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Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been slamming the display of Alfredo Morelos in their game at home to Hearts in the Premiership this afternoon.

It was not the Colombia international’s best day as he was guilty of missing several decent chances to make the match more comfortable for Steven Gerrard’s men, after John Lundstram had given his team the lead late in the first half at Ibrox.

The striker was also guilty of giving the ball away far too cheaply and far too often throughout the match in an overall performance which would have disappointed his manager considering what Morelos can produce.

Nonetheless, he must now put this performance behind him and try to make amends in the Europa League in midweek.

Rangers fans on Morelos display

These Rangers fans slammed Morelos’ performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he was ‘rotten’:

“Morelos looks miles off it. Again.”

Credit: @BMCRangersRants

“Not alone. Morelos has been rotten”

Credit: @Grove1969

“Announce the 2019/20 Morelos please”

Credit: @johnbucky81

“Get that Morelos off!!!!”

Credit: @RFC5572

“Hook Morelos. Please”

Credit: @FinlayV3

“If Morelos could finish game would be over”

Credit: @Dp1973Dp

In other news, find out what Michael Stewart comments have left these Gers fans raging

Newcastle United have reportedly now made an approach to sign Brennan Johnson in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Rising talent

Johnson is a player that has caught the eye since his loan spell at Lincoln City last season, in where he scored no fewer than 13 goals and made a further 16 assists in 48 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He helped the Imps get through to the Sky Bet League One play-off final with his impressive performances against Sunderland in the semis, so much so that he received praise from the great David Beckham, who is ‘close’ with the Johnson family according to Lincoln manager Michael Appleton (Lincolnshire Live).

Nonetheless, he is now impressing once more back at his parent club Nottingham Forest, and has been the ‘shining light’ in the team so far this term claims journalist Josh Bunting.

The Latest: Approach made

As per The Daily Mail, an approach has now been made by the St. James’ Park faithful, as well as Everton, to sign Johnson, but they will have to meet his £20m valuation.

However, West Ham United and Brentford are also in the race for his signature, while Tottenham Hotspur are currently monitoring his situation.

The Verdict: Sign

Given that Johnson is already playing in the Championship, it would not be too much of a risk for the North East club to sign him in January, should they find themselves relegated down to the division at the end of the campaign.

Nonetheless, he would offer an extra bit of quality in the middle of the park to help them stay up, and his five goals and four assists in the Championship so far this season show that his prowess at Lincoln was certainly no fluke.

Nonetheless, at just 20 years of age, Johnson still has so much potential, and if Eddie Howe can get the best out of him, the Wales international could be a real bargain for the future at £20m.

 In other news, find out which ‘magic’ Premier League genius Nick Hammond is now eyeing here!

Alan Hutton has now revealed some ‘positive’ Glasgow Rangers injury news regarding John Lundstram.

The Lowdown: Groin niggle for Lundstram

Speaking to Sky Sports after their recent 4-0 win away to St Mirren in the Premiership, Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed that the 28-year-old picked up a groin niggle during the game but is ‘hopeful’ that he will be fit for their Europa League quarter-final second leg at home to Braga on Thursday night.

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Forced off after just 26 minutes on Sunday, Lundstram had played in the Gers’ last eight matches in the league, showing how much faith Van Bronckhorst has in him.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Teddy Bears right-back and Rangers TV pundit Hutton has revealed that he ‘saw’ Lundstram walking out of the stadium to the team bus over the weekend, and ‘looked normal’, suggesting that he should now be okay to face Braga.

The 37-year-old outlined: “It depends on how serious it is. They seemed quite positive after the game, the way they were talking about it.

“I saw him walking out of the stadium to the team bus, he wasn’t limping. He didn’t look like he was stiff or anything, he just looked normal, which is a good sign.

“I think if there is a slight doubt, you would probably want to protect him on Thursday. That being a home game, you want a lot of attacking flair on the pitch.

“You could maybe get away with resting him and bringing him back in for for the big game at the weekend. You’re going to need his defensive qualities as well as his ball retention.”

The Verdict: Big boost for Rangers

The fact that Lundstram seems fine is certainly a big boost ahead of Rangers’ Europa League tie.

