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Rangers chief Ross Wilson dipped into the market to bolster Steven Gerrard’s squad with a number of additions over the summer.

The Gers attempted to improve their squad after winning the Premiership last season to give themselves the best chance of retaining their crown and keeping their rivals at bay, with Juninho Bacuna, John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala and Nmandi Ofoborh all coming in.

Gerrard’s side are now top of the table after eight games and lie six points clear of Celtic, having won six of their matches in the top flight this term.

The only summer signing on whom they invested a transfer fee was central midfielder Bacuna. Rangers paid a reported £2.07m for his services and he has shown glimpses of what he can offer in recent weeks after working his way into first team contention.

He came off the bench in Rangers’ last match against Hibernian and impressed with his cameo. As per SofaScore, he completed 100% of his long pass attempts, won all of his aerial battles and created one chance whilst completing 93% of his passes. This shows that he was efficient and able to provide quality despite only being on the pitch for 11 minutes.

The midfielder joined the Gers from Huddersfield, where he made a name for himself in England after leaving Dutch side Groningen in 2018. At the time of his transfer out of his native Netherlands, his market value according to Transfermarkt was just £1.35m.  He then went on to play 107 times for the Terriers, scoring 12 goals and setting up nine, whilst also playing 21 games in the Premier League.

By the summer of 2019, his market value had risen to £3.15m and, at the time of writing, it currently stands at £4.5m. This means that his valuation has soared 233% since his move to Huddersfield in 2018, with the 24-year-old showing positive signs of growth as a player in recent years.

Wilson has, therefore, pulled off a masterclass with the signing of Bacuna by getting him at the perfect time. For starters, the £2.07m Rangers are said to have paid for him is less than half his current market value, which suggests they picked up a bargain, but he also has scope to improve further.

Bacuna could be a player who is able to flourish at Rangers and further enhance his reputation in the game over the next couple of years. Take Ryan Kent as an example – his value has increased 697% since his permanent transfer to Ibrox in 2019, showing how he has been able to take his game to the next level under Gerrard.

If the former Huddersfield gem increases by the same percentage in the next couple of seasons, then he would be worth roughly £31m, a staggering bump up from the £1.35m at which he was valued upon his arrival in England. Of course, there is no guarantee that he will develop at the same rate as Kent, but his career suggests that the best is yet to come and Rangers could profit from that on and off the pitch in the coming years, which is why his signing came at the perfect time.

AND in other news, 100% dribble success: Rangers beast with seven duels caught the eye for his country…

As relayed by Tottenham Hotspur’s official website, manager Nuno Espirito Santo could welcome back summer signing Cristian Romero, with a return against Chelsea today not ruled out for the 23-year-old.

The Lowdown: Croatia three back in London…

After their international debacle, returning from a 10-day training camp in Croatia to maintain fitness levels, it appears that Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Davinson Sanchez are back in the English capital.

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The South American trio have been unable to return to Spurs after joining up with their red-listed countries, with Spurs sending them to Croatia in an attempt to avoid them having to quarantine in a UK-based hotel (Evening Standard).

The Latest: Spurs drop pre-Chelsea injury message…

Relaying some injury news ahead of the Chelsea clash, it appears that Romero and his fellow South Americans could now come into contention to feature today following their stint abroad, as per an update from Spurs’ official website.

While their inclusion still needs to be assessed, Nuno could be boosted by the return of his Argentine summer signing in particular, refusing to rule him out from featuring this afternoon.

Spurs’ report claimed that Romero, alongside Lo Celso and Sanchez, ‘may come into frame’ for today’s highly-anticipated clash against their bitter London rivals and Champions League holders.

The Verdict: Huge boost…

Potentially having the 2020/21 Serie A MVP award winner as the league’s best defender back in his side will come as a huge boost for Nuno, especially considering that Romero is yet to show his very best and could decide to turn it on against Chelsea.

Lauded as ‘phenomenal’ by Serie A journalist Conor Clancy (via This is Futbol), the 23-year-old would come as a stellar defensive option to cope with the pace and power of Romelu Lukaku. It’s no coincidence that, in Romero’s absence over the last week, Spurs shipped five goals over their two matches against Crystal Palace and Rennes.

