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Brendan Rodgers could make a huge call tonight by dropping Jamie Vardy for Leicester City’s Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion.

The Foxes host Sam Allardyce’s men at the King Power Stadium aiming to continue their push for a UEFA Champions League place so it would be an odd move perceivably for Rodgers to drop one of his main stars – especially with Vardy having scored 14 goals in all competitions this season.

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However, leaving the former England striker on the bench against the Baggies – a side against whom he has scored six goals in nine Premier League appearances – could actually be beneficial going forwards.

Put simply, the £9m-rated striker is woefully out of form. He has scored just one goal in all competitions since the turn of the year, that solitary strike being a tap in against Liverpool.

In fact, he has now failed to find the net in each of his last seven league matches, one of his longest runs without a Premier League goal since making his debut in the competition in 2014.

Whilst Vardy has been going through that lean patch though, there has been a man to pick up the mantle which has certainly not been the case in the past. Kelechi Iheanacho is in exhilarating form having now scored 15 goals this season – ten of those alone coming since Vardy was last on the scoresheet.

It goes without saying then that dropping the former England star to the bench would not be as hampering for the Foxes as it once was.

Aside from his poor form, it could actually be beneficial to give Vardy a rest regardless. After this game, Leicester then have another Premier League clash to consider as they’ll face Crystal Palace on Monday.

Having also played 90 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday against Southampton, three games in just over a week might well put too much strain for the 34-year-old. With this game being their second in just four days, it might well be enough for Rodgers to drop Vardy to the bench, especially against the worst team in the division.

It is certainly a big call from the Leicester boss having only left the striker out of the starting XI on three occasions this season but it could well be beneficial for the Foxes.

AND in more news, take a look at which striker signing Leicester must prioritise this summer…

Rangers have been heavily linked with Morecambe star Carlos Mendes Gomes in recent weeks but it appears as if Steven Gerrard’s hopes of bringing him to Ibrox this summer have taken a significant blow.

According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers are very interested in signing the winger this summer and it had appeared as if they would be able to bring him to Ibrox on a free transfer, due to his contract with The Shrimps being set to expire at the end of the season.

However, Morecambe manager Derek Adams has now delivered a crucial update on the 22-year-old, suggesting that he was ‘comfortable’ with Rangers’ interest in him, as the club have an option in his current contract to extend his deal by another year, something which they will be taking up in the coming weeks.

This means that if Rangers want to bring the Spanish forward to Ibrox this summer, they will have to pay a fee, which could prove to be a significant one, given his impressive performances in League Two this season.

In 40 appearances, the former Atletico Madrid youngster has contributed 15 goals and four assists, which has earned him a solid 6.99 average rating.

His goals have helped Morecambe enjoy a superb season in England’s fourth tier, as after their 4-3 win against Oldham Athletic at the weekend, they currently sit in fourth position, just one point outside the automatic promotion spots.

If the Lancashire side were to achieve promotion, then it would likely only increase Mendes Gomes’ asking price further, so it may prove difficult for Ross Wilson to sign him this summer.

After an impressive performance against Scunthorpe recently, Adams was full of praise for his top scorer, saying:

“Carlos is a fantastic boy, you can tell that by his work ethic in training and in games.”

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Therefore, it is disappointing news from Rangers’ perspective that he won’t be available on a free transfer this summer, as he could have been an excellent addition to Gerrard’s side, and this update suggests that the Light Blues may well end up waiting until next summer before making their move for Mendes Gomes.

And, in other news… Gerrard has a huge decision to make over “terrific” Rangers ace after rampant Old Firm display

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Daniel Pinder, Editor-in-Chief at Get German Football News, believes that Ibrahima Konate is a much better player than Ozan Kabak who is on loan at Liverpool, and has hailed him as one of the best young defenders.

It has been reported that Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Konate this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to provide more strength in depth at the back after suffering a defensive crisis this season.

