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Glasgow Rangers have enjoyed a fabulous run during the first couple of months of 2024, even despite the setback of Saturday's defeat to Motherwell.

The Ibrox side are seeking a first league crown in three years, and with Philippe Clement at the helm, anything is possible.

The Belgian has often had to work without various members of his first-team squad due to a succession of injury issues, with things peaking around Christmas when seven players were ruled out of the clash against Motherwell.

With the Gers in a title challenge plus competing in Europe, the games are coming thick and fast and this means more injuries are likely to happen.

Against Kilmarnock in midweek, January signing Oscar Cortes was forced off with a hamstring injury and Clement provided an update to the media prior to this weekend's clash against the Steelmen.

How long Oscar Cortes is out injured for

The young winger started against Killie but had to come off after 70 minutes clutching his hamstring and it did not look good for the Colombian.

“Cortes will be out, not sure how long for now we are waiting on a specialist.” Said Clement on Friday prior to the weekend clash at Ibrox against Motherwell, and it looks as though the prognosis wont be fully confirmed until next week at the earliest.

Hopefully Cortes won't miss many games as he has certainly given the Ibrox side some much-needed dynamism on the left flank, replacing Abdallah Sima with ease.

Oscar Cortes’ statistics at Rangers

The 20-year-old only featured four times for RC Lens during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign following his move from Millonarios last summer, yet he scored and grabbed an assist during those matches.

A fresh start was required for him to really demonstrate his true potential and the Gers secured him on a six month loan deal with an option to buy during the summer transfer window.

Early indications are that he could be a wonderful long-term addition to the squad. In just seven matches thus far, Cortes has scored once and registered two assists.

Goals

1

Assists

1

Key passes per game

1.2

Big chances created

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.3

The young gem even ranks third among the squad for shots on target per game (one) in the Premiership, while also ranking eighth for key passes per game (1.2), which proves that he has made an instant impact at Ibrox.

His injury will be a major blow. Combine that with the fact Sima is still out for the foreseeable future, while Rabbi Matondo has missed the last few games due to injury.

Blast from the Past

Football FanCast's Blast from the Past series takes a trip down memory lane. Do any of your classic icons of days gone by fit into a modern-day starting XI?

This leaves Clement short of options on the left wing for the matches ahead, but imagine if he could unleash a winger who starred for Rangers between 1998 and 2003? Neil McCann would be an ideal option and could thrive under the Belgian.

How much Rangers paid for Neil McCann

McCann enjoyed spells at Dundee and Hearts – winning the Scottish Cup with the latter in 1998 – before making the move to Ibrox midway through the 1998/99 season as Dick Advocaat was looking to add some more local talent.

The Dutchman unveiled McCann after the winger joined in a £2m deal from the Edinburgh side, and it did not take him long to endear himself to the Ibrox faithful.

In 24 appearances during the second half of his maiden season, McCann scored seven goals as the Gers won the league title and Scottish Cup to seal a stunning treble success.

His most memorable moment, perhaps in his whole spell at Rangers, came during an Old Firm clash in May 1999. A win for the Light Blues at Parkhead would seal the league title, and they duly delivered, as Jorg Albertz and a McCann double secured all three points in a match which is still referred to as the 'shame game’ more than 20 years on.

Neil McCann’s statistics at Rangers

The Scot continued to impress over the next few years at Rangers, offering a direct attacking threat from the left flank with a keen eye for scoring the odd goal or two.

The winger made 40 appearances during the double-winning 1999/00 campaign, netting four goals in the process, and it meant McCann had won four trophies from five after making his move to Glasgow.

The former Hearts man played a key part in the domestic cup double secured during the 2001/02 season, providing the equaliser for Peter Lovenkrands to score a last-minute winner against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.

He did not feature as much during his final season for the Light Blues, making only 26 appearances due to injury issues, but he secured another three winners medals as he departed in the summer of 2003 on a high.

