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Glasgow Rangers are set to appoint Dave Vos as the latest member of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s backroom team at Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Dutch publication De Telegraaf (via the Daily Record), who claim that Vos has informed Ajax he will be leaving the club to become one of the 46-year-old manager’s assistants at the Premiership side, following the likes of Roy Maakay, Arno Phillips and Yori Bosschart to Ibrox.

The Record go on to state that the deal for Vos has been brokered by Van Bronckhorst’s agent Guido Albers, with the former Ajax U18 coach putting pen to paper on a contract until either 2024 or 2025.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how highly rated Vos is as a coach, the news that the 38-year-old has left his role in the Netherlands in favour of a switch to Glasgow is sure to have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, Vos is reported to have received his initial training at the Central Institute Training Sports Leaders – following in the footsteps of the prestigious dutch coach Louis van Gaal – and subsequently studied at the Cruyff University, before passing his Professional Football Coach Course last year – with De Telegraaf dubbing him an “ambitious trainer.”

The coach then gained employment at Ajax, working his way up through the club’s various age groups and ultimately being appointed as the U18 manager at the start of this season.

As such, the appointment of the 38-year-old very much looks to be an incredibly exciting one for all involved with Rangers, as Vos has helped to develop a number of exceptionally talented players in the famous Ajax youth system in recent years, something that he will undoubtedly be looking to replicate in Scotland.

If he achieves that in his new surroundings, he’s sure to be a massive hit in the Premiership alongside van Bronckhorst in what could end up becoming a dream combination at Ibrox.

In other news: Forget Roofe: Gio must unleash “incredible” £8.3k-p/w Rangers gem, he’s a match-winner

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring promising young defender Luke Graham to Parkhead.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Courier, who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s side, as well as Arsenal and Rangers, sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old in action for youth side Lochee United on Saturday.

The centre-back has also caught the eye of Sheffield United, so much so that the Dundee FC starlet linked up with the Championship side on a week-long trial on Monday.

The next Jack Hendry

Considering the sheer amount of interest there currently is in the teenager, it is clear that expectations surrounding the defender’s future in the professional game are extremely high.

Indeed, Dundee U18 coach, Scott Robertson, said of the left-footed centre-back prior to his switch to Sheffield United: “It will be a great experience for him, no matter how it goes.

“Luke has only been in full-time for a year and, through challenging circumstances with [the pandemic] and all that brings, has really progressed. He’s come on physically, mentally, tactically – everything we want to see. It’s credit to him how far he has come. He’s been making real strides recently.”

And, while Graham is yet to make his professional bow for the Dark Blues, it would seem that there are already very clear comparisons that can be drawn between the 18-year-old and another former Dundee starlet – Jack Hendry.

Indeed, both Celtic and Rangers were also interested in the 22-year-old back in February 2018, before the Hoops splashed £1.5m in order to secure the signing of the promising defender.

However, while the decision to loan the Scotland international out to KV Oostende with a £990k option to buy clause ultimately proved to be something of a mistake on the part of the Bhoys – as the centre-back is now valued at £5.4m and is highly impressing for Club Brugge – the fact remains that Celtic initially identified the defender’s talent while playing at Dens Park.

As such, with the early signs appearing to suggest that Graham could be just as talented as Hendry – if not more so – it would indeed appear a very wise move for Postecoglou to do all he can to land the teenager ahead of the other interested parties this summer.

AND in other news: Sold at £18m, now worth £7.2m: Celtic hit the jackpot on “desperate” £25k-p/w disaster

Flocking to Twitter, many Southampton fans are buzzing over a fresh transfer update out of St. Mary’s Stadium involving Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho.

Saints transfer chief Martin Semmens has kept his role as chief executive even after Serbian-born businessman Dragan Solak completed his £100 million takeover in early January (Sky Sports).

As such, the Southampton CEO is still tasked with overseeing recruitment strategy as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side become linked with a few signings.

Their main priority appears to be wrapping up a permanent deal for loanee Armando Broja, who has impressed since joining on a temporary transfer from Chelsea (The Guardian).

However, that doesn’t mean other moves aren’t in the pipeline, with an update emerging involving Fulham forward Carvalho.

