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Rangers have the chance to make it three wins in a row under Gio van Bronckhorst as they prepare for Premiership action on Wednesday night.

The Gers travel away to play Hibernian in the top-flight, shortly after their 3-1 defeat to them in semi-final of the League Cup prior to the Dutch manager’s official arrival at Ibrox.

They have beaten Sparta Prague and Livingston in his first two games in charge, with the latter coming in the form of a 3-1 win on Sunday.

Time to shine

One change van Bronckhorst could make to the starting XI is unleashing central midfielder John Lundstram, who is yet to make his first appearance for the Dutchman.

The summer signing from Sheffield United has not hit the ground running in Scotland and has been unable to secure a regular place in the side. However, the arrival of van Bronckhorst offers him a clean slate and a chance to show what he is truly capable of at this level.

Therefore, it could now be his time to shine for the Gers. He can use the frustration of his season so far to motivate him further to put in an excellent display against Hibernian and help the ex-Feyenoord coach to win his third game in succession.

Last year, former Blades manager Chris Wilder claimed that he is ‘exemplary’ with his attitude off the pitch. 

He told The Sheffield Star: “The way he has been in the changing room when he hasn’t played has been exemplary. And then he comes back in and plays like he has.

“I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.”

This shows that the £6.3m-rated beast has the mentality required to come in from the cold and be ready to perform, as Wilder pointed to his professionalism.

He has shown signs of promise in the Premiership this season, with a 91% pass completion rate over the course of the campaign. The midfielder has also won 56% of his duels, showing that he has the strength to go along with his impressive passing.

However, his goal contributions from midfield could be unlocked by van Bronckhorst. He managed five goals and three assists in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign for Sheffield United, but only has one goal contribution in 11 league matches for Rangers.

By unleashing him against Hibernian and showing faith in his ability, the 46-year-old coach could give Lundstram the confidence to show off his full potential as a Rangers player. This is why he should be offered the opportunity to start in central midfield.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has made a major claim about Carney Chukwuemeka and his future at Aston Villa.

What’s the story?

The 17-year-old was a revelation for Villa’s youth side last season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in just six FA Youth Cup games as the club’s young guns went on to lift the trophy.

Preece has now revealed that Chukwuemeka will not be going out on loan and instead is likely to be eased into first team action like Dean Smith has done with Jacob Ramsey.

The journalist reported: “Smith has said himself he’ll have a cluster of academy players in with the first-team this pre-season. I’m expecting Kesler, Chukwuemeka, Philogene-Bidace, A.Ramsey, Louie Barry and others to step up and to be involved in first-team pre-season games. Then, when season begins, Smith will make a call on those players. Chukwuemeka, though, will be around the first team.

“Carney’s not going out on loan. He’s going to be eased in but what’s stopping him from looking really good this season? He’s still a bit of an unknown as he hasn’t been tested at the highest level. He could well be a superstar but Smith will ease him in like he did with Jacob last season.”

Villa fans will love it

At 17, there’s no doubting that Chukwuemeka is one of the brightest young talents at Villa, if not the brightest. The teenager netted a hat-trick in Villa’s 6-1 win over Newcastle to reach the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season; a performance which had Preece absolutely raving.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Birmingham Mail, he said: “This was a Carney Chukwuemeka masterclass. It was a clinic in how to play an advanced midfield role with the 17-year-old oozing confidence and swagger. The hype’s real surrounding this kid who, as supporters know, has been around Dean Smith’s first team for a long time now. Villa’s No.10 started almost every attack and looked to hurt Newcastle at every opportunity.

“European clubs are hovering looking to take Chukwuemeka and Villa could do with reassuring him that his future’s at Villa Park. He’s ready for some Premier League minutes. A scary talent who assisted Reddin as well. Unreal. He’s got everything.”

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The teenager made his first team debut for Smith’s side in the closing weeks of the Premier League season, coming on as a late substitute away at Spurs, before getting a more prolonged runout on the final day against Chelsea (Transfermarkt).

