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Glasgow Rangers have received a huge blow ahead of the new season as it has been revealed by the club that Nikola Katic will be out for the foreseeable future.

The 23-year-old was an important part of Steven Gerrard’s side last term, appearing in 19 Scottish Premierships before the season was brought to a premature close. However, an injury sustained in pre-season training will keep him on the sidelines for a while.

The £1.44m-valued defender – as per Transfermarkt – will therefore leave a hole in the middle of Gerrard’s back four, but it now gives one of the former Liverpool midfielder’s other options the chance to shine and make the spot alongside Connor Goldson their own.

That man could well be Filip Helander. The Sweden international was signed for £3.5m last summer, but injuries in the previous campaign meant he played just eight times in the league and 17 matches overall. Now, back to full fitness and with just George Edmundson to compete with for a starting XI spot, it could well be his chance to shine.

After spending that seven-figure sum on the centre-back, Gerrard will certainly be hoping he steps up to the plate. It remains to be seen, however, who the boss chooses at the heart of the defence.

Let us know what you think below!

So after earlier suggestions that Liverpool could be closing in on the signing of Thiago, it now appears that Jurgen Klopp’s side won’t be bringing in the Spain international after all.

Reports in recent days had claimed that the Reds were in advanced negotiations with the midfielder, and that only the finances had to be worked out between the Merseyside club and Bayern Munich.

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

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Now however, ESPN have revealed Liverpool will not pursue a move for the former Barcelona star, “with the Premier League champions only likely to enter the transfer market if a significant member of Klopp’s squad leaves Anfield”.

The report further claims that Thiago’s age – he’s currently 29 –  “and Bayern’s £30m valuation of a player whose contract expires next summer make him incompatible with the club’s profile of signings who provide long-term value for money”.

After hearing about the latest update on the Spaniard, Liverpool fans flooded to Twitter to share their reactions.

A couple of Liverpool fans couldn’t quite believe that the club are seemingly operating under a sell to buy policy, and questioned where all the money they’ve earned over these past few years has gone.

Another couple of Reds supporters insisted that they “should be making a statement”, and that whilst they’re standing still, their rivals are continuing to improve.

After winning the Premier League in convincing fashion, it’s little surprise to see that the Reds aren’t really in the market to make a big splash this summer.

Klopp’s men have had two incredible seasons back-to-back, and whilst the frustration at once again not seeing big-money signings arrive is understandable, the process thus far has worked out a treat.

A recent report has emerged linking energy drink tycoon William Storey with a potential takeover of Sunderland.

With the 2019/20 season done and dusted, pressure is firmly mounting on current owner Stewart Donald to sell the club.

Donald, who took over the Wearsiders in 2018, sensationally revealed that he wanted to sell after just 19 months in charge, and a whole host of potential buyers have emerged over the last few weeks.

Chinese businessman Sammy Yu, Mark Campbell and former Black Cats defender Michael Gray have all been credited with interest, although little movement has been made on a potential deal from any of the three individuals.

With takeover talk continuing, it has now emerged that Storey, the CEO of Rich Energy, is keen on a potential deal, with the entrepreneur touching on an offer for the club via his official Twitter account.

“I am limited in what I can say due to NDA but I can confirm that I have made a formal legal offer for @SunderlandAFC.

“I have significant funding from blue chip backers. Sunderland are a giant of English football & their fans deserve a team to reflect that stature #SunderlandAFC.”

The current asking price set by Donald for a potential new owner is at £37.6m, something Storey can seemingly afford given that his company already actively sponsors a number of sports players, clubs and organisations.

Storey’s is another name to add to the list of potential buyers and this one should excite Sunderland fans.

Rich Energy may not be a ubiquitous brand but, if their CEO is pursuing a takeover bid at the Stadium of Light, he certainly must have the capital to potentially take the reins from Donald.

Do you think Donald will sell Sunderland this summer? Let us know in the comments section below…

Leeds United’s transfer policy is reportedly going to centre around looking at some of the EFL’s top talents, but one story that broke on Friday indicates that they’re not going to do all of their shopping in the Championship.

Indeed, the Whites have now been linked with a player from reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, and it’s a player they’ve previously had a look at.

About a year ago, the Yorkshire club were linked with a big-money move for Liverpool’s Harry Wilson, but for one reason or another, it never came off.

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However, with the financial boost that comes with promotion, United can now afford to bring in a higher calibre of player, and once again Wilson is on their radar.

The Sun are reporting that the Welshman will cost the club £15m, but you have to wonder how he’d fit into Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Wilson has operated mainly as a right-winger over the past 12 months during his time at Bournemouth, but his style of play doesn’t suit him to running the channels in a Marcelo Bielsa side.

The Argentine loves to have speedy wingers who can get to the byline and drill low crosses, while Wilson is a much more technical player who doesn’t really cross all that much, averaging just 0.1 crosses per game this term.

Fortunately, he can also play through the middle, and that may be where Bielsa wants to utilise him if he comes in.

Wilson’s technical ability is undeniable, he’s a sweet striker of the ball, as shown by his incredible free-kick highlight reel, and if that incredible technique can be channelled in a number 10 role, United could have the ultimate Pablo Hernandez successor on their hands, but Bielsa may have a lot of work to do in changing his position.

