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Many Sunderland supporters were critical of Elliot Embleton following Saturday’s come-from-behind win at Gillingham, during which the midfielder was sent off.

Lee Johnson’s side trailed 1-0 before Aiden O’Brien equalised on the stroke of half-time and Tom Flanagan scored what proved to be the winner early in the second half, a result which ensured that the Black Cats remained just one point adrift of League One pace-setters Plymouth Argyle.

Embleton received his marching orders midway through the second half for a poor challenge on Jack Tucker, leaving his team-mates to dig deep in order to secure all three points at the Priestfield Stadium.

Even aside from the red card, it was an afternoon to forget for the 22-year-old. As per SofaScore, he lost five of his seven duels (71%) against Gillingham and found a team-mate with only two of his eight crosses. He also gave the ball away 17 times during his 67 minutes on the pitch, the highest figure of anyone in a Sunderland shirt.

Sunderland fans slam Embleton

A number of Black Cats supporters took to Twitter to vent their frustration at Embleton on Saturday, with one describing the midfielder as “overrated”.

“Tin hat on but Embleton is very overrated, apart from his decent start this season he’s done absolutely nowt. Wouldn’t bat an eyelid if he left”

Credit: @rosstitute73

“That was so poor by Embleton. We had complete control”

Credit: @Sunlunfan

“Pathetic tackle from Embleton.. red all the way for me. We would scream for it if it was the other way round”

Credit: @davey_lad

“Reckless challenge, didn’t need to make it, pure stupidity from Embleton, now missed 3 matches”

Credit: @44stu

“Stupid challenge by Embleton whether it was a red or not it was stupid, riddled with injuries already we can’t afford to lose another player”

Credit: @stephsherry92

“Really poor from Embleton. Poor tackle and a needless one. A red probably the right call. Puts us under pressure when we should have been able to see this game out and look for a 3rd”

Credit: @tongey93

“Embleton hasn’t touched the ball for about a month anyway”

Credit: @jakeyholyoak

“Embleton why? Stupid challenge.”

Credit: @DRiley_06

In other news: One of Embleton’s team-mates also came under fire from some Sunderland fans yesterday

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Borna Barisic.

As per The Scottish Sun, the Ibrox faithful have now rejected a bid worth £2m from Watford for the Croatia international, and have set an asking price of £5m.

The Hornets did go back with an offer of £1.5m in add-ons, but the bid did not impress the Teddy Bears, who have recently sold another full-back in Nathan Patterson to Premier League club outfit Everton for £16m, including add-ons.

Thus, with that kind of money brought in, Light Blues supporters can feel aggrieved with the transfer fee that Watford are offering for Barisic, who is more of a guaranteed starter under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Rangers fans on Barisic transfer news

These Gers were left fuming as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one RFC fan even going as far as to claim that it is ’embarrassing’:

“A joke of a bid that has rightfully been laughed out. Barisic is here for 2IAR.”

Credit: @DrTimSkelper

“This is the type of behaviour from another club which means you simply refuse to do business with them.”

Credit: @CemetryGates89

“Don’t know what’s worse, the “£2m bid” or the “£5m asking price”. What part of his body was the £2m for?”

Credit: @ZambianPrince

“£2m is an absolute insult”

Credit: @AllyT53

“£2m. Presume they either forgot a ‘0’ or they’re only bidding for the right leg.”

Credit: @AMcKellar89

“That’s embarrassing from @WatfordFC. You’d maybe get his right foot for that but you’d need another £6m for the left foot as well.”

Credit: @AngryBuff

In other news, find out what transfer update has Gers buzzing here!

Journalist Keith Jackson has suggested that Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst could deploy Joe Aribo as a false nine on Thursday. 

The lowdown

Rangers are due to travel to Germany for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this week, where they will take on RB Leipzig.

They already knew they would be without top scorer Alfredo Morelos, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing thigh surgery, but now second-top scorer Kemar Roofe has picked up a knee injury which will also sideline him against the Bundesliga outfit.

With those two missing, Fashion Sakala led the line for Gers on Saturday as they won 3-1 at Motherwell.

