All posts by h716a5.icu

Last summer, Glasgow Rangers sold Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo for £23m and £10m respectively, which were excellent pieces of business by the club, generating massive profits.

They followed on from the sale of Nathan Patterson to Everton for a fee believed to be around £16m, proving that the Ibrox side had begun a model which could rake in millions in order to boost their finances going forward.

Before the young right-back moved south in January 2022, the last person Rangers sold for more than £5m was Alan Hutton way back in January 2008.

The former Ibrox full-back held the record for the highest sale of a Scottish player from the club until Patterson left, and it was evident that the late, great Walter Smith struck gold on the defender during his second spell in charge.

How much did Rangers sell Alan Hutton for?

Halfway through the 2007/08 campaign, with Rangers still in four competitions, Smith was looking to strengthen rather than sell, however, when an offer of £9m came in from Tottenham Hotspur to prise Hutton away from the Light Blues, it proved too good to turn down.

Ally McCoist, who was the assistant manager at the time, praised Hutton just a month before he departed, with interest swirling around the player.

He said: “I’d like him to stay here for a long time and win things with Rangers.

“I have no doubt Alan is destined for great things but I believe those great things can be with Rangers. We don’t want to lose players of his quality.”

The Scot had emerged through the club's academy to make his first team debut during the 2002/03 season; however, it wasn’t until the following term that he was given an extended run in the first team under Alex McLeish.

Just as he was getting into his stride, he suffered a broken leg and missed the title run-in during 2004/05, although he bounced back well to eventually become the first-choice right-back under Smith.

Despite winning the League Cup just a month after joining Spurs, he would make only 66 appearances for the club before joining Aston Villa, where he enjoyed the most productive spell of his career, making over 200 appearances for the Midlands side.

Selling Hutton in 2008 proved to be a stroke of genius by Smith, especially as the club secured a massive profit on him, and although he was solid down in England, the right-back couldn’t quite replicate his performances for Rangers.

Insider Simon Phillips has claimed that Chelsea could decide to part ways with interim boss Frank Lampard hire a permanent manager this week instead.

What's the latest on Frank Lampard and Chelsea?

It feels as though everything in the Blues' dismal season so far has been leading up to this big night at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

Indeed, despite having lost the first leg 2-0 in Spain, Chelsea are still in with hope as they look to claw back that deficit in front of their own fans at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Lampard has lost all three of his games in charge so far but if he can lead the Blues to a memorable European win against Madrid, all will be forgotten.

However, that certainly is a big if. And so, it seems as though Todd Boehly and co may be prepared to already move on from the 44-year-old.

While writing for GiveMeSport, Phillips claimed that he wouldn't be shocked if Lampard was gone by the end of the week.

He said: "Lampard is expected to still be in charge until the end of the season, but at the same time it would not surprise me if Chelsea look to pull the plug at any moment if they make a decision on their new manager this week.

"Everything is being accelerated now for the new manager search and plans being made, and at the very least, a pre-contract agreement could soon be made for a new manager to come in this summer."

Who could be Chelsea's next manager?

It certainly seems as though the Blues are intensifying their pursuit of a permanent manager. Indeed, in the same article, Phillips noted that Julian Nagelsmann will be spoken to in London this week, while Luis Enrique is expected to have the same treatment soon enough as well.

The club's Premier League campaign looks destined to finish in mid-table obscurity, so if Chelsea can't win against Real Madrid, you can consider their season as good as over.

With that being the case, it could be wise to let Lampard go and try and bring in a new face as soon as possible. This would allow either a Nagelsmann or a Luis Enrique seven league games to get acquainted with the squad, without having too much immediate pressure to get things right.

Taking it all into account, if things go poorly at Stamford Bridge tonight, Lampard's second spell with the club as a coach could end even sooner than expected.

Tottenham Hotspur's number one manager target should not be Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, journalist Dean Jones has recently told GiveMeSport.

What's the latest on Vincent Kompany to Tottenham?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has recently clarified that Kompany will be a target for Tottenham this summer, saying:

"But on Vincent Kompany I already told you a few days ago and I'm still saying here that, from what I understand, he is one of the names considered by Tottenham for the future head coach for the long term project."

Spurs may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the Belgian, as it has now emerged he is "ready to listen" to offers from the club, with chairman Daniel Levy said to be "blown away" by what he's seen in his first full season at Turf Moor (The Sun).

However, in a recent interview with GiveMeSport, Jones did not appear to be as convinced by the Burnley boss as Levy, indicating there are other names on the shortlist who would do a better job.

The journalist said: “I think it's logical that his name comes into the conversation given the way he has made a mark as a coach so far, and one good contact told me there is something in Spurs' interest. But as a number one target, I am slightly sceptical. He hasn't managed in the Premier League and he is currently employed. I can't see why he would be ahead of other targets that have a stronger CV."