Leeds United appear to be finally making some first-team moves in this summer transfer window, but there’s one name familiar to Victor Orta that they must simply avoid…

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites chief has held talks with Arsenal over a potential deal for versatile defender Calum Chambers, who is thought to be on the chopping block at the Emirates Stadium.

It’s claimed that the Yorkshire giants will battle fellow Premier League newcomers Fulham for his signature this summer.

The Gunners have put a £12m price tag on his head and would rather a permanent exit over another temporary loan spell elsewhere.

Orta reunion?

Now, Marcelo Bielsa desperately needs defensive additions before the start of the season in a little over two weeks time. Currently, he can only call upon skipper Liam Cooper in central defence unless he’s dropping into the youth squad.

But a move for Chambers doesn’t make too much sense at all, especially if Mikel Arteta doesn’t trust him and in reality, it just reeks of Orta sticking with familiarity rather than going out and scouting the best available options.

Whilst in charge at Middlesbrough, the Spaniard brought in the Englishman on loan and he clearly didn’t help as they were relegated to the Championship.

That team was littered with outcasts from his native country, including Alvaro Negredo, Cristhian Stuani and Bernado Espinosa. Leeds don’t want similar to happen here.

The versatile defender, who can also play in midfield, was described as an “accident waiting to happen” by Tony Cascarino back in 2018. He also claimed Chambers was “nervous on the ball and lacking concentration.”

That doesn’t sound like a Bielsa player whatsoever, so Orta really must swerve this move despite the glaring need.

AND in other news, Bielsa still chasing Serie A man but would have to table £13.4m…

West Bromwich Albion are just a few days away from their first game back in the big time and they can make their season a lot smoother with the addition of one man…

What’s the word?

According to the Express & Star, the Baggies are major contenders to land promising Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher on loan this summer.

They claim the 20-year-old has been on their radar for several years having impressed in the academy setup at Stamford Bridge and after two successful loan spells last season in the Championship, Slaven Bilic wants to make a move.

Gallagher is set to sign a contract extension before he departs on a temporary basis and talks between Albion and Chelsea are underway.

Forget Krovinovic?

The Baggies are currently lacking that final midfielder to complement both Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereria at the Hawthorns, so a move for the England U21 sensation makes sense.

Especially if the club are unable to bring Filip Krovinovic back. The same report claims that discussions with Benfica have hit a bump over a potential future transfer.

However, Gallagher outperformed the Croatian last term and perhaps should be the man they sign instead.

The 20-year-old provided six goals and 11 assists for both Charlton Athletic and Swansea City whilst averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.7 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

He seems like the perfect box-to-box midfielder that could hold the keys to Bilic unlocking that exciting attack.

Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews likened his playing style to that of Frank Lampard, claiming Gallagher is a “classic No 8.” who “has unbelievable energy” and “does the ugly side of the game.”

Whilst Lee Bowyer, a similar player back in the day, believes the loan star had been a “jewel” that was “impossible to replace” and that’s exactly what Bilic would be getting.

Luke Dowling must ensure they win the race this summer.

AND in other news, West Brom target 29-goal star who’d be a dream for Matheus Pereira…

Aston Villa appear to be doing bits this transfer window and they can round off an impressive-looking attack with one more addition…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, the Midlands outfit remain in talks to sign Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica with Dean Smith keen to add him to his ranks this summer.

Last week it was reported in Germany that the 24-year-old was open to a move to the Premier League and the club were now prepared to pay the €25m (£23m) asking price.

Villa have already broken their club-record to bring in Ollie Watkins from Brentford and are on the verge of signing former Chelsea winger Bertrand Traore from Lyon in a £19m deal.

Attack complete?

You’d imagine this would very much signal Smith’s intentions to play skipper Jack Grealish through the middle as a front three of Rashica (left), Watkins (middle) and Traore (right) is enough to have you salivating from the mouth.

The west Midlanders struggled for goals across the board last season with pretty much everything coming through the Englishman – only Kevin De Bruyne created more chances last term.

Rashica bagged himself eight goals and five assists and averaged 2.6 shots, two dribbles, 1.4 key passes and one cross per game for the Bundesliga outfit, via WhoScored.

His playing style is very much akin to a prime Alexis Sanchez (when he used to be on it for Arsenal at least). According to Bundesliga.com, this is because of his “ice-cold” finishing and having “pace to burn.”

The Kosovan’s head coach, Florian Kohfeldt, claims that “he makes scoring look easy,” so almost overnight, Villa’s attack has become something that’ll strike fear into other teams in the division.

Smith is clearly trying to avoid another relegation dogfight and the addition of Rashica alongside Traore is quite the statement from Johan Lange and co.

AND in other news, Aston Villa eyeing move for Serie A colossus…

Liverpool are set to take on Lincoln City in their upcoming Carabao Cup fixture this evening. 

The Reds will be looking to continue their winning form against the League Two side, who will also be hoping for a positive result.

After Pep Lijnders took the role of press conference duty instead of Jurgen Klopp, the English champions could field a team of mainly fringe players.

