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Former Scotland footballer Peter Grant believes Rangers should axe Alfredo Morelos following his “disgraceful”  previous behaviour at the club.

The Lowdown: Morelos on the move?

Morelos’ situation at Ibrox has been well-documented, with the Colombian’s £33k-per-week deal expiring in the summer (via Salary Sport) and no extension in the works.

Despite the SPFL transfer window closing last month, Turkish side Konyaspor have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old according to reports in Turkey (as per The Scottish Sun), and with the Super Lig window still open, it could mean Morelos is on the verge of an exit this month should a deal be struck.

The Latest: Grant’s rant

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, former Celtic man Grant urged Rangers to consider bids that come in for their striker after claiming his behaviour in regard to his contract saga do not merit another chance to remain at Ibrox next season.

He said: “I wouldn’t be giving him a new contract, not for the way he’s carried on when you’re going to play the last four months of the season. Sorry, that’s not enough when you’re playing at a club that’s supposed to be challenging and trying to win things. And the way he went on with the last manager, which was disgraceful.

“So all of a sudden you think two or three good games offers you that, and I said to you before, I said that’s my concern coming into the season, bangs a few goals in, you get sucked in again thinking, well, he’s changed, he’s turned the corner because he works really well with a manager.

“He’s done it too often. They say a leopard never changes its spots, and I’m all for giving guys another chance, but he’s had so many chances.”

The Verdict: Sell now?

With potential interest from Konyaspor, Rangers could avoid Morelos’ contract saga rumbling on any longer, with the side eighth in Turkey’s top flight desperate for goalscoring options given they’ve picked up just one point from their last five games.

It’s not a certainty that the Colombian will leave Glasgow, but the Daily Record’s report last month that his agent had offered his services to Inter perhaps shows where his preference lies.

An imminent move does seem unlikely given his nine starts in 11 games under Michael Beale potentially show his importance at Rangers, and with Antonio Colak still easing his way back to fitness and Kemar Roofe playing just 82 minutes of football all season, his place is key right now.

However, we would not be surprised if Grant’s view is one that resonates with sections of the Rangers faithful who may have had enough of Morelos’ attitude and behaviour during his time at Ibrox.

Five other starlets from the Glasgow Rangers Academy – alongside Cameron Scott – are reportedly set to sign new deals at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Scott deal agreed

It was reported this morning that Scott is set to sign his first professional contract at Rangers, despite rejecting an initial offer from the club.

He is set to sign terms on a three-year deal, and is viewed as an ‘extremely exciting prospect with first-team potential’ after snubbing interest from Premier League Southampton.

The Latest: Five more to sign

According to Football Insider, five other rising stars from the Academy are also set to sign new professional contracts on Sunday alongside Scott.

Christopher Eadie, Lewis Stewart, Alfie Halliwell, Joshua Gentles and Lancelot Pollard have all committed their future to the Gers, as the club look to invest in a new crop of promising youngsters.

The Verdict: Exciting future

The future certainly looks bright for Michael Beale’s side, as they look to tie down talents that could eventually break into the first team.

Eadie and Stewart in particular have received high praise in the past, while the others will also look to make their mark in the Academy.

The Light Blues had only handed out five professional contracts in the last two years before signing these six up, showing how much faith they have in them to impress, and their new deals should bring a sense of excitement to the supporters and around the club.

West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek was hailed by the media for his performance away at Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

The Lowdown: West Ham defeated

West Ham came up short in their tough trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today, with second-half goals from Emerson Royal and Son Heung-min proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Jarrod Bowen had a very good chance to equalise minutes after the opener, but he was denied by Fraser Forster, before Son latched onto a through ball from Harry Kane to secure all three points for the hosts.

The Latest: Soucek hailed

Despite the defeat, Soucek was hailed by members of the media for his performance in midfield, with Josh Bunting saying:

“Tomas Soucek has struggled this season for form, much better so far this afternoon though. He’s actually worked quite well in West Ham’s high pressing game. His best performance in quite sometime, West Ham well organised and have cut off the supply into Harry Kane closing space.”

Journalist Alan Rzepa was also full of praise for the 27-year-old, describing him as ‘fabulous’ when he is part of a midfield three.

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The Verdict: Encouraging signs

While the defeat will be very disappointing for David Moyes’ side, it was an encouraging performance from the Czech Republic international, receiving a 7.4 rating from Sofascore, the highest of any West Ham player.

The most pleasing aspect of the 6 foot 4 titan’s performance was his defensive work, making a total of three tackles and five interceptions, totalling a higher combined figure on those metrics than anyone else on the pitch, while he also won six aerial duels.

