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Kyle Lafferty has had a bit of a tough time on his return to Ibrox this season. The 31-year-old striker had bagged just four goals before yesterday, with his most recent goal coming against Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup in January, and before that his most recent Scottish Premier League goal coming all the way back in late September.

There has been no doubting that Alfredo Morelos is Steven Gerrard’s number one choice up front, and the January signing of Jermain Defoe has only pished Lafferty further down the pecking order. However, when the Northern Irishman came on and scored yesterday it would have given him the much-needed confidence boost that he’s been needing for a while.

The Bluenoses will hope he can put together some kind of run of form now and if he can kick on and grab some goals between now and the end of the season then it will be a welcomed bonus that would relieve some of the goalscoring burden that is so often put on Morelos. However, it won’t be easy to string together goalscoring form, and if it is to happen then the big man will need more than cameo appearances from the bench.

You can read the Gers’ reaction to Lafferty’s strike here:

The Bluenoses loved seeing their big man score and will hope there are few more to come from Lafferty this season.

Edinson Cavani’s time at Manchester United appears to be up, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the club have “no intention” to hand him a contract extension past the end of this season, along with Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could also be heading through the departure doors of Old Trafford, with Arsenal interested in offering him a way out of Manchester this summer – according to The Daily Mirror.

With the duo both potentially lining up for other clubs next season, and Anthony Martial not yet impressing or beginning to show signs of resurrecting his career on-loan at Sevilla, the Red Devils could find themselves short in the striking department – and thus, a move for Roma star Tammy Abraham could be on the cards.

What’s the news?

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) have claimed that United are “ready to make a big investment” in Abraham, who has scored 19 goals for club and country in all competitions this season, impressing since moving to Italy.

The report also states that “many clubs” have asked about the £40.5m-rated striker, including Tottenham – who have been linked with making a move for the Englishman should another United target, Harry Kane, depart the north London club this summer.

Made for Manchester

United fans are longing for a clinical, natural striker who can emulate the great Wayne Rooney and be the team’s primary goal-getter, and should Kane not be available this summer or choose to stay with Spurs, Abraham would be an excellent alternative.

Managing editor of The Athletic’s Tifo Football, Joe Devine, said that Abraham currently “owns the big stage”, which is evident by him netting two goals in Roma’s fierce ‘Derby della Capitale’ game with Lazio on their way to winning 3-0.

That’s as well as scoring the goal against Vitesse that sent the Serie A giants through to the next round of the UEFA Conference League – both coming in the club’s last two fixtures.

Among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions, the 24-year-old who was dubbed “Drogba-esque” by Rio Ferdinand, ranks incredibly highly in some key barometers.

He is in the top 2% for xG per 90 (0.69), top 16% for through balls per 90 (0.18) and top 15% for tackles per 90 (1.28) – proving that he is a complete striker still in the making, who will only get better and better – and would most likely be a huge success in Manchester.

Made for the big stage, this is exactly the type of forward that United need heading into next term. Not only will he provide more goals; but he could also be the Premier League’s next Drogba. A very exciting prospect indeed.

In other news: Man Utd now plotting bid for £90m-rated “animal”, he’s even better than Haaland

Celtic are continuing their pursuit in their attempts to sign forward Daizen Maeda and midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi, Anthony Joseph reports.

The Lowdown: Maeda and Ideguchi profiled

Maeda and Ideguchi are plying their trade in Japan’s J1 League, with the pair both regulars in 2021.

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Versatile striker Maeda, who can also play on the wing, has scored 23 times and has registered three assists in 40 appearances in all competitions for Yokohama F. Marinos.

Meanwhile, Ideguchi, who plays for Gamba Osaka, can turn out as a central or attacking midfielder and has made 41 appearances this calendar year.

The Hoops have been confident of signing Maeda since October, while links to Ideguchi have only just emerged, and Joseph has provided updates on the pair.

The Latest: Joseph’s tweet

Sky Sports reporter Joseph took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to share a number of Hoops updates.

One of those was on Maeda and Ideguchi, on which he said:

“Celtic are continuing their pursuit of Yokohama F Marinos forward Daizen Maeda and Gamba Osaka midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi.”

