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According to Sky Sports football reporter Keith Downie on Twitter, Celtic are in talks with Sunderland about a potential loan move for winger Lewis Morgan.

The move would see the 22-year-old be reunited with manager Jack Ross, with whom he was with last season at St Mirren. Morgan was sensational last season with The Buddies, helping secure them promotion from the Scottish Championship with 14 goals and six assists in 35 appearances. The club finished 12 points ahead of second place, which is an indication of how dominant Morgan and St Mirren were last campaign.

However, Morgan has struggled to make an impact so far for Celtic this season, and while he has featured under Brendan Rodgers, it has largely been from the bench and he is yet to score. But at the age of 22, he is still in his formative years, and it would make sense if he joins up with the manager that has been able to get the best from him so far in his career. It will only help his development before returning to Parkhead.

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This, therefore, if effectively a win-win situation for The Bhoys. They are not loaning a player to a club that is barely going to play him or are sitting in mid-table of their league. They are chasing promotion, and therefore the pressure will be on Morgan in the same way that it will be in Glasgow. The Sunderland fans will demand a lot, and this sort of environment will only improve Morgan before his return to Paradise next season.

Of recent, Manchester United are known to take an age when pondering important decisions.

Though, with Ralf Rangnick’s interim managerial contract expiring in late June, the Red Devils have a chance to act fast and appoint a manager who could oversee their summer rebuild.

What’s the word?

For those who want to see 52-year-old ten Hag takeover the United helm next season, the latest reports will be very much welcomed.

According to Fabrizio Romano, who spoke on his YouTube channel:

“He would be super happy to be the new Manchester United manager. The feeling was positive even on Erik ten Hag’s side during the meeting with Man United.

“He wanted to know budget, potential signings and how they would back him in the market. This is a key point.”

Fabrizio also addressed the logistics behind the potential deal.

“A key point, on compensation, from what I’m told on Man United’s side they don’t see a problem for compensation. They are ready to pay what is right to Ajax.

“The conversation between the club has always been good. The relationship is fantastic due to Edwin van der Sar.”

Great news for Man United

The latest reports from super-journalist Fabrizio Romano will please the alleged 87.9% of United fans who want ten Hag to take over as manager next season.

Although it is worth noting that whilst these discussions between Erik and the Old Trafford side are positive, nothing is guaranteed until the agreements have been made and the contract has been signed.

Though, the discussion of details in this depth does mean that talks are moving in the right direction, with ten Hag showing his eagerness and commitment to the cause by wanting to understand more on the intricacies around how the club is run and the type of resources that he will be equipped with.

As Romano points out here, the relationship between Manchester United and Ajax is strong.

With their shared link with van der Sar, who is the CEO of the Amsterdam outfit, the Red Devils are in the best decision to appoint the Dutchman who worked with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

The Red Devils should act as fast as possible with ten Hag, who can then begin the rebuild process at the club.

All in all, the news that compensation won’t be a problem is particularly good news for the club. They appear to be a step further towards appointing him which given his winning mentality, securing several major honours in his homeland, he’d be a wise hire.

In other news – Man Utd now plot bid to sign £31.5m dynamo, he’s ever better than Rashford – opinion

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring promising young defender Luke Graham to Parkhead.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Courier, who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s side, as well as Arsenal and Rangers, sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old in action for youth side Lochee United on Saturday.

The centre-back has also caught the eye of Sheffield United, so much so that the Dundee FC starlet linked up with the Championship side on a week-long trial on Monday.

The next Jack Hendry

Considering the sheer amount of interest there currently is in the teenager, it is clear that expectations surrounding the defender’s future in the professional game are extremely high.

Indeed, Dundee U18 coach, Scott Robertson, said of the left-footed centre-back prior to his switch to Sheffield United: “It will be a great experience for him, no matter how it goes.

“Luke has only been in full-time for a year and, through challenging circumstances with [the pandemic] and all that brings, has really progressed. He’s come on physically, mentally, tactically – everything we want to see. It’s credit to him how far he has come. He’s been making real strides recently.”

And, while Graham is yet to make his professional bow for the Dark Blues, it would seem that there are already very clear comparisons that can be drawn between the 18-year-old and another former Dundee starlet – Jack Hendry.

Indeed, both Celtic and Rangers were also interested in the 22-year-old back in February 2018, before the Hoops splashed £1.5m in order to secure the signing of the promising defender.