What Neil McCann did after leaving Rangers

The Scot moved to Southampton and finally got the chance to play in the Premier League, before he moved back to Scotland and played for Hearts, Falkirk, and Dundee prior to retiring in 2011.

Former Rangers assistant manager Moller Nielson lauded McCann during his time at the club, saying:

“McCann was unbelievable with his pace, especially his pace with the ball. He could assist and score goals as well. He was a hard-working boy and it all paid off when he scored those two goals at Parkhead.”

Imagine how good he would be in this current Light Blues side? Playing alongside the likes of Todd Cantwell, Ridvan Yilmaz and Tom Lawrence, the winger would terrorise defences all over the country.

If only Clement could unleash the former Scottish international, as there is no doubt his skills would stand up in today's game and he would be able to fill the void on the left flank.

Injuries have yet to threaten their title challenge as yet and the 49-year-old manager will be hoping that those that are on the treatment table can return as quickly as possible.

This month sees Europa League and Scottish Cup fixtures added to the schedule, which means squad depth will be vital if the club are to add more trophies to their collection come the end of the season.

Manchester United are planning to offload a "phenomenal" player at the end of the season, according to a new transfer report regarding his future.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have another important transfer window ahead of them this summer, with further reinforcements needed in their squad, in order to take them up a level.

United have been linked with an audacious switch for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, should the Brazilian move on with Kylian Mbappe on course to arrive from Paris Saint-Germain. It remains to be seen if he will depart, but it could be a stunning piece of business at Old Trafford.

At the back, Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio is a name who's not going away when it comes to potential United target, with the Portuguese a highly-rated young player who is capable of impressing at centre-back and left-back. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making his presence felt more and more by the day, and he is also interested in sanctioning a move for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer.

It certainly looks like it could be an exciting summer of incomings, especially if Ratcliffe makes a huge amount of money available, but for that to happen, other players may need to be moved on. It looks as though a decision has been made regarding one such individual, following a fresh update.

Man Utd ready to sell Hannibal Mejbri

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are ready to accept a permanent offer for Hannibal Mejbri this summer, not seeing a long-term future for him at the club.

"Man United will look to permanently offload Hannibal Mejbri this summer, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed that the club are keen on a squad clearout and have deemed the 21-year-old surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

"Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that Man United will have to sell players before making major new signings, meaning Hannibal is expected to be one of a swathe of departures from the Premier League giants."

Hannibal is still only young, so there could be a risk element to United deciding to sell him, with former Birmingham City manager John Eustace once lauding him after a loan spell at the club:

"The way he has played in the last couple of games has been phenomenal. He has broken records for total distance [covered], all that kind of stuff."

That being said, Hannibal hasn't been starring on loan in Spain with Sevilla, and if Ratcliffe feels that United can receive a good amount of money for his services, letting him go feels like the correct decision.

Man Utd willing to meet release clause to sign "really talented" striker

The Red Devils are willing to meet his release clause.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 25, 2024

The 21-year-old has made just three appearances totalling 37 minutes for Sevilla, suggesting that he is struggling to impress there. That feels like another reason to cut ties with him at the end of the season, generating funds for better players in the process, making this one to keep an eye on over the coming months.

Southampton survived an almighty scare against Huddersfield Town last time out, three goals in the final ten minutes for Russell Martin's never-say-die Saints allowing his high-flying side to come out on top as 5-3 victors.

Unbeaten in the Championship for 22 games now off the back of these heroics at St. Mary's, Martin will just want the wins to keep coming when his team travels to Bristol City on Tuesday night.

The popular Southampton boss could well have to make a couple of changes here and there to freshen up his troops after such a barnstorming contest on the South Coast, with Sekou Mara potentially coming into the XI after a crucial goal against the Terriers.

Here's what the Saints potential lineup could look like, with two changes in total from the enthralling Huddersfield clash…

1 GK – Gavin Bazunu

Despite shipping three goals against Huddersfield, Southampton's number one goalkeeper in Gavin Bazunu should remain between the sticks for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Keeping a clean sheet in Southampton's last away encounter versus Rotherham United, the former Manchester City goalkeeper will hope he can pick up another one against Bristol City.