According to Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, speaking to Give Me Sport, Southampton are in pole position to sign the exciting Championship talent who has seven goals and two assists this season.

As per the ‘transfer insider’, Semmens and have ‘really been leading the race’ for Carvalho despite interest from Liverpool, West Ham and Tottenham (TEAMtalk).

Saints fans buzzing…

Flocking to this claim, many Saints supporters have been left buzzing on Twitter, with one fan calling him a would-be ‘unreal signing’.

His brilliant Championship form at the tender age of 19-years-old just shows how much potential Carvalho may have to become a really top level player, and the fact he could leave as a free agent as things stand is even more of a reason to swoop.

Here’s how Southampton fans reacted on social media as their club lead the way:

“Perfect signing if we pull that off”

Credit: @Charlie_Mercer_

“This is an incredibly inspiring move. Another youngster who can shine in a young talented team”

Credit: @LH_SFC

“PLEASEEEE”

Credit: @danthemanmfer

“This excites more than any potential deal for Broja tbh. #saintsfc”

Credit: @andrew2021k

“Get this done”

Credit: @Ross_Hodgson98

“YES YES YES”

Credit: @sfcrxbbo_

“This would be an unreal signing. Instantly replaces Redmond and brings energy in those winger positions”

Credit: @sfchenry_

Blackburn Rovers are set to beat Celtic in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Dilan Markanday. 

The lowdown

The Evening Standard reported in December that Celtic were among the clubs chasing Markanday ahead of the January transfer window.

Arch-rivals Rangers were also said to be in the frame, along with ‘a number of the Championship’s leading clubs’.

And it seems that Blackburn, currently third in England’s second tier, have seen off the competition to sign the 20-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season.

The latest

According to The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, Blackburn are now ‘close to agreeing’ a permanent deal for Markanday.

Rovers will pay £500,000 up front but the fee could rise beyond the £1million mark if add-ons are triggered, while Spurs have also insisted upon a ‘significant’ sell-on clause.

The ‘deal could be announced next week’, he says.

The verdict

Losing out on Markanday is a blow for Celtic. He’s only made one senior appearance for Spurs, featuring in a Europa Conference League group game against Vitesse, but he boasts an exceptional record at youth level.

In 14 Premier League 2 appearances this season, he’s been directly involved in 17 goals (scoring 12 and assisting five more).

European football journalist Alex Barker has also raved about his ‘really clever footwork and dribbling ability’.

All this points to a very bright future indeed, and Blackburn have only paid half a million for a potential star in the making.

In other news, Alan Hutton has dropped this intriguing claim on Stephen Welsh. 

Everton have made a breakthrough in talks regarding a deal to bring Dele Alli to Goodison Park on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent claim made by Paul Gilmour, with the reporter revealing on Sky Sports News (15:50) that Frank Lampard’s side are now in extremely advanced talks with Tottenham Hotspur regarding a last-gasp deal to sign the 25-year-old midfielder.

Speaking about the deal, Gilmour said: “Things moving very quickly. Talks between Everton and Tottenham. We are told a breakthrough has been made and even a medical has been booked. Two and a half year deal. Sources telling us this is looking good for Dele Alli to make a permanent move. Frank Lampard, we are also being told, a key factor in this deal going through.”

Major coup

While it is true that Dele has been in far from his best form in recent seasons, it is undeniable that the former England international is nevertheless a player who possesses a considerable amount of ability.

Indeed, the £22.5m-rated man burst onto the Premier League scene following his £5.97m move to Spurs from Milton Keynes Dons back in 2015, scoring ten goals and registering nine assists over 33 league outings in his debut campaign, before following this up with returns of 19 goals and nine assists over his 36 top-flight fixtures in 2016/17, as well as nine goals and 11 assists over 36 appearances in 2017/18.

As such, with Lampard currently lacking any natural option in attacking midfield, should the 43-year-old believe that he can help the £100k-per-week number 10 refind this form following a switch to Everton, the signing of the forward could prove to be a major coup for Everton – as a fit and firing Dele has already proven that he can be one of the most exciting players in the top flight of English football.

In other news: “It’s true…”: Journo drops major update on last-gasp EFC deal, Lampard would love it

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has told Mikey Johnston to seek a move to another club because he believes the winger doesn’t have ‘what it takes’ to succeed at Parkhead.

