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Rangers travel to Dundee in the Premiership this afternoon as they attempt to return to winning ways in the league.

The Gers were held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell in their last Premiership outing, but they did beat Livingston 2-0 in the League Cup on Wednesday. Steven Gerrard will now be hoping that his side can use that positive momentum to beat Dundee and get their pursuit of another league title back on track.

However, one change that he could make to the team which came out on top against Livingston is bringing Steven Davis back into the starting XI.

The 36-year-old is a key figure in Rangers’ side and Gerrard must unleash him for this match after leaving him on the bench against Livingston. Davis has started all six of the club’s Premiership games this season and deserves a return to the team after being handed a much-needed rest in midweek.

He has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.03, making one key pass and 1.7 tackles per game from midfield whilst also completing 88% of his passes. This shows that he has been a consistent performer in the middle of the park this term and is a reliable option for the manager to call upon.

Earlier this year, Gerrard lauded the midfielder’s influence and explained why he is a role model to his teammates. The 41-year-old said: “Steven embodies professionalism and continues to set the standards required to be a Rangers player. He has been instrumental this year, playing a key role in our league success.

“Ross (Wilson) and I have enjoyed open dialogue with him, and acknowledge how he has handled this contract extension. Steven is low-maintenance and has much more to give our team, not only for the rest of this season but beyond.

“He is a role model to his team mates and continues to strive to be a better version of himself. I am very pleased to have a player with Premier League and international experience on board as we look towards next season.”

The £18k-per-week beast can change a game with the way he links the play and uses the ball in pockets of space. His high passing accuracy shows that he is effective in possession and does not gift the ball back to the opposition on a regular basis, which allows him to dictate games and control the tempo.

Therefore, Gerrard must bring him back into the XI for today’s clash at Dundee as his quality and experience could be valuable on the pitch. The ability to change games by dictating the flow of the match could be vital for Rangers, as he can slow the play down when holding on for a win or speed it up if they are searching for a crucial goal.

AND in other news,  Wilson must avoid Rangers nightmare over “unique” gem, Gerrard would be fuming…

Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer can still see Dan James leaving Manchester United this summer despite Marcus Rashford undergoing surgery on his shoulder.

The England forward is now set for a spell on the sidelines, meaning Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may need James to play a bigger role at the start of the season.

James is the subject of long-term interest from Leeds, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay claiming that Marcelo Bielsa tried to bring him to Elland Road before the capture of Raphinha.

The Argentine is said to still have an interest in the player, and Palmer is refusing to rule out a transfer to Leeds this summer.

Asked by FFC if Rashford’s shoulder surgery had scuppered the Whites’ chances of landing James in this transfer window, the retired England international said:

“I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s a problem for him to let him go. He’s made a lot of signings this summer, so he’s been pushed down the pecking order.

“I did my shoulder on the last day of the season, dislocated. I had it pinned and I was back for the first game of the season, so I don’t think Rashford is going to be out for months and months on end.”

It remains to be seen whether Leeds’ interest materialises into anything in this transfer window. But if they got James, they would obviously be signing a winger who would bring so much pace to the side.

“I’d put myself top,” the Wales international said earlier this year when discussing who the fastest player at Old Trafford is.

After winning three of their four previous Premier League games prior to their international break, Southampton have a great chance to get back to where they left off with a match against Norwich City, who have only won one game in the league this season, next up for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side at the weekend.

Looking ahead to the match at Carrow Road, it seems as though the Saints have been handed a major squad boost just in time for the clash against the Canaries that will surely have a lot of Southampton fans buzzing given the various player’s importance to the squad.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Hampshire Live that Valentino Livramento, Armando Broja, and Nathan Redmond have all returned to training after previously being doubts to feature in the match.

Presuming that all three will be fit enough for selection by Saturday, this will be a big boost for Hasenhuttl when it comes to choosing his starting XI to take on Dean Smith’s side.

With Livramento, who dropped out of the England U21 squad last week through injury, the fact that he has played 90 minutes in all but one of Southampton’s league games so far this season with one goal and one assist under his belt shows just how important he has been for the team and suggests that he will be in the starting XI at the weekend if he’s fit.

