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Sunderland will be desperate to ensure consistency from here on in until the end of the season after picking up another three points earlier on today.

The Black Cats still find themselves in the race for an automatic promotion place in League One, but it won’t be easy as there’re a number of teams fighting for limited places.

However, it appears as if the Wearside club already have one eye on the summer, as according to The Scottish Sun (via Shields Gazette), Sunderland continue to keep tabs on Lawrence Shankland.

Of course, Sunderland splashed out on Will Grigg last month but it’s safe to say that attacking reinforcements are still required, with the Northern Ireland international not quite hitting the heights just yet and Kaziah Sterling returning to Spurs in the summer. So, it would sense for the Black Cats to move in for Lawrence Shankland as his contract is set to expire in the summer, and he’s been hugely impressive this season with 30 goals and eight assists to his name.

But, the likes of Oldham Athletic, Swansea City, Nottingham Forest and Hull City are all interested in signing him, so it won’t be easy to lure him to Wearside. Therefore, Stewart Donald can make a big statement by pipping a number of Championship clubs to secure his services, and he’s one of Scotland’s most talented forwards so he could have a huge impact at the Stadium of Light.

What do you think Sunderland fans?

Rangers chief Ross Wilson looks set for a busy summer transfer window at Ibrox to shape Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad heading into next season.

The Gers lost their crucial top-of-the-table clash in the Premiership on Sunday and now sit six points behind their rivals with games running out to catch up with them.

A major flaw in the current squad was exposed in the 2-1 defeat to the Hoops as Alfredo Morelos’ absence all but ended their chances of winning.

Kemar Roofe has started the last two Old Firm matches in the Colombian’s absence and put in dismal performances in both of them. The ex-Leeds man has not scored a single goal from open play in his eight league starts for the Gers and this suggests that he has not been good enough as back-up to Morelos.

Therefore, Wilson must be in the market for a striker to compete with the South American forward, with a view to taking over from him further down the line.

The club are reportedly interested in a deal to sign talented 18-year-old goalscorer Josh Stones from English side Guiseley, but Football Insider recently claimed that Wigan have agreed terms over a contract with the centre-forward ahead of the summer.

Wilson must now avoid a major disasterclass in the window as missing out on the attacker would be a big blunder from the Ibrox supremo. His sublime goalscoring record at youth level suggests that he has the potential to be Morelos’ heir in Glasgow.

Stones has scored 21 times in 13 games in academy football throughout the 2021/22 campaign, whilst he also scored a hat-trick for the England schoolboys team against Scotland recently. This means that the predator has 24 goals for club and country this term in at least 14 matches – a phenomenal return for the 18-year-old fox in the box. 

He could be the replacement Van Bronckhorst needs for Roofe, based on his goalscoring return, and that is why missing out on him would be a disaster-class for the club.

At the age of 18, he has the potential to keep improving and progressing as a player. This means that the Gers would be picking up a financial investment as well as a gem who may have the quality to solve their long-term Morelos problem at Ibrox. His record in front of goal suggests that he can be the heir to the Colombian’s throne and that is why Wilson must do everything in his power to usurp Wigan and snatch this deal up from under their nose.

AND in other news, Gvb now plotting Rangers swoop for “exceptional” monster, he’d be a bargain “diamond”…

While the result of Thursday night’s Europa League fixture ultimately carried no significant importance, with Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side unable to finish any higher or lower than their third-place standing in Group G, the Bhoys nevertheless turned in a performance of the highest quality over the course of the 90 minutes, besting Real Betis 3-2 at Parkhead.

The fact that the 56-year-old handed debuts to both Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Shaw, as well as awarding rare starts to the likes of Scott Bain, Liam Scales, Ismaila Soro, James McCarthy and Albian Ajeti, made the victory over Manuel Pellegrini’s men all the more impressive, with many of the Hoops’ lesser-seen talents doing themselves no harm in their bids to secure a more regular spot in Postecoglou’s side going forwards.

However, it was undoubtedly versatile centre-back Urhoghide who shone the brightest on Thursday night, with the 21-year-old’s performance on the right of the Celtic back four very much stealing the show against Betis.

18 defensive actions

Indeed, despite not playing a single minute of first-team football for Celtic prior to the Betis game, Urhoghide certainly proved to Postecoglou that he is more than ready to play an important role in the Hoops’ side over the second half of the current campaign.

