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The Old Firm Derby may be just around the corner but Glasgow Rangers are already facing several injury concerns. However, Steven Gerrard may also have an ace up his sleeve.

What’s the word?

According to The Herald, the Rangers boss wants to retain Allan McGregor as he has entered the final few months of his contract. The veteran goalkeeper made his second start of the Europa League campaign against Willem II and produced another clean sheet as the Gers reached the play-off rounds in style.

The former 42-cap Scotland international has had to play second fiddle to Jon McLaughlin for a large majority of the season so far but the 38-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon after he pulled off a string of saves to setup a showdown with Galatasaray. The Gers would go on to crush Galatasary 2-1 at the Ibrox, thanks to goals from Scott Arfield and James Tavernier.

 Should McGregor start against Celtic?

McGregor made his first-team debut for his boyhood club all the way back in 2002. Since then, the Scotsman has made over 300 appearances for the Gers, winning a hat-trick of league titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011, whilst keeping 166 clean sheets in all competitions in the process, via Transfermarkt. He also played 42 games for Scotland until he announced his retirement from international football last year.

With that being said, should McGregor start against Celtic? Well, he certainly faces stiff competition from McLaughlin, who has kept seven clean sheets in eight consecutive games since signing from Sunderland in the summer, via Transfermarkt. But Gerrard heaped praise on the “superb” veteran shot-stopper whilst David Weir waxed lyrical about his old teammate in an interview with the BBC. The former Rangers defender said: “I was lucky to play with so many top goalkeepers. Leightons and Gorams and Nigel Martins – they’re top, top goalkeepers.”

“But Allan McGregor purely because, if you could pick one goalkeeper to make a save if your life was dependant on it, he’s just that type of guy.

“He rose to the occasion, he loves the big games, he’s a winner. When you were lining up for big games and you turned around and he was behind you, you always felt you had a chance.”

It is his big game experience that sets him apart from his closest rival and that could give Gerrard a significant advantage against Celtic. In fact, it speaks volumes that Gerrard has selected him for his Europa League squad. McLaughlin has faced Celtic three times in his career to date, conceding a staggering six goals so far, via Transfermarkt. Most importantly, the 33-year-old has only kept one clean sheet.

By comparison, McGregor has made 30 appearances against their arch-rivals, saving nine clean sheets so far, via Transfermarkt.

Gerrard will need his side to be at their very best when they take the trip to Celtic Park at the weekend and McGregor could well be given the nod off the back of his European performances in recent weeks.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers striker Cedric Itten gives Steven Gerrard cause for concern…

Tottenham ace Tanguy Ndombele has split opinion over the past couple of weeks.

Ndombele has apparently informed Jose Mourinho he has no intentions of playing for him again anytime soon, via ESPN.

According to ESPN, a row spilled out in a training session last week which culminated in Mourinho’s office at Enfield. The Frenchman, who is the club’s record signing, is fed up with Mourinho’s constant digs and finally lashed out.

The pair were forced to apologise after they were caught breaking the government guidelines to train together during the nationwide lockdown.

Now, Kieran Trippier has shed new light on Ndombele’s work ethic at Hotspur Way.

Speaking to The Beautiful Game podcast, Trippier revealed “from what I hear he’s unbelievable, and supposedly he’s frightening.”

While the former Spurs star has praised his efforts on the training ground, there has been little evidence of anything like that on the pitch. Moreover, this may not be enough to save Ndombele’s career in north London.

Their strained relationship is reportedly at breaking point as Mourinho is disappointed by his attitude in training. Indeed, his representatives are trying to find a solution to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

The Independent reported earlier this month that Barcelona are keen to solve two problems by using Philippe Coutinho as part of a swap-deal for Ndombele.

While he has struggled for consistency this season, he has still attracted attention from Barca, who are looking to offload Coutinho this summer.

Although Mourinho has tried to deny the rumours, it seems obvious the Spurs duo are not on good terms.

Despite the fact Daniel Levy has insisted Ndombele is not for sale, Mourinho may be unable to resist such a tempting offer, considering his budget has been restricted as a consequence of the coronavirus crisis.

Tottenham fans, do you think Mourinho should give Tanguy Ndombele another chance? Let us know in the comments below!

