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It might seem that Liverpool are riding the crest of a wave right now, and indeed Jurgen Klopp's side have produced some emphatic recent results including triumph in the Carabao Cup final, but there's no doubt that the squad is held together by a thread after a torrent of injury problems.

Still, the Reds will feel that they have the means to continue the recent winning feeling and will have the opportunity to do just that away to Nottingham Forest this afternoon in the Premier League.

Klopp did provide a positive update in his pre-match press conference, revealing that Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez have returned to first-team training and are in contention for the City Ground clash, though talisman Mohamed Salah remains sidelined.

Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson both missed the midweek FA Cup win over Southampton but trained on Friday and could also be involved.

Of course, Liverpool's issues do not stop there, with a long-term list of absentees consisting of Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Joel Matip.

With all this in mind, Klopp could make four changes to the side that defeated Saints on Wednesday as he looks to maintain his side's position at the summit of the Premier League.

1 GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

Caoimhin Kelleher has left supporters and pundits alike gushing over his excellent performances since Alisson's injury, with Klopp even remarking that he is "the best no.2 in the world" after his recent efforts.

He's not infallible between the sticks but he will be up to the task against a spirited Forest side.

2 RB – Conor Bradley

Alexander-Arnold's injury, this time last year, would have felt a detrimental blow to any sense of cohesion and influence from right-back, but times have changed and the emerging Conor Bradley is here to stay.

The 20-year-old was crowned the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for January after an incredible breakthrough, with one goal and five assists only one element of a many-faceted skill set.

3 CB – Ibrahima Konate

Ibrahima Konate was described as an “absolute beast" by one marvelling analyst for his performances over the past few months, with these words duly delivered, it must be said.

Jarell Quansah was typically impressive in midweek but he will return to the bench.

Konate's imperious partner in the defensive axis might take most of the plaudits but the France international is truly excellent, with a blend of strength, athleticism and defensive acumen making for a formidable force.

4 CB – Virgil van Dijk

Withdrawn for Konate at half-time against Southampton earlier in the week, Virgil van Dijk has played a lot of football recently and this was just a precaution ahead of a tough test in Nottingham.

The Anfield skipper has been in phenomenal fettle this term. A real force of nature, he'll fancy his odds against the Forest frontline.

5 LB – Joe Gomez

Robertson returned to training yesterday but Joe Gomez is fit and hasn't exactly done a bad job when called to serve in an unnatural left-back role this season.

Joe Gomez: Positions Played in 23/24

Position

Times played

Assists

Right-back

17

1

Left-back

14

1

Centre-back

4

1

Defensive midfield

1

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

The dynamic defender is enjoying quite the revival after being harangued for his displays before the summer. Long may it continue.

6 DM – Alexis Mac Allister

With Endo picking up a knock against Chelsea, Alexis Mac Allister will hold down the foot as the midfield anchor, with his supreme technical ability and intelligence maybe the way to go against Forest anyway.

As per Sofascore, the Argentinian World Cup winner has scored two goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League for Liverpool across 21 matches, completing 88% of his passes, averaging 2.8 tackles and 5.7 ball recoveries per game and succeeding with 63% of his dribbles.

7 CM – Harvey Elliott

It's great news that Szoboszlai is back in the mix but the Hungarian ace last featured at the backend of January and Klopp might refrain from plunging him straight back in, with Harvey Elliott continuing his fine run of form in the engine room.

The diminutive dynamo also ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

8 CM – Bobby Clark

More Liverpool talents are shooting into first-team action than Erling Haaland is scoring goals right now, with midfielder Bobby Clark one of the most exciting prospects around.

He's elegant and assured and energetic and he will be confident of completing another good performance against the Tricky Trees.

9 RW – Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo doesn't play his finest football on the right wing but there's little choice for Klopp with Salah still out, unless Elliott moves forward and Szoboszlai is risked from the opening whistle.

The Dutchman has posted 11 goals and five assists this term, however, and having bagged in both of his recent Premier League appearances he might continue his purple patch against a leaky backline.

10 LW – Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz was rested against Southampton after playing 120 intense minutes against Chelsea on Sunday but his fleet-footed swagger will be a welcome tool, with burgeoning potency in front of goal over recent fixtures too.

Albeit still wasteful, Diaz is a fantastic player and Forest fans will be worried out his blistering pace and dynamic quality.

