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Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing as some manager news emerged involving Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

As per Sky Sports, the Dutchman is now ‘close’ to agreeing a deal in principle to become the next manager at Ibrox, following the departure of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa.

The Light Blues are understood to be ‘very pleased’ with the latest developments after a thorough process led by Ross Wilson, with a number of ‘strong candidates’ on their list.

However, it looks as if they have finally secured their man in GvB, ahead of a vital Scottish League Cup semi-final against Hibernian on Sunday.

Van Bronckhorst would certainly be a popular appointment among the Gers faithful, given that he is a two-time Scottish Premiership winner as a player with the Teddy Bears, and also did very well as a coach at Feyenoord, who he guided to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years back in the 2016/17 campaign (BBC).

He also won four other major trophies with the Rotterdam club.

Rangers fans on van Bronckhorst manager news

These RFC supporters buzzed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that they are ‘excited’ about Gerrard’s successor:

“Yesss”

Credit: @declanlally

“Happy days”

Credit: @Damien1872

“Purposely kept quiet since the rumblings started because of another potential let down… however NOW I’M GETTING EXCITED!”

Credit: @crombie_nicola

“Just what I like to hear”

Credit: @LeeHendon1

“Gio Gio Gio Gio”

Credit: @NicolaScott1998

“The closure I need”

Credit: @DuncansonCiaran

In other news, find out what international footage has Gers gushing here!

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Oscar Mingueza to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish media outlet Diario Sport (via Barca Universal), who claimed that Jesse Marsch has identified the Barcelona centre-back as one of his primary transfer targets this summer, with the American said to be hoping to beef up his defensive options ahead of 2022/23.

The report added that, with the Catalan club being very interested in getting a deal of their own over the line for Leeds winger Raphinha at the end of the current campaign, the 22-year-old defender could be used as something of a bargaining chip in the negotiations between the two clubs.

Marsch’s dream

Considering Leeds’ desperate need to address their defensive frailties ahead next season – the Whites have shipped a league-high 67 goals over their 30 Premier League games so far this term – it is not difficult to understand why Marsch would be interested in a move for Mingueza this summer.

Indeed, after making his Barcelona debut as a result of a defensive injury crisis at Camp Nou in 2020, the £25m-rated centre-back – who can also operate on the right – highly impressed over his 27 LaLiga appearances last season. He helped his side to keep seven clean sheets, scoring two goals and registering two assists, while also averaging 0.7 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 1.6 clearances and 54.9 passes and winning 3.3 duels per game.

These returns saw the £19k-per-week Spain international earn a very respectable seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Barcelona’s 11th-best player in the Spanish top flight last term. That led to football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing the 22-year-old his “unexpected hero” of 2020/21.

Should Mingueza go on to replicate this level of form following a potential switch to Elland Road, he would certainly be an upgrade on a number of Marsch’s current options in the heart of his defence. That leads us to believe that Orta must do all he can to secure the signing of the Spaniard this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge Leeds United development, supporters will be devastated

Alan Nixon has dropped a big update regarding Celtic’s bid to bring Riley McGree to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Sun journalist revealed that, despite previous reports suggesting that Celtic were closing in on a deal to sign the Charlotte FC midfielder, Middlesbrough are also very much in the running for the 23-year-old this month, with Chris Wilder’s side believed to be pushing very hard to tie up a £2m deal for the Australia international.

In his tweet, Nixon said: “Boro want him. Been trying to agree [a] fee. Celtic joined in at weekend. £2m gets him. Boro trying hard.”

Fans will be sweating

When taking into account just how eager Ange Postecoglou appears to be in trying to get a deal over the line for McGree this winter, in addition to the fact that Celtic could very much use further additions in the middle of the park ahead of the restart of the Premiership season, the news that Middlesbrough are also pushing very hard to get a deal done for the midfielder this month is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful sweating.

Indeed, the Daily Record recently reported that the 56-year-old manager personally involved himself in the negotiations with the 23-year-old, in what now looks to be an attempt to convince the £540k-rated man of a switch to Glasgow rather than making a move to a club south of the border.

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Furthermore, with the likes of James McCarthy, Ismaila Soro, Dane Murray, Liam Shaw and even Celtic veteran Nir Bitton all struggling for regular game time under the management of the Greek-Australian coach so far this season, it is clear to see that the Bhoys boss does not particularly believe that the club’s strength in depth in the middle of the park is up to the standard required for a title charge in the current campaign.

As such, the news that Middlesbrough appear to very much be an option for McGree this January is sure to have come as a major blow to both Postecoglou and his Celtic side, as the signing of a midfielder who the 56-year-old clearly has a great deal of faith in would certainly make a very welcome addition at Parkhead ahead of the restart of the Premiership season later this month.

