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Rangers fans love Scott Arfield photo

A number of Rangers supporters have flocked to an official club tweet to hail Scott Arfield following his goal in the 3-1 victory over Livingston.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst made a winning start to life in the Premiership since taking over as manager, adding to Thursday’s triumph against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.

The champions eased to a win at Livingston on Sunday, ensuring that they remain four points clear of the Celtic in the title race.

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It was Arfield who opened the scoring for the Gers, giving his side an early lead, with Joe Aribo and Fashion Sakala also finding the net.

After the game, Rangers’ official Twitter channel posted a photo of Arfield producing his trademark salute celebration after scoring, with the image going down a treat among many of the Ibrox fan base.

Rangers fans love Arfield photo

These Gers fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the “majestic” Canada international as the photo of his celebration was shared.

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @WATP72RFC

“Only word for this guy is majestic”

Credit: @ash93_x

“Saluting his way to another title”

Credit: @GKilpatrick1116

“This is the content we want to see Mr Rangers”

Credit: @craigmo05203773

“Top player”

Credit: @shorty7255

“Handsome”

Credit: @Millsy97_

In other news, some Rangers fans were unhappy with one player after Livingston’s goal. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace predicted XI to face Arsenal

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira may be forced to make changes ahead of the Eagles’ clash against his former club Arsenal on Monday night.

Take nothing away from Palace this season; these changes won’t be a knee-jerk reaction to their recent form. With three wins and two draws from their last five games in all competitions, the Eagles have hit form at an ideal time.

They have bagged nine goals in that time, although their ability to pick up points of late is not just down to their goalscoring acumen.

Vieira’s side have displayed incredible defensive stability, with their water-tight defence leaking just two goals over their last five outings. Impressively, during that run they faced the second-highest scorers in the league in Manchester City and came away with a point and a well-earned clean sheet.

Unfortunately for Palace fans, there are doubts over the talismanic duo of Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise after the pair picked up injuries whilst on international duty.

The Ivory Coast forward missed his nation’s friendly against England due to a hamstring problem, whilst the France under-21 starlet withdrew from international duty after suffering inflammation on his foot.

Although neither have trained since their respective returns from international duty, Vieira is optimistic that the pair could feature against Arsenal, with Eagles fans able to take solace in the 45-year-old’s positivity as the duo “still have a chance” of playing at Selhurst Park on Monday.

Here is how we think Palace XI will line up against the Gunners, in a 4-3-3 formation:

Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guéhi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyaté, Schlupp; Ayew, Mateta, Édouard

If our prediction is accurate, the game on Monday will see Vieira make four changes from last time out as the Eagles look to capitalise on their good run of form.

Those changes could see the likes of Jack Butland, Eberechi Eze, Olise and Zaha – who all featured in Palace’s 4-0 demolition job against Everton in the FA Cup a fortnight ago – drop out. Vicente Guaita, Jeffrey Schlupp, Andre Ayew and Odsonne Edouard, who was hailed as a “special talent” by his former Celtic boss Neil Lennon – all coming in against Arsenal.

Whilst Zaha is Palace’s top scorer this season, perhaps the biggest miss will be the “fearless” Olise, who has asserted himself as one of the most creative outlets in the league, creating seven big chances and providing five assists this season.

In other news – Huge blow as Vieira dealt double setback ahead of Arsenal clash, supporters will be gutted

BBC reporter shares Traore to Spurs latest

As per BBC journalist Simon Stone, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s attempt to sign Wolves star Adama Traore this month as manager Antonio Conte seeks his first signing.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Traore talks…

Over the last two weeks, the Lilywhites have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain international as Matt Law of The Telegraph even claimed they were attempting a possible loan-to-buy deal (Twitter).

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Conte, aiming to strengthen his options at right-wing-back, has apparently mapped a role for Traore in that position – akin to how he transformed his former player Victor Moses during a stint across London at rivals Chelsea (The Athletic).

Just over a week of the January transfer window remains as Spurs and managing director Fabio Paratici chase much-needed N17 additions, with BBC reporter Stone now sharing an update on their attempts to sign the 25-year-old.

The Latest: Tottenham offer expected…

According to his information (8:38, Jan 21), after Wolves rejected their initial £15m bid, the Molineux side ‘expect’ Tottenham to ‘return with another offer’ for Traore before deadline day.

They are open to letting the Spaniard leave in order to fund manager Bruno Lage’s own transfer plans, but the price must be right for them to entertain a deal.

The Verdict: Making progress?

Depending on Tottenham’s next offer, Conte may well be edging slowly but surely to his first signing at the club, and it could be an exciting capture.

