Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes Rangers’ fatigue could play into the Hoops’ hands in their crucial Scottish Premiership meeting.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Parkhead

Arguably the biggest league game of the season takes place at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon, as Ange Postecoglou’s side host their biggest rivals.

Celtic are six points clear with four matches remaining this season, so victory for them this weekend would surely mean them regaining their league crown.

It promises to be a nerve-shredding occasion between two of world football’s biggest adversaries.

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The Latest: McAvennie discusses Rangers weakness

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that Rangers’ midweek Europa League makes the Hoops the resounding favourites on Sunday:

“I’m fairly optimistic we will get a result on Sunday. Celtic are well-rested and Rangers won’t be so we have to exploit that.

“I’m hoping we can blow Rangers away and I think with the crowd behind us then we will. Rangers just defended for their lives against Leipzig so that should tire them out.

“But the last time they faced us after a European game they won so we have to be at our best to get something. Hopefully there are goals, Kyogo will want an Old Firm goal to his name for sure.

“I think it will be a good game with lots of goals because Rangers need the win. If they commit men forward it will open them up at the back and we can swarm them.  Ange will want a bit of revenge after that cup loss as well but I do think we will get the job done.”

The Verdict: Celtic undoubted favourites

McAvennie makes a fair point, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side getting through a huge amount of work on Thursday night, as they lost 1-0 away to RB Leipzig.

On the flip side, Celtic have had an entire week to prepare for the match, affording Postecoglou time on the training ground with his players, as well as keeping them fresh.

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This certainly plays in their hands going into the game – it’s now a case of proving that they have more legs and quality, as they look for a priceless three points.

In other news, a pundit has reacted to a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

BBC pundit Carlton Palmer has tipped West Ham to register an interest in Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis this summer, if the Hornets are relegated at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Standout performer

Roy Hodgson’s team are currently second from bottom in the Premier League table and look all but certain to be going down to the Championship following their 2-1 defeat against Burnley on Saturday.

Despite the Hornets having a disappointing campaign, Dennis has been a standout performer in a struggling side, having delivered some impressive individual performances, reaching double figures for top-flight goals in his debut season in England.

Former Premier League midfielder Palmer believes that several top-flight clubs will be monitoring the 24-year-old if Watford’s inevitable relegation is confirmed in the coming weeks.

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The Latest: Palmer’s thoughts on Dennis

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the ex-England international admitted that he expects West Ham to be among the clubs making a move for the striker over the summer.

Palmer said: “If Watford go down, then there’ll be quite a few players that a lot of clubs will be interested in. Emmanuel Dennis will be one of those that I’d have thought that a lot of Premier League clubs will be looking for.

“Their better players are going to be looked at by clubs like West Ham, and by clubs in the top six.”

The Verdict: Ideal Antonio alternative

The five-cap Nigeria international has racked up 16 goal contributions in 34 outings across all competitions for the Hornets this term, via Transfermarkt. For someone who has been so prolific in the final third, he could prove to be the perfect strike partner for Michail Antonio at West Ham.

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The £7.2m-rated star, who was described as an “intelligent” player by ex-Watford marksman Odion Ighalo in February, can play on both flanks and could provide David Moyes with a much-needed alternative to lead the line, with no recognised backup to Antonio at the London Stadium.

This additional squad depth would only be seen as a positive for the Irons, and should they decide to move for Dennis in the upcoming transfer window, his attacking prowess could help them in their bid to secure European football again next season.

In other news… GSB reportedly ready to back Moyes ahead of submitting bid for ‘superstar’

Leeds United have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Phil Hay, who revealed in a recent article for The Athletic that, after being withdrawn in the 37th minute of the 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Wednesday evening, Jack Harrison now looks as if will be ruled out of the weekend’s clash with the Seagulls.

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Concerning the 25-year-old’s injury, Hay wrote: “Others are simply injured, like Harrison, who went down in the 37th minute and is probably beyond Marsch’s reach for the meeting with Brighton.”

Marsch will be fuming

With Leeds now in need of something of a miracle if they are to secure Premier League survival following their recent run of three straight losses, the news that Harrison could now be ruled out of what is undoubtedly a season-defining fixture this Sunday is sure to have left Jesse Marsch fuming.

