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Rangers defender Connor Goldson ‘seems galvanised’ by the arrival of Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox amid the uncertainty over his future, according to sports journalist Andrew Dickson. 

The lowdown

The Daily Record’s Keith Jackson wrote at the end of October that it was ‘getting hard to see’ Goldson, who has ‘been a rock for Rangers’, remaining at Ibrox amid a ‘contractual stand-off’. The defender’s £27,000-per-week deal is due to expire at the end of this season.

Football Insider reported earlier this month that the Englishman, who has been selected for all but one Premiership game so far this term, was intent upon returning to the English Premier League.

The latest

Dickson took to Twitter to admit that, after the Scottish League Cup semi-final defeat to Hibernian last month, he thought it was clear that Goldson was clamouring for an exit, but he has hailed the 28-year-old’s resurgence since the arrival of Van Bronckforst at Ibrox.

The journalist tweeted: “Six games into the Gio reign, where is everyone sitting now on Goldson? I thought after the Hibs semi that he was almost certainly wanting out… but his response to the new manager has been excellent and I feel he’s looked much more like himself. Seems galvanised by the manager.”

The verdict

It’s understandable that Dickson feels there has been a marked improvement in Goldson’s form since Van Bronckhorst came to the club last month. Since the Dutchman’s first Premiership game in charge against Livingston, the ex-Brighton defender has posted markedly better performance ratings from renowned website WhoScored.

The departure of a figure like Steven Gerrard, a Champions League winner and former Premier League player of the year, might have had Rangers fans fearing the worst, but could Van Bronckhorst inspire a change of heart from Goldson?

It’s not out of the question, and prolonging their European campaign by finishing second in their Europa League group should only have helped their case as the January transfer window looms.

But what if rumoured suitors West Ham United come knocking? They’ve been hit with two serious injuries in the heart of defence, and an offer from the Londoners may be too good for Goldson to turn down, if indeed he is still clamouring to return to England when the window opens.

In other news, many Rangers fans bemoaned this injury update

Luis Suarez has confirmed that while he is pleased Steven Gerrard has won the league with Glasgow Rangers he has no intentions of making the move to Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Fantastic Gers campaign

The previous term was a magnificent one for the Gers, as they won the Premiership for the first time in 10 years. Not only that, they didn’t even lose a single league game in the top flight (thefishy.co.uk).

With a Champions League campaign now on the cards, the Gers could become an attractive proposition for transfer targets, but it seems Gerrard’s controversial and undeniably talented former teammate will not be one of them.

The Latest: Suarez responds to question

Suarez was asked about Gerrard and Rangers during an interview for July’s edition of World Soccer magazine. He said (via Ibrox News):

“I think Stevie is doing just fine without me.

“I am pleased but not at all surprised to see him win the league with Rangers.

“Winning is what he does and at some point in the future I am sure he will be at Liverpool again.”

The Verdict: No surprise

It is obviously no surprise that Suarez is not eager to move to Rangers – after all, there hasn’t been particularly solid reports linking him with the 55-time Scottish champions, despite some suggestions Gerrard could make it happen.

Suarez appears to be enjoying himself in La Liga with Atletico Madrid, where he scored 21 goals in 32 league games last term as Los Rojiblancos won the title (Transfermarkt).

There is no doubt that he would be welcomed with open arms at Ibrox – after all, he is one of the best players of the 21st century, and has managed an incredible 424 goals throughout his club career. However, this is a deal that would be nothing but a pipe dream for the Gers, even if they had an interest in the first place.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this latest 55 celebrations update.

Southampton take on Leicester City at St Mary’s on Friday night, where three points will all but seal the Saints’ place in the top flight for next season.

A woeful run of form in 2021 has seen Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team sucked into a relegation fight, although they appear to have been saved by Fulham and West Brom’s inadequacies rather than many strong performances of their own.