Aribo is predominantly a central midfielder who is also capable of operating on the right but, according to Transfermarkt, he has never played as a centre-forward or a second striker in his senior career.

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The latest

Jackson said in The Daily Record’s Monday Jury that Van Bronckhorst has his ‘work cut out’ to deliver a ‘tactical solution’ to Rangers’ centre-forward problem.

The journalist has pondered if Aribo could ‘operate as a false nine’ and said that, in the circumstances, it would be a ‘huge’ achievement if the Gers leave the Red Bull Arena with ‘the semifinal still alive’.

The verdict

This is certainly a bold call from Jackson, given that Aribo has no experience in the position, although you could argue that it’s exactly the kind of thing which could catch Leipzig out, as Domenico Tedesco’s side probably won’t be prepared for it.

Aribo is certainly a goalscoring midfielder, having bagged eight over the course of the season. Incidentally, that is more than Sakala (seven), although the Nigerian has played 10 more matches.

If Rangers are to take this gamble, then it’s important that Van Bronckhorst trains the revised shape all week so that his players are able to adjust as best they can ahead of Thursday night.

In other news, Ally McCoist tears into one ‘really poor’ Rangers player

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been buzzing over some transfer news on Mateusz Zukowski.

As per the Ibrox club’s official website, they have now officially confirmed the signing of the Poland youth international from Lechia Gdansk for an undisclosed fee, so long as he can get international clearance.

He has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the club and should now be available to potentially feature in the Old Firm derby in midweek.

Zukowski will provide sufficient cover for James Tavernier at right-back, following the departure of Nathan Patterson to Everton earlier in the January transfer window.

Despite being just 20 years of age, he has already played 81 times at club level, scoring an impressive seven goals from defence (Transfermarkt); and he has been capped many times for Poland atvarious youth levels, further highlighting his experience.

Nonetheless, supporters always love a Deadline Day signing, and this one is no different.

Rangers fans on Zukowski transfer news

These Rangers fans buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter going as far as to claim that Zukowski is an ‘exciting’ signing:

“Yessssss welcome to Rangers”

Credit: @R55Loyal

“GET IN”

Credit: @gers_fan55

“Brilliant”

Credit: @Lemonheid

“SUIIIIII”

Credit: @stevonevo1

“Exciting signing”

Credit: @mentalitygiant1

“What a day to be alive”

Credit: @CammyWills

In other news, find out what interesting Aaron Ramsey transfer update has emerged

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Filip Kostic to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Calciomercato, who claim that David Moyes’ side have joined the likes of Inter Milan, Lazio, AFC Fiorentina, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Arsenal in the race for the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder this month.

A further report by Italian publication Tuttosport claimed that the Bundesliga side would not be willing to listen to offers below €10m (£8.5m) for the Serbia international in January, although Calciomercato suggest that Frankfurt are unlikely to want to part with the 29-year-old in the winter market.

West Ham’s next Payet

Considering just how impressive Kostic has been in Germany so far this season, it is easy to see why Moyes would be keen on a deal to bring the versatile midfielder to the London Stadium this month.

Indeed, over his 17 Bundesliga outings in the current campaign, the £18m-rated man has been in astonishing form, having bagged three goals, registered seven assists and created a remarkable 14 big chances for his teammates – with no other player in the German top-flight having created more – as well as making an average of 2.8 key passes and taking 1.9 shots per game.

These returns have seen the £43k-per-week midfielder – who can also play further forward on the left-wing – average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.36, not only ranking him as Frankfurt’s best performer in the division, but also as the ninth-best player in the league as a whole.

And, while it is true that Pablo Fornals has been in improved form on the left-hand side of the West Ham attack so far this season – scoring four goals, registering two assists and creating four big chances over his 18 Premier League appearances – the Spain international’s returns still pale in comparison to those of Dimitri Payet back in 2015/16.

Indeed, over the France international’s 30 Premier League outings that season, the winger scored nine goals, provided 12 assists and created 16 big chances for his teammates, returns which saw the now-34-year-old earn an out of this world seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.68.

