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Former Rangers defender Michael Ball has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that it would be great if Alfredo Morelos stayed at Ibrox for one more year.

Morelos was subject of heavy interest last summer, with Ligue 1 champions Lille having a £16m bid turned down for the player.

In the end, Morelos remained at Rangers, but the 25-year-old forward is now being linked with a move to Porto.

The Scottish Sun, however, claims the Glasgow club are optimistic about their chances of keeping him for another season, and Ball can only see that as being a positive.

“It’d be great for Rangers if he stayed for one more year,” the retired full-back exclusively told TT. “I think it’d be good for him to show everyone that it wasn’t just a one-off season, that he can do it again [help them to another league title].

“I can see him moving on, but hopefully he stays on this season and he can get back-to-back Championships.”

Morelos will only have a year left on his contract next summer, while his disciplinary record also remains a concern, so you can understand if Rangers did decide to sell him in the current transfer window.

That being said, with his goal record in Scotland, Morelos is by no means a player Rangers will be desperate to get rid of, so the Colombia international sticking around for another season probably is a good thing.

An update has emerged on Joe Willock, regarding Newcastle’s attempts to sign him. 

What’s the talk?

According to The Times, Newcastle are in talks with Arsenal over a season-long loan deal for central midfielder Joe Willock.

The report claims Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is yet to decide on Willock’s future, with the Toon Army hoping that the Spaniard will allow him to return to Tyneside for a second spell. Conversations are ongoing between the two parties and a conclusion could be reached in the coming weeks.

Bruce will be buzzing

Steve Bruce will be buzzing with this news as it shows a sign of intent from Mike Ashley to seriously pursue another deal for Willock. The midfielder flourished at St. James’ Park last season following his move to the club on loan in the January window and Bruce would love to have him in his squad again due to the impact he had on the side.

Willock broke a Premier League record whilst at the club, becoming the youngest player to score in seven successive matches in the competition at the age of 21. He ended the campaign on eight goals in 14 appearances for Newcastle, 11 starts, and averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.13. None of his teammates managed a higher rating, with Allan Saint-Maximin’s 7.12 the only other score of 7.00 or above within Bruce’s squad.

After a debut goal against Southampton, Bruce hailed the youngster as a “terrific” athlete and said that he is the modern-day midfield player.

He said:

“It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

This shows how highly the £20k-per-week gem is rated by Bruce and why the ex-Villa boss would be delighted to see him walk through the door this summer.

Willock’s goals from midfield could provide a key boost to Newcastle’s chances success next season, as he has the ability to win games with his late runs into the box to finish off moves. Seven of his eight goals for the club resulted in a positive result for Newcastle, showing that his strikes made a significant impact.

Ashley must ensure that these talks with Arsenal result in Willock returning to the club. Another season on loan at St. James’ could allow him to further develop his game and show that he can be consistent over the course of an entire campaign, which could be the selling point to Arsenal in terms of negotiations.

AND in other news, Get it done: NUFC could land bargain £4m deal for “powerhouse”, Bruce would love it…

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane recently and the Frenchman could be a serious upgrade to Nuno Santo’s defence should he join the club this summer.

What’s the word?

Although the 28-year-old looks to be on the verge of joining Manchester United this window, journalist Duncan Castles has claimed on the Transfer Window Podcast that Spurs are also keen on signing him.

If Spurs were able to convince the World Cup-winner to make the switch to North London this summer, they would be getting a player with a vast amount of experience at the very top, as he has won 19 trophies in his career with Real Madrid and France.

An upgrade to Spurs’ defence?

Spurs’ defence let them down on a number of occasions last season, with the likes of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez proving themselves to be far too error-prone, whilst Toby Alderweireld looks past his best and is reportedly keen on leaving the club this summer.

Therefore, defensive additions are a must if Santo’s side are to challenge for a top-four spot in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, and there look to be few better options than Varane, especially with Madrid seemingly wanting to get rid.