The lowdown

It’s not the first time McAvennie has questioned the 22-year-old. Back in October, he said that Johnston didn’t a long-term future at Celtic for the player he called a ‘part-timer’.

Having missed more than a month at the start of the season, the winger has only started three Premiership matches under Ange Postecoglou, although he has made eight appearances from the bench.

Johnston’s £7,900-per-week contract runs until the end of the 2024/25 season, and he is valued at £900,000 by Transfermarkt.

The latest

McAvennie has said that Johnston finds himself in limbo, being ‘too good for the bench’ but not at the level required to start for Celtic. The 62-year-old duly believes that the winger could be better suited, to the sides competing for European qualification rather than the Premiership title.

He told Football Insider: “I think if he went to Aberdeen or Hibs or Hearts, he would be a better player.

“I don’t think he has what it takes. He’s too good for the bench but not good enough for the first team.

“He’s a bit-part player and I don’t want a player like that at my club.”

The verdict

Is McAvennie’s assessment fair? Possibly – Johnston has often struggled to make an impact when given the chance.

The 22-year-old is yet to find the net this season despite taking 2.3 shots per game, with SofaScore listing finishing as one of his big weaknesses.

Worryingly for him, two of Celtic’s reported January targets – Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate – can play on the left wing. That may push him further down the pecking order under Postecoglou, so perhaps he should be asking his agent to seek out other opportunities if he can’t forge a consistent place in the Hoops’ first XI.

In other news, Celtic have been dealt a transfer blow over this Premiership ace

Rangers have a mountain to climb at Ibrox next week after they lost 1-0 in the first leg of their European quarter-final on Thursday night.

The Gers were unable to fly out of the traps in the same way that they did in their last two Europa League ties as Gio van Bronckhorst’s men were caught out by the quality of their opponents.

Braga thought they had taken the lead in the opening half an hour when Horta’s shot deflected in off James Tavernier, but a VAR check allowed the referee to spot a foul on Ryan Jack and the goal was swiftly disallowed.

It was second time lucky for the hosts 10 minutes later, though, as Leon Balogun failed to clear his lines and Abel Ruiz pounced to fire past Allan McGregor. Rangers could not find a way back into the game and will now need to turn it around in Glasgow in the second leg.

In the absence of the injured Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala was handed the opportunity to start through the middle as Van Bronckhorst’s number nine. He had the chance to make the position his own for the rest of the season with a strong showing in Portugal but failed to make the most of it as he struggled badly throughout the night.

The attacker was dreadful and surely left the Dutchman scratching his head over what to do in that role with Morelos out for the foreseeable future. Kemar Roofe was disappointing against Celtic last weekend and now Sakala has let him down against Braga, with no other recognised strikers in the squad on Thursday night.

Off the ball, the Zambian was unable to cause any real problems for the opposition. As per SofaScore, he lost 100% of his duels as he came out second-best in all seven of his aerial battles and also his three on the ground, which shows that he was physically dominated throughout the game.

Sakala was also abysmal in possession. As per SofaScore, he only completed three passes at a success rate of 43%, whilst giving the ball every once every 1.8 touches (11/20). He did not create a single chance for his team-mates and missed both of his attempted shots, with one of them going down as a ‘big chance’.

Therefore, the 25-year-old failed Van Bronckhorst’s big test as he was unable to prove that he is capable of effectively leading the line for the Gers in Europe, struggling in and out of possession all night.

AND in other news, Smith endured big Rangers howler over “world-class” £7.5m gem who was “admired by all”…

Leeds United have been boosted in their efforts in sign Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu, according to a fresh report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Leeds looking for midfielder

The Whites have experienced a tough start to the season, sitting 15th in the Premier League and having to make do without injured key players such as Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford.

Leeds have looked light in midfield, with Adam Forshaw being relied upon after a two-year injury absence and Kalvin Phillips not always available.

It looks likely that a new midfielder could come in during next month’s transfer window, and an update has emerged regarding Kokcu.

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The Latest: Whites linked with move

According to Feyenoord Transfermarkt [via Sport Witness], Leeds could be able to sign the 20-year-old if they pay at least €20m (£16.9m) for his services.

The report claims that Kokcu has rejected a move to Hertha Berlin, despite them making a ‘generous proposal’.

