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A number of Liverpool supporters are furious that Mohamed Salah only finished seventh in the Ballon d’Or voting on Monday evening.

The 29-year-old has arguably been the greatest player of the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield, producing world-class brilliance on a consistent basis.

This season, Salah has been as good as ever, scoring 17 goals already and being called the world’s best player by some.

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From a Liverpool perspective, there was hope that the Egyptian superstar could scoop the prestigious Ballon d’Or on Monday following a memorable year.

As relayed by the club’s official Twitter channel, though, Salah could only finish seventh in the voting, somehow finishing behind sixth-placed Cristiano Ronaldo. The Liverpool star has 18 goal contributions in the Premier League already this term compared to the Manchester United forward’s six, along with netting 15 goals from January to May 2021.

It was Lionel Messi who scooped his seventh Ballon D’Or and the hope is that Salah can take it home this time next year.

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Liverpool fans angry at Salah ranking

These Liverpool fans on Twitter reacted angrily to Salah’s final ranking in the award standings.

“Absolute joke this. If Mo played for Barcelona or Real Madrid he’d be the winner! Sour grapes from the powers that be! Fix! Corrupt! Congratulations though Mo..we love you. You are ours.”

Credit: @Paulieb668

“An absolute disgrace”

Credit: @DoddzyYNWA

“FIFA robbed him, he should have finished ahead of CR7”

Credit: @Tracy_Kesh

“What a joke”

Credit: @emmmmmmmzy

“Best player on the planet rn finishes 7th”

Credit: @Jack8Richards

“Easily the most disrespected player on the planet”

Credit: @Olly_Boulton

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about a Reds transfer rumour. Read more here.

Dan Sheldon, Southampton correspondent for The Athletic, was critical of goalkeeper Fraser Forster during the 1-1 draw against Leeds United. 

The lowdown: The battle for no.1

The 34-year-old stopper has had to fight hard for a place in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and was recalled when the previous incumbent of the gloves, Alex McCarthy, injured his hamstring in December.

Since then Forster has started 13 consecutive Premier League matches as veteran ‘keeper Willy Caballero acts as deputy.

As the Saints made it four league games without a victory at Elland Road, the former Celtic ace came in for criticism for his role in the opening goal.

The latest: Sheldon unimpressed

Hosting a post-match Q&A on The Athletic for Southampton supporters, the journalist was prompted to provide his thoughts after Leeds winger Jack Harrison poked the ball beyond the stranded Saints star, who had earlier tamely attempted to punch clear.

Described as a ‘howler’ in the question, Sheldon responded: “He (Forster) certainly didn’t cover himself in glory with Leeds’ goal!”

Overall, it was indeed an afternoon to forget for the towering six-cap England man, as Forster completed just 8/31 passes (26%), 5/28 long balls and the all-important error leading to the goal – earning a lowly rating of 6.30 (Sofascore).

Ultimately it was Southampton talisman James Ward-Prowse who spared the shot-stopper’s blushes as the captain scored a trademark free-kick to level the game and earn a valuable point.

The verdict: Credit in the bank?

Whilst this was far from an inspiring performance from the usually reliable Englishman, there should be no need for rash decisions when it comes to Hasenhuttl’s selection for the meeting with Chelsea.

Previously described as a ‘quality’ operator by Saints teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi, Forster has proven to be a worthy top-flight number one for some time now.

However, at 34 and out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt) with a 32-year-old McCarthy and 40-year-old Caballero waiting in the wings, perhaps the greater concern should be who takes the gloves in the long term at St Mary’s.

In other news: Pundit tips UCL chasing side to move for Saints star. Find out more here!

This has been a quiet January transfer window for Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst but sadly, it now looks like the Ibrox club are set to miss out on one of their main targets.

What’s the word?

That’s according to one insider who with the help of transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, was handed an update on the Gers’ pursuit of Andreas Skov Olsen.

Speaking on their Patreon, The 4th official, who worked on breaking the news of Nathan Patterson’s exit, said the following:

“While Rangers do have an interest for Skov Olsen, it is currently not heading anywhere.

“According to a source inside Bologna, ”nothing at all close with Rangers.

“Also, there has not been any updated bid made by Rangers currently. It will be interesting to see thorough if Rangers ramp up the interest and whether they can match the hefty asking price of Bologna in the coming days.”

Fans fuming

Rangers still top the Premiership table at the moment but adding more bodies to their squad and further firepower is of utmost importance in order to drag themselves across the finish line at the end of the campaign.

Skov Olsen has failed to score in Serie A for Bologna this term but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a rather special capture for van Bronckhorst and co.

Speaking earlier this month about a proposed swoop for the Denmark international, journalist Josh Bunting said: “I don’t know the details and if it’s true Rangers sign Andreas Skov Olsen then wow, that’s actually groundbreaking for Scottish football.”

