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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has a lot of squad decisions to make this summer.

Last season may have been an improvement on previous years for the Ibrox side but it still wasn’t good enough for plenty of supporters, once again going trophy-less having gone out of cup competitions early and failing to sustain a credible title challenge.

One of his tasks will be deciding what kind of role his young, emerging stars will play over the course of next season.

Will he invest more time into their development? Should they be sent on loan? Are they good enough to feature heavily?

One such player is winger Glenn Middleton, who has experienced both exposure to first-team action and life on the fringes of the manager’s squad.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

On the chalkboard

From a personal perspective, the 2018/19 season was a breakthrough one for Middleton.

Making his Gers debut, which happened to be his first senior career appearance, the teenager ended up impressing Gerrard enough to get a sustained run in the first-team, allowing him to experience UEFA Europa League group stage football and even thrill fans by scoring away at Spartak Moscow.

The sky seemed to be the limit in terms of potential and where his Gers career might take him next, but after the winter break he was frozen out of first-team action and played mostly for the reserve team.

Despite making 27 appearances in total, there are definite question marks about his future under Gerrard having not started a single match since December.

Is he good enough?

Effectively playing half a season, mostly from the bench, Middleton still pitched in with five goals and five assists, which isn’t a bad return at all for a rookie player.

For the reserves and youth sides he often shone too, with clips regularly appearing online of him doing wonderful things at that level.

There’s definitely still hope for him at Rangers despite the lack of action in 2019, but he needs regular football that will help him learn and make better decisions at a senior level.

Celtic have found success in this regard in recent seasons, allowing Ryan Christie to develop at Aberdeen and figure out how to become the main man in a starting eleven.

Middleton needs that kind of confidence to make the next step at Ibrox. If he can regularly score goals and win games for another club, it will prove to Gerrard he is ready to feature more regularly and can be relied upon.

To make it at Rangers, he might have to leave the club first.

Do Southampton really need another goalkeeper in their squad?

With Angus Gunn playing rather well and keeping Alex McCarthy out of the side (who is also an excellent shot-stopper in his own right), bringing Bartlomiej Dragowski to the St. Mary’s Stadium does not really seem to make a lot of sense – don’t worry, we’re not forgetting about the virtually unsellable Fraser Forster either.

According to Alfredo Pedulla, the Saints have already tabled an offer worth over €10million (£8.8m) to try and acquire the Poland under-21 international from Fiorentina but south coast rivals Bournemouth are also thought to be interested in signing him.

There is no doubt that the youngster has plenty of potential to go far in the game and has already shown glimpses of the quality he has in performances he has produced whilst on loan with Empoli, however, surely Ralph Hasenhuttl has bigger priorities to address this summer.

It would not be unreasonable to suggest that the £8.8m fee they are believed to be prepared to part with for the ‘keeper would be a large chunk of their transfer budget for the summer.

Maybe the Saints believe Dragowski can be the future of the club and they are already looking to secure his signature before anybody else? That would certainly have to be considered some smart business, however, they are not yet in a position to spend a large chunk of money on that idea.

Hasnehuttl must do everything in their power to try and sign players that are going to help make a difference immediately and help pull the team away from the depths of relegation.

With Gunn and McCarthy already on the books and no real suggestion that either of them could be sold this summer, the money would be better off spent elsewhere.

Southampton fans, what do you think the club should do? Would you still sign Dragowski or would you look to improve other areas of the squad first? Let us know your thoughts below!

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Today’s Gunners transfer roundup includes the confirmed loan of a youngster, an update in regards to the future of a 23-year-old midfielder and interest in a Real Madrid ace.

Osei-Tutu joins Bochum

Arsenal have confirmed that Jordi Osei-Tutu will leave the club on loan for the duration on the next season. The 20-year-old full-back will join Bundesliga.2 side VfL Bochum.

Torreira update

The Telegraph is reporting that Lucas Torreira is happy at Arsenal and is not looking for a move away this summer. Reports had hinted that Torreira wanted to return to Serie A, with AC Milan very interested, but sources close to the 23-year-old Uruguayan have rubbished those claims.

