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Many Sunderland fans were left slamming the display of Elliot Embleton in their 6-0 loss away at Bolton Wanderers in League One on Saturday afternoon.

It was a day to forget for manager Lee Johnson and his team, in what could turn out to be a very damaging defeat in the race for automatic promotion up to the Championship.

Embleton was just one of a number of poor performers for the Stadium of Light faithful, missing with both of his shots at goal, while he also failed to record a single successful dribble and lost possession of the ball eight times (SofaScore).

He also recorded fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, highlighting his lack of impact from an attacking point of view.

Sunderland fans slam Embleton

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter going as far as to claim that he was a ‘passenger’ in the match, criticism which is certainly backed by the numbers:

“Gooch, Embleton awful. Offer nothing”

Credit: @LeeSafcMiller

“Elliot Embleton did absolutely nothing in that half. A passenger far too often for long spells in games.”

Credit: @Michael35507062

“Can’t believe I haven’t seen anyone talk about how bad Embleton has been recently it’s like playing with 10 men. He takes the kick off then just disappears for 10 minute intervals”

Credit: @tazzlor___

“Gooch, Embleton, Neil not good enough, I get the home grown craic but come on!!!!”

Credit: @ChristopherT198

“Embleton and Gooch very lucky to survive half-time.”

Credit: @_toosb

“Dan Neil poor, Embleton poor, Gooch dire!! And that back like is horrible. We look vulnerable every time we have an attack against us!!!”

Credit: @leech_tom

In other news, find out transfer update has Black Cats buzzing here!

Hertha Berlin centre-back Niklas Stark could be interested in joining West Ham in the January transfer window, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Hammers linked with Stark move

The Hammers continue to shine both domestically and Europe this season, even if last weekend’s 1-0 defeat away to Wolves was a rare setback.

Despite the positivity at the club, new signings are important in order to keep the good times coming, with January reinforcements potentially on the cards.

West Ham have been linked with a move for Stark in the winter window, with the 26-year-old making 11 Bundesliga starts so far this season.

The Latest: New update emerges

A new report from Fussball Transfers [via Sport Witness] claimed that a move to east London could ‘appeal’ to the Hertha man.

That’s as long as the Bundesliga club are able to find a sufficient replacement in January, with Stark’s current deal expiring next summer.

The Verdict: Good Ogbonna replacement

Angelo Ogbonna’s likely season-ending injury has highlighted the need for a new centre-back to come in, and Stark looks an ideal candidate.

The German has averaged a hugely impressive 5.6 clearances per game in the league, which is more than any West Ham player. That shows what a competent, no-nonsense defender Stark is, not to mention that he is also averaging 1.2 tackles and 1.7 interceptions and winning 2.4 aerial duels per match.

The fact that Stark’s contract expires soon might also make Hertha more willing to sell, in order to receive a fee for him while they still can.

In other news, some West Ham fans have flocked to a Hammers transfer claim. Read more here.

Manchester United are set to appoint Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager after dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the weekend.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the innovative tactician is expected to take charge of the Red Devils on a six-month deal until the end of May before moving into a consultancy role for the next two years.

The news will be warmly welcomed by everyone associated with United, given his reputation and previous exploits, but the 63-year-old will also likely demand many changes.

Rangnick is commonly believed to be the founding father of modern-day tactics in his homeland, with his Gegenpressing style influencing the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann.

Such a physically demanding style requires a certain type of player, and therefore, it’s probable that considerable investments will be made in the upcoming January transfer window.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Rangnick to lineup following a whopping £196.5 million spending spree…

Despite David de Gea’s return to form in the opening weeks of the current campaign, Rangnick’s sides require a sweeper-keeper due to their high defensive line, meaning the more proactive Dean Henderson would likely be preferred to the Spaniard.

Ahead of the 24-year-old would be a familiar back four, but with one significant change.

While Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane would almost certainly keep their places, Diogo Dalot could complete the defensive unit ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to his superior attacking prowess.

And there would likely be some major changes in the engine room, too. Rangnick prefers to play a 4-2-2-2 formation, meaning the two central midfielders are required to be extremely mobile.

