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With Southampton set to take on Burnley this afternoon after grabbing their first league victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Leeds United last weekend, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that he has almost a full squad at his disposal apart from Jack Stephens, who is still recovering from a knee injury he picked up earlier in the season.

Taking this into account, it seems as though Hasenhuttl has a few big calls to make about who starts against the Clarets today.

On the chalkboard

One decision that we think should be fairly easy for him to make is to drop Mohamed Elyounoussi out of the team on this occasion.

The Norwegian started and played the majority of the match against Leeds, failing to register one shot on target or make one accurate cross or long ball. He also lost possession 19 times and racked up an average passing accuracy percentage of 68%, ultimately earning himself an uninspiring overall match rating of 6.3/10, making him the lowest-rated Saints player on the day according to SofaScore.

Given how the winger, who is currently valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, was taken out of the team for the 3-1 defeat against Chelsea, it seems as though he failed to restore the faith Hasenhuttl put in him when he started against Leeds, which says to us that he may not be good enough to play at this level on a consistent basis.

So far this season, the 27-year-old has made six appearances for the Saints in the Premier League but has only managed to score one goal, which came during their 2-2 draw against Newcastle United, proving that he is not a consistent threat in front of goal.

Looking ahead to today’s game, we feel that Southampton would probably have a better chance of beating Burnley without Elyounoussi in the starting XI, instead seeing if he can have a positive impact off the bench if needed. The numbers suggest that he has not been good enough to warrant a place in the starting XI, especially after the Leeds game.

In other news: Saints could unearth ideal Romeu heir with “excellent” 18 y/o ace, Ralph is a big fan – opinion

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left gushing over an Instagram post that has emerged from Alfredo Morelos.

As shared by The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell, Morelos showed himself on his Instagram story doing some work in the gym ahead of their game away at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership next Tuesday.

Scottish supporters are preparing for their return to grounds after a break due to rising COVID-19 cases, and players are busy getting back to full fitness in order to prepare to play matches.

Morelos himself has seen a resurgence in form, scoring four goals and making one assist in December (Transfermarkt), and looks like he is in good shape ahead of the fixture, which has left Light Blues gushing.

Rangers fans on Morelos story

These Teddy Bears gushed as his story was shared on Twitter:

“The difference in his physical shape is incredible, who would ever have thought Buff would be in the gym working out of his own accord”

Credit: @SY97Ger

“Wow he looks like a different person. I think our management team can communicate better”

Credit: @ha11y6

“Lean mean Buffalo machine”

Credit: @AyeReady87

“Can’t wait to see him unleashed at Aberdeen and Parkhead”

Credit: @BrianSm64730413

“Aberdeen ain’t ready”

Credit: @Matt_2k8

“That’s probably the best shape I’ve ever seen him in”

Credit: @Rangers_View

In other news, find out which Ger has now been backed to leave in January here!

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now eyeing up a move for Scottish centre-forward Jacob Brown in the summer.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

Brown’s contract at Stoke City expires in 2023, so he and the Potters have a decision to make over the summer as to whether he should be sold now for a fee, signed to fresh terms or allowed to leave for free next year.

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They are reportedly planning to open up talks over a new deal, but it is not guaranteed that he will sign.

The Latest: Rangers interest

As per Football League World, the Ibrox faithful are now interested in signing Brown this summer, as well as West Ham United, Brentford and Burnley.

While Stoke are keen to give him an extension, a tempting offer may be too hard for him to turn down.

The Verdict: Sign

Given that his contract is running down, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team may be able to get Brown on the cheap, and so snapping him up in the summer seems like a no-brainer.

Described as a player with an ‘incredible’ work rate and having ‘fantastic energy’ by his manager Michael O’Neill, he is one that should quickly become a favourite with the supporters, added to the 13 goals and five assists that he has managed in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Brown even recently went viral after being involved in a rather bizarre scuffle with Bristol City player David Bentley, showing the type of passion the Ibrox faithful would love to get behind.

In other news, find out what big transfer twist this Gers insider has now dropped here!

Newcastle United are plotting an ambitious swoop for Manchester United transfer target Amadou Haidara.

What’s the story?

Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed a good start to the January transfer window thus far, signing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid and Chris Wood from Burnley.

Now, The Daily Mail have revealed that the Magpies are prepared to push the boat out for Haidara, who has previously been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

The report adds that “Newcastle expect the total cost of a deal for the highly-rated Mali midfielder, who is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty, to stretch beyond £80m including wages over the length of his contract. Haidara would command a long-term deal and wages in the region of £160,000-per-week, which would make him Newcastle’s highest earner.”

Exciting news for Newcastle fans

While the signings of Trippier and Wood have given Newcastle a couple of experienced veterans with plenty of Premier League experience, a move for Haidara would certainly be the most exciting.

