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Journalist Keith Jackson has suggested that Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst could deploy Joe Aribo as a false nine on Thursday. 

The lowdown

Rangers are due to travel to Germany for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this week, where they will take on RB Leipzig.

They already knew they would be without top scorer Alfredo Morelos, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing thigh surgery, but now second-top scorer Kemar Roofe has picked up a knee injury which will also sideline him against the Bundesliga outfit.

With those two missing, Fashion Sakala led the line for Gers on Saturday as they won 3-1 at Motherwell.

Aribo is predominantly a central midfielder who is also capable of operating on the right but, according to Transfermarkt, he has never played as a centre-forward or a second striker in his senior career.

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The latest

Jackson said in The Daily Record’s Monday Jury that Van Bronckhorst has his ‘work cut out’ to deliver a ‘tactical solution’ to Rangers’ centre-forward problem.

The journalist has pondered if Aribo could ‘operate as a false nine’ and said that, in the circumstances, it would be a ‘huge’ achievement if the Gers leave the Red Bull Arena with ‘the semifinal still alive’.

The verdict

This is certainly a bold call from Jackson, given that Aribo has no experience in the position, although you could argue that it’s exactly the kind of thing which could catch Leipzig out, as Domenico Tedesco’s side probably won’t be prepared for it.

Aribo is certainly a goalscoring midfielder, having bagged eight over the course of the season. Incidentally, that is more than Sakala (seven), although the Nigerian has played 10 more matches.

If Rangers are to take this gamble, then it’s important that Van Bronckhorst trains the revised shape all week so that his players are able to adjust as best they can ahead of Thursday night.

In other news, Ally McCoist tears into one ‘really poor’ Rangers player

West Ham are set to reignite interest in summer transfer target Youssef En-Nesyri this winter…

What’s the word?

According to reports in Spain, the Irons will return for the Sevilla frontman during the January transfer window as David Moyes and co finally look to find that elusive new forward.

It’s claimed that West Ham failed in their attempts to secure him before the start of the 2021/22 campaign but they could soon launch another attempt to sign him.

It remains to be seen how much the 24-year-old would command and if the La Liga side are even open to a sale halfway through the season, though Transfermarkt currently value him at £36m.

Newman masterclass

With the Hammers in desperate need for alternatives up top, a move for the 35-time Morocco international would make the world of sense in 2022.

The Sevilla talisman bagged 24 goals in all competitions last season, in which six came in eight Champions League appearances, via Transfermarkt – a good sign considering they are the heights that the east Londoners are aspiring to reach in the near future.

He has since continued that fine form into the new season, finding the net another three times in six league games, even despite coveted interest throughout the summer.

Moyes is merely one injury away from a complete nightmare at the London Stadium. His only senior striker is Michail Antonio, 31, who has suffered from persistent injury problems throughout his career. He has not started more than 24 top-flight games in any of the last four seasons.

This is exactly the problem that new head of recruitment Rob Newman needs to fix, and given his experience and reputation from Manchester City, he could be the man to deliver such a transfer masterclass.

The former Norwich City defender, now a talent-spotter, played a big part in the Premier League champions signing Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao back in 2018, so that connection to the Spanish top-flight could pay dividends once again.

Once dubbed a “world-beater” by Sky Sports commentator Terry Gibson, En-Nesyri would be quite the coup for the Irons in January. Gibson later added: “He’s quick, he’s strong, great attitude, his finishing has improved, his first touch has improved, his movement has improved – all those things you expect players to improve on, he is doing.”

There’s surely not a better signing to kickstart Newman’s reign at the club. He would be instantly solving one of the biggest problems in the squad right now.

AND in other news, Newman can end West Ham striker hunt with £18m-rated “goal king” scoring every 83 mins…

There’s been a lot of talk surrounding the big-name arrivals at Manchester United this summer, but a potential departure could undo some of their good work in the transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Red Devils are open to Donny van de Beek’s exit before the August 31st deadline, just 12 months after he first arrived on English shores in a £40m deal from Ajax.

The arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane from Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, respectively, have reportedly depleted United’s budget, meaning the Old Trafford outfit may need to offload some fringe players before they can bring in another acquisition.

Outcasts such as Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles are believed to be deemed surplus to requirements by the club’s hierarchy, although allowing Van de Beek to move on could be a decision they come to regret.

Solskjaer will be gutted

After scoring 41 goals and laying on a further 34 assists for his teammates in 175 games for Amsterdam, as well as winning a domestic double in 2018/19 as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, Van de Beek arrived in the Red half of Manchester with an enviable reputation.