Over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £270k-rated defender made three clearances, won five tackles and made one interception, as well as winning a highly impressive nine duels – totalling 18 defensive actions.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man also enjoyed 65 touches of the ball, completed 30 passes (including one key pass), found his man with his one attempted cross and completed two dribbles.

These returns saw the 21-year-old, dubbed “rock solid” by his former Owls boss Darren Moore, earn a SofaScore match rating of 6.9; while Football Scotland handed the youngster an eight in their own player ratings, with Euan Robertson stating of Urhoghide’s performance: “Fantastic debut. Showed great recovery pace to pressure Diego Lainez early on and he displayed great energy to support the attack.”

As such, while it is indeed true that his fellow debutant Liam Shaw also turned in an excellent display against Betis, Urhoghide’s returns on the night very much raise the question as to why Postecoglou has not fielded him sooner – a decision by the manager which the youngster certainly proved wrong on Thursday night.

In other news – Fewer touches than Bain: Celtic flop who made just 3 passes blew big chance under Ange

As per le10sport, a West Ham United transfer update has emerged from France as Rob Newman and co table a fresh offer for new striker target Hugo Ekitike.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker search…

Manager David Moyes, as things stand, is still on the search for a new striking addition over one year after club record signing Sebastien Haller departed for Ajax.

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A plethora of forwards have been linked since then, including sensational names like Brazil international Gabriel Barbosa and Lille sensation Jonathan David.

Alas, despite the reports, West Ham still haven’t sealed an alternative to Michail Antonio but that hasn’t stopped them from trying – with the Irons and Newman now tabling an offer for another new target.

The Latest: West Ham table Ekitike bid…

As per le10sport, West Ham have ‘just transmitted an offer’ of around €15 million (£12.5m) to sign Reims striker Ekitike – with the Irons and Newman even willing to loan him back to the Ligue 1 side for six months.

This bid, they claim, is the only one they have received for Ekitike despite reports of a possible €35m (£29.1m) offer from Newcastle United for the forward.

The report add that the 19-year-old is ‘very popular’ in England as he becomes a man in demand – with the Irons, Newcastle and Watford all interested.

The Verdict: Real prospect…

The teenage talent, scoring eight goals and assisting three others in 18 top flight starts this season (Transfermarkt), is in a really rich vein of form at such a young age – leaving little wonder why he is attracting major English interest.

90min reporter and transfer insider Graeme Bailey is certainly a big admirer, branding Ekitike an ‘outstanding’ forward whilst even claiming he ‘could be the next Mbappe’ (Twitter).

As Moyes and co scour France for some of the nation’s top talent, as backed by insider ExWHUemployee, they couldn’t do much better than Reims’ sensation as a real prospect to watch out for.

With any luck, West Ham and Newman can win the race in January.

In other news: ExWHUemployee: West Ham could now move for 63-goal ‘monster’ adored by Irons chiefs, find out more here.

Everton have had a busy transfer window securing three signings early into the window and with Rafa Benitez recently sacked, no further signings have been made or attempted with the Everton board distracted by finding the next manager to lead the side at Goodison Park, but the Toffees have now been linked to a huge player.

What’s the word?

Bundesliga journalist, Christian Falks, has confirmed that Everton are interested in signing Bayern Munich player, Thomas Muller, alongside Newcastle United.

Falks tweeted; “TRUE @Everton and @NUFC want @esmuellert_ (contract til 2023 at @FCBayern).”

It has not been confirmed as to whether this interest is for an immediate move in the last days of the January transfer window or if they are looking to the summer window to snatch the World Cup winner from Bayern Munich.

Imagine him & DCL

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is having a slow start in his return to the side since he endured a long term injury for the majority of this season so far and is yet to score since after missing a penalty in his first game back, with fans surely hoping he can find his form as soon as possible to help Everton climb the Premier League table back into a safe place from their current position just four points shy of the relegation zone.

Muller, who was hailed “world-class” by his former teammate Mario Gomez, has been instrumental to the success of both Bayern Munich and his German national team, winning ten Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues and one World Cup to name just 13 of his 30 trophies won throughout his career so far, and that kind of winning experience is something Everton are desperate for.

The £22.5m-rated star is the third-highest scoring player ever for Bayern Munich, bagging 223 goals and registering 238 assists in his time at the club, with an astonishing goal involvement every 98 minutes he has played.

