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Glasgow Rangers were far from happy with a tweet from journalist Ewan Murray, who slammed the lack of Scottish players in their squad for their Premiership opener on Saturday.

The Gers kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox in front of 23,000 supporters (The Herald). Ianis Hagi opened the scoring in the first half before Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe completed the scoring to put the Gers top of the table – they already lead their fierce city rivals Celtic by three points after they were defeated 2-1 by Hearts (BBC).

The Gers included two outfield Scotland players in the squad – as well as two goalkeepers. Others, such a Ryan Jack, would have been included if he were ready to feature. However, Murray was clearly very unhappy with this, and took to Twitter to criticise the squad selection.

The tweet attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the tweet from Murray below

“Disappointing tweet. Usually quite funny, sometimes educated. This comes across as bitter!”

Credit: @danmac10

“Haha love how triggered you get about all things Rangers!”

Credit: @Renegade_uk100

“utter nonsense, you have looked long and hard to find a negative here , clubs had to fight for the colt team to get involved , these things take time , look at the amount we have out on loan getting experience”

Credit: @Kennybarnes49

“Journalists unable to hide their contempt of Rangers before a ball has even been kicked, guess the football is well and truly back now.”

Credit: @Blucifer_

“Feels like a cheap dig at a club you perhaps don’t like very much. Youth development takes time, and IMO Rangers are putting steps in place to make sure we have good Scottish players coming through.”

Credit: @CottonRunt09

“Just for the sake of it, ignore the 2 Scottish international goalkeepers in the squad because it makes your point more valid ! Stirring it early this year Ewan, hope yous get relegated again after a comfortable victory tonight.”

Credit: @StubyMacKenzie

In other news, this man was surprisingly omitted from Rangers’ Champions League squad.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero is considering a contract offer from Everton, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown

Romero is to leave Manchester United after being named on the Red Devils’ released list, six years on from his arrival.

Football Insider claim the veteran Argentine fell out with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season after being denied a move away in search of more playing time.

Predominantly a back-up option, Romero only made seven Premier League appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

Everton’s pursuit of the 34-year-old may indicate that Robin Olsen will not be joining permanently.

Olsen provided cover and competition for the Blues’ no. 1 Jordan Pickford during his season-long loan from AS Roma.

The latest

Everton have tabled what’s described as a ‘lucrative contract’ as they look to secure a long-term target, claims Football Insider’s Toffees source.

They unsuccessfully pursued a loan move for Romero last summer, with United reluctant to strengthen a possible rival.

But it’s not guaranteed that the Blues will get their man this time either amid ‘competing interest from top European clubs’.

The verdict

Back-up goalkeepers don’t get much better than Romero, who consistently delivered when called upon by United, being hailed by fans and teammates alike – Eric Bailly called the shot-stopped an ‘immense talent’.

So whilst this would be really strong business from Everton, it’d be a difficult move to understand from the player’s perspective.

If he was frustrated to be confined to a squad role at United, why would he accept the same at Everton?

Jordan Pickford’s excellent form in 2021 has surely made him the undisputed no. 1 at Goodison Park, and it feels unlikely Romero would bump him off the top of the pecking order.

Perhaps the explanation is that Romero doesn’t mind the lifestyle of a no. 2, earning his keep without being placed under significant pressure, but just wants a change of scenery from Old Trafford.

In other news, fans raged over this image.  

When Farhad Moshiri brought Carlo Ancelotti to Merseyside, it was seen as a major triumph.

At last, Everton had found themselves a manager capable of lifting them into the top six again.

Ancelotti never managed that with the Toffees but his Goodison Park stay was torn up in dramatic circumstances.

Whenever an elite club come calling, it’s difficult to turn them down. The Italian has already achieved enormous success at Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid but the Spanish club managed to lure him to the Bernabeu for a second stint last week.

With it, Everton are now back at square one. They face the arduous task of finding a new manager who can finally get them to brush shoulders with some of the best in the country.