In other news: Imagine him & Maeda: Celtic must swoop for 54-goal dynamo who can “sprint like Mbappe”

The feud between Rafael Benitez and Lucas Digne has been a hot topic of conversation in the football world over the last few weeks, and it seems that the transfer window will confirm whether the Everton manager feels that there is room to repair the fractured relationship with the left-back, or whether he will let him go to another club in the coming days and weeks.

What’s the word?

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has weighed in with his thoughts about rumours of a training ground rift and the future of Digne at Goodison Park, claiming in an interview with GIVEMESPORT that the Frenchman will probably depart for pastures new in the near future.

The 56-year-old declared: “Something has gone on with him and the manager, without a shadow, because he’s been an outstanding performer for Everton. publicly, Benitez has said nothing, apart from the fact that he’s not available. I think he will leave the club because there’s an issue between him and the manager.”

The 28-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs ahead of January, with a possible loan deal to Chelsea looking like one of the most likely scenarios after Ben Chilwell sustained a season-ending injury.

Whilst the Toffees manager has not commented on the rumoured clash between himself and the player, Digne has not featured in the team since the Merseyside derby almost a month ago.

Fans will be fuming

Some Everton fans have been vocal on social media reacting to the speculated fallout between the pair, and the subsequent reports linking the defender away from the club, all during a period of poor performances and form for the Toffees.

One Toffees fan tweeted in reaction to the alleged fallout: “Would much rather boot Rafa out than Digne. Rafa just boots anyone that challenges his awful management, or has an ounce of flair and skill. Digne has shown more commitment to the club over his time with us than Rafa ever will.”

It might not prove a popular decision with some Everton supporters, such as the one quoted above, but a loan deal could be the ideal situation for both Digne and Benitez to cool off their differences, allowing the £110k-p/w gem to come back and have a fresh start in pre-season with the Toffees in the summer.

That certainly seems preferable to the club simply getting rid of him now because of an apparent feud which could be smoothed over and then living to regret the haste with which they showed him the door.

If Palmer’s prediction of a permanent exit for Digne comes to light, that could leave many of the Goodison Park faithful fuming, particularly when he is one of the best tacklers in Benitez’s squad, winning 2.5 per game (second only to Allan with 2.9).

In other news: Signing this transfer target could solve one big issue for Benitez

According to former West Ham defender Glen Johnson (as shared by football.london), if Jesse Lingard wanted to join the Hammers in the January transfer window, it would already have happened.

The Lowdown: Lingard’s transfer saga with the Hammers

Ever since Lingard’s loan move at West Ham came to an end last summer, the Manchester United midfielder has regularly been linked with a permanent transfer to David Moyes’ side.

From a Hammers perspective, it is easy to see why. During his six-month stint with the club, the 29-year-old played 16 times for the Irons and stunned the footballing world by producing nine goals and five assists in an unbelievable run.

However, life has not been as simple for the midfielder since returning to Old Trafford. Lingard has played just 88 minutes of Premier League football this season, having failed to make the Red Devils’ starting XI once.

With his contract expiring in the summer, the former England international is currently set to leave Man United on a free transfer at the end of the season, with West Ham reportedly interested in securing the player’s signature.

The Latest: Johnson makes Lingard claim

According to former Hammers full-back Glen Johnson (as relayed by football.london), though, Lingard would already be a West Ham player this month if he were truly interested in leaving Man United for good.

The 37-year-old said: “I think if Jesse Lingard really wanted the move himself then it would have happened already. If he genuinely wanted it, then it would have been done.

“He’s not playing at Manchester United. Everyone loved him at West Ham. So if the player wanted to do it, it doesn’t sound like a very difficult deal to do. You can only imagine that he’s trying to stay at Manchester United for whatever reason. I would guess that it’s Jesse that didn’t want to do it and go to anybody else.

“If you were Manchester United you would sell him. And if you were West Ham you would sign him. I think he would be in the West Ham starting XI. I don’t think it would be guaranteed. If he gets there and plays like he did previously he’d nail down a place but I do think they’ve got some good players in that position. I don’t think he would be a guaranteed starter but if he hits the form that he was in before then yes he will be.”

The Verdict: Lingard must not be keen on West Ham return

As suggested by Johnson, it seems that Lingard is not keen on a return to West Ham. Moyes’ previous attempts to lure him back to east London proved unsuccessful, with the English midfielder preferring to stay and fight for his place in the team at Old Trafford.

This is a shame for the 29-year-old’s career, as without regular game-time he will surely not be able to secure a place in the England team ahead of the World Cup later this year. Lingard has made 32 appearances for his country and still has plenty of years left to add to this tally.