The young 13-cap Turkey international has started 15 Eredivisie games this season, scoring once and providing five assists so far, while last month he was hailed as the ‘young star’ of his national team by Turkish newspaper Fanatik.

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The Verdict: Solid January signing

Kokcu is generally considered a defensive midfielder, so he could be an ideal man to come in as an understudy for Phillips moving forward.

Not only has he averaged 2.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie this season – Phillips has only averaged 0.6 in England’s top flight – he has also chipped in with one tackle per match, showing that he can impress both on and off the ball.

At 20, it would be unfair for Bielsa to throw Kokcu straight in as a key player, but he could give Leeds the much-needed squad depth that they crave.

In other news, a journalist has confirmed Leeds’ interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

According to a report by West Ham insiders Claret and Hugh, the Hammers are eyeing their first major piece of January business as Tomas Soucek’s representatives are in talks over a new contract.

The Lowdown: Soucek essential to Moyes

Since his arrival at Rush Green, Soucek has played a vital role in David Moyes’ successful run at the club. In the East-London club’s emphatic 2020/21 Premier League campaign, the Czech star played in all 38 league games, scoring ten goals from a defensive midfield position.

Soucek joined the Hammers on loan in the January 2020 window from Slavia Prague. Impressing during this stint, West Ham enacted the £15 million fee agreed in the temporary deal, adding to the £4 million loan fee Slavia had already received.

Financially, the Irons’ investment has already more than doubled, with the Czech Republic captain’s value soaring up to an incredible £40.5 million.

However, the partnership formed between Soucek and Declan Rice is far more valuable than anything that could be gained by a departure.

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The Latest: Irons in contract talks

According to a report by club insiders Claret and Hugh, Soucek’s representatives are currently in talks over a new deal.

Currently, the midfielder has two years left, with the option of an extra two years. However, contract talks are being held on the basis that he will receive a substantial salary increase with a new fixed four-year deal.

The Hammers have not signed a single player yet this month, but it’s fair to say this could be the most crucial piece of business they do.

The Verdict: Show him the money

Rice himself has reiterated how important Soucek is to Moyes’ West Ham side, having named him their player of the season following his ‘unbelievable’ form in the Premier League last year.

West Ham would certainly not be short of bidders if the two parties failed to come to an agreement on a new contract, but with the possibility of huge bids arriving for Rice this summer, the club have realised how important it is for Soucek to be nailed down by a new long-term contract.

Losing Rice would be a huge blow for the Hammers but additionally losing Soucek would completely destroy the spine of this West Ham side, meaning Moyes would have to start from scratch all over again.

In other news: Fans left unimpressed with Jesse Lingard claims

Tottenham Hotspur continued their impressive Premier League form under the management of Antonio Conte with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, making it six league games unbeaten for the 52-year-old Spurs coach.

And, the performance against Patrick Vieira’s side was arguably one of their most impressive under the Italian, with goals from Harry Kane, Lucas Moura and Heung-Min Son sealing a dominant win for Tottenham – a result which sees the club climb to fifth place in the Premier League standings.

However, despite a number of impressive individual displays, one player who once again failed to live up to expectations was Tanguy Ndombele, with the 24-year-old failing to make any real mark on the match after being introduced in the second half.

Lost 100% duels

While it is indeed true that the France international was only on the pitch for 11 minutes against Palace, the central midfielder’s returns will nevertheless be something of a cause for concern for Conte.

Indeed, the £25m-rated man managed a grand total of just nine touches of the ball, completed a mere eight passes, was dribbled past by an opponent on one occasion, conceded one foul and lost all three of his attempted duels.

These returns saw the £120k-per-week midfielder earn an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.3, ranking him by far and away as the worst performer of any Tottenham player on the day.

As such, while it may be slightly harsh to judge the Frenchman on such a limited amount of time on the pitch, it is undeniable that Ndombele will have done nothing to convince his manager that he is deserving of a start when Spurs visit Southampton on Tuesday evening.

If the 24-year-old’s second-half stint was a test run, it was certainly one which the former Olympique Lyon midfielder failed.

In other news: Forget Moura: £62k-p/w THFC gem with 4 key passes proved he’s no longer “miles off it”