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The January transfer window has come and gone and Rangers added five new faces over the course of the month, so what is now Steven Gerrard’s best XI?

Rangers cruised past Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup on Wednesday evening, winning 5-0 courtesy of a whopping four-goal haul from front man Alfredo Morelos.

The Colombian international has of course been the subject of much controversy since picking up his fourth red card of the season, but it’s easy to see why Rangers fans believe he is the best player in the league.

So with the no. 20’s spot pretty much nailed on, who takes the other ten places in Gerrard’s side? What is Rangers’ best starting XI?

Haven’t seen Paul Pogba’s latest strange photoshoot? You need to check out the video below…

The defence

Just like with Morelos, there are a few stars in defence who are nailed on to start whenever fit.

Allan McGregor, Connor Goldson and James Tavernier will all start when available, leaving just two spots to pick. Borna Barisic’s delivery makes him the most likely choice at left-back, but the other centre back is a little harder to choose.

None of Nikola Katic, Gareth McAuley or Joe Worrall have really impressed this season, but we here at Football FanCast believe Katic should get the nod, as the young Croatian has the highest ceiling, and could forge a long-term pairing with Goldson if given the chance.

Men in the middle

In midfield, Ross McCrorie deserves to start. The 20 year-old has had an inconsistent season, but at his best he is one of the country’s finest defensive enforcers, at least according to Scott Arfield, and his presence would afford the ever-reliable Ryan Jack more freedom to explore further up the pitch.

If McCrorie and Jack are playing in the middle, then January signing Glen Kamara must take the number ten spot, as his low centre of gravity, vision and incisiveness will inevitably create chances and space for the forwards.

Ferocious front three

Finally, the forward lines pretty much picks itself, with Morelos flanked by Ryan Kent and Daniel Candeias, a front three packed with speed, creativity, skill and a little bit of a nasty streak.

4-2-3-1: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Katic, Barisic, McCrorie, Jack, Candieas, Kamara, Kent, Morelos. Rangers fans, is this your best XI?

Crystal Palace are reportedly one of several Premier League clubs tracking Rangers forward Joe Aribo ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles are joined by newly-promoted duo Brentford and Watford in the hunt for the 25-year-old’s signature.

Aribo has entered the final 18 months of his current contract with the Glasgow giants, and as a result, new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst may be tempted to offload the creative talent during the winter window.

The report states that: “Rangers will be reluctant to lose key man Aribo who has started all but one of their games this season.

“But his contract situation, with his deal expiring in 2023, has left them vulnerable and given hope to his admirers that they may be able to prise him away in either the January window or next summer.”

Crystal Palace could seal a dream deal

After joining the Gers on a free transfer following his departure from Charlton Athletic back in 2019, Aribo has established himself as one of the Scottish Premiership’s most exciting attacking talents.

In 116 appearances for the Ibrox outfit, the Nigeria international has scored 21 goals and provided a further 18 assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part in the club’s top-flight title victory in ten years last season.

Speaking after a particularly impressive performance against East Fife, former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard lauded Aribo’s talents.

 “I am not sure how many good players have been at this stadium, but I don’t think you will see many better than Joe,” said the now Aston Villa manager.

“Top players turn up anywhere, it doesn’t matter if it is in front of 50,000, or 1500, your standards are always the same, and from day one, Joe has done that. He was outstanding from start to finish.

“He can go as far as he wants. I hope he stays alongside me for many years, but he’s got the world at his feet.”

With loanee Conor Gallagher expected to return to his parent club Chelsea at the end of the season, Patrick Vieira will need some engine room reinforcements over the coming months, and Aribo could be the dream replacement.

He’s cultivated an enviable reputation for his dribbling skills and ability to pick out a pass, as well as being comfortable sticking a foot in and dispossessing opponents during his time north of the border, all traits that would allow him to adapt to the Premier League with ease.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Eze: Palace could form deadly duo with “ruthless” £9m-rated “powerhouse”

An exciting Newcastle United transfer update has emerged, regarding Lille centre-back Sven Botman…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Magpies are ‘exploring’ the possibility of a deal and the Ligue 1 outfit could be tempted to cash in on him the January window.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle United exploring possibility of signing Sven Botman from Lille in Jan. #LOSC want to keep defender until summer but may consider sale if exceptional offer arrives. 21yo among leading #NUFC targets but would take big fee + salary.”

Excitement

Newcastle fans will surely be excited by this update as it shows the club are serious about going out and signing a top defender to bolster the squad.

Whether or not they will be able to get the deal done or not remains to be seen, but this update – at the very least – shows that PIF mean business and are prepared to pursue high-end players in January.

