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Celtic are reportedly monitoring Hibernian goalkeeper Ofir Marciano ahead of the summer window.

There has been a key development regarding his future, with Hibernian manager Jack Ross confirming that the 31-year-old has turned down a new contract at Easter Road.

Premier League ambitions

Marciano, who has made 145 appearances for Hibernian and has turned out 23 times for Israel, will now leave the club at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

Celtic aren’t the only side who have been linked with the shot-stopper. Hapoel Be’er Sheva are another club thought to be keen on Marciano, who has Premier League ambitions.

Transfer Tavern take

It remains to be seen what Celtic’s goalkeeping plans are for the 2021/22 campaign, but statistically a move for Marciano could be a shrewd one.

He has kept 12 clean sheets in the Premiership this season, the same number as Scott Bain and more than Vasilis Barkas (10).

Performance-wise, Marciano leads the way among the trio, as per WhoScored. The Israeli averages a Premiership match rating of 6.73, up on Barkas’ score of 6.49 and Bain’s 6.62.

Conor Hazard recently penned new Parkhead terms, so you’d expect that either Barkas or Bain would have to make way in order for Marciano to come in.

In other news: Celtic are keen to talk to teenage ace who attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus last year, find out more here.

The first FLW Fans’ Player of the Month awards of 2021 are here and, in this instance, we’re looking at the best performances in Sky Bet League One.

January is always a testing time for clubs in the EFL and the third tier has seen plenty more action in recent weeks as clubs jostle for position.

Throw in the unprecedented circumstances this season has provided and you get quite the potent mix for players and managers to deal with, though the six footballers below seem to have done so with aplomb.

Here, we take a look at the six League One players who impressed us so much that they’ve earned nominations for the FLW Fans’ Player of the Month award.

All stats courtesy of Whoscored.

The Goalkeepers Nominee: Nathan Baxter

Accrington Stanley continued their fine run this season in January with them looking like real play-off contenders at the moment.

Baxter was solid in goal for the Lancashire club with two clean sheets during the month, whilst he also recorded 19 saves in the process to keep Stanley well on track.

The Midfielders Nominees: Josh Ruffels, Taylor Richards, Jake Forster-Caskey, Tayo Edun

Ruffels underlined his quality for Oxford United in January with a string of fine performances.

Over the course of the month, he scored three goals and set up a further two strikes for the men in yellow, with them going on a good run of form to help them continue their recovery after a sluggish start to the campaign.

Picture courtesy of Heather King Photography

Doncaster Rovers are the form team in Sky Bet League One at the moment and are eyeing top spot with the likes of Lincoln City and Hull City in their sights.

Richards was important in their challenge over the first month of 2021 with him scoring three goals and also helping his temporary side record four shutouts defensively.

Charlton had a bit of an up and down month in League One but Forster-Caskey still did well on an individual basis.

The Addicks midfielder scored twice and laid on a further assist for a team-mate as the men from SE7 continued their play-off battle.

He’ll likely be crucial in the coming months as Lee Bowyer looks to get his side on a run between now and the end of the season.

Edun helped Lincoln City along nicely in their bid to win the third tier title with a goal and an assist for the Imps.

Michael Appleton’s men have been one of the sides to beat so far this season and that looks set to continue, with them recording impressive wins over Portsmouth and Burton Albion.

The Strikers Nominee: Stephen Humphrys

Finally, Stephen Humphrys is the only attacker that makes this list with him impressing at Rochdale bid for survival in the third tier.

He scored five goals from his 22 shots in the month of January, including a thumping free-kick against Charlton Athletic in a mad 4-4 draw at The Valley.

Rochdale have been involved in some really entertaining games this season, and Humphrys profited from that big-time last month.

To cast your vote and pick your winner, click here.

Leeds United star Raphinha has had a solid debut season in the Premier League and it has not gone unnoticed, with clubs like Liverpool monitoring the winger. Phil Hay has provided an insight on his contract and discussed his arrival at Elland Road.

Hay discusses Raphinha

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, via MOT Leeds News, one fan asked: “Do you know if Raphinha has a sell-on clause in his contract? Or a buy out clause? It seems ludicrous that Rennes have sold him for that price to us.”