Last season saw the centre-back make 31 appearances in La Liga for Los Blancos, scoring two goals and averaging a solid 6.85 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This is better than every Spurs centre-back other than Alderweireld managed last season, so it seems clear that Varane would be a serious upgrade on the options currently available at the North London club.

Real Madrid teammate Eden Hazard was full of praise for Varane last summer, saying:

“Then you have Raphael Varane. I’ve come across some fantastic defenders during my career, such as John Terry and Vincent Kompany.

“I think that although [Varane] is still young, he’s already one of the best centre-backs of all time. His partnership with Sergio Ramos is wonderful.”

Therefore, if there is any possibility that Spurs can hijack Manchester United’s deal for Varane then they should try and do so, as it would significantly improve their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

AND in other news, Spurs have concrete interest in wonderkid striker…

According to The Liverpool Echo, Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing Taiwo Awoniyi this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers prepare for new term

The Gers won the Premiership for the first time in 10 years last time out, meaning they will be playing in the Champions League third-qualifying round this season – they will face Malmo.

Steven Gerrard and co have already made two new signings in Fashion Sakala (rangers.co.uk) and John Lundstram, but more new arrivals are likely to be on the cards as the manager looks to build a squad capable of competing with Europe’s elite.

The Latest: Gers linked to Awoniyi

As per this report, the Gers are interested in Awoniyi, who spent last term on loan at Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.

The German outfit remain interested in the Nigeria international, with West Brom also in pursuit.

Liverpool are said to have already turned down a €5m (£4.3m) offer for the 23-year-old, and are instead looking for £8m.

The Verdict: Interesting talent

While Awoniyi is yet to make a single appearance for Liverpool due to work permit issues (Transfermarkt), he has impressed in the numerous loan spells he has had away from the club.

Last term, he netted five goals and provided four assists in 22 games as Union qualified for European football for the just the second time in their history, while he also scored 21 goals in 47 appearances at Royal Mouscron in Belgium.

Just before he signed for the Reds in 2015, Premier League legend Nwankwo Kanu tipped him to have a big future, and he certainly wouldn’t struggle with the physicality of Scottish football judging by a recent photograph from Liverpool training, where he looks like an absolute colossus.

£8m would represent a significant outlay for the Gers. However, Awoniyi has proven he can perform in two different leagues at an early age, including one of the top five divisions in Europe. There is no reason why he couldn’t similarly shine north of the border.

In other news, this man suggests his time at Rangers held him back.

Glasgow Celtic have received an offer that could see Odsonne Edouard depart Celtic Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by SportItalia journalist Rudy Galetti, who revealed in a post on Twitter that Brighton & Hove Albion have submitted a bid of around €25m (£21.5m) for the centre-forward, with talks between the two clubs ongoing.

Galetti goes on to state that the figure could be enough for the Premier League side to close a deal for the 23-year-old, although the situation is thought to be evolving.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Brighton are leading the race for Odsonne Edouard. Ongoing talks with Celtic for the French striker: the bid of around €25m could be enough to close the deal.”

Fans surely devastated

Considering just how impressive Edouard has been for Celtic since joining the club back in 2017, should the France U21 international indeed go on to leave Parkhead this summer, his departure is sure to leave fans of the club devastated.

Indeed, over his 169 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, the striker has scored a whopping 83 goals and has provided his teammates with 37 assists, helping his side win three Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups along the way.

Arguably his best season for the Hoops came in 2019/20, when the £15.3m-rated man scored 21 goals and registered 12 assists over just 27 Scottish Premiership games, seeing him not only finish as the league’s top goalscorer but also clinching the club’s Player of the Season award.

That season, the Frenchman also scored three goals and provided two assists over six Europa League appearances, bagged one goal over four SFA Cup fixtures, provided two assists over three League Cup matches and scored three goals and notched three assists over seven Champions League and Europa League qualifying games.

These returns saw the £19k-per-week hitman finish the campaign on 28 goals and 19 assists over 47 appearances in all competitions.

As such, should Brighton indeed go on to seal a deal for the 23-year-old this summer, Ange Postecoglou will face the near-impossible task of replacing both Edouard’s goals and assists ahead of next season, with Celtic’s bid to reclaim their Scottish Premiership crown very much appearing to hang on the 55-year-old’s success in the summer transfer window.

