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Frank McAvennie has slammed the behaviour of Glasgow Rangers’ Ianis Hagi and has urged Steven Gerrard to have a word with him.

The Lowdown: Hagi speaks out

Hagi has been linked with a move away from Sevilla and Lazio in recent weeks (via The Daily Record), with him recently admitting he would like to play for Galatasaray at some point in the future like his father Gheorghe did (via Emanuel Rosu).

He has also made it publicly clear he would like to go to the Olympics to represent Romania even though the Gers don’t want him to travel (via Glasgow Live).

The Latest: McAvennie slams Hagi

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has slammed Hagi for speaking out. He said when asked whether Gerrard should talk to the former Genk man:

“Yes, he needs to. 

“Sometimes, the press can catch the boy off guard and he might say something he doesn’t actually mean. 

“But it seems to be every week the boy is talking about another club. Gerrard might have spoken to him already. It’s out of line.

“He’s not playing as much as his dad would like, that’s for sure. His dad is always off saying how good Ianis is. 

“If anything, his dad is doing all of this for him. I don’t think Ianis needs to instigate a move. 

“If he wants to move, I’m sure Gerrard would let him go. Especially if he’s going to keep talking out.

“You can’t have a player who is always publicly disagreeing with the club.”

The Verdict: Quiet word

It is hard to disagree with McAvennie – Hagi needs to think about what he is saying in public. Of course, the ties to Galatasaray are clear given his father’s links to the club, but he does not need to make it so abundantly clear he wants to play there – that shows a lack of disrespect to his current employers.

He may also want to play at the Olympics, but that would clash with huge Champions League qualifiers for Rangers, so the Gers have every right to stop him from travelling.

With 38 goals and 35 career assists to his name (Transfermarkt), the 22-year-old has shown he has talent, but it is still very early days. He should perhaps look to improve his game instead of courting controversy as he has done in recent weeks.

In other news, Kieran Maguire has made this Ibrox claim.

Liverpool are set to rival Leeds United for the signing of Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, acting as a big blow to the Whites’ hopes of securing a deal.

The Lowdown: Long-term Leeds target

Leeds were strongly linked with a move for the 26-year-old last summer, failing to bring him in on Deadline Day after pulling the plug on a deal.

The interest has not gone away, however, and it has been claimed by Football Insider that the Whites have been willing to make a club-record bid for the Argentine this summer, who is valued at £34.2m by Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has said this week they were ‘desperate’ to sign the 19-time capped Argentina international, adding more fuel to the fire.

The Latest: Liverpool emerge as potential suitor

Now, FC Inter News [via Sport Witness] report that Liverpool are in the race to snap up De Paul this summer, stating that their interest is ‘real’, among a host of other clubs.

The Reds are believed to have spoken to the player’s agent Mino Raiola ‘several times’, regarding a move to Anfield, with both Milan sides also interested.

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The Verdict: Undoubted blow for Leeds

This could be a big setback for Leeds given how dead-set they seem on pursuing De Paul, with Liverpool a club with a huge amount of pull with Jurgen Klopp in charge, even despite their struggles this season.

The Reds also have one of the biggest wage bills in football (via The Liverpool Echo), suggesting they would be happy to offer the player an awful lot more than Andrea Radrizzani would.

The hope is that the lure of playing under fellow countryman Marcelo Bielsa could turn the midfielder’s head, however, as well as being more likely to be a guaranteed starter at Elland Road.

With eight goals and assists each in Serie A this season, and an average of 1.3 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per game, he could provide so much all-round quality in the middle of the park, helping Leeds find another level, but Liverpool’s interest being serious certainly feels like a worrying turning point.

In other news, one Leeds player has reportedly already sealed his future. Find out who it is here.

Rangers have been credited with an interest in Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson recently, and should he make the move to Ibrox this summer, he could prove to be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Rangers will launch a bid to sign the 21-year-old midfielder this summer, who is also being targeted by Premier League-bound Watford.

The Dons midfielder handed in a transfer request at Pittodrie earlier this week after the club received an offer from the Hornets, although they have rejected that request due to the “insulting” nature of Watford’s bid.

Would he be a good signing?

Since joining Aberdeen from Hamilton in 2018, Ferguson has been a key member of the Dons’ squad by making 124 appearances, in which he has contributed 21 goals and 22 assists.