Chelsea are on the hunt for better defensive players to help them in their bid for silverware next season. 

The Blues have identified their backline as an area of weakness and are hoping to bring in reinforcements this summer. Football Insider has linked the club to a move for Brighton’s Lewis Dunk as Frank Lampard eyes up some new centre-back options.

Chelsea aren’t hesitating when it comes to their summer spending this season, as they’ve already recruited attackers Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. A highly-anticipated move for Kai Havertz is also due to be completed after Marina Granovskaia reached personal agreements with the German and his agent.

However, now is the time to shift focus onto how to improve the team’s leaky defence, which saw them concede the most goals out of the ten top placed teams this campaign. Kepa Arrizabalaga has been Lampard’s main issue, but with a report from The Times (via The Mirror) claiming Chelsea are looking to sell four defenders, a whole new back-line could be on the list.

The report highlights Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen, Emerson Palmieri and Kurt Zouma as those made available this window.

Dunk is currently valued at a friendly £18million, which is a much more appealing price that fellow defensive target Ben Chilwell, who will reportedly command more than £80m (via The Mirror).

The 28-year-old skipper has been almost ever-present in Brighton’s 2019/20 season, missing just two Premier League matches and three cup games (via Transfermarkt). The Seagulls finished seven points above the relegation zone after enduring a tough campaign, but surprisingly conceded the exact same amount of goals as Chelsea who finished fourth (54).

With the experience of leading his team plus staying calm under a lot of enemy fire, Dunk could be a great asset to Lampard’s defence. This season, the centre-back averaged more tackles (1.1) and blocks (0.9) than Zouma, who had an average of 0.8 and 0.5 respectively (via WhoScored).

As Reece James becomes more and more involved in the first team, the England international could also serve as a mentor for the youngster.

Additionally, whatever price tag Brighton settle on will likely be an affordable one, leaving money left over to spend on another defender or new goalkeeper.

Do you think Chelsea should sign Lewis Dunk? Join the discussion in the comments below!

Arsenal can get one over their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur by signing Willian after Le 10 Sport reported that European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also interested in signing the Chelsea ace in the upcoming summer transfer window.

As per the report, with coronavirus affecting the transfer market, it could be difficult for clubs to spend millions to strengthen. Therefore, attracting players at a lower cost is the ideal aim and some of them are affected by this situation.

Step forward Willian, whose current contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of June and an extension does not seem to be on the cards at the moment, so the Brazilian could be available on a free transfer.

The report also claims that the Gunners as well as Spurs remain very interested in him. Indeed, the fact that Willian would be available on a free transfer is already an incentive for the Emirates Stadium outfit to go out and sign him, therefore getting one over on the Lilywhites.

Based on his stats so far this season, the 31-year-old still has plenty to offer, scoring seven goals and making six assists in 37 appearances in all competitions, according to website).

Having a player of his experience in the dressing room could be vital for Mikel Arteta’s side, with the added bonus that the Brazilian international has shown that he can still perform in the top flight. With no transfer fee to be paid, Willian provides an option of minimal risk who could thrive at Arsenal.

Gooners, does Willian still have what it takes to perform? Comment below with your views!

Manchester United keeper David de Gea copped some fierce criticism from Roy Keane after another error against Tottenham last week. 

The Red Devils legend was furious with the “overrated goalkeeper” as he was unable to keep out Steven Bergwijn’s strike on Friday, which gave Spurs a first half lead.

De Gea is under pressure following a dip in form, coupled with the emergence of Dean Henderson, who has established himself as Sheffield United’s number one in recent years.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has thrown his support behind his first-choice keeper, and this may frustrate Henderson.

De Gea has played 30 games in the Premier League this season, with just eight clean sheets and conceding 31 goals (Transfermarkt). Although he has struggled for consistency, Solskjaer has backed the Spaniard as he doesn’t believe there is any goalkeeper who is on the same level.

It is unlikely that Henderson will react too kindly to the Norewgian’s statements. The Red Devils have offered the 23-year-old a new contract but he is only prepared to commit if he is promised the number one spot at Old Trafford.