In other news: Celtic could sign 30-goal gem once tipped to become “world-class”, he’s a big upgrade

Crystal Palace desperately need to score more goals next season, but Dean Windass isn’t surprised that Patrick Vieira hasn’t looked into signing free agent Daniel Sturridge.

The Eagles managed just 41 goals in their Premier League last term, with only six teams netting on fewer occasions – five of which were the bottom five at the end of the campaign.

Last season’s second top goalscorer Christian Benteke has already extended his deal in south London, but Vieira still needs to bolster his front line.

Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham has been linked, as has Ivan Toney from Brentford. However, those two would cost at least more than £30m, with the latter of those closer to £40m.

Someone that would cost Palace nothing is Sturridge, who’s scored 76 Premier League goals across spells with Man City, Chelsea, Bolton, and Liverpool.

However, the former England striker hasn’t played a competitive fixture since February 2020 when he was with Turkish outfit Trabzonspor and was a free agent for the whole of the 2020-2021 season.

The 31-year-old is currently training with newly-promoted La Liga Real Mallorca as he looks to return to playing once again.

But when asked whether he’s shocked Palace didn’t attempt to bring him to Selhurst Park, Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s too injury prone. He’s an unbelievable footballer, unbelievable talent. Daniel Sturridge, would he get me goals? Yes, he would, but how long would he play for?

“If I’m in the trenches, will he dig me out? No. His days are numbered in English football. You can’t rely on players like that, every little niggle. He’s had his time.”

Celtic could be set to offer Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart the chance to become the top-earner at Parkhead, in order to seal a transfer this week [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Celtic look to rectify their goalkeeping issues

Having already started 2021/22 in poor fashion on a domestic and European front, Ange Postecoglou will be keen to get some experience into the building to rectify problem positions.

The goalkeeping department has become a particular bugbear for the Hoops in the last year, with none of Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain or Conor Hazard able to hold down the number one jersey.

Desperate for reinforcements, the Celts now look set to offer a mouth-watering pay packet to 34-year-old Hart.

The Latest: Hoops could make Hart their highest earner at Parkhead to seal deal

Relayed by a Hoops source at Football Insider, they are set to offer the former Manchester City goalkeeper a deal worth in excess of £35k-per-week to lure him north of the border, before their inaugural home fixture of the campaign against Dundee on August 8th.

Postecoglou is said to have requested a proven goalkeeper capable of functioning within a powder keg environment, with Hart fitting the bill due to his extensive CV at club and international level.

Any prospective agreement could make the Spurs stopper the highest paid individual at Celtic Park, with the arrival of new keeper Pierluigi Gollini at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium paving the way for his exit.

The Verdict: Hart would be a high-profile signing who would excite Celtic supporters

Possessing experience, the ability to command a defence and elite-level pedigree, Hart would be a high-profile addition with the tools to succeed at Celtic.

Since the introduction of the Premier League Golden Glove award in 2004/05, Hart has won the accolade four times, taking him to joint-top of the list [Premier League].

In 2020/21, he was on the periphery in North London, keeping five clean sheets from ten appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by former Celt Fraser Forster, the Hoops should look to finalise a swoop for Hart as soon as possible [Daily Echo].

In other news, an update has emerges on a reported Celtic target.

Celtic are yet to agree on a deal with Royal Antwerp for right-back Aurelio Buta, according to Belgian journalist Michael Vergauwen.

The Lowdown: Burns’ claim

The Hoops have been fairly busy this week when it comes to new signings.

They secured deals for Joe Hart and James McCarthy on Tuesday afternoon, and earlier that day, The Daily Record’s Scott Burns suggested they had agreed on a fee for Buta.

He suggested that personal terms have been the issue with the 24-year-old over a potential move to Glasgow, despite not wanting ‘bank-breaking money’.

However, Vergauwen doesn’t see it that way.

The Latest: Vergauwen’s post

Vergauwen took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, shortly before Celtic announced moves for Hart and McCarthy.

