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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.

Manchester United dropped to seventh in the Premier League table after suffering another humiliating defeat at the hands of Watford on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Josh King, Ismaila Sarr, Emmanuel Dennis and Joao Pedro made Donny van de Beek’s first strike of the season a mere consolation, and Harry Maguire’s 69th-minute red card summed up a hugely disappointing outing for the Old Trafford outfit.

But arguably the most underwhelming display from a Red Devils player came from Marcus Rashford.

The 24-year-old had scored three goals in just six games prior after returning from injury prior to his trip to Vicarage Road, providing hope that he could inspire his boyhood club to a much-need victory.

However, Rashford look way below his best when coming up against the Hornets and was substituted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at half-time following his shocking showing in the opening period.

As per SofaScore, the England international was awarded a match rating of just 6.2 out of 10, the second-lowest total out of any player on the pitch. And when taking a look at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

Rashford touched the ball just 32 times against Watford, only one more than goalkeeper David de Gea, lost possession a whopping 16 times and achieved a passing accuracy of just 50% as he completed fewer passes (11) than his teammate between the posts. That highlighted what was an extremely ineffective display.

The youngster was also only able to pick out a teammate with one of his three attempted crosses, missed one big chance and won just 50% of his duels.

With tough fixtures against Villarreal, Chelsea and Arsenal coming up for United, the Red Devils will need Rashford to return to form as soon as possible in order to address their alarming slump in results and performances.

Fortunately, however, it would appear that Rashford has let down Solskjaer for the final time with the Norwegian reportedly on the verge of being sacked.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to offload struggling midfield star Dele Alli in the January transfer window, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, the reporter said:

“I think the club as a whole, if they get the right offer for Dele Alli, they probably would take it.”

During the last winter window, the 25-year-old was linked with a move away from north London but that failed to materialise, though other reports suggested that chairman Daniel Levy was against such a decision.

He appears to have changed his tune since, with Football Insider suggesting that he is available for a transfer due to him being ‘difficult to manage’ behind the scenes.

Time’s up?

It has certainly been a fall from grace for the 37-time England international, who has not been called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad since June 2019.

Back in 2016/17, the former MK Dons starlet emerged as one of the Premier League’s biggest and brightest young talents, off the back of 22 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, earning some comparisons to top-flight greats Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes.

But in recent years, Alli has struggled to replicate such exploits and has been on a downward spiral ever since ex-manager Jose Mourinho was seen lambasting him as “lazy” in more colourful language in the club’s ‘All or Nothing’ docuseries that was broadcast on Amazon.

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Since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, nearly two-and-a-half years ago, the £27m-rated playmaker has provided 12 goals and ten assists across major competitions, via WhoScored. A fraction of what he managed in that one season.

His latest appearance in a Lilywhites shirt drew some scathing reviews, including one from former midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who unleashed on Alli after their humiliating 2-1 defeat to NS Mura last week.

“Some of the players – and I’ll name them as well – Doherty, Ndombele, Dele Alli, Davinson Sanchez were absolutely shocking. They should be ashamed of their performances tonight. I don’t think you’ll see a few of these in a Spurs shirt ever again.”

Indeed, these are thoughts echoed by much of the Spurs faithful. When asked by Football FanCast recently, some 86% of nearly 300 supporters believe the long-serving star has no future under Antonio Conte.

If the north Londoners can garner some sort of fee for him in the upcoming transfer windows, then it could seriously bolster the Italian’s playing squad and as such, they must surely be buzzing by the news that he could be sold in the near future.

AND in other news, Spurs set for game-changing boost amid behind-scenes insider claim…

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. 

Nathan Patterson may be open to leaving Rangers and joining Everton as he struggles to dislodge James Tavernier. 

That’s according to BBC Radio pundit Noel Whelan, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Patterson has been limited to just two starts in Rangers’ first 20 Premiership matches this season, with Tavernier selected for the other 18. Indeed, more than a quarter of his total game-time so far in 2021/22 has come in the Scottish League Cup.

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has written that ‘figuring out how to use Nathan Patterson’ is one of the key challenges facing Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox. The youngster has started just two of the Dutchman’s nine matches in charge so far.

Everton made two attempts to sign the 20-year-old last summer and are expected to renew their pursuit when the January transfer window opens next week (via The Guardian).

The latest

Whelan reckons that Patterson could succeed 33-year-old Seamus Coleman at Goodison Park or even slot in at left-back after Lucas Digne reportedly fell out with Rafael Benitez.

The former Aberdeen striker added that, while the youngster has looked a ‘top talent’, the presence of Tavernier limits his prospects at Rangers.

Whelan told Football Insider: “Obviously we know that Seamus Coleman isn’t getting any younger in that right-back spot. There’s also an opportunity for him on the left with the Lucas Digne situation, he could fill in there.

“He’s played there for Rangers recently. Even though he’s a top talent, it’s bound to be hard to get in the side ahead of the skipper, James Tavernier.

“We’ve seen him really impress for Scotland as well and he’s shown he can be a brilliant attacking talent as well on international duty. From what I know, he’s got a lot of potential.”

The verdict

You can see why Van Bronckhorst may be reluctant to leave Tavernier on the bench or alter his position. The skipper has recorded more goal involvements (14) than anybody else in the Gers squad from his right-back berth.

Indeed, if you go by WhoScored metrics, he has been Rangers’ highest-performing player this season, averaging a rating of 7.79/10.