Fifties for Paul Horton and Hassan Azad but Leicestershire stumble after Carse’s three wickets

ECB Reporters Network19-Aug-2019

Hassan Azad dabs behind square•Getty Images

Three wickets from Brydon Carse has put Durham in a strong position after day two of their Division Two clash against Leicestershire at the Riverside.The hosts were able to capitalise on their excellent performance from day one, recording their highest total of the campaign. Ned Eckersley scored an unbeaten half-century in his first game as captain before declaring on 544-9.Leicestershire’s openers Paul Horton and Hassan Azad provided resistance as both players notched half-centuries, but Carse struck three times with his extra pace to reduce the visitors to 152-4 at the close, still 392 runs behind the hosts.Azad pens new deal

Hassan Azad, Leicestershire’s opening batsman, has signed a new two-year deal with the county. Azad graduated from the University of Loughborough with a degree in Chemical Engineering this summer, and has piled on over 800 runs in his first Championship season, winning the PCA’s player of the month award for July. “It still has not sunk in that this is what my life is now,” he said after winning that award. “Going to the ground every day, training and playing in games… I am really grateful.”

Durham began the morning session with the opportunity to build on their platform from day one. Nathan Rimmington scored quick runs to move the hosts towards the 400-run mark. The nightwatchman hit two boundaries through the off side against Will Davis, but the bowler had his revenge to bowling Rimmington for 25. Eckersley arrived at the crease and guided his team over the mark, reaching maximum batting points for the first time at home since August 2017 against Derbyshire.Liam Trevaskis worked his way patiently to 37 after being dropped by Harry Swindells. However, Gavin Griffiths broke through his defences, pinning the left-hander lbw to deny him a half-century. Eckersley continued his knock after the break, although the pace of the home side’s innings was disrupted by the weather.The newly-appointed skipper found his timing after missing the Vitality Blast fixtures, recording his third half-century of the season from 59 deliveries, including three boundaries. Carse at the other end upped the ante as the hosts pushed beyond the 500-run mark, eclipsing their highest total of the campaign. Eckersley was given a life on 63 as fatigue appeared to wear down the Leicestershire attack when Griffiths dropped a simple chance at fine leg.Carse attempted to push for his half-century, but was run out seven runs short of the milestone by Wright. Eckersley immediately called time on Durham’s innings, walking off with an unbeaten 71. Leicestershire needed a solid response from their openers and received it from Azad and Horton. Both players survived lbw shouts, but were able to grind out their fifty partnership in the 15th over.After tea, Horton was also caught short of his ground by Carse at the non-strikers end, with the ball just missing the stumps. The latter made the most of his escape, scoring his third half-century of the season from 81 deliveries. Leicestershire were finding the pitch to be tame, blunting the home side’s attempt to take control of the contest.Horton brought up the century stand for the first wicket with a single down to fine leg. However, from the first delivery of the next over he produced a loose drive to a rising delivery from Carse and was caught at slip by Durham debutant Angus Robson. The Durham quick notched his second wicket of the over as Neil Dexter feathered an edge behind to Eckersley. Azad resisted at the other end with a strong defence, reaching his fifty from 117 balls.Trevaskis made further inroads for the hosts when he turned one through Mark Cosgrove’s bat and pad, dismissing the veteran for 21. Azad’s stoic knock was ended by a brilliant delivery from Carse, with the opener helplessly gloving to Peter Handscomb, who produced a fine diving catch at leg gully to hand Durham momentum at the close.

It's amazing what a bit of fun in the Dubai sun can do, isn't it? Since the mini winter break that Arsenal had after a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of title rivals Liverpool they have significantly bucked up their ideas.

It all began with a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace before a rather more edgier victory over Nottingham Forest. There was then revenge over Jurgen Klopp's side before their scintillating form culminated with a 6-0 romp over West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

Declan Rice was the beating heart of that result, assisting two goals in the opening half and then scoring a long-range howitzer that left his teammates in absolute shock.

For Hammers fans still inside the stadium, it's likely they were left shocked too, particularly after spending the majority of the opening half booing him. In typical Rice fashion, he shut them up with a dominating performance.

That said, he wasn't the only one in fluorescent colours to shine at the London Stadium, far from it. The other goalscorers include Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel, although it's the scorer of the fourth – Leandro Trossard – that we'd like to spend some time focusing on.

Leandro Trossard's performance v West Ham

The Belgian has been a superb signing since arriving from Brighton just over a year ago.

Trossard signed on the dotted line after the Gunners paid an initial £21m fee. That is a pure bargain, particularly when you consider the attacker's performances after being snapped up in January 2023.