Southampton will be looking to avoid a repeat of the FA Cup semi-final against Leicester City on Friday night, as Hasenhuttl’s side were brushed aside 1-0 at Wembley recently and failed to have a single shot on target that evening.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Austrian to line up against the Foxes on Friday, with four changes from the side which lost 2-1 against Tottenham Hotspur in their last fixture…

Fraser Forster returns in goal after another less than impressive performance from Alex McCarthy in the defeat against Spurs.

With Ryan Bertrand still sidelined through injury, Hasenhuttl keeps faith in the same back four, with Mohammed Salisu continuing to deputise at left-back.

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There are two changes in midfield, as Ibrahima Diallo comes in for Stuart Armstrong in the centre of midfield to give Southampton some added defensive protection alongside James Ward-Prowse.

Meanwhile, after a poor display against Spurs, Theo Walcott is dropped to the bench, with Liverpool loanee Takumi Minamino replacing him after Hasenhuttl suggested that the £10.8m-rated attacker – hailed as a “machine” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp – would get more minutes between now and the end of the season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431″]

Finally, in attack, Nathan Redmond comes in for the injured Danny Ings and he will be hoping to replicate some of his recent performances against Bournemouth and Burnley at St Mary’s on Friday night.

In other news… Semmens headed for Saints disaster over £2.25m-rated target, he’s scraping the barrel

Newcastle United all but ensured safety in the Premier League for another season with a 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

A fine goal from Miguel Almiron in the first half sealed the points at St. James’ Park, but it was not always plain-sailing for Eddie Howe’s team, who gave up the majority of the possession to the visitors, and also faced ten shots at their goal (SofaScore) as the hosts retreated in the second half.

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The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to now analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts on the night, perhaps now looking over their shoulders regarding their long-term futures in Howe’s first choice XI…

Jonjo Shelvey

Given a 6.7 overall rating, Shelvey ranked as the North East club’s third-worst player.

The central midfielder lost out on two of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble, clearance, interception or key pass, making one foul and giving the ball away nine times in total.

Joelinton

Admittedly tied with Chris Wood in terms of rating (6.5), Joelinton ranks in second here having helped keep the clean sheet as a midfielder.

However, the Brazilian lost a total of six individual duels, and was off target with all three of his shots, while he also never managed a tackle, committed two fouls and lost possession on nine separate occasions.

Chris Wood

With a 6.5 rating, Wood ranked as the Tyneside outfit’s worst performer.

The striker was unsuccessful in seven duels, and never managed a shot, successful dribble or key pass, amassing just 34 touches of the ball in total and giving it away with 15 of those.

He also missed a huge chance in the first-half only to be spared by the offside flag.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ target NUFC are now set to ‘miss out’ on here!

Jose Mourinho will need to get his tactics spot on if he’s to put a stop to Tottenham Hotspur’s abysmal week as they head to Aston Villa in the Premier League this evening.

After being defeated in the North London derby, Spurs were embarrassingly knocked out of the Europa League by Dinamo Zagreb despite going into the second leg with a two-goal advantage.

Aside from the Carabao Cup final, Mourinho’s side only have European places to contend for, so a victory tonight would not only alleviate some pressure but also keep the side below them further adrift.

Mourinho has plenty to consider, with injuries and suspensions throwing in a few unneeded curveballs, so here’s our predicted Spurs XI ahead of kickoff tonight…

We’re expecting there to be as many as six changes from the side that tasted defeat in the Croatian capital on Thursday.

Club captain Hugo Lloris launched a scathing attack on his teammates for their performance in midweek, dubbing them a “disgrace,” and he’ll need to motivate his side from between the sticks once more.

Only Serge Aurier and Davinson Sanchez should remain in the back four, with veteran Toby Aldwereireld and Sergio Reguilon likely to come in for Eric Dier and Ben Davies, who both endured shockers in the Europa League.

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Mourinho will be able to welcome back Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield having missed the Zagreb trip through suspension, and that’ll be a big boost as he’s widely regarded as a ‘captain without the armband.’

