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Rangers bounced back from a run of disappointing results in style as they hammered Kilmarnock 5-0 in the Scottish Cup, with Alfredo Morelos hitting four – yes, four – on his return from suspension.

The Gers were forced into a replay having drawn 0-0 with Killie earlier this month but made no mistake in dispatching their opponents at the second time of asking, with Morelos channeling his aggression and desire in the right way to fire his side to victory.

While the Colombian deservedly stole the match ball and headlines, the stellar performance of one of his teammates slipped under the radar in comparison – Daniel Candeias assisted three of Morelos’ four strikes and was Rangers’ conduit of play throughout.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

The 15-cap Portuguese had chalked up five goals and six assists prior to the Wednesday night demolition and surely put in his best performance to date this season, albeit in the shadow of Morelos.

The 5-foot-10 ace has often divided opinion around Ibrox as he tends to struggle for consistency, and he has taken plenty of flak even recently, but the Twitter reactions down below are full of praise…

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting with glee to a positive injury update regarding Harvey Elliott.

The Reds picked up a crucial 1-0 win at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, as they stayed one point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s men find themselves in a superb run of form at the moment but one player they are doing it without is Elliott.

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The 18-year-old has been absent since the middle of September after suffering a broken ankle in the 3-0 victory away to Leeds United.

According to The Irish Mirror [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], however, Elliott is nearing a shock quickfire return to action, having excelled in his recovery.

The hope is that the teenager will feature early in 2022 – a January comeback is mooted in the report – as he continues to work hard on the training pitch.

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Liverpool fans hail Elliott injury update

These Liverpool fans showed their happiness at the news on Twitter, with the teenager having excelled in the early weeks of the season prior to his unfortunate injury setback.

“I can’t believe he has healed this fast, this is amazing”

Credit: @_MrChase

“Starboy”

Credit: @Maxlb77

“Genuinely happy for this lad”

Credit: @Nimz44

“SIUUUUUUUUUUUU”

Credit: @AnfieldPyro

“I can’t wait”

Credit: @Msquared7_

“I’M SO EXCITED”

Credit: @robertorebelo_

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an exciting transfer rumour. Read more here.

As per a West Ham United source, speaking to club insiders Claret & Hugh, a major behind-the-scenes contract update has emerged involving star man Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice shining…

The 22-year-old has been dazzling for West Ham this season, following on from his impressive 2020/21 campaign, but speculation over his future is mounting.

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After reportedly rejecting contract offers in the summer amid serious interest from top Premier League clubs (The Guardian), Hammers fans will surely be eager to see him commit to the club and put pen to paper on fresh terms.

Rice is apparently set to be offered another new deal as insiders Claret & Hugh share some exciting news from an Irons source involving new club shareholder Daniel Kretinsky.

The Latest: Rice claim emerges…

According to their information, West Ham’s minority shareholder is set to back the club as they prepare an offer to make Rice the highest-paid player in their history.

Indeed, with help from the Czech billionaire, the Hammers are determined to convince the England international to put pen to paper on a bumper new four-year deal at the London Stadium.

A source also told Claret & Hugh: “We will be doing everything possible on a new offer to Declan.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

To say that Rice is a key player for West Ham would be the understatement of the century.

An untouchable in David Moyes’ starting XI and one of only three men to play in every single Premier League game so far for the club this season, the midfield gem has also averaged more interceptions per 90 (1.9) over that time than any Irons player (WhoScored).

These numbers are just the start, with Premier League legend Alan Shearer calling him an ‘excellent player’ on Match of the Day (via This Is Futbol), and we aren’t the least bit surprised that a new deal for Rice is at the forefront of West Ham’s thinking.

In other news: Newman exploring West Ham offer to sign ‘underrated’ £28.8m ace who’s now keen to join West Ham, find out more here.

As per Spanish news outlet Fichajes, there has been a development involving Tottenham Hotspur and their fresh links to Juventus striker Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Dybala links re-emerge…

As transfer chief Fabio Paratici eyes ‘quality players at zero cost’ for manager Antonio Conte, Spurs have been eyeing a plethora of potential 2022 free agents.

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Man United star Jesse Lingard and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie have been mentioned recently, as well as Dybala in this past week, with Corriere della Sera claiming Tottenham’s manager is ‘in love’ with the player.