In other news: Spurs request now advanced to sign ‘invaluable’ player, Paratici ready to meet demands…find out more here.

When Rafa Benitez was announced as the new manager of Everton Football Club, it was apparent that he’d need a quickfire start devoid of controversy.

News of his appointment had not gone down well with Toffees supporters due to his allegiances to the red side of Merseyside but fortunately, Benitez was able to prevent negativity and prove them wrong.

Everton started the season in flying fashion and after the opening four matches of the season, they were level on points with the league leaders.

Yet, proceedings have gone downhill since. They have lost Dominic Calvert-Levin, Richarlison, Seamus Coleman and Jordan Pickford to injury.

They were swatted aside with ease by Aston Villa last weekend and now they are out of the Carabao Cup too.

The Goodison Park outfit had a genuine chance of winning this competition but they went out in the worst way possible; on penalties.

As expected, Benitez fielded a team that combined youth and experience, but unfortunately, it was his senior heads that let him down the most against QPR.

Twice the Rs took the lead but Everton fought back before losing on penalties.

One of the worst displays came from £100k-per-week Alex Iwobi. The winger has done little to justify his £34m price tag since arriving from Arsenal with just five goals to his name at Everton.

He wasn’t involved in any of the goals against QPR as he turned in a languid display.

With Demarai Gray not starting and Richarlison ruled out, this was an ideal opportunity for the Nigerian to prove his worth, especially against Championship opposition.

However, he flopped for Benitez in a performance that severely let the manager down.

During his 90 minutes on the field, Iwobi completed two dribbles and also provided two key passes but typically, his end product was ultimately lacking.

His pass success rate of 75% was extremely disappointing while the winger was also feeble in physical situations.

Iwobi won just 22.2% of the defensive duels he was involved in, winning only two all night. In surrendering possession 13 times, he also lost the ball every 3.1 touches.

Against a team in the second-tier, the former Arsenal gem should have been running rampant. Sadly, he never looked like threatening their backline.

AND in other news, Everton rocked by big blow after weekend development, Benitez will be seething…

Rangers started off their Europa League campaign with a win on Thursday night but it was a nervy affair at Ibrox as they scraped past Armenian side Alashkert.

Alfredo Morelos scored the only goal of the game for Steven Gerrard’s side, who were able to claim the win despite going down to ten men in the first half after John Lundstram picked up a second yellow card.

The result means that there is still a lot of work for Rangers to do if they are to qualify for the group stage of the Europa League this season, as they travel to Armenia next week with just a one-goal advantage, so they could easily find themselves without European football should they surrender their aggregate lead.

Although Morelos will steal the limelight after his goal, there was a very impressive performance by Steven Davis in the Rangers midfield, with the 36-year-old playing excellently despite being forced to cover significantly more ground following Lundstram’s sending off.

Following the game, The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell sang Davis’ praises on Twitter, writing: “Steven Davis top drawer again. A moment in the 55th minute where he momentarily lost it, and so did the crowd. Turned toxic for a few seconds but he won it back and it started a ten-minute spell that won the game. He’s going to be so hard to replace.”

The Glasgow Times’ David Irvine was also quick to recognise his influence in the victory, writing: “Typically cool performance from Davis. Kept his head when Lundstram saw red and kept the play ticking over before and after the goal.”

The Northern Ireland international’s experience was clear to see at Ibrox as the Gers were able to see out the win, and it emphasised just how important a player he remains in Rangers’ squad despite his age.

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Therefore, it seems fair to suggest that the veteran midfielder was Gerrard’s true hero in the win against Alashkert, and he will no doubt be important again next week in the second leg.

In other news… Rangers dealt decisive transfer blow over “exciting” talent

Manchester United will not be sanctioning Diogo Dalot’s departure from Old Trafford over what remains of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the journalist revealing on a post on Twitter that, despite a number of clubs making an approach for the 22-year-old, United are not willing to part with the right-back this summer.

Romano continues by stating that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer views the Portugal international as a non-transferable player, as well as believing the defender can play a role in the first-team this season, as well as in the future.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Manchester United have made a final decision: Diogo Dalot will stay. He’s non-transferrable. Club and Solskjaer are very happy with Dalot, they trust him for [the] present and future so he’s NOT leaving. Borussia Dortmund approached Man Utd as [did] many other clubs but no way.”