However, while the decision to loan the Scotland international out to KV Oostende with a £990k option to buy clause ultimately proved to be something of a mistake on the part of the Bhoys – as the centre-back is now valued at £5.4m and is highly impressing for Club Brugge – the fact remains that Celtic initially identified the defender’s talent while playing at Dens Park.

As such, with the early signs appearing to suggest that Graham could be just as talented as Hendry – if not more so – it would indeed appear a very wise move for Postecoglou to do all he can to land the teenager ahead of the other interested parties this summer.

AND in other news: Sold at £18m, now worth £7.2m: Celtic hit the jackpot on “desperate” £25k-p/w disaster

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has been giving his thoughts on Leeds United’s pursuit of RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Where we stand

At this moment in time, it seems like Aaronson or nothing for the Whites heading into the final days of the January window.

Any interest in Ronaldo Vieira is now off after Sampdoria decided they would like to keep the former Whites man, and Victor Orta is running out of time to find alternative options for Marcelo Bielsa.

Orta has made the American a key target though, with Leeds having an initial £15m offer turned down. They’ve since returned with a £20m bid, btu Salzburg are yet to accept despite Leeds remaining hopeful of agreeing on a deal.

The Latest: Phillips reacts

Phillips, who regularly contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding the pursuit of Aaronson.

He admitted he would be ‘very surprised’ if a transfer went through, labelling it as ‘crazy’ – he feels the club should be after a striker instead.

“I would say that’s crazy.

“Another attacking midfielder? When they haven’t got a second senior striker it makes no sense to me.

“I don’t think an attacking midfielder should be the priority right now. I think a striker and then a holding midfielder is what is needed. Most people would agree that’s a better option.

“Unless Aaronson can play in a false nine role, the money would be better spent in other areas.

“It stood out in the game against Newcastle that Leeds need another striker. That game highlighted it. I would be very surprised if that move goes through.”

The Verdict: Both needed

Phillips’ comments on ‘another attacking midfielder’ are rather strange when you take into consideration Leeds currently don’t have an out and out attacking midfielder on the books at Elland Road.

However, Leeds have struggled without Patrick Bamford’s focal point in attack, so a new forward is probably actually needed as well as Aaronson, not instead of.

It doesn’t seem likely though that they would suddenly splash the cash on two big signings, given the lack of concrete links to forward targets, so the capture of Aaronson alone may be the best case scenario for Leeds fans in the coming days.

In other news: Orta now eyeing record Leeds signing for Bielsa in 12-goal international – report. 

Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker is reportedly subject to interest from Serie A side Lazio ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Inside Futbol), the Rome-based outfit are looking to attempt a fresh swoop for the 27-year-old after a failed attempt last summer.

The Italian club could lose midfielders Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Lucas Leiva in the upcoming window and are therefore identifying potential replacements, with the Belgian reportedly on their wish list.

Dendoncker’s contract at Molineux expires in 2023 and could be available for a cut-price fee this summer if a contract extension cannot be agreed upon.

Wolves must keep hold of Dendoncker

Like Lazio, Wolves could see two key midfielders depart this summer in Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho and cannot afford to let a third depart.

Neves has been subject to interest from an array of clubs, including Arsenal, whilst Moutinho’s contract is set to expire in June.

Dendoncker has had to work hard to prove himself to Bruno Lage this term, with the Belgian starting just one of the West Midlands club’s first seven Premier League matches of the season.

However, since then the 27-year-old has gone on to start a further 15 matches in the top flight with Wolves still in the hunt for European qualification.

According to SofaScore, the versatile midfielder has completed 86% of his passes in the league this campaign whilst averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.2 clearances and 0.3 interceptions per game.

Although the Belgian’s average match rating of 6.81 is bettered by three other Wolves midfielders Neves (7.2), Luke Cundle (7.1) and Moutinho (7.04), it’s vital that Lage holds onto at least some of his current midfield options as opposed to the risk of having to reinvent his entire team’s core.

The £75k-per-week midfielder scored his sole goal of the campaign in Wolves’ vital 2-0 win away at Tottenham in February and was subject to praise from defender Max Kilman, who said: “He’s brilliant, nothing phases him. He knows his task and he doesn’t feel the pressure.”

Following an initial loan move from Anderlecht in 2018 that became permanent the following summer, Dendoncker has been a kingpin during Wolves’ current streak in the Premier League, having joined ahead of the club’s first season back in the top flight after six years away.

