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Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has claimed that new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is keen on making a move for Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

The Lowdown: Ryan knows Postecoglou well

Ryan, who is earning £35,000-a-week, has 12 months remaining on his current contract with the Seagulls and is expected to leave the Amex Stadium this summer.

Postecoglou, who was confirmed as Celtic manager on Thursday, knows the shot-stopper well. The 29-year-old has 58 caps for Australia, some of which came under Postecoglou’s leadership between 2013-2017. Ryan was the 55-year-old’s number one for the Socceroos at the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Asian Cup.

The pair clearly know each other very well, and it seems as if the new Hoops boss could look for a reunion at Parkhead this summer.

The Latest: Joseph’s update

According to Joseph, no talks have taken place over a possible move but Postecoglou is keen on making a deal for Ryan.

Celtic are thought to be weighing up their own goalkeeping options, with Joseph going on to add that Arsenal, along with clubs in France and Spain are also interested in Ryan’s services.

Joseph shared the news on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, saying:

“Celtic are weighing up a move for Brighton keeper Mat Ryan. They’re assessing goalkeeping options & Ange Postecoglou is keen on Ryan. No formal talks have taken place yet. @skysports_sheth & @elliotcook01 reported yesterday that Arsenal and clubs in France & Spain are also keen”

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The Verdict: Who would go?

Should Postecoglou get his man in Ryan, then you’d expect at least one goalkeeper would have to head out the Parkhead exit door as a result.

The Hoops currently have Vasilis Barkas, Conor Hazard and Scott Bain on the books, with all three featuring at various spells during the 2020/21 campaign.

Barkas cost the Hoops £4.5m last summer, whereas Hazard signed a new two-year deal back in March. Bain is the oldest of the three at the age of 29, so perhaps he could be the man to be moved on to make room for Ryan.

It looks set to be a busy summer for Postecoglou before he gets the chance to take charge of Celtic in a competitive game, and it seems as if he could start his recruitment drive by signing a player he knows very well.

In other news: Hoops linked with move for Yokohama F. Marinos forward, find out more here. 

Rangers secured, arguably, one of their best-ever transfer deals at Ibrox back in 2017 when they signed striker Alfredo Morelos.

Having gone on to score 113 goals in 224 games, the Colombian has undoubtedly been a critical player for the Gers since his arrival.

Even though he’s only 25 and still has until the summer of 2023 before his deal with Rangers expires, it seems as though the club already have their eye on signing someone that could go on to become an ideal long-term replacement for Morelos.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from A Bola (via Daily Record) Rangers are one of the clubs keeping an eye on the development of Brazil youngster Antony Alves.

Originally from Brazilian side Joinville-SC, the 20-year-old is currently on loan with Portuguese team Arouca.

Their new Morelos?

Despite only starting four of the 17 league games he’s appeared in this season, the attacker has managed to score two goals.

The youngster has also racked up 13 crosses in total and been able to draw 15 fouls, showing how dangerous he can be going forward and what a tricky figure he can be to play against.

The Brazilian has not shirked away from his defensive duties this season either, having won 11 tackles and made seven interceptions.

In addition to this, the £180k-rated starlet has shown how versatile he can be on the pitch by playing in numerous attacking positions throughout his short career so far.

Thus, if the Gers end up selling Morelos anytime soon for the £13m fee that they would reportedly want for him, snapping up Alves as another young south American talent that has a knack for goal could be a great bit of business for them.

However, with the report claiming that FC Basel are also interested in signing the youngster, Rangers could have a challenge on their hands getting him to Ibrox.

If Ross Wilson is able to get the Brazilian to make a move to Scotland, he’ll certainly have some big shoes to fill should Morelos find himself leaving.

Having had a total of 113 shots at goal in the league this season, more than any other player in the SPFL, any player would find it hard to immediately replace Rangers’ prolific striker.

