2021 has been a year filled with joy for Rangers fans as they ended a long wait for a top-flight title with their success last season.
Steven Gerrard guided the Gers to glory to end Celtic’s domination of Scottish football, before heading off to Aston Villa in November of this year.
He was then replaced by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who has won seven of his eight matches in charge of the club in all competitions. This has left the Gers heading into Christmas top of the league table and eight points clear of the Hoops as it stands.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Dutchman will be able to carry on his fantastic start to life in Scotland by winning the Premiership and going far in Europe in 2022, but it is safe to say that 2021 has been a fine year for those assossiated with the club.
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Take our big, bumper, Rangers quiz of 2021 and see if you can get 100% – only true die-hards will!
Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has bemoaned the hamstring injuries picked up by Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips, describing it as ‘really bad news’ for the club.
The Lowdown: Leeds pair out injured
The Whites have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, which has no doubt played a part in what has been a disappointing campaign to date.
Cooper and Phillips are two of the most high-profile current absentees and, as revealed by Marcelo Bielsa on Friday, the duo are not expected to be back in action until March, which comes as a huge blow to Leeds.
While relegation should still be avoided, not having those two key figures available could make life difficult, and results must start improving in the coming weeks if they are to avoid an uncomfortable run-in to the campaign.
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The Latest: Whelan reacts to news
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan couldn’t hide his frustration at the news that Cooper and Phillips face another couple of months on the sidelines. He rued:
“The injuries looked so innocuous. Usually with a hamstring if you’re not jumping in the air and hitting the clouds, it could just be a tiny tear which could take as little as four weeks.
“But this is really bad news for Leeds United because they are two big players. Phillips, who is one of the best defensive midfield players in the Premier League and is vitally important to how we play. He’s irreplaceable in there.
“And then Cooper is the club captain, and that presence will be missed sorely in the dressing room. You can’t take away the importance of what he gives you in there. It’s like Jordan Henderson at Liverpool – you miss those types of voices.”
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The Verdict: Big battle without them
This is a massive couple of months for Leeds, with fringe players simply having to step up to the plate without Cooper and Phillips around. The former has been the Whites’ second-best performer this term as per WhoScored, while the latter boasts one of the highest tackling averages (2.3 per game) within the squad.
Phillips is going to be a particular miss, considering the sparsity of midfield alternatives and the fact that he is England’s reigning Player of the Year, highlighting how talented player he has become.
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A new midfielder may well be needed to be brought in this month to help fill the void, whereas fit-again Diego Llorente and Robin Koch will hopefully forge a strong centre-back pairing without club captain Cooper around. For now, it’s easy to see why Whelan is so worried.
In other news, one Leeds player is set to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.
West Ham have approached Aston Villa over a move for centre-back Kortney Hause, according to Football Insider.
The Lowdown: El Ghazi interest
The 26-year-old isn’t the first Villa player with whom the Hammers have been linked during the January transfer window. David Moyes is also thought to be keen on signing Anwar El Ghazi, with the Irons manager viewing the Dutchman as a versatile attacking option at the London Stadium.
Villa are willing to part ways with the Netherlands international and would prefer a permanent sale, and it now seems as if Hause is also a player of interest.
The Latest: Source shares Hause update
Football Insider, who were informed by a West Ham source, shared a story on Saturday morning regarding Hause.
They claimed that the Hammers have approached Villa over a possible deal, but Steven Gerrard’s side have the option to extend the defender’s stay in the Midlands by a further 12 months.
The report added that, should Villa activate the clause, it would enable them to secure a significantly higher fee for Hause, with his manager open to moving him on if the club can bring in a replacement.
The Verdict: New addition needed first
Villa recently lost Axel Tuanzebe’s services after he cut short his season-long loan spell to join Italian side Napoli. That has left Gerrard with Hause, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa as first team options in the centre of defence, so Villa certainly need one and possibly two additions at the back if they are to part ways with the 26-year-old.
The £25,000-a-week earner, who journalist Pat Rowe called a defender who ‘dominates players’, made his first start under Gerrard in the recent 2-1 defeat to Brentford, with a number of fans criticising his performance that day.
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Incomings are needed at Villa Park before possibly letting Hause leave, but it seems as if a move to the capital could have legs, making it a transfer rumour to watch.
In other news: ‘Heartbroken’ – Many Villa fans react to Gregg Evans’ big transfer development
Pete Graves has now dropped a Newcastle United transfer claim from the new owners.
The Lowdown: Wood confirmed
The St. James’ Park faithful confirmed the signing of Chris Wood from Burnley for an undisclosed fee on Thursday morning, and he has signed a two-and-a-half year deal.
He has been registered in time for their crucial game at home against Watford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, and joins Kieran Trippier to be their second signing in the January transfer window so far.
Nonetheless, there promises to be more on the way, with the likes of Marcos Senesi and Benoit Badiashile recently being linked with a move to the North East and a desperate need for additions in the heart of defence – the Magpies have the second-most goals conceded in the league.
The Latest: Transfer claim from owners
As per Graves, the new owners feel as if Premier League experience will be ‘key’ in their battle to avoid relegation down to the Championship, and so following the signing of Wood, they may go down that route again for their other targets:
“There’s a feeling amongst key members of the ownership that Premier League experience will be key in survival battle.”
