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A European club have set their sights on bringing on signing a young "prolific scorer" from Arsenal this summer, and they're set to open talks over a deal this week.

Arsenal set for summer sales to bolster transfer kitty

The north Londoners, after just missing out on the Premier League title to Man City for the second consecutive campaign, now turn their attentions to the summer transfer window in a bid to reinforce Mikel Arteta's ranks.

Arsenal contact club for "exciting" £30 million signing and will open talks

He’s garnering a very good reputation right now.

ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2024

It has been reported that the Gunners and sporting director Edu want to bring in a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward (Simon Collings) – with new arrivals potentially coming in across the first team.

Aaron Ramsdale is likely to leave Arsenal after becoming Arteta's second choice keeper behind David Raya, with Edu rumoured to be targeting a replacement. Elsewhere, Arsenal have been heavily linked with Turkey and Fenerbahce full-back Ferdi Kadioglu, with some reports even claiming they've agreed personal terms.

Aaron Ramsdale

Thomas Partey

Gabriel Jesus

Eddie Nketiah

Reiss Nelson

Emile Smith Rowe

Fabio Vieira

Albert Sambi Lokonga

Kieran Tierney

Nuno Tavares

In midfield, Edu is apparently ready to sell Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah to fund a move for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes – who could well come in to replace Thomas Partey as uncertainty surrounds the Ghanaian's future.

Gabriel Jesus has also been linked with an Arsenal exit in recent weeks, so Arteta and the board are not exactly short of sale nominees to bolster their kitty this summer. Edu, speaking to the media recently, says the club's summer transfer process has been thought out since January.

"You can’t sign players for the sake of signing," said Edu on Arsenal's transfer plans.

"This has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. There on my desk, I have reports with more than 180 pages on a player. It’s really detailed stuff. Physical, technical, mental profile, if you have Premier League experience, if you will be able to adapt. It has everything.

"We analyse our weaknesses, where we can improve, where we can invest and then we go in search of that new name. What I am going to do now, we have been discussing since January. It’s not my decision or Mikel’s alone. It belongs to a whole group."

Sturm Graz set to open talks with Arsenal over Mika Biereth this week

Another player who could collect a fee to enhance Arsenal's summer activity is 21-year-old forward Mika Biereth.

The Dane has enjoyed a stellar half-season loan at Sturm Graz over the last few months, scoring nine goals and bagging a further four assists. Called a "prolific goalscorer" by Standard Sport, the outlet claims Sturm Graz are set to open talks over signing Biereth permanently this week.

The young attacker signed from Fulham in 2021, but hasn't yet been handed the nod by Arteta – instead going out on loan to RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell and Sturm Graz during his time at the Emirates.

Glasgow Rangers have one more chance at glory this season as they play in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday in a bid to win a domestic cup double.

The last time they managed this feat was during the 2007/08 campaign. Philippe Clement may be looking to add to his trophy collection at Ibrox this weekend, although the Belgian is also planning ahead for the summer transfer window.

Might the Light Blues be close to securing their first signing?

Rangers transfer news

According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers are closing in on a move to secure highly rated South African youngster Relebohile Mofokeng, beating the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahly to his signature.

The 19-year-old would be Clement’s first piece of business done this summer and, hopefully, this is just the start of many, as a major rebuild at Ibrox is clearly required.

The youngster may not be a marquee name, yet neither was Mohamed Diomande prior to his arrival in Glasgow and the midfield already looks like a wonderful piece of business.

This newfound strategy of signing promising youngsters who have the potential to develop into excellent first-team players could begin to pay dividends next season if the 50-year-old could work his magic.

Mofokeng isn’t the finished article, far from it, but he could replace Abdallah Sima and save the Light Blues money in the process.

Why Relebohile Mofokeng would be a good signing

There were a few rumours regarding the Gers trying to sign Sima on a permanent deal after a season which saw the winger score 16 goals in all competitions.

