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Plenty of Aston Villa fans have waxed lyrical over young midfielder Aaron Ramsey on social media following his display in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday evening.

The 18-year-old signed his first professional contract at Villa Park just last week and netted twice against Brighton & Hove Albion in a 3-0 win.

Ramsey, younger brother of first-team midfielder Jacob, was captaining the side and netted a brace after half time to ensure Villa booked their place in the fifth round.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden had opened the scoring with just under 20 minutes remaining, with Ramsey scoring twice in the space of six minutes to seal the win at Villa Park.

Villa fans react

Aston Villa provided live updates of the clash with the Seagulls on their official Twitter page on Wednesday evening.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say following Ramsey’s second of the game, with one describing the midfielder as ‘unbelievable’.

“What is happening”

Credit: @OcBen

“our future is so good omg”

Credit: @tiwari0216

“WOW!”

Credit: @Billiam40

“He’s unbelievable”

Credit: @AVFCsean_

“Get him in first team right now”

Credit: @camavfc__

“He’s motm by far tonight. Been class.”

Credit: @luckysalt

“He’s actually lit good lord”

Credit: @matty__jeff

In other news: Villa ready to listen to offers to 24y/o star, find out more here. 

Brandon Barker is struggling to impress on loan at Oxford United following his winter transfer window loan move and Steven Gerrard should consider getting rid of the winger in the summer, as it seems clear that he isn’t good enough to be a regular for Rangers at Ibrox next season, particularly in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old joined Rangers from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and has gone on to make 26 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has managed three goals and no assists.

Although he contributed two goals in 10 Premiership appearances in Gerrard’s side this season, also featuring twice in the Europa League, Gerrard clearly felt it was best for his development if he were to get regular football out on loan. However, considering he has played in the English Championship before, the decision for him to join mid-table League One side Oxford seemed a strange one.

Unfortunately, the Englishman has struggled to have much impact in Karl Robinson’s team this season, managing just two goals and two assists in 14 league appearances thus far.

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It seems likely that Gerrard will be adding to his attacking options ahead of next season, and considering he already has the likes of Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo available on the wings, it seems unlikely that Barker will be able to return to Ibrox and establish himself as a first team regular.

Certainly, it seems fair to suggest that, whilst he is a decent player, Barker is nowhere near Champions League level; and if Gerrard wants his side to give a good account of themselves in that competition next season, then he can’t afford to keep players such as the 24-year-old around his squad.

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He reportedly earns £7,500 per week at Rangers, and if the Light Blues can find themselves a buyer for Barker this summer, then it would not be a surprise if they were to cash in on him and bring in someone else, as unfortunately his performances with both Rangers and Oxford in the past two seasons have emphasised that he doesn’t have a promising future at Ibrox.

In other news… Rangers should reignite interest in 27 y/o gem who’s got “all the attributes”.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to Jurgen Klopp’s hint regarding his potential starting lineup against Real Madrid.

The Reds have an enormous game to look forward to on Tuesday evening, as they make the trip to Spain to take on Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Klopp will know the importance of scoring an away goal in the first leg, taking some of the pressure off at Anfield in the return fixture.

It promises to be a fascinating night, as Liverpool look to go one step closer to winning a seventh European Cup in May.

At long last, Klopp actually has a few selection headaches to contend with, with his injury crisis easing on the whole, despite some key figures still missing.

In attack, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota are all available, meaning the Liverpool manager may have to pick three from four to start proceedings.

There is the option of playing the quartet in a 4-2-3-1 formation and leaving out a midfielder, however, and Klopp failed to rule that out in Monday’s press conference:

Liverpool fans call for Klopp to start four attackers

These Liverpool supporters are fully behind the idea of all four starting, providing their thoughts on Twitter.

“Aw give me that Jurgen”

Credit: @foberto_rirmino

“So it’s really coming…”

Credit: @Mwaulanga

“Yaassss Jurgen”

Credit: @ThisMerv

“Please”

Credit: @Meg16960

“Best form of defense is attack. Go right at them”

Credit: @PeterOwens87

“Hoping to see that”

Credit: @kevwe_0

“Release the Kraken!!”

Credit: @Himanshu_ahujaa

“Unleash them JK. Real Madrid haven’t been all that, but annoyingly Zidane finds a way to win. Still confident, though”Credit: @agaffar09In other news, a former England international has talked up Liverpool’s chances of signing one world-renowned player this summer. Read more about it here.

Liverpool finally halted their Anfield woes on Saturday afternoon with a late victory against Aston Villa.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds had initially gone behind to Ollie Watkins’ strike, with Roberto Firmino seeing his equaliser ruled out by a tight offside call from VAR.

However, they did manage to roar back through Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the latter firing in a 90th minute winner.

Despite the right-back proving key for the reigning champions, it was actually his defensive colleague Nathaniel Phillips who should indeed be earning more praise for his performance.

The centre-back, who earns £64k per-week at Anfield, turned in a thoroughly dominant defensive showing throughout the afternoon.

According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old contributed two tackles and a further seven clearances. For comparison, the rest of the Liverpool side could only contribute nine clearances between them throughout the match.