2 RB – Kyle Walker-Peters

Likewise, despite being in the back four that leaked three goals at the hands of the Terriers, Kyle Walker-Peters will also remain in Martin's starting XI.

Walker-Peters was lively in the contest regardless of the weak defensive display at points as a collective, amassing 108 touches of the ball as an energetic attacking presence.

3 CB – Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Taylor Harwood-Bellis will also stick it out at the heart of defence against Liam Manning's Robins, accumulating 104 touches last game in total as the Saints attempted to create from deep to outscore Huddersfield.

The Manchester City loanee might be disappointed with the fact he only managed to win 50% of his duels against the Terriers, the 22-year-old hoping to put in a more resilient display in truth versus Bristol City that sees a win and a clean sheet notched up.

4 CB – Jan Bednarek

Jan Bednarek would come away from the full-throttle contest against Huddersfield with his head held somewhat high, winning all but one of his aerial duels at St. Mary's.

Therefore, the reliable Polish defender should be retained by Martin for the clash at Bristol City – the Southampton number 35 helping his side pick up eight clean sheets this campaign when played away from the floodgates opening last game.

5 LB – Ryan Manning

An unchanged defence could well be a brave call by Martin after his side conceded three rapid fire goals last game, but Ryan Manning could start again as Southampton's first-choice left-back tomorrow night.

Managing two key passes from down the left-hand side against Huddersfield, the Saints will just want Manning to be stronger when Bristol City shirts foray forward.

6 CM – Will Smallbone

Will Smallbone will also be kept in the side for the trip to Ashton Gate tomorrow night, the former Stoke City loanee becoming a fixed first-teamer under Martin this campaign.

The Saints number 16 was measured on the ball even when the contest was frenetic, only misplacing three of his 84 passes. Creating one big chance and constantly receiving the ball also, Smallbone will hope he can pick up an assist against Bristol City on the way to his promotion-seeking side registering another win in the second tier.

7 CM – Joe Rothwell

The first change to the side that pulled off an unbelievable comeback win against Huddersfield could see Flynn Downes miss out, the West Ham United loanee ruled out for the mid-week clash at Bristol City owing to an injury concern.

This is undoubtedly a blow for the promotion-chasing Saints, with Martin very fond of the slick central midfielder – the Southampton boss once describing Downes as "incredible" when the pair were together at Swansea City.

Joe Rothwell should be able to fill in for Downes to soften this injury blow however, the AFC Bournemouth loanee netting a brace from off the bench last game – which included an unbelievable first-time strike rippling the back of the net – to set Southampton on their way to pulling off the unthinkable.

Only misplacing one pass too from a very impactful 57 minutes on the pitch, it's a no-brainer to bring Rothwell in for an injury-stricken Downes.

8 CM – Stuart Armstrong

Rothwell wasn't the only midfielder attempting to turn the game on its head however, with Stuart Armstrong attempting three shots on goal during the contest to steer Southampton to three points when defeat loomed.

The Scottish midfielder did get hauled off on the 71st-minute mark, but he should still be retained to feature alongside Rothwell and Smallbone.

9 RW – Adam Armstrong

Adam Armstrong will be retained at the right wing spot most likely for the trip to Liam Manning's side tomorrow, even with Che Adams on the chopping block as the main striker and Armstrong's expertise in the striker role.

Adams struggled throughout a lacklustre 45-minute spell, substituted off at the break owing to a slight knock as was revealed by Martin post-match.

Still, with Martin having another player up his sleeve who could come in and shine as the centre-forward, Armstrong will remain as a winger for this one.

10 ST – Sekou Mara

The second possible change could see Martin give Sekou Mara an opportunity to shine from the get-go as the lone striker, with the exciting 21-year-old attacker scoring and assisting at St. Mary's last time out from just 11 minutes on the pitch.

Without Mara, the game could well have finished as a 3-3 draw with both teams huffing and puffing but no winner coming up trumps.