Botman falls under this category due to the nature of his performances for Lille in the last 18 months and the potential he still has. Last season, he averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.08 as they won the Ligue 1 title and he played in 37 of their 38 league matches.

This term, he has averaged a score of 6.93 in ten appearances while winning an impressive 68% of his duels and completing 86% of his passes. These statistics from the last two campaigns show that he has been a consistent performer at the back and been able to maintain a high level in the French top-flight, suggesting that he has the ability to come across to the Premier League and succeed if he can adjust to English football.

At the age of just 21, he also has plenty of room left for growth and development. He has time on his side to improve as a player and reach the very top of the game, having already achieved plenty before turning 22 – winning a league title and becoming a regular for Lille.

This is why Newcastle fans will be beaming with excitement that the club are targeting him. He could be a superb addition to Eddie Howe’s squad in the short-term, given his performances in France, and long-term, because of his potential. Thus, PIF must work hard to get a deal over the line in January.

AND in other news, PIF must seal NUFC deal for “unbelievable” £25m “warrior” who “plays like a soldier”…

Tottenham Hotspur made some ruthless decisions during the January transfer window as the club looks to transform Antonio Conte’s playing squad.

The north London outfit sit just two points outside of the top four with two games in hand on Manchester United and having lost just one league game under the Italian, there’s every chance of the team battling for a place in the Champions League ahead of next term.

Spurs announced the arrivals of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski in a double swoop from sporting director Fabio Paratici’s former club, Juventus, on deadline day.

Whilst no fewer than four players saw an exit, with Tanguy Ndombele, Bryan Gil and Giovani Lo Celso departing on loan and Dele Alli ending a seven-year stint in N17 after he signed for Everton permanently.

So what is left of Conte’s squad and exactly what is his strongest lineup heading into the second half of the season? Here’s how Spurs could look with their new additions, starting with an FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.

Both Bentancur and Kulusevski are likely to be part of Conte’s starting XI going forward. It would be foolish to not involve them after bolstering the squad as demanded.

They could slot right in, meaning academy graduate Oliver Skipp is likely to make way with the Uruguay international becoming Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s new partner. The Dane has played more minutes than the Spurs youngster, so Conte surely favours him more.

Meanwhile, the Swedish attacker is a ‘plug and play’ option in the final third, meaning he could be deployed anywhere, though it seems likely that he’s going to feature alongside Heung-min Son and Harry Kane, so that leaves the £18m-rated Lucas Moura – who was once dubbed a “nightmare” to train against by Eric Dier – the unlucky man to make way.

Speaking of which, the English centre-back should play with Ben Davies and Cristian Romero, once he returns from injury. That back three should sit in front of club captain Hugo Lloris, who signed a two-year contract extension during January.

Matt Doherty could even get the nod over Emerson Royal on the right flank. Conte sought a new addition in this role due to his lack of faith in the pair but evidently, it was to no avail. If the Italian wants a more attacking option, then the Irishman has a slight edge over the summer signing.

Meanwhile, Sergio Reguilon should remain on the other side with Ryan Sessegnon as a key backup.

Players like Harry Winks, Davinson Sanchez and Steven Bergwijn will all play their part, especially the latter, who could be seen as an alternative to Kane up top.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops huge behind-the-scenes Conte claim at Spurs, fans will be ecstatic…

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after journalist David Ornstein claimed the Reds are keen on signing Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have enjoyed a good season so far, even though their Premier League title chances now appear to be hanging by a thread.

There has been a feeling that Liverpool’s squad is looking tired, however, with only one signing made last summer, and both injuries and COVID wreaking havoc of late.

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Midfield is arguably the Reds’ weakest area of the pitch at the moment, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner both heavily criticised in the draw at Chelsea last weekend, highlighting the need for summer reinforcements to come in in the middle of the park.

According to The Athletic‘s Ornstein [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Liverpool are keen on bringing in Tchouameni this summer, with the 21-year-old arguably one of France’s most promising young players – his ‘defensive action’ map is quite remarkable, winning duels all over the pitch.

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Liverpool fans love Tchouameni rumour

These Reds fans reacted to the update on Twitter, showing their happiness at the claim.

“My top midfield target”

Credit: @TheKopEnd0619

“Please”

Credit: @nasir_l

“Tchouameni links finally”

Credit: @lfchpw

“Fantastic”

Credit: @NegusSabali

“This is definitely a good idea”

Credit: @Olufolarin9

“On my knees”

Credit: @kazwyv

In other news, some Liverpool fans have erupted over a transfer rumour. Read more here.

Dermot Desmond may believe he has achieved all that he can at Celtic and is now looking to hand increasing responsibility to his son. 