The 21-year old is capable of playing as both a right-back and centre back and he’s been impressing alongside fellow countrymen, Dayot Upamecano, who will be signing for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Speaking on what makes him one of the best young defenders and if he is better than what Liverpool already have in Kabak, Pinder spoke exclusive to FFC:

“He’s tall, quick, is strong in the tackle and he can bring the ball out of defence so I think in comparing him to Ozan Kabak, he’s a much better player than Kabak.

“I think Konate really is one of the best young defenders in football right now.”

Despite being just 21-years old, he has been a mainstay in Julain Naggelsmann’s side who have pushed Bayern Munich all the way in the Bundesliga title race.

He is still yet to earn his first cap for the French national team, however, he is a regular for their under 21 side.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticised Dejphon Chansiri for his decision not to hire a director of football.

The Sheffield Wednesday owner recently reiterated to the fan engagement panel that he has no intention of appointing a director of football, adamant that the manager should have the final say on recruitment.

With the managerial merry-go-round that has taken place at Hillsborough this season, though, some may wonder if there is any point in giving a manager total control over transfers when he could be shown the door the next month.

On the topic, Palmer told FFC:

“He keeps reiterating he doesn’t want to get a director of football. He’s put a shedload of money in the football club and he’s on the brink of being relegated to League One when he should have been in the Premier League. And he’s saying he doesn’t want a director of football at the football club? That says it all.

“As far as I’m concerned, whoever is advising him… I’m not knocking the chairman. I get grief for not supporting the chairman and whatever, but I’m just a realist and call it as it is.

“He has put a lot of money into the football club, that there can be no arguments about. But he’s been badly advised, hence why Sheffield Wednesday are in the position they’re in this season.”

As things stand, Wednesday are set to lose a whole host of players this summer due to expiring contracts.

It means a large rebuilding job may need to be carried out at Hillsborough before the start of next season, so perhaps the arrival of a director of football would be useful.

Former Crystal Palace striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he would welcome the appointment of Frank Lampard at Selhurst Park.

Current Eagles boss Roy Hodgson is out of contract in the summer, which has led to a serious of names being linked with the vacancy in south London.

Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe, and John Terry have also been mentioned, and Lampard is amongst the frontrunners to replace Hodgson, should the former England manager decide against extending his contract with the Eagles.

The 42-year-old has been out of work since his sacking from Chelsea in January and has been linked to the Bournemouth job, but is continuing to take a break from football following two-and-half intense seasons at Derby and the Blues.

Palace have several exciting youngsters in their squad, with Lampard’s track record of bringing through youth an impressive one – most notably Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham during his 18 months at Stamford Bridge.

“It looks as if there’s something going on and someone is going to come in,” Bent told Football FanCast.

“Frank Lampard, Derby and Chelsea – he didn’t spend too much time at either club but did well in the Championship and was unlucky at Chelsea.

“Crystal Palace would be a good stepping stone for him. Frank Lampard would be a good appointment, and he would stabilise them in the Premier League.”

Ralph Hasenhuttl has suggested that it is still Southampton’s plan to sign Theo Walcott on a permanent basis this summer, which would be a huge mistake considering his less than impressive form since joining on loan from Everton.

The 32-year-old winger is out of contract with the Toffees this summer and reports suggest that he will join the Saints on a permanent basis ahead of next season, having spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with the south coast club.

When asked about the possibility of the former Arsenal man joining this summer, Hasenhuttl said: “I think in the games he played he has shown that he was an important part of our game – especially his workload and effort.

“He’s a very professional guy and, as I always say, I was happy he was coming here and I still think he’s a player that can help us in the next few years.

“If he’s not always playing from the beginning, then he’s still such a good character that he supports the team whenever he needs to. I think this is for me a very important part for giving him a new contract or not.”

The Englishman has made 19 appearances in the Premier League this season, contributing just two goals and three assists, which has led to him averaging a less than impressive 6.54 average match rating for his performances from WhoScored.

