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Having scored fewer goals than all of the clubs currently above them in the Championship table as well as a few currently underneath them, West Bromwich Albion dived into the January transfer market to add some extra firepower to Valerien Ismael’s squad with the signing of Daryl Dike from Orlando City.

However, with only a few days left until the window shuts, the Baggies may have to bring another attacking option to the club before the deadline arrives as a result of Dike’s recent muscle injury that will keep him out of action for the next eight weeks.

One potential option that West Brom could realistically look to bring in before the end of the month that they have been mentioned with recently is Middlesbrough striker Uche Ikpeazu.

With a total of 269 senior club appearances under his belt, the 26-year-old, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £5.5k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has managed to score 53 goals and provide 32 assists along the way, highlighting the sort of experience he has and his ability to score and create goals, which is something that West Brom could do with at the moment.

Even though the attacker only joined Middlesbrough back in the previous summer transfer window from Wycombe Wanderers, he has only started eight of the 20 league games he’s appeared in, which suggests that he could be tempted with a move elsewhere if he’d get regular game time, which West Brom could offer him as a result of Dike’s unfortunate injury.

Labelled as a “humble” person in the past by Gareth Ainsworth, Ikpeazu could be just what Ismael needs at the moment to add an extra attacking dynamic to his side and potentially push the Baggies closer to promotion if he can hit the ground running in terms of scoring goals.

Moving forward, with West Brom’s recent 2-0 defeat against Preston North End proving how much they could do with some attacking reinforcements by having no shots on target throughout the match, the Baggies should definitely make a late approach to Middlesbrough to see if they’d be willing to negotiate a deal to sell their striker.

However, with Boro only three points behind West Brom at this stage of the season, they could be reluctant in allowing one of their attacking talents to join another team so close to them in the table, making it a potential challenge for the Baggies to sign him.

In other news: Ismael must finally axe £36k-p/w West Brom “leader” this month, he’s stealing a living

West Ham head coach, David Moyes, is expected to go into the transfer window in a few weeks time with the aim of finding players to bring into the side to cover key positions that either need work or depth, as the side continues to compete in Europe and will be hopeful that in January they are still in the chances of top four.

Attracting players shouldn’t be a difficult job for Moyes, as the side have showcased their talents by competing for a Champions League spot and finishing well clear at the top of the table unbeaten in their Europa League group too.

With Jesse Lingard heavily speculated to re-join the club he was loaned to at the beginning of 2021, there is also another Premier League player West Ham are interested in.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham will make one final bid of £7m for Burnley defender, James Tarkowski.

The £70k-per-week tank has been linked with a few Premier League clubs over the last 12 months and was looking likely to join the Hammers in the summer transfer window, but after a £31m bid was rejected, West Ham pulled away.

Tarkowski is out of contract in 2022, and thus, they could swoop in for the defender’s signature before he becomes available on a free transfer.

Is it the right move for West Ham?

With Angelo Ogbonna recently side-lined for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, that solid experience is something that West Ham could really miss in their fight for the top four and their attempt to exceed expectations in the Europa League this season.

£7m would be a steal for Tarkowski given his experience, and his defensive qualities that have had a positive impact on Burnley’s stay in the Premier League, despite relegation battles being a frequent worry for the side.

QPR manager, Mark Warburton, once hailed the defender as “exceptional”, speaking fondly when he worked with the central defender, highlighting his fabulous range of qualities.

On the evidence above, he’d be a welcome addition and one that Moyes is surely dreaming of when you consider the type of player they’re in need of. West Ham could secure a hugely encouraging deal here with plenty of positives. They’d add a proven top-flight figure to their armoury, replace Ogbonna and not pay a huge fee for his services either.

As a result, it seems like a no brainer, but it is a move that will depend on the circumstances Burnley find themselves in closer to January. Whether they feel that taking money for him would be worth more than Tarkowski’s work in the team when it may be the difference between staying up or getting relegated is another matter.

In other news: Moyes reveals extent of Aaron Creswell injury

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of Ianis Hagi despite their 3-1 win away at Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

Goals from Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo and Fashion Sakala were enough to give Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team all three points in the end, but Hagi would surely not have been too pleased with his own individual performance.

The Romania international lost out on three of his duels, and also failed to score with both of his shots on goal, while he was also unsuccessful with five of his crosses and two of his long balls in the game (SofaScore).