The £2.7m-rated midfielder has impressed this season, with eight goals and two assists to his name in 30 Premiership appearances, which has helped him average an impressive 7.07 rating from WhoScored.

This is enough to rank him as the second-best performer to have made at least 10 appearances in Stephen Glass’ side this season, so it is easy to see why Aberdeen might be desperate to keep hold of the Scotland under-21 international this summer.

Former Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes was full of praise for Ferguson after he scored an overhead kick against Burnley in the Europa League in 2018, suggesting that he will “only get better”.

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He also praised the youngster back in the summer of 2020, saying: “Lewis is someone you can trust implicitly. In terms of being available, bringing a high level of performance every time and how he conducts himself in training and around the club, Lewis is brilliant.”

Ferguson has clearly demonstrated his ability over the past few seasons and it seems clear that he will depart Pittodrie this summer, despite his contract running until 2024.

After Watford’s derisory bid, Aberdeen may not be keen to deal with the Hornets, which perhaps presents an ideal opportunity for Ross Wilson to swoop in and bring him to Ibrox this summer.

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Ferguson’s performances this season certainly suggest that he could be a great player for Rangers next season, and at just 21, he would still have a lot of time to improve under Gerrard’s management.

In other news… Rangers suffer huge blow with “hugely impressive” beast, Gerrard surely fuming

Everton’s transfer plans could be left in turmoil this summer if Carlo Ancelotti sanctions the sale of his star striker.

The Toffees are on the verge of qualifying for Europe but losing their main man would put a severe damper on an impressive season.

On the chalkboard

This term has been all about the impact of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The attacker has bagged 19 times this season and is now just one goal away from entering an illustrious club at Goodison Park.

Only Romelu Lukaku and Yakubu in the Premier League era have scored more than 20 goals for Everton in a single season across all competitions.

To lose the 24-year-old would duly be a bitter blow to Ancelotti. Manchester United have reportedly made an enquiry to sign the England international but they’ve been met by a hefty buffer, as the Toffees won’t accept anything less than £80m to part with him.

Who will be his replacement?

If a team does stump up that eyebrow-raising sum of cash, then Everton will find it particularly difficult to replace him. They could look towards Moise Kean, currently on loan at PSG, or they may turn to youth striker Anthony Gordon.

However, failure to invest that £80m back into the playing squad would be a big mistake from Marcel Brands – although one way of replacing him would be to target Southampton striker Danny Ings.

Manchester City, Leicester and Tottenham have all been linked with the Saints star but, speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Marcus Bent thinks he’d be a hit at Goodison Park. This comes after he was touted with the Toffees back in January.

He said: “He’s 29 in the summer, he’s had a few injuries, but has been scoring goals and you want someone to come in and hit the ground running.

“I think it would be a good move for him and a good move for the club, but it would be down to the price tag.”

Ings may have had a few spells on the sidelines but it’s hard to ignore his sensational goal record in the last few years.

Dubbed “unbelievable” by Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, the forward has bagged 44 times in 96 games since penning terms from Liverpool. He has netted on 11 occasions this season but was in scintillating form last term, bagging 25 goals in 42 games.

Ings might not be the same potent threat in the air as Calvert-Lewin, but he has pace and works incredibly hard for the team, pressing from the front and refusing to give the centre-backs a moment’s peace.

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It’s his movement and energy which sets him apart from plenty of other forwards in the top flight, being compared to Robbie Keane for the way he goes about his business.

The striker might be approaching the age of 30 but he would be a first-class replacement for Calvert-Lewin if the Toffees ace does indeed walk through the Goodison Park exit door.

AND in other news, Everton may repeat their Iwobi howler if Brands signs 32-goal ace who “brings joy”…

Interest is growing in Derby County centre-forward Martyn Waghorn ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claimed that Ipswich Town are considering a move for the £1.8m-rated 31-year-old as the striker looks likely to become available on a free transfer upon the expiry contract at Pride Park this summer – unless the Rams offer him a new deal.

Waghorn must go

So far this season, Waghorn has been in rather disappointing form over his 31 Championship appearances for Wayne Rooney’s side, with the 31-year-old scoring just three goals and registering three assists, as well as losing an average of 64% of his duels and giving away possession of the ball 8.1 times per game.

The £7,900-per-week forward also averages of a mere 0.3 interceptions, 0.5 tackles and wins possession 0.2 times per game, demonstrating his overall lack of commitment to the cause – something which is also reflected in his average SofaScore match rating of 6.62, ranking him as the Rams’ 11th-worst performer in the second tier.