Hay responded to this query, saying, “There are clauses in it. It was £17m plus add-ons but I’m not aware of a buy-out clause. You’re right about Rennes. I can’t understand their thinking at all. They seemed happy to take what they could get for him and essentially cover the cost of what they paid to Sporting CP. Very odd.”

Leeds have found a gem in Raphinha

Earlier this season, Hay waxed lyrical about the Brazilian, tweeting: ‘Raphinha btw. Seventeen million squids. Bargain.’ It is easy to see why he said this – in his 21 league appearances (including three from the bench), the 24-year-old has picked up five goals and five assists (Transfermarkt), a fantastic return for a relatively young player in a new league with a promoted team.

Journalist Henry Winter also waxed lyrical about the Leeds ace, saying: ‘Raphinha one of the stars of the season, one of the buys of the season’.

His underlying attacking stats show that he is unlucky not to have more goals, too, as he has managed 2.3 shots, 2.1 key passes and 1.7 successful dribbles per game (WhoScored) – stats which rank him highly among his teammates (he is second for shots and right at the top for key passes and dribbles among Leeds’ squad).

With all this taken into account, it is easy to see why Hay believes the club got a great deal for the Brazilian and the club need to do everything to hold onto Raphinha as he looks to be a good talent and has the potential to become even better in the near future.

In other news, one integral Leeds player is on the lookout for a new club!

Some Manchester United fans have been destroying the display of Mason Greenwood despite his side winning 1-0 against Wolves in the Premier League.

The England international did not have the best of games at all for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team as his blushes were spared when Marcus Rashford scored in injury time to give the Red Devils the three points at Old Trafford and move them up to second place in the table.

He was subsequently subbed off for Anthony Martial just after the hour mark, having been largely ineffective in the match, losing out on five of his duels while also failing to record a single shot on goal or successful dribble, all while losing possession of the ball no fewer than nine times in the clash (Sofascore).

Manchester United fan reaction to Greenwood display

These supporters destroyed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even describing the 19-year-old striker as ‘selfish’:

“What has actually happened to Mason Greenwood?? He has been so bad this season #MUNWOL”

Credit: @Manutd_Daily123

“I have no idea what Wolves have done to deserve this loss. Idk which match is Ole saving Van De Beek for? Idk what Pogba, Greenwood & Wan Bissaka really offer to this side? Idk whether a RWB or RW is a required by Ole but I’d buy one to have an attack from the RW. #MUNWOL #MUFC”

Credit: @A_s_h_C_a_r

“Greenwood is so overrated… Just shoot and inshallah…. I am a United fan and there are almost 5 youngsters better than him.. Terrible footballer #MUNWOL”

Credit: @_itarex_

“Can someone pls ask Ole, what more does he need to see from Greenwood in this game? He’s lost at sea, he needs to make way for someone with experience. Btw, is someone going to have a quiet word with Bruno or what? Losing ball possession like he’s entitled to it #MUFC #MUNWOL”

Credit: @kayblow76

“Greenwood is selfish it’s so disgusting #MUNWOL”

Credit: @Mohauolva

“Greenwood is so arrogant with the ball. He has so much to learn. Doesn’t know how to pass yet. #MUFC #MUNWOL”

Credit: @TheSethWyatt

In other news, find out who was destroyed for his display versus Leicester here!

Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup and continued their dreadful start to the new year as they were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

A brace from Mohamed Salah was not enough for Jurgen Klopp’s side, as goals from Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes earned the home side the victory, to set up a fifth-round tie with West Ham.

Whilst young Rhys Williams struggled on his return to the side, it was perhaps the performance of Andrew Robertson that will concern Jurgen Klopp the most, with the Scottish international nowhere near his best on Sunday afternoon.

As per SofaScore, the left-back would pick up a dreadful 5.9 rating for his display, which was the second-worst of any player on the pitch, with only Williams rated lower.

The 26-year-old was caught way out of position for United’s first goal of the game and couldn’t get back to stop Greenwood from scoring, and resorted to shouting at the young forward, presumably in an attempt to put him off.

It seems as if Greenwood had the better of Robertson throughout the game, as he was rated as United’s best player, earning an 8.3/10 for his performance.

The former Hull City man was also dribbled past on four occasions, suggesting that he struggled defensively during the game at Old Trafford.

Robertson also failed to win any of his five duels during the game, meaning he was the only outfield player from either team who started the game and didn’t win a single duel.