Hagi was guilty of losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 13 separate occasions in the match, the sixth-most out of any of his teammates (SofaScore), in what pretty much summed up a frustrating afternoon for the midfield player.

Rangers fans on Hagi display

These members of the Ibrox faithful slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Teddy Bears supporter even going as far as to claim that he was ‘hilarious’ in some of his play:

“Forgot Hagi was playing”

Credit: @douglaspark92

“The thing is Hagi and Morelos are anon again! Both look like playing with lead boots”

Credit: @Shodan47

“Hagi so far is not in the game”

Credit: @cameron1701

“How bad has Hagi been again today?”

Credit: @Kjrocket80

“Need more from Morelos again. Hagi also not contributing hugely. Need them to show something or I’d be getting the subs on.”

Credit: @AMcKellar89

“Some of this play from Tavernier and Hagi is hilarious. Not in a good way.”

Credit: @BMCRangersRants

In other news, find out what official club post has Gers buzzing here!

Kieran Devlin has dropped some early team news ahead of Celtic’s Premiership clash this evening.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on The Athletic, the journalist revealed that, after both players were brought off during Celtic’s 1-0 win over Motherwell on Sunday, there is a possibility that neither Mikey Johnston nor James Forrest will be deemed fit enough to feature against Ross County on Wednesday evening.

In his post, Devlin said: “Possibility that neither Johnston nor Forrest make [the] game against Ross County, which means that six of Celtic’s seven first-team attacking players might be out injured for it.”

Fans will be fuming

While injuries are, unfortunately, part and parcel of the game, the sheer volume of knocks that Celtic players have been picking up this season is sure to have left fans of the club fuming.

Indeed, at present, all of Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti and Jota are sidelined with hamstring injuries – while Giorgos Giakoumakis, Christopher Jullien and Karamoko Dembele are all also in the treatment room – something that would appear to suggest a number of Ange Postecoglou’s players are still not quite fit enough to keep up with the pace of the game the 56-year-old is trying to get his side to play.

Regardless of this, the news that both Forrest and Johnston are now also doubts for the Ross County clash is sure to have left both fans and Postecoglou gutted, as, with Wednesday’s fixture being the club’s last before the League Cup final against Hibernian on Sunday, Celtic’s attacking options are looking incredibly bare.

This evening, the Greek-Australian coach looks as if he will only have Liel Abada available as an out and out forward, with attacking midfielders Ewan Henderson and David Turnbull appearing likely candidates to fill in within the front three.

And, if this situation does not improve before Sunday, Celtic’s chances of lifting the League Cup trophy would appear to be much slimmer than they would have been otherwise – something that will certainly be a worry for everyone involved with the club.

In other news: Ange could unearth Celtic’s new Moravcik with “natural” 16 y/o “star in the making”

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish claims he has heard rumours regarding Frank Lampard taking over at Celtic.

The 42-year-old has been out of work since his sacking at Chelsea back in January. He was immediately linked with becoming Neil Lennon’s long-term successor at Parkhead following the Northern Irishman’s resignation.

Lampard’s Celtic meeting?

Lampard was reportedly open to a move to Glasgow back in February, however, those rumours appeared to have died down in recent weeks.

That was until McLeish, talking to Football Insider, revealed he’s ‘heard whispers’ that Lampard has met with the Hoops hierarchy.

He also believes fans would be excited at the prospect of the former England international taking over at Celtic Park.

“I’m hearing whispers that Frank Lampard was seen with the Celtic directors. No matter what, the rumour mill will continue to thrive until an appointment is finally made.

“I think the fans would love a big name. There’s no doubt about it, they’ll be looking for that kind of personality.”

Transfer Tavern take

McLeish’s claim is certainly a bit of a bombshell – just imagine the balance of mutual respect and rivalry between Lampard and Steven Gerrard. However, as he mentioned, the rumour mill will more than likely remain in full flow until an appointment is made.

Bringing Lampard to Celtic, to us, would be an interesting move. He impressed with Derby in the Championship, taking them to the play-off final and led the Blues to a FA Cup Final in his only full season at Stamford Bridge.

A Parkhead rebuild is required this summer, so you could argue that a boss with more experience may be a better choice. However, should Lampard succeed Lennon, we would then see him face off against Gerrard in a different setting, a duel that would only serve to bring more eyes to Scottish football.

