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Rangers put their early Europa League group stage woes to bed as they ran out 2-0 winners at Ibrox against Brondby on Thursday night.

Steven Gerrard’s side were beaten 2-0 and 1-0 by Lyon and Sparta Prague respectively in their first two matches, but they finally got off the mark against the Danish outfit this week.

Kemar Roofe and Leon Balogun scored the all-important goals for the Gers as they put on a dominant display in front of their home fans at Ibrox.

However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows as one player in particular struggled to show off the best of his abilities on the night – John Lundstram.

The summer signing from Sheffield United endured a difficult night on a personal level as he struggled to make his mark on the game. He lined up alongside Steven Davis and Joe Aribo, taking up the central position in the midfield as he looked to dictate the flow of the game.

However, he offered next to nothing defensively. As per SofaScore, he lost 100% of his contested duels in the match. He ended the game with one interception and zero tackles, blocks or clearances as he failed to provide defensive steel in the middle of the park.

In comparison, his midfield companion Aribo won 10 of his 15 duels and made four tackles and one interception against the Danish side. This shows how slack Lundstram’s defending was as the Nigerian was able to stand out by imposing himself on the opposition and winning the ball back to keep Rangers on the front foot.

Offensively, the 27-year-old did not fare much better. As per SofaScore, he failed with 100% of his dribble attempts and did not manage a single effort on target. He did, however, complete 97% of his passes and create one chance in the match, showing that he was reliable on the ball, albeit unimaginative.

Lundstram showed that he has the quality to perform well at this level in the defeat to Lyon earlier this season. As per SofaScore, he won five of his eight duels, made three tackles, three interceptions and completed 100% of his attempted dribbles that night.

Therefore, he let Gerrard down with his performance as he was unable to stand out in midfield like he did in the clash with Lyon. His manager will surely want consistency from the player and the 27-year-old’s display against Brondby was far from his best.

In other news – Gerrard masterclass: Rangers dynamo has seen his value soar 420% since January…

According to a report from Ajanspor journalist Salim Manav, Tottenham Hotspur are set to scout two Turkish talents in the upcoming round of Super Lig fixtures. 

The lowdown: Targets collide

It will be a mid-table battle when Besiktas face Kasimpasa on Monday night (April 25), but there could be a sub-plot to proceedings as two opposing left-backs – Ridvan Yilmaz and Eren Elmali – vie for superiority on the night.

Yilmaz of Besiktas is the younger of the two at 20-years-old and has already represented Turkey at the senior international level, whilst 21-year-old Elmali remains an Under 21 representative.

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As they prepare to do battle, it’s been suggested that eyes from the Premier League and Serie A could be watching with intent…

The latest: Spurs send scouts

As per the report from Ajanspor which has been cited on Twitter by Manav, Tottenham and Atalanta are believed to be preparing to watch the Turkish top-flight encounter.

“Tottenham and Atalanta officials will watch Eren Elmali and Ridvan Yilmaz in the Beşiktaş-Kasımpaşa match,” the journalist tweeted.

Expanding in the article, it’s claimed Spurs officials ‘will report’ on both Yilmaz and Elmali as Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici begin to earmark potential summer transfer targets.

Yilmaz – who made a come-and-get-me plea to Arsenal in 2021 – has been capped six times by the Turkey national team and was previously given a reported £8.35million asking price amidst interest from Leicester City, Torino and VfB Stuttgart.

The verdict: Smart moveWhilst neither youngster can boast a plethora of top-level experience with a combined 124 career outings in the Super Lig, both would represent value for money given the respective ages and likely affordable transfer fees.Elmali holds a perceived market value of just £1.62million (Transfermarkt), making the Istanbul-born starlet the more attainable financial option compared to his compatriot.But, with three goals and four assists in 30 appearances this season, Yilmaz’s ability to play as both a conventional left-back and in a more advanced role makes the Besiktas ace a preferable choice to suit Conte’s chosen 3-4-3 formation at present.When comparing the youngster to current Lilywhites star Sergio Reguilon, Yilmaz actually outperforms the Spaniard in every available aspect on average per 90 minutes (Fbref), albeit in a weaker league.Described as a ‘very smart’ operator by national team manager Stefan Kuntz, early indications would point to the Besiktas starlet being the preferred option to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer.In other news: ‘That’s for sure’ – Sky Sports reporter backs big transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

A major update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has revealed that a bid has been placed by the Magpies, with Eddie Howe looking to improve his defensive options this month.