Get rid

While it is undeniable that Dalot is a player who at 22 still carries potential – Jose Mourinho even went so far as to dub the 22-year-old as “the best full-back in Europe” in his age group upon joining United – whether or not the defender is actually good enough to cement his place as the first-choice right-back in Solskjaer’s side for the foreseeable future is very much up for debate.

Indeed, the £9m-rated man has hardly impressed when given a shot so far in his United career, having earned a distinctly average SofaScore match rating of 6.79 over his 16 Premier League appearances back in 2018/19, as well as an even more disappointing rating of 6.60 over his four top-flight appearances in 2019/20.

And, while the £34k-per-week defender’s performances did improve over his 21 Serie A appearances while out on loan at AC Milan last season – over which Dalot helped his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.5 tackles 1.8 clearances and winning 3.1 duels per game, seeing him average a SofaScore match rating of 6.95 – the 22-year-old nevertheless failed to make the position his own, with Stefano Pioli opting to start the United loanee in just 10 league fixtures.

As such, considering his below-par returns so far in his spell at Old Trafford, in addition to the fact that there seemed to be a significant amount of interest in his services this summer, it could well prove to be something of a mistake by Solskjaer in not cashing in on the man Mourinho dubbed a “talented” player this summer, and subsequently reinvesting the funds received from his sale in a more proven option in the position.

This summer could have been the perfect chance to capitalise on the amount of interest in Dalot, but instead, they’ve made a late u-turn and decided to hang on to him.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops Man Utd claim which will be music to the ears of fans

Aston Villa have hijacked Tottenham’s attempts to sign Northampton Town forward Caleb Chukwuemeka, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Chukwuemeka profiled

Chukwuemeka is 19 years of age and is into the final 12 months of his senior contract with the League Two side.

The striker, who Keith Curle believes has a ‘bit of magic’, has made 28 appearances for The Cobblers, scoring twice.

He was on the bench for Northampton’s first game of the new season on the weekend, but it appears as if he could be on the move before the window shuts.

The Latest: Source shares update

Tottenham submitted a player-plus-cash bid for Chukwuemeka at the end of July, however, a Villa source has informed Football Insider that Villa are trying to beat Spurs to a deal.

They led with a title on Monday claiming Villa have hijacked Tottenham’s deal for Chukwuemeka, and a move to Villa Park could see him reunite with younger brother Carney.

The Verdict: Academy taking shape

Villa have already bolstered their first-team ranks this summer, so it seems as if Chukwuemeka could be the latest addition for the club’s academy.

They’ve signed Tim Iroegbunam from West Brom, Josh Feeney from Fleetwood Town and Ajani Burchall from Bournemouth, so Chukwuemeka could be the latest who could link up with the U23’s.

It could well prove to be a shrewd move by Villa, especially as Spurs are seemingly desperate to land the forward ahead of Villa.

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at transfer news, find out what it’s about here. 

Aston Villa are far more likely to sign Cheick Doucoure than Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Villa have been linked with both midfielders, with Sky Sports reporting at the end of last month that the Midlands club have had a £25m bid rejected for the Saints captain.

Meanwhile, Goal’s Marc Mechenoua has claimed that Villa are interested in signing the RC Lens youngster as Dean Smith looks to continue his squad revamp this summer.

And while Hatfield is not expecting the Premier League outfit to chuck everything at Doucoure, he thinks a deal for the Mali international is more likely than a deal for Ward-Prowse.

“Midfield is the one I think Villa need to address, particularly after their start in the Premier League,” Hatfield told FFC. “I think every Villa fan out there really wants to see them sign a defensive midfielder.

“Cheick Doucoure, I think that’s another one that’d be unlikely, although far more likely than Ward-Prowse to happen.”

As deadline day draws closer, signing Ward-Prowse is starting to look like an extremely difficult task.

Southampton, of course, have already sold Danny Ings to Villa. Will they want to weaken themselves even further while strengthening a Premier League rival for a second time this transfer window?