Henderson has spent the past few seasons on loan at Bramall Lane and he has impressed as the Blades have charged into European contention. The Englishman has made 27 appearances in the Premier League, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding only 25 goals so far (Transfermarkt).

Nevertheless, despite Henderson’s heroics, Solskjaer has made it clear that De Gea remains his primary option.

As it stands, De Gea will start against Sheffield United on Wednesday, while Henderson is ineligible to face his parent club. The Blades keeper was even touted as a contender for England before Euro 2020 was postponed in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Nonetheless, the Red Devils are willing to let him stay at Bramall Lane for the foreseeable future. Whether or not this decision will pay off remains to be seen, as both clubs are challenging for a spot in Europe next season.

Admittedly, it is important for Henderson to finish the campaign on loan, as it will only benefit Manchester United in the long run. As the Premier League heads into the crunch stage of the competition, he will gain valuable experience as a regular starter for Chris Wilder’s side.

Man United fans, do you think the board have made the right decision to let Henderson stay at Bramall Lane? Let us know in the comments below!

Former Liverpool central defender turned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claims that Harry Kane ‘has reached the crossroads of his career’ at Tottenham Hotspur.

‘Carra’ was speaking in his column for the Telegraph as he debated if Kane should leave the north London club and whether Spurs should sell him given certain factors.

The comments were relayed by Sky Sports and this is what Carragher had to say on the 26-year old:

“Harry Kane has reached the crossroads of his career at the worst time possible. In other circumstances, the Tottenham striker’s comments suggesting he would consider a move in the near future would be reasonable.

“These are far from normal times, with clubs losing money and needing to cut costs rather than plan major investments in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

“That means if players in the highest price bracket want out of their clubs, there is less chance they will get their wish.

“Kane is in that category. A limited number of clubs can afford him, and I am not sure how many have the appetite to engage in a fractious negotiation with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy in the current climate.

“Kane turns 27 in July. We have no idea when the next transfer window will open or next season start. If Kane does not leave soon, the situation gets trickier for him.

“When players hit 28, psychologically it makes a big difference to clubs. They see him as nearer 30, recognise there is no resale value and baulk at high valuations.”

Reports from the likes of the Telegraph have stated that Kane is indeed considering his future with Spurs, but Carragher believes that because of circumstances at the moment, it may not be the best time for the English international captain to ponder.

The star is rated at £135 million according to Transfermarkt and will likely not come cheap given his status in North London, as well as being the England captain and the top-scorer at the 2018 World Cup to boot.

Furthermore, the 26-year old is arguably in the prime of his career given his age and his stats over the years for the Lilywhites are very impressive. As per Transfermarkt, Kane has scored 181 goals and provided 30 assists in 278 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham.

The central forward may feel that he has done all he can at the club and as Carragher believes, Kane ‘has reached the crossroads of his career’, meaning that he may be dwelling on a move.

Missing football!? There’s still plenty of Spurs discussion going on in the Vital Tottenham Forum! Click here to get involved!

Noel Whelan has said that West Ham United target Alfredo Morelos’ attitude remains in question, in an interview with Football Insider.

What does he say?

According to the Daily Mail, Rangers could be forced to part ways with Morelos this summer as they look to mitigate the impact of the suspension of the football season.

West Ham are one of the sides that are being linked with a move for the Colombian, who has scored 12 goals from 26 Scottish Premiership appearances so far this season.

Asked whether the Hammers should move for Morelos, Whelan warned that his attitude remained an issue.

“Talent and ability is not in question but attitude is,” he told Football Insider.

“West Ham have bought a lot of foreign players with the wrong attitude, that is what has let them down. They have spent a lot of money on players who have not got the heart and not got the desire and it is easy for them to jump ship when the seas get a bit rough.

“Hopefully, Morelos can be a better person at West Ham.

“It is one thing scoring 30 in the Scottish Premiership but can you do it in the Premier League. He is not going to be playing against Dundee United and Kilmarnock every week.

“He will be against world-class defenders week in, week out. That will be a massive test for him. We have seen him struggle to score against Celtic with good defenders and organisation.

“If they go out there and spend big money he needs to prove himself on and off the field.”