Indeed, with Daniel James being ruled out for the remainder of the season after receiving a straight red card against Chelsea on Wednesday, as well as both Tyler Roberts and Crysencio Summerville being unavailable for the last two fixtures of the current campaign due to injury, the further loss of Harrison in the Whites’ attacking arsenal will undoubtedly come as a huge blow.

And, while it is true that the £13.5m-rated winger has not been in the best form of his career this season, the 25-year-old has still scored seven goals, registered one assist and created three big chances over his 33 Premier League outings – with the £60k-per-week forward being Leeds’ second-top scorer in the top flight this term.

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As such, with it now being absolutely essential that the Whites secure all three points against Brighton this weekend, it is clear to see that the loss of Harrison would come as a huge blow to Marsch’s chances of doing so – with a loss at Elland Road, coupled with a Burnley win over Tottenham Hotspur, being enough to condemn Leeds to the Championship.

AND in other news: Forget James: “Completely anonymous” dud should’ve just played his last game for Leeds

Leeds United have been dealt a big transfer blow to mooted target Ben Brereton Diaz this week…

What’s the word?

Last month, TEAMtalk reported of the Whites’ interest in the Chile international heading into the summer. West Ham and newly-promoted Fulham have also been linked with a move, though they have all been dealt a setback in their pursuit.

Blackburn Rovers have triggered the one-year extension on his current contract, even despite manager Tony Mowbray leaving at the end of the season after failing to reach the Championship playoffs, as his deal was set to expire in the summer.

And the departing boss believes the 23-year-old marksman should be worth in excess of £30m.

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Gutting summer setback

Diaz had been in electric form this campaign after he became the first Rovers player in 57 years to bag over 20 goals by the end of the calendar year. He ended the season on 22 goals and three assists, with ligament damage disrupting the early parts of 2022.

He has provided the Lancashire outfit with more than just goals, though, he’s a huge threat in the final third both aerially and with the ball at his feet.

“Brereton with the ball at his feet is an extraordinary talent,” Mowbray once told reporters (via LancsLive). “He’s a wonderful footballer who can dribble with both feet, take people out of the game.”

Indeed, the Chile sensation won an average of 4.1 duels and 2.8 shots per game, via SofaScore, throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Given Patrick Bamford’s own injury woes for the Yorkshire giants and a lack of a viable alternative, potentially missing out on a player of Diaz’s calibre is certainly going to prove frustrating for director of football Victor Orta, who has seemingly been eyeing the striker for a very long time.

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Along with ex-Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, he was said to hugely admire the Rovers star, so the Championship outfit extending his deal certainly makes any summer move all that more difficult.

The Spaniard is surely gutted by this update.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops big Jack Harrison injury update…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has been reacting to Raphinha’s antics at the full-time whistle after the Whites secured their Premier League status.

The Lowdown: Survival

The Whites were involved in a dramatic final day at the bottom of the Premier League and secured a 2-1 win thanks to Jack Harrison’s effort in stoppage time. In the end, Jesse Marsch’s side were safe even with a point due to Burnley losing against Newcastle.

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Raphinha opened the scoring after winning and converting a penalty in the second half, however, Leeds were in danger of throwing it away after an equaliser from the home side.

The Brazilian led the celebrations at the full-time whistle and jumped into the away end to celebrate with family, and Hay relayed what he did after emerging from the Whites faithful.

The Latest: Hay reacts

Taking to Twitter, Hay stated that the 25-year-old walked the whole length of the pitch on his knees, saying ‘I don’t know what it means’.

Beren Cross even shared footage of the antics, adding that Brentford fans ‘are hating it’.

The Verdict: Parting gift?

That could well be Raphinha’s last outing as a Whites player after heavy links with a move to Barcelona. If it is his last appearance, then it is brilliant final display.

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He was SofaScore’s man of the match with an 8.3/10 rating, with his 11 goals and three assists across the year vital in the club’s route to survival. Ensuring a third season of Premier League football also means that a relegation release clause won’t become active, meaning the club would bring in a big fee if he is to leave.

In other news: Orta now eyeing Leeds swoop for exciting winger

According to a report by The Daily Mail, a major West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Man United attacker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

Since the Englishman’s phenomenal spell on loan in east London, manager David Moyes has been eager to bring him back to West Ham on a permanent deal.