Arsenal after Ceballos

According to AS, Arsenal are prepared the €50m (£44.8m) fee required to bring in Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos. Bitter north London rivals Tottenham have also been linked with the 22-year-old, who has represented Spain on six occasions.

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Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill was left massively surprised by the reaction to Neil Lennon’s appointment as permanent Celtic manager, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

What’s he said?

O’Neill of course was an iconic Celtic manager in his own right, winning multiple trophies with the club in the early 2000s, with Lennon installed as a firm fixture in his Hoops midfield.

Admitting he still watches Celtic matches on a regular basis, he reckons that any negative analysis of Lennon’s permanent appointment at the end of last season is misplaced.

How does Neil Lennon turn his doubters into believers? The answer lies in the video below…

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said:

“This idea that Neil was cheap or the board were negligent in not looking elsewhere seems exceptionally unfair. Neil has more than proven himself to have the credentials for this job and I would have full confidence that he’ll do it justice.

When I heard there was some criticism towards Neil getting the job, I would have to say that it truly took me aback.

I’m not sure why that would be the case. I really can’t get my head around it at all because I don’t think he put a foot wrong after taking over from Brendan Rodgers.

If I get the chance, I watch Celtic games on television and I’m not sure that the season had been entirely fluent for the duration of the campaign, for one reason or another. So it was not a given that Neil would walk in there and get it right.

I think you have to be really appreciative of the kind of pressure he was under in those months — all the while as he was trying to win a Treble, which is no mean feat.”

Was the reaction to Lennon’s appointment too severe?

As O’Neill points out, it’s fair to say Celtic did not receive unanimous praise from supporters when Lennon was given the job directly after the Scottish Cup final in May.

It’s really no surprise to hear the Forest boss back his former midfielder considering they are close, but his comments are still very interesting and bring a bit of balance to the argument that the club have faltered by not following the Brendan Rodgers era up with a box office appointment.

Lennon did almost everything asked of him when given the interim position in February, with the only real hiccup coming via a derby defeat to Rangers after the league was already won.

In terms of a job interview, the Hoops boss went through quite the process, ensuring a treble success that shouldn’t be underrated.

He has work to do to maintain that success next season, but beyond the super elite managers, is anyone better placed to deliver it?

[ad_pod ]When Alisson Becker was signed from Roma in a deal worth £66.8m last summer, eyebrows were raised as to how a goalkeeper could merit such a fee.Before Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £71m move to Chelsea just weeks later, the move meant Alisson became the most expensive keeper of all time – it was certainly a statement of Liverpool’s intent.The deal came about in ruthless manner, too.How did Mane score THAT goal against Bayern last week? Did he dazzle them with Firmino’s teeth? 442oons speculate in the video below…The Reds had just lost the Champions League final in Kiev, falling to a 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid after two glaring errors from Loris Karius that will sadly define the rest of his career.Tears were shed, threats were unfortunately sent, and Liverpool decided to ship the German off to Besiktas on a two-year loan deal.

There is no room for emotion clouding your judgement at the top level, however, and the Merseysiders’ investment in Alisson has been fully justified.

In addition to the fact that the Brazilian won the Golden Glove in his first season with 21 Premier League clean sheets, his performance in the Champions League final was heroic.

The former Roma man made a whopping eight saves, more than any glovesman has made in a Champions League final since 2004/05 – most of them were simple saves, but his confidence and assurance helped ease the back four’s nerves on an evening where they came under siege a fair bit.

The 26-year-old’s clean sheet inside the Wanda Metropolitano was also the first shutout in a Champions League final since another Brazilian, Julio Cesar, thwarted Bayern Munich in 2010.

The scenes of him hugging the famous trophy after full-time, and the images of him in tears on the bus at the parade the following day prove just how badly he wanted it.

The clip of him kissing the ball after saving a low Lucas Moura shot also shows just how much he values the protection of his goal.

