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A number of Liverpool fans have been calling for Roberto Firmino to leave this summer, having been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian has been a wonderful player for the Reds, becoming one of the poster boys of the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield and winning both the Champions League and Premier League.

Firmino leads the line in his own unique way, pressing relentlessly off the ball and proving to be selfless on it, dropping deep and allowing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane space in behind.

The 29-year-old may have contributed a huge amount for Liverpool down the years, but he hasn’t been himself for a sustained period now.

Firmino’s performances have dropped off for around a year, and for the first time, there are now real question marks about his place in the team, especially with Diogo Jota now such an influential member of the squad.

According to El Gol Digital [via TEAMtalk], Atletico are eyeing up a move for the Liverpool star, potentially viewing him as a replacement for Luis Suarez.

Liverpool fans call for Firmino to leave

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to talk up the idea of Firmino leaving, with many now believing it is time for him to move on.

“Swap deal for Felix + £40M-£65M”

Credit: @Umin01253591

“Yessssssss Suarez is coming home”

Credit: @paulo060802

“Sell him please”

Credit: @kieranfn18

“Swap for Felix”

Credit: @skratzz

“Please I beg”

Credit: @MDHanif_7

“Atletico Madrid interested in Firmino, $71M should be good deal imo”

Credit: @LFCSai7

In other news, Liverpool have been tipped to make a double signing this summer – find out more here.

Crystal Palace will assess the condition of their 20-year-old midfielder Michael Olise ahead of today’s evening kick-off against Leeds United.

What’s the latest?

Friday morning’s press conference (via Football.London) saw Palace boss Patrick Vieira drop a revelation on Michael Olise’s foot injury that saw him prematurely withdrawn last time out against Newcastle United.

Speaking to the media, he said: “With Michael Olise – we were off yesterday and today, so we have to wait until tomorrow. But, yes, we took him off early in the [Newcastle] game as he wasn’t feeling 100 percent.”

A mini-update of sorts was then revealed by producer Conor McGilligan on Twitter who shared he was “definitely a doubt.”

Olise omission

In what is his debut season in the Premier League, Olise has struggled to assert himself as a regular under Patrick Vieira, starting just 34% of the Eagles’ Premier League fixtures.

Though you cannot argue against his impact for Palace this season, with his accumulation of seven goal contributions (two goals and five assists) in a total of 23 appearances in the league.

The Frenchman’s five assists this season see him rank first in the Eagles set-up, ahead of Conor Gallagher’s total of three assists in the league.

Along the same lines, his chance creation is what Palace will miss the most, with his total of seven big chances created again placing him ahead of Gallagher and ranking him first in the squad.

At just 20-year-old, Olise is an outstanding creative asset for Vieira’s side and in the appearances, he has made, has acted as the glue for his side’s efforts in possession, with his average of 49 passes per 90 and goal-creating actions of 0.62 placing him within the elite category amongst positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year.

For extra context, Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong averages 56 passes per match, so Olise is kicking it with the best of them and it is not going unnoticed.

Vieira will certainly be worried if he has to make do without the French starlet’s brilliance in the side tonight in what will be a real let-off for Leeds United.

In other news: Vieira must finally unleash CPFC’s £15.3m “delight” today, he will terrify Leeds…

With Rangers’ managing director Stewart Robinson recently stating that the club may be forced to sell some of its prized assets in the summer to boost their financial position, Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, James Tavernier and Kai Kennedy are a handful of names that immediately spring to mind.

The latter of whom happens to be a highly talented teenager and with his contract set to expire in 2023, it’s understandable why the club might be tempted to cash in on the promising starlet.

Rangers youngster Kennedy, who was once dubbed a “fabulous little player” by Steven Gerrard, recently signed a new two-year contract that will keep him at his boyhood club for the foreseeable future. However, the 18-year-old has previously attracted interest from the likes of European giants Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Roma, as well as Premier League strugglers Sheffield United.

But all that talk will have to wait for now, however, as he is continuing to make waves in the Championship with Raith Rovers after a short stint with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The scorer of two goals and supplier of four assists this season, Kennedy has caught the eye with his flair for the theatrics, while he is proving to be a force to be reckoned with his combination of pace, physicality, athleticism and technique.

Don’t let his small stature deceive you – a return of three assists sees him rank sixth in the Championship this season, which shows that he is a real menace for the opposition.

Following the arrival of Scott Wright from Aberdeen, Kennedy could’ve been forgiven for feeling a little anxious about his long-term prospects.

But Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson’s recent comments show just how highly he is rated within the club.

“Kai consistently stated during all of our conversations that his ultimate ambition is to be a successful Rangers player and we are pleased we have a clear plan that allows him to move towards achieving the ambition he has held since joining our Academy as a young lad.

