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A key update has emerged on Rangers striker Kemar Roofe and his availability for Gio van Bronckhorst at the Ibrox giants in the coming weeks…

What’s the latest?

Jamaica boss Paul Hall has revealed that the player told him that he did not want to be selected to represent his country next month.

He told the Daily Record: “Kemar would have been one of the first names on my list. However, Kemar had indicated that he needs to fully recover from his last injury. Hence his absence from the squad.”

Buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing by this news as it comes as a major boost for van Bronckhorst ahead of games against Livingston, Ross County and Celtic.

He would have missed key games for the club if he had been called up by his country, which is why supporters will be delighted with his decision to remain in Glasgow instead of heading out on international duty.

Roofe made a comeback from injury against Stirling Albion on Friday and could be closing in on a return to full fitness as Rangers prepare to clash with Celtic next month. This shows that he has not rejected Jamaica because he is not able to play at all and has, instead, turned them down to continue playing for Rangers whilst also managing his knock at the same time.

Supporters will be delighted with this as it shows a determination from the player to do his best for the Gers, as he has put his club above his country in this instance. They will be particularly pleased with his decision as he is a proven Premiership performer who has been superb since arriving in Glasgow.

So far this season, Roofe has scored six goals in six starts for the club in the league. Last term, he managed 14 goals and three assists in 18 Premiership starts, which means that he has directly contributed to 23 goals in just 24 starts for Rangers domestically.

This highlights how big of a player he can be for van Bronckhorst and why having him available for crucial matches next month is a major boost for the Dutch head coach. Fans will want to see him in the squad, whether that is from the start or off the bench, as he has the potential to make an impact on the pitch and win games for the Scottish giants.

AND in other news, Rangers could finally axe “really poor” lightweight by landing £2.8m-rated playmaker…

West Ham United are currently sitting pretty in fifth position in the Premier League table as David Moyes’ charges aim to upset the odds once again this season by finishing in a European qualification spot.

A strong start to the campaign saw the Hammers lose just one of their opening nine fixtures in all competitions, but their recent form has been in sharp contrast.

Following the latest international break back in November, West Ham have won just one top-flight game – albeit a thrilling 3-2 victory over Champions League holders Chelsea – seeing them drop out of the top four.

Injuries to first-choice centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have significantly undermined the capital club’s efforts, yet it’s their issues at the other end of the pitch that will be giving Moyes the most cause for concern.

Star striker Michail Antonio started 2021/22 in remarkable form, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in his opening 11 games of the season in all competitions.

However, since then, the Jamaica international has looked a shadow of his former self. In his subsequent eight outings, the 31-year-old has failed to find the back of the net, adding just one assist to his tally.

Antonio’s woes have heavily contributed to the east London outfit’s current goal drought, spanning over 270 minutes of football, meaning Moyes must add further reinforcements up front over the January transfer window.

Since Sebastien Haller departed the London Stadium last winter, the former Nottingham Forest ace has been the only recognised striker in West Ham’s first-team squad.

As a result, an over-reliance on Antonio as a source of goals has developed and Moyes currently has no alternative options to call upon in order to rest his star man as his nightmare in front of goal continues.

But the solution to their attacking woes could be an obvious one after the capital club were linked with a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Irons are keen on launching a bid for the 22-year-old talisman in January, although they are set to face extensive competition for his signature.

The 6 foot 1 beast has been sensational for the Primeira Liga table-toppers this term, bagging a sensational 14 goals in 19 appearances, taking his tally up to 28 for the Eagles.

Darwin’s eye-catching performances saw talent scout Jacek Kulig laud his “world-class potential” last year, and now he’s beginning to fulfil it.

Therefore, Moyes must move for the Uruguay international in order to get West Ham’s season back on track, providing some much-needed cover and competition for Antonio along the way.

This is well and truly a signing that could end the Jamaica international’s misery in offensive areas. They have to sign him.

And, in other news…Moyes can seal West Ham masterclass with move for “unbelievable” £7.2m-rated “monster” 

Taylor Gardner-Hickman has been having quite a week after celebrating his 20th birthday as well as signing a new contract with West Brom on the same day.

The Albion academy graduate secured a four-and-a-half year deal with the club after making a great impression on Valerien Ismael and the West Brom fans.

Speaking after signing his contract, Gardner-Hickman said: “I’m absolutely delighted. This is my boyhood club. I’ve been here since I was seven and to finally achieve a long-term contract is a dream come true.

“I’ve been working really hard and I was hoping that one day my chance would come. Thankfully it came and I’ve been fortunate enough to be around the squad for a while now.”

The youngster has displayed some impressive performances for the Baggies’ first team this season, especially in the game against Reading a few weeks ago, where SofaScore gave him the highest player rating (8.3) of anyone in Ismael’s side.