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Lingard looks set to leave Old Trafford as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract in June, potentially gifting the Premier League side a chance to re-sign him on a Bosman deal.

Big name players like Lingard and fellow midfielder Paul Pogba are edging closer to the Man United exit door and it is now claimed that Moyes has made an ‘early move’ for his former star.

The Latest: Mokbel shares big Lingard update…

According to The Mail, West Ham’s manager has in fact moved early ahead of the competition to try and seal a summer switch for the 29-year-old.

Indeed, with the Hammers ‘making an offer’ to Lingard, they’re now ‘looking to secure him’ as they seek to get ahead of the competition for his signature.

The Verdict: Promising…

Lauded as a potentially ‘huge’ and ‘massive signing’ at West Ham by pundit Paul Robinson, sealing an agreement for the soon-to-be free agent comes as a no-brainer for the east Londoners.

He is already proven under Moyes and knows the club well having thrived there for the second half of 2020/2021, not to mention the fact Lingard would arrive at zero transfer cost.

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Taking all of this into account, agreeing a move for the Red Devils ace should be one of Moyes’ first items on the to-do list as he prepares for a busy window.

In other news: Talks held: West Ham are also pushing to sign £20m ‘beast’ as club green-light summer sale…find out more here.

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is finished with left-back Sergio Reguilon after the arrival of Ivan Perisic.

The Lowdown: Reguilon out of favour

The 25-year-old swapped the Bernabeu for the Premier League when he joined the Lilywhites on a five-year deal from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2020, where he has made a total of 67 senior appearances during his two years at the club to date.

The appointment of Conte as Spurs manager in November of last year doesn’t appear to have helped the Spaniard, who has fallen down the pecking order under the Italian since his entrance at N17.

Following the recent announcement confirming the signing of Inter Milan’s Perisic, The Times have claimed that this has now moved the full-back even closer to the exit door than originally thought, with the report stating that the £25.2m-rated star could return to Real as a result of their buyback clause.

The Latest: Reguil-gone

Taylor says the Croatian’s arrival in the capital will have a huge impact on the future of Reguilon. He told GiveMeSport: “I think Sergio Reguilon will be moved on now.

“Sessegnon is still very much a part of Conte’s plans and it’ll just be a balancing act between them two for the Premier League and Champions League.”

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The Verdict: Perisic a better option

Ever since Conte replaced former manager Nuno Espirito Santo in the Tottenham dugout, the six-cap Spain international has only made 20 outings under the Italian and hasn’t been a hugely regular feature of his starting XI.

As per FBRef, Perisic has a much better defensive record than Reguilon, and considering the World Cup finalist also managed 15 goal involvements in Serie A this season, you could comfortably say he’s better on both sides of the ball.

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Despite still having three years remaining on his current contract in north London, Reguilon’s time at Spurs looks like it could well be coming to an end, but whether he’s sent back to Madrid or gets another move remains to be seen.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that there has been a ‘deal agreed’ for Spurs’ next signing.

Dutch transfer journalist Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf has shared a big Tottenham Hotspur exit update involving want-away winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn eyes exit…

The Netherlands international openly admitted that he intends to leave Spurs this summer as manager Antonio Conte cannot give him a sufficient amount of game time.

Despite weighing in with crucial contributions at big points over 2021/2022, including his last minute brace to clinch a 3-2 victory away to Leicester City, Bergwijn has found it hard to fight his way past the in-form Dejan Kulusevski in Tottenham’s pecking order.

As such, Eredivisie giants Ajax have been plotting to bring him back across the English channel with Verweij now sharing an update on the situation.

The Latest: Personal terms a ‘formality’…

The reporter, taking to Twitter, claims a five-year contract for Bergwijn at Ajax is a ‘formality’ – going on to state in his piece that the 24-year-old has an ‘outline agreement’ on personal terms to leave Tottenham.

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However, it is also believed that the Amsterdam outfit have been indecisive in terms of an offer to Spurs and will have to shake off emerging competition from the Premier League (De Telegraaf).

The Verdict: Time to go?