The former Sheffield United ace ranked as the Light Blues’ joint-best player in the first leg, as he won all three of his duels and managed one successful dribble, one clearance, two tackles and one key pass, while also making a team-high three interceptions and five accurate long balls (SofaScore).

The 28-year-old is clearly a key player for Van Bronckhorst, so the Dutchman will no doubt want to have him available for the return leg.

In other news, one man is now almost certain to leave the Gers in the summer

A transfer update has emerged on Rangers and their plans to bring a new goalkeeper to Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Gers have prepared a pre-contract offer for Dundee United shot-stopper Benjamin Siegrist.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and Rangers are hoping to swoop in to land him on a free transfer to bolster their squad.

Masterstroke

Gio van Bronckhorst could pull off a masterstroke this month by securing a deal for Siegrist to join upon the expiry of his deal at the end of June.

The club are in a difficult position heading into the summer as their two first-team goalkeepers, Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin, are both out of contract. This means that they could lose both of their shot-stoppers for nothing and be left without a first-choice or a back-up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Therefore, bringing in a new number one without spending a penny on transfer fees would be a masterstroke from van Bronckhorst. They could then promote Robby McCrorie into a secondary role to replace McLaughlin and have Siegrist as the go-to option for the Dutch head coach, meaning that both outgoing veterans are not sorely missed and the Gers do not have to spend much in the market.

Micky Melon, who once dubbed Siegrist a “monster”, previously hailed his goalkeeper, saying:

“He’s a top drawer goalkeeper. At the end of the day, you have to be good enough to beat him and he’s made some terrific saves.

“To come to a place like Hibs and get a result, you need a good goalkeeper and he’s done that today.”

The 29-year-old has saved 73.1% of the shots against him this season after saving 78.2% in the Premiership last term. McGregor, meanwhile, has saved 74.2% of shots domestically and 66.3% in the Europa League, suggesting that Siegrist would come in and provide a similar level of quality to the experienced Scot.

Therefore, binging him in would be a masterstroke as it could be a seamless transition in the goalkeeping department heading into next season. He has the requisite Premiership experience to hit the ground running and his statistics suggest that he will be up to the task in terms of his individual quality, which is why this could be a fantastic deal for the club.

AND in other news, Deal considered: Rangers must seal swoop for 105 G/A predator who won’t cost a penny…

Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie as the Lilywhites also reportedly close in on Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Ivory Coast international has been a transfer target for Spurs since the beginning of the January transfer window with reports suggesting manager Antonio Conte is ready to make a move.

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Indeed, according to ESPN, Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici was weighing a lucrative offer to sign Kessie earlier this month with The Telegraph since claiming that they are in fact weighing a move.

Conte is apparently a ‘huge fan’ of the San Siro ace with Mokbel sharing what he knows on the situation.

The Latest: Mokbel makes claim…

The Lilywhites are expected to come to an agreement with Wolves for Traore, say The Athletic, and speaking to GMS, the Mail reporter says that a deal to sign Kessie is also ‘doable’ before the January 31 deadline.

“I think that is certainly a deal that could be doable and I think that could be doable sooner rather than later,” he explained.

“I’m talking this window, if both clubs can come to an agreement.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Signing a midfielder is reportedly one of Conte’s four transfer priorities at Spurs and we believe they don’t come more accomplished than Kessie.

The 52-cap star, despite a being a natural defensive midfield player, has been utilised in a more advanced role at Milan under Stefano Pioli and has thrived – scoring 19 goals since the beginning of 2020/2021 and adding to his career total of 46 (Transfermarkt).

He’s even called ‘sumptuous’ by his manager, and if Tottenham could either land him on a free deal in the summer or this month for a cheaper fee, we believe he could provide a real injection of threat in Conte’s midfield alongside Traore.

In other news: Spurs ‘edging closer’ to signing ‘massive’ £15m defender, find out more here.

Former Glasgow Rangers striker Kris Boyd was reportedly banned from entering Dens Park to cover the Gers’ clash with Dundee last weekend, as more news pops up on this bizarre story.

The Lowdown: Boyd slams Griffiths

Griffiths found himself in hot water once more when he kicked a flare into stands during Dundee’s clash with St. Johnstone.