Pundit Noel Whelan lauded Traore as an addition which ‘could really excite the Tottenham fans’ and it’s hard to disagree going by the numbers.

According to WhoScored, the winger has averaged a very impressive 4.3 completed dribbles per 90 in the Premier League this season – far more than any Lilywhites man in Conte’s current squad by comparison (WhoScored).

This highlights his potential to be a genuine threat at right-back under the Italian and supporters may be hoping that the man named Wolves’ ‘big name’ by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers finally makes the move down south soon.

In other news: Spurs also allegedly ‘edging closer’ to signing ‘massive’ £15m man for Conte, find out more here.

Downie: Newcastle eyeing other CBs

Keith Downie has revealed that Newcastle United are now eyeing other central defenders whose names have not yet been reported.

The Lowdown: Who’s been linked so far?

Following the arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood at St. James’ Park, it looks as if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now looking at bringing in a new centre-back as their third signing in the January transfer window.

The names that have been linked the most seem to be Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile, but as the window ticks down it may be that the new owners now look at other targets to bring in, with crucial games against both Watford and Leeds United in the Premier League coming up.

The Latest: Alternatives eyed

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Sky Sports journalist Downie has revealed that the North East club are now eyeing alternative targets in the centre-half position, outside of the names already reported:

“I think they’re just juggling a few names at the moment.

“I mean, if I’m honest I was given two other names yesterday that I have not reported yet, because I’m trying to stand those up.”

The Verdict: Get one in now

Whoever the player is, the Tyneside outfit simply need to get a central defender in now.

They currently have the second-worst defensive record in the top flight, and so freshening up the backline would really help Eddie Howe and his team going forward.

Looking at their current options, Ciaran Clark is currently rated as the division’s worst centre-back (to have played at least five games) so far this season, while Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles all rank inside the worst eleven (WhoScored).

It is clearly an area that needs improving, and so a new centre-half must now be the priority for the Magpies.

In other news, find out which six-foot-one ‘phenom’ NUFC are now ‘most interested’ in signing here!

Phil Hay drops Leeds United transfer update

Leeds United fans won’t want to hear what The Athletic’s Phil Hay has to say about deadline day at Elland Road…

What’s the word?

Speaking on Twitter, the ever-reliable reporter delivered a gutting claim about the likelihood of the Whites conducting any sort of business before the 11pm deadline.

“As for incomings at Elland Road, still expecting a quiet day,” he revealed.

In just 11 words, Hay has surely ruined the hopes and dreams of many supporters around west Yorkshire with just a few hours left to go.

Gutting news

Much of the Leeds faithful have been desperate to see Marcelo Bielsa handed some reinforcements to his decimated squad this month but it appears as if it just isn’t going to happen.

Their attempts to bring a new midfielder to the club have fallen short after seeing bids of £15m and £20m rejected by RB Salzburg for their star maestro Brenden Aaronson.

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That’s a deal that is expected to happen in the summer instead, meaning Leeds haven’t signed anyone for the engine room for four years now when Adam Forshaw joined from Middlesbrough in January 2018.

That area of the pitch has been a pressing need with influential England international Kalvin Phillips, who was subject of interest from West Ham United in the past few days, absent through injury until March at the earliest.

He along with skipper Liam Cooper and last season’s leading talisman Patrick Bamford have been huge absentees for the Yorkshiremen.

There have been times where Bielsa has been without as many as 11 first-team players in the Premier League, leaving him to fill the bench with academy players who simply aren’t ready for a crack at the big time.

This latest bombshell from Hay will leave many around Elland Road absolutely furious, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Leeds submit last-ditch “offer” on deadline day, Bielsa badly needs him…

Man City: Journalist drops big Foden claim

Sharing news midweek, 90min journalist and ‘insider’ Graeme Bailey now has a major player update for Manchester City supporters out of Eastlands.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues in contract flurry…

City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and the club have seemingly been renewing contracts left, right and centre over 2021/2022 as Pep Guardiola aims to tie down both future and first team stars.

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The likes of John Stones, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, James McAtee and Ederson, to name a few, have all put pen to paper on fresh terms in the past 12 months.

According to reports, Guardiola and co aren’t done there, with the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan also tipped to receive the option.

Superstar playmaker Phil Foden is yet another, and if Bailey is to be believed, a major development has come to light on City’s attempts to tie down the England international.

The Latest: Bailey shares Foden development…

Taking to Twitter, the 90min insider says Man City are now closer to agreeing a new deal for the 21-year-old.

“Man City close to finalising Phil Foden contract extension,” he explained.