Yet, the ex-Bordeaux youngster's drive to come on and be a difference-maker paid off which could see him rewarded with a place in Martin's starting eleven tomorrow night.

Whilst Chelsea have so far endured a rare quiet spell in the transfer window, the Blues have been linked with a number of players and could yet make their move to sign a major reinforcement before the end of the month.

Chelsea transfer news

Routed in mid-table in the Premier League, there's no doubt that Chelsea once again need reinforcements, despite welcoming a number of additions in the summer. Mauricio Pochettino's side just haven't got going this season, with the former Tottenham Hotspur boss failing to make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge. Speaking on the potential for new arrives, Pochettino previously said: "It is not like this. Like you know, too many rumours going around the clubs. It is not what they translate to me. It is not necessary to sell to buy some players.

"I am very positive and happy with the squad. We are working, if something appears, we will announce. At the moment we are assessing and working normally, how we have been working from the beginning of the season."

With that said, one name that has been mentioned is Alphonso Davies. According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are ready to make their move for Davies in an attempt to beat Real Madrid to his signature. It's clear that Todd Boehly is once again not messing around when seeking reinforcements and given that the left-back's current Bayern Munich deal expires in 18 months, the Blues could take full advantage.

It may be difficult to convince the Canadian to choose Stamford Bridge over the Santiago Bernabeu, but money, as ever, seems unlikely to be the problem for those in London if they push on and attempt to secure a deal either this month or in the summer transfer window. A standout star, Davies could be one to watch.

"Unbelievable" Davies is better than Chilwell

Ben Chilwell's injury history means that Chelsea are often left without a reliable starting left-back for Pochettino, but Davies wouldn't just solve that problem, he could also be a major upgrade on the former Leicester City man, as Davies' stats this season show.

Alphonso Davies

5.50

5.11

4.20

1.37

1.07

Ben Chilwell

3.08

2.56

2.31

0.26

0.77

Davies' most famous game for Bayern Munich is of course the 7-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League, in which he played a starring role for one particular goal. Praising the left-back for his assist on that night, teammate Joshua Kimmich said:

"That was unbelievable. Even I was a bit ashamed when I celebrated. He gets 99 percent of the credit for the goal. I only had to get the ball over the line."

It's clear that if Chelsea managed to secure a deal to sign Davies, then they could be getting one of the best around in his position. With Real Madrid also interested, it could be a hefty task, but one that the Blues are seemingly ready to pursue.

The 2023/24 season has been a real mixed bag for Arsenal so far as they flew through their Champions League group with ease and topped the Premier League table on Christmas Day, but three losses on the bounce have seen them fall to fourth and crash out of the FA Cup.

While there are many reasons for this drop in form, the most significant is the frontline's poor finishing, as they scored just a single goal from 63 shots in their last three games.

With a statistic such as that, it's no surprise that Mikel Arteta's side have been linked with a number of quality number nines this month, including French superstar Karim Benzema. However, based on recent developments, they look set to go in for someone else.

Arsenal look to the Premier League to solve striker woes

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are on the lookout for a new number nine in 2024, and while several players have caught their attention, they have narrowed the field and are 'ready to pounce' for Brentford's Ivan Toney.

The Englishman has been courting attention from the Gunners and fellow London side Chelsea for quite some time now, but the report has revealed that with the Blues hoping to land Napoli's Victor Osimhen in the summer, the Gunners have leapt ahead in the race for Toney.

While there is still a chance that a deal could be agreed this month, TEAMtalk has also reported that the Bees are confident of agreeing a new contract with their star striker that will include a release clause worth around £80m.

So, Edu and Co can either wait a few months and activate this supposed clause or move earlier and potentially pay more. Whatever they do, signing Toney would be a better long-term option than signing Benzema.

How Ivan Toney compares to Karim Benzema

Now, some people may be convinced that signing the Frenchman is obviously the best idea for Arsenal, given the club's desperation for a proven goalscorer, and while that line of thinking makes perfect sense, it does not consider the reality of the situation.

