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Rangers’ busy summer spending spree continues at Ibrox. Indeed, since Russell Martin’s appointment at Ibrox, the Gers have made six new signings to date, most recently bringing in Nasser Djiga on a season-long loan.

He follows Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, Emmanuel Fernandez and Thelo Aasgaard through the arrivals’ door at Rangers, but are the Glasgow giants now going to get their hands on a vastly experienced new centre-back?

Rangers aiming to bolster their back line

The start of Rangers’ season is now fast approaching.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Last Sunday, the Gers faced Club Brugge in a pre-season friendly, fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Club Brugge at home, thanks to second-half goals from Mohamed Diomandé and then youngster Findlay Curtis.

No such defensive sloppiness can be afforded in just ten nights’ time when the Light Blues commence Champions League qualifying, welcoming Panathinaikos to Govan, hence why Martin is targeting even more new signings this week.

Thus, according to a report by Sky Sports News, Rangers remain interested in signing Conor Coady from Leicester City.

Earlier in the window, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider claimed that the Gers were ‘in advanced talks’ with the Foxes, as they attempted to sign the centre-back, but this is yet to come to fruition.

As outlined by Rob Tanner of the Athletic, Leicester are actively looking to get some of their highest earners off the books, following their relegation back to the EFL Championship, so will surely be quite accommodating, as they too want this deal to get over the line.

Thus, it remains very possible that Coady will make the move to Rangers but, with Panathinaikos on the horizon, Martin will be eager for this deal to get done sooner rather than later.

How Conor Coady would improve Rangers defence

Right now, Rangers have seven senior centre-backs on their books, although this could be down to six, after a bid was accepted for Robin Pröpper, who is seemingly on his way back to FC Twente, as confirmed by Martin.

So, here are the options Martin currently has in his squad.

John Souttar

28

2022

94

Ben Davies

29

2022

58

Clinton Nsiala

21

2024

13

Leon King

21

2020*

42

Nasser Djiga

22

2025

Zero

Emmanuel Fernandez

23

2025

Zero

*King made his senior debut in 2020.

As the table outlines, there is not a huge amount of experience among Rangers’ current central-defenders but, given that he played in both the Champions League for Crvena zvezda and the Premier League for Wolves last season, Djiga has surely arrived to be first-choice.

Alongside, John Souttar is probably in pole position to partner the new arrival, having made 40 appearances for the club last season, accumulating 3,411 minutes, the most he has ever enjoyed in a single campaign of his injury-blighted senior career.

Thus, Coady’s potential arrival would probably be particularly bad news for the Scotland international, banishing him to the bench.

James Tarkowski, who played alongside Coady at Everton, labelled him a “great leader”, while his manager at Goodison, Sean Dyche, heralded his “immaculate” professionalism.

Meantime, Adam McNulty of Breaking the Lines praised his ability ‘to pick out a runner’, documenting his outstanding distribution, supported by the fact that, in the 2019/20 Premier League season, Coady completed more accurate long passes than anybody else.

Given that new manager Martin’s style of play prioritises control through possession, this could be an invaluable asset to have at the back.

But how do his statistics compare to those of Souttar? Let’s find out.

Appearances

43

40

Minutes

3,103

3,411

Passes Attempted

73.45

56.95

Passing Accuracy %

92.48%

86.4%

Forward Passes

25.6

20.9

Tackles Made

0.8

0.8

Aerial duel success %

51.91%

68.06%

Ground duel success %

57.22%

69.43%

Clearances

3.6

6.9

Interceptions

0.9

0.7

Ball recoveries

3.5

2.7

Touches

81.9

70.45

First and foremost, it is worth noting that the last two seasons were included for Coady due to his lack of action at Leicester, thereby providing a larger sample size.

With that in mind, the Englishman comes out on top for the vast majority of metrics included when compared to Souttar, notably attempting, on average, 17 more passes per 90, as well as five more forward passes.

Defensively too, Coady accumulated more interceptions and ball recoveries, while taking 11 more touches per game, underlining that he is a good fit for a Rangers team who, domestically, dominate possession but, in Europe, are forced to do a lot more defending.

Thus, this signing appears to be an absolute no-brainer for the Light Blues, one that they should do everything in their power to finalise as soon as possible.