A display of this quality against a team vying for the Champions League places will be very pleasing for David Moyes, and Soucek has now staked his claim to be a more regular starter, having only appeared as a substitute in two of the previous three Premier League matches before today.

Phil Hay has been speaking about the frustrations growing in and around Leeds United and the club’s fanbase due to the Whites’ prolonged managerial search.

The Lowdown: Leeds struggling to make an appointment

When Leeds decided to pull the plug on Jesse Marsch’s time at Elland Road, it would’ve made sense that they had someone lined up and ready to take the reins, but they are instead scrambling around for a new appointment over a week later.

The Whites now have just a few days until they travel to Everton in what will be seen as a must-win relegation six-pointer, but fans may not be too confident if they are still managerless.

Amid numerous difficulties in getting in the likes of Arne Slot, Andoni Iraola and Alfred Schreuder, it’s no surprise that there is a sense of frustration now growing at Leeds and amongst the supporters.

The Latest: Fans starting to get frustrated

Given how many managers Leeds have been linked with since sacking Marsch, it appears that fans are losing faith in the board to make the right choice.

Hay told The Phil Hay Show: “I do think there’s been growing dissatisfaction with the direction the club have been going in for the last year – there’s no doubt about that. And it goes back a little bit further than that as well, really to the start of Bielsa’s last season when you could feel the steam going out of the club’s impetus and the momentum that they’d built up in the previous three years under him.

“And I think there is frustration with the hierarchy, without a doubt frustration with the hierarchy. And I think there probably will be a certain shortage of trust in them to get this right.”

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The Verdict: Orta can’t afford to get this wrong

Jesse Marsch was certainly a Victor Orta-led appointment that failed to materialise into anything close to success, and it has left the Whites perilously close to dropping back into the Championship after narrowly avoiding that fate last term.

Therefore, Orta simply can’t take too big of a gamble this time around. He must bring in a manager with safe hands and the capability to guide Leeds away from the bottom three, or it could be a disaster come May.

That’s not just for Leeds’s sake, but for Orta himself, as he would otherwise have made two unsuccessful managerial appointments in a row – which may even spell the end of his own tenure at Elland Road, so this is certainly a crucial period in Leeds’ recent history.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte will remain at the club beyond the end of the season, according to former Spurs player Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Conte to leave?

Conte is yet to commit to extending his stay in north London beyond the summer, when his current contract is set to expire, and reports have started to emerge linking him with a return to Italy.

Former club Juventus is one potential destination for the Spurs boss, while CalcioMercato have also linked him with a move to AC Milan, and journalist Gianluca Di Marzio says expects him to leave at the end of the campaign.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Despite the rumours about the Italian returning to his homeland, Hutton still believes that he will be Tottenham manager next season.

The former Tottenham man told Football Insider: “I do not think he will leave if I am totally honest.

“It is all kind of smoke and mirrors, is he trying to get more money out of Daniel Levy? I do not really know.”

The pundit later added: “Something tells me that Conte likes all of this and I just can’t see him leaving in the summer. I think he is looking to rebuild and he is just looking for money to do that.“

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The Verdict: Time to go?

After the 2-0 victory against West Ham United at the weekend, Spurs are right back in contention for the Champions League places, currently sitting in fourth place, one point clear of Newcastle United.

Not only that, but the Lilywhites still have everything to play for in the Champions League, after losing 1-0 away at AC Milan in the first leg of their round of 16 clash, and so this season has by no means been a failure up to this point.

That said, if Conte does not feel like he is being sufficiently backed by the board, then the solution is to either promise him investment in the summer transfer window, or to part ways.

If Spurs do manage to qualify for the Champions League, there will be no shortage of top-class managers interested in the job, with recent reports indicating that Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is being considered.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a ‘request’ to sign Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic as reports from Italy share an update on his future.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing a new midfielder?

The north Londoners are widely believed to be targeting one or two new central defenders as a priority this summer, with links surrounding Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi among others.

However, alongside the possible additions of centre-backs, reports have suggested that a new midfielder could also come to Spurs.

Antonio Conte will also be without Rodrigo Bentancur until much further into this year, and if the Italian remains at Tottenham for that long, he may want an alternative in the middle of the park.

The Latest: Tottenham make Brozovic ‘request’…

Croatia international Brozovic is said to be a target for Tottenham, with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claiming (via Calciomercato) that Spurs – alongside Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona – have made a ‘request’ to sign him.