This phenomenal attacking output could definitely provide Calvert-Lewin with a fierce attacking partner who can change the trajectory massively for Everton’s future in the Premier League.

If the interest is genuine, it is a no brainer for Farhad Moshiri to make a move for the 32-year-old who is still having a huge impact this season with nine goals and 20 assists already in just 29 appearances.

That means Everton should not be put off by his age and should seize the opportunity if it arises to bring Muller to Goodison Park either this month or in the summer, as he’s exactly what Duncan Ferguson needs if he is to remain in charge.

In other news: Alan Myers drops two-word update on Everton manager search

There was a time when Leeds United supporters spitefully shook their heads as the club’s recruitment team neglected important areas of the team in the transfer window.

That had never been truer than when someone like Pascal Struijk joined the Whites.

The Dutch defender didn’t receive a particularly warm welcome but he serves as a fine example for needing to be patient.

He has been crucial this season and in a campaign where the likes of Robin Koch and Liam Cooper have been injured, the emergence of the colossal Struijk has been timely.

But it’s at the other end of the pitch that we want to focus on for the time being where another timely breakthrough act has been discovered.

That falls in the form of Joe Gelhardt, a teenager who is very quickly becoming an important figure at Elland Road.

Star striker Patrick Bamford has featured only once since a bad ankle injury back in September as the previously irremovable object from Bielsa’s side was finally dethroned.

Dan James, Rodrigo, Tyler Roberts and Gelhardt have all been utilised at the top of the pitch in Bamford’s absence but of all of them, it’s the lad the Elland Road faithful know as ‘Joffy’ who has caught the eye the most.

Signed for just over £1m in August 2020, his value and estimations are growing rapidly.

It’s clear to see why, too. He already has 25 career goals across senior and youth level and has taken to Bielsa’s methods like a duck to water, winning a crucial penalty against Wolves and scoring against Chelsea in his limited opportunities this season.

His performances have subsequently earned rave reviews with Leeds Live reporter Bergen Cross who hailed the masterclass done in the transfer window by Victor Orta and co.

He said: “Gelhardt may well be the best bit of business the club has done in the last 20 years, if not ever, because he just looks absolutely outrageous, very, very good player.”

The youngster has been so impressive that he was described as a “human wrecking ball” by Bielsa.

The boss added: “I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage.”

It’s clear that Gelhardt has a quite remarkable amount of potential and for that alone, it is a dream deal.

Combine Bielsa’s affection for the player with his growing importance and it’s hard to disagree with Cross’ bold statement.

He’s certainly someone that can loosen the burden on Bamford’s shoulders in the coming years.

AND in other news, Leeds can finally replace Hernandez with 17 G/A “grafter” who “Bielsa quietly admires”…

Aston Villa fans have spotted Indiana Vassilev in team training at Bodymoor Heath. 

Back in July, Vassilev joined Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami on loan.

But their season came to an end in early November after they finished in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and therefore failed to progress to the play-offs.

Vassilev made 21 appearances for the Florida-based outfit, scoring three goals.

It seems, from footage posted by @AVFCOfficial, that he’s now returned to the Midlands to rejoin his parent club.

What does the future hold for Vassilev?

New manager Steven Gerrard will no doubt run the rule over the American, but Villa could potentially look to secure another loan move for him when the transfer window opens in January.

The 20-year-old has had six outings for Villa’s senior team to date, four of which have come in the Premier League.

He’s a strikingly versatile player, able to operate on either flank, as a centre forward and even as an attacking midfielder.

These Villa fans spot Vassilev in training

“Is that Vassilev?”

Credit: @HarryAVFC_

“Is that Indi Vassilev talking to Konsa at the start of the video?”

Credit: @KevinCorAvfc

“Wait Vassilev?”

Credit: @1874Jacob

“I wonder if he’ll get a chance now he’s back”

Credit: @doc3d

“Since when was Vassilev back?”

Credit: @1874dan

“Anyone else spot Vassilev in this video? Wonder if he’ll be given a chance in the first team”

Credit: @AstonDrilla

In other news, Steven Gerrard wants this left-back.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has ‘called’ former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez ahead of a possible summer swoop.

That’s according to journalist Gerard Romero, and, as to be expected, the update has received plenty of interaction from Villa supporters on social media.