Going one step further, Fichajes have more on this as they lift the lid on Conte’s transfer demand for Spurs involving the Argentine.

The Latest: Conte green-lights move…

As explained by the Spanish source, Conte has now personally green-lit a move for Dybala and is set to demand Tottenham chiefs ‘do everything possible to get his contract in the next summer market’.

Fichajes go on to explain that the 28-year-old is a player Conte likes ‘very much’ and that he knows could be a ‘great addition’ in north London – with Juve’s ‘jewel’ now firmly a target.

The Verdict: No brainer?

Signing the 31-cap star on a free deal in the summer should come as a real no brainer for Tottenham, especially in their hunt for a striking alternative to Harry Kane.

The £220,000-per-week forward has racked up a brilliant 109 goals and 46 assists for Juve across all of his appearances to date for the Old Lady, backing that he could be a prolific option for Conte.

Amid their links to Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic, depending on if Dybala signs a new deal, Paratici could land a completely free alternative with the Serbian’s level of quality.

In other news: ‘This will get Tottenham fans excited…’ – Sky Sports drop big N17 transfer update live on air, find out more here.

Wolves duo Romain Saiss and Joao Moutinho could both extend their respective stays at Molineux, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Saiss and Moutinho shine for Wolves

Bruno Lage’s side are enjoying an excellent season, with three Premier League wins in a row taking them to within just four points of fourth-placed Manchester United.

There have been star performers all over the pitch but Saiss and Moutinho have arguably stood out more than most, putting their experience to good use.

The Moroccan has shone in a back-three, making 19 league starts, while the evergreen Portuguese veteran has been superb in midfield, scoring decisive recent goals against Man United and Brentford.

Both players rank in the top seven in WhoScored’s rankings of Wolves players’ performances in 2021/22, illustrating their importance to the cause. However, as it stands, both will be out of contract in the summer.

The Latest: Spiers makes contract claim

Spiers partook in a Q&A mailbag with Wolves supporters for The Athletic on Tuesday morning to discuss the club’s January transfer business, as well as the futures of certain players at Molineux.

He was asked specifically about where things stand with Saiss and Moutinho, with the journalist offering a reassuring update on the duo by saying:

“Saiss turned down a contract offer last summer and it was expected he’d leave the club at that time. However, the general opinion among senior staff is he’s having the best season of his Wolves career and I’d expect them to start talking again in the coming weeks now that he’s heading back from the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Moutinho’s agent is Jorge Mendes, who is so influential in club dealings, so that’s a more difficult one to predict, but he seems happy and Lage loves him. He’s also in fantastic form and I’d imagine Lage will want him to stay.”

The Verdict: Great news for Wolves

Saiss and Moutinho may be 31 and 35, respectively, but their importance to Wolves is still plain to see given the impact they are still having, as evidenced above.

The former is still arguably in his prime years for a centre-back, proving to be an experienced head alongside the likes of Max Kilman and Conor Coady.

A shorter-term deal for Moutinho makes more sense given his age, but he still looks capable of shining in the Premier League for another season or two, especially if his recent heroics are anything to go by.

In other news, one player’s Wolves future has already been sorted. Find out who it is here.

Axel Tuanzebe’s season-long loan at Aston Villa could be could short, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

The Manchester United defender is currently in the midst of his third loan stint at Villa Park. He has made 11 appearances for the Villans this season in all competitions, including six Premier League starts.

There may be an opportunity for the 24-year-old to feature on Sunday, with Tyrone Mings suspended for the trip to Brentford.

The latest

Romano revealed on Twitter that Serie A outfit Napoli have tabled a proposal to take Tuanzebe on loan for the second half of the campaign, offering United a loan fee of €400,000 (£336,220), but the Red Devils are asking for €1m (£840,550), with the defender reportedly accepting the proposed move to Italy.

The journalist tweeted: “Manchester United want €1m for Axel Tuanzebe loan to Napoli until the end of the season. Current proposal is around €400k, talks progressing.

“The player has accepted to join Napoli and he’s waiting to see what happens, as Aston Villa too.”

The verdict

Tuanzebe’s Premier League opportunities may have been limited, but it would be a blow for Gerrard to lose him.

The Villa manager said ahead of the trip to Brentford that he ‘would be delighted to keep him’, not just until the end of the season but beyond that as well. However, he did concede that it was ‘very much in Ax’s hands and Manchester United’s hands’.