Indeed, it’s easy to see why that’s the case. This is a player capable of producing magical moments, registering a whopping 27 goals and seven assists in 51 outings for Nordsjaelland.

It hasn’t quite happened for him in Italy but when you consider he’s modelled himself on Arjen Robben, the excitement should begin to grow about a potential move.

That’s why it will leave fans who were keen on a deal to happen rather deflated, and potentially even angry that they cannot match the asking price.

As Bunting eludes to, this would be a seriously eye-catching move not just for Rangers, but also Scottish football. The fact their chances of luring him to Ibrox are diminishing should be incredibly disappointing.

AND in other news, Rangers can finally replace Gilmour by signing “phenomenal” 18y/o who “has everything”…

Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist and ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones of Eurosport has backed some big transfer news out of West Ham involving Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: Barbosa set to force move…

As explained by Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham could still sign the 25-year-old in this transfer window as he explains their proposal is still on the table.

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In another development, potentially boosting manager David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman in their bid to sign Barbosa, the Brazil international has his heart set on a move to England and the Premier League.

Sheth even lifted the lid on a sit down between Barbosa, his representatives and Flamengo over the matter as he eyes a transfer (Sky).

The Latest: Jones backs development…

Speaking to GMS, insider Jones has backed this development, claiming it is ‘true’, whilst also saying that West Ham were ‘offered’ Barbosa recently.

“West Ham were offered him weeks ago as they know the player has his mind set in the Premier League,” he explained.

“At the moment there has been no breakthrough but it’s true that Gabigol intends to force a move.

“He’s not happy with how things at Flamengo are changing.”

The Verdict: Right move?

Barbosa has racked up a head-turning 93 goals and 29 assists for the Brazilian Serie A giants, putting him back into contention for the national team ahead of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup this year.

Taking into account the South American’s goalscoring efficiency and the fact he has resurrected his career since a torrid spell at Inter Milan, we believe there are few forwards out there with his quality who could cost as little as £30 million (90min).

Still in his mid-20s and flying, Moyes could bring in a striker with plenty of sell-on value and a seeming determination to succeed in Europe.

In other news: West Ham source: Newman makes move to sign ‘devastating’ forward after price plummets by £32m, find out more here.

Frank Lampard has made the best first impression he possibly could at Goodison Park on Saturday leading his Everton side out in a convincing 4-1 win, in the team’s highest-scoring victory of the season so far.

If we take one thing away from Lampard’s approach to setting up his first Everton side, it’s the higher pressing 3-4-3 formation and overwhelmingly offensive play that made the difference in the players, and with that being said, it would be no surprise if the ex-Chelsea boss will want to further strengthen that strategy by adding players in the summer who understand his philosophy.

One player who has been linked to a move to the Toffees in the coming months is Armando Broja, with the Chelsea loanee becoming a hot prospect thanks to his performances for Southampton this season, scoring five top-flight goals.

However, Lampard could have the upper hand on any other club looking to sign the £8.1m-rated star who was hailed “dangerous” by current manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, thanks to their relationship at Chelsea.

Ironically, the 43-year-old Toffees manager gave Broja his senior debut in the Premier League in 2020 against Everton, and with the advantage of working together before, the former midfielder’s appointment has now potentially strengthened the Toffees’ chances of securing his signature in the summer.

Transfer insider, Dean Jones, has also weighed in on the potential move for Broja to work with the midfielder turned manager again, telling GIVEMESPORT:

“Broja, there’s no way Lampard doesn’t come into that conversation straight away. He knows him, think he gave him his debut. If he was genuinely available, Lampard would look in his direction.”

Imagine him & Alli

Despite Everton already having a strong attacking force with the likes of Richarlison, Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin having a huge presence in the team, the potential signing of Broja could be something explored if the club did decide to cash in on Calvert-Lewin this summer, as the 29-year-old forward has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal for months.

Lampard wasted no time strengthening the creative attributes of the team by signing Dele Alli on Deadline Day, and will surely be hoping to find the perfect match to work with the attacking midfielder in the long term, and Broja could be the answer.

The Saints loanee also offers much more than just goal involvement, with the 6 foot 2 beast using every inch of his stature to impose himself on defenders, winning 47 aerial duels in the opponents half which is the seventh highest in the Premier League this season according to One Versus One.

His height and hunger for goals make him not only the perfect partner for Alli to serve up chances for, but also the perfect young replacement for 6 foot 1 forward, Calvert-Lewin, should he move on in the summer.

In other news: Yerry Mina proves Lampard wrong with outstanding performance

Now that the 2022 January transfer window has opened, this could spark a flurry of transfer activity between a range of clubs with lots of players on the move.