“He has progressed beyond our B Team and he needs to develop and influence strongly at first-team level now. We were pleased with his performances at Inverness and thank John Robertson for his work with Kai.

“For personal reasons, Kai wanted to be closer to his family during Covid times and we look forward to monitoring his contribution to Raith Rovers in their pursuit of promotion.”

Intuitive, quick and capable of bringing the ball out to put his side on the front foot, it looks like Kennedy has a bright future ahead of him. Whether he will be plying his trade at Ibrox next season remains to be seen, as he may end up leaving on loan, but whoever acquires his services will be delighted to get their hands on one of Scottish football’s hottest prospects.

AND in other news, Ianis Hagi stars in Rangers’ 1-0 win over St Johnstone…

West Ham United have held talks with Czech Republic midfielder Alex Kral, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

That’s the latest claim from Sky Sports, who suggest that the 23-year-old’s representatives have spoken to as many as five Premier League teams over a potential move this summer, with the Irons believed to be one of them.

It comes just a few days after The Mirror on Sunday (23rd May, page 74) reported that the Hammers are attempting to bring the Spartak Moscow star to the London Stadium ahead of the upcoming window and that he is expected to cost in the region of £14m.

Kral is said to have been in touch with both of West Ham’s current Czech duo, Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal.

Another bargain

Could David Moyes be about to unearth another gem on the cheap? It certainly seems so.

Despite looking like the spitting image of Arsenal’s David Luiz, Kral is more a defensive midfielder with tendencies to drift further forward – very much similar to his international teammate and Irons bargain, Soucek.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Speaking about his own role, the 23-year-old dynamo claimed his manager sees him “as a defensive player” but also suggested his best role may be as a no.8, he said:

“In general, my optimal role is number eight, just between [the] six and [the] ten. I can defend more than now, but it all depends on the opponent.”

The 6 foot 1 powerhouse ended the campaign in Russia on 1.5 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 2.1 long balls, and a squad-high 56 passes per game, via WhoScored, proving he’s very much an integral part of Spartak’s engine room.

Indeed, they know it too, as their official Twitter account claimed that “he can do it all.”

That shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given he has drawn inspiration from Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos, who is arguably one of the best to ever do it, as well as Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

Kral has also played in defence, earning him the tag of being “one of the most versatile youngsters in world football” from talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also suggested that he was “extremely solid,” had “so many qualities” and will one day be “one of the leaders of the Czech” national side.

If Moyes can win the race to sign him, then the Hammers could certainly have another Soucek-like bargain on their hands. £14m in a snip in this current day and age.

GSB must get this deal over the line.

AND in other news, David Moyes set to receive major West Ham transfer boost…

Ange Postecolgou has been asked if he’s been offered the chance to become Celtic’s new manager by reporter Dan Orlowitz.

The Lowdown: A busy few days…

Celtic’s search for a new permanent boss has taken plenty of twists and turns in recent months, however, the last few days have been manic.

The Hoops were thought to be closing in on Eddie Howe, only to see a deal dramatically collapse on Friday afternoon due to budget, backroom staff and personal issues.

Hours on from the development, Celtic were thought to be in advanced talks with Postecolgou, who took charge of Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos on Sunday.

The Latest: Postecolgou’s response

Postecolgou guided Yokohama F. Marinos to a 2-1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse to take the club 15 points behind leaders Kawasaki.

As to be expected, he was asked about a potential move to Scotland after the game. This is what Orlowitz posted on Sunday morning, admitting the 55-year-old refused to comment on a move to Parkhead and insisted he was focused on his role with Yokohama F. Marinos.

“BREAKING: In response to my questions, Ange Postecolgou won’t comment on whether or not he’s been offered Celtic job, says he’s focused on his current job at Marinos.”

The Verdict: Not a surprise…

It’s not a shock to see Postecolgou batting off any questions regarding Celtic without a real answer.

It seems as if he may well be the man in the Celtic Park hot seat next season, though, and a deal for the Australian could prove to be a huge gamble by the Hoops board.

Fergal Harkin, who looks set to become the club’s new director of football, maybe the driving force behind a move for Postecolgou. Yokohama are part of the City Football Group, so Harkin, Manchester City’s football partneerships manager, likely knows him very well.

Considering Howe appeared to be Celtic’s main target for a number of weeks, a move for Postecolgou has appeared to gather pace quickly, but after the Howe disaster, the new candidate keeping his cards close to his chest is a good thing.

The Hoops have reportedly been tracking Postecolgou for months, so it seems as if they know just what they’ll be getting, however, it’s obvious he was never the club’s first choice, so it’ll be interesting to see how he may fare in Scotland.

In other news: Celtic still hold interest in Scottish Premiership ace, find out more here.