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Sunderland are making some exciting moves in their hunt to consolidate in the top-flight and are reportedly now circling for a talented Real Madrid youngster, according to a report.

Sunderland close in on Marcin Bulka and Habib Diarra

The Black Cats are wasting no time in building a side capable of staying in the Premier League, and it is fair to say that Regis Le Bris is making some serious progress on the transfer front.

Yesterday, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Sunderland are set to sign Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra for a package of £30 million plus add-ons, adding a layer of steel to their engine room ahead of the new campaign.

On the same token, the Black Cats are on the brink of adding OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka after an agreement was found between both clubs regarding the Poland international.

Plenty of due diligence has been carried out on Wearside ahead of what promises to be a special campaign for everyone connected to the club. Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji is another reported target amid claims he could be available for £2.5 million.

Off the field, Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith has confirmed Florent Ghisolfi will become Sunderland’s director of football, even if there is a wait due to administrative procedures needing to be fulfilled before he can enter the building.

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An agreement appears to be close.

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He explained: “It’s thought that Sunderland and Ghisolfi are finalising the deal and as when recruiting a player from abroad, there are administrative processes to go through.

All being well, it will be in place in time for Ghisolfi to begin work as the players return to the Academy of Light in early July and the preparations for the new season begin in earnest.”

Back to on-field matters, Sunderland are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of a talented star who plies his trade at Real Madrid.

Sunderland willing to make offer for Gonzalo Garcia

According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are willing to offer a loan proposal for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia with a mandatory purchase option that could top £17 million.

Real Oviedo, AS Roma and Leeds United are also keen on the 21-year-old forward, who has emerged as a breakout star at the Club World Cup, being likened to Raul by Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso.

Goncalo Garcia’s breakthrough at Real Madrid

Appearances

9

Goals

3

Assists

2

However, Real Madrid could look to negotiate a buyback clause of £25.6 million for the former Spain Under-19 international.

Enjoying a brilliant campaign combining his exploits at first-team level and with the La Liga giants’ second string, Garcia registered 28 goals and six assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Sunderland may need to push their negotiation powers to the max to force this one over the line, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get, which will be a mantra they will hope can prove decisive should negotiations ramp up.

Celtic are taking some time to assess where they need to strengthen in the transfer market and are now looking to close in on a talented young star who could improve their backline, according to a report.

Celtic's left-back situation remains in a state of flux

Although there hasn’t been an official parade of Kieran Tierney back at Parkhead yet, the Scotland international is returning to Celtic on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expires.

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted to secure the services of a modern-day club icon who won eight trophies during his first spell at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, but who will provide competition for the 27-year-old next season?

Jeffrey Schlupp has held discussions over a permanent Celtic transfer following his loan spell in Glasgow and is available for nothing due to his time at Crystal Palace drawing to a close.

However, the Ghana international earned £60,000 while on the books at Selhurst Park, which may complicate matters if the Bhoys decide he is the man to strengthen their left-hand side of defence.

Another player set to be a free agent before too long is long-serving Celtic full-back Greg Taylor. After six years as first-choice, it appears he may move on this summer despite Rodgers’ desire to retain the Greenock-born man.

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Time is on Celtic’s side as they plot how best to proceed with adequate cover for Tierney, who has played just 20 matches this season following a spate of injury issues over the last few years.

Now, the Bhoys have reportedly made an approach for an exciting talent that could deputise when needed under Rodgers’ stewardship.

Celtic make approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills

According to Football League World, Celtic have made an approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills, and Fulham have also previously offered £1 million for his services.

Spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Enfield Town, he shot to prominence after returning to Posh due to scoring a delightful free-kick in their famous Vertu Cup final victory over Birmingham City earlier this year at Wembley Stadium.

Harley Mills at Enfield Town and Peterborough United

Appearances

25

Goals

2

Assists

2

Lauded for his ‘wand of a left foot’ by Darren Ferguson, the youngster has completed 66.7% of his dribbles and won the same percentage of tackles on League One duty this term.

Admittedly, his inexperience may be cited by some as a point of contention. Still, Celtic have identified gems such as Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley from the lower leagues of English football, so it may not be a total surprise that the Scottish champions could repeat the trick.