The journalist tweeted: “On #nufc centre back search… Diego Carlos firmly in clubs sights. Substantial offer made – remains on table – player (very) intrigued. Definitely one to watch.”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will be delighted with this claim from Graves as it shows that the club are making serious moves for players. They are not going into the market and making offers which aren’t worthwhile for other clubs to even consider purely to make it look like they are trying to do something, instead submitting sizeable bids which will test the resolve of clubs being targeted.

PIF are offering substantial amounts of money for players in order to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, and the supporters will love that as it could give Newcastle the best possible chance of avoiding relegation to the Championship. The current group of players have proven themselves to not be good enough for where the Magpies want to be.

They are 19th in the Premier League table and have the second-worst defensive record, with bottom club Norwich – who have played a game more – the only team to concede more goals than Howe’s side so far this season. This highlights the huge issues the Magpies have in the defensive third of the pitch and highlights why fans will be particularly delighted with this news, as Carlos could solve some of their problems in that regard.

The Brazilian enforcer has been in fine form for Sevilla in La Liga this season and has been able to perform consistently to a high level, with an average SofaScore rating of 7.14. Although it is impossible to guarantee that he will be able to do the same in the Premier League, it shows that there’s a strong chance of him joining and discernibly improving Howe’s team.

Newcastle fans will also be buzzing to read that the player is keen on the move. It shows that the 28-year-old is willing to come in and help the team scrap for survival, rather than being put off by their precarious position and potentially needing to be convinced to complete the transfer.

AND in other news, “Pushing behind the scenes”: Keith Downie drops on-air NUFC update which will excite fans…

The January transfer window is past the halfway point and Rangers have been active, with a number of deals already being completed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox.

They have signed James Sands on an 18-month loan from New York City FC and pinned John Souttar down to a pre-contract agreement which will see him arrive in the summer.

Nathan Patterson has also been sold for a club-record transfer fee. The right-back has joined Premier League side Everton to continue his fledgling career.

With players coming in at Ibrox, van Bronckhorst may need to make some tough decisions on who stays in Glasgow, and Scott Wright could be axed from the Gers’ squad…

Finally axe Wright

The £5.6k-per-week dud could find himself on the way out if the club lands one of their targets. One player with whom Rangers have been linked is ES Setif midfielder Ahmed Kendouci – Algerian outlet DZ Foot has claimed that he is someone the Gers are monitoring this month.

The 22-year-old is a versatile player who could operate in a multitude of roles for Van Bronckhorst in the second half of the season. He is capable of playing on either wing, in the number 10 position and as a central or defensive midfielder, which means that he is not limited in terms of what he can offer.

Last season, Kendouci recorded 10 goals and 10 assists for Setif in 34 league matches, showcasing his ability to score and set up goals regularly. Whilst Wright predominantly plays off the right wing, the Algerian can play in his position whilst also offering the flexibility of being able to fill other roles, and that could make him more valuable than Wright.

Ross Wilson previously hailed the Ibrox youngster as “determined” but his hard work has not paid off yet in a Rangers shirt, as he has been unable to nail down a regular spot. He has only started five games across the Premiership and Europa League this season and has averaged a modest WhoScored rating of 6.59 in Europe, suggesting that Steven Gerrard and now Van Bronckhorst have not deemed him worthy of being a consistent starter for the Light Blues.

This is why Setif’s creative conductor Kendouci could come in and prove to be an upgrade on the 24-year-old. Not only is he more flexible positionally than Wright, his goalscoring and creation statistics last season suggest that he could also offer more quality on the ball in the final third.

AND in other news, Rangers headed for huge January blunder as Wilson lines up decision which would anger the fans…

Paulo Dybala is still being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur, according to recent claims…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed:

“I think Dybala, [a] long-term target under [Mauricio] Pochettino, I’m sure he will definitely be on the list in the summer but I think lots of clubs in Europe will be interested in the playmaker this summer on a free transfer, potentially.”

The 28-year-old came very close to signing for Spurs during the summer of 2019, only for a deal to fall through at the final hurdle over image rights. He has regularly been linked with a switch ever since then.

Conte needs him

This time, however, he’s a player that Antonio Conte could really do with in north London.

The January transfer window saw the Italian let three, potentially four, of his more creative outlets depart the club in record signing Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Byran Gil.

Not as if any were performing at the level required anyway but there has been a severe lack of imagination in the final third, often leaving the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son to provide for themselves. After all, they led pretty much every attacking department last term.

Again, this season, the South Korean tops the charts for goals scored (eight), assists (three) and key chances created (1.9 per game) in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

Three of the four behind him in the latter regard are defenders, so the likes of Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon have been more creative than any of the departed quarter, which speaks volumes.