Inter chiefs are apparently ‘starting to think’ about selling the midfielder amid that interest, with the Nerazzurri now ‘preparing to say goodbye’ to the 30-year-old.

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The Verdict: Right man?

While Brozovic hasn’t had the best season at Inter this time around, his exploits over 2021/22 indicate that he could be a real asset to Tottenham if he moves to north London.

As per WhoScored, the Croatian was a mainstay under Simone Inzaghi, with only Samir Handanovic and Milan Skriniar being selected for more Serie A minutes. Brozovic also ranks in Inter’s top four that season for overall performance, while nobody in Inter’s squad averaged a better rate of tackles per 90 in domestically.

The player would come to N17 with real experience and pedigree, having won seven major trophies throughout a decorated career encompassing 541 club and international appearances.

Taking home a reported £189k per week, his current salary would put him among Tottenham’s highest earners, but his reported valuation of around €30m (£26m) is quite reasonable.

Adama Traore proved his worth at Wolves last week as he smashed home the winning goal in the 1-0 win against Spurs.

Although the Spaniard has struggled to replicate the form he showed in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, his pace and power mean he can always provide a threat in the top flight, particularly on the counter attack.

Could Adama Traore leave Wolves this summer?

Unfortunately for Julen Lopetegui, the former Barcelona man looks to have his heart set on leaving Molineux this summer when his £55k-per-week contract expires, just a few years after the Old Gold valued the wide man at an eye-watering £80m.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, transfer inside Dean Jones provided the latest on Traore’s situation at Wolves.

He said: “Wolves would give Traoré a new contract tomorrow if he wanted to stay. They would give him a big deal, no problem.

“But the fact a deal hasn’t been signed yet tells you everything you need to know and that’s that he has his eye on a transfer.”

How could Traore’s exit impact Wolves?

After the weekend’s win against Spurs, The Athletic claimed there were no ongoing negotiations between Wolves and Traore over a new deal, although Lopetegui is said to be keen on extending his stay at Molineux.

Since signing from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2018, the La Masia graduate has gone on to make 183 appearances for the club, with an arguably disappointing return of just 14 goals and 19 assists.

His best season for the club was comfortably in the 2019/20 campaign, when he notched an impressive four goals and nine assists in the Premier League, attracting the interest of some of the top sides in England after some memorable displays.

Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo sang his praises in 2020, saying: “What a player… a fantastic player. We’re delighted to have him and to work (with him). So talented. Unique. Adama is amazing.”

Despite his form declining since then, with just two goals and one assist to his name so far this term, the 27-year-old’s raw pace simply cannot be replicated elsewhere and Wolves will definitely miss the uncertainty he can bring on the pitch should he depart this summer.

In that aspect for Lopetegui, the winger is arguably irreplaceable, as few players in world football can match his combination of speed and strength. Indeed, not even anyone in the squad at Molineux comes remotely close to matching his lung-bursting strides and brute force.

As such, the Spanish manager would surely be heartbroken to see his compatriot go after turning things around for the Old Gold in his time at the club. Indeed, Traore could well be a key cog in the wheel should he stay.

Declan Rice has come in for some criticism from pundits of late but he was arguably the player of the match on Sunday as West Ham drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

How did Declan Rice perform against Villa?

David Moyes’ side would earn a point against the Villans at the London Stadium to take them outside the relegation spots on goal difference, but they perhaps could and should have scored more.

While the attackers struggled to produce the goods once again, Rice produced the sort of performance that had seen him valued at a mammoth £150m by Moyes last summer.

As per Sofascore, the England international would earn an impressive 7.7/10 rating for his display, which was the best of any player on the pitch other than the two goalscorers, Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins.

The former, in particular, has enjoyed a fine season in claret and blue, scoring seven goals and supplying five assists in a campaign where very few have been a beacon of hope for the Hammers.

It’s perhaps easy to suggest that he has been the standout man compared to Rice, but the midfielder hit back at his doubters over the weekend.

During the 90 minutes, the 24-year-old would enjoy 63 touches of the ball, completing 41/47 passes with an impressive success rate of 87%.

Rice also played two key passes and created a big chance for the Irons, while he also won 70% of his duels in what was a superb all-round display.

However, it was the defensive side of the game in which the former Chelsea man best excelled, as he contributed a remarkable seven tackles, two interceptions and one clearance at the London Stadium.

Considering he has averaged just 2.2 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the top flight so far this season, it is clear just how impressive he was on Sunday afternoon.

The impressive midfielder, who was lauded for his “incredible potential” by former Hammers star Jose Fonte in 2021, has faced criticism from Roy Keane recently for his role in West Ham’s poor season.