According to the website, in that match alone, Gardner-Hickman recorded an 89% pass accuracy, with more touches on the ball than any other midfielder, and won 11 out of his 17 duels.

Ismael has been one of the first to sing the youngster’s praises, calling him “fearless” after his outstanding contribution whilst stepping up to the first team as he said: “He represents exactly what we want to see from young players. He’s hungry, he has desire, he’s fearless. He also has a lot of quality.

“After Dara O’Shea, I think he is the second one with the same profile and I’m delighted to be able to work with him in the years to come.”

Albion will take on their first fixture of 2022 tomorrow against Cardiff City at The Hawthorns, and we’re sure the homegrown talent will be eager to come in for his first start since that impressive outing against Reading three weeks ago.

It could be the perfect opportunity for Gardner-Hickman to get stuck into the second half of the season, and if he gets his chance this weekend, he could be a game-changer from full-back with his all-action play. Indeed, Albion have failed to win or even score since his last start for the club.

The club believe he has what it takes to succeed by offering him a new contract in recent days; now it’s over to Ismael to place his trust in the 20-year-old and back up the aforementioned glowing praise.

In other news: Carlton Palmer weighs in on one potential January signing for Albion

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has just shared the latest on West Ham United and their pursuit of Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Lingard saga never-ending…

It is well known that Irons boss David Moyes had the 28-year-old on his summer transfer target list after a very impressive temporary spell over the second half of 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

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Indeed, Lingard was the subject of intense West Ham interest earlier this year as Moyes and the club looked to secure a permanent deal.

However, the attacking midfielder instead opted to remain at United in the hope of reviving his Old Trafford career (Manchester Evening News) – a plan which didn’t exactly work out given his lack of game time under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

As new contract talks stall, with Lingard reportedly open to leaving in January as many clubs circle (ESPN), ExWHUemployee has shared the latest on West Ham’s stance.

The Latest: West Ham set for early talks…

According to the insider, West Ham, and by extension their head of recruitment Rob Newman, will start talks ‘early’ in the January window in an attempt to sign Lingard.

Despite speculation surrounding a change in exit stance due to Solskjaer’s sacking, Ex says that he is ‘still expected to want to move’ in a possible boost for the Hammers.

However, there will also be plenty of competition for the England international’s signature and a ‘number of things to sort out’ with his deal.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Moyes’ high-flying Irons are seemingly on top of the world right now having just secured an impressive 3-2 win over European champions Chelsea at the London Stadium on Saturday.

However, given their increasingly congested calendar as they attempt to battle in the English top flight, domestic cups and now Europa League, West Ham will need to strengthen in January.

It is believed by another reliable source in The Evening Standard that Moyes will be backed to bring in a new striker, centre-half and potentially Lingard.

The latter man, we believe, shouldn’t come as a must for the club given they already have a wealth of options in the attacking midfield area – with Jarrod Bowen, Manuel Lanzini, Said Benrahma, Nikola Vlasic and Pablo Fornals all capable of shining there.

They are arguably in dire need of a natural striking alternative to Michail Antonio, especially given his concerning injury history, while new defensive worries surrounding Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson indicate they may also be short defensively.

Lingard, despite being lauded as ‘unbelievable’ for his spell with West Ham last year by pundit Kevin Phillips, should be bottom of the priority list.

In other news: Journalist hints West Ham may now be in pole position to sign ‘world class’ forward for Moyes, find out more here.

As per Corriere di Bologna (via Sport Witness), an update has come to light on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for Serie A starlet Mattias Svanberg as the club now identify him as a top target.

The Lowdown: Spurs in pole position…

This isn’t the first time Spurs have been linked with the 22-year-old with inews dropping a big claim earlier this week.

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According to their information, Paratici and Conte have entered pole position for his services and are ‘favourites’ to sign the Dane – even ahead of Premier League champions Man City.

It was also claimed that Tottenham are ready to make the midfielder Conte’s first signing of the new era in January, and it appears there has been a development as CdB (via Sport Witness) share some news on a new top target.

The Latest: Spurs make approach…

According to the regional Italian outlet, Tottenham have now made an approach to sign Svanberg in the form of ‘enquiries’ over a possible January deal.

It is said that both Conte and Paratici have admired the Serie A ace for some time – so much so that they have now made him one of their ‘main objectives’ for next month.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Earning a nod for Sweden’s Euro 2020 squad, it is clear that the young attacking midfielder has bags of potential and could be a snip at the right price.

He’s averaged around 1.3 key passes per 90 in the final third this season, with only Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min making more (WhoScored).

Svanberg has also found the back of the net three times already over 2021/2022, but again, it will depend on the price tag to contemplate whether this move would be worthwhile.