This move will cost the club a pretty penny, however. Given that Clement may need to move people on before splashing the cash, perhaps a move for Mofokeng would be the wisest option in order to add some depth to his wide areas.

Metric

Europa League

Premiership

Goals

3

11

Assists

0

2

Big chances created

0

2

Key passes per game

1

0.8

Successful dribbles per game

1.8

1.2

Via Sofascore

The South African typically operates on the left wing and has shown plenty of promise during the embryonic stages of his career thus far.

In just 38 senior matches, the teenager has scored five times and registered seven assists, while The Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson hailed Mofokeng for being an “exciting prospect” who loves taking on defenders.

He may only be a slender 5 foot 3, but this gives him a lower centre of gravity than most players, allowing him to exude his sinuous qualities down the flank.

These types of signings are always a gamble, but it appears Clement may not have much of a choice, having to be diligent with his transfer dealings this summer so he does not overspend.

Mofokeng could be an interesting addition to the squad. There is no doubt the youngster has demonstrated plenty of potential in South Africa. Can he make the step up in Scotland, however? The game tends to be fairly physical so it'll be a challenge.

Only time will tell if he passes the test but Clement may need a replacement for Sima and is going about things the right way as he seeks to build a successful player-trading model at Ibrox.

Rangers could reclaim the title by signing 31-goal star

The Light Blues must pursue a swoop for the prolific marksman this summer.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2024

West Ham United's hopes of qualifying for European competition now border on minuscule after David Moyes' side ceded further ground in the Premier League against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

While the Hammers are still in a good position and will be confident of a top-half finish, there has been much to be desired by this squad this term and it seems that sporting director Tim Steidten has decided that it's time to shift the pillars of power in east London.

Only at the start of the week, the general consensus was that West Ham had made Sporting Lison's coveted manager Ruben Amorim their "top target", according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, but that's now looking unlikely.

Who will be Moyes' successor (who is out of contract at the end of the season) and who is the best person for the job?

West Ham's search for a manager

Steidten has marked a lengthy list of candidates to take the reins from Moyes this summer, and while Amorim is still in the mix, The Guardian have revealed that talks have been held with Julen Lopetegui.

One of the newer, surprise names to enter circulation earlier this week is that of Maurizio Sarri, according to Lazio News 24, formerly of Chelsea and resigning from his post at Lazio only last month.

It's understood that Sarri seeks a swift return to management and is enticed by propositions at West Ham and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

How Maurizio Sarri would get West Ham playing

Sarri has been described as a "genius" in the past by defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who noted his ability to make his players notice things previously unseen, trumping the opposition due to being several steps ahead.

Mauricio Pochettino even remarked in the past that Sarri's teams "play the most beautiful football in Europe", with his meticulous approach and erudite footballing brain drilling a perfect tactical understanding into his players.

His brave, progressive tactics have been coined as 'Sarri-ball', with such a style certainly disparate to Moyes' pragmatic, oft-perceived negative brand of football.

However, Sarri has also been known to be obstinate and tactically inflexible, and while he won the Europa League and enjoyed a blistering start to life as Chelsea manager during the 2018/19 campaign, the lion's share of his managerial career has been spent in his homeland.

In fact, that sole season at Stamford Bridge is the only time he has led a club away from Italy, and while the 65-year-old would unquestionably bring a more attractive style of play to West Ham, his stubbornness might prove to disgruntle supporters when the going gets tough.

Lazio

09/06/2021

13/03/2024

137

1.64

Juventus

01/07/2019

08/08/2020

52

2.12

Chelsea

14/07/2018

30/06/2019

63

2.08

Napoli

11/06/2015

13/07/2018

148

2.16

Empoli

25/06/2012

04/06/2015

132

1.52

It could even serve as a repeat of the mistake that saw an ageing Manuel Pellegrini replace Moyes following the Scotsman's brief first tenure at West Ham in 2018, leading the Irons to a tenth-place finish in his first campaign but making a string of wayward moves in the market and being sacked – and replaced by Moyes – in December 2019 after losing nine games from 12 matches.