He ended the second half of the Premier League term in 2022/23 with ten assists in 20 outings for Arsenal but this campaign the 29-year-old has become more clinical in the final third.

Only two assists have fallen the way of the former Brighton man, although he has found the net on nine occasions in 28 outings, with three of those strikes coming in his last four appearances. This is a real purple patch for Trossard who arguably saved his finest performance of the season to date for West Ham over the weekend.

Playing in a 'false 9' role he often dropped deep too. He and Kai Havertz interchanged positions with the latter often moving further forward in possession while Trossard dropped deeper. In possession, it was the Belgium international who moved onto the shoulder of the final man.

We saw the best of that towards the end of the half. Occupying a deeper position on the field, he played a wonderful ball in behind for Saka to pounce upon before he was brought down for a penalty by Alphonse Areola. Moments later it was the ex-Genk attacker who found himself inside the area. Fed by Martin Odegaard, a touch was taken to steady himself before finding the top corner.

All in all, this was a menacing performance from the diminutive forward who has now well and truly staked his claim for a centre-forward position if Gabriel Jesus is injured. That, however, is bad news for a certain Eddie Nketiah.

What Trossard's form means for Eddie Nketiah

The aforementioned Jesus has missed a great deal of football since signing for Arsenal from Manchester City.

Last season the Brazilian missed 17 matches for club and country with a knee issue and in 2023/24 he has now been absent for 11 games and counting. The latest of those two games was against Liverpool and then West Ham.

It was Havertz who performed so admirably in his stead against the Reds, hailed as a "handful" by Ray Parlour in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

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The German played a key part in Saka's opener on the day and led the line in a physical way rarely seen from an Arsenal forward over the last few seasons. Combine that display with Trossard's magical performance in Stratford yesterday and it doesn't look good for Nketiah.

With Jesus injured last season, the English striker was the man preferred but it looks as though Mikel Arteta is losing patience with him.

Since scoring a hat-trick against Sheffield United back in October the 24-year-old has failed to score a single league goal. He's also now struggling for any semblance of regular minutes.

Nketiah didn't appear off the bench at all against Liverpool and has started only once in the league since early November.

The Hale End graduate clearly works hard and is a threat in behind but unlike Trossard, who can operate in tight spaces, and Havertz, a physical specimen, he isn't multi-faceted.

With the way Arsenal play in attack they need a striker capable of bringing others into play and it's evident Arteta doesn't think Nketiah can do that. This West Ham game would usually be one he is fielded in with Jesus absent but the former Leeds loanee was ignored on this occasion. That was, at least, until the final 20 minutes of the game where – to his credit – he did complete 100% of his passes.

That being said, it would be a surprise if we saw the England international as a regular in this side again. Indeed, with a summer fast approaching in which the Gunners are expected to sign a new striker, Nketiah may no longer have a future at the club.

West Ham are believed to be closing in on the signing of a "very impressive" attacking player in the January transfer window, according to a new report.

West Ham transfer news

The Hammers have been linked with plenty of individuals in recent weeks, as David Moyes looks to give his side the best possible chance of getting into Europe again, not to mention going as far as possible in the Europa League after securing the services of Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City.

Ibrahim Osman is one player who has emerged as a target for West Ham, with the 19-year-old currently plying his trade at Nordsjaelland. He is seen as a similar player to Mohammed Kudus. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town left-back Leif Davis has also been backed to make a move to the London Stadium, having been a key man for his promotion-chasing team this season.

A late move for Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been mooted, too, but as is the case with any business, time is running out to get it over the line.

West Ham closing in on Jota

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via The Daily Record, 09:48], West Ham are now "close" to completing the signing of Al-Ittihad winger Jota, who used to be at Celtic before leaving last summer.

A loan deal is expected to be sealed before the end of deadline day next Thursday, bringing an end to what has been an underwhelming spell in the Saudi Pro League.

Jota's key career stats

Appearances

Goals

Celtic

83

28

Portugal Under-21s

18

5

Portugal Under-20-s

8

0

Portugal Under-19s

21

10

Portugal Under-17s

15

10

Portugal Under-16s

9

1

Portugal Under-15s

2

0

This is undoubtedly exciting news for West Ham, with Jota someone who could come straight in and give Moyes extra attacking brilliance, providing competition for the likes of Kudus and Jarrod Bowen, among others. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is someone who rates the wide man highly, saying of him last year:

"I think obviously Jota is a player that is very important for the national team in terms of the qualities that he has. He is a player that has this natural knack of beating players in a one vs one situation. So, he’s a player that since I arrived in January, as you can imagine, there’s been a lot of information. I tried to follow as many players, in fact, all the players, and clearly, Jota is one of them.

