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Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been criticised by Paul Robinson for his comments about the officials during the club’s recent 2-2 draw against Brentford in the Premier League. 

The Lowdown: Forest v Brentford controversy

Speaking after that game, the 22-year-old claimed that his side were “cheated out of three points” after they conceded a controversial penalty last Saturday afternoon. This led to the FA opening an investigation over the comments, with a charge reportedly likely to be handed to the player.

Away from this investigation, it appears that Gibbs-White’s comments have caught the attention of one former Premier League goalkeeper who has not shown much sympathy over what the Forest player said.

The Latest: Gibbs-White criticised

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson reprimanded Gibbs-White over his outburst about the officials following the Brentford game, labelling the remarks as “stupid”.

The 43-year-old stated: “It is a stupid thing to say. You have got to be very careful with your choice of words. You certainly cannot insinuate that the officials have cheated. If you do that, you will get yourself in trouble.

“You can be frustrated, you can be disappointed and you can voice your opinion. One thing you cannot suggest is that the referees are cheats. They are not.

“They might get decisions wrong but when they do, you have to be careful with your words. Gibbs-White will get himself in trouble because it really is a silly thing to say.”

The Verdict: A big regret for Gibbs-White

Regardless of how frustrated Gibbs-White may have been because of refereeing decisions against the Bees, saying that the officials cheated is a step too far from the youngster.

With that in mind, if a charge from the FA does come his way in the near future, the 22-year-old may well end up regretting what he said after Saturday’s game, especially if it lands him a suspension.

Moving forward, the best thing Gibbs-White can do now is use whatever punishment comes his way as a learning curve and not overstep the mark again when it comes to sharing his opinions on referees.

Celtic’s recent triumph over Hibernian at Parkhead on Saturday saw long-serving winger, James Forrest, hit the headlines, with the Bhoys academy graduate having netted a stunning hat-trick to bring up a century of goals in his Hoops career.

The 31-year-old has been on the periphery in recent times during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure – with that win over Lee Johnson’s side having been just his first start of the season – although took what was a rare chance with both hands, proving once again just what a reliable figure the Scotland international has been over the past decade or so.

The £4.5m-rated ace has been a truly “underrated” figure for both club and country over the years, in the words of Stefan Bienkowski, having notably claimed a remarkable haul of ten Scottish Premiership titles to date.

The 38-cap speedster – who made his debut for the Glasgow side back in 2010 – doesn’t appear to be a force on the decline if this recent showing is anything to go by, having begun to justify the new three-year extension that he received at the end of last term.

The diminutive ace remains one of the club’s most notable academy success stories of the modern era – alongside current skipper Callum McGregor – having shown that there is a clear pathway from youth level to the senior ranks at Celtic Park.

The focus now should well be on finding the next promising talent who can emulate the £19k-per-week wide man’s success, with the Prestwick-born sensation a shining example of the benefits of promoting from within, rather than solely prioritising potential incomings.

One youngster whom Postecoglou could well turn to sooner rather than later is 17-year-old, Ben Quinn, with the exciting teenager potentially an ideal fit to fill Forrest’s shoes later down the line, as he also typically lines up in a right-wing berth.

The highly-rated forward – who is the nephew of former Republic of Ireland international Stephen Quinn – has been with the Hoops since joining back in 2019, with the Scottish giants reportedly edging out the likes of Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers for his signature.

That intense interest from the Premier League is a marker of the Irishman’s obvious talent, while he has also scored once and laid on one assist in all competitions so far this term, with the Dublin-born starlet still having plenty of time to develop even further.

Part of the side which claimed victory over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Youth League a few weeks ago – which left coach Stephen McManus to tip his players for a “bright future” – Quinn is already making steps towards becoming the next youth star to force his way into the first-team.

Following an injury sustained during the international break, Everton have now received a positive update regarding the fitness of right-back Nathan Patterson.