Sarri, who has demonstrated himself in England in the past, like Pellegrini, might not be the answer to the club's problems. With such a long list of managerial suitors, it might be worth moving for someone who's prepared to build in the long term.

The experienced, high-profile targets – like Pellegrini's tenure showcased – don't always represent a route to success.

West Ham could take Kudus to new heights with "perfect" Amorim alternative

This tactician would be a fantastic alternative to Ruben Amorim

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 27, 2024

Fifties from Finch and Warner set game up before Starc, spinners clinch 97-run victory

The Report by Firdose Moonda at Newlands26-Feb-2020South Africa failed to win a fourth successive home series and will go a full calendar year without a trophy since they beat Sri Lanka at home last March following defeat to Australia in the series finale in Cape Town. After choosing to field first, South Africa’s five-man attack leaked runs in the first half of Australia’s innings but it was their batting line-up that really let them down.Their chase was up before it had even properly begun when they reduced to 23 for 2 in the third over and 65 for 5 at the halfway stage. Australia needed just 5.3 more overs to wrap up their victory and condemn South Africa to their second-worst defeat in this format, five days after subjecting them to their worst.The visitors played a near-perfect game with half-centuries from David Warner and Aaron Finch, the top two run-scorers in the series, setting them up for a big score. After an opening stand of 120 in 11.3 overs, Australia would have been eyeing a total over 200 but a slowing surface and a more disciplined South African performance left them seven runs short. It was still more than enough for a South Africa side that has been light on batting throughout this series.With only six specialist batsmen in the side and none of them even reaching 100 runs in the series, South Africa’s lack of experience is obvious. Scratch below that and look at who has been responsible for their problems and their struggles against spin become clear. Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa lead the wicket-takers’ list and have tied South Africa down all series.Against spin, across the three matches, South Africa faced 129 balls, scored 125 runs and lost 13 wickets. That means spin has averaged 9.62 runs a wicket and has an economy rate of 5.81 runs per over.Current captain gone, former captain gone, game gone Much of this match seemed like something we had seen not too long ago (hint: in Johannesburg last Friday night when set South Africa a target of 197) but especially the third ball of South Africa’s reply.Quinton de Kock was beaten by late outswing from Mitchell Starc and bowled, exactly as he was on the third ball of South Africa’s innings at the Wanderers. Given that de Kock was the only batsmen to have scored more than 70 runs in the series, South African fans would have understandably assumed that was the end of their hopes in the chase. But for the die-harders that realisation may only have come two overs later, when Faf du Plessis tried to launch Starc over third man and sent his outside edge swirling to Zampa just inside the rope. At 23 for 3, with 171 to get from 17 overs, South Africa’s night was all but over.ZA-mpered But if you still weren’t quite sure of how far off the mark South Africa (aka ZA) were, then Zampa provided three more pointers before the halfway stage. He bowled Heinrich Klaasen, who got everything in his pre-meditated switch-hit right besides the ‘hit’ part and brought out a Dale Steyn-style chainsaw celebration. Then, he took a stunning catch low down sprinting in from third man to dismiss Rassie van der Dussen, who played two ramp shots in two balls and misjudged his placement.And finally, Zampa bowled Pite van Biljon, whose debut series has got worse as it progressed, with scores of 16, 7* and 1. South Africa were 65 for 5 after 10 overs, and needed 129 runs to win and 87 to avoid a record-defeat. Only the second of those was realistically achievable. Still, South Africa lost their last five wickets for nine runs and were comprehensively outplayed.A near-perfect powerplay Australia’s openers put on the best powerplay of the series, and their joint third-highest of all time as they stormed to 75 without loss in the first six overs. All of the four seamers South Africa tried in the opening exchange were equally profligate, going for 12 runs an over each with three leg byes making up the rest of that score.Finch and Warner struck eight fours and two sixes between them but their running between the wickets told the real story of their aggression. Both of them took off almost as soon as they had hit the ball, even if there was a fielder swooping in and they caught South Africa off guard. Their 14 singles, one two and one three may not have contributed as much as their boundaries but it signaled their intent. As a result, South Africa only bowled seven dot balls in the powerplay, the lowest ever.The comeback overs On cue, once the half-way stage of the innings had been reached, South Africa began the squeeze with Tabraiz Shamsi recovering from 18 runs off his first two overs, to only five off his third. Shamsi set South Africa up to make a breakthrough which came in the 12th over, bowled by Anrich Nortje.It started with Finch zipping through for a single and placing Warner on strike. Keen to keep things going, Warner cleared his front leg to try and launch the second ball over the off side but Nortje foxed him with a cutter and Warner was well beaten. That was enough to frustrate him and he was late on the pull off the next ball and well caught by David Miller, who was running backward from short midwicket.Finch faced the fourth ball and wanted a run when he hit to backward point but there wasn’t one. He was also frustrated and threw his hands at the fifth delivery but missed and ended the over with the single he wanted. Two runs came off that Nortje over, plus the wicket. ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster adjusted the total from 210 at the start of the over to 198 at the end and it proved to the catalyst for their comeback. Shamsi’s fourth over cost only four runs as he ended with an analysis of 4-0-25-1.Rabada vs Smith The first ball Kagiso Rabada bowled to Steve Smith in the series opener in Johannesburg was top-edged over third man for six as Australia’s former captain drew first blood in the rivalry which began with a shoulder brush two years ago. The first ball Rabada bowled to Smith in the finale was a slower-ball yorker which went through his legs and dismantled his stumps and the honours between the two would have been even.But replays showed Rabada had overstepped significantly and Smith, who was on six at the time, went to finish unbeaten on 30. It was clear who the real winner was.