Therefore, a £42.5m move for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni could be sanctioned, allowing him to partner Donny van de Beek in the middle of the pitch.

Out wide, the stamina and creativity of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could see them secure regular starting spots, although Jadon Sancho would also feature heavily after proving his pressing credentials at Borussia Dortmund.

And one of Sancho’s former teammates could link up with the England international at Old Trafford once again.

Erling Haaland has long been linked with the Red Devils, and Rangnick’s arrival could prompt the Glazers to meet his reported £154m price tag, with Mason Greenwood completely a fearsome forward line.

And, in other news…David Ornstein drops huge Man United manager update that’ll surely have fans buzzing

A big Rangers transfer claim has emerged, regarding the potential sale of Romanian forward Ianis Hagi from Ibrox and his future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League forward Noel Whelan has claimed that the Gers will need to buy and sell players like the winger for profit to compete with Celtic in the long-term, citing their business model with Virgil van Dijk in particular.

He told Football Insider: “Rangers have got to sell players like him in order to be self-sustainable.

“That’s been the case for Celtic too, not just Rangers. As much as they’re giants in Scotland and well-known across Europe, we’ve seen over the years that Celtic will take profits on their best players.

“Their recruitment has been so crucial for them, and that’s the same for Rangers. They buy them, nuture them, develop them – but then when the time is right, they sell them on.

“It just like what happened with Van Dijk at Celtic. Many have come through there and done a great job for them, winning titles at the club.

“It’s just the way of the world right now. Money talks if you are Rangers or Celtic, they just can’t compete with the Premier League clubs at the moment.”

Masterclass

Turkish outlet En Son Haber recently claimed that Rangers are preparing for Hagi’s exit as a number of clubs circle around the forward. In selling the attacker, they could repeat an Old Firm masterclass from Celtic – as they sold van Dijk for a gigantic profit back in 2015.

Per Transfermarkt, the Hoops signed the Dutchman from Groningen for £2.48m in 2013 before selling him to Southampton for £14.13m two years later. He is one of seven players Celtic have sold for more than £11m since 2014, whilst Rangers have not sold a player for more than £3m in that time.

The Gers reportedly paid £4m to sign Hagi from Genk in 2020 and the interest in his services now could offer them the chance to make a profit on him, much like Celtic did with van Dijk. Ross Wilson now has a major decision to make and he could repeat their masterclass in doing so.

Selling the Romanian international could allow them to kickstart a healthy business model moving forward where they are able to develop young talent before selling them on for big money and then replacing them with more prospects. The Gers could use Hagi as the poster boy for this, showing targets his potential success to convince them to make a similar switch.

This could aid the club in their attempts to sign talented youngsters in the future, as it would show that Rangers are willing to be a stepping stone in their footballing journey. Whilst it may not be music to the fans’ ears, it could be a profitable move by Wilson that helps the long-term future at Ibrox.

AND in other news, Gio can finally axe a “Rangers legend” by signing “perfect” £3.1k-p/w beast in January…

A Leeds United scout has seemingly confirmed the club’s interest in signing Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul this summer, following a social media post.

Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be looking to bring in reinforcements at the end of the season, as he aims to take his side further up the Premier League table.

A player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road is De Paul, who has become a key man for Udinese, scoring six goals and registering five assists in Serie A in 2020/21.

The £31.5million-rated attacking midfielder is seen as someone who could add more guile to the Leeds team, with those aforementioned statistics highlighting his pedigree in the final third.

[freshpress-quiz id=“347980″]

Scout confirms De Paul interest

On Friday night, following Leeds’ 2-1 win away to Fulham, one fan claimed to have received a direct message on Instagram from a club scout,ÂRodrigo Garcia.

Garcia’s Instagram is full of pictures of him alongside the likes of Marcelo Bielsa, and when the supporter asked him whether or not a potential deal for De Paul was on the cards, Garcia responded with “we try”, indicating that a move could happen.

Transfer Tavern take

Should Garcia’s comments be genuine, it is an exciting update for anyone of a Leeds persuasion, considering the quality De Paul possesses.

He has won 19 caps for Argentina, and at 26, could represent a relatively long-term signing for the Whites.

While we do not know for sure how trustworthy Garcia’s Instagram message should be viewed as, it least appears as though the club will go again for De Paul this summer.