40 coaches have specified their interest in the vacancy but we’ve already seen a certain set of names emerge as front runners. Nuno Santo has had an interview while Bill Kenwright has also spoken to David Moyes.

Another name he apparently favours is Roberto Martinez. That’s hardly a surprise when you consider how the pair got on when they were last together.

Martinez praised Kenwright for his handling of John Stones before the former Toffees chairman applauded him for masterminding a 2-0 win over Chelsea five years ago.

Speaking at the time, he commented: “You know what I thought today? What a manager. That’s what I thought.”

The Spanish coach laid some promising groundwork but was sacked in May 2016 after three years in charge.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-manager-and-transfer-news-ancelotti-moshiri-fonseca-howe-moyes” title= “Read the latest Everton manager and transfer news!”]

He won 42% of his games but failed to ensure Everton qualified for that elusive Champions League place.

After all, that was something Martinez promised when he first walked through the door. During his initial unveiling, Kenwright said: “He promised me Champions League football.”

The current Belgium boss guided them to a fifth-place finish in 2013/14, edging them closer than any other manager since Moyes to Europe’s top table.

Though, his methods waned and Everton fell away in typical fashion. When he was given the boot, the Toffees sat in 12th place.

After he was fired, Lyndon Lloyd, editor of popular Everton fansite ToffeeWeb, criticised Martinez’s “stubborn mentality” when speaking to IBTimes UK.

Although he lifted them to a place in the Europa League, inconsistency has dominated the Spaniard’s time as a coach.

He was relegated with Wigan and then finished 11th in 2014/15. Excusing this season, fellow managerial candidate Nuno Santo has at least shown more than that.

He was promoted with Wolves and then took them to consecutive seventh-placed finishes.

Martinez has progressed nicely with Belgium but you should never explore a previous relationship. It would be like reading a book for a second time; you already know how it’s going to end.

In this case, Moshiri would be condemning Everton to more mediocrity. They must look for other options.

AND in other news, Moshiri could revolutionise Everton by hiring 62y/o “architect” as Ancelotti successor…

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have gone wild over a development involving Tottenham Hotspur superstar Harry Kane.

The Sky Blues clinched a fifth Premier League title overall last season and third under manager Pep Guardiola.

City also reigned victorious in the Carabao Cup, winning the competition for a fourth-consecutive year in what has been a sensational record.

To top it off, they reached their first ever Champions League final – with the club now looking to build upon what was a head-turning 2020/2021 campaign.

As such, signing a new striker has been the centre of much speculation given the lack of natural options – especially after club legend Sergio Aguero’s departure from Eastlands.

Spurs star Kane has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester given he wants out of his current club, and journalist Duncan Castles has now shared a big development.

Indeed, speaking to the Transfer Window Podcast, he claims that City have already made an offer for the Englishman.

Flocking in reply to City Xtra and City Chief, who both shared the news, it’s safe to say many fans are excited as this news emerges – find all of their best verdicts down below.

Man City fans go wild for Kane development

“Coming for quadruple siuuuuu”

Credit: @AgueroProp

“Whatttttt”

Credit: @citykako

“This better be true…”

Credit: @xmcfctotti

“Holy smokes it’s really happening”

Credit: @thecityzen06

“Oh my word”

Credit: @ReckersGaming

“Wow! This is going to be a fun summer!”

Credit: @FutbolRob_

“Great news”

Credit: @dazhcoop

“We’re coming for European domination”

Credit: @Razza7ii

In other news: Man City fans also flocked to this big Fabrizio Romano claim, find out more here.

Watford have been linked with a move for Genk striker Paul Onuachu recently, and the Nigeria international could be a superb addition to Xisco Munoz’s side.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s Watford correspondent Adam Leventhal, the Hornets’ priority this summer is to sign a striker, and Onuachu is one of a number of forwards being considered by the club ahead of their return to Premier League action.

He suggests that the towering striker has been discussed as an option for the centre-forward role after his impressive performances for Genk last season, although interest from West Ham and Arsenal, as well as the Belgian club’s £20m valuation, could make a deal difficult for Watford this summer.

