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Rangers returned to winning ways on Sunday lunchtime as Steven Gerrard’s men put on a clinic in attacking football as the Gers hit their opposition for six.

The Glaswegian outfit slipped up last week and allowed their city rivals back into the title race. However, they were able to extend their lead at the summit again this weekend after hammering Motherwell 6-1.

It was a highly impressive victory from Rangers who actually went 1-0 down before dazzling their supporters at Fir Park.

Alfredo Morelos was charged with leading the line but it was his offensive colleague in Fashion Sakala who stole the show.

The Zambian had only scored one prior to their clash this weekend but the striker well and truly announced himself as a Rangers player.

He scored a wonderful hat-trick, putting the Motherwell defence to the sword. However, he couldn’t have done it without their unsung hero of the day; James Tavernier.

The skipper’s place in the side hasn’t always been stable over the last few campaigns with Nathan Patterson staking his claim last season and the right-back upsetting supporters back in 2019/20.

Yet, he has bounced back and proved why he is so valuable to Gerrard and the team.

As Rangers scored six times this week and opened up their gap to four points at the top of the Premiership, it was their flying defender who gave them a huge helping hand.

Some of the statistics he amassed were incredible as he lost the ball on a whopping 41 occasions. However, the story behind that tally is easy to see. He was a creative marvel from the right-hand flank, attempting no fewer than 29 crosses.

With that in mind, it was hardly a surprise to see that Tavernier had more touches (133) than any other player on the field.

The £7.2m-rated gem scored a precise volley at the back post to level the score just before the interval and then helped himself to two assists, supplying a mesmerising eight key passes in the process.

It was a complete display from the captain going forward but he also weighed in defensively, winning four of his physical duels.

All of that led to a SofaScore match rating of 9.6 for the 30-year-old which happened to be the second-best behind their goal-scoring sensation; Sakala.

He will no doubt receive most of the plaudits, something he undoubtedly deserves, but Tavernier deserves equal praise for what was a remarkable performance that typified a modern-day full-back.

AND in other news, Gerrard could unearth Charlie Adam 2.0 in Rangers gem with “great future in the game”…

Newcastle United fans have been handed an exciting twist in their club’s chase to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this summer.

What’s the story?

Fabrizio Romano had recently suggested that Serie A giants Milan were virtually nailed-on to sign the Netherlands international, but it seems that the Magpies have come in at the 11th hour to throw a spanner in the works.

Posting initially on Twitter, Football Insider revealed that both Eddie Howe’s side and Milan have “verbally agreed personal terms” and that the Magpies have held “extensive negotiations” with the defender since January.

In a follow-up article, it was added that a Newcastle source had told them the Tyneside club “have not given up hope of landing Botman after extensive negotiations over a potential deal both in January and subsequently… They will now try to negotiate a fee with Lille, who have held out for a £30m fee.”

Game-changer for Newcastle

If Newcastle can manage to pull off a last-minute heist for Botman, it really would be the biggest statement of the new PIF era thus far.

Never mind that the Magpies are competing with a club like Milan, who are rich in footballing history and playing some kind of European football almost annually.

The idea that Newcastle could come in and blow the Rossoneri out of the water with an offer and convince a player to join them so soon after they had basically been out of the running is a telling sign of the massive impact that the Toon Army could have in the future.

It’s a worrying sign for the rest of Europe that, even at this early stage of their revolution, that Newcastle are already beginning to throw their weight around behind closed doors and putting their money where their mouth is.

They already managed to beat Arsenal to the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, and muscling out Milan to Botman would be another significant coup.

Described by his former Lille boss Christophe Galiter as someone who is emerging as a “leader”, and valued at £40m by CIES, Botman could be another game-changing signing for Newcastle if they pull it off.

AND in other news – Sold for just £100k, now a two-time title winner: NUFC flop has delivered huge payback

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar.

What’s the talk?

According to The Daily Mail, the Magpies and Tottenham are both interested in a deal to sign the central defender in January.

CIES ranked him as the third-best defender in the world in 2021, behind Real Madrid’s David Alaba and Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.

The Daily Mail reacted to this by profiling some of the players in CIES’ rankings, mentioning in their section on Skriniar that Newcastle and Spurs have been looking at him.