Should Tottenham appoint Vincent Kompany?

The former Manchester City captain has done a fantastic job in his first season with Burnley, leading them to promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and they are almost guaranteed to win the Championship title.

That said, Jones is right to point out that the 37-year-old has never managed in the top flight, which would make his appointment a risk when you consider the other options available, such as Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge of 353 games during spells with Spurs and Southampton.

Hailed as having "elite playing ideas" by sections of the media, Kompany is showing a lot of promise, and he could go on to be a top manager, however it is probably too soon for him to be offered a job at a 'big six' club, and Levy should focus on targets with proven experience managing at the top level.

Arsenal 'will spend over £100 million' in a serious statement of backing to manager Mikel Arteta, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners, led by transfer chief and sporting director Edu, are reportedly identifying transfer targets ahead of what will be an interesting summer window. Indeed, while Arteta focuses his efforts on beating Manchester City to the Premier League title, Arsenal officials must work to strengthen his options in the background.

It has been reported in the last week that the north Londoners have their eyes on the likes of Youri Tielemans, with talks apparently held, as well as the likes of Declan Rice. Indeed, central midfield appears set to be a priority despite the signing of Jorginho in January.

Alongside Rice, it is believed that Arsenal are targeting Barcelona forward Raphinha and even Brighton star Moises Caicedo. In terms of forwards, bright South American youth prospect Vitor Roque is a player attracting real interest from north London.

It's clear that Arsenal are set to be ambitious in their attempts to maintain their status as one of England's elite sides, with reporter Jones now sharing what he knows to GiveMeSport.

The journalist claims Arsenal are 'ready to spend over £100 million this summer', but how far they stretch themselves will depend on Rice. Indeed, Edu and co apparently believe they could seal his signing for £70m, though West Ham are far more likely to open the bidding at £90m.

As per Jones, sharing more news on where Arsenal's money could be going, the title-chasers will apparently also look to sign 'a full-back, a young and emerging central midfielder, and an exciting wide forward.'

Who should Arsenal prioritise?

£100m is a fairly large transfer kitty but we believe the majority of it should be going on Rice.

The 24-year-old, who has been pivotal for West Ham over the last few seasons, would add real steel to Arteta's midfield.

Making more interceptions per 90 than any Hammers player this season, Rice has also been called 'sensational' by members of the media and regularly shines at international level.

The midfield star's form at last year's World Cup in Qatar is a real indicator, having played every game of the tournament under Gareth Southgate whilst, again, making more interceptions per 90 than any other player in their squad (WhoScored).

Rice also averaged England's joint-highest rate of blocks per 90 alongside Harry Maguire and John Stones – highlighting why Arsenal believe he could inject a sense of real solidarity (WhoScored).

Leeds United have been handed an opportunity to sign El Chadaille Bitshiabu this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain now keen to let him leave on loan, according to a recent report.

Will Leeds sign a new centre-back this summer?

Regardless of whether Javi Gracia stays on as Leeds manager beyond the end of the season, the club are likely to look at bringing in new options in defence, given that they have conceded 48 goals, the fourth-highest amount in the league.

Not only that, but there are a number of clubs eyeing defender Robin Koch, with Newcastle United joining RB Leipzig and Tottenham Hotspur in the race, and he will undoubtedly need replacing, should he move on at the end of the season.

It was reported at the beginning of March that Leeds were following PSG defender Bitshiabu for a potential summer swoop, and they may now have an opportunity to bring him to Elland Road.

According to a report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), PSG will be willing to let the 17-year-old leave in the summer, as they are keen on him gaining experience on a loan deal elsewhere.

The idea is to loan him out for one season, before bringing him back as part of the squad, and interested clubs are already said to have come forward.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds are interested in a loan move. However, his availability is a real boost for Gracia ahead of the summer window.

Should Leeds sign El Chadaille Bitshiabu?

Football scout Jacek Kulig has indicated the starlet could go on to do great things, hailing him as an "absolute top talent" and "one of the most exciting prospects in France".

One concern for the Whites may be the youngster's age, given that he does not turn 18 until May. However, he has already started to force his way into the PSG starting XI, making eight Ligue 1 appearances this season, starting the last two games.

The only real negative about the deal is that PSG are unwilling to part with the 6 foot 5 colossus on a permanent basis, but given the vast potential he possesses, it is no surprise they view him as a future first-team player.

Moving to Leeds could be a great platform for Bitshiabu to develop his game, and centre-back is undoubtedly an area the Whites will need to strengthen at the end of the season.

Thomas Tuchel was perhaps sacked unfairly by Chelsea last year. This was a man who had led the club to their second triumph in the Champions League, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in 2021, and although he had lost two cup finals in 2021/22, he certainly looked like the manager for a long-term project.