The Verdict: Nicholson not giving up

January looks set to be a busy first transfer window for interim CEO Michael Nicholson, and it seems as if he is doing everything he can to bring a number of Japanese stars to Scotland to join Kyogo Furuhashi.

Reo Hatate looks like he could be the first J1 League arrival in the New Year with the 24-year-old keen on a Parkhead swoop.

However, it seems as if Nicholson and co may need to work harder to make a breakthrough in any moves for Maeda and Ideguchi, with the pair possibly bolstering Postecoglou’s midfield and attacking ranks even further.

In other news: ‘Outstanding’ star may miss 4 games as Celtic issues worsen pre-Betis. 

Reliable journalist Tim Spiers believes Wolves youngster Theo Corbeanu has a big future in the game, following some impressive loan spells away from Molineux.

The Lowdown: Corbeanu shining on loan

The 19-year-old is a highly thought-of figure at Wolves but he has been shipped out on loan in recent seasons, in order to enjoy more minutes elsewhere.

Corbeanu did well at Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the campaign, chipping in with two goals and assists apiece in six League One starts, before heading off to MK Dons.

He has also scored once in his first five games there, not to mention netting twice in six caps for Canada.

The Latest: Spiers excited about youngster

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Spiers waxed lyrical over Corbeanu, as he plugged an article written for The Athletic:

“They’re singing his name in the stands and waving Canada flags. Promotion with MK Dons and a World Cup with his country? Things are happening for Theo Corbeanu.”

The Verdict: One for the future

It is great to see Corbeanu thriving so much elsewhere, as he looks to eventually reach his potential and become a key figure for Wolves.

At 19, he is already showing he can produce end product in a tough, physical League One, and he has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Under-23s manager James Collins.

A move back to Wolves this summer could make sense, although if Bruno Lage feels another loan move would be beneficial for his development, that would be a more shrewd decision.

Staying put at Molineux and getting no minutes is of no benefit to anyone.

In other news, Spiers has also made a fresh claim regarding two Wolves players. Find out who they are here.

Aston Villa are keen on signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma, according to Sky Sports.

As to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

The Midlands club have already finalised their first marquee addition of the January transfer window by agreeing on a loan deal with Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho.

Steven Gerrard and Johan Lange now appear to be turning their attention to a holding midfielder, with Marvelous Nakamba recently undergoing knee surgery.

Bissouma has just 18 months remaining on his contract with the Seagulls, with Villa seemingly willing to take advantage of that situation this month. The 25-year-old has been with Brighton since 2018 and has made 111 appearances for the club, 15 of which have come in the current campaign.

The Mali international is renowned for his effective distribution of the ball and his tough-tackling nature. No player who has started a top-flight match for Villa this season can better his 88.8% passing success rate, while his match average of 3.6 tackles is well clear of anyone in Gerrard’s squad (John McGinn leads the way with 2.7 per game).

Villa fans react

Well-known Twitter feed @villareport shared Sky Sports’ claim regarding Villa’s interest in Bissouma on the social media website.

Here is what these supporters had to say in reply, with many buzzing over the development and one describing a potential deal as ‘huge’.

“OH MY, STEVIE IS GOING CRAZY.”

Credit: @Jack_Hurley_R

“If we get him, wow”

Credit: @GW_94

“We are huge, man”

Credit: @TommmForddd

“Incredible if we pull this off as well”

Credit: @jack_gatehouse

“PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Would have a bigger impact on the team overall than Coutinho”

Credit: @trading2b3

“DON GERRARD WHAT IS GOING ON”

Credit: @Finleysurrell1

In other news: ‘Oh my god’ – Many Villa fans erupt at who West Ham now want to sign

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side head into Wednesday evening’s Scottish Premiership clash on the high of winning the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon, the 56-year-old manager’s first trophy in his tenure as the Bhoys boss.

However, as has so often been the way for Celtic so far this season, the victory did not come without its negatives, with influential attacking midfielder David Turnbull being forced off with a hamstring injury just half an hour into the 2-1 victory over Hibernian.

Another concern for Postecoglou will have undoubtedly been the performance of centre-back Carl Starfelt, with the defender looking extremely shaky in the heart of the Bhoys backline throughout the fixture – losing Paul Hanlon for Hibs’ opener, as well as missing two big chances for his own side.