Tottenham have other pressing matters in the form of potentially signing a back-up striker to Harry Kane and acquiring needed defensive depth.

If they are to reignite their fortunes and finish in a European place, both Paratici and Conte must spend their money wisely.

In other news: Levy open to another big name exit as Conte tells Spurs to sell ‘magnificent’ star, find out more here.

With Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side heading into Thursday evening’s Europa League fixture knowing that nothing but a win will keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive, the 56-year-old manager must ensure he gets his team selection spot on against Ferencvarosi TC.

And, with the Hoops’ Hungarian hosts currently being on a run of three consecutive fixtures without defeat – a series of games which includes a 7-0 spanking of Tokol VSK – Postecoglou will be well aware that taking three points from the Groupama Arena will be no walk in the park.

So, will the Bhoys boss make any changes to the team which started the lacklustre 0-0 draw with Livingston last time out? Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Ferencvarosi, along with the latest team and injury news…

With both Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt being unavailable for Thursday evening due to injury, we predict that Postecoglou will make three changes to the side that lined up against Livingston last weekend.

The first of these alterations is a forced one in the centre of defence, with the stricken Starfelt being replaced by the highly-rated 21-year-old Stephen Welsh – who is handed his first start since September.

The remainder of the back five is unchanged, with Joe Hart starting between the Celtic sticks, Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston lining up at left and right-back respectively, and Cameron Carter-Vickers starting alongside Welsh at centre-back.

There is something of a reshuffle in the middle of the park, with the £14k-per-week Nir Bitton dropping to the bench, while Jota moves into a central attacking midfield role – in a bid to combat the Bhoys’ clear lack of creativity in midfield against the Lions on Saturday.

This move sees the £9k-per-week Mikey Johnston handed a start on the left of Postecoglou’s front three, while Kyogo Furuhashi returns to the XI in place of the £2.25m-rated Georgios Giakoumakis – who had something of an afternoon to forget against Livingston – with Liel Abada keeping his spot on the right.

In other news: Cost £4.5m, left on a free: Celtic had a nightmare on 25 y/o gem who “has everything”

Taking to Twitter with an exciting update, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has shared what managing director Fabio Paratici is ‘currently’ doing at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Paratici era in full flow…

The Italian transfer chief’s arrival at N17 over the summer was met with promise as chairman Daniel Levy heralded the ‘tough negotiator’ and what he could bring to Spurs.

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Paratici’s already overseen his first Tottenham transfer window, managing to shift some players off the wage bill in permanent departures for the likes of Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth and Moussa Sissoko while Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga left on free transfers (Transfermarkt).

Meanwhile, the 49-year-old orchestrated deals to bring in Pierluigi Gollini, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil, Cristian Romero and Pape Matar Sarr (Transfermarkt) – the latter of whom will officially link up with Spurs following another season at FC Metz.

While Paratici failed to bring in some of his transfer targets, like Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic for instance, it was a fairly solid window but senior transfers aren’t his sole responsibility.

The Latest: Gold shares exciting Paratici update…

In an exciting Twitter update, Gold has explained what Paratici ‘currently undertaking’ right now at Spurs.

Indeed, the former Juventus sporting director is apparently orchestrating a behind-the-scenes shake up at Tottenham as he overhauls the club’s scouting set up alongside fellow official Steve Hitchen.

According to the reliable journalist, Paratici plans to ‘bring it in line with Europe’s top clubs’ among ‘other departments’ as he aims to ensure Spurs snap up the best young players in world football (football.london).

The Verdict: Paratici cooking…

As the Lilywhites continue to nurture, arguably, some of their brightest starlets in Oliver Skipp, Dane Scarlett and Dilan Markanday, to name a few, supporters may be optimistic Paratici also has eyes on bringing in some talent from the outside.

He is set to play a major role in the Tottenham project and has perhaps excited fans the most with his addition of new boss Antonio Conte, a serial winner with trophies galore at the highest level.

Conte will need backing to ensure his vision is realised, and this may not necessarily mean splashing the cash on a plethora of incoming senior stars.

As evident by Spurs success stories like Harry Kane in recent years, their academy and scouting could play a major role as Paratici aims to lead their assent back to the summit of European football.

If they’re to hit the heights previously met under former boss Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s scouting infrastructure could come as an underestimated key cog.

In other news: Conte gifted January boost in race to sign ‘explosive’ playmaker for Spurs, he wants to leave…find out more here.

Some Everton fans have been left fuming over some transfer news on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As per The Daily Telegraph, Newcastle United are keen on signing the Goodison Park striker, while Arsenal and an unnamed club from the Bundesliga are also interested in his signature.