In other news: Broadcaster’s six-word admission on Jesse Marsch will come as a blow to some Celtic fans, find out more here. 

Charlie Adam has shared his delight after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that Steven Davis has signed a new one-year contract at Ibrox.

Adam delighted at Davis news

Davis was set to be out of contract at the end of the campaign but, despite being 36 years of age, the Gers have decided to keep him at the club for another 12 months.

The 55-time Scottish champions shared the news on their official Twitter account, and former Rangers midfielder Adam responded by saying this was “great news”.

Big news

Adam is far from a popular figure among many supporters, but surely Gers fans will have trouble disagreeing with him on this one. While Davis does not have long left in his career, he boasts plenty of experience; and with 40 appearances in all competitions so far this term (Transfermarkt), he has played a vital role in the Gers’ 2020/21 success.

With 45 goals and 94 assists throughout his time in the game, he can contribute directly to goals, but his importance to this Rangers side cannot be measured solely in that way. He is a cool, calming influence in the middle of the park, and he deserves all the accolades he continues to get. Who knows, he may even get himself another deal at the end of next season as well.

In other news, many Rangers fans are livid at this pundit’s comments.

Liverpool striker Divock Origi is preparing to leave Anfield this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Yet more heroics from Origi

The 27-year-old was once again the hero for the Reds on Sunday as Jurgen Klopp’s side overcame Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby, scoring once and playing a pivotal role in the build-up to Andy Robertson’s opening goal.

The Belgium marksman has developed a happy knack of turning up when he’s needed the most and now has six derby goals to add to a Champions League final strike and a stunning brace in an unforgettable 4-0 victory over Barcelona.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-29/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, despite multiple iconic moments from the 27-year-old, it appears that the end could well be nigh for Origi at Anfield…

The latest: Romano provides Origi latest

Taking to Twitter to cite Klopp’s glowing words on the enigmatic Belgian, reputable journalist Romano confirmed that the 32-cap international is heading towards the exit door.

The reporter tweeted: ‘Jurgen Klopp: “We will miss Divock Origi – if he leaves, he will explode wherever he goes. He is a world-class striker, he is a legend and will stay a legend forever”. #LFC

‘Origi will leave Liverpool in June – AC Milan are leading the race to sign him as free agent.‘

The verdict: Time to say goodbye

Liverpool have certainly gotten their money’s worth from the £10m spent when bringing Origi to the club from Lille in 2014 (BBC). During his time on Merseyside, the Belgium striker has scored 41 goals and provided 17 assists in 173 outings as a Red.

However, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all ahead of him in the pecking order and Takumi Minamino also somewhat in the cold, it has become apparent that opportunities will be few and far between for the man once described as a ‘monster’ by Klopp following a last-gasp winner against Wolves in December.

Out of contract in July (Transfermarkt), so far this season Origi has netted six times in 16 appearances across all competitions, and his latest derby exploits would suggest that should AC Milan indeed be the benefactors, the Serie A outfit would be landing a big-game striker for nothing in transfer fees.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.

As Celtic lurch from one disappointing game to another, Neil Lennon must be desperately searching for ways to get his side back to winning ways.

The Hoops have completely fallen out of the title picture already, finding themselves a whopping 21 points behind arch-rivals and leaders Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Lennon’s side face Livingston tonight looking to regain some much-needed momentum, and Kristoffer Ajer may be the man to come in and bring some stability back.

The 6 foot 6 centre-back has been linked with a move away from Celtic, and has had to miss the last two games in the Scottish Premiership after being forced to quarantine.

Now that its over, Lennon may look to recall the £3.6m-rated man, and instead drop the woeful Shane Duffy. Celtic’s summer signing has been in awful form since arriving from Brighton on a season-long loan, not least a shocking cameo in the Old Firm clash against Rangers earlier this month.

In Ajer, they would get someone who’s been the closest thing to a Virgil van Dijk since the Dutchman made the move south of the border to join Southampton.

Speaking earlier this season, Alex McLeish said: “I go back to that St Johnstone game, you see sometimes when it’s not going for Celtic and the game’s in its dying embers, and then all of a sudden you see Ajer striding up the pitch trying to inspire like Roy of the Rovers.