Indeed, the Daily Record’s Keith Jackson awarded the £2.7m-rated man a four in his player ratings on the night, stating of the 26-year-old’s display: “The big Swede looked like a cat on a hot tin roof throughout. Should have netted two headers but fluffed them both and lost his man at the opener. Never seemed comfortable with the ball at his feet he looked like an accident waiting to happen and could have conceded a penalty right at the death.”

As such, while it is undeniable that the player who Kieran Devlin suggested has been “rattled” since his red card against Ross County has been impressive for Celtic on the whole this season, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.24 over his 15 Premiership appearances, should the defender continue the level of his performance against Hibs in the coming weeks, he could end up costing Celtic dearly.

As such, in a bid for Postecoglou to help snap the £17k-per-week defender back into form as quickly as possible, it would be wise for the 56-year-old manager to axe Starfelt against St. Mirren on Wednesday, to prove that the player who John Hartson once dubbed “Sunday League” is not untouchable in the Bhoys’ backline – something which should help get him out of his funk upon his eventual return to the side.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “inexcusable” Celtic dud with swoop for “Dirk Kuyt-esque” machine

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull was a shadow of himself as Ange Postecoglou’s side were defeated in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

It means the Scottish giants crashed out of the competition with third place sealed in Group G and now they’ll have to compete in a play-off encounter in UEFA’s third-rate competition, the Europa Conference League, where they will face a group runner-up from that tournament.

The Hoops were merely ten minutes away from a famous night in Germany but they were undone by a late comeback from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen.

A penalty from Josip Juranovic and a sublime finish from Jota had fans dreaming of what could’ve been after Robert Andrich handed the hosts an early lead, but he struck a second time late in the second half before a moment of brilliance from Moussa Diaby sealed the win for Gerardo Seoane’s men.

Bhoys shot-stopper Joe Hart arguably stole the show at the BayArena but had a couple of more of the Aussie’s usually consistent stars performed at a similar level, then we may well be talking about a historic result.

Indeed, Turnbull was one of those who seemed a little jaded and off the pace, which is disappointing because he is usually the bright spark in the engine room.

‘Turnbull looked absolutely run into the ground. A constant in the centre of the park but was far less involved in Germany and unable to dictate the play as he’s so good at doing domestically. A minor blip in a superb season so far,’ is how the Herald described the 22-year-old maestro after the game.

Valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the Scotland international has started all nine of their games in the competition, pre and post-qualifying, as well as every game in the Premiership and domestic cup.

It’s no wonder he looked awfully off the pace against top-quality opposition.

As per SofaScore, Turnbull lost possession a whopping 21 times, which was more than anyone else on the pitch. It meant he handed the ball back to the German side once every 2.8 touches, failing Ange Postecoglou in midfield. His 6.0 rating was also the worst of any Hoops player on the night.

Elsewhere, the Celtic passenger was poor in his passing, failing to register a single key pass, whilst making just 78% of his 45 attempts. The former Motherwell man even won just two duels all game (40% total) and missed one big chance.

Owen Coyle once dubbed the midfielder a “manager’s dream” due to his “physical attributes” and him having “an unbelievable engine” to cover ground but we just did not see that on Thursday evening.

It just wasn’t Turnbull’s night but he has a big chance to rectify his mistakes when the Hoops host Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon, should he not be gifted a much-needed rest.

AND in other news, “Celtic will..”: Journo drops exciting Hoops transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

According to an update by reliable journalist Alan Nixon of The Sun, there has been a development in West Ham United’s search for a striker involving Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Lowdown: West Ham in forward hunt…

Coming a year after West Ham sold club-record signing Sebastien Haller to Ajax, David Moyes is still yet to see a confirmed replacement come through the door at Rush Green.

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That isn’t for lack of trying, as the Hammers and recruitment chief Rob Newman draw up a list of targets, with offers having already been made according to reports.

Sky Sports reported that West Ham made a loan-to-buy bid for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, news which has since been backed by the player’s own representative, while the Irons are also weighing a move for Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz.

In a surprise update, Moyes and co have now set their sights on an England international.