The £67.5 million-rated left-back also struggled when going forwards, as he lost possession on 11 occasions, played no key passes and failed to find a Liverpool shirt with any of his crosses.

For comparison, the Scottish defender has averaged 1.9 key passes per game in the Premier League this season, emphasising that United were able to completely nullify his attacking threat on Sunday afternoon.

Therefore, whilst Williams struggled, he is only 19-years-old and was thrown into a pressure situation by Klopp so it was always going to be tough for him, whereas Robertson has plenty of experience in these sorts of matches but he also produced a really poor display, one that Klopp would not have been expecting.

And, in other news… one ex-PL player suggests Klopp should try to re-sign this former Liverpool star…

Leeds United suffered a tough defeat on the road last weekend after title-challengers Chelsea brushed them aside in a 3-1 win. Despite Patrick Bamford’s keen eye to capitalise on an early defensive error, Frank Lampard’s men rallied and extended their unbeaten league run to nine games.

Whilst the match had a few things to concern Marcelo Bielsa – including Robin Koch’s injury – there was a lot of positive takeaways for the Argentinian.

A boost as Leeds prepare for West Ham

Kalvin Phillips recently returned to action for the Whites after missing three matches due to a shoulder injury. Leeds have lost just the one game since he rejoined the squad and he will prove to be key in Friday’s clash with West Ham.

The England international was the man behind the creativity to set up Bamford for Leeds’ opening goal against Chelsea. The £50,000 per week midfielder hooked a lovely ball with his weaker foot to the lurking striker, who made no mistake in front of an open net.

Noel Whelan lauded Phillips for his inch-perfect pass, labelling it as “perfect” and claiming that it would be topic of conversation for weeks if Kevin de Bruyne had made it.

Indeed, the 25-year-old has made a huge difference in the Leeds midfield and he will be crucial against the Irons. Not only will he help defend against the threat of Sebastien Haller, but he has shown he is capable of creating chances that really catch the opposition off guard.

Bielsa will undoubtedly be thrilled with his impact since his return from injury and will be hoping to see more of the same this weekend.

In other news, Leeds United made an error in not signing Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez…

David Moyes must show no mercy and drop Pablo Fornals from the West Ham United starting line-up after the Spaniard provided a torturous display against Crystal Palace.

Fornals maintained his 100 per cent record for opening Premier League fixtures this season when the Hammers draw 1-1 with the Eagles on Wednesday night, but was hauled off at the break after struggling to provide any quality.

The 24-year-old strolled freely around the pitch, much to his side’s expense, with Palace able to capitalise on Fornals’ lack of positional awareness to score while leaving Aaron Cresswell woefully exposed at left-back in various two-vs-one situations.

Eberechi Eze had a field day on the right-side of Roy Hodgson’s midfield in the early stages with Fornals struggling to establish himself, consistently receiving the ball and looking like a real threat able to deliver dangerous crosses into the West Ham box.

Palace would have hoped to see Fornals remain on the pitch at the interval, feeling the £67,308-per-week Spaniard was a weak link they could look to further exploit, only to be left disappointed with Moyes calling time on his night at the mid-way mark.

Moyes has been reluctant to deviate from his tried and tested starting line-up for much of the season so far, believing Fornals and Jarrod Bowen, in particular, had been performing at an undroppable level.

“The boys in the team are playing really well, it’s not easy to say sorry, we’re bringing someone else in,” the former Manchester United boss said, via quotes by the Evening Standard last month.

“If you come to the club it’s a great thing, it’s great competition behind the player and gives the players in the team more reason to perform well.”

Moyes must now realise that the time is up for Fornals in the starting line-up after his torturous display against Crystal Palace, which should ensure he sees kick-off against Chelsea on Monday night from the dugout and not the field.

Fornals only attempted two ground duels, winning one, during the first half on Wednesday night, per SofaScore, while offering just a single shot that was off target and one key ball from 14 accurate passes.

He never attempted to deliver a cross into the Eagles’ box for Sebastien Haller, who pulled West Ham level with a spectacular bicycle kick, or attempt to beat a Palace player with a dribble, as Fornals consistently sought to keep play simple with only one long pass recorded.

Defensively, Fornals was invisible in most, with just three interceptions to show for his overall efforts, which saw the £24million Manuel Pellegrini signing register one touch in the visitor’s penalty area and one additional touch in the final third, per WhoScored.

