Liverpool fans concerned by poor Robertson performances

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Loads of Liverpool fans have been reflecting on their 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich, and they’re more than a little worried about a bad patch of form for Andy Robertson.

Robertson has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League since joining Liverpool in a deal worth an initial £8m, as the Scottish captain’s performance levels rarely drop below a seven out of ten.

That hasn’t been the case recently though, as he seems to have lost a little bit of the attacking spark that has seen him rack up eight assists in all competitions this season, and even more worryingly he has looked shaky at the back.

After a poor showing in the 1-1 draw against Leicester, it was the 24 year-old who needlessly gave away a free kick at the London Stadium, from which West Ham equalised, and he struggled massively with Bayern ace Serge Gnabry on Tuesday night.

That is now three games out of the last four that the all-action left-back hasn’t been at his best, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Rangers must unleash Glen Kamara

Glasgow Rangers have the chance to put an end to a frantic week by securing a place in the final of the Scottish Cup.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were in action on Thursday night as they made it through to the semi-finals of the Europa League by beating Braga 3-1.

The Gers now take on Celtic in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, having lost to the Hoops in the SPFL earlier this month.

On the chalkboard

One player that didn’t start in midweek that should now make a return to the starting XI for Rangers is midfielder Glen Kamara.

Having replaced Ryan Jack after 80 minutes on Thursday, the 26-year-old ended up playing 40 minutes in total as the game went to extra time.

In those 40 minutes, the midfielder did his best to make sure his side kept their composure and see out the match once Kemar Roofe had scored the goal that put Rangers ahead on aggregate.

With 42 touches of the ball in total, the Finnish international completed 32 of the 35 passes he attempted, including two successful long balls.

He also managed to win four of the five duels he was involved in, block one shot and draw two fouls, showing how useful he was when he came on.

In the SPFL, Kamara has also shown what a useful defensive figure he is, with Joe Aribo (32) being the only other midfielder to have won more than his 19 tackles.

Similarly, John Lundstram (28) is the only other Rangers midfielder to rack up more interceptions than the £21k-per-week talent (22).

Taking into account the fact that Celtic ended up scoring seven goals in their previous outing against St Johnstone and have had a full week of rest, having a defensively capable player like the £5.4m-rated figure in his starting XI would appear a very wise move by Van Bronckhorst.

Labelled both “aggressive” and a “class act” in the past by former Gers manager Steven Gerrard, Kamara would very much appear to be the right player to break up the Bhoys’ attacks most efficiently.

Indeed, after his solid run out in midweek, Van Bronckhorst should definitely unleash the midfield machine from the start this time around – as Kamara’s presence in the middle of the park would certainly terrify Celtic.

AND in other news: £10.1m in the bank: Rangers hit the jackpot on “brutally ruthless” £31.5k-p/w machine

Newcastle team news on Trippier v Wolves

Craig Hope has now dropped another injury blow for Newcastle United before they play Wolves at home in the Premier League on Friday night.

The Lowdown: Willock an injury doubt

As per The Daily Mail journalist via Twitter, Joe Willock is now a ‘doubt’ for the Magpies’ game against Bruno Lage’s team with an injury to his knee.

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Hope claimed that it could open the door for Bruno Guimaraes to start his first game at St James’ Park.

The Latest: Trippier injury update

According to Hope via Twitter, Kieran Trippier will also miss Friday’s match as well as Newcastle’s next league fixture at home to Leicester City, but there is hope that the defender could still return later this month.

The journalist outlined: “Also understand Kieran Trippier will miss Wolves & Leicester but there remains hope he’ll be back this month.”

The Verdict: Big blow for Newcastle

After Trippier was seen stepping up his recovery in Dubai, it was hoped that he could return earlier in April. However, the fact that he will now miss their next two games is a big blow for Newcastle.

The right-back has statistically been the Magpies’ best performer in the Premier League so far this season, averaging more tackles, interceptions and crosses per game than any of his team-mates (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the Tynesiders will not feel safe from relegation just yet, so Eddie Howe will now have to find a way to try and get as many points as possible from their next two matches without Trippier in the team.