Following last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, Hampshire Live’s Tom Leach gave him a measly three in his player ratings, writing that “his form seems to have vanished during the second half of the season”.

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This ranks him as the 10th-best performer in Hasenhuttl’s squad so far this season, so it would be difficult to claim that Walcott has set the world alight and is deserving of a permanent contract.

Although the experienced winger is likely to take a significant pay cut on the £100,000 per week he reportedly earns at Everton in order to join Southampton this summer, there will surely be better, younger and cheaper options for the Saints to seize upon, and it feels as this signing is for Walcott’s benefit rather than Southampton’s.

The £5.4m-rated winger will likely have no resale value either, as he will probably finish his career with the Saints, so his permanent signing doesn’t really make any sense from a financial perspective.

Therefore, when you consider all of these factors, along with his less than impressive recent form, it is certainly fair to suggest that Hasenhuttl is heading for a big mistake by offering him a permanent contract.

In other news… Semmens disaster: Southampton missed out on “perfect” gem with 18 G/A

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to a photo suggesting the Ibrox gates are being boarded up to stop fans from being able to watch the 55 trophy-lift celebrations this weekend.

The Gers will be awarded the Premiership trophy at Ibrox on Saturday for the 55th time in their history. Their status as champions has long been secured, and both the players and the supporters will be able properly celebrate their success – as long as they avoid defeat, they will have gone the whole season unbeaten (BBC).

At Ibrox, it is possible to see the pitch through the famous gates. However, in an attempt to avoid fans seeing the celebrations, and therefore to avoid big crowds outside the stadium, it appears the club have decided to board them up.

A photo of the preparations was shared on Twitter by @RangersOnTour_, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“Open the gates”

Credit: @IainWATP

“We’ll get a helicopter then”

Credit: @JacobMcArthur18

“The government and police are about to cause a backlash they’re not ready to handle”

Credit: @1872Stu_

“Well that’s embarrassing”

Credit: @ryan235_

“Shameful police…”

Credit: @Del442Derek

“Can only assume the Police have demanded this, if not then thats poor from the club”

Credit: @FacelessRanger

In other news, Rangers eye this Ligue 1 star.

Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side are interested in a move that would bring Stjepan Loncar to Carrow Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Bosnian outlet SportSport (via the Eastern Daily Press), who claim that the Canaries, alongside the Italian duo of Verona and Monza, are keeping a close eye on the £2.25m-rated HNK Rijeka central midfielder ahead of a potential move in the upcoming transfer window.

The 24-year-old’s current contract with the 1.HNL side is set to expire this summer, however, the EDP report that Rijeka have a clause to extend Loncar’s deal for a further season – something that it is presumed the club will activate at the end of this term.

Webber must move

With Norwich confirming the departures of both Mario Vrancic and Alex Tettey this summer, as well as Oliver Skipp’s return to Tottenham Hotspur and Kenny McLean being ruled out for three months due to a knee injury, bringing in fresh faces to the Canaries’ central midfield is absolutely paramount for Stuart Webber ahead of the club’s Premier League campaign.

And, after looking at Loncar’s returns from his most recent campaign with Rijeka, it is easy to see why Norwich are keen on the 24-year-old.

Over 30 appearances in the Croatian top flight, the left-footed midfielder scored two goals, provided two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game, as well as averaging an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.90.

The nine-time capped Bosnia-Herzegovina international also impressed over his six appearances in the Europa League, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating two big chances, while averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.95.

As such, it would very much appear as if Loncar has both the talent and experience to be able to slot into the Norwich midfield rather nicely this summer, leading us to believe that Webber should be doing all he can to get a deal over the line for the 24-year-old as quickly as possible.

In other news: Imagine him & Pukki: Webber must sanction NCFC swoop for £9m-rated “complete package” – opinion

Wolves’ plans for this summer were thrown into disarray last week when Nuno Santo announced he’d be leaving Molineux behind.