"What I would say is that his evolution has been very impressive. I would say that the last four months especially he is growing into a very mature role at his club. He’s always involved in the big moments, and that’s important."

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Jota is still only 24 years of age, so he could come in as a long-term option whose peak years should still be ahead of him, and a tally of 54 goal contributions (28 goals and 26 assists) in 83 appearances for Celtic outlines his impressive level of end product in the final third.

Lionesses and Manchester United star Ella Toone has been told to improve in a key aspect of her game by England boss Sarina Wiegman.

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England to take on FranceWiegman counting on Toone to get the three pointsPointed out one scope for improvement in her gameWHAT HAPPENED?

Toone was part of the side that fell to a 2-1 defeat to France in Euro 2025 qualification on Friday evening. The midfielder endured a frustrating evening, failing to impact the game for significant spells.

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However, Wiegman is not overly concerned. Toone had 10 goal contributions with United in the WSL and the England manager lavished praise on her tactical awareness on the pitch. However, she feels that Toone can still improve her defensive work rate when her teammates are chasing the ball.

WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

Talking to Wiegman said: "I think she has developed very much. I think she’s in a good place. She’s becoming more and more aware of what she needs to do, but also the bigger picture. That’s nice about team sport. If you’re connected really well you can play better as a team. I think she can still improve. Defensively she can still improve. When we started working together to where we are now, I think she’s improved a lot. And I hope, a lot more to come."

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WHAT NEXT?

Toone will look to make amends to her game when England play away to France on June 4 in their next Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying fixture at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has honoured every squad member with a personalised ring ahead of her final game in charge.

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• Hayes to leave Chelsea for USA job
• Preparing for final game versus Man Utd
• Blues squad gifted special rings

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of Hayes' last game in charge of Chelsea, an away trip to Manchester United on Saturday, the 47-year-old has presented every squad player with a special gift. After teaming up with inaugural Blue Creator Fund winner Becky Gordon, Hayes handed out the presents to her players this week.

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• WHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

  In the clip, Hayes can be seen saying to the ring designer: "I'd really like to come up with a gift for the players. Ambitious, competitive, words like that.

  "I like the idea of a Championship ring highlighting their strengths. Something traditional, something gold."

  After seeing one of Gordon's creations, she said: "Oh wow. That is so nice, I absolutely love it. It's hard to capture 12 years but I think you've done an amazing job.

  "I want to say thanks to Becky for your unbelievable effort on it."

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  Hayes has spent 12 years as Chelsea head coach, winning multiple Women's Super Leagues, FA Cups and League Cups – but on Saturday it will all come to an end. After the trip to United, Hayes will take over as USWNT boss this summer, ending a glittering spell with the Blues. And she could yet end on a high if they win a fifth-straight WSL title this weekend, as a hugely significant era draws to a close.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan’s teenage spinner, has been signed by Middlesex for this season’s Vitality Blast campaign.Mujeeb, 17, is the first signing made by Stuart Law, Middlesex’s new coach, since he arrived at Lord’s in January, and comes in the wake of his impressive displays for Brisbane Heat in this season’s Big Bash in Australia, where he has picked up 12 wickets with a best of 3 for 16.He has so far claimed 54 international wickets in all formats, having made his Afghanistan debut at the age of 16, and in February last year he became the youngest bowler in ODI history to claim a five-wicket haul, against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.In the course of his international baptism, Mujeeb has formed a burgeoning spin partnership with his team-mate Rashid Khan, and in T20Is, his economy rate in is an impressive 5.07.”It is with great pleasure to say that Mujeeb has agreed to play for Middlesex in the Vitality Blast,” said Law. “His unique style of spin has proven to be difficult to play against and his record is outstanding in this format.”I’m sure the staff and players at Middlesex are looking forward to working with him this season.”Mujeeb will be available for the entire Vitality Blast campaign, and will join up with the Middlesex squad in early July to prepare for the tournament.”I’m very pleased to sign for Middlesex for the Vitality Blast and it will be very exciting to play at Lord’s again,” said Mujeeb. “I hope we can be successful as a team.”

Glasgow Rangers are interested in a loan move to sign an experienced defender in January, according to a fresh report this week.