That’s according to journalist Stuart Hodge, who was speaking to Give Me Sport.

The lowdown

Irish businessman Desmond is the largest individual shareholder at the Glasgow club, but back in March this year, he was compelled to deny any suggestion that his shares were up for sale.

He also insisted in that interview that he was ‘as passionate about Celtic as any other supporter’, and that any accusation to the contrary was ‘contemptible’.

Since Desmond first invested in the Hoops in 1995, they have bagged 16 Premiership titles, 11 Scottish Cups and 10 Scottish League Cups. Under Martin O’Neill, they also reached the final of the UEFA Cup in 2003.

The latest

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Hodge pointed to the 2016/17 season, when Brendan Rodgers led Celtic to one of four domestic trebles without losing a single Premiership game, as the inevitable peak of the Desmond era. He added that the businessman may be looking to pass on his involvement in the club to his offspring.

Hodge said: “In terms of domestically, Brendan Rodgers swept house. It means he has basically achieved everything that he wanted to. He has done an unbeaten domestic season where they won a treble and you don’t get better than that.

“Is his love for it there and is his ambition what it was? I think there are question marks over that. I know for a fact that he’s looking to pass more of the responsibility onto his son.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now plotting three major signings for Newcastle United in January.

The Lowdown: Busy, busy…

With the takeover of the St. James’ Park faithful by the KSA consortium now completed, and where they currently lie in the Premier League table, it is clear that the North East club will need to be one of the busiest teams in the upcoming January transfer window to stand any chance at survival.

They have already been recently linked to the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Jonathan David and Axel Witsel, so it certainly seems as if the new owners would like to strengthen in all positions possible, and now a fresh report has revealed exactly what they are plotting.

The Latest: Three signings lined up

As per The Times, PIF are now planning moves for three players in the January transfer window: Stefan de Vrij, Marcelo Brozovic and Thomas Strakosha.

The Tyneside outfit’s officials feel as if Italy is an ideal market to raid in the new year, and all three are potential targets for the winter window.

Perhaps wisely, the three names all form the spine of a team, coming in the shape of a new shot-stopper, colossal 6 foot 2 centre-half and all-action midfielder.

The Verdict: All in

If all three players are open to making the move to the Magpies, despite a likely relegation battle on their hands, then bringing them all in should really be a no-brainer.

First and foremost, the Toon need to stop conceding so many goals, with 24 being the second-most out of any team in the top flight so far this season.

A new goalkeeper in Strakosha could well help with that, while Inter Milan and Netherlands central defender de Vrij, who has recently been labelled as ‘world class’ by former Premier League player Paul Robinson, would certainly elevate the quality in the backline.

The latter was part of the Inter side who won the Scudetto last season, and Antonio Conte’s interest from his new home at Tottenham certainly suggests the Dutchman was a crucial cog in a league-winning machine.

Brozovic too would add a bit more guile into the midfield meanwhile, as he has averaged more key passes, dribbles and passing success than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, bringing all three in would boost NUFC’s chances of avoiding relegation down to the Championship significantly.

In other news, find out who Newcastle are working behind the scenes to sign here!

West Ham United’s hopes of a top four finish were dented as they lost 3-2 to Leeds United at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, just a week after beating the Whites 2-0 in the FA Cup.

Leeds winger Jack Harrison scored his first career hat-trick in East London as Marcelo Bielsa’s side showed resilience by taking the lead three times after Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals’ equalisers.

However, the defeat could prove to be a major blow in David Moyes’ side’s hopes of securing Champions League football this campaign with the Hammers still fourth but just two points ahead of fifth-place Arsenal who have two games in hand.

With winger Said Benrahma away on African Cup of Nations duty with Algeria, summer signing Nikola Vlasic is likely to be handed more game time by Moyes, with the Croatian handed a rare start against Leeds. However, the 24-year-old failed to take his opportunity.

According to SofaScore, the winger made just 24 touches, losing possession 12 times, meaning he lost the ball for every two touches he made. Vlasic’s creativity was certainly lacking too, failing to offer a single shot, accurate cross, key pass or successful dribble.

There was little offering in the defensive department too, with no tackles, interceptions or clearances with the Croat being withdrawn just after the hour mark. Overall, the wide man was rated 6.1/10 by SofaScore.

It will certainly disappoint Moyes that Vlasic was unable to take his opportunity after publicly stating that he will receive game time with the absence of Benrahma, particularly against a side who sit 15th in the Premier League table.

The Algerian has already scored eight goals and assisted four times in 28 appearances for the Irons this season, setting a high standard for the Croatian to match. Moreover, Jarred Bowen has been in impressive form of late with the goal against Leeds his ninth of the season.