Manchester City and Manchester United are also believed to be a long-term admirer of his, as the race hots up to sign the former Sheffield United ace.

Of course, their talisman being linked with a move to a rival in the Premier League has upset a lot of supporters of the Merseyside club, who simply do not want to see him go, unless a monstrous offer came in.

With three goals in three games so far this season before his injury (Transfermarkt), Rafa Benitez would find it so hard to replace him.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin transfer news

These Toffees fans fumed as the transfer news on Calvert-Lewin was shared on Twitter:

“The media literally hate us”

Credit: @KUEFC

“Can all this bad news just like stop?…”

Credit: @shaun00012

“Marcel will let him leave for a season long loan and bring in someone like Joelinton”

Credit: @g4j4s4

“Knew this was coming”

Credit: @ToffeeTosh1878

“And so it begins”

Credit: @robjones673

“Don’t worry we have Rondon”

Credit: @neilh32

In other news, find out whose return from injury has Blues buzzing here!

Everton have received a big boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Wolves this evening, with Rafa Benitez confirming he has no fresh injury concerns, while Richarlison is making good progress in his return to full fitness.

What’s the word?

The Toffees have been hampered by issues to several key players in recent weeks, with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Yerry Mina and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all sidelined through their respective problems.

However, Brazil international Richarlison made his first-team comeback last time out, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute against Watford, and he may be ready for a start at Molineux.

“He’s been getting better, we will see how much he can improve. In terms of his fitness, he will not be 100%, but he’s getting better,” Benitez revealed in Friday’s press conference when asked about the South American’s availability.

The 61-year-old then addressed the rest of his squad’s current injury status, and although he didn’t give too much away, there were no new concerns to report.

Benitez said: “Still we have two training sessions, some are nearly coming back. I think it’s too early to say who will be there, we’re making some medical assessments.”

And the Spaniard then provided another reason for the Everton fans to be cheerful, claiming key midfielder Doucoure could be back in action after the upcoming international break.

“Doucoure is getting better. He is progressing well. At least a couple of weeks. After the international break, he will be fine.”

Benitez will be delighted

Having no new injury concerns and Richarlison who is closer to full fitness will leave Benitez feeling delighted ahead of today’s trip to the Midlands.

Last season, the versatile attacker was Everton’s second-highest goalscorer in the top-flight, and only two players provided more assists, highlighting his importance to the Merseyside outfit, as per WhoScored.

He found the net on seven occasions in the top-flight, while beating the goalkeeper 13 times in all competitions.

Benitez addressed the 24-year-old’s influence ahead of the game against Wolves, lauding Richarlison’s threat in the final third of the pitch.

“If you think about the top scorers last year, he’s one of them. He has the ability to beat players and score goals. He was good for us at the beginning of the season, he can be a big miss,” he said.

After back-to-back defeats for the Blues, Benitez will be hoping that his change of luck regarding his recent injury crisis will translate onto the pitch. Richarlison will certainly help in that regard.

And, in other news…Benitez must axe £4.5m-rated Everton dud against Wolves, he’s become a “massive issue”

As per Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter for The Times, some news has just dropped which may excite Tottenham Hotspur fans.

The Lowdown: Safe standing debate…

It has long been debated whether safe standing should be re-introduced for atmospheric and general matchday experience purposes.

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25 years ago, a blanket ban was introduced on standing in football stadiums across England’s top two divisions with recent murmurs indicating it could now be brought back after all this time.

Sharing a big development on the matter, The Times have just dropped some interesting news.

The Latest: Exciting news for Spurs fans?

Now, it appears safe standing will be in the Premier League this season as reporter Ziegler shares the news on his social media and in a column for The Times. 

Indeed, the initiative is set to be trialled and Tottenham are one of the clubs who can safely integrate safe standing for home and away supporters.

“Update: Safe standing to be in Premier League and Championship this season,” Ziegler explained.

“Spurs, Man City, Chelsea and West Ham all have necessary facilities already in place for home & away fans.

“Wolves, Man Utd, Liverpool would need to add to existing home fan areas.”

The Verdict: About time?

While some issues come with safe standing, like the health and safety requirements of all supporters which will need to be figured out carefully, there are also immense benefits.

In terms of atmosphere at Premier League grounds, safe standing will arguably improve it vastly as certain clubs in Germany have already proved over the last few years.

For one, Borussia Dortmund are famous for their ‘Yellow Wall’ at Signal Iduna Park and it’s little wonder the English top flight wants to replicate that kind of electric matchday experience.

It will certainly be intriguing to see if the trial proves successful, not just for Spurs supporters, but for fans up and down the country.

In other news: Medical was done: Source reveals player’s summer move from Spurs fell apart at the very last minute, find out more here.