Would he be a good signing?

Onuachu was in sensational form for Genk last season as he contributed 33 goals and five assists in 38 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, for which he earned an incredible 7.61 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Considering Ismaila Sarr was Watford’s top scorer in the Championship last season with just 13 goals, it is clear that the Hornets need to add a prolific striker to their squad this summer if they are to avoid an immediate relegation back to the second tier, and Onuachu could certainly fit the bill.

He would also offer a serious aerial threat up front, as his four headers won per game last season for Genk is more than any Watford player averaged, which suggests that he is the sort of player Xisco Munoz would love to have in his squad next season.

His performances earned him the praise of former England international John Fashanu, who said: “I want to tell Onuachu well done and a big congratulation because he has proved to everybody that he is still number one and indeed a goal king.”

Although Onuachu is 27 years old and has never played at the highest level, he was a regular goalscorer at FC Midtjylland and exploded into form last season, and his goals could well prove to be the difference between top-flight survival and relegation for Watford next season.

Therefore, Watford sporting director Cristiano Giaretti should definitely try and bring the Nigerian to Vicarage Road this summer.

In other news… Munoz should seal Watford swoop for “Rolls Royce” midfielder

Mauricio Pochettino could make a sensational return to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable Alasdair Gold at football.london has dropped an exciting new claim suggesting that there is interest in bringing the 49-year-old home, over 18 months after his departure.

“Spurs have held talks with Mauricio Pochettino about returning to the club and I understand he wants to come back,” he wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

Pochettino has made no secret of his intentions to one day return to North London to complete his ‘unfinished business but nobody could’ve expected to be this soon, even more so as he’s under contract as the manager of Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

It’s even thought that the Argentine is back at his home in England following a dismal end to the 2020/21 season, so it’ll be on Daniel Levy to negotiate with PSG if he’s to seal a comeback to Spurs.

Hugely exciting claim

If you’re a Spurs supporter, then this news is as good as anything you’ll hear this year. Many believed the fan-favourite coach was unfairly dismissed, just a few months after reaching the Champions League final.

In fact, much of the Lilywhites faithful have made their voices heard in response to Gold’s massive suggestion.

One fan claimed that he would “love Poch back” and another told the football.london journalist that he was a “magnificent bearer of good news,” whilst a further supporter dubbed it the “perfect appointment.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-managerial-updates-transfer-news-rumours-gossip-and-more-levy-kane-enic” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, managerial gossip, transfer rumours and more!”]

It’s hardly a surprise to see this sort of reaction as Pochettino gave Spurs many seasons of attractive and entertaining football, and he arguably overachieved with what he had at his disposal.

There was a time when the club went 18 months without making a signing, and even then, it wasn’t one for the senior side.

In comparison, Jose Mourinho was well-backed by Levy, bringing in Steven Bergwijn in his first window before going on a spree in the summer, adding Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Matt Doherty, Joe Rodon, Sergio Reguilon and even Gareth Bale to his ranks.

Indeed, Pochettino could well be the “ideal candidate” as it seems as if Levy is searching for an exact prototype – so why not the man himself, once again?

The Argentine’s return could also bolster Spurs’ claims to keep hold of wantaway talisman Harry Kane, as the England international has always spoken well about the relationship he had with his former boss.

That would certainly please the fanbase, who have been protesting against the chairman and the owners in recent weeks, even more.

All in all, the fact that Spurs have held discussions with Pochettino, and that he would be open to returning, is hugely encouraging and exciting news.

AND in other news, Imagine him AND Conte: Levy could transform Spurs with landmark double swoop…

West Ham United have been dealt yet another agonising injury blow this week…

What’s the latest?

Irons skipper Mark Noble was a surprise absentee during their 2-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League on Monday night, and now the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee has revealed why.