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Whilst his anticipation of danger was extremely impressive, Phillips was also tough to deal with when faced up with his direct opponents.

Of the 17 duels he attempted against Aston Villa both on the ground and in the air, he won a huge 13 of those according to SofaScore – a huge increase on his 7.1 average per match in the Premier League this season.

Phillips was of course pivotal from a defensive standpoint but the Englishman also had his fair share of influence on the ball for the Reds, too.

Of the 72 passes that he completed, the most of every single player in the entire match, three of those were key. Once again, no player for either side completed more key passes than the Liverpool centre-back.

So, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold will draw plenty of praise for what turned out to be his winning strike, Phillips was equally if not more pivotal in the Reds claiming a much sought-after Anfield win in the Premier League.

AND in more news, find out which other young defender the Reds must not sell…

Steven Gerrard looks to have been handed a significant boost at Rangers after Filip Helander recently quashed any rumours of a move away from Ibrox this summer.

The Sweden international has been linked with a move to both Aston Villa and Leicester City recently and there may have been concerns among the Rangers faithful that he could have his head turned by a potential move to the Premier League.

However, the 27-year-old centre-back told Fotbollskanalen recently that it’s “just speculation”, adding: “I feel good here and I have two years left on my contract here. That’s really the only thing I think about. I want to continue to perform well with Rangers and then hope to be able to join the European Championships this summer. This is where my focus lies.”

Are the pieces finally beginning to fall into place for Celtic? Time will tell what happens with the Bhoys’ hunt for a new manager but they have finally received a boost.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Duncan Castles, a pretty major twist is beginning to unravel in Celtic’s Eddie Howe saga.

The 43-year-old was in advanced talks with the Hoops but he has now also spoken to Crystal Palace about the vacancy. That being said, Castles had fresh news for supporters regarding what the Premier League side were trying to achieve.

Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, he said: “It’s my understanding that they’ve (Crystal Palace) been in contact with Frank Lampard, which I think is not a great surprise given that he is available after being dismissed by Chelsea.

“Obviously, a Londoner, based in London, you can see the kind of appeal of bringing Lampard to Crystal Palace, what that would have for the ownership there.”

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Howe was on a three-man shortlist for the role at Selhurst Park; a list that clearly also includes Lampard.

Major boost

Earlier this year it looked as though Lampard had emerged as a contender to take over at Celtic.

The thought of a rivalry ensuing with Steven Gerrard was incredibly mouthwatering. That being said, it’s now Howe that’s in the box seat to become the new manager at Parkhead.

Talks have taken place, the former Bournemouth boss has performed due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters and he also has some backroom staff he wants to bring with him.

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News that Crystal Palace were trying to lure him away from Paradise, therefore, was not good news for Celtic.

However, if the London outfit are now talking to Lampard instead, it can only be a good thing for Dermot Desmond’s pursuit of Howe.

The Englishman isn’t willing to return to management until the summer but this news will limit where he could end up in the summer.

A number of issues remain to be ironed out but a resolution could finally be on the cards.

After the saga that’s played out over the last few weeks with Howe, supporters should be buzzing that the pathway for his potential arrival at Celtic is becoming clearer.

AND in other news, Celtic may be on the verge of repeating Deila’s costly blunder, fans should be fuming…

According to a report by Football Insider, Daniel Levy and co have made an approach through third parties for RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann to join Tottenham.

Indeed, a Lilywhites source has apparently told the outlet that Spurs already established contact via third parties as the search begins for Mourinho’s potential successor.

Tottenham make Nagelsmann contact

The Portuguese was sacked on Monday following a very bizarre 2020/2021 campaign at the helm, one which started off brightly and briefly saw them climb to the top of the Premier League. 

One big highlight was thrashing Manchester United 6-1, and another reaching the Carabao Cup final, but a dismal run of form after the New Year eventually resulted in his official dismissal.

Now, as per Football Insider, Tottenham have made contact for Nagelsmann as a possible heir and are keen to enquire over his interest in the vacant post.

In the mean time, the club have confirmed that Ryan Mason will take interim charge for the remainder of this season.

The Lilywhites face stern competition from Bayern Munich for Nagelsmann but are apparently hopeful they can steal a march.

Transfer Tavern take

Lauded as a ‘fearless’ coach by Leipzig regular Tyler Adams (Bundesliga), he has held in very high esteem by sections of the media – and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola even heaped praise on Nagelsmann as far back as three years ago.

His glowing reputation and electric brand of football is one of the main reasons why we believe he is a great managerial candidate and should be the number one priority for Spurs – especially considering he has been dubbed Europe’s ‘most exciting’ coaching talent (Lutz Pfannenstiel via Goal).

A report from the Daily Mail recently even claimed that those within Tottenham see him as the ‘perfect’ option – and it’s hard to argue with their assessment.

In other news: Tottenham could also turn to this ‘excellent’ £1 million-per-year coach, find out more here.

Leeds could be set for a huge boost with the news that Stuart Dallas is set for a new contract at Elland Road.

What’s the story?

The Northern Ireland international has been a revelation all season, and since moving into central midfield in recent weeks, has added a goal-scoring touch to his game too, including a match-winning brace against Manchester City.