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Even though Broja, who has struggled with an ankle injury in recent weeks, managed to score his first two goals for the Saints in their games against Leeds United and Burnley back in October, the fact that Che Adams and Adam Armstrong have both found the back of the net since then could give Hasenhuttl a tough decision over who he plays up front against Norwich. That would hand the manager a rare selection dilemma, but one he’ll be delighted to have.

Then with Redmond, who missed Southampton’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa after testing positive for the pandemic, even though he’s yet to score in the league this season, the fact that he has provided two assists and started seven of their 11 league games shows that he is an important figure for Hasenhuttl.

Taking all of this into account, only time will tell if the trio will all start against Norwich or not, but Hasenhuttl will definitely be glad to have them back in training rather than out on the sidelines to give him more options across the pitch.

In other news: Ralph must ruthlessly axe £60k-p/w “nice guy” at Southampton, he’s their weak link – opinion

Leeds United are among a number of clubs to have shown an interest in Vitoria de Guimaraes youngster Marcus Edwards, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Edwards shines abroad

The 22-year-old Englishman has flourished in Portugal since leaving Tottenham in 2019, scoring 16 goals and registering 14 assists for his current club.

Edwards is another example of a young English player thriving abroad after being given more first-team opportunities, as was the case with Jadon Sancho and now Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund.

The former Spurs winger has made eight appearances for England’s under-20s, scoring twice in that time.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], Leeds were keen on signing Edwards in the summer, along with Olympiakos, Sporting CP and Porto.

Offers were turned down for the winger, though, and he now has a €50m (£42.7m) release clause in his Vitoria contract.

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The Verdict: Exciting long-term signing

Edwards is an intriguing player to keep an eye on, considering that his former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino claimed that he played like ‘the beginning of Messi’ back in 2016.

At 22, he could come in as a long-term acquisition for Leeds, potentially blossoming into a player who might go on to fulfil Pochettino’s substantial comparison to the multiple Ballon D’Or-winning Argentine.

Edwards’ current deal doesn’t expire until 2024, however, so that release clause would need to be triggered in what would be a club-record transfer for Leeds if it went through.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly keen on signing a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell has made a claim on Connor Goldson’s future at Ibrox which will surely delight Rangers fans.

What’s the word?

After a superb campaign in which Goldson was a key part of a Rangers defence which conceded just 13 goals in 38 league fixtures, there was always likely to be Premier League interest in the centre-back this summer.

West Ham United were one club said to be keen on the 28-year-old, but Campbell has dismissed any rumours that the defender could depart this summer in a recent article for The Athletic, writing:

“Rangers remain in a healthy position with most of their top talents but Connor Goldson’s contract remains the one with question marks over his future. The 28-year-old is one of Gerrard’s most trusted players and, as an ever-present at the heart of a record-breaking defence last season, is a big presence in the dressing room.

“He is entering the final year of his deal but no extension has been agreed yet, unlike captain James Tavernier who has signed a deal until 2024.

“From the outside, this lack of certainty may look like it has the potential to be unsettling but the club are said to be relaxed about the situation.

“Although they are keen to tie Goldson down, it is understood their position is that he signs a new deal or sees out the remainder of his contract and moves for free next summer after four years at the club. His contribution is felt to be worth more than any value they would gain from cashing in on him for a reduced fee in this window.”

Will Goldson remain at Ibrox?

From what Campbell suggests, Goldson will remain at Ibrox for the 2021/22 campaign, even if it means losing him for nothing next summer when his current contract expires.

Considering that the defender was ranked as the fourth-best performer in Steven Gerrard’s squad last season, averaging a superb 7.38 rating from WhoScored, it is easy to see why those at Rangers want to keep him around as they aim to retain their Premiership title next year.

Gerrard is clearly a huge fan of Goldson, dubbing him an “absolute mountain” last season, and if he can maintain that level of performance again next term, then it will surely prove worthwhile keeping him at Ibrox for another while rather than cashing in this summer.

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With Rangers fans set to return to Ibrox in the near future, they will be surely be delighted with this news and can look forward to having Goldson at the heart of their defence once again next season.