In that time the midfielder has made 149 appearances, making the prospect of a departure an upsetting concept for the Molineux faithful. Lage must not make that mistake this summer.

AND in other news: “My understanding…”: Wolves receive huge injury boost that could aid bid for Europe

Wolves haven’t ruled out the idea of allowing Bruno Jordao to leave on loan this month but would rather keep hold of him, according to journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Jordao’s lack of action

The 23-year-old joined Wanderers back in 2019 but he is yet to become a key figure in the Black Country, spending last season on loan at Famalicao in his homeland of Portugal and accruing only four senior appearances for his current club.

Jordao has been plagued by injury for the last year and he is still yet to feature for a single minute of Wolves’ 2021/22 campaign at first team level.

It remains to be seen whether the midfielder moves on during the January transfer window, but an update has been provided on the situation.

The Latest: Spiers provides Jordao update

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Spiers admitted that Jordao’s future is up in the air but made it clear that Bruno Lage is a keen admirer of the 23-year-old.

The journalist claimed: “He’s talked Jordao up a lot recently. Hasn’t ruled out a loan for him but says at the moment he’d prefer him to stay.”

The Verdict: Loan move beneficial

Assuming that Jordao proves his fitness, it could make sense to allow him to depart on loan for the remainder of the season in order to get his rhythm back.

Realistically, it is hard to see the Portuguese getting too many minutes for Wanderers currently, considering that the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho are such key figures in the middle of the park, although Spiers has hinted that the 23-year-old could get a runout in today’s FA Cup clash against Sheffield United.

A few months out on loan could do wonders, with Jordao then returning to Molineux in the summer ready to push for a more regular starting berth.

In other news, some Wolves fans have reacted to a key fitness update. Read more here.

John Beaton has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday’s crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Rangers at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Parkhead

Ange Postecoglou’s side kept up their six-point lead over their rivals on Sunday afternoon, picking up a precious 2-0 victory away to Ross County.

Next up for the Hoops is this weekend’s critical Old Firm derby meeting at Parkhead, with a win for the hosts all but securing title glory after missing out last year.

It is a game that can sometimes be defined by the refereeing performance – Bobby Madden’s display drew plenty of conversation in the cup semi-final – and the man in the middle has now been confirmed for Sunday’s meeting.

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The Latest: Beaton takes charge

It is Beaton who will take charge of proceedings at Parkhead, reports The Scotsman, and based on his own judgement, Hoops fans may not be particularly pleased to see him with the whistle.

Back in 2020, Beaton himself admitted that Celtic supporters would ‘absolutely love’ to get rid of Scottish referees for this fixture, claiming ‘everybody’ except the officials themselves want them replaced.

The Verdict: Unpopular choice

The appointment of Beaton will not go down well with Postecoglou and his players, or the fans for that matter – he has even hinted at preferring refereeing behind closed doors, saying in those comments back in 2020 life was easier without the intensity from the fans.

That said, Celtic need to focus on the task at hand and ignore any controversy – if the Hoops allow the referee to get to them, the only people it is going to affect is themselves, on what is a potentially defining afternoon in the title race.

Essentially, all the pressure is on Rangers, who really have to win the match – the only hope is that Beaton doesn’t end up having a negative say on matters.

In other news, an ex-Celtic hero has taken a dig at Rangers ahead of Sunday’s game. Read more here.

Manchester United are under pressure to make signings this January after displaying underwhelming form this year so far, with the side failing to win their first two Premier League games since the January transfer window opened on New Years Day.

However, Ralf Rangnick could now be preparing a bid for a popular player.

What’s the word?

According to the print edition of Spanish newspaper Sport (via The Faithful MUFC), Manchester United are preparing a huge salary offer to Barcelona defender, Ronald Araujo.

The report claims that the club has already called the 22-year-old, and they are now prepared to agree a huge salary and make an attractive bid to secure his signature this January.

Another report from Sport via Sport Witness revealed that Barcelona is aware of the Red Devil’s contact made with the player, along with other Premier League clubs, and suggests that Araujo wants to stay at his current club, but have not been able to agree on a suitable renewal fee with them.

United are competing with Liverpool, who have also been reported to be interested in signing the centre back, and will need to beat their North-West rivals by making an attractive offer for a move to Old Trafford.

Fans will be buzzing

It’s safe to say that Manchester United fans are unhappy with the club’s trophy drought and underwhelming form in the Premier League at the moment, and signing players to refresh their team is something they would be extremely happy to see.