In other news: Sources: Shock Rangers transfer claim emerges that will leave Wilson excited…

A number of Wolves supporters have been hailing Vitinha’s performance in the 1-1 draw away to West Brom on Monday night.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team were hoping for a rare positive outing in what has been a frustrating season as they headed to The Hawthorns for the Black Country derby.

Wolves could only pick up a point against their struggling rivals, though, with Fabio Silva and Mbaye Diagne exchanging goals.

It wasn’t exactly a vintage performance from Nuno’s men, who would have been hoping for a win against a team who have been towards the bottom of the table all season.

One player who stood out for Wolves, though, was Vitinha, having been handed just his third start in the Premier League in 2020/21. As per Sofascore, the 21-year-old found a team-mate with 54 of his 60 passes, won six duels and completed three dribbles, while he was also involved in the move which led to Silva’s opener and named as Sky Sports’ man of the match.

Wolves fans hail Vitinha after West Brom draw

The midfielder was a lively presence at The Hawthorns and these Wolves fans took to Twitter to praise his efforts, with many bemoaning the fact that he hasn’t played more often this season.

“Turns out Vitinha is one of our best players”

Credit: @JasonJ1987

“Many fans have known this for ages. Been very frustrated that he hasn’t been given a chance”

Credit: @amarsmusicshow

“Vitinha’s been on the bench all this time”

Credit: @calwwfc19

“Vitinha tonight though…. can we just appreciate how class he played. 100% deserved to start”

Credit: @MaddocksVicki

“Better performance but the shining sunlight came from Vitinha who was fantastic. A certain star for next season”

Credit: @dougan_the

“Vitinha gonna be some player”

Credit: @FairfaxJosh

In other news, some Wolves fans have been left annoyed by comments made by one player. Find out who it is here.

Michael Ball thinks Everton could sell Richarlison to allow Rafa Benitez to sign top target Kalidou Koulibaly.

Benitez, who was named as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor last month, has bolstered his squad by signing Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Demarai Gray.

He has his sights set on being reunited with Senegal international defender Koulibaly, who he managed at Napoli.

Current Napoli chief Luciano Spalletti has insisted Koulibaly is not for sale but that did not stop the Toffees making an opening bid, according to Calciomercato, which was rejected. It is thought that the Italian club will only allow the 30-year-old to depart for a significant fee.

Meanwhile, Richarlison is among those on former Everton boss Ancelotti’s wishlist following his appointment as Real Madrid’s new boss. It has been reported that Ancelotti has already made contact in the hope of taking the Brazil international to the Bernabeu.

Ex-Everton left-back Ball believes Richarlison could leave Goodison Park to allow Benitez to sign his top target.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Summer windows, especially after tournaments, result in shock transfers happening.

“We don’t want Richarlison to leave but if he does there would be massive money in the kitty to replace him and bring players like Koulibaly to the football club.”

Joe Wainman, a former Leeds United pundit on All Leeds TV, admits that he wanted Matheus Pereira to join the club this summer.

The attacking midfielder has joined Al Hilal from West Bromwich Albion, despite links with a number of Premier League clubs.

Leeds were reportedly interested, as were West Ham United, but he has opted to move to the Saudi Arabian league instead of remaining in England.

Pereira was a standout performer for the Baggies last season despite their relegation to the Championship, scoring 11 goals and registering six assists in 33 games in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old was seen by Wainman as a potential long-term replacement for Pablo Hernandez, who departed the club at the end of last season.

He has expressed his disappointment that he did not end up at Elland Road, although he can understand the reasons behind his decision to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

He said: “I would have liked to have seen him come in, just in terms of what he can offer, I think he’s a great player. I’d have seen him as a little bit of a Pablo Hernandez replacement possibly. But I get why Pereira has made that move.”

Some Liverpool supporters are delighted after it emerged that Diogo Jota could play a part in the Reds’ crucial clash with Crystal Palace.