The first thing to note is that both strikers had very impressive goalscoring seasons last year, with the Brentford "monster" as described by his manager, Thomas Frank, ending the season with 20 goals and four assists in the league, while Benzema finished his campaign with 19 goals and three assists.

However, where Toney overperformed his expected goals figure of 18.7, his French competitor underperformed his figure of 21.5, and worse still, his nine goals for Al-Ittihad this season is a slight underperformance on his expected goals figure of 9.83.

While a differential of 0.83 wouldn't usually be too much to worry about, the fact that it has come in a comparatively weak league, a year after the far more severe gulf in La Liga, is a slight cause for concern, especially as, at 36 years old, he is firmly in the twilight of his career.

Arsenal could poach "special" £50m Man Utd target who's like Raphinha

The Gunners could swipe the 22-year-old from the grasp of the Red Devils.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 18, 2024

Moreover, as things stand, the second top scorer in the Saudi Pro League is ex-Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic with 17 goals, and there probably won't be too many fans or pundits clamouring for Arsenal to sign him.

1

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo

20

20.52

2

Al-Hilal

Aleksandar Mitrovic

17

17.49

3

Damak

Georges-Kévin Nkoudou

14

6.44

4

Al-Nassr

Talisca

11

6.83

5

Al-Ittihad

Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah

10

9.11

Ultimately, while a player of Benzema's prestige will always get fans excited – and rightly so – if the Gunners were going to sign him, it should have been when they were first linked almost a decade ago.

Toney is younger, accustomed to the league and looks to be on an upward trajectory at the moment, and none of those things can be said of the former Real star.

A transfer claim regarding Manchester United’s chances of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer has emerged…

What’s the word?

Super-journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on United’s pursuit of the former Ajax starlet, ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Romano took to his Twitter page to relay the claim which read: “Barca manager Xavi shuts down rumours on Frenkie de Jong leaving & Man Utd links.”

The Italian’s tweet contained quotes from Xavi on the potential departure of de Jong, with the Barcelona manager saying this: “Frenkie’s a very important player for me and for the club. He has to mark an era.

“I’m happy with him. If it were up to me he’ll continue for many years at Barca.”

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Ten Hag will be gutted

With Ten Hag’s recent appointment at Manchester United amidst fluctuating game-time for Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, it looked like this reunion was written in the stars for the Old Trafford side.

Since departing Ten Hag’s Ajax back in the summer of 2019, the Netherlands star has continued his development across his total of 136 appearances for the Blaugrana.

With Paul Pogba’s rumoured departure, a move for the 24-year-old looked like a sure-fire switch, with the Dutch coach enjoying unlimited success with de Jong – winning the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup – in a season that saw Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

The signing of the midfield maestro would have been the epitome of the next chapter for United, with the £63m-rated midfielder offering something completely different in the Red Devils’ engine room.

De Jong is quite simply a pass master, averaging an insane 90% pass completion total per 90, with an average total of 56 passes per match.

The Netherlands international is forward-thinking. His passing is productive and allows his side to progress the ball forward, whilst also creating a number of chances for his teammates – with his shot-creating actions total of three per 90 reflecting this.

Though, his style is much more offensive than defensive, with his metrics for the latter looking poor, considering his position.

As such, United may have had a lucky escape, as it is no secret that the lack of defensive solidity across the midfield has been one of the biggest issues for the side this season.

United need to identify a well-rounded and unselfish central midfielder who can cover both aspects of the game, as well as an outright central defensive midfielder who sits back and acts as the metronome.

It would have been nice to see de Jong reunite with Ten Hag, and although he may not be what the Red Devils need, it will be a big blow to the new boss nonetheless.

AND in other news: Ten Hag can instantly get OT rocking as MUFC plot bid for “top-class” £13.5m-rated gem – opinion

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton after Roberto Firmino missed training and is a huge doubt for the clash.