“Talks have been ongoing since last year but Premier League champions confident their prized asset will re-sign by end of the season.”

The Verdict: Absolutely huge…

As perhaps best summed up on Tuesday night, Foden looks set to be an absolutely crucial player for City for years to come.

The Sky Blues struggled to break down a resilient Atletico Madrid side in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie in Manchester, but thanks to their homegrown starlet’s cameo off the bench, Guardiola’s men eventually found a way through.

Foden’s delicate through ball to Kevin De Bruyne, who subsequently fired home past Jan Oblak, gifted City a 1-0 aggregate advantage as they gear up for their Wanda Metropolitano visit next week.

The midfield gem’s introduction was a crucial one and this is just one example of his importance at the Etihad Stadium.

As City take one step closer towards tying him down further, it’s safe to say this midweek update could be looked back on as massive for years to come.

In other news: Blues now preparing bid to sign ‘special’ £67m star alongside Haaland! Find out more here.

West Ham fans erupt over Nat Phillips claim

Taking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing amid a fresh transfer claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

Irons manager David Moyes, who has stated publicly his wish to strengthen in January, has been mainly tipped to target three main positions for the squad.

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As per The Evening Standard, it is believed that the Scotsman would ideally like to add a striker, a new centre-half and England international Jesse Lingard to his roster as he seeks to reinforce his options.

West Ham have dropped points in their last three Premier League games, losing to both Wolves and Manchester City before failing to see out their home encounter with Brighton on Wednesday night in a 1-1 draw.

As January looms, it could be a chance for the Irons and new recruitment chief Rob Newman to gift Moyes a boost, with Football Insider now claiming that the groundwork is being laid for a move to sign Reds defender Phillips.

According to their sources, as also shared by The Sun, West Ham are lining up a move for the 24-year-old in mid-season, and it is believed that as little as £12m could seal a transfer.

West Ham fans buzzing…

Taking into account Phillips’ age, price tag and ability, it’s little wonder so many Hammers fans believe he is a ‘bargain’ waiting to happen.

According to WhoScored, the towering 6 foot 3 centre-back averaged more clearances per 90 (4.8) than any West Ham defender in the the Premier League over 2020/21. Furthermore, only midfielder Tomas Soucek (6.2) racked up more aerial duels among Moyes’ squad in that time than Phillips (5.6), highlighting the Reds defender’s colossal presence.

Still fairly young at 24, homegrown, seemingly adept at the top level and valued at just £12m, you can understand why many West Ham fans are buzzing as their club eye a “bargain” January move for the Liverpool centre-back.

Check out some of their reactions below:

“he’s absolutely unreal”

Credit: @whucharlie_

“£12m is a bargain for a player of his age and quality. Let’s get it done if that’s all it takes”

Credit: @TEJAddison

“Absolute bargain.”

Credit: @LeeScourfield

“Wouldn’t be a bad signing at all if true, young and already with PL experience, would give us 3 young and experienced CBs in him, Zouma and Diop and then with the years of experience of Dawson too, no brainer for me”

Credit: @TomGuy93

“Would be a great addition.”

Credit: @WHUSamzini

“Yes”

Credit: @mattingram28

“I’d like this. Always looked comfortable when playing for Liverpool.”

Credit: @Denner7s

In other news: Newman now eyeing West Ham bid to sign 129-goal ‘big name’ striker in January, find out more here.

Everton: Woodgate rips into Richarlison

Richarlison was ‘hugely disrespectful’ to the travelling Everton supporters following Sunday’s defeat against West Ham United.

That’s according to BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Jonathan Woodgate, speaking live on air.

The lowdown

Everton lost 2-1 at the London Stadium to deepen their relegation fears ahead of Wednesday’s crunch encounter with Burnley.

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Aaron Cresswell and Jarrod Bowen scored either side of a deflected Mason Holgate effort to give the Hammers victory against Frank Lampard’s side, who were reduced to 10 men with 25 minutes left when Michael Keane picked up a second yellow card.

Richarlison started on the left of Frank Lampard’s front three, joining Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray in the attack, and completed the full 90 minutes.

However, Woodgate spotted the Brazilian walking straight down the tunnel following the full-time whistle rather than going over to acknowledge the travelling fans.

The latest

Woodgate said that Richarlison really ought to ‘go and clap’ the fans after the game, many of whom would have made a 200+ mile journey from Merseyside.

He accused the 24-year-old of immaturity, claiming that he was effectively throwing his ‘toys out the pram’.

The verdict

Perhaps Richarlison’s frustration got the better of him. He had chances to score what could have been a crucial goal, but two of shots were off target, and the other three were blocked.

