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Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is approaching his first transfer window in charge of the Ibrox giants as January is merely days away.

The Dutchman may want to strengthen his Gers squad by making an addition or two to bring some freshness to the side heading into the second half of the campaign.

One player who has been touted with a potential switch to Glasgow is Anderlecht defender Wesley Hoedt, formerly of Premier League club Southampton.

Bye-bye Goldson

The Dutchman could come in as the perfect replacement for Connor Goldson, either in January or in the summer. Van Bronckhorst’s current centre-back is out of contract at the end of the campaign, which means that his time at Ibrox may be up in one of the next two transfer windows, with the Gers either cashing in on him next month or allowing him to run down his deal before leaving on a free.

Football Insider reported this month that, as per Ibrox sources, the former Brighton defender wants another crack at the Premier League, so he may well be coming towards the final few months of his time at Ibrox.

Hoedt has played in a number of top leagues and is currently impressing for Anderlecht in Belgium, which is why he could be a perfect replacement for Goldson. He is in fine form and still has plenty left to give at the age of 27, averaging an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.12 in the Pro League this season.

He has played for Southampton, Lazio and Celta Vigo and been capped by the Netherlands in the past, showing that he has been able to play at the top level in England, Italy, Spain and internationally.

Former Saints chief Les Reed previously heaped praise on the Dutchman, pointing to his potential and experience, saying: “Wesley is one of the most promising young defenders in Europe and represents a significant addition to our squad. Having procured a Champions League finalist from one Italian club we have now added an Italian Supercoppa winner from another.”

Reed continued: “We believe he has all the qualities to play a big part in our future, and we have worked hard to bring him to Southampton, with a number of other high-profile clubs interested in him. Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international teammate Virgil van Dijk, as well as the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos.”

This highlights some of the qualities that he could bring to Glasgow, and coupled with his form for Anderlecht, it shows that the 6 foot 3 powerhouse could be an excellent signing. He is a strong defender, as shown by his consistent performances in Belgium, and he could slot straight into the team in place of Goldson, which is why Van Bronckhorst must seal a swoop for his services.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst could get Ibrox rocking with Rangers swoop for beast who can do “wonderful things”…

Ezgjan Alioski will make a decision over his Leeds United future before he goes on holiday, according to former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Alioski’s future up in the air

The 29-year-old’s Whites future has looked in doubt for some time now, with his contract expiring at the end of this month and no new deal agreed.

Galatasaray have been strongly linked with completing a move for Alioski, but he has been on Euro 2020 duty with North Macedonia, putting his club future on hold for the time being.

The Leeds left-back is now out of the tournament, however, meaning he can decide where he will be plying his trade next season.

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The Latest: Decision imminent, claims pundit

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor tipped Alioski to make a definite choice before he enjoys a well-earned holiday shortly:

“Yes, I think so. Pre-season’s around the corner so I’m sure he’ll want to get signed up.

“Then he can get himself on holiday for a couple of weeks before he has to be back for pre-season.

“I don’t think Bielsa is the sort of manager that will allow him to have too much extra time off pre-season training when the rest are back.

“I’m sure he’ll go on holiday now for two or three weeks but sort his contract out before he goes. Then you can relax on your holiday and know where you are for next season.”

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The Verdict: Preferable to keep him?

In truth, Leeds are arguably in a win-win situation with regards to Alioski’s future – if he stays it will be good news, but they may not lose any sleep if he moves on either, as they can replace a converted winger with a specialised full-back.

On one hand, he has a huge amount of experience and knows how to thrive in Marcelo Bielsa’s system, having appeared in 36 of his side’s 38 Premier League games in 2020/21.

At 29, he doesn’t represent the long-term future, however, and it may be that Leeds would benefit more from having an out-and-out left-back in the team who is younger with time to develop under Bielsa.

In other news, a pundit has been discussing a potential backup option to Illan Meslier. Find out who it is here.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed Southampton tried to sign Timothy Castagne last summer before he made the move to Leicester City instead.

Saints tried to sign Castagne

Castagne made the move from Atalanta to the King Power Stadium last year for a fee of £21.5m (BBC).

Speaking prior to the Saints’ clash with the Foxes on Friday, Hasenhuttl revealed his side attempted to capture the 25-year-old but were unable to do so. He told Hampshire Live:

“He was a player we were interested in. He was available and we knew this.

“Although they have lost players like [Riyad] Mahrez or [N’Golo] Kante or [Harry] Maguire, you see that Leicester are still able to bring very good players in,

“We had an eye on [Timothy] Castagne but as soon as they are in the duel, then we have no chance to get him. This is exactly what makes the difference between these two clubs. It is normal.”

Shame

Other than a couple of spells on the sidelines through injury (Transfermarkt), Castagne has proven to be an inspired signing for Brendan Rodgers and co. He has managed two assists and four goals in all competitions and has displayed his versatility by playing both at left-back and right-back, as well as in midfield.

It was an ambitious move from the Saints to sign him – after all, he competed in the Champions League last term with Atalanta and will have been wanting to play for a side that harboured ambitions of featuring in that tournament on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the south-coast outfit are unable to offer anything close to that at the moment. However, at least they are looking to capture top talent, it seems.

