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Many Rangers fans have been left to laud a piece of news involving Alfredo Morelos.

The Colombia international has been called up for his country in a 28-man squad for the Copa America, and the Gers sent their congratulations to him via a quoted tweet.

Morelos only has six senior international caps to his name, and this will be his first ever Copa America having not made the squad in 2019 (Transfermarkt), something that will feel extra special to him.

There is no doubt that the striker fully deserves it, coming off the back of a title-winning season in Glasgow, scoring no fewer than 17 goals and making a further 13 assists in 44 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Rangers fans on Morelos call-up

These members of the Ibrox faithful lauded the news as it was shared on Twitter, with one claiming that they were ‘buzzing’ while another even went as far as to call it ‘fantastic’:

“Yaaaaas!!! Does this not start next week?”

Credit: @MrGaryValentine

“So pleased for him”

Credit: @Beesh24240265

“Fantastic chuffed for him”

Credit: @Mcoobab

“You love to see it”

Credit: @LeeKane77

“Go on Alfie. Buzzing for him”

Credit: @jasonlamont72

“Class”

Credit: @DKeith0904

In other news, find out what SPFL development has left Gers livid here!

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster is now ‘in a strong position’ to earn himself a new contract with the club after a run of impressive performances, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: Forster’s contract at Southampton

The England international is set to be out of contract this summer upon the expiry of his latest extension, which he signed in 2017.

Somewhat surprisingly, the 34-year-old is Southampton’s second-highest earner, currently taking home a staggering £70,000 per week. This significantly trumps some of the club’s star players, including the likes of James Ward-Prowse, who earns a reported £45,000 per week.

As a result, the vast figures involved in his current contract have raised question marks over whether the former Celtic stopper will be offered a fresh deal by Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side when it comes to the end of the season.

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The Latest: Barclay’s claim on Forster

Barclay believes that Forster’s recent performances and fine form has been able to convince Hasenhuttl that the veteran goalkeeper deserves to remain with the club next season.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the reporter claimed: “I think he’s put himself in a really good position. It’s quite a turnaround given the situation he was in earlier this season. He was very much expected to leave given he is on big wages.

“He has definitely put himself in a strong position. I don’t think talks have begun yet on that front, so it’s not a done deal so to speak, but it could be quite likely that he will be given a new contract now.”

The Verdict: Deserves to stay

Following the long-term injury sustained by Alex McCarthy in December, Forster has subsequently played every Premier League game for which he has been available.

During this time, he has strung together a number of fantastic performances which even saw him receive a call-up to the England national team. Indeed, Hasenhuttl singled the goalkeeper out recently after his acrobatic saves earnt Southampton three points against a Champions League-chasing Arsenal side.

Therefore, having made a resurgence back in the first XI, Forster deserves to keep his place in this Saints team next season and will have earned any new deal potentially awarded to him.

In other news: Christian Falk reveals Southampton interest in one Bundesliga star

On a truly historic night for Manchester City football club, Pep Guardiola’s side ended their Champions League hoodoo by reaching their first ever final with a 2-0 win over PSG.

The Citizens came into the game at the Etihad off the back of a superb victory in the first leg back in Paris, and simply continued where they left off on Tuesday night.

A brace from Riyad Mahrez saw City clinch victory in both the game and the tie, but it was Oleksandr Zinchenko’s superb performance at left-back that also caught the eye.

As per Sofascore, the Ukraine international won 100% of his duels on the night, making coming up against the likes of Neymar and Angel Di Maria look supremely easy.

He was aggressive in the challenge and didn’t shirk away from the 50/50s, while he also kept his head composed when City needed it the most – a moment in the second-half saw him stay on his feet and not commit before throwing himself in front of Neymar’s goal-bound effort inside the box.

Zinchenko made four tackles over the course of the game, which was the third-most of any City player, while his coolness in possession was reflected by the fact that he made the most passes and boasted the best accuracy of any Citizen.