Boyd then piled the criticism on to Griffiths, questioning the striker’s attitude, commitment, and record in recent years (via The Scottish Sun).

The Latest: Conflicting reports

In response, Dundee allegedly banned Boyd from access to their players for the clash at Dens Park.

Boyd was also forced to do his match analysis outside the ground, as well. As per The Daily Record, a Dundee insider said:

“We informed Sky Sports of our decision on Saturday morning that Kris Boyd wouldn’t be getting any pre-match access from anyone at Dundee.

“Some of the stuff he wrote about Leigh was just ridiculous and out of order.”

The Scottish Sun however have since shared a picture of the pundit working for Sky Sports from inside the ground, but as that is during the 90 minutes, not pre-match as the above claims, the truth is still not clear.

The Verdict: Worrying trend

Boyd, who scored 121 goals for Rangers during his time at the club (Transfermarkt), was scathing in his criticism of Griffiths in his article for The Sun. He suggested that the abuse the Scotland international would receive from Rangers supporters at the game between the two clubs was deserved, and he did not pull any punches when questioning his criticism.

While it was critical of Griffiths, does it require the person in question to be banned? This is part of a worrying trend in Scottish football, where publications are being banned from covering matches as they previously have done.

Rangers now demand fees of up to £25,000 to grant access (via The Daily Mail), while Celtic and the Gers banned Andy Walker following comments he made. It remains to be seen whether whether Boyd will continue to be denied access from Dens Park in the future, but at some point there has to be some form of compromise between Premiership club’s and the media outlets covering them.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid with this club update.

Phil Hay has provided a mixed update on three Leeds United players’ hopes of facing Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, with praise for Joe Gelhardt but bad news on Raphinha’s chances.

The Lowdown: Leeds aims for quarter-finals

The Whites are looking to make it into the quarter-finals on Tuesday, making the trip to north London to face an unpredictable Gunners side.

Leeds haven’t won the League Cup since way back in 1968 and now would be a great time to change that, further adding to Marcelo Bielsa’s legacy.

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The Latest: Hay gives update on trio

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic ahead of the game, Hay gave an update on Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Joe Gelhardt’s chances of featuring at the Emirates:

“Kalvin Phillips made the bench on Saturday so might have a good chance of playing. Raphinha’s ankle injury doesn’t sound like a bad one but it would make sense to be cautious with him this evening.

“I guess the big question is whether Joe Gelhardt starts. And if not, he will surely feature in some capacity after his performance on Saturday.”

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The Verdict: Exciting to see Gelhardt again

It would be great to see Phillips back in action after a recent layoff, although there is a nagging feeling that says he shouldn’t be risked before Leeds’ return to Premier League action away to Norwich City on Sunday.

The same applies to Raphinha in that respect, but Gelhardt will surely earn a start, following an exciting cameo on Saturday which saw him win a last-gasp penalty.

The 19-year-old should be brimming with confidence and this would be another great opportunity to see him in action.

In other news, Hay has revealed that another Leeds player is struggling with injury. Find out who it is here.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed that Coventry City midfielder Gus Hamer is “admired” by Steven Gerrard.

What’s the story?

During a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece claimed that both Gerrard and assistant Gary McAllister were both at Coventry’s clash with Birmingham recently, and that Hamer is someone they have had their eye on.

He said: “As for January, usual names are sticking given Gerrard’s Rangers links but position-wise; a left-back, DM and possibly a forward could be added. Villa, Gerrard and Lange still assessing squad (three weeks into six-week review process). Bailey/Traore injuries are a concern for me.

“There could also be something in Gerrard and Gary Mac being at Coventry vs Birmingham the other week as well with Gus Hamer (Cov) admired.”

Perfect for Villa

Despite playing in a deeper position last season, Hamer was Coventry’s third top scorer with five goals while he also provided three assists too.

That all-round facet to his game is reflected by the fact he also averaged an impressive 1.4 interceptions and 1.3 tackles per game, and a team-high 1.5 key passes and 1.8 shots per match.