The pair is uncapped in ODIs, but opened for India A during the one-day series in New Zealand last month

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-20204:20

We want Rahul to get accustomed to the No.5 spot – Kohli

Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal “will definitely start” as openers in the three-ODI series in New Zealand, maybe as early as in the first game on Wednesday, while KL Rahul will continue to keep wicket and bat at No. 5 to give him more time to settle into his new role, Virat Kohli confirmed at a press conference a day before the game in Hamilton.Kohli was speaking before Agarwal had been named in the 50-over squad as the injured Rohit Sharma’s replacement, but did say that the team management had asked for another opener. Sharma will now return to India to treat his calf injury.”No, we are looking to stick to that same plan,” Kohli said when asked of the possibility of Rahul opening in Sharma’s absence. “It’s an unfortunate situation that Rohit can’t be a part of this series. In all formats, he’s on the list first and the impact he’s had is there for everyone to see.ALSO READ: Chopra – Having Rahul keep and bat low isn’t viable in the long term”We don’t have any one-day tournaments to look forward to so it’s an ideal time for him to go away and rectify this as soon as he can. He played the T20I series, so from the team’s balance perspective heading into a World Cup year, it doesn’t hamper combinations.”Prithvi’s in the team and will definitely start and whoever the replacement is [Agarwal] – we’ve asked for an opener. KL will play in the middle-order, we want him to get used to that role at No. 5 and keep as well.”Kohli also emphasised the need to respect the 50-over format even in what is a T20 World Cup year.”We’ve had five T20Is already, so it’s not like we don’t have a lot of T20 cricket (coming up),” he said. “We have the IPL as well, so we’ll probably utilise that (to prepare for the World Cup). Last year, we didn’t have much opportunity to prepare ourselves (for the 50-over World Cup) except for the games in front of you.