As such, regardless of what league Derby happen to be playing their football in next season, it would seem as if they would not be any worse off without Waghorn on their books, as the former Ipswich forward – whom Frank Lampard signed for £5.04m in 2018 – does not appear to be giving anywhere near 100% for the side, something which would more than likely continue to be the case if he were offered a new deal in the summer.

If we were Rooney, the 31-year-old – of whom Ryan Conway has previously, and somewhat surprisingly, claimed he would “never question his work-rate”, as well as dubbing the forward a “problem” for defenders – would be getting nowhere near the starting XI for the crucial fixture against Sheffield Wednesday coming up on Saturday, where defeat would ensure that Derby will be playing their football in League One next season

In other news: Rooney must avoid Derby swoop for 29 y/o flop who “plays like he’s on roller-skates” – opinion

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been handed another significant attacking injury blow with Anthony Martial sustaining a problem during the international break.

Taking on Kazakhstan in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier with France, the Red Devils winger was withdrawn in the second half of the game with a suspected knee injury.

Martial appeared to develop the problem after the half-time break in Les Bleus’ 2-0 success and despite receiving treatment and initially continuing, he had to be substituted just before the hour mark when he was replaced by Paris Saint Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

Solskjaer will certainly be hoping that the problem is not too serious, with the Red Devils’ attack being a problem position in regards to injuries in recent weeks.

Forward Marcus Rashford is already out and despite being initially called up for the latest England squad, he has returned to Old Trafford for treatment.

Meanwhile, Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani has missed six out of the last eight Manchester United matches in all competitions with an injury, only making a brief cameo in the Red Devils’ 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Leicester City before the international break.

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Martial himself is also only just back having missed wins against West Ham United and AC Milan with a hip injury.

Should all three be doubts once club football returns, it would leave Solskjaer with extremely limited options in forward positions.

Mason Greenwood would be the only natural striker available to lead the line but having only scored once in the Premier League so far this season, he is not showing the type of form that should see him become a more consistent starter.

The Red Devils would also be missing a huge goal threat. Cavani, Rashford and Martial have contributed 32 goals between them in all competitions, accounting for approximately 37% of United’s entire total.

With the aim of securing a top four position and progressing in the UEFA Europa League, the triumvirate’s absence could be hugely harmful.

The last thing that Solskjaer needed then was another injury in a key attacking position but his fears seem to have come to fruition with Martial’s problem.

AND in more news, take a look at which Man Utd defender has taken his club form onto the international stage…

Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Jordan Jones reflected on the Black Cats’ recent draw with Peterborough United.

Having joined Sunderland from Rangers on a three-month loan deal back in January, Jones has impressed over his 11 League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side, with the 26-year-old winger scoring two goals and providing four assists for the club, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.03 – ranking him as the Black Cats’ joint fourth-best performer in the third tier.

And, following the club’s recent draw with Peterborough United, Jones took to Twitter, claiming he felt that the result was a “good point” on what was a “tough pitch”, before stating that his and his team’s “full focus” is now on Saturday, when Sunderland face Charlton Athletic.

In reaction to his tweet, fans of Sunderland flocked to have their say on the matter, with many taking the opportunity to beg for Jones to remain at their club beyond his current loan spell.

So, what exactly did these Sunderland fans have to say in reaction to Jones’ latest comments?

“Get it signed.”

@swainyFTM

“Obviously subject to promotion… or is it? Be a part of something beautiful, my friend.”

@ChrisMacBP

“Keep running at those defenders lad and sign permanently.”

@Micky_A_Lawson

“Exactly. Get out of there unscathed and move on. Brilliant.”

@DavidGl13279946

“SIGN THE CONTRACT.”

@SAFCLJ25

“Please stay.”

@DJfenwick

In other news: Loads of Sunderland fans gushed as the club confirmed this ‘huge’ news – find out more here!

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has recently urged Leeds to make a move for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt.

The Whites have recently been linked with a move for Van Aanholt, whose future seems to be up in the air. Agbonlahor has now given his opinion about a possible Leeds move for the Dutchman.

Leeds target described as ‘Mr. Reliable’

Agbonlahor was recently in conversation with Football Insider and and he talked about Leeds’ links with a move for Van Aanholt. He described the left-back to be ‘Mr. Reliable’ and someone who’s very good going forward too.