It was a surprising reveal but it comes at a time where the club are at a crossroads.

They aren’t quite good enough to challenge the big boys in the Premier League but they’re a lot better than those sides heading for relegation.

The issue for Nuno, it seemed, was that he wasn’t going to be backed in the transfer window this summer.

After a rift with Jeff Shi, he took his leave and will now leave the club permanently after their clash with Manchester United last Sunday.

Who becomes the next head coach remains to be seen. Jorge Mendes clients Bruno Lage and Paulo Fonseca have been linked but so has Sabri Lamouchi.

The 49-year-old had an incredibly mixed spell with Nottingham Forest and after receiving the sack back in October, he now coaches Al-Duhail in Qatar.

Lamouchi initially had a phenomenal impact at Forest. In 2018/19, Martin O’Neill finished in 9th place but the Frenchman improved on that and guided them to 7th, just two goals away from a place in the play-offs.

It was a season that earned calls for him to be named the Championship Manager of the Season.

Known for playing with relentless speed on the counter-attack, his brand of football is similar to how Nuno operated at Wolves. The Old Gold enjoyed playing in this manner against some of the bigger sides in the division, sitting back and then hitting their defence with a ruthless breakaway.

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There are further similarities between the two but unfortunately, they’re ones that don’t bode well.

After collapsing spectacularly towards the end of 2019/20, Nottingham Forest failed to win any of their last ten games with Lamouchi at the helm. That included their opening four matches of the current season as he was given the boot with Forrest sitting 22nd.

Lamouchi became stubborn and like Nuno, lacked a plan B and an extra cutting edge to inspire Forest.

Talking about their abject form last year, Danny Gabbidon said on Sky Sports (via Nottingham Post): “I’m looking at what they do when they have the ball, I can’t see what they’re trying to do.

“They move the ball too slowly, there’s not enough runners in behind, for me too many players wanting to come to the ball. I just can’t see the game plan when they’re in possession of the football.”

Forest had a bad habit of starting games slowly and then when they went behind, lacked the nous and system to be able to turn their fortunes around.

They scored just six goals during his final ten games in the dugout, a record that doesn’t bode well for a Wolves team hoping to be more attacking and assertive.

Nuno revealed at the beginning of the season that his team were going to try and be more dominant and attacking but that simply didn’t pay off. They ultimately ended the campaign in 13th; the worst finish they’ve had since being promoted.

Whether you’re happy to see the Portuguese depart or not, he should not be replaced by Lamouchi.

Shi would only be condemning Wolves to more mediocrity by hiring him. The Molineux outfit need someone more attacking and flexible tactically; not someone without a plan B.

AND in other news, Fosun can revive Wolves by hiring “brave” 48 y/o Mendes client who wowed Guardiola…

Danny Ings will not start at Manchester United, warns former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Ings is currently being linked with a move to Old Trafford, with The Telegraph reporting earlier this month that the Red Devils are looking to bolster their forward options and have identified the 28-year-old as a target.

Southampton risk losing Ings on a free transfer next summer, with his contract set to expire then, which could force them into a sale now.

With the same outlet having also previously reported on the striker’s desire to play in the Champions League, the above is something Ings could end up pushing for. Palmer, however, is not convinced that a move to Manchester United would be good for him.

“I don’t think he starts at Man United,” the ex-Southampton player exclusively told FFC. “He doesn’t start at Man United. He may start at Spurs if [Harry] Kane goes.

“But I worry about Danny. For me, he misses a lot of football games through injuries. He scores goals and, you know, that’s a fact.

“But the type of money that he’s going to want, you need to be more convinced that he’s going to be on the football pitch a lot longer than what he is.”

Indeed, in terms of getting regular minutes, Tottenham, should they lose Kane, would probably be a much better avenue for Ings.

Having finished the season as their top scorer once again, though, Southampton will still be hoping that they can keep hold of the England international.