The claim that the Magpies’ swoop for the Mali midfielder cost cost well over £80m, and also make him the highest-paid earner at the club, would be a real statement of intent from the new owners.

And, when you look at some of the comments that have been made about his ability, it’s no surprise why Newcastle are keen to swoop in ahead of United to sign him.

Indeed, now United boss Ralf Rangnick waxed lyrical about him when he first brought him to RB Leipzig, saying: “We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg, as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

If Newcastle can beat off the interest from United for the £34m-rated star, then it really would be a major statement and exciting news for the Magpies fans.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing this experienced centre-back…

Newcastle United were active throughout the January transfer window as they made a number of additions to their squad.

Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood all came in to bolster Eddie Howe’s options across the park.

These signings tipped the club over the squad limit in the Premier League and they made the decision to leave Ciaran Clark, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis out of their 25-man list.

Big error

PIF must now avoid making a big error as Hayden is being linked with an exit from St. James’ Park.

Sparta Prague, Basel, Spartak Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow and Sochi are among the European teams reportedly interested in snapping him up as their respective transfer windows remain open for the time being.

Alan Shearer once dubbed him “superb” and he still has plenty to offer. The £41k-per-week machine has averaged 3.0 tackles and interceptions whilst winning 4.6 duels per game. This shows that he is able to regularly win the ball back for his side, whilst he has been reliable in possession in his own half with a pass completion rate of 89%.

He was ruled out for two months at the end of December and it remains to be seen exactly when he will be cleared for action. This injury seemingly influenced their decision to leave him out of the squad but it should not tempt PIF into cashing in on him.

Hayden is an experienced, hard-working, option in the middle of the park and a player the club should be looking to bring back in next season. This is why it would be a big error for the owners to sanction a permanent exit, instead of a loan until the end of the campaign.

The former Arsenal enforcer has over 100 appearances in the Premier League under his belt and still has plenty of years left ahead of him in the top-flight at the age of 26.

Even if Howe does not see him as a player who will be starting on a regular basis next season, he could be useful as a squad option who can come off the bench late in games to see out results and to start when needed due to injuries or suspensions.

This is why PIF must avoid allowing Hayden to depart St. James’ Park on a permanent basis. It would be a big error and one that could negatively impact the squad next season, due to the loss of his experience and defensive nous.

AND in other news, Time’s up: Howe must brutally axe £42k-p/w NUFC “lightweight”, he’s been “shocking”…

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Luke Murphy has explained why he left Leeds United for Bolton Wanderers.

Murphy departed Elland Road last summer, moving to the Macron Stadium after terminating his contract with the Whites.

What’s the word?

Murphy joined Leeds in 2013, playing 111 times for the club.

However, he twice went on loan to Burton Albion, making a total of 61 appearances.

And he has explained that Leeds were ready to sign another player to replace him and that he was subsequently keen to leave for Bolton.

He told The Bolton News: “The season prior to leaving, I went out on loan twice and with one year left on my contract, they were looking in other directions and looking to bring in people from abroad.

“We ended on good terms and it was fine as I had the chance to come to another big club in Bolton.”

Landed on his feet

Murphy has landed on his feet with his move to Bolton.

The 29-year-old stayed in the Championship and, while has yet to truly make his mark at the club, he has been playing recently.

Murphy featured for 45 minutes against Birmingham City and also played the entire 90 minutes against Norwich City last time out, in a 4-0 loss.

He has handled his departure with genuine grace and good humour, and his exit is totally understandable.

Murphy remains an experienced Championship campaigner and has made a total of 168 appearances in the second-tier – he will remain an asset to Bolton in future weeks and months.

A number of Wolves supporters have urged the club to sign Hwang Hee-chan on a permanent deal, following interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.

The South Korean moved to Molineux in the summer transfer window, joining on loan from RB Leipzig and looking to make his mark in the Premier League.

Hwang has done exactly that, scoring four goals in six starts to date and adding substantial firepower to the attack alongside Raul Jimenez.

The hope is that the 25-year-old’s move will become a permanent one but Wolves will be wary of interest from both Liverpool and Man City.

The Mirror claimed [via Talking Wolves on Twitter] that both Premier League heavyweights see Hwang as someone who could further bolster their already impressive attacking options.

Wolves fans want permanent Hwang move sorted

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to urge Wolves to sort out the striker’s future as soon as possible.

“Get it done @Wolves”

Credit: @Spicer_Liam

“Sign him up. No dragging it out. And get our targets in quickly instead of wasting time. If Lage wants a player get him that player Jeff”

Credit: @JamesSa36443478

“We need him…cracking player”

Credit: @Terry55672207

“Omg….. they better not.. think he wants to stay here “

Credit: @emilyy8x

“Hope we sign him up”

Credit: @xEz_Acex

“We’d surely have 1st choice on him anyway being as though we have the option to buy in the loan so no need to panic”

Credit: @mark_spruce

In other news, a Championship player has been linked with a move to Wolves. Find out who it is here.