And, in his post-match player ratings for The Evening Standard, James Robson gave him a seven, saying: “Thought he had conceded a penalty – then breaks away to set up City’s opener. Defended diligently and his bursts forward scared PSG.”

In a game chock-full of big-money talents and signings on both sides, Zinchenko more than held his own, and did himself proud.

Given the trials and tribulations he has had to go through in getting to this exact point, City fans no doubt will be over the moon at seeing the £18m-rated Zinchenko shine on the biggest stage in European football.

Celtic recorded an eleventh straight victory over Motherwell to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were in rampant form as they found the net four times to make it 19 games unbeaten, putting the pressure on their arch-rivals.

Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda scored either side of a Tom Rogic brace on what was his return to the starting XI and he announced his comeback in stunning fashion as he nonchalantly rifled home an effort from long range.

The Australian midfielder stayed on for the whole game and recorded the highest rating of any Bhoys player (8.7), as per SofaScore.

However, in a quickfire first half it was the presence of Israeli winger that caused all sorts of trouble for the home side.

“Celtic are creating so many opportunities through Abada – and that’s a huge problem from Motherwell. Total composure from the Hatate with the pass,” claimed former Hoops goalkeeper Pat Bonner to BBC Sportsround after the 20-year-old’s opener.

He may have lasted only 45 minutes but Postecoglou obviously wants him rested before their trip to Aberdeen in midweek and that goes to show just how important he is for this side.

From 36 touches, Abada laid on three key passes which resulted in the two goals after he had banged in the first effort. He also made 82% of his 17 passing attempts, via SofaScore.

It’s awfully telling that Celtic’s free-scoring nature quietened down when he was withdrawn at the break.

The Scottish Daily Express ranked Abada amongst the Hoops’ highest-performers, grading him a joint-best 10/10.

‘Looked lively again from the beginning and took up dangerous positions in the box, eventually making a darting run to knock in the opener from a Hatate pass. Influential in the third goal too teeing up Rogic perfectly,’ they wrote.

On that evidence, the £4.05m-rated dynamo absolutely ran the show in the short time he was on the pitch and the Australian head coach will be hoping that he can repeat such exploits on Wednesday evening.

AND in other news, Nicholson continuing Ange’s revolution as Celtic make bid for “graceful” 111 G/A beast…

Former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell believes that Liverpool defender Nat Phillips will want to depart Anfield this summer.

What’s the story?

The 24-year-old performed admirably last season after filling in for the injured trio of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, but their returns to fitness and the arrival of Ibrahima Konate has seen the £7.2m-rated beast slip down the Reds’ pecking order.

As a result, Phillips has been linked with a departure in recent weeks, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, Newcastle United and Burnley all credited with an interest in the centre-back.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Jewell claimed that Phillips would not be content with returning to the bench in 2021/22 after playing such a key part last term.

“I would imagine that once you’ve had the taste of playing at the top level, you want to play week in, week out, whether that’s for Liverpool or not,” Jewell said.

“There’s nothing quite like playing, and I’m sure Nat Phillips doesn’t want to go back to playing in League Cup and FA Cup games five or six times a season.

“That’s the problem you have when you give players a chance – the hunger and taste for it is there now,” he concluded.

He’s not good enough

It’s hard to criticise the 6 ft 2 beast after his admirable showing throughout the second half of 2020/21 when he made 15 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, playing a crucial part as Jurgen Klopp’s finished third in the top-flight standings.

However, while Phillips obviously excels at the traditional aspects of defending, he evidently struggles with some of the modern demands placed upon a centre-back.

As per WhoScored, Phillips recorded 0.8 blocks per league game in 2020/21 and 4.8 clearances, the highest tallies compared to his teammates.

He won several plaudits after answering Klopp’s desperate cry for help, including former England and Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

“Nat Phillips has had an unbelievable time, he’s full of confidence. He’s a throwback defender,” said Redknapp.