In other news, this NUFC loanee put in a poor display on Tuesday night

LUFC must complete Taki Minamino transfer

Leeds United started a new era at the Yorkshire club earlier this season when they replaced Marcelo Bielsa with current manager Jesse Marsch.

Even though the American still has a few Premier League games left to get through before the season draws to a close and the summer transfer window opens, we have an idea for one potential deal the Whites could look to get done in that period.

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Back in the January transfer window, Leeds were linked with a potential move for Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino.

Eventually, nothing came of these links in January and the Japanese international stayed at Anfield.

However, with the Reds having the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz in their squad, Minamino has found regular playing time in the Premier League hard to come by.

With 23 appearances to his name across all competitions this season, the attacker has only started eight of them, showing just how difficult it is for him to get into the team.

Despite his lack of regular game time, the 27-year-old has still managed to show what a capable attacking player he is by scoring nine goals.

Having been praised for his “complete” performances in the past by Jurgen Klopp, the £72k-per-week winger has also been compared to former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez by journalist Ian Doyle.

Given how the Uruguayan has scored 437 goals in 695 club appearances throughout his career, this is quite the compliment.

In terms of a potential move to Leeds, should he find himself waving goodbye to Anfield in the summer in search of regular game time, the Yorkshire club should definitely be in the mix for his signature once again.

Taking into account how the Japanese star racked up 20 goal contributions in 22 appearances for his previous club RB Salzburg under the management of Marsch, a reunion between the two could be a match made in heaven for Leeds.

Also, with the Whites finding it hard to score goals at times this season, having an attacking and creative talent such as Minamino in their squad could be just what they need to become a deadlier team going forward.

With the summer window in mind, launching a move for the Liverpool outcast should be at the top of Victor Orta’s to-do list and potentially deliver Leeds their own version of Suarez.

AND in other news: “Going to sign…”: Insider drops big Leeds transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp eyeing Cody Gakpo

Liverpool are eying a swoop for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window.

What’s the Word?

That’s according to Dutch media outlet Voetbal, who claim the winger has already spoken with Liverpool regarding a transfer to the Premier League side at the end of the current campaign.

However, the report goes on to state that the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and even Bayern Munich are also interested in a move the PSV sensation this summer.

It looks increasingly likely that Gakpo will be leaving the Dutch side and he has no shortage of admirers. The player did recently sign a new contract until 2026 following discussions with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy recently and this could be to secure his club the best possible fee.

Mane 2.0

Liverpool’s recent recruitment has been excellent, with the additions of Luis Diaz and Diego Jota have added extra dimensions to the Reds’ attack and it looks like Klopp is looking to the future.

With Gakpo only being 22, he could well be a fine signing and eventually look to take over from the ageing Sadio Mane.

Indeed, the Dutchman’s attacking output is similar to that of the 30-year-old, having scored a scintillating 18 goals and registered 15 assists over 42 outings in all competitions this season. Although primarily a left-winger, he can play across the forward line.

His performances have gathered a great amount of praise, with the former Netherlands midfielder, Theo Janssen, stating his belief that Gakpo is a talent who “has everything.”

Liverpool could secure his services for £33m which, would be a record fee for PSV.

Indeed, considering the sheer amount of potential the Netherlands international quite clearly possesses, it would not be surprising to see the 22-year-old – if he does indeed secure a move to Anfield this summer – eventually go on to take the place of Mane in the Reds’ starting XI – as it is clear Gakpo is very much a player in the Senegal international’s mould.

AND in other news: Cost £3.5m now worth £19.8m: Liverpool struck gold with “sensational” gem – opinion

Celtic: Cameron Carter-Vickers discussions ongoing

Celtic are still in discussions with Tottenham over a permanent deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers, John McGinley reports.

The Lowdown: Impressive loan

Carter-Vickers made the move to Glasgow late in the summer window and has been a near ever-present figure under Ange Postecoglou.

The centre-back, labelled as ‘quick’ by former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate, has missed just one Scottish Premiership fixture since becoming a Hoops player and has been the club’s best performing centre-back, as per WhoScored.