Moyes may not like to change a side who avoided defeat, but Fornals will not be the answer to claiming a win at Stamford Bridge on Monday either.

AND in other news, a rarely-seen West Ham titan who “has a long way to go” is emerging as an emergency solution for a Premier League big hitter.

According to 90min, Newcastle are among a host of Premier League clubs following Mexico international Orbelin Pineda.

What’s the word?

With the Magpies enjoying a successful transfer window over the summer and getting a number of Premier League proven players in, it appears the Tyneside club are still casting their net far and wide.

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90min claim that Steve Bruce’s side are one of a number of teams scouting Pineda, with the versatile midfielder keen on finally making the move away from his native Mexico and playing in Europe.

Another Miguel Almiron

When you look at Pineda’s style of play – he’s quick, energetic and able to play across the midfield and out wide – you can’t help but feel that the Magpies would just be getting another Miguel Almiron.

Writing in a “Ones to Watch” article on ESPN, Mexico correspondent, Tom Marshall said: “Technically sharp, skillful and with a turn of pace to burst past opponents, he has an appetite for big games. He appears as relaxed in front of 80,000 people at the Estadio Azteca as he would be back in Guerrero having a kick around with his friends.

“The fact he has already taken on and succeeded following the crucial move to Chivas — a big club even by European standards — also bodes well.”

Despite playing in more advanced areas of the field, the 24-cap international has a very questionable goals to game ratio in his time in Mexico. He managed a paltry 10 goals in 128 games at Guadalajara, before netting just eight times in 68 games at current club Cruz Azul.

The fact that Almiron has managed nine goals in 61 games, and that too in the Premier League, makes it all the more confusing why the club would want to take a punt on a player who may need time to adapt.

According to The Athletic, Glasgow Rangers’ current squad is valued at £170m, which is £115m more than last year and £67m more than Ross Wilson projected it would be this season.

True worth of the Rangers squad revealed

Last year, Ross Wilson said that the Ibrox outfit’s squad was valued at £55m, with a projected value of £103m.

However, that number appears to have significantly changed. In a report from The Athletic, which says that the Gers are the 47th best team in the world, they have arrived at a far higher value. The data comes from 21st Club, a football data analysis company.

Shows Gers’ improvement

This illustrates just how far the Gers have come recently under the tutelage of Wilson and Steven Gerrard. They currently top the Premiership by nine points, lead their Europa League group along with Benfica and are unbeaten in all 20 games they have played this campaign.

There is great news on the pitch, and indeed off it. The value of certain players is far higher than the transfer fees the club parted with to sign them. For example, Connor Goldson cost £3m and is now worth £16m, whilst Borna Barisic is valued at £12m after being acquired for £2.2m. All in all, this puts the 54-time Scottish champions in a strong position – they will be hoping it continues for as long as possible.

In other news, international fans slam this Rangers star.

Portsmouth have confirmed the season-long loan signing of Rasmus Nicolaisen from FC Midtjylland via their official website.

With the summer transfer window currently open, manager Kenny Jackett has thus far made four signings, with Cameron Pring, Callum Johnson, Sean Raggett and Michael Jacobs all coming in at Fratton Park.

A poor start to the new League One season for Pompey has seen them fail to find the back of the net, being held to consecutive 0-0 draws by Shrewsbury Town and Rochdale.

Jackett has now another defender in the name of Nicolaisen in enhancing his squad for the remainder of the League One campaign.

The 23-year-old originally began his career at FC Midtjylland, winning the Danish Cup in 2019 and the Danish Superliga last season (as per Transfermarkt).

The deal is subject to international clearance and Jackett has given his thoughts on the signing of the Dane.

“We’ve been working hard to bring in a left-footed centre-back and felt it was the right time to branch out into the European market.

“Rasmus is someone who’s been on our radar for quite a while now and joins us from a very good club.

“He was very keen to come to England and so we’re delighted to be able to sign him on loan. I’m sure it will be a positive partnership for him and us.”

After another defensive addition to Portsmouth’s squad, some fans might be wondering when some attacking players may arrive.

Two clean sheets in the opening two League One games is good, but a failure to score must be addressed at the risk of Pompey missing out on promotion yet again.

Pompey fans, do you think Nicolaisen will be given a large amount of playing time this season? Let us know your views in the comments section below…