In more recent times, Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was signed from Aston Villa after a productive loan spell at Exeter City, demonstrating that the Bhoys have their ear to the ground regarding emerging talent.

Ultimately, the ball is now in Peterborough’s court. Mills has the offer of a fresh contract on the table at the Weston Homes Stadium, but he only has 12 months remaining on his current terms and seems to be exploring his options.

Liverpool are gearing up for a busy summer indeed, with FSG moving swiftly to snap up the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, who is set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back when his £30m release clause is activated.

Trent’s quality is such that Liverpool need to replace him with multiple players. That’s why plans are reportedly being drawn to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who is one of the most sought-after and talented playmakers in the world.

He’s outperformed Liverpool’s similarly fielded players this season and would likely be the star of the show under the Anfield lights next year.

Of course, this shouldn’t detract from Liverpool’s principal goal this summer: signing a new centre-forward.

Liverpool lining up new striker

Darwin Nunez is allegedly set to leave, and an upgrade is surely needed for Arne Slot’s side to do it all over again next year.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, according to GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are ‘on course to up the ante’ in their bid to sign Hugo Ekitike having sent scouts over to Germany to watch the Frenchman in action this weekend, with Eintracht Frankfurt facing Freiburg in the culminating game of the Bundesliga season.

Frankfurt, third, have benefited immensely from Ekitike’s dynamic attacking play this season, and it’s not surprising that they are seeking an £84m payment to part with their pride and joy.

£84m is no small sum, but it’s more payable than Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who has been named a £150m player to dissuade suitors from placing bids this summer.

Why Hugo Ekitike is perfect for Liverpool

Ekitike is a young and hungry centre-forward with an immense amount of ability. He scores goals, but he also knits attacking play together, makes intelligent passes, outfoxes his opponents with agile movements.

He made headway toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Signed for a reported €35m (£30m) fee last summer, Ekitike had already been playing for Die Roten as a loanee for five months, blanking across his first nine Bundesliga appearances before netting four from five to close the campaign.

Now, the signs of a first-class player have been found and fostered. Across all competitions, the 22-year-old has posted 22 goals and 11 assists this season, with his all-around game leading football legend Wesley Sneijder to claim he has “the grace of Neymar” while journalist Graeme Bailey has described him as the “next Mbappe”.

Matches (starts)

32 (30)

Goals

15

Assists

7

Shots (on target)*

3.4 (1.4)

Big chances missed

15

Pass completion

76%

Big chances created

12

Key passes*

1.3

Dribbles*

1.6

Duels won*

4.2

There’s no question that securing Ekitike’s services would be a more important deal than bagging Wirtz, and that’s saying something. Wirtz is a phenomenal player, already one of the best in his position at 22.

But Ekitike, his age-mate, has been described as “one of the best centre-forwards out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, and he’s only just getting started.

As per FBref, the Frenchman ranks among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

With an athletic and all-encompassing approach to the striker’s game, Ekitike is not just a fitting Nunez heir at number nine but indeed one of the most exciting profiles out there, with a completeness that Slot could use to fashion a new superstar.

Of course, in an ideal world, Liverpool would succeed in plucking both forwards from the German scene this summer, but it would seem prudent to address the Merseysiders’ glaring deficiency at centre-forward before turning toward the staggering sums required to win the Wirtz race.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers’ stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League was the first time they have done the double over the Red Devils since the 1970s.

It was a win that proves how good this Wolves squad is, and next season they should be aiming for a top-half finish without a shadow of a doubt.

Vitor Pereira has worked miracles at Molineux since taking over towards the end of 2024, and if he is backed in the summer transfer window, he can take the club to the next level.

One burning question is, will Matheus Cunha be in the starting XI for the first Premier League fixture of the 2025/26 season?

Matheus Cunha’s future at Wolves is uncertain

The Brazilian may have enjoyed a wonderful season on the pitch, scoring 16 goals and grabbing four assists, but his behaviour in recent months suggests he could be sold this summer.

Cunha has clashed with supporters on social media following a post he put up on his Instagram. He even confessed that he wishes to leave in order to challenge for trophies, and if a big offer comes in, the forward may depart.

The former Atlético Madrid star only signed a new contract back in February, tying him down for another four years. A £62.5m release clause has been inserted into the deal, so whoever wants to sign him this summer will need to stump up the cash.