Best signing since Wilson

The Toon Army fans will surely be delighted with this update as the defensive enforcer could be the club’s best signing since they landed Callum Wilson from Bournemouth last summer.

Joe Willock was the club’s only signing of the transfer window just gone and he has struggled to find his best form this season. He has averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.45, with zero goals and zero assists to his name in 15 appearances.

In terms of permanent additions, Ryan Fraser, Wilson, Jamal Lewis and Jeff Hendrick came in during the 2020/21 campaign. Of those players, Wilson (6.84) was the only player to average a higher WhoScored rating than 6.38 in the Premier League.

The signing of Skriniar could, therefore, be the best move the club has made since they brought the hitman over from the Cherries. CIES’ report ranks him as one of the top players in world football and his statistics in the Serie A have been very strong, with the defender averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.99 across 16 starts.

His former under-17’s coach, Tibor Goljan, once hailed him, saying: “He has always been the leader on and off the pitch.”

It was reported earlier this year that Skriniar is competing with Nicolo Barella to be named the new club captain of Inter, highlighting his huge influence behind the scenes and in the changing room too.

The Slovakia international averaged a rating of 6.90 in the Serie A last term, playing 32 times, which shows that he also has consistency in his performances – stretching back to the start of last season. He has been previously described as an “absolute beast” and a “monster” by journalists David Amoyal and Siavoush Fallah, highlighting his defensive strength. 

Therefore, he could be a sublime signing for Newcastle as he appears to have the leadership skills off the pitch and the footballing ability on it to be a success in the Premier League. If Eddie Howe is able to get a deal over the line for the Inter gem then it could be their best addition since Wilson…

AND in other news, NUFC liability who lost 83% duels badly betrayed Howe, Shearer thinks he’s a “danger”…

As per club insider Claret & Hugh, a West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving boss David Moyes, Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard and owners GSB.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard move…

In what is potentially the worst kept secret of the January transfer window, Moyes has firmly set his sights on Lingard as a top target with multiple reliable sources confirming the club’s interest.

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Both ExWHUemployee and Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard both say that the England international is up there among Moyes’ top transfer agendas for the winter window.

Amid his precarious contract situation, with Lingard’s deal at Old Trafford set to expire at the end of 2021/2022, West Ham could sign him as a free agent in the summer or agree a cheap fee with the Red Devils in January.

The Latest: Insider shares Lingard update…

Sharing some information, insider Claret & Hugh explain that West Ham’s boss is indeed eyeing a Lingard move – going on to say that the Scotsman has personally told owners GSB that he wants to sign the player.

As well as this, the Irons source claims that ‘a move will be attempted’ as a result before the January transfer window shuts its doors.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The Lingard saga has been dragging on since the beginning of the winter window and last summer, yet his numbers suggest that he would be the perfect addition.

Racking up nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League starts, being called ‘sensational’ by former Arsenal man Nigel Winterburn, the 29-year-old was electric on loan with the Hammers last season.

His influence going forward would be major boost for Moyes as he aims to keep West Ham in the mix for a Champions League qualifying spot.

However, if this continues to drag on, we believe all efforts should be put towards signing a striker alternative to Michail Antonio.

In other news: Talks ongoing…ExWHUemployee shares promising update out of West Ham, find out more here.

Aston Villa journalist Ashley Preece says the club ‘like’ Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, who could leave Old Trafford this month. 

The lowdown

Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who sits third in Liverpool’s all-time appearance list, has already done business with one of his former nemeses this January, with Lucas Digne arriving from the Reds’ local rivals Everton in a £27million deal.

Philippe Coutinho has also joined on loan from FC Barcelona, with goalkeeper Robin Olsen making a temporary switch from AS Roma.

At present, it’s relegation-threatened Newcastle United who are ‘pushing very hard’ to land Lingard, though The Red Devils are resisting their efforts to take him on loan. They would prefer a permanent deal for the £18million-rated asset.

Villa have trimmed their attacking ranks this month, allowing Anwar El-Ghazi and Jaden-Philogence Bidace to leave. With Trezeguet also potentially on the way out, you can understand why they might want another body.

The latest

In a fan Q & A, The Birmingham Mail’s Preece was asked whether Lingard would ‘be interested in coming’.