Writing on Patreon, he explained that the 33-year-old was ruled out with a calf strain and revealed that his injury wasn’t one that only cost him a game against Burnley but that he will now miss the next two weeks of action, with crucial games against Everton and Brighton on the horizon.

Yet another blow…

This is just one of many setbacks Hammers boss David Moyes has faced this season, particularly in recent months as he has lost several of his key players to the treatment table.

First-team regulars Declan Rice and Angelo Ogbonna also missed the trip to Turf Moor, whilst Arthur Masuaku remains sidelined.

The Scotsman did, however, welcome back leading talisman Michail Antonio, who went on to bag himself a match-winning brace, and versatile defender Aaron Cresswell, who captained the side, after their respective injuries.

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

Without Rice or Noble, Moyes is left with a lack of options to partner Tomas Soucek in the heart of his midfield. He opted for Manuel Lanzini against the Clarets in a move that paid dividends.

The Argentine emerged as an unsung hero from the victory but ultimately, West Ham are a much stronger side with either of the aforementioned duo starting.

Noble also offers an influential presence amongst the dressing room – according to The Athletic, he remains a “hugely important figure behind the scenes” despite a considerable drop-off in game time this season.

Recently first-team coach Stuart Pearce waxed lyrical about the midfield veteran, he told talkSPORT: “I’m really proud of him as an individual. This season he’s been outstanding. When he’s been in the team, he’s been fantastic.”

On the above evidence, not having Noble around is a significant blow to Moyes, and it is even more devastating with Rice still sat in the stands.

The Hammers boss will be gutted going into Sunday’s clash with the Toffees, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, GSB could solve glaring West Ham problem with “brutal” 63-goal dynamo who’s like Heung-min Son…

Chris Hughton has confirmed that a number of Nottingham Forest’s long-term players will be leaving the City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that the likes of Yuri Ribeiro, Michael Dawson, Sammy Ameobi, Samba Sow and Glenn Murray have been informed that they will not be kept on following the expiry of their contracts at Forest.

The report also claims that Gaetan Bong, Carl Jenkinson, Harry Arter and Fouad Bachirou have been told to find new clubs this summer, while Cyrus Christie, Anthony Knockaert, Luke Freeman, James Garner and Filip Krovinovic will return to their parent clubs following their loan spells in Nottingham.

Fans will be gutted

While it is undeniable that Forest’s bloated squad needed trimming in the upcoming transfer window, just how cut-throat Hughton appears to be with his current players does come as a surprise.

Indeed, left-back Ribeiro had become something of a fan favourite since his arrival at the club back in the summer of 2019, with a number of the City Ground faithful venting their frustrations at Hughton’s decision to axe the 24-year-old defender.

Meanwhile, central midfielder Sow had also been an important part of the Forest team after joining from Dynamo Moscow two years ago, with fans stating their beliefs at various points throughout his time at the club that the 32-year-old is a crucial part of their midfield.

Ameobi, too, flourished under former coach Sabri Lamouchi, with the winger scoring five goals and registering nine assists over his 45 Championship appearances in the club’s 2019/20 campaign – in which they narrowly missed out on a top-six finish.

Finally, although a bit-part player for a number of years now, waving goodbye to Nottingham Forest academy product Dawson is sure to break a few Forest fans’ hearts this summer.

So, while in the long run the vast majority of these departures could well benefit the club, there will undoubtedly be a number of fans gutted to see some of their favourites leaving the City Ground for the last time in the coming months, as well as hopes that the Reds do not come to regret releasing some of the players with plenty still to give.

In other news: Taylor 2.0: Hughton must avoid summer swoop for “dangerous” NFFC-linked £27k-p/w flop – opinion

Leicester City have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

What’s the story?

The Foxes proposed deal for the 22-year-old powerhouse could be completed earlier than expected after France’s Under-21’s were surprisingly knocked out of the Euro’s by the Netherlands.

A Myron Boadu double saw off Sylvain Ripoll’s side in the quarter-final stage despite several star names such as Dayot Upemecano, Ibrahima Konate and Houssem Aouar making the France starting XI.