In other news, Phil Hay has given an update on the future of a key Leeds attacker – find out who it is here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who made 280 Premier League appearances, believes Anthony Martial has a problem with himself if he can’t get motivated to play for Manchester United.

It has been reported by EuroSport that Man United are ready to sell Martial, who reportedly earns £250,000-a-week, as they eye up a squad reshuffle ready to challenge Manchester City next season.

Since he arrived as the most expensive teenager in history, Martial has featured 258 times for Manchester United, scoring 78 goals and registering 49 assists in that time, however Lee believes Martial may have an attitude problem as he never seems bothered when playing.

Speaking on Martial’s future at Man United and why the Red Devils should look to cash in on the 25-year old, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“Martial has just been an enigma. He’s got all the talent in the world but he just looks like he can’t be bothered.

“If he can’t be bothered playing for Man United, then I think you’ve got something wrong with you.”

It’s been a difficult season for Martial who has found himself playing all across the front line with very limited success in each position.

The French international has found the net just seven times in 36 games and has only scored four goals in the Premier League this campaign.

Divock Origi will definitely leave Liverpool in the summer transfer window, reports reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Origi exit expected

The Belgian has enjoyed a truly memorable Reds career, rarely being a key player but popping up with a long list of massive goals along the way, both in the Premier League and Champions League.

With Origi out of contract at the end of the season, he is expected to move on, with AC Milan looking highly likely to be his next destination.

It will allow the 27-year-old to be a regular elsewhere, potentially further fulfilling his promise, having been described as ‘world-class’ and a ‘monster’ by Jurgen Klopp.

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The Latest: Pearce confirms imminent move

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Pearce confirmed that Origi would definitely be moving on once this campaign reaches this conclusion:

“Divock Origi will leave Liverpool this summer.”

The Verdict: Undisputed Liverpool legend

When the time finally comes for Origi to leave Liverpool, he will receive a wonderful and deserved send-off from the supporters, having become a Reds legend.

His cult hero status can almost work against what a top-quality attacker he is, though, with the forward scoring 41 goals and 173 appearances in total, not to mention registering 17 assists.

It makes perfect sense for Origi to move on, given his lack of playing time, and it would be heartwarming to see him performing as a key man elsewhere.

In other news, David Ornstein has confirmed some key Liverpool news. Read more here.

Manchester United will want to get back to winning ways when they travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal on Saturday.

The Red Devils endured a frustrating night against Sheffield United at Old Trafford after they suffered a significant blow to their chances of winning the Premier League this season following the midweek defeat.

With an in-form Arsenal next on the agenda, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be well aware his side will have to be at their very best if they are to pick up all three points at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s side are well-drilled and pose several threats of their own in the form of Alexandre Lacazette and the freescoring Bukayo Saka.

Here is Football FanCast’s predicted starting line-up, which sees Solskjaer make three changes from the midweek defeat.

Despite conceding two goals against Sheffield United, David de Gea will resume his rightful place between the sticks behind a back four consisting of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Solskjaer could recall the fit-again Eric Bailly but Lindelof will most likely to come in for Axel Tuanzebe at the heart of the defence – though we wouldn’t be surprised to see him come off the bench at some point in the second half.

Scott McTominay was left out on Wednesday but may reprise his role at the base of the midfield alongside Fred.

Midfielder Paul Pogba has been used in more of a wide role in recent weeks and Marcus Rashford is also expected to keep his place on the opposite right wing.

Upfront, Edinson Cavani is in contention to start with the struggling Anthony Martial still seeking his best form. The Frenchman has made 16 top-flight appearances this season with just two goals and three assists to show for his 14 starts.

AND in other news, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed Manchester United transfer blow with Sergio Ramos…

According to a report by the Sun, West Ham United are leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers star Adam Armstrong alongside Fulham – with manager David Moyes looking to bolster his forward options this summer. 

The Lowdown: Moyes on the striker chase

As well as prioritising a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard (Claret & Hugh), and more recently a new goalkeeper (talkSPORT), West Ham are on the hunt for a prolific forward who can strengthen their attacking options for the 2021/2022 season.

