relegation zone…

In other news, Newcastle are also in talks over this potential deal

Sky man makes big Johnstone to Spurs claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Michael Bridge of Sky Sports has now backed some big reports out of Tottenham Hotspur involving West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Tottenham enter battle…

As per Sky Sports, Football League World and The Sun – Spurs are firmly in contention to sign the Baggies ace who is set to leave on a free transfer at the end of 2021/2022.

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Johnstone, set to be in high-demand, is attracting interest from Man United as well as the Lilywhites – with the likes of Southampton and West Ham also having been mentioned.

The Sun and FLW in particular both claim that Tottenham are ‘confident’ of sealing the deal with the two reports suggesting those within the club believe Johnstone will move to north London.

The Latest: Bridge backs Johnstone interest…

Speaking to GMS, Sky reporter Bridge has now backed reports of the Lilywhites’ interest as they eye the England international for manager Antonio Conte.

He explained: “Sam Johnstone is English and he ticks most boxes. I think that one has got legs and I know they’ve been scouting in the Championship, so I think there’s legs in that.”

The Verdict: Seal the deal…

On a Bosman, Spurs could simultaneously solve their homegrown quota issue, sign a back-up to Hugo Lloris and seal the Frenchman’s eventual heir – making this move a no-brainer.

Paddy Kenny, an ex-Premier League shot stopper, certainly believes Tottenham should make a move – branding Johnstone ‘unreal’ and a would-be ‘top signing’ for Spurs (Football Insider).

For zero initial cost, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici seemingly have very little to lose.

In other news: Spurs officials sent to club as Paratici also eyes ‘imperious’ ex-Man City man for Conte! Find out more here.

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