In other news, Southampton have been dealt this transfer blow.

Manchester United have officially appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager at Old Trafford in the summer, and now Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the team the Dutch coach will build around him.

What’s the word?

According to the Italian transfer insider and journalist, Manchester United are in talks for Steve McClaren to join the coaching staff alongside their brand new manager at the end of the season.

Romano tweeted: “Mitchell van der Gaag has already accepted to join Erik ten Hag staff at Manchester United – green light from Dutch coach arrived one week ago. Contract details are still being discussed, while Steve McClaren had direct conversation with ten Hag on his possible role.”

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Supporters will be excited

It’s fair to say the Red Devils have been struggling ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, and, having entered their longest trophy drought in 40 years, there clearly needs to be a revolution at the club – something which is starting to finally unfold ahead of the summer.

The appointment of Ten Hag alongside a brand new team to work with him will surely excite supporters, who will undoubtedly be desperate for huge changes that can positively impact the club’s future and pull them out of their trophyless rut.

Steve McClaren making a shock return to the Premier League and Old Trafford could be exactly what Man United need to reignite their identity as winners, as the former Newcastle manager was assistant to Ferguson between 1999 and 2001, joining during the treble-winning 1998/99 campaign.

Aside from his well-known career in England, McClaren has previously worked with the new Man United boss – when Ten Hag was assistant to McClaren at FC Twente back in 2008, and the pair continue to have a close relationship.

With that being said, these big shifts in responsibilities and fresh perspectives added to the Manchester United think tank will surely be welcomed by the supporters as the club looks to rebuild their reputation and pose a threat in the challenge for trophies in the future.

AND In other news: “Man United will 100% sign..”: Romano drops transfer claim that will excite supporters

Aston Villa and Leicester City are both interested in Rangers defender Filip Helander.

That’s according to Swedish outlet Sportbladet, cited by the Daily Record, who claimed that the Scottish champions could replace Helander with Elfsborg’s Joseph Okumu.

Helander a Rangers regular

Helander, valued at just £1.8m by Transfermarkt, is under contract at Ibrox until 2023.

The Sweden international has made 27 appearances under Steven Gerrard this season, and it seems as if his performances have caught the eyes of Dean Smith and Brendan Rodgers.

Transfer Tavern take

It’s not the first time Villa have been linked with the towering centre-back. Former Villa manager Steve Bruce was reportedly keen on Helander back in the 2018 January window during the player’s time with Bologna.

It seems as if the club have reignited their interest three years on, and statistically Helander has outperformed both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa this season. As per WhoScored, the Swede has averaged a match rating of 7.11 in the Scottish Premiership, higher than Mings’ 6.88 and Konsa’s 6.82. Helander has also won more aerial duels per game with 4.3, compared to Mings 2.8 and Konsa’s 2.6.

Based on those figures, the 27-year-old could be well worth the Villans’ time in seeking a potential move south of the border.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Villa-linked star’s social media activity, find out more here. 

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is ‘interested’ in becoming the club’s new director of football, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ DoF talks

Celtic remain on the hunt for a DoF after their talks with Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin failed to lead to a Parkhead move.

The Irishman, who is a massive Hoops fan, was closing in on a Scotland switch, with reports back in March suggesting a deal was 90% done.

However, stories last month claimed that Harkin, City’s football pathways and partnerships manager, wants to remain loyal at the Etihad.

The Latest: O’Neill links

Football Insider shared a story on Wednesday, linking O’Neill with a Parkhead return.

A Celtic source informed the site that the 69-year-old has thrown his name into the hat and is ‘interested’ in becoming the Hoops’ DoF as the club’s summer rebuild continues.

The report adds that the former Celtic manager, who won nine honours in the dugout with Celtic and Leicester City, would be keen on a more executive role following Ange Postecoglou’s arrival as manager.

The Verdict: A smart move?

It could well turn out to be a smart move by the Hoops to bring a man with O’Neill’s experience back to Celtic Park in a role higher up.

Postecoglou would be able to go to the Northern Irishman for advice in his first season in Glasgow, should he wish to do so, and the pair could even work closely together on transfer targets.

O’Neill knows just what it takes to succeed in Scotland, and even though he wouldn’t be in the dugout alongside Postecoglou, having his presence back at the club could help the Hoops in their quest to win back the Scottish Premiership from Rangers.

In other news: Celtic transfer twist emerges on ‘fantastic’ ace; Dominic McKay trying to play a blinder, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who is a Wolves Hall of Famer, has claimed that Oli McBurnie is frustrated at Sheffield United but can’t see his former club signing the 24-year old this summer.

Wolves have been linked with a £15 million move for the striker, who became Sheffield United’s record signing when he joined for £20 million from Swansea City in 2019.

McBurnie has found chances and goals difficult to come across this season, as have all of the Blades strikers, but the Scotland international has just one goal to his name in the Premier League this season.