Sunday’s appearance was just the 24-year-old’s fourth start in the Premier League for the Hammers, who has scored once and assisted twice in 19 appearances across all competitions since his move from CSKA Moscow last summer.

Vlasic has plenty to prove after making the decision to return to the English top-flight after a failed stint at Everton. Granted, he was much younger, but the winger made just 19 appearances for the Toffees, scoring twice and assisting once.

His spell in Russia was fruitful, scoring 33 goals and registering 21 assists in 108 appearances for CSKA Moscow; that’s the sort of form Moyes will be keen to see on display as soon as possible.

In other news: Moyes could finally replace Haller as West Ham plot bid for “complete” £13.5m-rated machine

Tanguy Ndombele’s future at Tottenham Hotspur is by no means certain.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who cost a club-record £55m two-and-a-half years ago, has not featured for the club since being withdrawn early during their FA Cup third-round victory over Morecambe.

He slowly trudged off to a chorus of boos and jeers with his side down by a goal at the time. Since then, it has emerged that the club are trying to move him on and that he has reportedly been training alone at Hotspur Way.

“Tottenham are looking for a solution to sell or loan out Tanguy Ndombele in January,” revealed Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

It’s hard to put up a case for Spurs keeping hold of their big-money signing as he’s been nothing short of a flop – as per Transfermarkt, he has delivered only ten goals and nine assists across 91 appearances.

If they are to move him on, however, manager Antonio Conte will be in need of a new central midfielder but perhaps he already has the answer at the club, somewhat.

Sarr solution?

During the summer, sporting director Fabio Paratici sealed the signature of promising Ligue 1 gem Pape Matar Sarr, who has remained on loan at Metz, for around €17m (£15m).

The 19-year-old midfielder has played in pretty much every role in the engine room for the French outfit this season, where he has made 19 appearances across all competitions.

Now valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the Senegal international has struggled for consistency, averaging a rating of just 6.43, though there have been signs of encouragement and he is a player with undoubted potential.

“I am told this guy is really more than an interesting talent. He has real potential, [he’s a] fantastic talent,” claimed Romano to his YouTube channel in September.

“One of my sources told me he could become one style of [Paul] Pogba player. He has style, he has potential, he has skills, so we will see what happens with this guy.”

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A Pogba-like midfielder? That should be right up Conte’s street considering he managed the France superstar across 78 matches at Juventus before he rejoined Manchester United.

Sarr is certainly looking to contribute at both ends of the pitch, having averaged 2.2 dribbles, 1.7 successful tackles, one shot and 0.9 key passes per 90 minutes in the French top-flight, via WhoScored.

“Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play.” once claimed Metz coach Frederic Antonetti.

So come the summer, Conte may not need to look far to find Ndombele’s replacement, thanks to Paratici’s decision in the summer. He seems primed for a shot in Spurs’ first team, especially under the stewardship of the Italian, who has already worked wonders with players like Oliver Skipp and Sergio Reguilon.

As such, he could also save the clubs millions as Sarr seems like the perfect replacement for the struggling flop.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops exciting Hugo Lloris claim at Spurs…

Paddy Kenny has given his reaction to some transfer news that he has now heard from Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Lewis turns offers down

As per Football Insider sources, Jamal Lewis turned down loan offers from both Stoke City and Birmingham City on Transfer Deadline Day.

The St. James’ Park faithful signed left-back Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa, leaving his place in jeopardy, and that has been further cemented by the fact that he has now been left out of their updated 25-man squad for the second half of their Premier League season.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former top-flight goalkeeper and pundit Kenny has now given his reaction to the news that Lewis turned down loan offers, and the 43-year-old was quite frankly left baffled by what he called a ‘big’ decision:

“I find that really strange.

“Personally, if it was me, I would want to go out and get some game time.

“It’s that or I’m not playing. It’s not like you can be back in if there are a few injuries.

“You literally can’t play. It’s a big decision to make. It’s really strange.

“He will just be training every day for the next four months or so. That helps no one.

“Would you not rather go out there and prove the club wrong or try and earn a place for next season.

“Maybe he knows his time is up and are just waiting for a summer move, that’s the only reason I can think of.”

The Verdict: Wrong decision

Given his omission from the squad, Lewis has made the wrong decision not to go out on loan.

With the arrival of Targett, his game time was always going to be limited even before the squad decision, and he has not been performing well this season anyway, ranking in the bottom six Toon players in terms of performance in the Premier League so far this term (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, should he have impressed on loan, he could have then forced his way back into Eddie Howe’s plans for the next campaign, which promises to be a very exciting one should the Magpies stay up with their new riches.

In other news, find out which enormous ‘beast’ NUFC can now sign in June here!