The Lowdown: Patterson’s emergence

Having arrived at Goodison Park in January in a deal worth £16m, the 20-year-old failed to make an instant impact at the club before undergoing ankle surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

Going into the new campaign, the Scotland international was yet to make his Premier League debut. However, the full-back must have made a great impression during pre-season because he has since started every single top-flight game for the Toffees.

Patterson was thus included in Scotland’s squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures taking place during the international break.

The Latest: Positive update

Worryingly for Blues fans, the Scotsman succumbed to injury within just 25 minutes of his side’s 3-0 victory over Ukraine on Wednesday, for which he taken off the field on a stretcher.

However, according to Scottish Express Sport, the injury to the Everton man is not as bad as first feared, meaning he is not facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.

The player will see a specialist on Tuesday to confirm the extent of his injuries, but he is only expected to miss a short period.

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The Verdict: Promising youngster

Having signed a long-term deal with the Toffees, it is clear to see Frank Lampard thinks highly of the youngster, as he is seemingly destined to take over the right-back role from club legend Seamus Coleman.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the full-back ranks in the 96th percentile for tackles, in the 91st percentile for pressures and in the 83rd percentile for dribbles completed – illustrating his ability to push forward, as well as defend.

Therefore, with Everton preparing for their away visit to Southampton on Saturday, Lampard will be hoping Patterson can make it back fit as soon as possible, with the Manchester United clash also just round the corner.

Manchester United are looking at a ‘late deal’ for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Busy few days

The Red Devils have been hard at work in the final days of the window, with Antony following fellow countryman Casemiro to Old Trafford.

The two Brazilian stars have cost a combined £149m, with Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka looking like the next player to arrive on loan.

United may not be done there, though, with Dest potentially becoming the seventh signing of the Erik ten Hag era.

The Latest: United interest

Sheth took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide a transfer update from Old Trafford.

The Sky Sports man said that United are ‘exploring the possibility of late deal’ for Dest, adding that the club would then allow Aaron Wan-Bissaka to leave, should a move for Dest be finalised.

The Verdict: One to watch…

Dest, hailed as ‘spectacularly good’ by manager Xavi, could be a shrewd signing by United due to his versatility. Still just 21 years of age, the USA international can play as a right-back, left-back or right winger.

He already has over 100 games of first-team experience turning out for Ajax and Barcelona, with 38 of those coming under Ten Hag. Dest contributed to eight goals working with Ten Hag, so could provide a real attacking threat at Old Trafford from full-back.

United will have to be quick if they want to push through a move, though, so it could be one to watch heading into deadline day.

Reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian has now shared a West Ham United transfer update involving Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Moyes makes transfer demand…

The Irons are keen on making more signings for David Moyes before the closure of the summer transfer window.

Speaking candidly to the press, the Hammers boss issued a statement in which he alerted the club’s hierarchy of the need for more fresh faces ahead of a long and gruelling 2022/23 Premier League season.

West Ham opened their account for the campaign in losing fashion, falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of champions Manchester City at the London Stadium, with the home side having a few defensive worries.

It is believed that the east Londoners will take to the market in an attempt to resolve this, whilst a new midfielder is also on the agenda for Moyes.

The Latest: West Ham make Gallagher contact…

As per Steinberg, it appears that they have made a move for Gallagher.

Writing for The Guardian, he states that West Ham have made an ‘attempt’ to sign the former Crystal Palace star, enquiring over a deal to bring him to the London Stadium on loan.

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However, they promptly received a reply, being told that Gallagher is not interested in leaving Chelsea.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes?

Missing out on a temporary deal for the 22-year-old comes a slight blow for Moyes.

As per WhoScored, Gallagher enjoyed a brilliant spell on loan at Selhurst Park last season, finishing 2021/22 as the Eagles’ best-performing player by average match rating (7.08), which would have put him third among West Ham’s squad.

The Englishman also racked up eight goals and three assists in the English top flight, prompting former Leeds striker Noel Whelan to dub him a ‘very exciting player’, so it’s disappointing for the Hammers that the midfielder has no plans to leave Chelsea again.