Speaking on if he could see McBurnie making the move to Molineux and why he might want to leave Sheffield United at the end of this season, Bull told FFC:

“I can’t see that happening to be fair but I think Oli McBurnie is frustrated at Sheffield United so he might want to get away but I can’t see it myself.

“I think Wolves will be looking more towards a Portuguese striker with Mendes’ links, but I’ve said before that we do need somebody who has done it in the Premier League.”

Sheffield United are currently bottom of the league for both points and goals scored with their top scorer, David McGoldrick having scored just six times in the league.

Wolves have not performed much better in the final third since Raul Jimenez got injured in November as Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves are their joint top scorers with five goals.

Loads of Everton fans have been left to rage as a transfer update emerged on Moise Kean.

As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), the Italy international has been house-hunting in Paris, hoping that he can stay at PSG on a permanent deal from Goodison Park.

Talks are reportedly ongoing between the two parties, but Kean’s valuation is quoted to be €25-€30m (£21.6-26m), which seems very low considering the season that he has had, in which he scored no fewer than 17 goals in 41 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

Considering that he is still just 21 years of age, and that he is currently valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the Merseyside club would surely be wanting to get a lot more money if they decided to sell him, or hold on until more is offered perhaps from a rival bidder.

Everton fans on Kean transfer update

These Toffees supporters raged as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“They having a laugh?! thinking we should sell for that much! That’s actually a loss…. we paid more to get him, his contract has 4 years left And he’s their second top scorer, still young, a high prospect and inform. They’re PSG, not like they don’t have the funds”

Credit: @PeteClappo

“After the season he has had?!?! No chance.”

Credit: @Toffee84Tim

“PSG want to reduce the fee for M Kean but willing to pay millions a month on wages for some of their players… Jog on”

Credit: @Tw1ttr1

“No way we got to at least make a profit from him”

Credit: @efccarlo

“Pffffft”

Credit: @hehitthepost

“Erm what”

Credit: @bluetom_tom

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Blues fuming here!

Jermain Defoe’s future at Rangers is seemingly yet to be decided but if Steven Gerrard wants to keep him at Ibrox next season, he is running out of time, as English League One side Ipswich Town are said to be interested in signing him this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Tractor Boys are plotting an ambitious swoop for the veteran striker, as they look to back Paul Cook ahead of next season’s campaign, where they will surely be hoping for a return to the Championship after two disappointing seasons in the third tier.

Defoe’s contract at Ibrox is set to expire at the end of this month, meaning he is free to open discussions with other clubs ahead of a potential summer exit, although recent reports have suggested that Gerrard is keen to keep his former England teammate for one more season.

The 38-year-old has been a fringe player for much of the season but has emphasised his class from the bench in recent fixtures, with impressive goals against Celtic and Aberdeen, so he certainly played his part in the title win.

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Since joining from Bournemouth, the former Tottenham Hotspur man has been superb at times, contributing an impressive 32 goals and 10 assists in just 72 appearances for the Teddy Bears.

Although the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and perhaps even new signing Fashion Sakala are likely to be ahead of Defoe in the pecking order next season, he can still offer Gerrard a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, and is always likely to pop up with a goal from the bench.

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However, this news is a bit of a blow to Gerrard in terms of keeping his veteran striker as Defoe may well be tempted by a move to Ipswich where he is more likely to have a starring role and get more regular football, so if Gerrard is indeed keen to keep the “very dangerous” striker at Ibrox, he will have to act quickly and tie him down to a new contract as soon as possible.

And, in other news… Gerrard heading for Rangers disaster with “outstanding” beast who may leave Ibrox

Former Premier League midfielder Paul Scholes has made a pretty brutal claim about Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Transfer saga

After over 330 appearances for Tottenham, Kane’s time at Spurs looked like it was going to come to an end over the summer as he was linked and targeted by Premier League champions Manchester City.

A bid was rejected and Kane was late to training before he returned to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers before announcing he was staying at the club in a statement on Twitter.

Since then, Kane is yet to score in the league, with his two goals coming in the Europa Conference League competition against Pacos de Ferreira.

The Latest: Scholes makes claim

Speaking to Premier League Productions [via HITC], Scholes has claimed the striker was wishing he was at Manchester City when he saw the team on Saturday.

With Spurs missing Heung-Min Son and Davinson Sanchez, it was a weaker XI and the former Manchester United midfielder has made a strong claim on Kane’s thinking.

“It’s not a strong team,” he said. “I think Harry Kane will be in that dressing room thinking ‘I wish I was at Manchester City’ with that team they have got.”

The Verdict: Is Kane regretting decision?

Kane staying put at the club came from many things – his emotional connection with the Lilywhites support, Spurs rejecting City’s bids and the right money being offered. But after they fell to a shocking defeat at Palace on Saturday, where they conceded three goals in 15 minutes, Kane could be thinking exactly what Scholes has claimed.

Since City lost to Spurs on the opening day, Pep Guardiola’s side has won three straight games, scoring 11 goals in the process without a recognised striker.

It’s likely the situation between the two clubs will arise in January or next summer, but for now, Kane has no choice but to try and help Tottenham return to the top four.

In other news, an offer has been tabled to sign Serie A ace. Find out more here.