The German paid the price following a disappointing start to the season which included four wins from seven matches, with Graham Potter succeeding him in the dugout.

Tuchel did enjoy some success in the transfer market however, and it was a move for English forward Raheem Sterling that appears to be paying dividends now, eight months down the line.

How much is Raheem Sterling worth now?

Sterling joined Chelsea somewhat surprisingly last summer for a fee reported to be around £47.5m and considering his success at City over the previous seven years, it was seen as a major coup for Tuchel and his side.

The 27-year-old had scored 131 goals and registered 95 assists in over 300 appearances in a stunning spell with City and having won ten major honours with the club, the Blues were signing a player with a winners mentality that could hopefully spread to the rest of the squad.

The £325k-per-week earner hasn’t quite managed to replicate his performances from the last few seasons during this term, managing just ten goal contributions in all competitions, but there is more to his game than just scoring.

Sterling ranks in the top 15% across Europe’s big five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area and carries into the opposition box, while ranking in the top 23% for attempted take-ons, proving he is one of the finest players on the continent with regard to trying to create opportunities for teammates and constantly threatening opposition defenders.

Former England striker Gary Lineker has praised Sterling previously, lauding him as “delightful” and although his style isn’t for everyone, it sure is effective.

Despite his mixed campaign, his value has skyrocketed in his first season at Chelsea. Football Transfers value the player at €90m (£79m) and once he clicks into gear under Potter, this value could continue to rise.

It marks a remarkable rise in value having cost under £50m when he moved south, and it certainly looks like Chelsea have hit the jackpot over the player who is set to become an integral part of Potter’s side.

Manchester United are considering a potential move to bring recruitment operator Tim Steidten to Old Trafford, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Steidten profiled

The German started his career as a professional footballer, spending most of his time in his homeland, where he carried out successful spells with the likes of SV Meppen and VfL Oldenburg before hanging up his boots in 2009.

Following retirement, the 43-year-old was initially appointed as squad planner at Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 before being handed the role of sporting director just last summer (Football.London).

The Bundesliga outfit’s chief, however, has departed his position by mutual consent over the last 48 hours and there are already a trio of Premier League clubs that would like to take him on board queueing up to secure his services, one of those being the Red Devils.

The Latest: Man Utd eyeing Steidten

According to Football Insider, Man United, Tottenham and Liverpool are all ‘eyeing potential moves’ for Steidten following his recent exit from Bayer Leverkusen.

The recruitment operator leaving his post has ‘alerted’ the three clubs to his availability and it’s reported that he’s viewed as ‘one of the best’ transfer gurus in Europe.

Monaco are also monitoring his situation, with the quartet all being ‘admirers’ and tempted to make an approach for him in the ‘next weeks and months’.

The Verdict: Get it done…

One of Steidten’s most well-known strengths is that he’s renowned for putting heavy focus on data when it comes to finding and scouting potential new signings, and he would be a fantastic addition behind-the-scenes for United, who have often been criticised for an old-fashioned recruitment set-up.

During his career so far, the former defensive midfielder has been credited with signing the likes of Piero Hincapie, Edmond Tapsoba, Jeremie Frimpong, Moussa Diaby and Florian Wirtz, to name just a few rising stars at his current club, so is clearly good at what he does.

Erik Ten Hag will of course have his own future transfer targets in mind and he would undoubtedly be backed as he was in the summer getting players like Anthony over the line, but getting a new pair of eyes on board could help him discover some hidden gems.

Bild recently reported that Steidten is likely to end up at Chelsea at some point next season after a previous failed pursuit, but United should definitely give it their best to secure his signature and they wouldn’t even have to pay any compensation considering he’s now a free agent.

West Ham United are under serious threat of relegation from the Premier League this season, with David Moyes' side slipping into the bottom three after Leeds United's win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

The problem for the Hammers throughout the season has been putting the ball in the back of the net, as no side has underperformed on their xG more, with their return of 24 goals extremely disappointing considering their 34.42 expected goals in the Premier League.

Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio have just six top-flight strikes between them, while new signing Danny Ings has so far struggled to make much of an impression, finding the net just twice in the 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

However, the onus should not just be on the strikers to score goals, as the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma have also disappointed in front of goal, with the wingers currently ranked as the joint-top scorers in Moyes' squad with just four apiece.

Therefore, the Scottish manager will perhaps be wishing he had former West Ham winger Dimitri Payet, with the Frenchman producing multiple moments of magic during his time with the east London outfit.

How good was Payet at West Ham?

West Ham would sign Payet from Marseille in a deal worth £10m in 2015, with David Gold suggesting that the 28-year-old was a "world-class" player in his prime when he arrived at Upton Park, which certainly seemed a fair remark given that he had contributed a phenomenal 21 assists in Ligue 1 the season prior.