Given the superb displays he has produced at youth team level, it would only be natural for Villa fans to be rightfully excited about what Chukwuemeka could do if given the opportunity in the first team.

It’s exactly why Preece’s update will surely have Villa fans grinning from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a Villa transfer update…

Sheffield United’s Premier League woes continued on Sunday evening as they were thrashed by Ryan Mason’s Tottenham Hotspur, with the Blades a class below throughout the 90 minutes.

Gareth Bale’s impressive hattrick and Heung Min Son’s brilliant curled effort secured a 4-0 win for the hosts and they could have easily scored more against a lacklustre Blades side.

Whilst the defence were often at a standstill, they weren’t helped by their midfield and attack, who regularly gave the ball away in dangerous positions.

One man who disappointed with his performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was Rhian Brewster.

The 21-year-old has endured a nightmare debut season at Bramall Lane following his club-record arrival from Liverpool in the summer, as he is still yet to score that elusive first goal for the Blades.

Unfortunately, his overall displays have also tended to be poor, which was emphasised by an anonymous display in North London.

As per SofaScore, the English striker would earn a generous 6.6 rating for his display, despite being axed at half-time by Heckingbottom.

During his 45 minutes on the pitch, the £10.8m-rated Brewster would have just 10 touches and would complete just three passes, which was comfortably the fewest of any player who featured in the game.

His replacement, Oliver Burke, would have 26 touches and would complete 16/20 passes during the second half, which included two key passes, which suggests that he definitely should have started ahead of the former Swansea City loanee up front.

Brewster also failed to register a single shot on target, successful dribble or successful duel during his time on the pitch and you could argue that he simply did not look interested.

Whilst the Blades have already been relegated, the pressure should be off Brewster now and he should be looking to impress ahead of next season in the Championship, but this performance does not bode well for his future at Bramall Lane.

And, in other news… Exclusive: Pundit drops Dean Henderson Sheffield United claim

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah is likely to remain at Anfield, partly because other clubs can’t afford him, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Salah’s future still unknown

The Egyptian’s future is a major talking point at the moment, with the Reds desperately hoping that their most prized asset extends his stay at the club.

It appears as though Salah and Liverpool can’t quite agree on certain aspects of a new deal and there is a stubbornness from both sides regarding the situation.

The 29-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season, hence the concern surrounding a new contract being signed.

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The Latest: Jones drops positive Salah claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones backed Salah to stay at Liverpool moving forward, due in part to some of Europe’s other huge clubs not being in a good moment currently. The journalist said:

“I think the circumstances have really suited Liverpool up to this point.  Salah has definitely been wavering over this deal but, ultimately, Real Madrid and Barcelona can’t get him right now. That plays into Liverpool’s hands.

“There has been talk of Juventus and stuff, but that is not really what he had in mind.”

The Verdict: Surely he stays now?

Jones makes a fair point, with Salah surely more likely to leave if the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid were the unrivalled forces that they were a decade or so ago.

That isn’t the case, however, and Liverpool are arguably the most exciting proposition in Europe and the Premier League currently, which acts as a huge positive in their quest to extend the Egyptian’s time at Anfield.

It still feels more likely that Salah will eventually sign a new deal – if that happens, it would feel absolutely massive, given his astonishing record of 155 goals in 246 appearances for the Reds, and the fact that he should still have several years left at the very top given that he is yet to reach his 30th birthday.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool update. Read more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie revealed his admiration for Bournemouth star David Brooks, expressing his desire for the attacker to join his old side.

According to talkSPORT, Villa wanted to sign Brooks in the January transfer window but nothing materialised – a boost for now Cherries boss Jonathan Woodgate.

The 23-year-old has made a solid contribution in the Cherries’ Championship campaign and quest for promotion, producing five assists and three goals for his team.