However, the physical demands and fast-paced nature of the Premier League often looked to overwhelm the technically gifted midfielder last term, limiting him to just four starts in the top-flight throughout 2020/21.

The Netherlands international did show glimpses of his true potential on occasions, though. One such time was against Istanbul Basaksehir while on European duty, and his impressive showing drew praise from former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

“I thought Van de Beek was close to perfect. He is so unselfish, he can just fit in and play the right balls everywhere,” said the BT Sports pundit.

The 24-year-old has embarked on body transformation over the summer months after injury meant he had to pull out of his nation’s Euro 2020 squad, improving his strength, balance and agility.

“He’s put on a bit of muscle,” Solskjaer said of the Van de Beek “He’d had last season to learn about English football, and he’s used the summer well.

“You never know how players from abroad come in. Some players need a year. You see Fred’s development, but there are other players that just come in and take to it straight away. It depends.”

Therefore, the Norwegian would surely be gutted if United’s hierarchy exiled Van de Beek after a single season in English football.

The Premier League has seen its history littered with foreign imports who has excelled after a tough first campaign, and Solskjaer will need a squad full of quality and strength in depth if he’s going to bring silverware back to the club, not just an outstanding starting XI.

With Paul Pogba yet to commit himself to a new contract, Van de Beek’s importance and role within the side could grow over the coming months, and letting him go could be new football director John Murtough’s first transfer nightmare.

And, in other news…The Athletic journo provides Man Utd update that’ll have Red Devils fans buzzing 

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has called for Bryan Gil to be unleashed on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Barely seen so far

One of five summer incomings at Spurs this summer, Gil has only appeared for two minutes in Premier League action this season after swapping Sevilla for London.

Gil, 20, started both games of the Europa Conference League qualifying success over Portugeuse side Pacos Ferreira but wasn’t called upon off the bench in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

With Heung-Min Son and Steven Bergwijn out, Spurs struggled to break down Palace’s defence and lacked any creativity in the final third, but those injuries mean the Spaniard could now start in France.

The Latest: Hutton calls for Gil involvement

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs defender Alan Hutton has claimed the barely seen summer signing must start on Thursday night against Rennes.

Hutton believes Gil could help Nuno Espirito Santo with his creativity and the Spanish winger has the ability to ‘unlock defences’.

“I like him. When he signed, I obviously looked him up and he looks really tricky and really good on the ball.

“He’s a player that can split open defences, and probably what they were crying out for the other day against Palace,” Hutton said.

“It would be nice to see him against Rennes and beyond because I think he could really unlock defences in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Gil could make a difference

Last season in La Liga, Gil made 29 appearances for Sevilla, scoring three and assisting three times to help the club qualify for the Champions League.

Hailed a ‘very talented player’ by Kevin Campbell, Gil’s talent is likely to be showcased in Thursday’s Europa Conference League group stage qualifier and, if impressive against Rennes, will warrant the chance to feature in Sunday’s big game with Chelsea.

The absence of Son and Bergwijn means the door is well and truly open for the 20-year-old to impress and become a first-team regular for his new club so early in his career.

In other news, Spurs have made movements in securing the services of highly-rated midfielder. Find out more here.

Many Sunderland supporters were critical of Elliot Embleton following Saturday’s come-from-behind win at Gillingham, during which the midfielder was sent off.

Lee Johnson’s side trailed 1-0 before Aiden O’Brien equalised on the stroke of half-time and Tom Flanagan scored what proved to be the winner early in the second half, a result which ensured that the Black Cats remained just one point adrift of League One pace-setters Plymouth Argyle.

Embleton received his marching orders midway through the second half for a poor challenge on Jack Tucker, leaving his team-mates to dig deep in order to secure all three points at the Priestfield Stadium.

Even aside from the red card, it was an afternoon to forget for the 22-year-old. As per SofaScore, he lost five of his seven duels (71%) against Gillingham and found a team-mate with only two of his eight crosses. He also gave the ball away 17 times during his 67 minutes on the pitch, the highest figure of anyone in a Sunderland shirt.

Sunderland fans slam Embleton

A number of Black Cats supporters took to Twitter to vent their frustration at Embleton on Saturday, with one describing the midfielder as “overrated”.

“Tin hat on but Embleton is very overrated, apart from his decent start this season he’s done absolutely nowt. Wouldn’t bat an eyelid if he left”

Credit: @rosstitute73

“That was so poor by Embleton. We had complete control”

Credit: @Sunlunfan

“Pathetic tackle from Embleton.. red all the way for me. We would scream for it if it was the other way round”

Credit: @davey_lad

“Reckless challenge, didn’t need to make it, pure stupidity from Embleton, now missed 3 matches”

Credit: @44stu

“Stupid challenge by Embleton whether it was a red or not it was stupid, riddled with injuries already we can’t afford to lose another player”

Credit: @stephsherry92

“Really poor from Embleton. Poor tackle and a needless one. A red probably the right call. Puts us under pressure when we should have been able to see this game out and look for a 3rd”

Credit: @tongey93

“Embleton hasn’t touched the ball for about a month anyway”

Credit: @jakeyholyoak

“Embleton why? Stupid challenge.”