The former Aston Villa man believes that he ‘would be a great signing’ for the Whites and not just that, but any club in the Premier League would love to have him the first-team.

Agbonlahor said: “He’s played a lot of Premier League games. He’s Mr Reliable and he’s very good going forward.

“I think that would be a great signing and it’s something that Leeds should pursue. Any club in the Premier League, not the top six or seven, but anyone below would love to have him. He’s a great left-back.”

The report from the Mirror has stated that Van Aanholt is now looking for the next move of his career as his contract ticks down and he’s one of the left-back options that the Whites are looking at.

Van Aanholt could indeed be a great move for Leeds

The 30-year-old Van Aanholt has loads of experience of playing in the Premier League, having played for Palace, Sunderland and even Chelsea. He has 21 Premier League goals to his name, along with 15 assists.

Ezgjan Alioski’s current contract at Elland Road runs out in the summer transfer window, meaning that Leeds could lose a left-back option in the next few months. Because of that, it is easy to see why Marcelo Bielsa wants another left-back in the side.

Van Aanholt’s Premier League experience suggests that he can certainly do a job for Leeds, even if only for the short-term while youngsters like Leif Davis break through and develop.

In other news, a Leeds star has been linked with a move to Spain – read more here.

Glasgow Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo has shared his delight at being compared to Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha.

Aribo loves Okocha comparison

£3.15m-valued Aribo (Transfermarkt), who represents the Nigeria national team, was recently given the number 10 shirt for his country, and that has lead to comparisons to the former Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers star, who previously wore that same jersey.

Speaking to Busy Buddies NG, Aribo shared his delight with being mentioned alongside Okocha. He said:

“Jay Jay Okocha is legendary, he is a legend. He is amazing. Even if I could fill his shoes in the slightest, I will be happy with that.

“But I wouldn’t say I necessarily feel pressure. I know what the No. 10 shirt means to the nation. But I’ll just say that I just need to be the best that I can be and give the best; what I can do for the team to help the team.

“But in terms of filling the shoes, I can’t fill Jay Jay’s shoes. He’s different level, honestly. He is a legend.”

Bit too far

Aribo has been in solid form for the Gers so far this campaign, with him having scored seven goals and provided four assists in 35 games in all competitions (Transfermarkt). However, while he clearly has talent, it is a step too far to compare him to a legend of the game such as Okocha.

He managed 101 goals throughout his career, but his contribution to the game cannot be measured  in such a way. He was a joy to watch and left a real impression on fans from all over the planet. Aribo has a long way to go match his influence – that doesn’t mean he can’t do the Nigerian number 10 shirt justice, though.

In other news, Rangers fans slam comments from their Supporters Liaison Officer.

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes that Roberto Firmino should step aside for a more clinical striker in the summer.

Firmino out?

The 29-year-old has been criticised by pundits and segments of the Kop faithful this season after what has been a forgetful 2020/21 campaign for the reigning Premier League champions.

Firmino has scored just six goals in 26 games, 11 less than his teammate Mohamed Salah and one less than Sadio Mane (Whoscored).

With this in mind, summer signing Diogo Jota shook up the formidable front three by starting off his Anfield career with a bang, scoring five times in his first nine games – putting serious pressure on Firmino’s place in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Speaking to Rousing The Kop, Heskey believes that the time has come for Firmino to be taken out of the team – but not sold altogether.

“There was a time when we were speaking and I said that they should bring [Firmino] out of the firing line,” he said. Let him relax a little bit, let him watch from the sideline, let him get his confidence back up and they did that. He slowly started to improve.

“Now I’m thinking they need to look for someone else and he should be second choice. I think he would be great to be dipping in every other game.

“For Liverpool, they need someone who’s going to get them 15-20 goals a season, every season. I think it’s time for him to take a backseat now.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Liverpool’s front three have been playing together since 2017 and have performed relentlessly right up until this season. It was only a matter of time until the magic wore off to some degree.

The year of their first Premier League title defence proved to be exactly that. It has been no secret that Firmino was outperformed by Jota when fit.

We agree with Heskey here – maybe Firmino would benefit from being taken out of the spotlight. The Brazil international should not be sold as he is a unique player in his own right though – he is crucial to Klopp’s squad and style.

In other news, Liverpool fans split down the middle as news involving 22-goal Klopp star emerged.