“He wants to make blocks, he wants to make tackles, he’s got great anticipation. He knows his limitations. Right now, he must think he’s in dreamland.”

But it was a very different story with the ball at his feet. He completed just 87.2% of his passes, made only 2.90 progressive carries per 90, and attempted a single dribble.

Therefore, Phillips’ proposed exit could be the ideal solution for all parties. Liverpool receive a significant boost to their depleted transfer kitty, Phillips gets regular game time and his buyer purchases a quality, old-fashioned defender.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Liverpool transfer update that’ll have the fans buzzing 

Sheffield Wednesday confirmed their player retention list on Thursday afternoon, and it could be of interest to Celtic.

The Lowdown: Celtic were keen on Reach

Winger Adam Reach was strongly linked with a move to Celtic Park back in January.

The Hoops, along with rivals Rangers, were thought to be monitoring his situation ahead of a possible pre-contract agreement.

As we now know, Celtic’s only pre-contract agreement with a Sheffield Wednesday player was with Liam Shaw, with the teenager moving to Scotland this summer.

However, Celtic now have another chance to land Reach for nothing.

The Latest: Reach released

The Owls, who were relegated to League One earlier this month, confirmed that 10 players will be released when their deals expire this summer.

One of those is Reach, with the 28-year-old set to end his five-year association with the club.

He’s made 230 appearances at Hillsborough, with 49 of those coming in the 2020/21 campaign.

The Verdict: A good utility addition?

In our opinion, Reach could be a shrewd signing by the Hoops, should the new Celtic manager want him.

He was described as ‘creative’ by journalist George Elek just last month, mainly turning out on the left-hand side of midfield.

However, Reach also played in six other positions in recent months, so could be a handy acquisition in Glasgow who can add depth in multiple positions.

His Wednesday deal is thought to be worth £20,000-a-week, so that could prove to be a stumbling block, especially as Celtic’s top earner now being Callum McGregor on the same salary, which may make him one of the club’s top earners.

In other news: Premier League club weigh up move for Celtic midfielder, find out more here. 

Crystal Palace announced the signing of Reading midfielder Michael Olise on Thursday, and a number of Eagles supporters were quick to share their delight at the transfer confirmation on social media.

The 19-year-old was wanted by Palace back in January and has now become Patrick Vieira’s first signing as the Eagles’ manager.

Primarily an attacking midfielder, Olise has signed a five-year deal at Selhurst Park and will wear the number seven shirt.

He has already made 73 senior appearances after making his senior debut as a 17-year-old. Olise starred for the Royals last season, scoring seven goals and registering 12 assists in 46 games.

The youngster has been on the books of Chelsea and Manchester City previously but now looks set to get his chance in the top flight with Palace.

Palace fans react

The Eagles confirmed the move on their official Twitter page on Thursday afternoon. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling the deal as ‘brilliant’ and another dreaming of Europe now that the teenage talent is on board.

“AHHHHHHHH OMG”Credit: @Adam_Palace”EUROPEEEEE SOOON”Credit: @localpla6tic”Yes lads”Credit: @dougCPFC”Brilliant signing, welcome to Palace”Credit: @mandyswagsta”Announce 2021/22 title bus parade already”Credit: @s_cpfc”Welcome Olise, brilliant signing”Credit: @joe_cpfc_01

In other news: ‘Is there anything worse?’ – Many Crystal Palace fans react as ‘awful’ news is confirmed, find out more here. 

West Bromwich Albion could be set for a January transfer battle in order to retain the services of Darnell Furlong.

What’s been said?

That’s according to Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield, who suggested in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that a number of Premier League clubs could be monitoring the progress of the West Brom right-back ahead of a potential swoop in the January transfer window.

Speaking about the potential interest in the 26-year-old, Hatfield said: “Premier League clubs, will they be considering him? Maybe they’ll be looking at him. There are defensive issues to think about.

“If you’re playing him in a four, defensively he maybe lets a little bit too much go. But if you’re thinking of an attacking full-back or a wing-back, then he suits that role down to the ground.”