Crystal Palace have been dealt another injury blow ahead of their Premier League opener with Arsenal this evening, with James Tomkins ruled out in the last 24 hours.

The Lowdown: Pre-season…

Patrick Vieira’s side haven’t had the best of preparations for the new campaign, with the Palace squad split in half in recent weeks. The Eagles took just ten senior players on their pre-season tour, with plenty of well-known names staying behind due to either injuries or travel issues.

Tomkins, who journalist Josh Bunting called ‘superb’ in his defending, was in the matchday squad for the final friendly with Montpellier and featured against QPR, but the experienced defender now won’t be seen this evening.

The Latest: Vieira’s update

Vieira faced the media on Thursday afternoon for his first pre-match press conference of the season.

He confirmed that Tomkins will join James McArthur and Michael Olise on the sidelines due to a calf problem.

The Verdict: Not ideal

Tomkins only made eight Premier League appearances last season, however, you’d expect he would have been in and around the squad this evening if he was available.

His experience could come in handy throughout the season, with three of Vieira’s five centre-back options 22 years of age or younger.

The five-substitute rule may also result in the 33-year-old receiving more game time, but we won’t be seeing him tonight in what is another blow for Vieira.

BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher has now revealed some encouraging transfer news for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United involving Lisandro Martinez.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag ‘pushing’

It has been reported that Ten Hag is ‘pushing’ for the Red Devils to bring Martinez to Old Trafford, a player he knows very well having coached him at Ajax.

However, Arsenal are reportedly still in the race for his signature, and so both Premier League outfits could enter a bidding war to determine who is able to get the deal done.

The Latest: Martinez admission

Taking to Twitter, Fletcher,  has revealed that Martinez sees Ten Hag and the Premier League as the ‘perfect combination for him’, and that the player side of the deal is ‘easy’ for MUFC, although the Gunners are ‘still keen’ and ‘trying to pounce’:

“I am told Martinez sees Ten Hag and Premier League as “perfect combination for him”. He wants best solution found by clubs as soon as possible. Player side of deal easy for #MUFC. Arsenal still keen as well and trying to pounce.”

The Verdict: Encouraging

It is certainly encouraging to hear that Martinez is seemingly very open to joining United to work under Ten Hag once again.

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His 7.6 average match rating in the Eredivisie last season was higher than what any United player managed in the Premier League, and he also won more aerial duels and averaged more interceptions, passes and long balls per game in their respective divisions. [WhoScored]

Nonetheless, Martinez would be an upgrade on what Ten Hag already has at his disposal, and so this is a deal that needs to be signed off as soon as possible.

Former Rangers striker and now Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has made a big claim on a certain fan favourite at Ibrox which will leave Light Blues supporters buzzing.

What’s the word?

The news surrounds Alfredo Morelos, who with one one year left on his contract, has been the subject of abundant rumours about his future.

Boyd told Sky Sports News [via Daily Record]: “I’ve said it before, every player has a price tag. If someone wants to meet that valuation then I’m sure Rangers will speak about it. As it stands he is a Rangers player and I am sure he will return back for pre-season ready to go to attack the Champions League qualifiers and Premiership when it starts.”

Hopefully the 38-year-old is right and Morelos comes back ready to hit pre-season with everything he has got, aiming to start the new campaign with a bang.

Morelos is key for Rangers

Despite Giovanni van Bronckhorst tying some players down to extended deals towards the end of last season such as Steven Davis and Scott Arfield, the likes of Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Morelos are all into the final year of their contracts, so it’s time that Rangers tie them down to longer deals.

Sevilla launched a derisory bid of £7m for the Colombian earlier this week, and whether or not he extends his deal, clubs will surely need to offer much more than that to sign the £11.7m-rated predator.

Since joining the Gers in 2017, the Colombian has scored 113 goals in 224 appearances for the Ibrox giants, with 29 of those coming in European competition, making him the club’s record continental goalscorer.