The Het Laatste Nieuws reporter insisted there is ‘no deal’ yet between Celtic and Antwerp for Buta.

“Despite some Scottish rumours, NO deal at all yet between Celtic and Antwerp about Aurélio BUTA”

The Verdict: Time to get a move on…

It’s been over a week since reports suggested a £3m move for Buta was set to be completed, so Celtic now need to either put their foot down and force a move through, or look elsewhere.

Ange Postecoglou will be going into Thursday’s Europa League qualifier against Jablonec with Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor as right-back options, just as he has in his three competitive games as boss so far.

The pair aren’t exactly experienced full-backs with European experience, something Buta is, so now is the time to get moving.

In other news: Loan to buy: Celtic exploring move for ‘fantastic’ ace; could be their biggest summer signing. 

Lee Johnson has provided an update on Sunderland’s attempts to keep Denver Hume at the club.

What’s the talk?

The Black Cats manager has confirmed that the 22-year-old has rejected the club’s latest efforts to keep him at the club. The full-back’s contract expired at the end of June and he has been unable to agree on an extension at the Stadium of Light.

Johnson told The Northern Echo: “In terms of negotiations, they’re being considered.

“The best offer has been put forward, the best offer has been declined.”

Fans will be livid

Sunderland fans will be livid with this news for multiple reasons. For starters, Hume is one of their own and is going against the club by rejecting their best offer. He came up through the youth ranks at the Stadium of Light and has never played for another professional team in his youth or senior career, showing that he has grown up as being Sunderland through and through – just like a supporter.

One of their own has left the club in the lurch and has departed for nothing, assuming he does not change his mind before finding another team, and supporters could be furious with his choice. He will have his own reasons for making this decision, of course, but until he is able to speak out about the matter, it could leave fans disappointed with an apparent lack of loyalty to the cause.

Another reason why many fans will likely be raigng is that Hume was a reliable performer on the pitch for the club. Sunderland legend Gary Bennett once hailed the defender for being “direct” as he ups the tempo in games.

He told the Sunderland Echo: “He gets the ball and brings a little bit more tempo into the game and goes past people. He’s direct and he causes one or two more problems. But if you take him out of the game, where else is that coming from?”

The £2.4k-per-week beast averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.83 across 23 League One appearances in the 2020/21 campaign. He made 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game as he was able to prove himself to be a consistent option at left-back.

Between turning down the club’s best offer, and Sunderland duly being deprived of one of their most reliable performers from last season, the Wearside faithful will be far from pleased with the manner in which Hume’s relationship with their side has come to an end.

AND in other news, Sunderland handed transfer boost over “talented” £2.1k-p/w ace, fans will be buzzing…

Crystal Palace confirmed seven new squad numbers ahead of the new season on Thursday.

One of which involved Eberechi Eze, and a number of Eagles supporters shared their positive thoughts about the change on the back of his shirt on social media.

Eze, who remains sidelined after rupturing his Achilles back in May, wore the number 25 shirt last season.

However, after Andros Townsend’s deal expired earlier in the summer, the club have now confirmed that the £37,000-a-week ace will inherit his number ten jersey.

There are also new numbers for Tyrick Mitchell (three) and Vicente Guaita (13), whereas new signings Marc Guehi (six), Michael Olise (seven), Joachim Andersen (16) and Conor Gallagher (23) were also assigned numbers.

However, it was Eze’s switch that got plenty of Palace fans talking on Thursday.

Palace fans react

The club posted the news on all seven players on their official Twitter page. This is what these Eagles supporters had to say regarding Eze’s change in number.

“AHHHHH EZE 10″Credit: @SWPalace”EZE 10 yesssss”Credit: @WestgateElliot”Eze 10. Glorious.”Credit: @ohjoewalker”Eze10 we moveee”Credit: @cpfcbailey”YESSSS EZE 10″Credit: @KB_EAGLES”Best number 10 in the league”Credit: @20SterlingDual

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Oh boy’ – Lots of Palace fans go wild as ‘massive’ news is confirmed.