He was the only absentee at training yesterday according to This is Anfield, with the Reds fielding a strong squad at their Kirkby complex. The Brazilian also missed his side’s comfortable victory over rivals Manchester United in the week, following a foot injury he sustained in the FA Cup semi-final last weekend.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said the situation was still uncertain heading into the game and that “he’s getting better” but “it’s uncomfortable and painful” for him.

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The 30-year old has had a smaller but still as crucial role in Liverpool’s success this campaign appearing 31 times and being directly involved in 15 goals. His availability against Everton would have provided Klopp with the perfect chance to rotate and rest players ahead of the important Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Liverpool and Everton are further apart in terms of their form this season than they have been in a very long time. The Reds are battling for the Premier League title whilst their neighbours are fighting to avoid relegation.

Frank Lampard’s side desperately need the points so might prove tougher than what their league placing suggests, the local rivalry here is also huge so that surely adds extra motivation.

Firmino hasn’t scored in any of the 11 games he has played against the Toffees but does have two assists to his name. He was, however, involved in the league game last year where Everton defeated Liverpool for the first time in over a decade.

If he misses out today then we potentially could see him play in the game against Villarreal. If Liverpool are to be successful on all fronts this season then they’ll have to use the squad.

As for his future, it remains to be seen whether or not he is content with being more of a squad player. His contract expires next summer so Liverpool could cash in this year to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Former England international Kevin Phillips said in an interview last month that he believes Firmino “is likely to move on” and that “he will want a new challenge”.

Even if that ends up happening, there’s no doubting his overall ability with him producing many great performances in a Liverpool shirt.

IN other news: Sources: Liverpool agree terms to sign “special” £36m-rated ace, Klopp surely buzzing – opinion…

Renowned bloggers Four Lads Had a Dream have hailed Ryan Kent’s superb performance in Rangers’ memorable Scottish Cup semi-final victory.

The Lowdown: Kent plays his part in huge win

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side met rivals Celtic at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon, looking to make it into the final against Hearts next month.

Thankfully, the Gers battled their way to a 2-1 win after extra-time, with Scott Arfield and Fashion Sakala scoring the goals on the day.

Kent also produced a lively showing, however, playing his part is one of Rangers’ most important wins of the season, as they ended Celtic’s treble hopes.

[freshpress-poll id=“386877”]

The Latest: Wingers receives praise

Taking to Twitter after the game, Four Lads Had a Dream lauded the winger’s efforts at Hampden, despite not necessarily being at his absolute best:

“Didn’t have his best most productive game and that happens, not a criticism. But what was hopefully seen is his work rate and constantly keeps going. Our winner, who’s running at them and playing in Bassey – he only needs a second. Kent is an absolute warrior, top top player.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“383632”]

The Verdict: Brilliant servant

While Kent may not have been the star man against Celtic – others made the headlines – it was another day that outlined what a great servant he has been for Rangers.

He has scored 30 goals and registered 45 assists in 168 appearances for the Gers, and with his current deal expiring next summer, it is vital that the club attempt to tie him down to a new contract.

Losing him at this stage in his career would be a big blow and it could all depend on whether or not the 25-year-old feels he wants a fresh challenge in the near future.

In other news, another Rangers player’s display has also been lauded. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa have not yet completed their first signing of the summer but it's clear that Ross Barkley will be plying his trade at Villa Park next season, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal's on the cusp of completion.

Barkley made 24 appearances for Dean Smith's Villa during the 2020/21 campaign, on loan from Chelsea, scoring three times and placing one assist, but failed to really nail down a spot and departed at the end of the term.

Since, the 30-year-old has aged like fine wine, producing a cultured and resurgent campaign with Luton Town over the past year, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson even claiming he was "not far off Player of the Season" for his efforts in the Premier League.

Unai Emery and Monchi have made a shrewd move here, and they look keen to swiftly repeat the trick with another former loanee.

Aston Villa lining up another former loan star

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have been put on alert after AS Roma transfer-listed Tammy Abraham for £40m, with the Serie A side scrambling to meet financial rules and revamp their squad under Daniele De Rossi, who succeeded Jose Mourinho in January.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are both named as suitors for a player who has proven himself a top-class goalscorer in the past, blighted this season by a ruinous ACL injury.