The Irons are just one point away from securing qualification for the Europa League next campaign and manager Moyes will need to bolster his squad with new players in key positions.

The Latest: West Ham hot on heels of Armstrong

Bringing the latest, a report from the Sun details how West Ham are currently leading the pack to sign Armstrong this summer alongside Fulham – but they may have to fork out around £25 million to get a deal done.

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It is said that both Brighton and Everton are also in the race for his signature but the two London sides are currently favourites ahead of them.

Rovers have been attempting to tie their star man down with a new deal but to no avail, and with just one year remaining on Armstrong’s current deal, the Ewood Park side are close to cashing in.

The Verdict: £25 million, a bit steep?

Valued at £25m, it could be argued that such money should be put to better use elsewhere.

A permanent move for Lingard could cost around that amount and the goalkeeping position is also said to be an area Moyes wants to strengthen ahead for next season.

If the Irons are going to shell out £25m on a striker, supporters may want it to be someone with more top flight experience, even if Armstrong has managed a brilliant 28 goals and five assists in the Championship over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor touted Armstrong as a potentially ‘perfect signing’ for West Ham, but we’re inclined to disagree with the former Premier League striker’s verdict given the price tag involved.

In other news: West Ham make approach to sign ‘outstanding’ £120,000-per-week attacker, find out more here.

David Moyes can land his next Marko Arnautovic by launching a bid to bring Besiktas striker Cyle Larin to West Ham United in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Sabah, the Hammers are preparing to revisit Vodafone Park at the end of the season after seeing an offer for Larin turned down during the recent winter market.

It is thought that the Irons presented a €10m (£8.5m) bid for the 25-year-old amid their search for Sebastien Haller’s replacement, but were denied as Larin wished to remain with the Black Eagles until the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

Larin will look to secure a move away from the Super Lig once the season draws to a close, with Sergen Yalcin’s side currently second in the standings on goal difference to leaders and Istanbul-based rivals Galatasaray.

Besiktas are not planning on standing in Larin’s way by demanding a vast sum for their Canada international, who has 13 goals and three assists in 25 top-flight outings this term, with club President Ahmet Nur Cebi expected to request just €15m (£13m) to strike a deal.

But West Ham may not be alone this summer in pursuing the 31-cap forward, regarded as one of the Black Eagles’ greatest weapons, as West Bromwich Albion are also noted to have submitted an important offer during the winter market.

Should West Ham sign Larin?

West Ham will have to hit the market in the summer striving to sign a new striker to fill the void left by Haller joining AFC Ajax, and landing Larin could see the London Stadium natives hand Moyes a versatile and lethal weapon.

The Ontario-born attacker has found the back of the net across the Besiktas front line this season, with five goals and two assists from 15 outings on the left-wing, six goals and one assist in five games from the right-flank and two goals in five games when played centrally.

His ability to offer the final touch from any forward role, along with his stature at 6 ft 2, could see Larin prove to be Moyes’ next Arnautovic, after the Scottish coach hinted in December that he would like to find another option of the Austrian’s calibre.

Moyes also managed to get the best out of Arnautovic once he moved the forward into a central role at West Ham, and given the backing to cause opponents issues at a time when supporters were not clamouring over their former club-record £20m signing.

“He was always someone who you knew had the ability to go past you. But it was always not that often and it was maybe when he wanted to at different times. But I think when he became more of a central striker, he flourished in it,” Moyes said on BBC 5 Live Sport back in January 2019.

“There was a period, when I took over, the supporters at West Ham weren’t having Marko at all. He was a big signing, spent big money on him. He’s got that in him. He’s been at big clubs himself, Marko. But it was simply to say: ‘Nobody’s liking you at the moment, why don’t you run about, Marko? And people will maybe change their mind.’

“He’s got real power and pace, he can receive the ball, he can beat people. He could easily play for Chelsea because of the way he can take the ball and his link-up. He actually fancies himself as a player, he thinks he’s a big-time player.”

Larin could offer West Ham a similar attacking threat to 6 ft 2 Arnautovic if signed and at just £13m, he could prove to be a bargain.

AND in other news, West Ham are monitoring an “outstanding” £18.5m titan praised by Jurgen Klopp…