Romero, who has over 300,000 Twitter followers, had previously shared details of an offer from Villa, with Suarez apparently turning down approaches from Palmeiras, Corinthians, Atletico Mineiro and a Saudi Arabian side to focus on a move to the Midlands.

He’s now added that Gerrard has ‘called’ Suarez ‘for the summer’, with the 34-year-old into his last six months on his Atletico Madrid contract.

Gerrard’s former Reds teammate will turn 35 on Monday, but it seems as if a return to the Premier League to reunite with Gerrard and possibly Philippe Coutinho could be on the cards.

Villa fans react

@villareport relayed Romero’s update regarding Suarez on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling a possible move as ‘incredible’.

“Stop it now Stevie”

Credit: @BlackMarcus__

“Would never imagine we’d have Coutinho, Ings and potentially Suarez at Villa with Gerrard as a manager a year ago”

Credit: @JaiGhuman_

“This Will Be An Incredible Signing If It Happens”

Credit: @Jack31998773

“Get him on a 6 month loan then sign for free in the summer”

Credit: @casper197635

“Stevie G getting the band back together at villa park!”

Credit: @VivaAVFC

“Makes more sense. Allows us to offload one of the strikers in the summer then”

Credit: @UTVilla10

In other news: ‘We’ve actually broken Lange’ – Many Villa fans ‘excited’ as more transfer news is now confirmed. 

Leeds United are willing to sell centre-back Robin Koch this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Koch’s poor form

The German was described as ‘horrible’ to watch by Beren Cross in the opening day defeat to Manchester United, and things haven’t got much better for him in the eight months since.

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The 25-year-old has failed to nail down a regular starting spot under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, making just 11 league starts. As per WhoScored, Koch has been the worst-rated senior performer this season with an average match rating of 6.32/10.

He has also missed 38 games with various injuries and illnesses since arriving from Freiburg in a £13m deal in 2020, and it looks as if Marsch and Victor Orta may have had enough of the defender.

The Latest: Elland Road source reveal

Football Insider shared a story regarding Koch after being informed by a source close to Leeds.

They claimed that the Yorkshire club would be willing to listen to offers for the centre-back as they plot a defensive overhaul. The report even adds that an offer between £10m and £11m would be enough for Leeds, who would be making a small loss on the 25-year-old in that case.

The Verdict: Defensive overhaul needed…

Should Leeds remain in the Premier League over the coming weeks, you’d expect that a big summer overhaul is required, with a number of incomings to bolster the small squad that Marsch took over.

The Whites have let in a league-high 68 goals in just 31 games, making it clear to see that they could benefit from a defensive shake-up over the coming months.

Koch has been outperformed by Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente this season, and following links to FC Koln’s Timo Hubers in recent days, it looks as if Koch could be the man to make way.

In other news: Leeds and Marsch handed early injury boost as ‘strong’ player may now return v Watford  

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will keep faith with Ashley Young against Liverpool rather than restoring Matt Targett to the line-up, Ashley Preece has predicted. 

The lowdown

Young has started five Premier League games after returning to Villa Park from Inter Milan, including the last three.

He’s been used as a left midfielder and central midfielder but slotted in at left-back against Leicester City to cover for a sidelined Matt Targett.

Targett was missing after sustaining a head injury in the clash with Manchester City.

But Gerrard says the £15.3million-rated Englishman is ‘ready to go’ ahead of Saturday’s trip to Anfield, having taken a full part in training this week.

The new boss’ predecessor Dean Smith hailed Targett as a ‘standout’ player in the Villa ranks.

The latest

Revealing his predicted XI for Birmingham Live, Preece wrote that the Young was part of a back four that ‘performed superbly’ against Leicester and is ‘expected’ to start once again.

Targett, he says, is set to be named amongst the substitutes.

Elsewhere, Preece reckons John McGinn, Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz will start in midfield, with Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia forming the frontline.

The verdict

How good was Young against Leicester? Well he couldn’t match the SofaScore rating of opposite full-back Matty Cash or two-goal centre-half Ezri Konsa (both 8.2), but he did still pick up a solid 7.0.

The 36-year-old impressively won seven of the 10 ground duels he contested and also recorded two clearances and one block, showing good defensive instincts and bite in the tackle.

Gerrard may hope that he can offer more offensively when called upon – he didn’t create a chance against the Foxes and only managed one cross – but that’s a tough ask against title-chasing Liverpool, where that solidity at the back will be crucial.

In other news, Villa have been offered this UCL star.