But it does leave Conte without an outlet in the heart of the pitch – something that Dybala could aid and not only that, he’ll provide Kane with some backup, too.

Despite being hampered by injury this campaign, the Juve man has still delivered 11 goals and five assists, averaging a direct contribution once every 101 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

He was once dubbed an “unbelievable player” who does “breathtaking” things by former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey, whilst Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes his presence would aid Kane tenfold.

“I feel like he’d be unstoppable with Kane because he’s not a number nine, so he’s got to be playing alongside a striker like that,” he told Football FanCast back in the summer.

The £45m-rated dynamo also possesses a career average of two dribbles and 1.6 key passes per game (via WhoScored) only bolsters his threat, ball playing and carrying ability in the attacking third.

He’s got to be someone that Conte would surely love to sign this summer. He’d be a steal on a free transfer, too.

AND in other news, Conte could take Spurs to the next level by signing £27m-rated “leader” who he’d love him…

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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react after they found out that Frank de Boer had lost his first game in charge of Atlanta United.

The former Palace boss was appointed as the MLS Cup winners’ manager just before Christmas, but got off to a disappointing start with his new charges as they lost 3-1 to Herediano – in fairness, that’s better than his start with the Eagles, in which he oversaw a 3-0 loss to Huddersfield.

De Boer lasted just 77 days at Selhurst Park during his short tenure in south London, managing just four league games and failing to see his side score a single goal on their way to successive defeats – his only win came in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich.

The main issue with the 48-year-old Dutchman’s time at Palace was his tendency to deploy some players out of position, with Joel Ward stuck out in a right wing-back role whilst Luka Milivojevic was put at centre-back.

By the sounds of things, those issues are still going on at Atlanta, and Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react…

Newcastle United are reportedly now interested in signing Juventus ace Adrien Rabiot.

The Lowdown: Midfielder eyed

After the appointment of Eddie Howe, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now looking at what reinforcements they could bring into the team, preferably in the January transfer window as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship.

Names such as Marcelo Brozovic and Philippe Coutinho have been thrown around in recent days, suggesting that a new midfield player is wanted.

The Latest: Rabiot interest

As per Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), The Old Lady now ‘hope’ that the St. James’ Park faithful can turn their interest in Rabiot into a ‘concrete proposal’ for the France international.

Juve would reportedly be happy to sell him, with no signals that they want to extend his contract, which expires in 2023.

However, if the North East club want to sign Rabiot, they will have to deal with his agent and mother Veronique first, who has been described as a ‘volcanic’ character.

The Verdict: For the right price…

Although money is not an object to the new mega-rich owners, they should still be sensible with how much cash they splash in the market.

Rabiot is a player that would come as a bit of a risk, given that he has suffered with injury problems and missed a combined total of 45 days over 2021/2022 so far (Transfermarkt).

He’s not exactly been prolific with Juve in midfield, with a mere six goals and five assists recorded in 95 games in total over all competitions across the last three consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

However, he would certainly be an upgrade on the Tyneside outfit’s current midfield options, averaging more shots, dribbles and pass success per game than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this term (WhoScored).

France national team coach Didier Deschamps described him as a player who ‘has always had technical qualities’, and at 26 years of age, he has not reached his peak yet.

Nonetheless, Rabiot could be a smart addition to the squad, for the right price.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ Premier League star NUFC are eyeing here!

Tottenham must swoop for Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo this summer as manager Antonio Conte looks to bolster his squad in his first summer transfer window in charge of the north London club.

What’s the talk?

Reports from Italy have suggested that Spurs are following the 22-year-old closely, with Corriere della Sella (via Sport Witness) suggesting that the Italian knows that ‘decision time is approaching.’

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The Roma star’s contract expires in 2024 and is yet to renew, meaning that the Serie A outfit may have to sell this summer, with a fee being quoted at around €80m (£66m).

Manager Antonio Conte is believed to be a big fan of the 22-year-old, having assessed the winger during his time as Inter Milan manager, as is Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici.

Tottenham must sign Zaniolo

Despite a season that has seen a managerial change, an early exit from the Europa Conference League and yet another campaign without silverware, Tottenham’s season could end with success with the Lilywhites still firmly in contention for a top-four spot.

Conte’s side are fourth with six games to go in the Premier League and will undoubtedly be a more attractive proposition for Zaniolo and other potential targets if they can offer Champions League football.