The Verdict: Ideal, but not vital
Of course, signing players that have past experience in the top flight is ideal, as they know what to expect and some, like Wood, may have even faced a relegation battle before.
However, you can find unknown gems from outside of the division, and they would often come cheaper, given that you would not be buying directly from one of your rivals – Feyenoord’s Senesi is a prime example, valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt.
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Nonetheless, whatever strategy the new owners use, it has to be perfect if they are to give Eddie Howe a chance of keeping them up, and signing Trippier and Wood, who both have experience in the top flight, is certainly a good start.
In other news, find out who NUFC are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign here!
Manchester United are keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in the summer.
That’s according to The Telegraph, with a number of Red Devils fans giving their thoughts to the news on social media.
United aren’t expected to be busy during the January transfer window, with the club turning their attentions towards a busy summer.
Midfield is thought to be an area where United want to strengthen, with McGinn featuring against Ralf Rangnick’s side in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat last week.
The Telegraph’s James Ducker revealed on Monday that the 27-year-old is admired by Old Trafford technical director Darren Fletcher and could be valued at around £40m. Should his contract situation remain the same in the Midlands, the Scot would have two years left on his deal in the summer, although he is expected to be offered new terms.
United fans react
@utdreport shared the links regarding McGinn on social media. Here is what these United fans had to say in reply, with a mixture of responses available to view below, where one supporter labelled it as ‘ridiculous’.
“Wow”
Credit: @3112Christian
“This is fantastic”
Credit: @Bosun_Betiku
“This is ridiculous when he costs as much. He does why not get someone more suited to the manager like Zakaria whilst saving a lot of your money for a better player and get them now, I don’t really just see the point, just trying to throw us off surely!”
Credit: @detectivechimpR
“These are the types of players we need ‘work horse’ ”
Credit: @Jornwathe4
“Shame on Man United.”
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Credit: @manutdtimes
“If we’re even looking at this it’s absolutely ridiculous”
Credit: @henryja04492394
In other news: ‘Conte at it again’ – Lots of Man Utd fans react as Spurs now eye move for £120k-p/w ace
Newcastle United now have less than two weeks to complete their transfer business and with plenty of large holes still to fill, it seems an uphill task for their new owners, PIF, and the club’s recruitment team.
Unfortunately, life isn’t getting any easier for those behind the scenes with the Magpies dealt regular blows in their quest to land their primary targets.
What’s the word?
This has been a troubling January window for Eddie Howe’s side, even if they have managed to acquire Chris Wood from Burnley and more impressively, Kieran Trippier from La Liga holders Atletico Madrid.
However, they have failed to lure Sven Botman to St James’ Park and now they face rather unwanted competition from a league rival to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla.
Another player of note in a different position is Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard. It’s thought the club are interested in him and were working on a deal this week, only for it to be rebuffed.
An improved offer could yet see a deal go through but according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, a move would appear to be complicated.
He told readers in a Q&A: “At this stage, it is unclear whether the 29-year-old would actually be willing to join Newcastle, be it on loan or permanently, with reports claiming Lingard is keen to return to London, and with some sources claiming he would expect to receive significantly more than Newcastle’s highest earners.
“Also, just as Newcastle were rebuffed when they made tentative contact about loaning Dean Henderson, the goalkeeper, there is a suspicion that Manchester United may keep hold of Lingard and other fringe players due to a fear that another [virus] outbreak could deplete their resources.”
Howe surely gutted
Although the defence remains a key area for Newcastle to strengthen, it’s incredibly vital they add more creativity and goals to their armoury this winter too.
After all, without the ability to score goals on a regular basis, they will continue to sink further towards the Championship.
The arrival of Wood should undoubtedly help their offensive line look more menacing but the supply line behind him is still missing a touch of spice.
Allan Saint-Maximin is their chief creator with three assists but only two other members of the playing squad can say they’ve supplied more than one goal in the Premier League this term.
As a result, a player as dynamic and magical as Lingard would do the trick, certainly on a loan deal where limited finances would be expended.
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The England international proved what a success he can be in the top-flight this time last year when he joined West Ham in a temporary move that was a roaring triumph.
During his stint under David Moyes, the United midfielder scored nine times but also assisted further five strikes for his teammates in just 16 outings.
Keeping that in mind, it will be a great shame if Newcastle fail to land him before the window slams shut and Howe will be particularly frustrated too.
AND in other news, Howe can find NUFC’s new Cabaye in “ruthless” gem once dubbed “world-class”…
According to a report by Foot Mercato, Tottenham Hotspur have ‘taken steps’ to sign Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco at the end of this transfer window.
The Lowdown: Conte eyes last minute moves…
Deadline day is in full swing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Antonio Conte already linked with a few more additions.
The Italian is said to be eyeing a sensational late move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, with links also having emerged to Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.
Sharing more news, Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna has made a claim involving Belgium international winger Carrasco.
The Latest: Tottenham have ‘taken steps’…
According to the French news source, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have ‘taken steps’ for the 28-year-old at the end of the January window.