Credit: @DRiley_06

In other news: One of Embleton’s team-mates also came under fire from some Sunderland fans yesterday

Michael Ball insists that Harry Kane will end up at Manchester City before the end of the transfer window.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker has been at the centre of a transfer saga throughout the summer.

City are reported to be heavily interested in a deal to bring him to the Etihad Stadium and noted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a new bid worth €150m (£127.3m) is being prepared by the Premier League champions.

The Times, by comparison, has reported that there is no direct dialogue between the two clubs over a deal to sign Kane this summer, and that he may well end up remaining at Spurs for another season.

Still, Ball believes that a deal will get done, with City having the money required to sign him, even after signing Jack Grealish for a British-record £100m.

Kane was left out of the Spurs squad to face City on Sunday but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side managed to win the game 1-0, thanks to a goal from Son Heung-Min.

Asked if he expected Kane to join City, Ball told Football FanCast: “I think so.

“To be honest, in the summer, I didn’t think they’d be able to afford Jack and Kane this summer but with Pep coming out strongly about the deal for Jack Grealish, probably means that they have got the money in the pot to bring Harry Kane to the football club.”

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has been dealt another frustrating injury blow this week…

What’s the latest?

Ahead of their FA Cup third-round clash with Premier League rivals West Ham United this afternoon, young striker Joe Gelhardt suffered an ankle injury during training on Thursday and is now expected to be out for three weeks.

“Marcelo Bielsa talking at his pre-West Ham presser – Joe Gelhardt is out. Injured [his] ankle in training yesterday and is out for three weeks. [Tyler] Roberts also out for similar period. Rodrigo not ready but [Patrick] Bamford likely to be involved on Sunday,” claimed The Athletic’s Phil Hay on Twitter.

“[Kalvin] Phillips, [Liam] Cooper, [Jamie] Shackleton, [Charlie] Cresswell and [Pascal] Struijk all still absent too.”

Another big setback

Just when will it stop?

The Yorkshire giants seemingly get a new injury every single week and it’s seriously stalling their progress under Bielsa.

Over the festive period, the 66-year-old head coach was missing as many as nine first-team players as his Whites side were demolished by the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal. It had gotten so bad that a 15-year-old – Archie Gray – was named on the bench.

Some of those absent have since made a return, helping United to a very crucial win over Burnley last weekend – Daniel James and Jack Harrison both found themselves on the scoresheet after a stint on the treatment table.

However, this latest blow puts pressure on Bielsa as he now has an important call to make upfront.

Patrick Bamford is likely to return from injury, having missed 15 of their last 16 league games but he is surely not ready to put in a full 90-minute shift just yet – though, he is the only striker available, leaving the Argentinian with a tough decision.

‘Patrick Bamford, at least, is expected to be available to play against the Hammers, but a 90 or even 120-minute performance is not only likely to be beyond him, it would be neglectful of Leeds to ask it,’ wrote Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth ahead of today’s encounter.

Gelhardt may have been in line to start down at the London Stadium this afternoon and as a player that supporters have already taken to, it will be a big blow to not see him in action today.

The young fan-favourite has already scored and provided three assists from his seven top-flight cameos this campaign and is clearly admired by Bielsa, too.

“He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage,” the manager told Sky Sports.

Therefore, his absence is merely another gutting setback to Bielsa, the squad and the fanbase, The 66-year-old must getting a little more worried as each day passes with his team picking up so many injuries this season.

AND in other news, Bielsa must ruthlessly axe Leeds’ “shocking” £47k-p/w passenger, he’s not good enough…

Manchester United manager will have a sizeable gap in his midfield to fill following the international break after Paul Pogba suffered a major injury blow.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old picked up a serious thigh problem during a training session with France ahead of their World Cup qualification match against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic’s United reporter, provided an update on Pogba’s situation, revealing he could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

He tweeted: “Paul Pogba at risk of being out until next year after French medics diagnose thigh injury as 8-10 weeks on sidelines. #MUFC still to assess Pogba, who is on his way back to England.”

With the influential engine room operator potentially being consigned to the treatment table until the new year, Solskjaer must find a solution to his enforced absence.