As such, should Moyes and Rob Newman be able to seal a deal for Kostic this winter, and the player who Kevin Trapp dubbed a “monster” goes on to continue his remarkable form for Frankfurt at the London Stadium, the 58-year-old manager could well have the club’s next Payet on their hands – something that is undoubtedly an incredibly exciting prospect for everyone involved with the Hammers.

In other news: “We can confirm..”: Ex drops big twist in West Ham January talks, Moyes will be gutted

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Eros Grezda has not played a single minute of first-team football for Rangers in 2019.

Indeed, the 23-year-old’s last appearance for the Scottish giants came against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership in the latter stages of December.

Grezda has not even made the squad since Boxing Day, but used his social media on Thursday to announce his return to the training field.

Since arriving at Rangers from NK Osijek in August 2018, the nine-time Albania international has made just 14 appearances for the Gers.

It would be fair to say that the club’s fans are yet to really see what the 5 foot 11 winger has to offer, although he did score twice in the early stages of the campaign.

The Rangers supporters are seemingly behind the attacker, however, with many taking to social media to respond positively to Grezda’s tweet.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Scottish outfit’s fans can be seen below:

West Ham star Declan Rice will leave the Hammers eventually in search of a bigger challenge, according to Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Rice continues to shine

Rice has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past year or so, going from young hopeful to arguably one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders – he’s even being hailed as ‘better’ than Roy Keane at this age by Stuart Pearce.

The 22-year-old has not only shone for his club, however, becoming an undisputed key man for England and winning 27 caps to date.

Rice will again be a big player for West Ham this weekend, as Liverpool visit the London Stadium for a huge Premier League clash.

The Latest: Pundit makes big claim

Someone who believes Rice’s future lies away from the Hammers is former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor.

Speaking to Football Insider, he claimed that the Englishman will want to be playing Champions League football soon – something the Hammers are unlikely to be able to offer:

“He’ll love it there. For me, it’s a similar situation to Jack Grealish. Loves the club, loves playing there and enjoys his football but if you’re not getting into the Champions League, he’s going to leave. West Ham will have to sell him in the next couple of seasons.

“He won’t want to play in the Europa League, he’ll want to be in the big boy competitions with the likes of the Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool players.

“He starts for England, he’s a world-class midfielder. West Ham have now got a season to get into the top-four to keep him. If West Ham don’t get into the top-four this season then Declan Rice probably wants to move on to bigger things.

“It’s a shame because he suits that team, he loves his football but I can’t see him signing a new contract unless they are in the Champions League.

“They could do that this season. West Ham have been doing well, they should fancy themselves. They’re probably the fourth-best team in the league on current form.

“They have been flirting with fourth and I think it’s time, as a club with the squad they’ve got, they’ve got to look at getting into the top-four because it’s the best chance they’ll get.”

The Verdict: Why leave now?

At 22, Rice is in no rush to leave, and frankly, it makes no sense for him to move on in the near future, considering West Ham’s current form.

The midfielder is playing in a team full of confidence and consistency, and while a top-four finish may be tough, it isn’t completely out of the question, with victory over Liverpool taking the fourth-placed Hammers above Jurgen Klopp’s men.

It is only natural that Rice may eventually have his head turned by one of the country’s biggest and richest sides, but he is in such a good place at the moment that it would be a risk moving on, especially if the Irons continue to thrive in European football.

In other news, some West Ham fans have criticised one player’s performance against Genk. Find out who it is here.

As per reliable journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, a transfer development has now come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Wolverhampton Wanderers star Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs knocked back…

Sources indicate that this isn’t the first time Spurs, chairman Daniel Levy and managing director Fabio Paratici have held an interest in Traore with a last minute summer attempt already reported.

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According to another reliable journalist, David Ornstein of The Athletic, Paratici actually had a last gasp bid for the forward turned down during the last transfer window.

Despite the presence of ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo at the time, Tottenham couldn’t manage to pull off a last minute coup for the Portuguese who was later dismissed from the N17 helm.

Now, with the Antonio Conte era well underway, it appears a development has come to light as Spurs keep Traore very much in their sights.