Reports at the beginning of January suggested that the club were working on permanent moves for both Carter-Vickers and Jota after including options in their respective loan deals. Full-time transfers failed to materialise last month, but it seems as if Celtic are still in talks.

The Latest: McGinley’s tweet

Celtic reporter McGinley took to Twitter on Saturday evening to relay comments from Postecoglou on Carter-Vickers and Jota.

He said that talks are continuing and are being led by CEO Michael Nicholson.

“Ange Postecoglou says discussions re: the purchase of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are ongoing ‘over the next period’, led by Michael Nicholson and involving the players themselves. ‘It will take care of itself.’ No guarantees, of course.”

The Verdict: Needed

Carter-Vickers, on £22,000-a-week, has proven he can be a reliable and top member of Postecoglou’s squad, so making his move permanent appears to be a no brainer.

The option to buy fee reportedly stands at an initial £6m, a figure which is over twice his Transfermarkt valuation. Nicholson may be looking to bring that fee down slightly, however, there is thought to be no wriggle room on the overall price.

It could well be that talks continue until the summer, where Nicholson and Celtic may have to make a decision one way or the other on Carter-Vickers, but it would be disappointing if he isn’t a permanent Hoops player ahead of the 2022/23 season following his impressive temporary stay.

In other news: Kieran Devlin drops scary Reo Hatate claim from sources close to Celtic dressing room. 

Liverpool: Carragher berates Mane

Jamie Carragher warned Liverpool’s Sadio Mane about his behaviour during the first half of Sunday’s Merseyside Derby at Anfield. 

The lowdown

Tensions boiled over late in the first half after Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure fouled opposite number Fabinho.

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A ‘mini brawl’ ensued, in the words of one Sky Sports journalist, as players from both sides rushed to the scene.

Amidst the melee, Mane could be seen arguing with Allan and ‘pushing him in the face’.

Referee Stuart Atwell issued a yellow card to the Senegalese attacker, his seventh booking of the season in all competitions.

The latest

As he viewed the replay of the incident, Carragher slammed the forward.

“That’s just stupid from Mane,” the Sky Sports commentator said [17:17].

The verdict

You can understand why Carragher was frustrated with the £100,000-per-week man.

Indeed, he was arguably fortunate to avoid a red card following the incident, which would have made his team’s task far more difficult.

The laws of the game dictate that a player who deliberately strikes an opponent in the face with a hand or arm has committed violent conduct, unless the force is ‘negligible’.

That’s certainly up for debate, but you could argue that a player of Mane’s experience – this was his 258th Premier League match – shouldn’t be getting himself involved in such altercations, particularly when so much is at it stake for the title-chasing Reds.

In other news, this Liverpool superstar has been backed to sign a new deal. 

Celtic: O’Rourke makes Vasilis Barkas claim

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made an exit claim regarding Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, believing that it would be a ‘bonus’ if the Hoops can receive a fee for his services.

The Lowdown: Barkas ‘demands’ Celtic exit

The Greece international has made just two appearances under Ange Postecoglou this season, with his last matchday involvement coming against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup in mid-February as an unused substitute.

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The 27-year-old had the chance to leave Parkhead during the January transfer window, but loan moves to Sheffield United and IFK Gothenburg fell through due to salary demands.

He has now ‘demanded’ to leave Celtic in the summer and looks set to join winger Ben Doak in heading out the Parkhead exit door, with the youngster closing in on a move to Liverpool.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Barkas

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke said that Barkas is on ‘decent money’ in Glasgow, labelling the possibility of Celtic receiving a fee for the goalkeeper’s services as a ‘bonus’. The journalist stated:

“If Celtic can get him off the wage book, because he’s on decent money there, that’ll help save a bit of money. And if they can get a fee for him as well, that will be a bonus.”

The Verdict: Exit needed for Barkas

Postecoglou has Joe Hart and Scott Bain to call upon between now and the end of the season. Conor Hazard is on loan at HJK Helsinki and Tobi Oluwayemi is coming through at Lennoxtown, so Barkas doesn’t appear to be needed in Glasgow.