We certainly expect a bunch of young guys who are good fielders to do the job collectively, not just focus on batting or bowling. It’s about taking all three skills seriously and committing to all three completelyVirat Kohli on India’s patchy fielding

“But T20s is very different, IPL is the most competitive T20 tournament you can ask for as a collective, and guys will look to get into the frame of mind in that tournament and not this early in a 50-over format because you don’t want to play in a different manner.”You have to respect the format and play to the pace of the 50-over game, and as I spoke of the combination Rahul playing in the middle-order, it’s about guys settling in their roles and repeating that game after game. These things are all about creating good habits for different formats and then being able to switch. We’re not looking at preparing for the T20 World Cup through this series. IPL will be the right platform (for that).”Looking ahead to the ODI series, where New Zealand will be without Kane Williamson for at least the first two games, Kohli said India’s immediate priority would be to up their fielding, which was “disappointing” in recent times.”We have recognised it,” he said of the efforts in the field in the T20Is, which India won 5-0. “The average age is 27 max, so we should be fielding way better than what we have. The standards in the last series overall wasn’t that good from either side. It can happen in T20 cricket because it’s fast-paced. And once you get into a nervous zone, it’s difficult to get out of it because the ball keeps coming to you invariably.”But even in one-day cricket, we’ve had fielding performances which we’re not proud of and there’s no hiding from it. We’ve spoken about it, we certainly expect a bunch of young guys who’re good fielders to do the job collectively, not just focus on batting or bowling. It’s about taking all three skills seriously and committing to all three completely, like we do towards bowling and batting. Sometimes in fielding when it’s not a matter of execution or result immediately, things can be taken for granted. That’s something we want to stay away from.”

Carlo Ancelotti has said Kylian Mbappe will be "squeezed in" at Real Madrid while addressing positional concerns surrounding their new galactico.

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• Mbappe unveiled as new Real Madrid player
• There are concerns over his role in a star-studded squad
• Ancelotti confident he will fit in alongside Vini Jr & Co

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe was officially introduced as a Real Madrid player in front of an 80-000 strong crowd last week, having joined the club on a free transfer following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. However, concerns have been raised over the Frenchman's role at Santiago Bernabeu amid strong competition for places in the final third.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ancelotti faces the crucial task of integrating Mbappe into an already formidable attack featuring Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham. Up to now, the 25-year-old has operated mainly as a left winger, but Vinicius has made that position his own in the Real lineup, meaning Ancelotti may have to conjure up a new tactical system in 2024-25.

• WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  Speaking at the Giffoni Film Festival, Ancelotti said when quizzed on where Real's new galactico will play: "It is my responsibility to find a place for Mbappe. We’ll find a place for him, we’ll squeeze him in.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Reports in Spain suggest that Ancelotti is contemplating shifting Mbappe to a more central role to maximize his effectiveness and balance the team's attacking dynamics. Vinicius would continue to feature on the left with Rodrygo once again operating on the opposite flank. Meanwhile, Bellingham has been tipped to drop deeper into midfield and could even be asked to slot into the vacant shoes of German legend Toni Kroos – who retired after Euro 2024.

Liverpool were sent tumbling out of the FA Cup in dramatic fashion as they were beaten 4-3 by Manchester United in extra-time at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Amad Diallo's 120th-minute strike secured the victory for the hosts, who will now head to Wembley for the semi-finals, after a thrilling clash between the two top-six sides.

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah cancelled out an opener from Scott McTominay in the first-half, before a second-half finish from Antony sent the game to extra time.

Harvey Elliott may have thought he had won the match with a deflected effort in the 105th minute, but goals from Marcus Rashford and Diallo in the last ten minutes turned the game around to win it for United.

Caoimhin Kelleher had a questionable performance between the sticks. However, substitute Cody Gakpo was even worse than the goalkeeper with his poor display off the bench, as he let Jurgen Klopp down badly.

Caoimhin Kelleher's performance against United

The Ireland international has produced some fine performances in place of Alisson, including a nine-save clean sheet against Chelsea in the League Cup final, but he was not at his finest on Sunday.

Kelleher's wrists were far too weak to divert Alejandro Garnacho's shot away from danger as the ball spun up off his hands and towards his own goal, which allowed McTominay to sneak in and tap the ball into the back of the net.