He will slot back in alongside Tanguy Ndombele, meaning both out-of-sorts Englishman Harry Winks and the £90k-per-week earning Moussa Sissoko are axed from the lineup.

Whilst Giovani Lo Celso got through his cameo on Thursday unscathed and could be in line to start for the first time in 2021.

The Argentine playmaker should get the nod over Dele Alli.

There’s also a big call to make over Gareth Bale, especially with Heung-min Son still ruled out through injury.

After failing to impress in the North London derby – being withdrawn after just 57 minutes – he was dropped in midweek but in an hour’s worth of action from the bench, the Welshman couldn’t inspire Spurs to a positive result.

We think he could be snubbed from the starting XI here as a consequence, so Steven Bergwijn comes in for his first league start since the defeat to Chelsea at the start of February.

Lucas Moura could remain in the lineup but is expected to move out wide, having played in the no.10 role for several weeks now. Erik Lamela, however, is serving a one-game suspension.

Likewise, Harry Kane is going to start, too.

AND in other news, Mourinho must axe “exposed” Spurs liability tonight, Watkins could haunt him…

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.  

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

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry to Juventus over Serie A star Paulo Dybala – with the report touting a possible swap deal between the two clubs.

Dybala, who has missed a fair amount of matches this season through injury (Transfermarkt), is reportedly back on Tottenham’s radar as links continue to emerge over these recent weeks.

Spurs make Dybala enquiry

Providing the latest, Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claim Spurs have made an enquiry for the £225,000-per-week Argentine but any proposed agreement would have to come in the form of a swap.

Indeed, the Old Lady are allegedly fully aware that they will not be receiving ‘cash only’ offers amid the financial uncertainty caused by coronavirus – with this report touting a possible swap deal as a solution.

Corriere don’t state who could make way from Spurs to bring Dybala to north London, but a swap ‘could arrange the situations both in the bank accounts and on the pitch’.

Transfer Tavern take

While Spurs very publicly tried to sign Dybala in 2019, with the transfer falling through due to a complicated image rights issue, we believe that a move for him now could be illogical from a financial perspective.

Even if a swap could be arranged, the 27-year-old’s sky high reported wages could turn chairman Daniel Levy off.

There is still no doubting his ability despite the absences over 2020/2021 , with the forward still averaging an impressive 2.5 shots and 1.6 key passes per 90 over eight Serie A starts this season (WhoScored).

Italian footballing icon Alessandro Del Piero has lauded him as ‘extraordinary’ (talkSPORT), meanwhile fellow former international Daniele Adani very recently claimed Dybala is still Juve’s ‘most important player’ (Sky Sports via TuttoJuve).

However, amid these circumstances and with the need to invest wisely more paramount than ever, Tottenham signing a much needed leader at the back arguably takes precedent.

In other news: Tottenham in contact for this 6 foot 2 colossus, find out more here.

A surprising new name has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s manager search this week…

What’s the word?

According to Rai Sport journalist Ciro Venerato, Daniel Levy has put Gennaro Gattuso on his list of potential candidates, as it’s widely expected that the 43-year-old will leave Napoli this season.

Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli (via CalcioNapoli24), he said: “Gattuso will not be the Napoli coach from Monday, the Napoli players have known for months that Rino will no longer be the Napoli coach. Lazio and Juventus are on Gattuso, but the news of the day is that Tottenham have put Gattuso on the list of candidates for the next coach.

“The English club have been dealing with [Antonio] Conte for a month but now also like Gattuso. Tottenham president Daniel Levy has seen many Napoli matches and has watched Gattuso closely. He was impressed by the quality of the game and the quality of the ideas, seeing the matches against Milan and Roma.”

Watch out Spurs stars

Spurs have been linked with plenty of candidates since the sacking of Jose Mourinho just over a month ago and this one certainly comes out of left-field.