The current central defenders have also not been performing at their best, with inconsistent availability from Raphael Varane through injury and disappointing performances from Harry Maguire, who was sent off against Watford in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final game.

That has ultimately played its part in the side conceding 29 goals in their last 20 Premier League games.

According to Squawka, when you compare the £31.5m-rated beast who was hailed “quality” by former Barcelona manager, Ronaldo Koeman, to United centre back and captain, Maguire, the youngster has made more interceptions, more tackles, won more ground duels and even offered more offensively, scoring two goals in La Liga this season so far.

Rangnick will need to act fast if he wants to bolster his defence by adding Araujo into his backline, with Liverpool also in hot pursuit for the young defender.

Should they beat their arch-rivals to the signature, it will only leave supporters at Old Trafford even more pleased with the signing.

In other news: Rangnick must swoop for Jude Bellingham

West Ham United suffered a huge blow in their hopes of finishing in the top four after Brentford eased to a 2-0 victory in Sunday’s clash in west London.

The Hammers disappointingly fell to a resurging Bees outfit after goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney dealt David Moyes’ dreams of Champions League football a major setback.

The Irons remain sixth in the table, with Manchester United poised to climb above them if they can secure a point against a struggling Norwich City side next weekend.

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The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 60 minutes) were for the visitors on the day. Could any of these players be worried about their places in the starting XI going forward?

Craig Dawson – 6.4/10

Three players all came out with the same 6.4 rating, although Manuel Lanzini has been omitted as he was given less than 60 minutes worth of game time.

As such, Dawson takes third place. The centre-back struggled on the ball, having lost possession 15 times. Out of 12 long balls he played, only two were successful, and he failed to record any key passes, shots or dribbles throughout the match.

Jarrod Bowen – 6.4/10

Despite having an excellent season so far, Bowen also received a 6.4 rating on Sunday.

The winger failed to make an impact on the match, having had just 22 touches of the ball, proceeding to lose possession eight times against the Bees.

The 25-year-old did not take a single shot all afternoon, also failing in the final third in his attempt to pull off a single successful dribble.

Michail Antonio – 6.3/10

Antonio was ranked as West Ham’s worst starter against Brentford, being given a 6.3 rating.

The striker failed to take a single shot throughout the match, adding to his ongoing drought which now stands at 12 league games without a goal.

The 32-year-old struggled to provide an attacking outlet for the Hammers, failing to succeed in either of his two dribble attempts. Having touched the ball on 26 occasions, Antonio lost possession 10 times, capping a poor display for the Irons’ only senior striker.

In other news: This West Ham trio came in for criticism v Brentford

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Monaco monster Benoit Badiashile…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are plotting a swoop for the defender and are currently in talks with the Ligue 1 club over a deal for him this month.

The report claims that he is valued at £35m by the French side and it remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle are willing to meet their demands.

Buzzing

Eddie Howe will surely be buzzing with this news for several reasons. For starters, he will be delighted that the club are actively making moves to strengthen the defence, with talks having already been opened over a transfer for Badiashile.

It shows that they are not willing to waste time and wait until the end of the window to make signings. They want to strengthen the team as quickly as possible and this will please the ex-Bournemouth boss as his team is in dire need of reinforcements.

The Magpies are 19th in the Premier League and have only won one game all season. This shows that the current crop of players have not been good enough for a team that wants to avoid relegation, which is why PIF must splash the cash to improve Howe’s options ahead of the second half of the season.

One of Newcastle’s biggest issues has been their defence. They have conceded the most goals in the division (42) and the signing of Badiashile could improve their backline. The 20-year-old has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.79 in Ligue 1 for Monaco this term, after managing a score of 6.91 in 32 starts last season.

He helped the French side to keep nine clean sheets in the 2020/21 campaign as he won 63% of his duels and made 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game. This shows that he can consistently provide strong defensive performances at the top level, winning the majority of his duels and helping his team to keep shutouts – something Newcastle have struggled with this season as they sit on one clean sheet after 19 matches.

Therefore, Howe will be buzzing with the prospect of Badiashile arriving at St. James’ Park. Not only is he a player with immense potential, given his performances in Ligue 1 at the age of 20, but he has also proven that he can perform in the here and now and the Magpies need the defensive monster in their bid to avoid relegation down to the second tier.

AND in other news, “They are…” – Chris Waugh drops key NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…