He replied: “Lingard is admired by Villa, I can say that,” before adding in a separate answer that “Villa like him”.

“Philogene-Bidace now heading to Stoke on loan, and Trezeguet looking to be loaned out, there could be scope but Newcastle are expected to step up their interest and take him this month rather than for free in the summer.”

The verdict

Newcastle seem determined to snap up Lingard, but negotiations are proving difficult, so maybe Villa will look to capitalise.

As long as United aren’t overly concerned by the optics of doing business with one of their arch-rivals’ legends, it could be doable.

Lingard may find the move more appealing, knowing that if he joins Newcastle, he could find himself looking for another transfer in the summer if they get relegated.

The Englishman notched 16 direct goal involvements in just half a season at West Ham, and he could help propel Villa into European contention in the next couple of seasons.

In other news, fans loved this confirmation from the club.

Jack Pitt-Brooke has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing four major signings this summer.

The Lowdown: Champions League uncertainty

Spurs are not guaranteed to finish in the UEFA Champions League places this season, given that they are currently three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand on their North London rivals.

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It would be more difficult to attract the calibre of player that they would want should they miss out, and they could also potentially lose some of their best players, with the likes of Harry Kane now being linked to big-spenders Newcastle United.

The Latest: Four signings eyed

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Lilywhites journalist Pitt-Brooke has revealed that Antonio Conte’s team are now looking to make four major signings in the summer.

They reportedly want to bring in a new left-sided central defender, two wing-backs, and a back-up to Kane.

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for THFC fans that they seem to be looking to go on a spending spree this summer.

The likes of Omar Marmoush and Lautaro Martinez have been linked as striker options, while Ben Davies could become more of a squad member next season, meaning that a more natural centre-back will likely take his position on the left of a three-man defence.

Djed Spence has been strongly linked with filling in the right wing-back position at Tottenham, while at left wing-back, Sergio Reguilon has not always been in favour under Conte.

Nonetheless, it could be a new-look Spurs side built in Conte’s image by the end of the summer transfer window, which should surely excite the Lilywhites faithful.

In other news, find out who THFC have now held talks over signing here!

Frank McAvennie has urged Celtic to sign Jota on a permanent deal following his loan spell at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Option to buy

As per a revelation from Sky Sports, the Hoops have an option to buy Jota in the summer for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of just over £6m, following his loan spell from Benfica.

He has enjoyed a fine start to life in Glasgow, scoring three goals and making a further four assists in nine games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: McAvennie on Jota

Speaking to Football Insider, former Celts striker now pundit McAvennie has urged his old team to complete the signing of Jota permanently, after what he has seen of the Portuguese so far:

“He’s a heart-throb, the ladies love him.

“Honestly, I would buy him tomorrow. Get that deal signed, new terms, pay rise, all of it. I would take him, for six million?

“It’s a no brainer, I would take him. He’s only going to get better. Six million is nothing in today’s day and age.

“He seems to be enjoying himself as well. That’s half the battle. He’s always smiling, even when Celtic aren’t winning.

“He symbolises that happy camp that we seem to have now, what a difference from last season.

“It’s all clicking and we’re seeing the best of Jota as a result.”

The Verdict: No brainer

McAvennie could not have put it any better, it is certainly a ‘no brainer’ for the Bhoys to sign Jota after his loan spell ends.

£6m in today’s market is an absolute steal for a 22-year-old with the ability and potential he boasts, and he has already shown that he knows where the goal is.

Jota also ranks highly among his teammates in terms of shots (3.8), key passes (1.8), and dribbles (one) per game in the Scottish Premiership so far this term (Whoscored), proving already to be a key player for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

In other news, find out who Celtic’s worst three players were against Ferencvaros here!

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita could be ruled out of the Reds’ Premier League clash with Watford after failing to recover from injury.

The Lowdown: Reds return to action

Jurgen Klopp’s men are back in action after the international break, as a relentless April begins in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple.

Liverpool host Watford on Saturday lunchtime knowing that victory over the Hornets will put them two points clear at the top of the table, for the time being at least.

While the Reds’ injury situation is largely positive, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hamstring is a big question mark, with Klopp saying it will be “tight” to get the England international back in time for Saturday’s early kick-off.