Villa will hope their past affinity with the England international holds sway in the proceedings to come, though whether any interested parties would meet the above-mentioned price tag is questionable.

Why Tammy Abraham would thrive with Ross Barkley

Abraham might have only played eight times this season, starting twice and scoring once, but he's certainly enjoyed success in Italy, winning the Europa Conference League in his first season after scoring 27 goals in all competitions. Having enjoyed such fine feats, Abraham was predicted to become "one of the best in the world" by Roma skipper Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Indeed, Abraham remarked that Mourinho had turned him into a "monster", bagging nine times in the Conference League and demonstrating his dynamic style in the league, averaging one key pass and dribble and 5.2 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

He'd previously spent a few seasons as Chelsea's talisman before completing his £34m switch to Italy's metropolis, but the first understanding of his prolific skill set emerged during his short-term stint at Villa Park, where his youthful exuberance fired the Lions back into the Premier League.

Languishing in the Championship for the second year, Abraham's contribution proved pivotal, scoring 26 goals from 40 Championship matches. With such an impressive track record across multiple nations, both domestically and in European competition, it's no surprise that Abraham has been dubbed a "goal machine" by ex-Manchester City striker Stephen Elliott.

23/24

Ollie Watkins

53

27

22/23

Ollie Watkins

40

16

21/22

Ollie Watkins

36

11

20/21

Ollie Watkins

40

16

19/20

Jack Grealish

41

10

18/19

Tammy Abraham

42

26

By providing Villa Park with a goalscorer capable of rivalling Ollie Watkins – and one with such pedigree on the continent – Emery could score a real win, especially when considering the partnership that could be forged with Barkley.

As per FBref, the England international ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, and it is this assortment of skills that would make such an impact off the shadow of the imposing No. 9.

Indeed, Barkley's robust output and athletic prowess makes for a unique weapon, driving forward and beating opponents to unleash strikes and creative support both.

Given his creativity and willingness to advance into the danger area with such constancy, Abraham could find the perfect ammunition to rediscover his scoring touch back in his homeland.

Of course, Emery already yields one of the Premier League's finest forwards in Watkins, but then, the dynamic Three Lions star could make excellent use of a strike partner cut from a more traditional mould.

Aston Villa could sign their next Abraham in PL star who "causes panic"

This coveted target is likely to be sold this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 7, 2024

Leeds United are hoping to wrap up a deal for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Aaronson bids

The Whites were after the USA international in January and submitted two bids to RB Salzburg. As we know, Aaronson remained with the Austrian giants beyond the winter window but he has been missing in recent weeks with a knee injury.

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The attacking midfielder, labelled as a player with a ‘monster mentality’ by Salzburg manager Matthias Jaissle, still appears to be a player of interest at Elland Road, and it looks as if the club are looking to finalise a move in advance of the summer window.

The Latest: Latest report

The Daily Mail shared a story on Friday evening, sharing Leeds’ interest in Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch.

Towards the end of their report, they added an update on Aaronson,  admitting the Whites are looking to ‘wrap up’ the signing of the USA international.

The Verdict: Time to finalise a deal?

It looks as if Jesse Marsch is on track to guide the club to another season in the Premier League, which could result in him receiving significant backing over the summer when it comes to signings.

Although a deal cannot be officially confirmed until the summer, it could be wise for the Whites to get everything in place for Aaronson before the end of the season, especially with Marsch not having a senior out and out attacking midfielder on the books at this moment in time.

The 49ers recently increased their stake in the club to 44%, so it would be a first major deal since then. Andrea Radrizzani will also know Aaronson’s agency well as they represent six Leeds players, and with Marsch now in charge, a deal could be fairly straightforward if Salzburg are willing to talk.

In other news: Leeds and Orta want ‘extraordinary’ ace in Bosman move; same agent as Bamford.