Fans would be fuming

Furlong has become an important player for West Brom since his £1.53m move from Queens Park Rangers in 2019, and should the Baggies lose the services of the defender in January, it would undoubtedly enrage fans of the club.

Indeed, over his 15 Championship appearances so far this season, the £4.5m-rated defender has helped his side to keep six clean sheets, registered two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.5 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

The player who Glenn Murray dubbed an “exceptional” talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.7 clearances and winning 7.3 duels per match.

These returns have seen the £15k-per-week right-back average a SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Valerien Ismael’s joint third-best performer in the Championship.

As such, considering his overall level of performance this season, and that the 26-year-old is the Frenchman’s only senior option on the right-hand side of defence, selling Furlong this winter would be a big mistake on West Brom’s part – and could well see the Baggies’ push for promotion fall short.

In other news: West Brom’s £21k-p/w ace who lost 66% duels had a “howler” against Fulham

Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez is a wanted man this summer with a number of clubs including Manchester City interested in his signature, and Spanish football expert Euan McTear has dropped his verdict on the situation.

Niguez has reportedly been offered to the Premier League champions in exchange for Bernardo Silva, and has five years left on his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Because of the length left on his contract, it could see Atletico demand a large fee for him.

The Spain international’s minutes in the red and white of Atletico diminished towards the end of last season, with Niguez not completing 90 minutes in La Liga since Atletico’s 5-0 thumping of SD Eibar in April.

With this in mind, McTear said: “It makes a lot more sense [a move to City]. He’s not the starter he was in previous years and I think Atletico know he’s one of those players who they can move on”.

Niguez has played in a number of different positions throughout his career, including both centrally and off the wing, and could be an ideal fit for Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola, who once labelled Saul as a “fantastic player”.

The champions look set to bolster their squad this summer as they go in search of back-to-back Premier League titles, and with Bernardo Silva possibly wanting to leave the club according to The Athletic, Niguez could be the perfect replacement for him.

Competition is hotting up for the signing of Niguez, with Euan McTear saying: “He’s been linked with almost everywhere.

“He’s been linked with teams in Italy, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and now City”.

So, if the Cityzens want to capture his signature they may have to move quickly and beat off the competition.

Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur fans have been blown away by training footage of unseen talent Joshua Oluwayemi, with some pleading that he gets game-time this season.

The goalkeeper, yet to make a senior competitive appearance for Spurs in all competitions (Transfermarkt), spent part of last campaign on loan at Maidenhead United in the National League.

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Appearing in just one match for the non-league outfit, Oluwayemi conceded two goals in 44 minutes before he returned to Spurs and their under-23s side midway through the 2020/21 season.

The 20-year-old went on to feature 12 times for Tottenham in Premier League 2 before finishing up the campaign, but it’s safe to say that he has now turned heads on social media for what he has done at Hotspur Way.

Dropping footage on Twitter, Spurs’ official channel released a clip of Oluwayemi making a fantastic acrobatic save and immediately recovering the ball upon spilling.

As a result, many Lilywhites supporters have been left excited, with some hoping that he gets a chance under first team manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Check out some of their best verdicts on his “mad” heroics below.

Spurs fans wowed by Oluwayemi footage…

“Needs some game time this season, we’re blessed with good young keepers, Whiteman, Austin and Oluwayemi…”

Credit: @oculyss

“The future”

Credit: @DeleSZN_

“Generational”

Credit: @denchie20

“Jeeeeeez”

Credit: @N17_James

“This boy”

Credit: @thfc_MK

“Mad”

Credit: @Sampear21981307

“I might have to invest in some Oluwayemi stocks huh”

Credit: @evlogia_7

In other news: ‘Useless’, ‘Sell’, ‘Giving me a migraine’…Spurs fans blast ‘awful, awful’ ace vs Palace, it’s not Davies or Tanganga – find out more here.