Gerrard’s predecessor Dean Smith also raved about the 24-year-old, hailing his ‘unbelievable attitude’  and describing him as ‘future captain’ material, but perhaps he didn’t play him enough if Tuanzebe is ready to jump at the chance to spend the rest of the season at Napoli.

In other news, many Villa fans react to links with this Premier League midfielder

Aston Villa will be looking to make it three wins in four under new manager Steven Gerrard as they host Midlands rivals Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

The West Midlands side have been excellent since the 41-year-old’s appointment, beating Brighton 2-0 and Crystal Palace 2-1 before narrowly losing 2-1 to Manchester City on Wednesday evening.

Gerrard is expected to be without striker Danny Ings once again as well as left-back Matt Targett who suffered a head injury against City. Winger Leon Bailey was also withdrawn against the reigning champions, however, he will be sidelined for “a number of weeks” after suffering a thigh injury.

Their opponents, however, aren’t in the best form, winning just one of their last five Premier League outings. However, they are only three points off of the top six in tenth.

However, there is certainly an opportunity for Villa to capitalise on and take another three points against Brendan Rodgers’ side. Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Villans to line up against the Foxes, with just two changes from the side that lost out to Manchester City.

As expected, there’s no change in between the sticks as Emi Martinez maintains his rather unchallenged spot in goal, looking for a second clean sheet in four games.

There will be one change in the back four in front of the Argentine, with Ashley Young replacing the injured Matt Targett; a straightforward swap at left-back. The 36-year-old will be accompanied by Tyrone Mings, Ensri Konsa and Matty Cash in defence.

With Gerrard maintaining his preferred 4-3-3 formation, the midfield will be key and there appears to be no reason as to why the central trio that started against City should be tinkered with here. Marvelous Nakamba, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn are expected to link up once again in the middle of the park.

The second change sees 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka deployed out wide for just his second Premier League start and his first in over three months. The £2.25m-rated youngster has reportedly rejected a new contract amidst frustration with a lack of first-team action.

However, Gerrard brought the Englishman on for 23 minutes against Manchester City on Wednesday night and could be tempted to hand the midfielder a start.

With both Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore sidelined for the foreseeable future, an opportunity against Leicester could be the start of Gerrard’s bid to convince the starlet to sign a new contract at Villa Park.

Alongside Chukwuemeka up front should be Emi Buendia on the other flank and Ollie Watkins at striker after his goal against Manchester City on Wednesday. Straightforward enough.

West Ham United are no closer to agreeing a deal to bring Duje Caleta-Car to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent post on The West Ham Way that, despite a host of reports suggesting otherwise, there has been no agreement between West Ham and Olympique de Marseille reached regarding the transfer of the 25-year-old centre-back.

The Irons insider goes on to state that, with things moving very quickly on the final day of the January transfer window, a deal could quite easily be done at some point today, however, as things currently stand, the Croatia international will be remaining with the Ligue 1 side.

In his post, Ex said: “We have just asked our top transfer sources what the situation is with Caleta-Car. Whilst this isn’t going to be what the fans want to hear, unfortunately, French sources and others are [getting] ahead of themselves. There is a ‘jumping the gun’ situation with reports at this stage of the window, with everyone wanting to call the deal first.

“I asked whether reports of a deal being close were true and I simply got ‘not true’ back in response. The talks will be ongoing to get this deal over the line. With only one day left things will have to progress quickly and obviously can do but there [is still] some distance to go. The problem still remains that we want an initial loan deal and Marseille wish to sell. The club do want to continue talks and get this done so let’s hope it does change soon (it has to).”

Not what “fans want to hear”

Considering West Ham’s desperate need for defensive reinforcements following the season-ending injury suffered by Angelo Ogbonna, in addition to the poor form of both Issa Diop and Craig Dawson while covering for the Italian – particularly that of the former – the news that a deal for Caleta-Car is no closer to getting over the line is certainly not what fans will be hoping to hear, as Ex suggests.

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Indeed, in the 11 Premier League fixtures in which Ogbonna has featured this season, the Hammers boast a record of seven wins, two draws and two losses – having conceded 13 goals in this period.

Meanwhile, over the 12 league games in which the 33-year-old has been sidelined as a result of his injury, West Ham’s record stands at four wins, two draws and six losses – with the club conceding 18 times in this period.