The Scottish Premiership side recruited nine fresh faces during the previous transfer window, with eight of those putting pen to paper on a permanent basis, while Abdallah Sima was the only one to join for a temporary spell until the end of the season. The Light Blues will now be firmly in the process of identifying further targets ahead of the new year, and instead of splashing the cash just like they did before, it appears that the hierarchy could be set to look for more loan opportunities that are out there in the market.

Rangers eyeing Everton's Mason Holgate

Over the summer, Everton centre-back Mason Holgate completed a season-long loan to Southampton, and with no option or obligation to buy included in the agreement between the two parties, he’s failed to receive the game time that he left for in the first place.

England’s former youth international has made just four starts and one substitute appearance since the start of the season in the second tier (WhoScored – Holgate statistics), and the 27-year-old’s spot in the pecking order has forced his club to want to take action to change his situation, which has alerted Philippe Clement that he could be available.

According to The Sun, Rangers are eyeing a swoop for Holgate on a temporary basis, but they are set to face stiff competition from two other clubs who are also hoping to secure his services in January.

“Everton want to recall Mason Holgate from his loan spell at Southampton due to a lack of game time. Championship duo Middlesbrough and Watford as well as Scottish giants Rangers are waiting in the wings should Everton boss Sean Dyche call him back.”

Holgate is an "immense" defender

While Holgate isn’t the tallest for a centre-back standing at exactly 6 foot, he’s still proven what he’s capable of when handed the rare opportunity to play for Southampton, where he’s been averaging 2.8 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game in the Championship.

The Doncaster-born talent is also extremely calm and composed in possession, recording an 89.3% pass success rate which would rank him the second-best player on the ball compared to the current squad at Ibrox (WhoScored – Rangers statistics).

Sponsored by Nike, Clement’s target has therefore been described as an “immense” player on his day by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and there’s a chance that the board might already have a slight edge over their fellow competitors in the race for his signature. Holgate shares the same representative, New Era Global Sports, as Dujon Sterling (Rangers agents), so this existing connection that his management have to the club could give them an advantage when it comes to trying to get a loan deal over the line in January.

Manchester United have made contact to enquire about a deal to sign a new striker next summer, according to a reliable journalist.

Man United's summer signings

The Red Devils secured seven fresh faces during the previous window in the form of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon, but the boss is already assessing his options ahead of 2024.

With Anthony Martial set to reach the expiration of his deal at the end of the season (Man United contracts), Erik ten Hag will have to find a suitable replacement at centre-forward should he not put pen to paper on fresh terms, and he’s set his sights on a player who has experience in the Premier League.

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RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner rejoined his former club last summer from Chelsea, and he’s made a total of 212 appearances to date across both of his spells at the Red Bull Arena (Transfermarkt – Werner statistics), but there’s a chance that he could soon be on the move again.

The Germany international has already attracted significant interest from Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham in the top-flight, but if the following update is to be believed, the 27-year-old has also been brought onto the radar of the hierarchy at Old Trafford.

Man United express interest in Timo Werner

Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Man United have shown interest in Werner, with this being a situation to keep an eye on in the near future.

He wrote: “News Timo Werner: He’s on the list of ManUtd for winter! #MUFC has already inquired about him. No offer or negotiations yet. Real Madrid, not hot. Werner, not satisfied with his situation in Leipzig but the players tendency at this stage is to stay at least until summer. One to watch in the next weeks.”

Werner could be "deadly" for Ten Hag

During his time at RB Leipzig, Werner has posted 160 direct goal contributions (113 goals and 47 assists) in 212 outings which shows how prolific he can be in the final third, so it would be a huge coup if Ten Hag was able to secure his services at Man United.

The Stuttgart native is also a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and as an attacking midfielder, so his ability to provide cover would make him a wonderful option to have in the building.

Sponsored by Adidas, Marco Rose’s talisman even knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured six collective trophies for both club and country following his arrival on the professional scene, so he will possess the winning mentality required to succeed in M16.

According to talent scout Jacek Kulig, Werner is a “deadly” striker when at the top of his game, so considering that he could make a positive impact on the club’s attacking ranks, this is a no-brainer of a deal to pursue upon the conclusion of the current campaign.

Glasgow Rangers secured just their second Europa League victory of the season as they overcame Sparta Prague 2-1 at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

The turnaround under Philippe Clement has been incredible, with the Belgian winning five of his opening six matches in charge of the Light Blues, conceding just three goals in the process.