Despite having the joint-second smallest senior squad in the Premier League with 25 players according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though Leeds United could be saying goodbye, albeit temporarily, to one of their current players.

According to the Daily Mail (via Glasgow Times), Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville is being considered for a potential loan move to Scottish club Rangers this month.

Since joining Leeds’ U23 side back in September 2020, the winger has made 24 appearances for the Yorkshire club’s youth team in which he has managed to score nine goals and provide eight assists in the process, highlighting his attacking talents and why Rangers apparently have their eyes on him.Even though the 20-year-old, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £8.4k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has made seven senior appearances for Leeds so far this season, none of the five league appearances he’s made in this current campaign have seen him start, which suggests that he is not a crucial figure for Bielsa at this moment in time.This also suggests that a potential loan move to Rangers this month could be beneficial for the player if he gets regular playing time there.Labelled as a “runaway train” in the past by Leeds journalist Beren Cross, Summerville could find his chances to play in the first team at Elland Road hard to come by throughout the remainder of the season given the presence of Raphinha and the fact that Jack Harrison and Dan James managed to get on the scoresheet in their recent 3-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League.With this in mind, it could be worth Leeds loaning the Dutchman out this month to give him the chance to show what he’s capable of in a senior team that can give him regular playing time.If Summerville does go to Rangers on loan this month until the end of the season and manages to make the best use of his time there, this could give Victor Orta the chance to save Leeds and Bielsa millions in potential future transfer fees if he can come back to Elland Road and immediately take a place in their starting XI on a consistent basis.In other news: Orta can seal Bielsa’s dream LUFC deal with £18m-rated gem who has a “fighting spirit” – opinion

Marcelo Brozovic rejected the chance to link up with Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent appearance on Telelombardia (via Sport Witness), Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin revealed that, prior to the 29-year-old midfielder putting pen to paper a new four-year deal with Inter Milan, all three of Tottenham, Newcastle United and Barcelona made contact with the Croatia international regarding a potential summer switch.

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Concerning Spurs’ interest in Brozovic, Biasin said: “I can say that they tried for Brozovic. Tottenham made an attempt, but Brozovic, a man of his word, said he wanted to stay and he did it by signing the renewal. He had [offers from] Newcastle, Barcelona and Tottenham, and he stayed. Barcelona had offered him €8m [£6.5m] per season.”

Conte will be fuming

With it being reported that Antonio Conte was extremely interested in securing a reunion with his former Inter midfielder in north London, the news that Brozovic rejected Tottenham in favour of remaining at the San Siro is sure to have left the 52-year-old fuming.

Indeed, it is easy to see why the Italian was keen on a move for the 29-year-old, as Brozovic was a hugely important part of Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

Over his 33 Serie A appearances in 2020/21, the £41.5m-rated Croatian was in sensational form for the Nerazzurri, scoring two goals, registering six assists and creating nine big chances for his team-mates, along with making 1.4 key passes and taking 0.8 shots per game.

The €6m-per-year – roughly £96k-per-week – central midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 59.7 passes, 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 4.3 long balls and winning three duels per match.

These returns saw the player who Gianfranco Matteoli dubbed “irreplaceable” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking him not only as Conte’s second-best performer in Serie A but also the 14th-best player in the entire league last season.

As such, it is clear to see that Brozovic would have made a fantastic addition to Spurs’ current options in the middle of the park this summer, while it is also evident why Conte will be raging at missing out on the 29-year-old’s signature, especially as he wouldn’t have cost the club a penny in transfer fees.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…” – Alasdair Gold drops teasing Spurs claim which supporters will love

It has been a month-and-a-half since Antonio Conte was appointed Tottenham manager, with the north London club already seeing rapid improvements under the Italian.

Spurs have picked up ten points from a possible 12 in the league under Conte, winning their last three Premier League matches. However, they haven’t played in two weeks after a recent rise in virus cases in the top flight.

The Lilywhites are set to return to Premier League action on Sunday as they host Liverpool in what could prove to be Conte’s toughest test since taking the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 52-year-old has tinkered with numerous combinations within his preferred three-at-the-back setup, deploying a 3-4-2-1 system since taking over for the clash against Everton in November.

However, one mainstay in the Italian’s team has been defender Eric Dier. The £19.8m-rated Englishman has played every minute of Premier League football under Conte as well as featuring in both Europa Conference League matches against Vitesse Arnhem and NS Mura.

The 27-year-old has certainly impressed, conceding just one goal in those four Premier League games in the middle of a back three alongside various others, solidifying his place in the team.

Now in his eighth year at Tottenham, Dier has been subject to various examples of both stinging criticism and glowing praise, particularly last season in what was an inconsistent campaign.

The Englishman claimed last season that he was the victim of an “unfair narrative” amid criticism from his then-manager José Mourinho, whilst also being handsomely praised by former Spurs player Jermaine Jenas after a “sensational” performance in a win over eventual champions Manchester City.