The 25-year-old stopper was also slow to get down to Antony's right-footed shot that crept into the far corner. However, there were bodies between him and the Brazilian forward, which may have left him unsighted until it was too late.

Crucially, Kelleher failed to step up when he was needed most as Diallo's accurate yet weak strike dribbled past the goalkeeper, who was slow to get down to it, and found the far corner.

Why Cody Gakpo let Jurgen Klopp down

The Dutch forward came off the bench in normal time and was even worse than the goalkeeper, who at least made seven saves and two claims to prevent the hosts from scoring more. Unsurprisingly, Gakpo had fewer touches than Kelleher and what he did when in possession was hardly inspiring.

Minutes played

43

Shots on target

0

Big chances created

0

Passes completed

11

Duel success rate

40% (4/10)

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old flop had virtually no positive impact on the match as he did not influence the game in the final third or get involved in possession regularly, and was bullied by United's players in physical duels.

Gakpo replaced Salah in the 77th minute and almost immediately prevented Liverpool from finishing the game off with a poor piece of play in the 79th minute, with the Reds 2-1 up at the time.

He picked up the ball inside the United half with two defenders in front of him, three teammates to his right, and one to his left, yet failed to create a 'big chance' from that situation.

The former PSV star waited an age to release the ball and Elliott, when the pass finally came his way, had no angle to either take a clear shot at goal or play it on to another teammate, which led to a blocked shot from the midfielder – allowing the hosts to go on to equalise less than ten minutes later.

Former Liverpool defender and current Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher seemingly hated that aspect of his performance as he posted on X that the dud plays "in slow motion", which was the case in his wasted five-on-two counter-attack.

Gakpo well and truly Klopp down badly with his dreadful display off the bench, which appeared to stoke Carragher's fire, with GOAL also handing the Dutchman a dismal 5/10 match rating, far worse than Kelleher's 8/10.

At least the Irish shot-stopper had some strong contributions during the game, which was not the case for the Dutchman, who struggled in and out of possession throughout his time on the pitch.

Gary Lineker has explained why Jordan Pickford must ditch his penalty ‘cheat code’ water bottle after more heroics for England at Euro 2024.

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• Everton keeper starring for Three Lions
• Has a reputation for saving spot-kicks
• Opponents now fully aware of his antics

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Everton goalkeeper has made a habit of delivering for the Three Lions in nerve-jangling shootouts. His crucial saves helped Gareth Southgate’s side to break their penalty curse against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pickford saved and scored in a Nations League shootout with Switzerland in 2019, while also repelling two spot-kicks in the Euro 2020 final against Italy. He frustrated Swiss opponents for a second time when beating away an effort from Manuel Akanji in the quarter-finals of this summer’s European Championship.

• WHAT LINEKER SAID

  England do their homework ahead of shootouts, with Pickford sticking penalty advice to his water bottle. Said accessory told him to “dive left” when Akanji stepped up for Switzerland. Rivals are, however, now fully aware of his antics and ex-Three Lions striker Lineker has told the podcast: “One player is going to look at that bottle. If you are listening do it differently, do it on a different piece of paper or do it on the post!”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Southgate will be hoping to see England avoid the need for any more penalty drama as they head into the semi-finals of Euro 2024. A clash with the Netherlands is next up for them on Wednesday, with that contest taking place in Dortmund.

Rangers may be top of the Scottish Premiership and on course to beat Celtic to win the title, but reports suggest that they could be set for several departures away from Ibrox this summer.

Rangers transfer news

As Philippe Clement gears up for his first full season in charge after the success of the current campaign, Rangers have been as ruthless as ever. As things stand, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, John McLaughlin, Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic are all set to leave as free agents come the end of the season. Meanwhile, John Lundstram could also leave if the Gers fail in their reported attempts to seal a new contract with the midfielder.