In Alisson, Liverpool have a very, very safe pair of hands and a player that is looking every bit worth his record-breaking transfer fee.

أكد المرشح الرئاسي لنادي برشلونة، فيكتور فونت، على أن في حالة فوزه بالانتخابات المقبلة سيجعل قائد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، ليونيل ميسي، يجدد عقده مع العملاق الكتالوني.

وتُقام الانتخابات داخل نادي برشلونة في شهر يناير المقبل، بعد استقالة المجلس السابق بقيادة، جوسيب ماريا بارتوميو، بعد حملة قادها فونت بنجاح لجمع توقيعات سحب الثقة من هذه الإدارة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماتا: أتمنى أن يأتي ميسي لـ مانشستر يونايتد وليس السيتي!

يرى فونت أن فرص بقاء ميسي واستمراره بعقد جديد مع برشلونة كبيرة للغاية في حال فوزه برئاسة النادي خلال حواره مع قناة “El Iniestazo” على موقع “يوتيوب” الشهيرة، وقال: “إذا كنت رئيسًا لبرشلونة، ميسي سيجدد”.

وتابع: “يزعجني بعض المشجعين لنادي برشلونة والذين يشككون في ميسي، علينا أن نتذكر جيدًا كل ما قدمه لنا على مدار السنوات الماضية”.

وأضاف: “لا يوجد مشروع في برشلونة وهذا الأمر عانى منه النادي على مدار السنوات الماضية، لكن ميسي لا يزال الأفضل في العالم، لكن كيف أن يكون ميسي موجود ولا يظل في النادي الذي يحبه أكثر من غيره”.

وعن الهزيمة أمام قادش: “هناك حالة عدم استقرار بالفريق بالموسم الحالي، أيضًا فقدنا بعض اللاعبين المهمين مثل فاتي، بيكيه وديمبلي للإصابات”.

واختتم حواره بالحديث عن تشافي: “لديه تاريخ فريد مع برشلونة، ومازال هو المرشح لقيادة الفريق في حالة فوزي بالانتخابات، ولكن علينا ألا نفكر به على المدى القصير ولكن لبناء المستقبل إذا كان هناك أي شخص قادر على ذلك، فبالتأكيد سيكون هو”.

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Rangers fans aren’t keen on reports that the club are exploring the option of signing Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis this summer.

The Belfast Telegraph reported on Tuesday that the Gers were in discussions with the player’s representatives about a potential budget move from Bolton Wanderers this summer, as the English club continue to suffer financial problems.

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

With 41 caps for his country and spells at Aberdeen, St Mirren and Kilmarnock, Magennis does have good experience but is not known as a prolific goalscorer.

Steven Gerrard already has Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe to call upon, but any third striker in support will also have to be able to find his way to goal when called upon or he won’t be very popular at Ibrox.

It’s fair to say the reaction to his potential signing is already negative, with many fans feeling he simply doesn’t have the quality to fit in at the club if they are hoping to be winning trophies next term.

These supporters have taken to Twitter this week to share their thoughts on the story…

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New West Brom manager Slaven Bilic will be doing all he can to get his squad ready for the upcoming Championship season, so with that in mind, here is today’s Albion transfer roundup.

It includes a new deal offered to an up-and-coming star, the first signing of the window reportedly completed and an interest in a Premier League defender.

Barry offered three-year deal

According to Express and Star, West Brom have offered 16-year-old Louie Barry the equivalent of a three-year contract to keep him at the club. He has been offered a one-year scholarship and then a two-year professional contract when he turns 17. Barcelona are reportedly interested in the youngster.

Windsor is first signing

The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard is reporting that West Brom have made their first signing of the season in Owen Windsor. The 17-year-old has reportedly joined on a three-year deal from non-league outfit Cirencester Town.

Jenkinson talks started

West Brom are in talks with Arsenal in regards to the signing of right-back Carl Jenkinson according to Sky Sports News. Jenkinson played just eight games for the Gunners last season and could leave in search of first-team football.