Brooks has had his problems with injury in recent seasons, and this term has been no different, but that has not detracted Hendrie, who is in awe of the player’s quality.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Wales international, the ex-Villa player said:

“I’m a big fan of David Brooks. I’ve seen a fair bit of him this season and he’s an absolute talent, he really is. He’s a young man with bags of ability and I think if he comes into Villa, I think he’d be a great addition.

“He reminds me of Jack [Grealish]. He’s very slight, he’s very mobile and, again, he’s another player that could set the Prem on fire if he’s given a chance.”

During the 2018/19 Premier League season, Brooks was able to make an impact, finishing the campaign with 12 goal involvements, so the Bournemouth man could be an option worth exploring once again for Villa.

Some Wolves fans have been left to buzz as the Midlands club confirmed that John Ruddy has signed a new deal.

As per the official website of the Molineux faithful, the veteran goalkeeper has signed a new contract that will keep him there for another year.

They cite that Ruddy has been a vocal presence among the first-team squad in recent years, and of course helped them gain promotion from the EFL Championship up to the Premier League.

Nonetheless, to have a player of his experience and leadership in around the squad, especially under a new manager in Bruno Lage, will only benefit the Wanderers as they look to improve on what was a disappointing campaign ahead of the new 2021/22 season.

Wolves fans on Ruddy contract update

These WWFC supporters buzzed as the contract update on Ruddy was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘brilliant news’, while another described the Englishman as an ‘excellent’ pro:

“Yeaaaa Ruddy is staying”

Credit: @wendymillssmith

“This is actually great news”

Credit: @_brad_fisher_

“Great to see him sign a new deal. Top professional”

Credit: @DazzMatthews73

“Fantastic news! Key player and great guy!”

Credit: @KoenigSteve

“Brilliant news”

Credit: @wolvogirl75

“Good excellent pro. Cardiff away will live long in the memory!!”

Credit: @groomtings

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

The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans is ‘sure’ the club will consider signing another centre-back this summer.

The Lowdown: Engels departure

Villa have just three senior centre-backs on the books going into the new season at this moment in time.

They did have four, however, Bjorn Engels returned to Belgium last month, joining Royal Antwerp on a permanent deal.

Engels made just 19 appearances for the club in his two-year Midlands stay, so Dean Smith now has Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause as central defensive options.

The Latest: Evans’ claim

Villa have already spent big this summer on Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City, and attacking reinforcements are still wanted ahead of the new campaign.

Evans posted on Twitter on Friday lunchtime, updating supporters in regards to the club’s summer business, with a number 10 still a priority.

He tweeted a link to an in-depth story, however, in his social media post, Evans ended it by informing supporters that he is sure a new centre-back will be considered soon.

“Had a closer look at AVFC plans in attack. This includes why No.10 is still a priority position; why a striker is not on the radar (yet); Villa’s attempt to keep Grealish. (For those asking, I’m sure another CB will also be considered soon)”

The Verdict: Positive news

Should Evans’ claim prove accurate and the club do indeed add to their defensive ranks, it’ll certainly be a wise decision.

Mings may well end up remaining on international duty with England until the middle of July, should England reach the final of the Euros, so he may return to Bodymoor Heath with just a few weeks to go before the new season.

Should one of the three get injured, Smith would be down to the bare bones at the back, so bringing in a fourth senior centre-back would be a shrewd decision.

It appears as if attacking additions are still the club’s priority, but at least Evans has reassured supporters in regards to looking at signings at the back.

In other news: ‘Absolute madness’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘garbage’ transfer news, find out more here. 

According to reports from Italy, Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard is attracting interest from AS Roma, with Ralph Hasenhuttl facing a battle to keep the defender at Saints this summer.

The report by TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness) claims that Roma have made contact with Southampton regarding a deal for Vestergaard, with the Serie A side submitting an enquiry about the defender.

The 28-year-old, who has averaged a highly impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.08 over his 23 Premier League appearances so far this season, is also thought to be of interest to Tottenham Hotspur, with Jose Mourinho keen to strengthen the centre of his defence in the upcoming transfer window.