The Latest: Spurs eyeing Traore move…

According to Law’s sources, Tottenham are still eyeing the Spaniard for Conte ahead of January alongside well-known target Dusan Vlahovic.

It is believed that Conte is also ‘set to talk’ to Levy and Paratici about the January window ‘in the coming days’ as this report lifts the lid on a scheduled meeting with the Spurs chairman and chief transfer operator.

The Verdict: Golden opportunity?

As the Italian coach enters discussions with Levy and his national counterpart over a crucial next month ahead, we believe a swoop for Traore could fit the bill judging by his watered down price tag and non-stop praise.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a known admirer of the 25-year-old, calling him ‘unplayable’ back in 2020, while ex-Lilywhites gaffer Nuno lauded his former star more recently as ‘special’ and ‘unique’.

Players have also been left in awe of Traore whenever they have had the misfortune of coming up against him at his best, with former Newcastle defender Jetro Willems calling him a ‘beast’.

It is also believed that Wolves could now be willing to sell in January for around £30 million (90min), exactly half of his once reported £60 million valuation (The Sun).

As the Midlands outfit reportedly become more open to negotiating, this could be Tottenham’s golden opportunity to finally get a deal done.

In other news: Spurs in pole position to sign ‘perfect’ player for Conte after price tag drops by nearly half, find out more here.

Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has revealed that the Whites are ‘considering’ a third bid for key transfer target Brenden Aaronson.

The Lowdown: Two offers so far

Aaronson, who was described as a ‘half-winger’ by Joe Donnohue, is the club’s top winter target and holds a Transfermarkt valuation of £10.8m.

However, it seems as if Leeds will need to pay more than double that figure following unsuccessful offers of £15m and £20m respectively.

The American was coy when asked about a possible move to Elland Road, and it seems as if Victor Orta hasn’t given up hope of forcing through a late transfer.

The Latest: Smyth’s claim

Smyth took to Twitter on Wednesday, sharing a link to a ‘transfer state of play’ piece from The Yorkshire Evening Post.

He revealed that the Whites were ‘considering’ a third offer for Aaronson, while also addressing a possible exit for Crysencio Summerville amid links of a move to Hamburg.

The Verdict: Orta harming himself?

As Smyth mentions, should Leeds go in with a third offer for Aaronson and fail, that could be the starting point when it comes to a summer fee.

Therefore, a third bid could be a gamble, but with Marcelo Bielsa not having an attacking midfielder at the club, it could be worth the risk.

We’ve seen previously that anything can happen in the final days of the transfer window with Raphinha’s move to Yorkshire in October 2020, but at this moment in time, Orta could actually be increasing Aaronson’s price tag in the summer with another offer.

In other news: ‘People I’ve spoken to’ – Journalist drops Leeds transfer news; Orta busy on more than just Aaronson

Liverpool remain interested in signing long-time target Ismaila Sarr in the summer transfer window, according to a latest transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Sarr linked in the past

The Senegalese forward famously scored twice for Watford against the Reds back in 2019/20, ending their hopes of going unbeaten for a whole Premier League season.

Sarr remains at the Hornets currently but he hasn’t always been a regular this season due to injuries, making 15 league starts and scoring five goals in that time.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the winger numerous times in the past and it appears as though their interest isn’t going away.

The Latest: New rumour emerges

According to Corriere dello Sport and Telelombardia [via Sport Witness], the Reds are seen as a ‘dangerous competitor’ in the race to sign the 24-year-old this summer.

He is also ‘a favourite’ of AC Milan’s but Liverpool are providing ‘competition’ for his signature, ahead of a likely exit at the end of the season.

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The Verdict: Possible replacement for superstar

Liverpool are in a situation where they have five superb attacking options currently, so it is hard to imagine Jurgen Klopp needing any reinforcements in that area.

That being said, there is a chance that one of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino could leave this summer, which would then open up a space in the squad.

If so, Sarr would be an exciting option to come in, having scored nine goals in 39 caps for Senegal and been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Garth Crooks, bringing the same pace and directness out wide as his mentor Mane.

In other news, one big club are ‘monitoring’ a Liverpool player’s current situation. Find out who it is here.