Most recently, The Athletic suggested that there were four names on the shortlist – Graham Potter (Brighton), Erik ten Hag (Ajax), Roberto Martinez (Belgium), and Ralf Rangnick (unemployed) – whilst the reliable Alasdair Gold has suggested that strong new names are emerging all the time.

Could Gattuso be one of those?

Many in North London will know all about the former AC Milan midfielder, as he was involved in a controversial incident during a Champions League tie in 2011. The skipper headbutted Harry Redknapp’s assistant Joe Jordan on the sidelines following a 1-0 win for Spurs at the San Siro.

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“Gattuso had a flare-up with Joe Jordan. I don’t know why,” claimed the former Spurs manager, via The Guardian. “He obviously hadn’t done his homework. He could’ve picked a fight with somebody else. Putting his head into Joe’s face, it was crazy. He lost his head.”

This sort of attitude has hardly changed as he’s transitioned into a coaching career. Back in November, Corriere dello Sport (via Daily Mail) reported that the Italian had clashed with his Gli Azzurri squad.

“I’ve been talking about this for months now. I see an attitude I don’t like and it hurts me. We need to sort this aspect out as soon as possible,” Gattuso fumed.

It was thought that this remark left the players furious and that’s hardly a surprise given his previous comments on the ‘modern-day footballer,’ once claiming: “When I lost a match I broke down in frustration. Today players lose, take a selfie and put it on the Internet. They make me sick.”

His record is actually quite respectable, but it has mostly been his time in Naples which has drawn success, clinching the Coppa Italia last season and registering a 58.75% win rate in charge.

In fact, former Milan superstar Kaka described him as “a phenomenon”, as he demands the best from his teams in training and tries to motivate them with the same sort of energy his displayed on the pitch, as per Football Italia.

What is clear, though, is that his potential appointment could certainly fire a rocket right through this Spurs squad – players like Dele Alli, who was dubbed “lazy” by Jose Mourinho, and Erik Lamela, who has done very little in the eight years he’s been here, should be worried if Gattuso gets the gig.

The same players who let Mauricio Pochettino down in those fateful few months after their Champions League heartbreak in 2019 are pretty much the ones which saw Jose Mourinho face a premature departure from north London.

If there isn’t much of a squad overhaul in the coming months, then Gattuso could be the man to get Spurs back on the straight and narrow.

AND in other news, Levy could secure Spurs’ perfect Kane replacement in “unplayable” £45m-rated “beast”…

Lots of Everton fans have been left reacting to some transfer news about Donny van de Beek.

As per AD, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked a loan move to Goodison Park for the Manchester United midfield player on Transfer Deadline Day.

It looked like a deal could be done before the Norwegian manager stepped in, and it is not clear whether the Merseyside club will revisit their interest in the January window.

Van de Beek has endured a torrid time at Old Trafford since his move from Ajax, having mostly been used as a bit-part player making just 36 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring just one goal and making a mere two assists (Transfermarkt).

The Netherlands international has not featured at all so far this campaign, but with his poor goal and assist record and the fact that Rafa Benitez already has James Rodriguez that he can call upon in his position, it is no surprise to see that many Toffees were against the move.

Everton fans on van de Beek transfer news

These Blues gave their reaction to the news as it was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to describe him as a ‘Klaassen 2.0’, referring of course to fellow Dutchman Davy Klaassen who did not have a great time at Everton:

“Davy Klaassen in disguise. United are welcome to keep him”

Credit: @Gaz_E

“Good… Davy Klaassen 2.0”

Credit: @1Sharp1878

“Why? Seriously? We have about 6 CM’s and he is not an upgrade on anyone”

Credit: @andyjsb

“Thank God.”

Credit: @toffeeman1971

“From Utd bench to ours no thanks”

Credit: @Wazefc83

“GOOD!”

Credit: @SG_EFC

In other news, find out whose exit has Evertonians gushing here!