As such, it is clear to see that, should David Moyes wish to give his side the best possible chance of securing a top-four finish in the league this season, he simply must get a deal over the line for a new centre-back – preferably the extremely impressive Caleta-Car – prior to tonight’s transfer deadline.

In other news: “Understand…”: Journo reveals “shock” twist in WHU forward hunt, fans will be elated

A fresh Rangers transfer development has emerged regarding the future of Wales international Aaron Ramsey… 

What’s the talk?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Gers are planning to hold talks with Juventus over a deal to sign him on another deal this summer.

The report claims that the Glasgow giants are keen to keep hold of the midfielder beyond the end of his current loan spell.

Juventus agreeing on a new contract with him is said to be the most likely scenario, with his current wages reported to be £175k-per-week, before attempting to find him a new club before next season.

This all comes after TEAMtalk reported earlier this week that Rangers had not ruled out the possibility of snapping him up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Bouncing

This update will surely leave Ibrox bouncing for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the supporters will be buzzing with the Italian club’s desire to let him go. It would surely increase the chances that Ross Wilson will be able to negotiate a fresh deal for Ramsey, along with his new contract at Juventus hopefully lowering the wage demands which will be forced upon the Gers.

They will also be delighted as it shows that the Light Blues’ sporting director is being proactive by already planning a transfer meeting to secure a swoop for the midfielder. Instead of waiting until the end of the campaign to decide whether or not they want to bring him in, they have seemingly made their mind up and want to make it happen.

This also shows big ambition from the Gers, as Ramsey is a player with a huge pedigree and signing him for a second stint would be a big coup for the club. He is starting to prove his worth on the pitch this season as he has scored two goals in his last two appearances against Dundee and Celtic.

Ramsey has a vast wealth of experience at the top level, and signing him ahead of clubs competing in Europe’s top five leagues would be a masterclass from Wilson. He has played more than 400 games for Arsenal and Juventus combined, scoring or setting up 142 goals in the process, and this illustrates why it would be a coup to land him as he has proven himself at the top level.

Therefore, Ibrox will be bouncing with Wilson’s plan of action and the fans will be buzzing with the ambition being shown to sign the Wales midfielder.

AND in other news, 100% duels lost: Rangers dud who lost the ball every 1.8 touches v Braga failed his manager’s big test…

West Ham United have been dealt a setback ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Burnley on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC Sport, David Moyes are likely to face Burnley defender Erik Pieters tomorrow afternoon, as the Lancashire outfit are now set to welcome the Dutchman back after his recovery from a knee issue.

However, this hasn’t been the biggest bit of news coming out of Turf Moor this week, as, after ten years of service, manager Sean Dyche was relieved of his duties on Friday – with Burnley 18th and four points from safety with eight games remaining.

Therefore, U23s boss Michael Jackson will be in the opposing dugout at the London Stadium as he takes up temporary charge of the visitors, whilst defender Ben Mee will also be a part of the coaching set-up.

However, amid the surprise regarding Dyche’s dismissal, West Ham must continue to prepare to take on a side desperate for points and who will be stronger with the return of Pieters.

Pieters’ return is bad news for West Ham

Prior to suffering his injury in February, Pieters had been playing well with Burnely in decent form.

The left-back played every minute of the Clarets’ seven Premier League matches between late January and late February before being withdrawn away at Crystal Palace after an hour.

From those seven matches, Dyche’s side lost just once, winning twice and drawing the other four matches which gave their survival hopes a boost.

Prior to that run in the side, the 33-year-old had struggled for minutes in claret and blue, making just four league appearances before the turn of the year.

Since Pieters has been out of action, Burnley have been in dire form, winning just one of their last six in the top flight, losing the other five.

However, that victory was a crucial one as the Lancashire outfit overcame relegation rivals Everton 3-2 at Turf Moor before embarrassingly losing 2-0 at bottom side Norwich City, the final nail in the coffin for Dyche.

The Hammers will certainly smell blood as they look to consolidate their place in the top six, which is currently hanging on a thread.

Although, Burnley supporters will be expecting a reaction after a rollercoaster week at Turf Moor and the boost of Pieters’ return could prove awkward for David Moyes to deal with.

AND in other news: West Ham plot bid for £21.6m-rated “leader”, Moyes can now axe “shocking” £61k-p/w dud