Intriguingly, Van Bronckhorst managed to fit both players into the team against Dundee United recently by selecting Patterson on the left. Perhaps he’ll need to do that more often in the interests of the youngster’s development and indeed his transfer value.

In other news, many Rangers fans gushed over this Allan McGregor claim

As per reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard, an update has emerged involving West Ham United and Burnley defender James Tarkowski.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defender hunt…

Following serious injuries to both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, West Ham and manager David Moyes are in the middle of a defensive crisis with the Scotsman confirming he could now turn to January.

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Many defenders have been linked with a move the London Stadium recently, including the likes of Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Phillips, with 90min also claiming that Championship trio Dael Fry, Rob Dickie and Lloyd Kelly are on the radar.

Tarkowski is another defender to have been mentioned as Rosser shares an update.

The Latest: Tarkowski open to West Ham move…

According to the ES reporter’s information, Burnley’s mainstay would be interested in a move to West Ham in January – particularly to work under Moyes.

However, he is apparently ‘relaxed’ about running down his contract with his current Turf Moor deal set to expire at the end of this season.

West Ham are also yet to make a formal approach for the player.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The Clarets value their man at £20 million, and we believe this could be quite a steep fee to pay in January given Tarkowski’s contract situation.

Lauded as ‘top drawer’ by Sean Dyche, if West Ham are to make a move for the 29-year-old, we believe they are better placed doing so when he becomes a free agent next year – even if Moyes is said to be a ‘long term admirer’.

Meanwhile, to cope with their current centre-back crisis, targets like Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, valued at €15 million (£12.8m), and Torino’s Gleison Bremer at €18m (£15.4m), arguably come as better value for money in January – especially given their age.

Both 24-years-old, the Serie A stars would also bring more sell-on value for Moyes in the long term whilst providing that depth in the middle of his defence.

In other news: ExWHUemployee says West Ham could now make move to sign ‘really quick’ 63-goal ‘monster’, find out more here.

England eased past San Marino with ease on Monday night, securing their place in the 2022 World Cup after seeing off the minnows 10-0.

It was the first time the Three Lions has ever hit double figures in a competitive fixture, and the first they’d done so on any occasion since they beat the USA 10-0 in New York back in 1964.

There were first international goals for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe and Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings, while Harry Kane sent a number of records tumbling.

He became the third-highest England scorer after bagging four strikes in the first half, set a new high of 13 for his country in a calendar year, and also became just the fourth player to score a hat-trick in consecutive Three Lions’ games.

But it was a debutant who was introduced at half-time who really caught the eye from a Crystal Palace perspective.

Conor Gallagher was rewarded for his impressive start to the season with a late call-up to the senior squad, and Palace podcaster HLTCO expressed his delight at the news.

He wrote on Twitter: “Conor Gallagher has been a truly transformative force in the Palace midfield since joining the club. I’m over the moon for him, it’s a richly deserved call-up for one of the most energetic footballers I’ve ever had the joy of watching.”

And the 21-year-old certainly took his chance with an eye-catching 45-minute runout at the Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle, showing no signs of nerves on the night.

As per SofaScore, Gallagher achieved a remarkable passing accuracy of 98%, had 55 touches and successfully picked out a teammate with both of his attempted long balls.

The Eagles loanee also completed both his dribbles, found a colleague with two of his three crosses and won four of his six duels, highlighting his efficient display for Southgate’s charges.

It’s now a long wait until the next international break in March, but Gallagher will be hoping to carry on his good form until then, earning another chance to impress on the big stage.

And, in other news…“I don’t think”: Sky Sports journalist shares Palace update that’ll leave fans gutted 

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…

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.

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has one of his biggest tests ahead of him this weekend as the latest Old Firm Derby is set to take place on Sunday afternoon at Ibrox.The Gers head into the showdown three points behind their rivals, meaning that a win for the home side would see them draw level at the top of the SPFL table.Heading into this big clash after the latest international break finally comes to an end, it seems as though a clue has emerged over what Van Bronckhorst’s starting XI could look like to take on the Hoops.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match on the Go Football Radio Show (via Football.Scotland), Barry Ferguson had this to say on which midfield players he thinks Van Bronckhorst will select to start.

He said: “I think he’ll go with [Ryan] Jack, [John] Lundstram and Glen Kamara. The simple fact is that’s the area with Celtic, where you can’t let Callum McGregor dictate the play.”

While Kamara and Lundstram have started 40 league games between them in this campaign, the fact that Jack has only started three games this season and only earned himself an overall performance rating of 6.56 from WhoScored may not please too many Rangers fans to see him start.

As Ferguson mentioned, if Van Bronckhorst’s main aim is to be defensive and control the midfield to stop Celtic from attacking, then starting Jack could be the right move.

However, with the Gers needing to secure three points more than anything, the fans would presumably like to see their side attack their opponents and do all they can to win the game, meaning that if they were to see their manager take an overly-defensive stance when it comes to making his starting XI, it could anger the Ibrox faithful, especially if they don’t end up winning.

Therefore, even though regular game time hasn’t been easy for him to come by since his arrival, it could be worth giving Aaron Ramsey the chance to shine in what would be his first Old Firm Derby. In just six appearances he’s managed to score a goal and provide an assist, which is something that Jack hasn’t been able to do all season.

Also, with just three league games under his belt, the Welshman has managed to rack up an average of two shots per game, showing just how much of an attacking asset he can be, which could well end up being the difference between a win and any other result for Rangers this weekend.

In other news: GVB receives major boost after Rangers submit bid to sign “excellent” £5.9k-p/w titan