Alongside Newcastle United, the Lilywhites are ‘very interested’ in Carrasco – so much so that both clubs ‘were even ready to lift’ his €60 million (£49.8m) release clause. However, while the ‘principal concerned’ is ‘open to a departure’, it is believed that he ‘will not sign anywhere’ as things stand.
In the event that a move ‘cannot be completed by tonight’, he could leave next summer, with Chelsea, Manchester United or Barcelona already holding discussions over a move later in the year.
The Verdict: Get it done?
The 54-cap attacker would certainly be an eye-opening capture for Tottenham, and if they cannot complete any move by 11pm, he could be worth revisiting in the summer.
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He would come as a versatile option for Conte given he can play in a variety of roles across the attacking line, including as a centre-forward, and the fact Paratici is prepared to pay his sky-high release clause perhaps backs how highly Spurs rate him.
In other news: Tottenham match £16.6m offer as they enter last gasp battle for ‘crazy’ player, find out more here
Keith Downie has now been left stunned over the transfer news that Aaron Ramsey could sign for Glasgow Rangers before the deadline.
The Lowdown: Done deal
Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Ramsey to Ibrox is now a ‘done deal’, and so he should be confirmed as a Teddy Bears player by the end of the day.
He was not getting much game time at all at Juventus, and so needed a loan move away, with that move now set to be in the Scottish Premiership with the Teddy Bears.
Romano says there is a ‘agreement on loan with buy option’ and that the deal will be all wrapped up ‘in the coming hours’.
The Latest: Downie stunned
Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Downie has been left stunned by what he has heard with regards to Ramsey’s move to the Light Blues:
“If Rangers sign Aaron Ramsey it’s the most extraordinary signing of #DeadlineDay.”
The Verdict: ‘Extraordinary’ indeed
Downie sums up the deal perfectly by calling it ‘extraordinary’, and it looks certain to be one of if not the most eye-catching transfer of the day.
Ramsey is a player that has played at the highest level with huge global clubs in Arsenal and Juventus, and is also a well-established player for the Welsh national team.
He has won many big titles over the course of his career, including the Serie A with Juve and no fewer than three FA Cups with the Gunners (Transfermarkt), and so bringing him to Scottish football is nothing short of remarkable.
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Nonetheless, what a coup this is from the Gers, and it could well be one that pushes them closer to the SPFL title.
In other news, find out who else RFC have been linked with on Deadline Day here!
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is expected to make a return to action in early March after a lengthy injury, according to fitness expert Ben Dinnery.
The Lowdown: Cooper absent for months
The Whites have suffered numerous injury problems throughout the season, with key players missing large chunks of the campaign and the team duly struggling.
Cooper is one of those who has featured little as the weeks have passed, only managing 15 Premier League appearances and not playing since early December.
It now looks as though the Leeds captain is nearing a return, though, with a fresh update suggesting as much.
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The Latest: Return is close
Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery confirmed that Cooper is on course to return early next month. The injury expert outlined:
“We know Bielsa is a stickler for making sure his players are on it. You will typically see players transition from working with the physios to the sports science department and then first-team training.
“We are expecting a return to play in early March. That gives us a fairly good indication of where those players are. So it could be that the player is with the first-team squad for a couple of weeks before they are thrown back into the first-team limelight.
“This is a big step forward. I would expect more big strides within the next seven to 10 days and coming into consideration for the development side.”
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The Verdict: Huge positive for Leeds
Cooper is such an influential figure at Elland Road, being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Ally McCoist in the past and averaging a squad-high 3.6 successful aerial duels per game in the league this season.
His return will be a major boost for Marcelo Bielsa, not only because of the quality he brings but also because of his leadership skills, which he illustrates be routinely winning crucial headers at the back.
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The spine of Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford was integral to Leeds’ success last season, and eventually having all three back fit should help to steer them away from the threat of relegation.
In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Read more here.
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is desperate to be offered a new Whites contract, according to a significant update which has emerged.
The Lowdown: Phillips not yet signed deal
The 26-year-old is a strong contender for Leeds’ best player of the last decade or so, making 226 appearances overall and also becoming a key figure for England.
However, it is a worrying time from a Whites perspective, with Phillips constantly linked with a move away from Elland Road and a new contract not yet signed.
A big update has emerged on the matter, though, and it’s one which will likely be music to the ears of Leeds supporters.
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The Latest: Key update emerges
According to The Daily Mirror print edition (7 February) [via MOT Leeds News], Phillips is ‘keener than ever’ to sign a contract extension at the club he has grown up supporting.
His current deal expires in the summer of 2024.
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The Verdict: Leeds simply must extend his stay
This is hugely positive news for Leeds, with Phillips seemingly happy at the club and not looking for a fresh challenge any time soon, having been hailed as ‘world-class’ by Paul Robinson.
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A new deal would also put the Whites in a strong bargaining position should the midfielder want to exit the club in terms of demanding an enormous fee for his services.
Phillips is at the peak of his powers and looks increasingly likely to spend his best years at Elland Road, as long as the club adheres to his demands.
In other news, Leeds are reportedly showing strong interest in one player. Find out who it is here.