The Reds face an enormous game on Sunday afternoon as a hugely challenging Premier League season reaches its conclusion. Jurgen Klopp’s men welcome Palace to Anfield, knowing that a win should all but guarantee a place in the top four unless Leicester City thrash Tottenham.

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Liverpool have found a strong run of form just when they needed it, not losing in the league since early March and picking up crucial victories against West Brom and Burnley in the last week.

Jota was expected to miss out for the remainder of the season, but The Athletic now claim he could play a part in proceedings at Anfield today. If true, it would be a massive boost for Liverpool, potentially allowing the prolific Portuguese to come on in the second half should a goal be needed, or if one of the front three is underperforming.

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Liverpool fans react to Jota update

These Liverpool supporters were delighted with the “huge” news, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts.

“Fastest recovery ever”

Credit: @RJensen71

“Having both on the bench is a huge plus”

Credit: @LFC_9ja

“In a massive fitness boost for Jurgen Klopp, Diogo Jota is in contention to play against Crystal Palace tomorrow”

Credit: @MattThielen

“Let’s get it boyyyyysssss”

Credit: @AidaHamsad

“Everybody watch out”

Credit: @charliemens01

“Fingers crossed he plays in place of Mane”

Credit: @kevowens64

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to training ground photos that recently emerged. Read more here.

Crystal Palace are interested in a deal to bring Conor Gallagher to Selhurst Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that the incoming Palace manager Patrick Vieira will be looking to add a number of players to his squad in the summer transfer window, with the Chelsea central midfielder believed to be a potential target of Frenchman.

Indeed, a previous report by The Sun had claimed that the Eagles are preparing a £15m offer for the 21-year-old this summer, with it being said that Thomas Tuchel is unsure as to whether he believes the England U21 international as a future at the club.

Vieira must move

Considering just how much potential Gallagher appears to possess, as well as the fact that Palace are in need of a number of additions in the position this summer, it is unsurprising to learn that the south London side are considering a move for the Chelsea starlet.

Indeed, over his 30 Premier League appearances while on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season, the £13.5m-rated youngster scored two goals, registered two assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of one shot and making 0.7 key passes per game.

The £17k-per-week man also impressed in more typical central midfield metrics, making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and winning a whopping 6.5 duels per league fixture, with these returns seeing Gallagher earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.74 – ranking him as Albion’s joint ninth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

For comparison, Crystal Palace’s outgoing centre mid James McCarthy failed to score a single goal, provide an assist or create a big chance over his 16 Premier League appearances last season, as well as making an average of 0.5 interceptions, one tackle and winning a mere 1.9 duels per league fixture, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.66.

As such, with Vieria having only the 33-year-old James McArthur as an option in central midfield at present, a move for the man Slaven Bilic dubbed a “massive” player would seem highly advisable for the 45-year-old this summer, as Gallagher would not only plug a gap in the Palace squad, he could also turn out to be the rock on which Vieira builds his Eagles’ midfield for years to come.

In other news: Bye-bye Sakho: Vieira must sanction Palace swoop for £17m-rated “leader” this summer

It makes “no sense” for Leeds United to entertain potential offers for star man Raphinha in the January transfer window, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha stars for Leeds

The Brazilian’s reputation is being enhanced all the time, having shone for the Whites since joining last year, registering nine goals and nine assists since coming to England.

Not only that, but Raphinha has made a flying start to life in a Brazil shirt, setting up two goals on his debut and then bagging a brace against Uruguay.

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The Latest: Hay makes key claim

Unsurprisingly, the winger has been linked with a move elsewhere, with the biggest Premier League clubs circling and a January departure even mooted.

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic before Leeds’ 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Saturday, though, Hay claimed that he can’t see that happening. He wrote:

“Re: Raphinha – I see no sense at all in Leeds entertaining bids in January. It’s not like his value is going to diminish and you’re unsettling your squad at a key point of the season.