In other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “exceptionally good” ace, he won’t cost a penny

Leeds United could sign Marcelo Bielsa’s dream player in Napoli and North Macedonia midfielder Eljif Elmas.

What’s the story?

In a piece written by The Athletic, they said: “With a contract until 2025 it’s likely to take an offer in excess of the €17m plus add-ons that the Italians paid Fenerbahce in 2019.

“Over the last 12 months Leeds, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund are understood to have shown an interest in a mixture of loan or permanent deals for Elmas — who doesn’t have a release clause in his contract — but others have him on their radar too.”

Bielsa’s dream player

When you think of the kind of player Bielsa would love, you think of words like intensity, hard work and selflessness – not to mention the technical ability to go along with those attributes too.

And in the 21-year-old Elmas, Victor Orta could find exactly that.

His head coach at the international level, Igor Angelovski, has spoken highly of the kind of mix of physical and technical quality that he possesses and even tipped him to become a great player.

He said: “Elmas is a good guy and a very strong player. He has physique, technical skills, he is fast, ball to foot, but above all, he is fast with the mind and has a very strong character. He was born to become a great player and will become one of the best…The boy has the characteristics to work on himself and become stronger and stronger.”

Meanwhile, his agent added: “I think Napoli have a jewel. A young footballer, a leader of his national team who often scores goals.”

Even at 21, Elmas has already built up considerable experience playing for Napoli and will also be a part of North Macedonia’s squad for the upcoming EUROs along with Leeds man Gjanni Alioski.

And, in a ‘one to watch’ profile done by ESPN ahead of the tournament that starts on Friday, it said: “Despite his young age, Elmas has already accumulated 27 senior caps for his country and is comfortable playing either as an inverted winger or central attacking midfielder. A strong-running midfielder, capable with either foot, he’s skilled at making purposeful runs into the box and is a fine finisher when he gets on the end of crosses or picks up loose balls. He scored the winner in the famous 2-1 victory against Germany in March.”

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Given his ability to play in a number of positions across midfield, and the fact he appears to be someone who puts the team first with his hard running, Orta could land a dream signing for Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are in talks with this Premier League star…

Many Everton fans have had plenty to say on social media following a transfer update on Joao Virginia.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the goalkeeper has signed for Sporting Clube de Portugal on a loan deal for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

With the Toffees bringing in both Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan in the summer window, and Jordan Pickford already at the Merseyside club, one would question how much game time Virginia would get if he stayed.

However, he did play in a total of ‘unbelievable’ back in January of last year.

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Everton fans on Virginia transfer update

These Toffees supporters gave fairly mixed reactions as the news was confirmed on Twitter, as some did not want to see him go, while others think a loan move will suit him so that he can come back a better player:

“Great keeper, sad to see him go”

Credit: @dannymonnox

“Nooooooo”

Credit: @jayefc_

“Don’t get this, Tyler gets injured so we sign on loan another keeper 4 cover 2 Picks, & then we loan out Virginia. Does anyone at our club know what they’re doing? OK he’s young, so give him his chance. Why did we sign Bego then? Wasted money again @Everton. We’ll never learn”

Credit: @77fenrir

“He’s going to be a top keeper. Hope it doesn’t end up permanent”

Credit: @Tay196

“Good luck Joao, hopefully you’ll get some minutes in Portugal! Come back stronger.”

Credit: @Andy_Forsyth

“Good luck, your time will come mate, top keeper”

Credit: @NeilCla37309856

In other news, find out which ‘quality’ ace EFC are backed to sign here!

Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes looks set to return to former side Club Brugge on loan, according to Gregg Evans.

And as to be expected, the exit news has had plenty of Villa supporters talking on social media.

Villa brought Wesley to the Midlands from Club Brugge in 2019 in what was then a club-record fee.

However, things haven’t gone to plan in the Premier League for the Brazilian, who has netted just six times in 26 appearances under Dean Smith.

The 24-year-old has missed a whopping 57 Villa games through injury and according to Evans, Villa’s correspondent for The Athletic, is set to return to Club Brugge on a season-long loan.