Sunderland have the opportunity to pull off a shock and reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup tonight as they face Arsenal away from home.

The Black Cats face the Premier League side two divisions above them and, therefore, will go into the game as the heavy underdogs and may be able to play with freedom without the weight of expectation weighing them down.

They come into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Ipswich at Portman Road in League One at the weekend, leaving Lee Johnson’s side third in the table.

How many changes will Johnson make? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Elliot Embleton, Denver Hume and Corry Evans coming in.

Leon Dajaku is reportedly set to miss out on the clash due to injury, which opens up a spot on the right for someone to come in. Hume came on to replace him at right wing-back at Portman Road and could slot in for him tonight at The Emirates, after winning four of his seven duels and completing three tackles despite playing in an unfamiliar position.

In midfield, Evans is reportedly fit for the game and could make his return. He could start ahead of Carl Winchester after the Northern Irishman’s worrying showing at the weekend. As per SofaScore, he lost four of his five ground duels and was dribbled past twice, without making a single tackle, interception, block or clearance.

This shows that he was too easily beaten in the middle of the park and, against a Premier League side, Johnson may want the experience of Evans to solidify the team. The 31-year-old has averaged 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game in League One, showing that he has the defensive nous to make interventions.

Finally, Alex Pritchard could be axed from the tip of the midfield. The £30k-per-week flop struggled against Ipswich, as he failed to create a single chance whilst winning just one of his four individual duels, and could now lose his place in the team.

Embleton, meanwhile, came off the bench and managed one key pass and won two of his three duels in just 27 minutes on the pitch. That cameo may be enough to convince Johnson to axe Pritchard from the XI in order to start the former Blackpool loanee.

Everton are in the midst of a gruelling relegation battle with the Toffees fighting for their lives to remain in the Premier League.

While the club will be more focused on what’s happening on the pitch at this moment in time, it seems as though there could be some challenges ahead at Finch Farm once the season comes to an end and the summer transfer window opens for business.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Paul Brown had this to say about the potential transfer interest that could be around Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer.

He said: “I know for a fact that Arsenal like and have liked Calvert-Lewin for quite a few years, even before he was scoring regularly in the Premier League.

“So, if I was to guess, I’m pretty sure they’ll make a bigger push for Calvert-Lewin than they will Richarlison in the summer.”

Fans would be seething

Everton signed the striker back in 2016 from Sheffield United in a deal worth a reported fee of £1.5m.

Since then, the Englishman has made 187 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions, scoring 56 goals and providing 17 assists along the way.

To highlight what a capable striker he is, the 25-year-old went through the 2020/21 Premier League season with more shots on target (46) than any other Everton player as he bagged 21 times in all competitions.

Even though the centre-forward hasn’t managed to score a league goal since recovering from his toe injury back in January, it would still infuriate a lot of Everton fans to see their club potentially sell Calvert-Lewin in the summer, especially to another Premier League side.

Having scored 32 league goals since the start of the 2019/20 season, losing the England international would surely be a massive blow for the Toffees and their hopes of progressing from the sticky situation they’ve found themselves in during the majority of this campaign.

Moving forward, the main focus for everyone at the Merseyside club right now should be to avoid getting relegated down to the Championship by picking up as many points as they can under Frank Lampard’s management.

Then, if the Toffees do secure their safety, this could put them in a better place to keep hold of their star striker should Arsenal, or any other club, come in to try and sign him. For now, however, it’s not exactly promising news.

In other news: Lampard must finally axe “poor” 28 y/o Everton flop who’s massively “costing the team”

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has no intention of leaving the Premier League this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Another stunning season for Salah

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a magnificent 2021/22 season, proving to be the Reds’ best player as they hunt for an unprecedented quadruple.

However, Salah’s future has been up in the air in recent months, with a new deal not yet agreed and links to other clubs emerging at the same time.

Recent claims have suggested that a new contract could be agreed imminently, though, and another positive update has now emerged.

The Latest: Romano makes big claim about Salah

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Romano was adamant that Salah would not move countries this summer, which may suggest that he is likely to stay put at Anfield.

The journalist tweeted: “The situation hasn’t changed. Mo Salah doesn’t consider La Liga move a priority – he’s not planning to leave the Premier League.”

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The Verdict: Would he join a Premier League rival?

This suggests that Salah would only move to a fellow Premier League club this summer, which surely isn’t on the cards.

Only Manchester City would likely be able to both afford him and promise him trophies, and the Egyptian would surely never even consider a move to the Etihad Stadium given the affection he has been shown by the Anfield faithful during his five years on Merseyside.

It does feel as though Salah is edging towards signing that precious new deal – should it happen, it would feel like the biggest off-field moment of Liverpool’s season, given the Egyptian’s never-ending heroics in a red shirt.

In other news, Liverpool reportedly want to sign an England international this summer. Find out who it is here.