Everything seems to be clicking at exactly the right time and with another two European ties to come along with a League Cup final before Christmas, the 49-year-old will be aiming for success before 2024.

The positive start is an indication of the direction Clement wants to take the team, and by asserting his tactical ideologies onto the senior squad already, a campaign that looked set to be disastrous could well be salvaged.

The Belgian is having to work with a team that he inherited from Michael Beale and, despite offering a clean slate to everyone in the squad, there could be some activity in the upcoming January transfer window.

A few players may be shipped out, while it looks as though the former Club Brugge boss is already identifying potential targets in order to bolster his team ahead of the second half of the season.

Rangers January transfer news

Heading towards the winter window, the rumour mill begins to circle and, according to 90min, Rangers have shown interest in Everton defender Ben Godfrey.

They will face some competition, however, as Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also seemingly keen on securing a move for the centre-back.

Under Sean Dyche this season, Godfrey has dropped way down the pecking order and has featured for a grand total of just one minute in the league, signifying that his future lies away from Goodison Park.

With this in mind, Clement could potentially make a swoop for the player and, with his contract expiring in 2025, Everton may not stand in his way should a club come in for him in the winter.

The Gers signed just one centre-back in the summer transfer window – Leon Balogun – and he only signed a one-year deal, with Michael Beale missing out on a few targets in the position.

Godfrey could be an ideal acquisition for the club as Clement could restore his confidence by giving him regular game time north of the border, while his talents would allow him to thrive in Scotland.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the Light Blues have signed a player from England who had a bright future, yet their form had taken a dip, as Todd Cantwell has become an integral player in the Ibrox side.

Godfrey could have a similar sort of impact to that of Cantwell and this could give the Gers a monumental boost heading into the final few months of the season.

Todd Cantwell’s statistics since he joined Rangers

Once touted as a player who was worth £40m just over two years ago during his spell with Norwich City, Cantwell’s form was underwhelming during the first half of the 2022/23 season.

This was a talent who had starred in two promotion campaigns and had scored six Premier League goals, yet he had made only ten starts for the East Anglian side before the transfer window opened in January.

Beale came to the rescue and secured his signature for just £1.5m, and it is beginning to look like one of the best pieces of business the club has done in years.

The Englishman registered 11 goal contributions – six goals and five assists – across just 20 games for the Glasgow side in the second half of last season and gave them some added attacking dynamism.

While he began the current season slowly, not helped by Beale’s tactics and an injury picked up against Celtic, Cantwell scored his first goal of the season against Sparta Prague in midweek, and it looks as though he is shining under the Belgian.

If the playmaker can displace Sam Lammers and return to his favoured number ten role, the next few months could be profitable for the former Norwich starlet.

Godfrey is an ex-teammate of Cantwell’s and his return to prominence could give the current Everton defender something to think about regarding his next career move, as he could become a key player at Rangers.

Ben Godfrey’s career statistics

The 25-year-old made 78 appearances for Norwich before signing for the Toffees in a £20m deal in October 2020 and he made a solid impression during his maiden season on Merseyside.

Godfrey made 36 appearances across all competitions and he ranked sixth out of the whole squad for accurate passes per game in the Premier League (33.3), along with ranking in the top five for clearances (3.5) and interceptions (1.1) per game, showcasing his growing talent and maturity, while it looked like Everton had a wonderful talent who could become a mainstay in their defence over the years.

79

0

78

5

51

1

15

1

He was even dubbed as a “revelation” by former professional boxer and Everton supporter Tony Bellew, yet just when things were looking rosy at the club, his appearances became less frequent.

Indeed, over the subsequent two seasons, Godfrey made 27 and then just 15 appearances under a succession of managers, with the low point coming during the current term.

His one start came during the EFL Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers as Dyche prefers the likes of James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite to play at the heart of the defence.

This opens the door for Rangers, who could rescue the 6 foot gem from what has been a year to forget and give him a platform to showcase his talents.

It has worked extraordinarily well for Cantwell since joining the Gers from Norwich and Godfrey could follow in his footsteps, putting a poor spell behind him in England in order to shine north of the border while challenging for domestic trophies.

Clement still has plenty of time to work out potential transfer targets, but he will be keen on bringing another one or two fresh faces to the club if he aims to end Celtic’s recent domestic hegemony.

It is an exciting time to be a supporter of the Light Blues, especially with the 49-year-old bringing the feel-good factor back to Ibrox and if he can sign someone like Godfrey in the coming months, it will do his reputation no harm at all.