With Tottenham also interested in the player, it could become even harder for Moyes to secure Lingard’s signature this month.

In other news – ‘Keeping an eye on’: Journalist drops West Ham transfer news about youngster likened to Gareth Bale

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has praised Kalvin Phillips’ decision to have surgery, also hinting at him staying put beyond the summer.

The Lowdown: Phillips undergoes surgery

The Whites have suffered yet another injury blow with the news that the England midfielder is going to be missing for a significant chunk of action.

The 25-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury and is likely to miss around two months of football, having undergone successful surgery.

Leeds will have to battle on without their talisman during a hectic period in the season but he should be back for the business end of the campaign.

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The Latest: Whelan finds positives

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claims that it is a wise decision to have surgery immediately, rather than risk Phillips not being at his best for a long time. He said:

“It’s a really sensible move. We know how integral and important Kalvin is, and his value to this team will have demanded the surgery to take place in order to sort it out properly.

“No one wants to be without their talisman, but Leeds United will also realise that having him long-term is better than playing with a Kalvin Phillips that might be in and out of the team with the same problem.”

Furthermore, Whelan hinted at the Leeds hero staying at the club for a further 12 months at least, seemingly ruling out the idea of a summer exit amid rumours of other Premier League sides eyeing a swoop for him. The 46-year-old stated:

“It’s vitally important that he gets the treatment he needs. If that means we have to go without Kalvin for two months, but then we get him for the next 12 – then brilliant.”

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The Verdict: Better in the long run

Whelan is right- losing Phillips midway through the season is a big blow, but the decision to have surgery immediately is the right one, taking the hit now rather than letting it going on for several more months.

This way, the England international should return in good shape in February or March, rather than playing with an injury for the entirety of the campaign.

Regardless of where Phillips is playing his football in the future, it is important that he isn’t hampered in the long-term because of delaying surgery and making the situation worse.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool have undoubtedly one of the strongest defences in the Premier League, having conceded just 20 goals in 30 games.

One man who has contributed a lot to the Reds’ impressive defensive displays is Joel Matip, who has appeared in 24 league games so far this season.

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To highlight just how significant the 30-year-old has been for Liverpool in this campaign, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (98) and Fabinho (95) have racked up a higher combination of tackles and interceptions than Matip (81).

Despite the Cameroon international’s effectiveness at the back, it seems as though the Merseyside club could be eyeing up a potential replacement for him.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Goal by journalist Neil Jones, Liverpool are interested in signing Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

Since joining the Italian club back in 2018, the Brazilian has gone on to make 105 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with 13 goals and five assists along the way.

In terms of his defensive capabilities, the 25-year-old has the third-highest number of tackles and interceptions combined (144) throughout Serie A, showing how much of a unit he is at the back in a similar way to Matip.

Labelled a “powerful” figure by Forza Italian Football editor in chief Conor Clancy, Bremer eclipses the Liverpool defender in terms of the number of blocks, tackles and interceptions made this season in their respective domestic leagues.

Taking all this into account, and the fact that Matip is five years older than the £18k-per-week Torino brute, a transfer swoop for the Brazilian defender could be a great investment from the Merseyside club given his obvious talent and relatively young age.

However, the report from Goal claims that Juventus and Inter Milan are also interested in signing the centre-back, which means that the Reds may have a challenge on their hands to get Bremer to Anfield.

That said, to get the opportunity to play in the Premier League under the management of Jurgen Klopp next to a player such as Virgil van Dijk at one of the biggest clubs in England could all be very tempting for the 25-year-old defender.

In other news: Liverpool now plot bid for “unbelievable” £45m-rated dynamo, just imagine him & Salah

Manchester United have finally sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, following an embarrassing defeat 4-1 to Watford on Saturday afternoon.

The speculation around Solskjaer and his managerial position has been the hottest topic in football for months, and now the Glazers have pulled the plug on the Norwegian.

In a short and sweet statement, Manchester United tweeted;

“Manchester United can confirm that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as Manager.”

“Thank you for everything, Ole.”

The manager job at Manchester United has been talked about endlessly over the last few weeks, with several high profile names attached to the role at Old Trafford.

Brendan Rodgers, Erik Ten Hag, Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane are just a few of the names that have been dropped on social media and by journalists over the last month or so, but there is still no confirmation on who will take over to manage the team Solskjaer has assembled.

One manager that has gone under the radar for the job is Sevilla manager, Julen Lopetegui, another name touted with the vacancy.

The Spanish manager has an impressive CV so far, managing Porto, Spain, Real Madrid and now managing Sevilla.

Lopetegui is most famously remembered for being sacked as Spain manager on the eve of the World Cup in 2018, after accepting an offer to manage Real Madrid.