Journalist James Nalton wrote that the 24-year-old ‘should have done better’ with the opportunities he was given, picking out instances where he could have teed up Vitaliy Mykolenko or finished a chance created for him by Alex Iwobi.

It has been a difficult season for the £90,000-per-week forward in general, as reflected by his tally of just four goals. For comparison, in each of his first two years at Everton, he struck 13 times in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).

If some Toffees supporters are upset with Richarlison, then maybe he will be able to redeem himself by tucking a chance away at Turf Moor in midweek.

In other news, Everton are ready to axe this midfielder in the summer

Leeds eye up Fabio Carvalho move

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing exciting Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho, but they are not alone in being linked with a move for the starlet.

The Lowdown: Carvalho shining for Fulham

The 19-year-old has been a key player for a Cottagers side currently leading the way in the Championship this season, scoring eight goals and registering two assists in 14 league starts. He has also represented England at various youth levels, including six caps for the country’s under-18 side.

The attacking midfielder’s performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs, and according to a fresh report, Leeds are among the suitors.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with Carvalho move

According to The Daily Mail, the Whites see Carvalho as an exciting option to bring in during the January transfer window, with a move to the Premier League this month potentially ‘too tempting to turn down’. Indeed, the 19-year-old rejected the offer of a new contract at Craven Cottage in November.

Liverpool and West Ham are also credited with taking an interest in the Fulham starlet, so it may not be easy for Whites to get a deal over the line if they are battling with two of the top flight’s current top five.

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

It is crucial that Marcelo Bielsa plans for both the present and the future, ensuring Leeds that continue to grow after he has left the club, and Carvalho could be a great prospective signing in that respect.

He possesses huge long-term potential, already a standout performer for a team who have scored a ridiculous 73 goals in just 27 league matches this season, and he has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by his current manager Marco Silva.

The lure of Liverpool in particular could act as a stumbling block for Leeds, but a greater prospect of first-team action at Elland Road – where young talents like Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drameh and Joe Gelhardt have all earned Premier League starts this season – could possibly give the Whites an edge.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for another talented attacking player. Find out who it is here.

Postecoglou must unleash Moffat

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side will undoubtedly be heading into Wednesday night’s Premiership fixture against St. Mirren in fine spirits, having just won the 56-year-old manager his first trophy as the Bhoys boss – defeating Hibernian 2-1 at Hampden Park in the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon.

However, while Kyogo Furuhashi and Mikey Johnston both returned from injury to play a part in the cup final last weekend, Postecoglou looks as if he will still be without the services of Jota, James Forrest, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Albian Ajeti and the newly injured David Turnbull for the trip to St. Mirren Park tomorrow evening – all of whom appear to be continued absences due to various knocks.

Although, with the games coming thick and fast for Celtic at present, a fixture against the team who currently sit ninth in the Premiership table may not be the worst time to rest a couple of the Hoops’ more regular starters, while simultaneously presenting the 56-year-old Bhoys boss with the opportunity to field a number of his exciting up and coming youth prospects – arguably the most talented of whom is 19-year-old, Owen Moffat.

Postecoglou must unleash Moffat

Having been brought on in both the 2-1 Premiership win over Ross County and the 2-1 League Cup final victory over Hibs last week, the teenage left-winger is undoubtedly a player who will be pushing for a starting spot in Postecoglou’s side over the coming weeks.

And, considering how impressive the youngster has been for Celtic’s B team side so far this season, it would very much appear as if Moffat is worthy of a shot from the off against St. Mirren on Wednesday evening.

Indeed, the forward is the reserve side’s top goalscorer in the Scottish Lowland League, having bagged 11 times in the division already this season – five more than any of his teammates.

As a result of this form, as well as Celtic’s crippling injury list, Postecoglou called the 19-year-old up to first-team training last week, and the 56-year-old appears to be incredibly impressed with the way the youngster has performed at Lennoxtown.

Speaking about Moffat, the Bhoys boss said: “Life is about opportunity. Not just being in the right place at the right time, but also being ready for it. Moff probably wasn’t in the calculations two weeks ago, but we just had so many injuries and we brought him into training and he has looked bright.

“We brought him on the other night and he looked good. That, to me, is a lesson for every player out there. You have to be ready for that opportunity.”

And, although the Hoops’ injury list has been slighted shortened by the return of both Kyogo and Johnston, should Postecoglou wish to keep as many of his first-team players as possible fit over the coming weeks, he must start rotating his squad more efficiently – leading us to believe that the Greek-Australian coach simply must start Moffat against St. Mirren tomorrow night.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops exciting Celtic transfer update that will have fans buzzing

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