As such, with Roma now reportedly joining the race for the £60,000-per-week Denmark international, it would appear as if Hasenhuttl faces a huge battle to keep the defender at St Mary’s come the end of the season.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Vestergaard currently ranking as Southampton’s best performer in the top flight this season, it would appear highly unlikely that Hasenhuttl will be receptive to parting with the Dane this summer, whom Alan Shearer dubbed as “outstanding” earlier on this season.

And, considering the centre-back’s current Transfermarkt valuation of £16.2 million, Southampton will no doubt be demanding a considerable amount of money in order to even consider sanctioning the sale of the defender.

Having said that, with Roma now adding to Tottenham’s interest in the 28-year-old, it would indeed seem as if all things do ultimately point to Vestergaard moving on to pastures new this summer.

In other news: ‘Give him a lifetime contract’, ‘Love that’ – Many Saints fans gush at ‘brilliant’ contract talk – find out more here!

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Paul Stewart believes that there is a 50/50 chance that Mauricio Pochettino will return to the club this summer in a sensational managerial move.

The sacking of Jose Mourinho midway through the campaign has left Spurs on the hunt for a new boss.

They have been linked with a number of potential head coaches, including Antonio Conte and Erik Ten Hag.

But reports over the past week have centred primarily on Pochettino, with The Athletic reporting that the two parties are in talks over a potential reunion.

Spurs sacked Pochettino 18 months ago, while the Argentine only joined PSG in January.

It would be a headline-grabbing move but Goal have reported that the former Southampton boss has asked to be allowed to leave the French club, with Real Madrid also interested in appointing him.

Stewart is not sure if Pochettino will be willing to make the move to north London, given the contract he is on in France, and the fact that he is working with the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, but he has not ruled out the prospect of him coming back to north London.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He’s four months into his tenure at PSG so I’m going to say it’s 50/50, purely and simply because he’ll be on a lucrative contract at PSG, he’s working with some of the best players in the world at PSG and he may well see that as another project like he did with the Spurs project.”

Speaking to L’Unione Sarda, via Calciomercato, Cagliari sporting director Stefano Capozucca has lifted the lid on star midfielder Nahitan Nandez as he drops a Tottenham Hotspur revelation.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Nandez summer chase…

Over the summer transfer window, Tottenham became repeatedly linked with the Uruguay international amid their search for more midfield options.

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Unrest surrounding club record signing Tanguy Ndombele meant Spurs went on to be mentioned alongside the likes of Joao Palhinha, Didier Zakaria and Corentin Tolisso (Daily Star).

Nandez was another name thought to be on Spurs’ radar with Sky Sports even backing Fabio Paratici’s interest in the player.

The Latest: Capozucca drops Tottenham reveal…

Speaking to L’Unione Sarda (via Calciomercato), Cagliari chief Capozucca, a source undoubtedly very close to Nandez, has confirmed that Spurs were indeed eyeing a move.

He even explains that the Lilywhites have had meetings with the 25-year-old alongside other interested clubs like Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma.

“Nahitan had some requests, Napoli’s latest offensive with a 1 million loan and Cagliari couldn’t accept these offers,” Capozucca admitted.

“Whoever wants it must give it the right value. Nervous Nandez? It must be understood, everyone has the ambition to improve.

“He has had meetings with Tottenham, Inter, Naples and Rome, it is normal to have thought about leaving. Nahitan showed bad mood, but he is a spectacular guy and will always give his best ”.

The Verdict: Return in January?

Tottenham’s most torrid international break in some time could point towards the potential need to weigh more reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Depending on how new Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo continues his start to life in north London, we believe Nandez could be a brilliant reinforcement for him.

The South American can play out wide and as a right-wing back (Sky Sports), even after his natural position in central midfield.

He has also been called ‘amazing’ and ‘unstoppable’ by BBC and ESPN pundit Mina Rzouki (Twitter), so we believe he could be a stellar mid-season capture.

In other news: ‘So excited’, ‘Start him against Palace’…Many Tottenham fans rave over another ‘generational’ talent, find out more here.