The Latest: West Ham on Calvert-Lewin alert…

Writing for The Sun, reliable reporter Nixon claimed that Moyes has been ‘alerted’ to the possible availability of Toffees forward Calvert-Lewin, but it will cost them an eye-watering £60m.

The Hammers boss would apparently ‘really push the boat out’ to sign him but Everton’s valuation is currently too high.

Refusing to rule out a move, Nixon believes that West Ham will be right at ‘the head of the queue’ if that aspect of the story changes.

The Verdict: Big claim…

There is little doubt that Calvert-Lewin would be the ultimate centre-forward signing if West Ham decide to make a move, even despite his injury-ridden 2021/22 campaign.

Called ‘sensational’ by former West Ham favourite Tony Cottee, the £100,000-per-week striker scored 16 goals in 32 Premier League starts last term, whilst also averaging more attempts at goal per 90 than any Everton player (WhoScored).

At 24 years of age, Calvert-Lewin also comes with real potential for sell-on value, and his homegrown status comes as another incentive.

However, given that West Ham may have to break their transfer record again to land him, this is a move on which Moyes and Newman will have to deliberate carefully.

In other news: ExWHUemployee claims West Ham are eyeing ‘absolutely incredible’ ace with loan-to-buy move in discussion, find out more here.

Everton are another side who are interested in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Toffees have been name-checked with a late interest in the Brazilian by Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol (January 28th), relayed by HITC, which has caught the attention of a number of Villa fans on social media.

Luiz has been a player in demand during the final days of the January window, with both Arsenal and Tottenham keen on the 23-year-old’s services.

Villa are poised to open talks with Luiz over a new contract, though, with the central midfielder having 18 months remaining on his current deal.

According to Solhekol on Sky Sports’ live Transfer Show, Everton have shown an interest in Luiz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tanguy Ndombele, with the Toffees hunting midfielders after injuries to Fabian Delph and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

However, since that update, they now look set to sign Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek on loan, so it remains to be seen where that leaves their interest in the Villa man.

Villa fans react

Total Villa relayed the links regarding Everton and Luiz on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many surprised at the rumour.

“Luiz to Everton!? If this had been last summer per Carlo going to Madrid I could have understood it. Not now.”

Credit: @TalkTrinity

“Imagine leaving Villa for that at the minute”

Credit: @DaveHin55518309

“I guess he’s missing El-Ghazi”

Credit: @Jelly31807434

“EVERTON HAHAHAHAHAHA”

Credit: @KishinJay

“We’d be nuts to let him go”

Credit: @chrisw333

“Everton couldn’t afford Luiz & why would he want a relegation scrap”

Credit: @Villaste1

In other news: Villa now keen on ‘special’ centre-back after Calum Chambers; he can also play in midfield. 

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will look to bring in a new centre-back and defensive midfielder in the January window.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, talking to Give Me Sport, with a number of Villa fans reacting to the news on social media.

Gerrard has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Bodymoor Heath, picking up three wins from a possible four and pushing champions Manchester City all the way in his only defeat at the helm.

Attention is now starting to turn to the January transfer window, and with NSWE promising the manager a huge winter budget last month, many are wondering what areas of the Villa squad he may bolster.

According to O’Rourke, the 41-year-old has identified a centre-back and a defensive midfielder as two priority positions.

Villa fans react

Both Total Villa and The AVFC Faithful shared O’Rourke’s claim on Twitter. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with many unhappy over the apparent plans and some highlighting Marvelous Nakamba’s transformation under Gerrard.

“why would we need a CB”

Credit: @po7ok

“Why? We have 3 seemingly quality CBs…and a capable Hause….and Marvelous has been awesome, with Luiz capable of sitting… main concern is a replacement for Targett (not good enough) and back up for Cash.”

Credit: @TheCount_minusO

“Really? I don’t think we need either of them right now. Surely left back and maybe a winger with one on their way out?”

Credit: @StevieGsVilla

“The disrespect on Marv. LB is a must, CB is secondary rn”

Credit: @DomRay6

“Nakamba been class recently”

Credit: @villafanscentre

“4 quality CBs already? Sounds odd.”

Credit: @TimAsson1

In other news: ‘I am desperate’ – Lots of Villa fans erupt over ‘dream’ fixture news