The Hoops paid £4.5m for Barkas in 2020, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in the club’s history.

His Transfermarkt valuation has plummeted to £1.35m during his time in Scotland, proving that his stint at the club hasn’t worked out. If Celtic can secure a £1.35m fee, it would be a ‘bonus’, as O’Rourke put it.

In other news: Update emerges for Ange on Celtic ace stretchered off during international duty

Celtic had lucky escape over Oliver Burke

Celtic have seen plenty of players join the Parkhead club on loan deals over the past few years to see if they can help the team in whatever way they can on the pitch.

As often tends to be the case, players end up returning to their original clubs to either stake their claim to be a part of the team there or possibly go out on loan to a different destination again.

One player who had a loan spell with Celtic that the club will be pleased to have passed up on a permanent basis is Oliver Burke.

Having made the move to Celtic Park on loan from West Bromwich Albion back in January 2019, the Scottish attacker ended up scoring four goals and providing three assists in 19 games before returning to the English club at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

Despite delivering a few goal contributions during his time with the Hoops, some of his performances didn’t always live up to expectations, with Frank McAvennie labelling the striker’s display against Rangers in May 2019 as a “disgrace”.

Things haven’t gone too well for the 24-year-old since his loan period with Celtic, as he then had a temporary spell in Spain with Alaves where he found the back of the net just once in 32 appearances.

After that, West Brom gave up on him and sold him to Sheffield United in 2020, where he has since scored just two goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.

At this stage of his career, Burke – who is currently picking up £16k-per-week according to Salary Sport – has found himself on loan once again, this time with Millwall, where he has only made six appearances since moving in January, with no goals or assists to his name so far at The Den.

Taking all this into account, the former Celtic loan signing has yet to equal the same number of goal contributions that he made for the Hoops since leaving them, despite playing for four separate clubs in three years of trying to do so.

This says to us that the Parkhead club had a lucky escape and ultimately made the right decision not to try and sign the centre-forward on a permanent basis after his loan spell in Glasgow.

In other news: Ange must brutally axe “horrendous” £20k-p/w Celtic liability, he’s “been a disaster”

Spurs agree personal terms for Adama Traore

According to GiveMeSport, there has been another big update in Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs talks ongoing…

Over the last fortnight, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have been in talks to sign the 25-year-old as Antonio Conte seeks a new makeshift right wing-back for his system.

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Tottenham have even attempted to negotiate a loan with an obligation to buy for Traore as this transfer saga seemingly drags on through to the last few days of the January window.

This comes amid Paratici’s efforts to complete other deals as they also reportedly close in on the signing of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and continue talks to offload club record signing Tanguy Ndombele.

The Latest: Personal terms completed…

Sharing an update on Traore, GiveMeSport have a promising development. According to their sources, Tottenham and the Spain international have now agreed personal terms to make him the fourth-highest paid player in Conte’s squad.

It is believed that the Lilywhites will pay Traore a bumper £120,000-per-week salary if they can agree a deal with Wolves as the north London club edge that little bit closer to his arrival, with the report describing this as a ‘significant breakthrough’.

All that’s left now is for Spurs to make a formal bid for the winger, as GiveMeSport claim they are eyeing an initial loan move ahead of a permanent transfer in the summer.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Signing Traore would undoubtedly boost Conte’s options at N17 and provide a much larger threat down the right flank.

As he seeks a carbon copy of Victor Moses, who the Italian re-moulded into a top- class right wing-back at Chelsea, the Molineux ace could certainly do a similar job across London.

Traore has averaged a hugely threatening 4.2 successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League this season, a far greater return than any of Conte’s current options at Tottenham (WhoScored).

Described as a ‘world-beater’ by Wolves legend Steve Bull, agreeing personal terms with the 25-year-old certainly seems like one large step towards a potentially exciting addition as Spurs aim to finish the January transfer window on a high.

In other news: Club chiefs set for crunch board meeting today as Spurs table bid for their ‘special’ player, find out more here

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