Lauded as a ‘big-game monster’ in recent seasons by members of the media (John Cross, Daily Mirror), as evident by his heroics at the King Power Stadium, his quality at times is perhaps deserving of more regular chances.

Depending on the fee Spurs can obtain from Ajax or any other interested party, we believe it is best to amicably part company before the start of 2022/2023.

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Allowing the player more regular minutes at a high level team while Spurs bank a decent fee to reinvest into other positions feels like a win-win.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’, says insider…find out more here.

Wolves are seemingly on the brink of finally signing Joao Palhinha, and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now shared what he knows about the deal.

The Lowdown: Palhinha constantly linked

Few, if any, players have been linked with a move to Wanderers in recent months than Palhinha, with the Sporting CP man surely the club’s No.1 summer target and recent reports even claiming the deal is as good as done.

The Portuguese colossus looks likely be arrive as Ruben Neves’ natural replacement in midfield, as the Wolves hero looks for his own fresh challenge ahead of next season.

Now, Romano has weighed with on what he’s heard from Molineux, suggesting the deal is not quite done but the parties are down to just the finer details.

The Latest: Romano drops key update

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Romano claimed that talks are ongoing over the structure of the payments:

“Wolves are in talks with Sporting to sign João Palhinha as new midfielder. Negotiations ongoing as reported by @Record_Portugal, price tag €20m. Discussions ongoing about payment terms, Bruno Lage wants Joao. Work in progress.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

With each passing day, the more it feels as though Wolves have got their man, in what could be a significant piece of transfer business to kick-start their summer.

It was vital that a player of Neves’ brilliance was replaced both immediately and sufficiently, and Palhinha could be the perfect man to come in.

[freshpress-poll id=“399044″]

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He has 14 caps to his name for Portugal, scoring twice, and according to FBRef ranks extremely highly in the defensive numbers, registering in the 99th percentile for pressures, 92nd for blocks and 86th for tackles among midfielders in Europe’s top leagues.

In other news, a fresh Wolves transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here.

Leeds United supporters look set to have their worst fears realised, with prized asset Raphinha looking increasingly likely to be moving on this summer.

What’s the word?

As per The Athletic, the Brazilian is the subject of interest from fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, with FA Cup finalists Chelsea also in the running despite their preference to do a deal for Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele.

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The report suggests that the Elland Road are not set to stand in the 25-year-old’s way should he wish to move on in the current window, with the Yorkshire side willing to strike a deal with any interested party if their valuation is met – with that figure believed to be around £45m.

The belief is that Jesse Marsch and co have now accepted that the former Rennes man won’t sign a new deal at the club – albeit despite the player not outright demanding an exit – with the nine-cap international harbouring ambitions of featuring in European competition.

Supporters devastated

That news will come as a crushing blow to those of a Leeds persuasion, with the club seemingly set to lose one of their most important and most loved assets this summer, with it hard to see the Whites managing to fend off interest from some of the division’s biggest and richest sides.

There is the saving grace that they will be able to recoup a fairly sizeable sum with any sale, having run the risk of losing the £63k-per-week gem for just £25m had they suffered relegation last term, due to a reported clause in his contract.

The fact that Marsch’s men were able to stave off the drop was no doubt aided by the impressive form of the £40.5m-rated playmaker, as he netted 11 times in the top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign, including a vital final day spot-kick in the dramatic victory over Brentford.

Since his £17m switch from France two years ago, the 5 foot 9 ace has contributed 17 goals and 12 assists in 65 Premier League appearances, with no Leeds player having recorded more than his 14 goals and assists last season.

That illustrates just how integral Raphinha has been to both his current boss and the American’s predecessor Marcelo Bielsa, with any potential departure set to leave behind a sizeable void in the current squad.

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Not just a creative, goalscoring presence, the one-time Sporting CP man has also emerged as something of a fan’s favourite for his passionate approach, epitomised by his jubilant post-match celebrations with the away support following that win over the Bees.

Also dubbed a “pleasure to watch” by pundit Joe Cole, the gifted wide man is the type of player that brings excitement to any crowd, with supporters set to be devastated if he is to depart before the start of next term.

IN other news: Leeds now plotting swoop for “reliable” £22k-p/w starlet, he’s the new Dani Alves