أصدر نادي أنقرة جوجو، الذي ينشط في مسابقة الدوري التركي، بيانًا رسميًا، قبل قليل، أعلن من خلاله رفع الحظر عن النادي بشأن إبرام تعاقدات جديدة، خلال نافذة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

النادي التركي، حصل على خدمات، لاعب النادي الأهلي، أليو بادجي، على سبيل الإعارة حتى نهاية الموسم الجاري.

اقرأ أيضًا.. قائمة الأهلي لمباراة المقاولون العرب.. عودة مروان وصلاح محسن

وبعد مرور أسبوعين، على سفر النجم السنغالي إلى تركيا، لم يتم الإعلان الرسمي عن الصفقة، حيث أوضح مصدر من داخل أنقرة جوجو لـ “btolat.com” أنّ النادي ينتظر رفع الإيقاف من أجل الإعلان بشكل رسمي عن الصفقة (طالع التفاصيل).

وقال أنقرة جوجو في بيانه: “أعزائي أنصار أنقرة جوجو، لقد تم رفع الحظر رسميًا عن مجلس إدارتنا، من أجل تجنيد لاعبين يلبون توقعاتكم”.

وأضاف: “نحن سعداء للغاية بهذا القرار، الآن نحن سنتمكن من تلبية طموح جماهيرنا، لاستكمال النصف الثاني من موسم 2020/2021”.

The start of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign is on the horizon and kit designers across the country have released the away attires for this season, but where do they rank from worst to best?

Home kits were released earlier this summer and it was Manchester United who topped the pile with an excellent design. However, Chelsea found themselves at the foot of the rankings with a hideous home kit.

Fans often anxiously await kit releases; some have been filled with excitement while others have settled for disappointment. Piecing together attire to please the whole fan base is tricky, but not impossible – a few designs in this ranking exemplify that.

So, where does each Premier League away kit rank?

Watford and Bournemouth – Unclassified

Both the Cherries and the Hornets are yet to release their away attire for the forthcoming campaign. However, it is late July and are deservedly placed at the foot of the rankings for keeping the fans waiting too long.

Let’s hope they don’t forget to turn up for the first day of the season…

18. Norwich City

I cannot comprehend what the designers were thinking with this kit. A revolting mix of colours does not work in the slightest and the sponsor on the sleeve is just comical.

Nothing about these colours resemble the club at all and the patterns on the shoulders make it that more hideous, in my opinion.

17. Southampton

Southampton were let down with their home kit by using a bold, black design at the top of the shirt, and they followed the same pattern for their away kit. The yellow and black colours do not look good in this design and, with the accompanying yellow shorts and socks, I really cannot give it many positives.

The sponsor in the middle of the shirt certainly doesn’t help things, but even without a sponsor, this style and colour of shirt would be low down on my rankings anyway.

16. Newcastle United

Newcastle produced a dreadful home kit and this is only marginally better. The white colours of the Puma stand well with the green colours, but the top of the shirt completely ruins the design.

Why they thought that pattern was a good is baffling and it does not correlate with the rest of the kit. The large sponsor in the middle of the shirt is off-putting, also.

15. Burnley

This, unfortunately, is an example of getting it horribly wrong. The scratched, interchanging colours at the top-half of the shirt looks horrific and does not match the claret-coloured sponsors. The light blue shade is good, but the desperate attempt to make a unique design at the front of the shirt completely ruins it.

I think Umbro have produced some excellent kits for the 2019/20 season, but this certainly isn’t one of them.

14. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are cherished with the colours of red and blue for their kit designs but, unfortunately, have not used them very successfully here. The striped pattern down the middle of the shirt is bizarre and random which does not work at all.

The best advice for the Eagles is to go back to basics – a more simplistic-striped design would have been much better.

13. Aston Villa

The light blue works well – just as Burnley’s did – but the front, claret sponsorship is very distracting. If the socks were made the same colour as the shirt, it would have brought the kit together more effectively.

It is not the worst kit in the ranking, but it is pretty mediocre to say the least.