While losing him would be a big blow, the club sold a player in the summer of 2022 who is now worth £40m more than the Brazilian and is also starring in the Premier League.

Goals

14

Assists

4

Big chances created

12

Key passes per game

1.7

Shots per game

3.2

Goal conversion percentage

16%

Wolves must regret selling £100m-rated star

While Cunha has been stealing the limelight in Wolverhampton, a player not so far away in Nottingham has also very swiftly become one of the leading Premier League players; Morgan Gibbs-White.

Selling the playmaker for a fee in the region of £42.5m was seen as excellent business by the Old Gold initially. Indeed, he’d registered a total of just three goals and one assist in 88 matches for the club was hardly an impressive return, but the move has backfired spectacularly.

Since moving to Nottingham Forest, the Englishman has racked up 111 appearances for the club, registering 43 goal contributions – 16 goals and 27 assists – in the process.

It is no wonder he has been dubbed “sensational” by certain sections of the media for his displays and according to journalist Graeme Bailey, the attacking midfielder is now being valued at around £100m by Forest amid interest from Manchester City.

This is nearly £40m more than Cunha, and the statistics back up his high valuation. In the top flight this term, he has created eight big chances, averaged 1.6 key passes and succeeded with one dribble per game.

Furthermore, he ranks in the top 11% for goal-creating actions (0.63) and in the top 5% for passes into the final third (4.33) per 90 when compared to his positional peers this season in the top flight.

Wolves perhaps made the correct decision at the time by selling the 25-year-old, but boy, must they be rueing that decision now.

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Without England quick’s skill and heart, India might already be out of sight

Vithushan Ehantharajah15-Feb-20242:12

Manjrekar: Sarfaraz against spin was a ‘sight to the sore eyes’

To be fair to Ravindra Jadeja, you could see why he thought a single was on.It was about 18 minutes to the close. England were weary after being slow-cooked in Rajkot’s dry, 34-degree Celsius heat. Debutant Sarfaraz Khan had come in and turned up the dials to char them to a crisp. And with Ben Stokes marking his 100th Test cap with rogue fields of catchers close enough to kiss, pushing one beyond them to move to a century was easy work. That’s certainly what Jadeja was thinking in his first three steps to the other end before coming to an abrupt halt.From the depths of the circle emerged Mark Wood, wearing the toil of his 17 overs like 17 jabs from Mike Tyson, whites looking like he was dragged up the Rajkot Highway, drenched in sweat. Yet he swooped, gathered and threw, with such calm and composure, taking out the one stump in view at the non-striker’s end. It probably happened in slow motion for Jadeja, and even slower for Sarfaraz – but it was milliseconds for everyone else. In an instant bit of brilliance, India’s next golden boy, was barbecued for 62, and a potentially match-altering fifth-wicket stand was capped at the knees on 77.Related