6/10 Rangers gem who lost the ball 21x was better than Lawrence vs Killie

Rangers secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock in the Premiership last night

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 29, 2024

What those departures will do, however, is free up room for further reinforcements, which could start with Oscar Cortes. After already impressing on loan from Ligue 1 side RC Lens, Rangers are reportedly interested in making Cortes' move permanent this summer. Alongside that, it will be interesting to see whether those at Ibrox do the same for fellow loanees Mohamed Diomande and Fabio Silva, who have also shone in recent weeks.

That said, the headlines have once again been centred around potential exit news recently. According to the Daily Record, Rangers could lose MacKenzie Strachan to Brentford this summer upon the expiry of his current contract. The Ibrox academy gem has caught the attention whilst starring for the Rangers B team and seems increasingly likely to be on the move, with the Gers reportedly unlikely to stand in the way of his departure.

At Brentford, the defensive midfielder would first join up with the Bees' B team alongside the likes of Romeo Beckham, before hoping to work his way into the plans of Thomas Frank. At 20-years-old, Strachan will be desperate for first-team opportunities sooner rather than later, be that at Rangers or Brentford.

Young gem Strachan to add to Rangers departures

Keeping a title-winning squad together is usually seen as the priority, but with or without the Scottish Premiership this season, it's set to be all change at Rangers as things stand. Clement, in a ruthless mood, looks destined to make his own stamp on the current squad ahead of his first full season in charge. Having turned Rangers' season around, it's fair to say that the former AS Monaco boss has more than earned that right.

What will frustrate the Gers though, is the loss of young talent like Strachan. The 20-year-old came through the academy, but has struggled to gain first-team minutes and now looks destined for the Premier League. Those at Ibrox will be hoping not to regret the decision to allow the youngster to leave, who could eventually thrive under Frank.

Before any of those departures can take place, Rangers must turn their focus back towards the league title in the hope of completing their turnaround once and for all to leave Celtic bewildered. Strachan, watching on, could at least see his boyhood club lift the utlimate silverware in Scotland before he departs in the summer transfer window come the end of the campaign.

MatériaMais Notícias

Entre o título do Supercopa do Brasil e a estreia na Libertadores, o clássico com o Vasco, pelo Estadual, colocou-se como um “ensaio geral” para Rogério Ceni. A derrota por 3 a 1 e a atuação no Maracanã, na noite de quinta-feira, ligaram o alerta para determinados aspectos que o time precisa corrigir até a partida de terça, em Buenos Aires, contra o Vélez Sarsfield (ARG) pelo Grupo G da Copa.

A programação da semana e a decisão de Rogério Ceni em testar Bruno Viana ao lado de Arão no clássico, uma vez que Rodrigo Caio não poderá atuar no jogo contra o Vélez, evidenciaram isso no pré-clássico. Após a partida, o técnico enxergou ainda mais aspectos que servirão de lição para a estreia na Liberta.

-Temos que entender que temos coisas ainda a melhorar. O jogo foi abaixo do que todos esperavam. Os times argentinos são muito copeiros e competitivos como foi o Vasco hoje. Nós temos que tentar achar os espaços do jogo, analisar os vídeos depois com calma para ver quais foram os erros. Para mim, foram até bem identificáveis. Temos que melhorar no quesito da bola parada – afirmou.

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No sistema defensivo , Rogério Ceni terá quatro dias para ajustar a sintonia entre Arão, Bruno Viana & Cia. No meio de campo, o retorno de Arrascaeta é aguardado para terça-feira, com o retorno de João Gomes ao banco de reserva.

Além dos aspectos táticos e técnicos, um bom desempenho na estreia na Libertadores passa pela questão emocional. O capitão Diego, contudo, afirmou que o resultado e a atuação diante do Vasco não terão impacto neste sentido.

-Não tem impacto. Estamos inconformados. Jogo importante, clássico, mas fomos ineficientes. alguns erros culminaram na derrota. Libertadores é outro torneio, e teremos 100% de concentração – afirmou o camisa 10 do Flamengo.