Since the controversy at Spain and a terrible run that led to his dismissal at Real Madrid, the 55-year-old manager has been rebuilding his reputation at Sevilla, finishing fourth in the Champions League in his first season and winning the Europa League in 2020.

An exciting review from Sevilla president Jose Castro explains why his smart thinking could be perfect for United:

“When we signed him, we were convinced he was the ideal coach for us. He has brought new ideas and theories, but above all, he is a very serious and hard-working guy. He is very methodical and studies very well for each game,” he said.

“Without a doubt, the players take strength from that. We hope to see that again in the ‘derbi’, such intensity in our team.”

The experienced coach has broken records at the club with a 62% win rate across his career, while his percentage at the Spanish club is the highest win percentage in the history of Sevilla FC, so he clearly has a winning mentality that he has instilled into his team and their performances.

Winning games is something Manchester United really need to start doing to stay in a conversation for the top four in the Premier League so he could be the man to dig the Glazers out of their managerial torment at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils currently have only five wins after twelve games, sitting seventh in the table and six points off fourth place West Ham. Thus, the sacking of Solskjaer has come at a time where Manchester United need to get a winning run of form going.

Manchester United will take on Villareal on Tuesday in the Champions League, with Darren Fletcher or Michael Carrick likely to lead the team out away from home, they will need to secure a win to qualify for the round of 16.

In other news: Harry Maguire was awful against Watford

Celtic won’t be able to sign Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers in a cut-price January deal, Sky Sports report.

The Lowdown: Hoops keen

The Hoops haven’t wasted any time in finalising their winter window business, with moves for Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda already wrapped up.

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Ange Postecoglou and Michael Nicholson have now turned their attention to making Carter-Vickers and Jota’s loan moves permanent, with Celtic having the option to do so.

Carter-Vickers has missed just one Scottish Premiership fixture since moving to Parkhead, but it seems as if the Hoops won’t be able to sign the USA international for as little as £3m, as Spurs insider John Wenham previously stated.

The Latest: Sky Sports source

Sky Sports shared a story regarding moves for Carter-Vickers and Jota on Tuesday evening.

They were informed by a source when it came to Carter-Vickers that an initial fee of £6m is included in the agreement and there is no wriggle-room on the overall price for the 24-year-old following Nicholson and co’s talks with Spurs.

The Verdict: Should Celtic pay it?

Carter-Vickers has been an ever-present figure under Postecoglou, who labelled the defender as ‘calm’ earlier in the campaign.

He’s also been the Hoops’ best performing centre-back in the league this season, as per WhoScored, so Celtic have a decision to make over the coming weeks.

Postecoglou is keen for the deal to be ‘wrapped up quickly’, and even though Tottenham were willing to sell the player for £2.5m in the summer, the Bhoys may have to bite the bullet and pay over the odds for the defender’s full-time services this month.

In other news: Celtic close to another ‘clinical’ signing after Kenny; Ange is a big fan. 

As per London World, Tottenham managerAntonio Conte has been trying to emulate one thing that Gareth Southgate did at Euro 2020 with England at Hotspur Way.

The Lowdown: Conte makes his mark…

From banning ketchup and mayonnaise at N17 to introducing extra training sessions (London World), the Italian serial winner had always been tipped to establish his order right from the off.

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Serie A experts claimed at the very start of his reign that Conte would be set for ruthless decisions, a distinct change in Tottenham’s philosophy and the introduction of high-intensity football (football.london).

However, in a more holistic approach, London World has now explained what he is emulating at Tottenham in a similar mould to Southgate’s England side at Euro 2020.

The Latest: Conte attempts Southgate trick…

As per London World, Conte has been ‘trying to create an open-door environment at Hotspur Way’ in a ‘similar’ approach employed by Southgate in the summer.

The 52-year-old, as a result, is candid with who deserves to play and who doesn’t – with there even being talk of Steven Bergwijn potentially being used as a makeshift centre-forward.

Conte has also issued one demand to his squad – that every player fights for their minutes in the starting XI.

The Verdict: Interesting approach…

If Conte can replicate an England side which won the hearts of a nation with their impressive run to the Euro 2020 final earlier this year at Tottenham, we believe this could come as an exciting claim.

Much has been made of the former Chelsea boss’ no-nonsense man-management tactics and ruthless demands behind the scenes, but an open approach could be what some Spurs players need to get them firing.

The likes of Dele Alli haven’t lived up to their skillset but Conte’s tactic of creating an ‘open door’ environment could motivate them to push and reignite their careers.

It remains unknown what impact this will have on the squad but it will certainly be interesting to see.

In other news: Tottenham in contact over signing ‘phenomenal’ star as club chiefs spotted in London, find out more here.