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Here was a perfectly packaged summation of England’s first day of this third Test in Rajkot. Just as it looked like India were pulling away, Wood, who had already given so much, gave some more. His 3 for 69, bowling the most he has in a single day of Test cricket in over two years, is the reason England were not dismayed after losing the toss. His direct hit is the reason they can look at India’s score of 326 for 5 at stumps and feel a sense of satisfaction.Two weeks ago, Wood lamented looking second-rate next to the genius of Jasprit Bumrah. But his impact here is close to what the No.1 ranked bowler gives to his team. Without the Durham quick’s skill and heart, India might already be out of sight.Stokes might not have called the coin correctly, but his selection of Wood over off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was vindicated within 11 balls from the Pavilion End. A hard length, with a bit of bounce and enough movement away from left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal drew an edge through to Joe Root at first slip.Shubman Gill was next for a nine-ball duck; forced into playing a delivery that arrowed into him before decking away off the pitch. Just like that, Wood, who had gone wicketless for 25 overs as the lone seamer in Hyderabad, had pocketed the double centurion and second-innings centurion from Vishakapatnam.Mark Wood takes flight•Getty ImagesBoth dismissals could be regarded as bonuses. Before today, only David Warner at Trent Bridge in 2015 and Marnus Labuschagne at Sydney in 2022 were Wood’s previous wickets in the first six overs of an innings.That he opened the bowling with James Anderson was more out of circumstance than design. The reasons for his inclusion here were why he was selected ahead of Anderson in the first Test – his pace and ability to reverse swing the ball late had him as a point of difference. Essentially, he is at his most valuable when the ball is old and the pitch is unresponsive. Ergo – the most unrewarding time to bowl.Not that you can ever really tell from Wood’s body language. When you have had the injuries he has had to overcome, limiting him to just 33 Tests in nine years, a day in the field is not taken for granted.His first six-over burst was predominantly full deliveries, save for a few short, including one that reared up and clocked Rohit Sharma in the face. A mix of short stuff in the next stint of three followed, along with a patented wide jump into a delivery that whistled past Rohit’s edge on 77. The third and fourth spells were almost exclusively bumpers, all delivered with enthusiasm belying the graft required to get a softer ball up at a batter’s throat.Rohit Sharma got hit on the grille by Mark Wood•AFP via Getty ImagesEven early in that fourth spell, when one sat up for Jadeja to thump through mid on for four, Wood did not relent. Three deliveries into his next over, Rohit, 131 to his name, clothed a pull to Stokes, the middle fielder of three stationed at midwicket for the spooned top-edge.That it broke a stand of 204 between Sharma and Jadeja speaks to the lack of cutting edge or control when the seamers were out of circulation. That’s not unexpected given the lack of experience in the spin department, particularly on a first-day pitch. But for the first time on this tour, it felt like Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and even Root were exposed.Had Root taken a low chance off Rohit when on 27, and England taken reviews when he was on 87 and Jadeja on 93 to overturn lbw appeals, the trio would have more to show than Rajat Patidar’s brain fade against Hartley. But India realised they could just focus on surviving Wood and Anderson and pilfer the rest. Root was particularly expensive, going at 5.23 an over, failing to use his off-breaks to keep the hosts in check or challenge Jadeja’s outside edge.As well as Sarfaraz batted, his innings was a microcosm of England’s conundrum. After facing five balls from Wood in his first six, he had 52 by the time he next faced a seamer. And though he played Anderson well, with a gorgeous late cut for four, he ducked and weaved when reacquainted with Wood (on 61) to play out a maiden.Unfortunately for Sarfaraz, Wood still found him lacking in the field. And as Kuldeep Yadav emerged as a night watchman, England were at least able to finish as they started – with a hold on proceedings.They will have to dig deep and go again on Friday, hoping for similar moisture in the air that greeted them on Thursday morning. Stokes’ decision to take the second new ball two overs before the close means it will be ripe for yet more early hijinks. And having proved more incisive in these conditions than one of England’s greatest in Anderson, there is even greater importance on Wood backing up one big day with another.

Relive ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball commentary as Australia seal a 4-0 series win

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jan-202216.1, Green to Burns, OUT
Chopped on! Australia have the breakthrough and it’s a familiar type of dismissal for Burns, on the stroke of tea/dinner. Angling in from around the wicket, unsure whether to play or leave. He opts for the latter, but too late to get his bat out of the way, and he only manages to deflect it onto his own stumps! Green strikes, England’s highest opening stand of the series is broken.
20.5, Green to Malan, OUT
Brilliant bowling! This has been outstanding from Green. It’s an inside edge in the end, but Malan has been worked over. Short of a length from round the wicket, Malan is late bringing his bat down and it deflects into the stumps.
Dawid Malan chops onto his own stumps•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images22.2, Green to Crawley, OUT
Edged, gone! Magical spell from Green. Full at off stump, lures the drive and Carey dives to his right to grab a neat one.
27.5, Starc to Stokes, OUT
Taken at deep square leg! Superb catch running in from Lyon. Starc dropped in the short ball and Stokes went after it. He didn’t try to keep it down. Lyon makes good ground in off the rope and takes it diving forward.
Stokes departs, Cummins and Starc celebrate•AFP/Getty Images31.4, Boland to Root, OUT
Keeps low, smashes into off stump! Root doesn’t hit a single ball with his new bat after drinks. This is a real grubber, shooting through low and crashing into the bottom of the stump, underneath the toe-end of his bat. Root’s series is over, another without a hundred in Australia. Not much he could have done about that one!
Root loses his off stump to a shooter•AFP/Getty Images

If England are quick they could still make Djokovic’s flight.

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 16, 2022