“Add to that the fact that the most elite clubs don’t tend to do big deals in January. If they’re doing a Grealish or a Kane for example, those offers tend to come in the summer window because there’s more time to negotiate and value for money tends to be slightly better.”

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The Verdict: Makes no sense

Leeds may have to accept that Raphinha will move on eventually – next summer is arguably looking increasingly likely given his recent form – but a January exit could be hugely damaging.

The Whites are 17th in the Premier League table after their latest setback and they will need the Brazil international for the duration of the campaign. Losing him midway through the season could increase the chances of them getting into a relegation fight, which would be a disastrous scenario after only ending their 16-year top-flight exile in 2020.

In other news, one expert has tipped Leeds to reap a huge financial gain. Read more here.

Declan Rice will leave West Ham to play for a Champions League club in the near future, according to former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.

The Lowdown: Rice continues to shine

The 22-year-old has matured into one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders, also becoming a key man for England.

Rice was outstanding in the Hammers’ 1-0 win away to Everton on Sunday afternoon, deservedly taking home the Man of the Match award in the process.

The Latest: Neville makes key claim

Speaking on Sky Sports‘ Monday Night Football [via West Ham Zone], Neville and Jamie Carragher discussed the quality of the West Ham man.

The former United right-back claimed that Rice will soon be at a bigger club performing at a higher level, in order to reach his potential:

“I think the development will be at some point, and West Ham fans won’t like me saying this, that he’ll somehow have to obviously transfer to a club that’s going to the Champions League, where he plays in midfield with high expectations, where he’s playing against teams that are dropping deep every week.”

The Verdict: Tough to argue

In an ideal world, Rice would remain at West Ham for another decade and inspire them to countless trophies, but that may be wishful thinking.

In truth, the time will likely come when a huge bid is made for the midfielder from one of the country’s biggest clubs and his head may be turned.

Hammers supporters should certainly enjoy Rice while they can, as he continues to play at an incredible level.

In other news, some West Ham fans were critical of one player against Everton. Read more here.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, the 24-year-old features on a shortlist drawn up of potential transfer targets for the summer window.

However, whether Liverpool can afford to strengthen their first-squad in the final third over the coming months will largely depend on whether Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri leave Anfield.

The Reds are open to offers for both players, with Shaqiri reportedly attracting interest from Italian outfit Lazio.

Fans may be concerned

After a hugely underwhelming 2020/21 for Klopp’s charges, the German tactician is thought to be in the market for at least one attacking target ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The normally dependable duo of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino suffered a severe drop-off in form, scoring 11 and nine goals respectively in the league. Their backups, Origi and Shaqiri, failed to adequately replace them.

It left Liverpool extremely lightweight upfront for large sections of the season, and the supporters would have been hoping for a big-name signing to add some extra firepower this summer.

And although Bowen fits the profile for the 19-time English champions in terms of his age, playing style and versatility, his quality and ability to put the ball in the back of the net are arguably not at the standard required.

Bowen scored double figures in consecutive years for Hull City in the Championship but since arriving at the London Stadium in January 2020, the stocky winger hasn’t found consistent form at the highest level. He’s bagged nine goals and provided ten assists in 53 appearances for the Hammers, a respectable return but not one that would usually see a ‘Big Six’ club come calling.

While Bowen’s unquestionable work rate and stamina make him a good fit for Klopp’s unique gegenpressing style, Liverpool fans should be concerned at his lack of end product.

A forward’s job is ultimately to provide match-winning moments on a regular basis, popping up with goals to win big games and fire the club to glory. Bowen is yet to show he can do that for a club as ambitious as Liverpool.

Nevertheless, Pearce’s report claims that Klopp rates him highly and that the club will continue to monitor his development even if they don’t pursue a deal in the current window. Though, the fans may be hoping for someone with a better record in front of goal instead.

And, in other news…Get it done: Edwards must seal Liverpool swoop for “explosive” £27m-rated “revelation”