The 26-year-old has become a talisman as the club wrestled back the Premiership crown from Celtic in 2021 to win their first title in ten years, and while injury ruined the end of his 2021/22 campaign, he still contributed heavily in Europe by netting five goals in Rangers’ run to the Europa League final.

Hopefully Ross Wilson and Van Bronckhorst can sit Morelos down and make him an offer he can’t refuse, as he could go on to become an undisputed club legend.

AND in other news, Rangers now closing in on 7-figure deal for “quality” 126-goal ace, he’s Van Bronckhorst’s dream

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been in contact with Villarreal over a potential deal to sign defender Pau Torres.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor had his to say on the matter.

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He stated: “Torres has been the subject of initial swap-deal discussions with Villarreal because obviously, they want to sign [Giovani] Lo Celso on a permanent basis. Torres is left-footed and can play in a back-three as well.”

A product of Villarreal’s youth system, the 25-year-old has gone on to make 201 appearances for the club across their senior and youth teams, chipping in with 13 goals and five assists along the way.

Conte will be buzzing

His latest La Liga campaign saw the centre-back rack up more minutes than any other outfield player at Villarreal, showing just how highly he is rated at the club. In his 33 league appearances last term, Torres ended up winning 14 tackles in addition to making 44 interceptions and 43 blocks, also racking up the second-highest number of clearances (120) in the squad.

Alongside his clear defensive talent, the Spaniard has shown how impressive he is on the ball by completing a total of 1,715 passes last season, the second-highest at the club.

Indeed, during his younger years, Torres was described as having an “extraordinary talent to construct the play”, according to former Villarreal midfielder and coach Javi Calleja.

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see how the centre-back could be a great asset for Antonio Conte at the north London club, especially considering Taylor’s point about the player’s versatility in defence.

With a reported release clause of £55m, if the Lilywhites can work out a deal with Villarreal this summer which would see them sign Torres and get rid of Lo Celso for good, this could be a perfect deal for all parties, and it would surely have the Spurs boss buzzing.

Having already secured deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma, if the north London club can seal Torres’ signature and offload the underperforming Lo Celso at the same time, this would definitely add to what has already been a productive summer transfer window at N17.

In other news: Sky Sports drop big behind-the-scenes transfer claim, it’s terrible news for Spurs

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Noa Lang.

What’s the talk?

Speaking on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show, The Athletic journalist suggested that, should Raphinha go on to secure his widely expected transfer to Barcelona in the coming weeks, Victor Orta could reignite his interest in the Club Brugge winger – with whom the Whites were linked with a £25m move for a little under 12 months ago – this summer.

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Concerning Leeds’ potential interest in the 22-year-old, Hay said: “It wouldn’t surprise me at all – if Raphinha left – if they went back in for Noa Lang because they do really like Noa Lang and they did like him last summer… that could happen.”

Orta must move for Lang

Considering just how impressive Lang has been in Belgium this season, in addition to the fact that Raphinha looks set to depart Elland Road in the very near future, it would appear an extremely wise move for Orta to reignite his pursuit of the Netherlands international in the coming weeks.

Indeed, over his 37 Jupiler Pro League appearances this term, the £19.8m-rated forward was in exceptional form for Brugge, scoring seven goals, registering 12 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £20k-per-week talent who Graham Smyth dubbed “exciting” and an “assist machine” average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as his club’s joint fifth-best performer in the Belgian top-flight – playing a key role in Brugge’s title-winning campaign.

For comparison, over Raphinha’s 35 Premier League appearances this season, the £60m sensation scored 11 goals, provided three assists and created ten big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per fixture – returns that saw the 25-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, while the step-up between the Jupiler Pro League and the Premier League should not be underestimated, it would nevertheless appear that, should Raphinha indeed move onto pastures new this summer, Lang would be something of a perfect replacement for the Brazil international – leading us to believe that Orta simply must make a move for the 22-year-old in the coming months.

AND in other news: “Leeds United wanted…”: Graham Smyth drops big summer claim, Marsch will be gutted