It’s no surprise then that his boss, Mark Robins, raved about his talents on the Sky Blues Extra podcast, where he called him “unbelievable” (via the Coventry Telegraph), whilst pundit Ali Maxwell simply dubbed the Dutchman as the “class act” of this Coventry side.

In fact, Robins has already tipped Hamer to move to the Premier League in the future and praised his “frightening” technique, and given the kind of dynamic midfielder he is, could be absolutely perfect for this new era under Gerrard at Villa.

The 5 foot 6 machine could bring some vital depth and quality to Villa’s engine room, especially when you consider that they tried to sign James Ward-Prowse in the summer and are now currently dealing with injuries and potential AFCON absences with Marvelous Nakamba next month too.

Meanwhile, Gerrard must finally unleash this Villa star…

Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi, who is currently on loan at Everton, isn’t wanted by either club in the summer, Football Insider have reported.

The Lowdown: Everton loan…

The 26-year-old hasn’t had the best of seasons, making just four Premier League starts, all of which came under former Villa boss Dean Smith.

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El Ghazi was sent out on loan to Everton in the January transfer window, but he has played just 11 minutes of football under Frank Lampard.

Labelled as ‘inconsistent’ by Villa podcaster Aaron Clark, it now looks as if the Dutch winger will be on the hunt for a new home over the coming months.

The Latest: Source’s reveal

Football Insider shared an update on El Ghazi after being informed by a Villa source. They claimed that the attacker will be let go by Everton in the summer, with Villa looking to secure a permanent exit for the player.

Steven Gerrard does not see the 26-year-old in his plans ahead of his first full season in charge, with the player set to enter the final 12 months of his Villa Park deal in the summer.

The Verdict: Right call?

Gerrard has also given the green light over an exit for midfielder Morgan Sanson in recent days, so it seems as if there will be a major shake-up over the coming months.

A permanent move away for El Ghazi does seem to be the correct decision, though, with the winger clearly not in the manager’s plans after he agreed to a winter loan move.

Villa officials may well have been hoping that Everton would take up the option to make El Ghazi’s move permanent for €10m (£8.4m), but it looks as if Johan Lange will be on the phone looking to find a new permanent home for the winger.

In other news: Newcastle now keen on signing another Villa player as advanced update emerges

According to The Telegraph, Manchester City and sporting director Txiki Begiristain may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of West Ham United star Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: City chase Fernandinho heir?

The Sky Blues and manager Pep Guardiola, as things stand, will see Eastlands legend Fernandinho leave at the end of 2021/2022 after two consecutive one-year contract extensions.

Brazil’s midfield dynamo has been a colossal presence in both the City dressing room and on the field, playing a major role in their dominance of the Premier League at times over this last decade.

However, thanks in part to the imperious performances of Rodri, Fernandinho has seen his game-time fairly limited under Guardiola this season as he looks set to part ways in the summer.

As such, Begiristain and co have been tipped to search the market for a possible heir who could rotate with Rodri as the midfield pivot, with one such target being Irons star Rice.

The Latest: Man City handed Rice boost?

As per The Telegraph, after West Ham’s quiet transfer window, there are question marks surrounding the England international’s future as teammates fear he could be tempted by a summer move away.

It is believed that City, Man United and Chelsea are all targeting Rice as the Hammers brace for summer bids.

In a possible boost for the Sky Blues, after West Ham’s star man rejected two new deal offers last summer, his club are likely to be forced to consider ‘big bids’ which ‘fall short’ of their £100 million valuation.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Out of all potential targets who would slot in seamlessly to Guardiola’s star-studded midfield, Rice may well be the perfect candidate considering his homegrown status and obvious quality.

Called ‘magnificent’ by Match of The Day pundit Gary Lineker recently, the 23-year-old comes with plenty of sell-on value considering his young age and has even better defensive stats than most of City’s current crop.

According to WhoScored, Rice has averaged a mighty 2.3 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season, identical numbers to Rodri, whilst also making more interceptions in that time (1.8) than any Citizen.

Depending on whether West Ham are forced to accept a cut price summer offer, this could be one for Txiki to seriously consider.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Please’, ‘Huge signing if we make it’ – Man City fans erupt over links to ‘Yaya 2.o’…find out more here.