Now, it appears the playmaker extraordinaire isn’t the only issue…

The Latest: Keita ruled out

As confirmed by journalist James Pearce on Twitter, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Keita didn’t train on Thursday, suggesting he won’t be available unless a full recovery was made behind the scenes on Friday:

“Klopp on Keita: ‘Naby couldn’t train yesterday, we will see how it is for today.'”

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The Verdict: Hugely frustrating

Keita’s entire spell at Liverpool has been injury-plagued, with the Guinean limited to just 63 starts in nearly four seasons, in all competitions.

He has been afforded a two-week period to stay fit and not go on international duty, yet he is still the one player who looks set to be out of contention with another niggling problem.

The more Keita’s time at Anfield goes on, the more it feels as though he will never stay fit for a genuinely prolonged run in the team, failing to reach his undoubted potential in the process. Liverpool need him in the title run-in, so the hope is that it is nothing serious.

In other news, Liverpool are eyeing up a move for one exciting attacking player. Find out who it is here.

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercato, there has been an exit update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving big name player Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: Ndombele on the move?

Spurs’ club record signing from Lyon is yet again being linked with a move away from north London as manager Antonio Conte completes his squad evaluations and decides who he wants to keep or sell.

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The likes of Dele Alli and Steven Bergwijn have also been tipped to potentially exit the club before January 31, either on loan or permanently, with Ndombele firmly in that bracket as well.

The France midfielder was subject to intense booing from Spurs supporters after he casually left the field in their 3-1 FA Cup third round win over Morecambe last weekend.

Since then, reports have tipped Ndombele as one of the men no longer in Conte’s plans as transfer chief Fabio Paratici is potentially tasked with negotiating his sale.

Bringing the latest, Calciomercato have an interesting development.

The Latest: Napoli ‘working hard’ to seal Ndombele move…

As per the Italian news source, Serie A side Napoli are ‘working hard’ to sign the 25-year-old behind closed doors as they aim to ‘reinforce’ their midfield.

It is believed that Ndombele is ‘ready to say goodbye’ before deadline day with the player ‘rejected’ by Conte at Spurs.

The Verdict: Time to go?

The £200,000-per-week man undoubtedly has the ability to succeed at Tottenham, displaying his skills in flashes, but these past two and a half years at the club have also highlighted his lack of consistency.

Attracting criticism for his attitude and demeanour, Ndombele has been the subject of a possible exit from N17 for some time now, with The Times backing that he informed Tottenham of his desire to leave last summer.

As Conte seeks to guide the club into a new dawn, the 52-year-old will need all of his squad on side and working in unison to do so – highlighting the point that selling Spurs’ most expensive ever player may now be a necessity.

If Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy receive a suitable offer from Napoli or any other club, they should certainly entertain Ndombele’s exit this month.

In other news: ‘This will get Tottenham fans excited…’ – Sky Sports make N17 transfer claim live on air! Find out more here.

Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League line-up may have given clues as to who’ll be involved against FC Porto, The Athletic’s Simon Hughes writes. 

The lowdown

Liverpool are due to the face the Primeira Liga side on Wednesday night knowing that they’ve already secured progression to the Round of 16 as group winners.

That could give Jurgen Klopp the chance to rotate his side prior to the weekend’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

Klopp said in his pre-match press conference he would think about ‘ourselves, our schedule and the situation of our players’ when choosing his side.

The latest

Hughes points out that Marc Bridge-Wilkinson selected Kaide Gordon, Owen Beck and Connor Bradley for the Under-19s’ corresponding clash with Porto earlier in the day.

“I can’t see them playing tonight,” he says.

However, ‘interestingly’, Tyler Morton and James Balagizi are ‘not involved’ against the Portuguese side.

In theory, then, they should be available for the senior clash at Anfield.

The verdict

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Morton feature from the start in what is effectively a dead-rubber fixture.

The midfielder has played in both of Liverpool’s EFL Cup ties and made his Premier League debut last weekend with a brief run-out in the 4-0 victory over Arsenal (via Transfermarkt).

In his programme notes for Wednesday’s game, Klopp described the 19-year-old as ‘very special’.

Perhaps the signs are pointing towards a full Champions League debut.

In other news, fans react to the club’s January transfer decision.