Tottenham is certainly a work in progress for Conte, particularly having come in mid-season. However, the Italian will be looking to replicate his successes at both Chelsea and Inter Milan, where he won league titles.

Dier could be Conte’s new Cahill

Whilst at Spurs’ capital rivals Chelsea, the 52-year-old famously switched to a 3-4-3 formation after losing 3-0 to Arsenal early in the Blues’ title-winning 2016/17 season. This proved to be the catalyst for the west London club’s success, and the use of a back three became a popular tactic in the Premier League, adopted by the likes of former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Former England defender Gary Cahill was a mainstay in that title-winning Chelsea defence, making 37 league appearances in the triumphant campaign and proving to be a towering aerial presence, winning 2.5 headers per game. Perhaps Dier can replicate the successes of his former international teammate, with an average of 2.3 aerial duels won per match this season as he also illustrates his ability in that regard under Conte.

In the short-term, the 27-year-old will be looking to contribute to Tottenham finishing as high as possible in the Premier League this season. However, a return to the England setup will surely be on his mind.

It’s been over a year since the 45-cap defender last represented his national team in a 4-0 win over Iceland, and he will certainly look to impress Gareth Southgate over the coming months with the 2022 World Cup now less than a year away.

Life under Conte has started well for Dier, who must remain consistent if he is to seriously excel under the Italian. If he does, he could do for Tottenham what Cahill did for Chelsea when the 52-year-old was on the other side of London a few years ago.

In other news: Conte must unleash Spurs’ £80k-p/w “team player” tomorrow, he could terrify Liverpool

Wolves are ‘still looking’ at making potential signings before the January transfer window closes next week, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Wolves flying on the pitch

Bruno Lage’s team are in the middle of a superb run of form, winning their last three Premier League matches, including a famous 1-0 victory away to Manchester United at the start of the year.

With each passing week, Wolves increasingly look as though they could genuinely finish in the European places this season, with Lage turning them into a well-drilled unit with the league’s second-best defensive record.

There are yet to be any major reinforcements in the squad this month, but there is still time for that to change.

The Latest: Spiers hints at signings

Taking to Twitter on Monday in response to a question from a Wolves supporter, Spiers claimed that there is still a chance that new faces could come in before next Monday’s transfer deadline.

He outlined: “I think regardless they’re looking at possible deals, either loan or permanent. Doesn’t mean anything will happen, but they’re always open to it for the right player/right deal.”

The Verdict: One or two needed?

With Adama Traore looking set to join Tottenham imminently, money will suddenly be available for Wolves, giving them a great chance to make a couple of signings before Monday.

There is no need for wholesale additions, but a replacement for the winger would be ideal so that Lage would continue to have plenty of attacking options.

Another centre-back wouldn’t go amiss either, in order to ease the burden on current first-choice trio Max Kilman, Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, with Willy Boly not available currently due to fitness issues and Yerson Mosquera a long-term injury absentee.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a key update on one Wolves player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Manchester City winger Cole Palmer, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, the Magpies have made a loan approach to sign the England under-21 international for the second halff of the campaign.

The report claims that their initial attempts to land him have been knocked back by Pep Guardiola’s side, but does not state whether or not Newcastle will go back in with another effort.

Snap him up

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe must do everything in his power to snap him up by convincing the Premier League champions to send Palmer on loan to St. James’ Park. He could be a terrific addition to the squad who could help them avoid relegation down to the Championship.

The £12k-per-week wing wizard has already played 12 games in the first-team for Manchester City, scoring twice, and has been capped four times by England at under-21 level.

Guardiola was previously effusive in his praise of the young attacker, saying:

“Cole has a special quality in front of the box, a talent that is difficult to find. When he has the ball there, most of the time it ends up in the net. It’s difficult to find that.

“I know how it works with young players. We have to be calm and patient. His position is the second team but at the same time he trains with us and works with our principles. I am happy with the goal. He could have done a few actions a little bit better, but that is normal. It is experience.”

His record at U23 level for City is phenomenal. He has scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 27 games, having found the back of the net 20 times – whilst managing eight assists – in 32 matches for the U18s previously.

This, along with his exposure to first-team football under Guardiola, suggests that he could have the quality to provide a lift to the Magpies team. Callum Wilson (six) is the only Newcastle player with more than three Premier League goals and Allan Saint-Maximin (three) is the only player with more than two assists, highlighting the need for more forwards who can contribute at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, Howe must work hard to change City’s mind and get them to send Palmer to the club on loan. He could come in and offer an added bit of quality in the final third, if he is able to translate even a fraction of the form he has shown for City at youth level into the first team.

AND in other news, Downie shares NUFC update after speaking “to the consortium”, fans will be thrilled…