Lots of Everton fans have been left buzzing as the Goodison Park faithful released their new Hummel third kit ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The kit is now available to but on their official website, and boasts a predominantly white colour, with a blue stripe running down the middle with yellow outlines.

Shirt sponsor Cazoo is located in the middle with the Toffees crest and Hummel logo either side in what is a very aesthetically pleasing jersey overall.

Rafa Benitez’s team may not be able to wear the kit that much in the new campaign given that it is the third strip, but when they do, it will come as a treat to the Blues supporters.

The new Premier League season is only a matter of weeks away, and releasing the new shirt has added to the excitement.

Everton fans on third kit

These EFC fans buzzed as the kit was shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that it was ‘amazing’:

“Oh my dayyyys that amazing that’s actually up there with the best kits”

Credit: @efcowen1

“That’s a beauty!”

Credit: @IanG1878

“Insane”

Credit: @five15design

“Fantastic kit, very happy with that.”

Credit: @UpperGwladysBlu

“Wow”

Credit: @SP0RTSEDlTS

“Top class”

Credit: @Roundhouse1878

In other news, find out what Bramley-Moore Dock update has been lauded by Toffees here!

Attacking incomings at Liverpool are contingent on the futures of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.

Speaking on The Red Agenda podcast, Pearce said he had been told that the Reds would be ‘active’ in the market if the duo were to be sold.

He reported late in July that Shaqiri had told the club he wanted to leave, and that Liverpool would not stand in his way if a suitable offer arrived. The Swiss international is apparently valued at £12m, which is £1m less than what they paid to sign him back in 2018.

Origi less likely to depart Liverpool

Pearce’s colleague Caoimhe O’Neill had suggested last month that Origi was ‘likely’ to remain a squad player on Merseyside.

She explained that Liverpool were not ‘actively looking to cash in’ on the Belgian, whose only goal last season came in a Carabao Cup victory over League One side Lincoln City in September.

Fan feed LFC Transfer Room relayed the latest from Pearce, and here’s what some supporters made of it.

These Liverpool fans bemoan transfer situation

“Sell to buy FC. What a club.”

Credit: @Anjay052021

“The more you read, the more of a joke it becomes”

Credit: @JonnieIvanDoyle

“Makes next to no sense to keep both players just to sit on the sidelines… Edwards should be firing up that laptop at the crack of dawn to get both moved on”

Credit: @dylslam24

“We need to be proactive in moving these players that the manager likely won’t use”

Credit: @Todd66251244

“Of course sell-to-buy fc back again, JUST GET RID OF THEM”

Credit: @LFCPJ16

“Another trophyless season, can’t wait.”

Credit: @GaneshSubertz

In other news, there’s a key update on a Liverpool target in Serie A.

There is an ‘expectation’ that Helder Costa will push to leave Leeds United if they are successful in their efforts to sign another winger, according to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Leeds paid around £16m to sign Costa from Wolverhampton Wanderers last July after he helped the Whites gain promotion to the Premier League during a 2019/20 loan spell.

However, he was limited to just 13 league starts last season, with Raphinha and Jack Harrison favoured in the wide positions. The 27-year-old scored three goals and laid on three assists over the course of the campaign.

Football Insider have previously reported that Club Brugge winger Noa Lang is a ‘top target’ for Leeds and that talks have taken place over a possible move to Elland Road.

The latest

Football Insider reported that Leeds are willing to listen to offers for Costa just 12 months on from his permanent arrival at the club.

The Whites are confident of landing a ‘senior wide player’, which could prompt him to table a transfer request.

The verdict

You might wonder if Leeds are now regretting their sizeable outlay on Costa, who Football Insider also described as a ‘big earner’ – a fair description as only five team-mates take home more than his £36,000 per week (Salary Sport).

Clearly they valued his contribution in the Championship, but he had previously shone for Wolves in the second tier with 10 goals and eight assists before failing to make his mark in the top flight (via WhoScored).

There seems little prospect of the 27-year-old forcing his way back into Marcelo Bielsa’s preferred XI, so he would be wise to seek a move and ensure that his theoretical peak years are not wasted.

In other news, Leeds face competition in the race for another winger.