Rodgers will be delighted

Previous reports have revealed that an £18 million fee has been agreed between Lille and the FA Cup holders for Soumare, although contract details were expected to be completed after this summer’s tournament.

With France boasting an embarrassment of riches, they were expected to go all the way in the U21 Euros, delaying the youngster’s arrival at the King Power Stadium, but that will no longer be an issue.

The news will have delighted Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who is keen to strengthen his squad ahead of another top-four push in 2021/22 and now, if the signing can be completed in the near future, he should be able teo spend more time with Soumare in pre-season, which will obviously be hugely adventageous.

Just a single point separated the Midlands outfit and fourth-placed Chelsea in the recently concluded campaign, meaning Rodgers’ men missed out on a Champions League qualification spot by the narrowest of margins.

It’s the second consecutive season that that’s happened to the 2016 Premier League champions and a host of potential summer additions have been muted as their Northern Irish manager’s aims to break into the top-flight’s upper echelons at the third time of asking.

The addition of Soumare could have a potentially dramatic effect upon Leicester’s chances of doing just that, with the box-to-box midfielder continuously impressing throughout his 112 appearances for Les Dogues.

Marc Ingla, Lille’s former CEO, described him as “a powerful and technical player who can evolve to several positions in the field” upon his arrival at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy four years ago, and he’s had no trouble living up to those expectations.

The Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate made 32 league appearances as Christophe Galtier’s side ended the capital club’s three-year dominance of French football, and Rodgers will be hoping Soumare can contribute to another giant-killing next season.

And, in other news…Rudkin must seal Foxes swoop for “outstanding” £22.5m-rated beast, Rodgers needs him

Wolves are currently lying in the bottom half of the Premier League but things aren’t set to get any easier.

They will be missing Jonny for a considerable period of time after he suffered a second ACL injury of the campaign while their Player of the Season has now been ruled out too.

On the chalkboard

When Raul Jimenez suffered a fractured skull back in November, every Wolves fan will have thought the worst.

They were right to as well. Fabio Silva has only scored three goals in the Old Gold while their January replacement, Willian Jose, has netted just once.

One player who took on the mantle significantly was Pedro Neto. He has been one of the most outstanding young players in the Premier League this season and as such, has earned links to clubs like Manchester United.

He is their top scorer on five goals and he is also their best source of creativity, providing six assists for his teammates.

No one has made Wolves tick more than the Portuguese so to lose him to a broken knee cap is devastating news.

Neto will now miss the next six months of competition, damaging not his chances of securing an exit but also Wolves’ ambitions.

The solution

The Old Gold have considered a number of transfer targets ahead of the summer, one of which is Lucas Ocampos.

Football Insider revealed last month that the Molineux outfit were considering a move for the Sevilla winger.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-news-and-views-lingard-leao-jimenez-mir” title= “Read the latest Wolves news and views!”]

A proven La Liga talent, he’d be an astute capture from the Wolves hierarchy and could undoubtedly soften the blow of losing Neto for such a long period.

The youngster will miss the opening part of next term and thus, they will need to find a renewed sense of creativity and a goalscoring threat from elsewhere.

Ocampos could provide that in abundance. The Argentine, who can play on either flank, has scored more goals than Neto this term (7) and has registered four assists. That’s taken his tally in a Sevilla shirt to 24 strikes and nine assists throughout 83 games.

He has starred in Europe this term and has amassed a mouth-watering three dribbles per game; a tally that usurps Wolves’ dazzling winger in the Premier League – he has registered 2.1 in comparison.

Speaking about the 26-year-old previously, Fede Prami, a journalist and River Plate fan recalled his days in Argentina, calling him “electric.”

Indeed, if any quote was to sum up Neto’s energy in equal measure, it would be that.

Losing their attacking wizard is a blow, but Fosun could definitely soften it luring Ocampos to the Midlands.

AND in other news, Forget Jose: Wolves gem who won 13 duels stole the show on Saturday, he’s “unplayable”…