He would certainly live up to that praise in his first season with the club, registering a phenomenal 12 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, as the Hammers recorded an impressive seventh-placed finish under Slaven Bilic.

These included some incredible free-kicks, notably against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, as well as a superb solo goal against Middlesbrough.

He then notched an impressive two goals and seven assists in the first half of the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, but he was not content with London life and forced a move back to Marseille in January, which understandably left Hammers fans heartbroken.

Had West Ham managed to keep Payet happy then he could've gone on to become a legend at the club, as he is still producing the goods with Marseille at the age of 35, registering an impressive 12 goals and ten assists in just 31 appearances in France's top flight last season.

Considering Benrahma has been one of few strong performers in this West Ham side this season, but boasts just four goals and three assists in the top flight, Moyes would surely have loved to have someone of Payet's quality at his disposal. What might have been.

A number of Leeds United supporters have been reacting to a contract update involving defender Robin Koch.

The Lowdown: Talks underway

Koch has made himself a regular at centre-back during the current Premier League campaign, turning out on 25 occasions in the top-flight and playing every minute under new manager Javi Gracia.

The defender’s current contract at Elland Road runs until 2024, however, the player himself has admitted that talks are underway over a new deal in Yorkshire. As relayed by The YEP, Koch said:

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

The Latest: Fans react

YEP reporter Joe Donnohue shared the contract news regarding Koch on Twitter. His post received plenty of interaction, with a number of supporters hoping to see an agreement when it comes to new terms with Koch.

“We need to get this done.” – @ralph98bownas

“He is one of our better players. If we can keep hold of him after 2 relegation battles, that’s massive.” – @SamLocker1

“Been playing well this season. Wasn’t convinced but shows what staying fit and a run of games can do” – @WorsnopD

“I can totally get him not signing until safety is assured. Also his form has been a lot more solid since Wöber came into the side. Hopefully they can form a strong (Prem) base for next season.” – @aclr1972

“I hope he does. He’s been imperious this season.” – @whiterosedave

“Hes had a great season and if we stay up we should re-sign him. Defensively we have been much better this season….shame about the other end.” – @Jeffers0846

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Koch has made more appearances this season than his previous two thanks to remaining injury free and has seemingly caught the eye as a result.

Newcastle United are thought to be showing an interest in the 26-year-old, so securing him to a new long-term deal would be good news. It may put the Magpies off moving for the defender, or at worst, would keep his valuation at its maximum, meaning that Leeds could receive an eye-catching fee if they were to sell.

Hopefully, a new deal can be signed over the coming months and Koch can help the club remain in the Premier League, although he is ‘convinced’ the Whites won’t drop down to the Championship despite their current position.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Diogo Jota ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Diogo Jota to Newcastle?

According to journalist Jacque Talbot on FootballTransfers, the Magpies are eyeing up the versatile Liverpool attacker for a potential deal at the end of the season.

The report claims that the Portuguese international is one of the players on the club’s list of targets as Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe plot moves to improve the squad.

It is stated that the forward is valued at around £60m by the Reds but that Jurgen Klopp’s side are not keen on selling him to a direct rival, which could make it a difficult deal for the club to complete.

Who could replace Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle?

Jota could come in as an upgrade on Magpies forward Allan Saint-Maximin and replace the Frenchman in the side on the left of the front three.

The Liverpool dynamo’s primary position is as a left winger, despite playing 84 matches as a striker, and the quality he has displayed in the Premier League since being promoted with Wolves in 2018 suggests that the gem would offer far more at the top end of the pitch than the current Toon attacker.

Since stepping up to the English top-flight, the 26-year-old, who Alex Batt hailed as a “serious baller”, has plundered 40 goals and 14 assists in 130 matches in the division – one contribution per 2.3 games – for Wolves and the Reds combined.

Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, has scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists in 102 outings in the league for Newcastle – a contribution every 3.5 outings.

Over the last 365 days, the “clinical” – as dubbed by journalist Callum Vurley – Jota ranks in the top 7% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions for assists, expected Assisted Goals, and non-penalty xG + xAG per 90.

This essentially means that the gem has been one of the best players on the continent at providing high-quality chances to his teammates and putting himself in excellent positions to take high-quality shots.

Saint-Maximin, however, ranks in the bottom 45% in xAG and non-penalty xG + xAG per 90, whilst ranking in the top 22% for assists per 90 over the last 365 days.

This means that Jota would be a significant upgrade on the Frenchman in what he offers at the top end of the pitch as the Liverpool gem is able to consistently put himself and his teammates in great positions to score, whilst the Newcastle man’s xG – both his own and the xG he creates for others – is below average for players in his position.

Therefore, Ashworth could improve Howe’s squad by replacing Saint-Maximin in the starting XI with the forward and that is why the Magpies chief must convince the Reds to part ways with the Portuguese marksman this summer.