Forget Fred

Luckily for the Norwegian tactician, though, he has an array of talents at his disposal, and he may well have the perfect replacement already within his ranks.

Donny van de Beek has been desperate for a run of games to showcase his true potential since arriving from Ajax for £40m in the summer of 2020, but he’s only started four Premier League games since.

The creative talent has seen the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay and Pogba continuously picked ahead of him with mixed results, adding to his ever-growing frustrations.

Following a tricky maiden campaign on English shores, it was reported that the 24-year-old had bulked up over the summer after missing Euro 2020 through injury, and United teammate Bruno Fernandes lauded Van de Beek’s extra efforts during pre-season.

“As a professional player you always prepare for your season before you come back for training, you always do something before, and I think everyone was doing their jobs at home,” the Portugal star told the official Manchester United website.

“Yes, he’s (Van de Beek) working hard and working hard in the gym. Obviously, he is one of the quality players we know, and now he’s building up,” he added.

Van de Beek has also been dubbed “perfect” by former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

Nevertheless, the £22.5m-rated gem has found opportunities hard to come by at the Theatre of Dreams once again in the current campaign, featuring from the off on just two occasions in all competitions under Solskjaer.

But now, with Pogba believed to be unavailable for at least two months, United’s boss may place his faith in Van de Beek over the more defensively-minded Fred.

The Red Devils are in need of victories and convincing displays as the pressure continues to mount in the red half of Manchester, and the Netherlands international could be the player to release it.

And, in other news…Glazers can get Man Utd firing with 49 y/o boss dubbed “the best manager in the world” 

Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes would be an excellent signing for Wolves, as well as a show of ambition, according to Midlands reporter Josh Holland.

The Lowdown: Nunes linked with Wolves move

Bruno Lage will be looking to bolster his options in the summer transfer window, ensuring his Wanderers side continue to head in the right direction next season.

One player Wolves have been linked with signing is Nunes, who is enjoying an impressive season for Sporting, starting 28 Primeira Liga games and chipping in with two goals and assists apiece.

The 23-year-old’s creative class has shone through in his central midfield role, with an 85.6% pass completion rate and an average of 2.4 dribbles per game.

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The Latest: Journalist talks up signing

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Holland talked up the idea of Nunes joining Wolves in the summer, saying it would be a statement of intent:

“I think it shows ambition and the fans will love that Bruno Lage wants players like that.

“Depending on where they finish, they need to be looking at players that will want to come to Wolves and help them get into the Champions League rather than a player who wants them to be in the Champions League now.”

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The Verdict: Neves replacement?

Nunes looks like a class act who could fit in seamlessly at Molineux, not least because of his Portuguese roots, and he is surely being viewed as a replacement for Ruben Neves.

The Wolves hero looks increasingly likely to move elsewhere at the end of the season and his compatriot could help the sizeable void left by him, considering he is not dissimilar in style, even hailed as ‘one of the best players in the world today’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

At 23, Nunes would be considered a long-term replacement who should improve further in the coming years, also making up for the loss of one of the club’s most influential players.

In other news, one player has emerged as a new Wolves transfer target. Find out who it is here.

As per allnigeriasoccer.com, a contract claim has come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving yet-to-be-seen starlet Tobi Omole.

The Lowdown: Nuno blown away…

Since the Nigerian-born defender signed for Spurs’ academy from north London rivals Arsenal in 2020, the 22-year-old has been making waves behind the scenes, according to reports.

Football Insider claimed in October that ex-Lilywhites manager Nuno Espirito Santo had been blown away by the centre-back at Hotspur Way, apparently taking a liking to Omole and regarding him as capable of winning a new deal.

New Spurs boss Antonio Conte is yet to hand the player his senior debut after Nuno only selected Omole for the bench against Crystal Palace last September though, so Spurs fans are still waiting to see him in action for the first time.

Regardless, he appears to have now done enough at N17 to earn a new deal.

The Latest: Omole offer made…

As per allnigeriasoccer.com, Omole has now been offered a new contract at the club with Conte selecting him for Spurs’ main Premier League squad over the remainder of 2021/2022.

The Italian has called him up to countless training sessions with the first team despite not playing him yet with Omole now doing enough to earn possible fresh terms.

The Verdict: Exciting news…

Tottenham insider John Wenham, who regularly breaks news on his Lilywhites Rose account, certainly rates the youngster after what he’s seen.

Speaking to Football Insider, the club source claimed that Omole is on his list of prospects to watch at Spurs and has also called him a ‘top young talent’ at the end of last year.

Among Spurs’ growing crop of talented youngsters coming out of N17, Omole could also be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Agent offers Tottenham out-of-window chance to sign £220,000-per-weel star! Find out more here.