The 22-year-old has netted seven goals and assisted another eight in 35 appearances across all competitions this term whilst averaging a 7.31 match rating in the Europa Conference League.

In Serie A, the Italian’s rating is lower at 6.7, with the winger averaging a 78% passing accuracy whilst completing just under half of his dribbles at 49%. Moreover, Zaniolo likes to get forward, producing 2.6 shots a game.

Moreover, the 22-year-old has been integrated into the senior Italy set-up, earning nine caps and scoring two goals for the Azzuri.

There is plenty of excitement in Italy regarding the Roma starlet, with club legend Francesco Totti praising the winger back in 2018 by saying: “Zaniolo is explosive and he plays with an unusual ease. If he continues this way he could become a great player.”

With the Italian a right-sided winger, Zaniolo could complement the left-sided Heung-Min Son perfectly.

The South Korean has netted a whopping 17 Premier League goals this term as well as registering seven assists in the top-flight, numbers that Spurs will hope the 22-year-old can one day reach should he swap Rome for London.

Granted, £66m will be a significant fee for Spurs to pay to secure Zaniolo’s services, however, with Conte a big fan, the deal could prove to be well worth it in the long run.

AND in other news: Lost the ball every 2.6 touches: “Quiet” 9-pass THFC passenger let Conte down vs BHAFC

An update has emerged on Norwich right-back Max Aarons, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies have discussed a possible deal to sign the England U21 international this month.

The report claims that the Canaries could be tempted into cashing in on the defender and he is one of a number of players Newcastle are considering at this time. Norwich reportedly wanted a fee of £35m in 2021 for the right-back and it remains to be seen whether or not that valuation has gone down in the subsequent months.

Masterstroke

Nick Hammond could land a masterstroke by bringing Aarons to the club this month for several reasons. Firstly, it would weaken one of their closest rivals in the table, with Norwich one point and one place behind Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League.

This means that it could improve Newcastle’s chances of finishing above Dean Smith’s side, aiding their chances of avoiding relegation down to the Championship.

Secondly, it could complete the club’s full-back pairing. Kieran Trippier is reportedly closing in on a move to Tyneside from Atletico Madrid and he has played at left-back for England at international level, which means that he could slot in on the left with Aarons at right-back as Howe unearths an attractive full-back pairing.

Additionally, the Norwich man could be seen as a long-term successor to Trippier and compete with him in the short term before taking over from him in the years to come.

The 22-year-old has played 18 games in the Premier League this season and was a standout in the Championship last term. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.98 as he produced two goals and two assists from right-back, whilst also helping the side to keep 17 clean sheets.

Former Canaries head coach Daniel Farke previously lauded the dynamo’s potential, saying: 

“In my eyes he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future. I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.

“When you are close to 100 appearances you are already an experienced lad. He is so young and he has to improve, and he will, but what he has done in the past two years is amazing. I cannot praise him enough.”

This highlights his room for improvement and shows that Newcastle could be signing a player who will become better and better with time. Therefore, he would be a fantastic signing for this season and future seasons, both in terms of his performances on the pitch and the value he could hold further down the line, which is why this would be a masterstroke from Hammond.

AND in other news, Howe can seal “absolute treat” for NUFC in swoop for monster who’s “Beckenbauer level”…

Alan Nixon has revealed what he has now heard about Newcastle United’s January transfer plans.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski signing?

James Tarkowski has been linked with a move to St James’ Park after the takeover was completed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium. The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards revealed last month that the Magpies hierarchy are expected to make the Burnley defender one of their first signings, with the 29-year-old understood to be keen on a move to the northeast.

However, Nixon has now revealed the latest on Newcastle’s winter plans, including their hope to sign players in the Premier League.

The Latest: Premier League difficulties

Replying to a fan on Twitter asking if the Magpies will try and sign Tarkowski, Nixon has revealed that it is ‘going to be hard’ for them to sign players from the top flight.

The Sun journalist has also heard that the new owners at St James’ Park are ‘very busy abroad’ when it comes to potential new signings in January.

The Verdict: Annoying

It will certainly be annoying for the Toon Army if they cannot sign Tarkowski or any players from the Premier League when the winter window opens.

Players who know the league well are so valuable as they know what to expect, as opposed to someone coming in from abroad who has never experienced the intensity of the division.

However, Newcastle could still sign some absolute gems from outside the English top flight, with the likes of Ronald Araujo and Ousmane Dembele recently being linked from Barcelona.

Nonetheless, it will certainly be interesting to see what calibre of player they can attract in a relegation battle.

In other news, these were Newcastle’s three worst players against Arsenal