The former Manchester United man said: “He’s got to focus on doing well for West Ham this season. I don’t think he’s been that great this season. He’s not really kicked on for all the talk about him and all the PR coming out of west ham about him… I think he needs to do a lot more.

“He doesn’t score enough goals and he doesn’t get enough assists.”

While Rice wasn’t able to contribute a goal today, the big chance he created suggests he was unfortunate not to register an assist, while he also looked back to his best from a defensive point of view.

More performances like his one on Sunday will surely be vital for the Hammers in their ongoing battle against relegation this season.

Leeds United’s long-standing flirtation with a return to the Premier League became one of the big stories outside the top flight, as the sleeping giant finally seemed to be stirring as they crept back up towards the apex of the Championship.

The Whites had enjoyed steady progress under Marcelo Bielsa, which would culminate in their triumphant 2020 promotion to end a 16-year absence from the top flight.

The squad who achieved the feat became instant heroes, and the Argentine a god in Yorkshire. He was the man who had done what so many before him had failed to do, and he had done so with a brand of football that captured the imagination.

However, whilst it was unknown at the time, one member of that team would seek to undermine the accomplishment through the antics of his parent club.

That player was Jean-Kevin Augustin, and the club in question RB Leipzig.

What happened with Jean-Kevin Augustin at Leeds?

Having signed on loan for the 2019/2020 season, a year interrupted due to the pandemic, the Frenchman was expected to offer fine cover for the imperious Patrick Bamford.

Across that season the English marksman would score 16 and assist a further four, featuring in all but one of their league games.

It, therefore, left the 25-year-old resigned to the sidelines, as he would feature just three times before his loan concluded. It seemed like things would simply move on and the forward would be a forgotten piece of that infamous outfit, yet two years following the German team would win a case that enforced the Yorkshire outfit to pay £18m to sign Augustin permanently.

According to the Red Bulls, a clause was inserted into the deal that noted a mandatory future fee should they achieve promotion, whilst Leeds argued that due to COVID-19 delaying the season, that feat was achieved outside the time frame of the deal.

Having lost in an appeal to the Court of Arbitration, they were ordered to fork up the sum although they would later reach an unknown settlement.

Given he made just three appearances, and the proposed fee they may well have paid, the underwhelming frontman would have cost the club £6m per appearance.

Having suffered from what former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson described as a “stop-start” career at the time of joining Leeds, this debacle did little to get his career back on track.

It was a complete disaster all-round stemming from their brightest moment in their recent history, whilst Augustin now plies his trade in Switzerland, where he plays for Basel.

TalkSport pundit Simon Jordan has warned former club Crystal Palace not to hire either Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard as manager to replace Patrick Vieira.

What's the latest on Patrick Vieira being sacked at Palace?

After a poor run of form in the Premier League, the Eagles sit just three points above the relegation zone. Now as the division is so tight, they are actually 12th (at time of writing) but the club hierarchy was clearly unhappy with the team's trajectory.

With that in mind, after a 12-match winless run, Vieira was sacked by chairman Steve Parish and so Under-21s coach Paddy McCarthy will take charge against Arsenal on Sunday.

No doubt, the club will want to soon hire a manager to properly take charge (at least until the end of the season), and so plenty of names are being discussed in the media already.

While speaking on TalkSport, Gerrard and Lampard were both brought up as potential candidates, but Jordan seemed firmly against the idea of either man arriving at Selhurst Park.

Indeed, he said: "If you start veering into the territory of people like Lampard and Gerrard – well, Lampard was interviewed by Palace a couple of years ago. They didn't want him then, so what's changed?

"He would have got Everton relegated, he was a disaster at Everton towards the end. Gerrard was a disaster at Aston Villa. Why would either one of those guys be a fix?"

Would either Lampard or Gerrard be a good manager for Palace?

The two former England internationals are currently both out of work, despite being employed at the start of the season, which goes some way to explaining why Jordan isn't so keen on seeing either man take charge of Palace.

Indeed, Lampard was sacked from Everton after winning just three league games from 20, accruing a total of 15 points. Such form saw the Toffees stuck in 19th, but under Sean Dyche, they have immediately improved and risen up the table.

Similarly, Unai Emery hasn't instantly whipped Aston Villa into better shape as they look set to finish mid-table. Gerrard, however, had them underwhelming as he departed with a lowly win rate of just 25.8% in 2022, with eight wins, eight draws and 15 losses.

All in all, it's easy to see why both options aren't exactly ideal candidates to help a club arrest their downward trajectory, but it will be interesting to see who Palace turn to.