Now, Football Insider claim that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are set to enter into negotiations with Dallas’ representatives at the end of the Premier League season about a new deal as they look to reward him for his fine form.

Dallas’ current contract has another two years to run, but “United are keen to reward him with an extension and pay hike”.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Given just how consistent Dallas has been all season, news that he’s set to be rewarded with a new contract at the end of the season will be music to the ears of both Bielsa and the club’s supporters.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay made it clear just how good he has been, saying: “I went for Dallas as Player of the Year last season as well. I’ve almost run out of things to say about him. He’s like the T-1000 from Terminator. Tell him to be a goalkeeper and he turns himself into one (without indiscriminately killing people at the same time).”

With his ability to play virtually anywhere across the pitch, Dallas is an absolute manager’s dream, and it’s no surprise that Bielsa himself has made it clear just how much he rates him.

He said: “I had a player like Dallas before in Javier Zanetti, and Julio Saldana when I had my first experience of management at Newell’s Old Boys. Those two players are very like Dallas in terms of their versatility.

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“Dallas is a very potent, powerful player and can play with either foot. In the majority of the games that the team has played, he has been one of our best players.”

A new deal for Leeds’ footballing version of a Swiss Army knife will have Bielsa absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds could finally wave goodbye to this £9m-rated “massive flop”…

Ralph Hasenhuttl has made a big claim ahead of next season, with the Austrian suggesting that he is confident that Danny Ings will stay with the South Coast club this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Hampshire Live), the former RB Leipzig boss suggested that:

“I think Danny, especially, will stay with us.

“He knows that with all of his injuries that he has had, he has a very good spot to perform and come back – and I think this is important for a player.

“It’s a risk to go into a final year of a contract with the risk of getting another injury, then things can be gone.”

The 28-year-old’s contract with Southampton is set to expire at the end of next season and the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with him ahead of the summer.

Ings has reportedly revealed that he is keen to join a team playing European football which, unfortunately, will be impossible with Southampton next season, but Hasenhuttl has repeatedly suggested that his star striker is not for sale this summer.

Despite facing injury issues this season, the former Liverpool man is still Southampton’s top scorer with 10 Premier League goals to his name from 25 appearances.

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Although he hasn’t been able to match his tally from last season, when he hit 22 top-flight goals, he has still regularly shown his quality this year, with Southampton’s best performances coming earlier in the campaign as Ings and Che Adams were on top form up front.

After Ings’ last move to a top club didn’t work out, with injuries seriously marring his time at Liverpool, Southampton took a chance on signing him and it has certainly paid off, with him having 44 goals and 10 assists to his name during his time at St Mary’s.

Earlier in the season, Tottenham Hotspur podcaster Lee McQueen was full of praise for Ings, saying:

“His stats, his duels, his goals, his work rate [are] absolutely phenomenal. He’d be an unbelievable signing.”

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However, from what Hasenhuttl suggests, Southampton may well be able to keep hold of Ings for next season, which would undoubtedly be a huge boost for their hopes of enjoying a successful 2021/22 campaign.

And, in other news… Saints suffer devastating blow to “very good” gem, his time is finally up 

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Rodrigo de Paul could be an exceptional addition to the Whites’ midfield this summer.

The Lowdown: Midfield addition required for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have enjoyed a triumphant return to the Premier League this season, sitting 11th in the table and rarely looking relegation-threatened.

The aim to is to keep moving forward as a team, however, and there have been times when Leeds have looked a little light in midfield, with Kalvin Phillips arguably relied upon too much – they have lost seven of the nine matches without him in the top flight.

De Paul is one player the Whites have been linked with helping solve that issue, having shone for Udinese this season, registering eight goals and assists apiece in Serie A as a box to box dynamo with some serious creative flair.

The Latest: Whelan waxes lyrical over De Paul

Someone who clearly wants to see the 26-year-old in a Leeds shirt is Whelan, who told Football Insider that the £34.2million-rated Argentine could be the perfect man to come in and add competition in midfield:

“We need another midfielder. Someone with a bit of tenacity who can provide assists and goals. We need a player that is a level above what we currently have if we want to progress further.

“There has been so much talk about Rodrigo de Paul coming to Leeds last summer and I did not think for one second that he would be a player we forgot about. They seemed desperate to get him on board. It does not surprise me to hear we might be making a second move for him.

“What a player, he would definitely improve the team. I have seen clips of him and he has bags of energy, a great eye for a pass and can score a goal as well. He would provide really strong competition in the middle.

“I am sure the club recognise it is a position we need to strengthen in this summer.”

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The Verdict: Leeds should seal De Paul move

De Paul ticks all the boxes, in terms of an ideal summer signing for Leeds, possessing quality and end product from midfield, but also averaging 1.3 tackles per game in the league this season.

He is an all-round midfielder in the mould of Phillips, but in a more forward-thinking sense, as his aforementioned goals and assists tally highlights.

Not only that, but 19 caps for Argentina also speaks volumes, and working alongside his countryman Bielsa could take De Paul’s game to another level.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly interested in a move for a winger this summer – find out who it is here.