One man who could therefore make his debut for Liverpool is Kostas Tsimikas. The left-back joined the Merseyside outfit back in August, becoming their first senior signing of the transfer window.

Klopp will undoubtedly hope that his side can hold onto their Premier League crown. They have won both fixtures so far and he could opt to rest some of his key players ahead of Monday’s match against Arsenal. Andy Robertson may be one of the players to take a backseat.

If the Scotsman is absent, it will open the door for Tsimikas to show his worth for the Reds. Whilst he may not be in contention for first choice, he can still impress as Robertson’s deputy.

The Greece international’s last match was for former club Olympiakos against Wolves. Despite the Premier League side coming away with a win in their Europa League clash, Tsimikas put in a solid performance.

The 24-year-old completed a very impressive six total tackles and also made two interceptions and one clearance (via Sofascore).

Whilst Liverpool may have the better team on paper, they mustn’t underestimate Lincoln who will want to utilise their run in the Carabao Cup. Tsimikas will need to be alert for any dangerous runs from the Imps’ winger Harry Anderson.

How do you think the Liverpool v Lincoln match will play out? Have your say in the comments below!

While the transfer window may be closed, Glasgow Rangers may be about to make a surprise move if recent reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT, as relayed by The Daily Record, Rangers have been linked to Jack Wilshere after his West Ham contract was ripped apart on deadline day.

The former England international’s career has been ravaged by injuries and he struggled to settle down under David Moyes.

But talkSPORT claims a move to Rangers “should not be ruled out” after he left the London Stadium as a free agent.

It’s also claimed that Wilshere is willing to listen to offers from elsewhere though it remains to be seen if Ross Wilson will sanction a shock move.

Gascoigne 2.0?

This could be a shrewd signing from Wilson if he can work his magic. Rangers signed Bongani Zungu on a season-long loan from French side Amiens with the club retaining the option to buy him permanently in the summer.

It could be argued that Steven Gerrard’s side still lack the attacking midfielder he has been craving for so long.

The majority of the goals have been scored or created by Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi while James Tavernier has chipped in as well – imagine what Wilshere would be able to do behind Morelos in particular.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once claimed Wilshere has a “special quality” on the ball during his time on loan at AFC Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old arguably enjoyed some of his best football back in the 2013/14 season where he scored three goals and supplied four assists in the Premier League, whilst averaging 1.9 dribbles and 1.4 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

In comparison Hagi is only averaging 0.7 dribbles per game whilst Scott Arfield is managing just 1 key pass per game from four starts in the Scottish top flight.

Wilshere was once described as “the best English talent since Paul Gascoigne” and insisted the club legend inspired him to play without fear for England.

As it stands the Gers must take a gamble on the £4m-rated ace as he will be available for free.

Even in the event a transfer doesn’t work out as well as planned, the club could still sell him for a greater profit.

The fact that Rangers have “already shown an interest” should give fans some confidence.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson has made the right decision after Rangers reject Alfredo Morelos loan interest…

Crystal Palace struggled to break down Brighton & Hove Albion in a dull draw in the A23 Derby at Selhurst Park on Sunday. Roy Hodgson’s side started strongly after Wilfried Zaha converted from the penalty box, but this turned out to be the home side’s only shot on target in the whole game.

The Eagles will have wanted to get back to winning ways, having lost 4-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the international break, but they barely offered anything in attack, which will give Hodgson some cause for concern.

If you can’t beat them, join them – Michy Batshuayi made the most of a challenge from Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey, and Palace were awarded a penalty as a result, despite the fact that the replays showed there was hardly any contact at all.

It’s safe to say that Batshuayi is desperate to deliver this season, that’s for sure, as Hodgson has backed the returning Chelsea loanee to succeed at Selhurst Park but the 31-cap Belgium international barely touched the ball at all against Brighton, which is a part of the problem.

In fact, the 27-year-old only touched the ball 19 times in total, although he still lost possession 10 times, which suggests that his first touch isn’t all that great – hardly something that you would want in a striker, whilst he averaged just 50% of his passes, won two out of eight ground duels, and didn’t win a single aerial duel, via SofaScore. Shockingly, he failed to register a single shot all game, never mind a shot on target!

SofaScore graded him at 6.6, which is perhaps a little optimistic, all things considering. Similarly, Sky Sports gave him a rating of 6/10, although football.london offered a fairer assessment, claiming he made “a great run and finish early in the second half unfortunately ruled out for offside” which was a “big spark in an otherwise quiet appearance.”

Quite why Chelsea have kept him on their books we will probably never understand but nevertheless, Hodgson seems determined to get the best out of the erratic £10m-rated ace, but at what cost?

Zaha cut a frustrated figure in the first half, which is perhaps hardly surprising as he was largely starved of any service, while Palace looked less than threatening in attack and had to rely on a set-piece once again to open the scoring.

The Eagles are now in 12th place in the Premier League on seven points as a result and only six points away from the relegation zone. Batshuayi will need to start finding the back of the net not before too long – and not from an offside position!

AND in other news, Crystal Palace may live to regret missing out on Watford winger Ismaila Sarr…