“Running from defence, augment the attack and then it leads to a goal – these are inspirational moments and he is an inspirational, influential player for Celtic.”

Ajer’s teammate and fellow centre-back partner Christopher Jullien described him as a “unique talent”, and it’s no surprise given his incredible size but elegance on the ball when he brings it out from defence.

A clean sheet against Livingston last time out might leave Lennon feeling he should stick to the same back-four, but Ajer’s return could allow the Hoops to play out from the back instead of someone like Shane Duffy hoofing it into row Z.

Ajer has averaged almost twenty passes more per game than Duffy this season in the Scottish Premiership (69.2 to 50.1), and boasts a far better passing accuracy too at 89% to 83%.

Retaining possession and starting counter-attacks from the back could be key to ensuring they don’t draw another blank against Livingston tonight, and Ajer’s extra composure from the heart of defence could be key.

Meanwhile, Celtic must play this exciting prospect against Livingston…

Paul Stewart has exclusively told Football FanCast that a move to Newcastle United could revitalise Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career.

A knee injury wrecked the first half of his season, but even since returning from that setback before Christmas, the England midfielder has just twice in the Premier League for Liverpool and was left out of the squad for the victories at Manchester United and West Brom.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed both Champions League and Premier League success since his move from Arsenal almost three years ago but has never been a guaranteed starter under Jurgen Klopp despite making 30 appearances during the Reds’ title winning campaign 12 months ago.

The 27-year-old still has more than two years remaining on his Anfield contract but is reportedly going to be available to sign for just £17m this summer, with German giants Borussia Dortmund interested in the midfielder.

But former Liverpool man Stewart believes that staying in the Premier League could get Oxlade Chamberlain’s career back on track following his recent injury struggles.

He told Football FanCast:

“Brighton, maybe Newcastle? I don’t want to be disrespectful to them clubs, but at that price they’re the type of players they can go in for.

“I think he’s got ability Oxlade, and he has been unlucky with injuries, but that Liverpool team, to try and get in there, I don’t think they will be looking at him as one of the players that can do that.

“So, one of those clubs could revitalise one of those careers – he’s playing week in, week out if he stays fit, people will be saying £17m is a steal.”

After securing yet another clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League at the weekend, it’s fair to say Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been one of the signings of the season.

Speaking after his arrival, Dean Smith declared: “We know how highly Arsenal rated him and we watched his outstanding performances last season in a trophy-winning top side.

“We moved for Emi when we saw the opportunity, as it is rare to be able to buy a top-class goalkeeper who hasn’t yet reached their peak age and who can therefore be a key player for our club for the long term.”

And it’s fair to say that Martinez has been more than just a good signing. The Argentine has been the cornerstone of Villa’s impressive defensive record this season, keeping 13 clean sheets in just 24 Premier League games – only Ederson of runaway leaders Manchester City has kept more with 15.

Valued at £13m by CIES, the 6 foot 4 shot-stopper has arguably been Villa’s talisman this season, not Jack Grealish. Martinez has cut an imposing figure in between the sticks, and has already racked up a highlight reel of incredible stops and flying saves with the tips of his gloves – you’ve only got to look at his one-man show against Brighton to see just how good he is.

It’s no surprise that more people seem to have caught onto Martinez’s ability, with Argentinian World Cup winner Daniel Bertoni, saying: “Any Italian team looking for a goalkeeper should watch Emiliano Martinez, who Arsenal relinquished last summer.

“Now he plays for Aston Villa and is a phenomenon: he guarantees 10 points per season.”

The shut-out against Leeds at Elland Road was the eighth time Villa have kept the opposition out in their 13 away games thus far this season, which already equals their club record from the 2009/2010 campaign.

A lot of that comes down to having a goalkeeper who can bring a bit of composure to the defence, not making any silly mistakes and doing the simple things well – he’s committed just one error leading to a goal in the Premier League, while he’s also much more of a throwback in terms of his style of goalkeeping.

He’s made just the one punch in 24 league games, instead being a much more relieving sight for his defenders by choosing to go up for the ball and hold it when the ball is in the air – he’s made 30 high claims.

Having that kind of number one behind you, is surely hugely welcomed by the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, who know that their goalkeeper is there to take the pressure off their shoulders rather than add to it.

It’s exactly why Johan Lange struck a dream deal for Villa when he signed Martinez from Arsenal last summer.