Villa have loaned out nine youngsters to various clubs this summer, but Wesley looks set to become the first senior player to leave on a temporary basis.

Villa fans react

Evans shared the news regarding Wesley on Twitter shortly after the 6-0 win over Barrow on Tuesday evening.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘interesting’.

“Actually gutted it didn’t work out for the lad. Best of luck to him. Hope he gets his career back on track.”

Credit: @everysongsung

“Oh wow! I’m happy it’s just a loan. I was hoping he’d get a solid crack somewhere to see if he’s still got it. Terrible shame his injury. I’d prefer not to sell at this point. Could still be a solid no.9. ”

Credit: @lincolnelvis

“Interesting but the best case for him I think”

Credit: @GaryBolton91

“Perfect move for him to see where he’s at. Wish him all the best after that horrible injury.”

Credit: @avfcPJR

“W move ngl”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

“Good move all round. How long was his contract? A real shame how a player’s time at a club can be so strongly dictated by one bad injury”

Credit: @Yxllop

In other news: £25.6m price tag: Jose Mourinho now keen on late swoop for ‘fantastic’ Villa star. 

Like Wolves did in their second season in the Premier League two years back, David Norris believes that his former side Leeds could qualify for Europe next term.

Having finished their campaign with four straight victories, part of a run of just one defeat in 11 Premier League games, the Yorkshire outfit came ninth, which ended up being just three points behind seventh-place Tottenham and the UEFA Conference League.

During that run of results, Marcelo Bielsa’s team managed to remain unbeaten against five of the traditional top-six, whilst they also took a point off Arsenal in November and ran Liverpool close on the opening-day.

But their best result of the campaign was a smash-and-grab victory at Manchester City earlier this month with 10 men, showing that they’re more than capable of competing with the best at this level.

Leeds must be wary they don’t suffer from second season syndrome, especially having watched their Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United fall into that trap and get relegated this season.

But ex-midfielder Norris exclusively told Football FanCast that Bielsa’s team are too good for that to happen:

“Teams will have a lot more of an idea what Leeds are about. So that might be a big test and challenge in the second season, but I don’t think it’ll be enough to make them struggle.

“I’d expect to see them right up in the top-half and pushing for Europe next season.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to sign Mexican forward Hirving Lozano from Napoli this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Napoli Today, who claim that Wolves have been ‘following’ the 26-year-old for some time.

The winger joined the Italian club from PSV Eindhoven for a reported £36m in the summer of 2019 and hasn’t really lived up to the price tag with 25 goals and 12 assists in 110 appearances for the Serie A outfit.

However, Lozano could be reunited with current-Wolves striker and Mexico teammate Raul Jimenez at club level, with the latter making his desire to play alongside the forward, nicknamed ‘Chucky’, in Bruno Lage’s side.

Imagine him & Jimenez

Despite still being able to qualify for European football next season with Wolves sat in eighth, Lage’s men have struggled in the final third this term.

Only Brighton, Burnley, Watford and Norwich have scored fewer than the West Midlands outfit’s 33 Premier League goals this term in 32 matches.

Therefore, adding reinforcements to the attack would certainly be shrewd going into the new season as relying on the defence to be as colossal as it has been this campaign next is unsustainable.

Granted, the 26-year-old’s spell at Napoli has been incredibly inconsistent with his first season seeing the Mexican score five goals in 39 matches before a much-improved 15 in 43 matches last term before scoring just five all season this term.

However, having linked up with Jimenez on numerous occasions for the national team, Wolves could reap the rewards of reuniting the Mexico internationals at club level.

The £31.5m-rated 30-year-old has also endured a mixed season this term, scoring just six goals upon a miraculous return from a skull fracture.

Lozano has been subject to praise from his coach Luciano Spalleti, who called the winger “unique”, as well as midfield legend and Barcelona manager Xavi, who said he’s a footballer who is “capable of making a difference.”

There is certainly a risk by signing the 26-year-old, however, with the Mexican at a great age to still improve whilst also having plenty of experience and Wolves needing extra quality in the final third, it would certainly be a gamble worth making.

AND in other news: Forget Raul: Wolves must sign “special” 139-goal star who has the “mindset of a lion”