Transfer gamble

Morelos is a player with plenty of talent and one that has made a big impression at Ibrox since his arrival.

However, his disciplinary record is a real concern and with West Ham having faced issues in the past with players’ attitude, he might be one to avoid.

David Moyes is hoping to refresh the squad with young, hungry players that can form a new core and with that in mind, Morelos would have to prove he is willing to play the team game.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Leif Davis signed a new Leeds United contract on Monday evening.

The young left-back has come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks as he’s gone from being a full-back on the fringes of the first-team to Marcelo Bielsa’s first port of call when he needs a late impact sub.

In fact, his good performances off of the bench have drawn comparisons to Gareth Bale.

The 19-year-old believes that his development can be attributed to his manager.

What’s been said then?

Speaking to the club after nailing down his new terms, the youngster waxed lyrical about how much the manager has helped him. Davis said:

“Marcelo has brought my attack and defensive play on really well, and I think I’ve come a long way.

“I’m still 19 aren’t I, still learning, it’s good to have probably the best manager in the world with you at 19, at the start of your career, hopefully the start of a long career, having him progressing you, and knowing what you’re going to have to do for the rest of your career.”

Bielsa’s legacy

This quote really encapsulated what the 64-year-old’s legacy will be once he leaves Elland Road.

The manager has never really stuck around with any of his clubs, and he may not have a long tenure at the Yorkshire club, but even if he leaves in the near future he will have left an everlasting impact.

Davis saying that he now knows what he’ll have to do for the rest of his career shows that the manager has raised the standards of every single person at that club, and that’s what Bielsa’s lasting legacy will be.

The infamous murderball that has been driven into the players has clearly had a positive impact on Davis whose strong work rate was evident against QPR. Those Bale comparisons were a testament to that. He never stops running and that sums up just how much he’s taken on board from Bielsa.

He may still be learning, but for someone who was once linked with Liverpool, his future is undoubtedly bright.

Sunderland’s form has been on a downward spiral ever since Phil Parkinson took over and unfortunately for the Black Cats there is still no light at the end of the tunnel.

The former Bolton boss has looked to address the critical situation and the latest step from the coaching staff has been to stick up a sign around the dressing room to instruct players on the mindset to take.

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It reads “forward runs forward passes”, which directly gets at the heart of the matter – Sunderland’s lack of goals and powderpuff attack, which has been somewhat of a problem since relegation from the Championship.

Under Parkinson they have scored just 13 goals in 11 games – scoring twice or more on only one occasion – and with a record like that it is little surprise that such signs exist.

However, fans have chosen to ridicule the notice and criticise Parkinson if that’s the best he can offer in the way of tactics. Here are some of the reactions from Sunderland supporters.

Parkinson isn’t the only one feeling the wrath of Sunderland fans, however, with Joel Lynch also criticised for his performance against Burton.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Barcelona legend Rivaldo discussed his former team’s illustrious new front three. But he seems to believe that Antoine Griezmann still hasn’t fully adapted and that the “MSG” will never reach the heights of “MSN”.

What did he say?

Rivaldo is a figure well known to the Blaugrana.

After all, we’re talking about an icon who played 236 games for the Catalan giants, scoring 133 goals and assisting further 42 in the process.

For that reason, he definitely knows a thing or two about the club and being a prolific goalscorer himself, he should also know what he’s talking about in regards to Griezmann’s situation and adaptation to the Barcelona system.

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According to him, it might take the Frenchman a while to get to the level he was on during his Atletico Madrid days.

As reported by Goal, here’s what he said in full:

“Barca’s new attacking trio, of Messi, Luis Suárez and Antoine Griezmann (MSG), is giving some good signs and showing it can work in the future, but I don’t believe it will reach Messi, Suarez, Neymar (MSN) level. Neymar is a distinctive player who creates a lot of assists, scores many goals and takes control of the game when needed thanks to his personality. That’s something Griezmann doesn’t have yet, and even though he has scored goals already, he hasn’t fully adapted to his new team’s style of play. It could be a while before we see him playing at the same level as we saw for many years at Atletico Madrid.”

A recurring issue

It seems that the Griezmann issue is something that still haunts Barcelona.

After all, we’ve seen the man himself practically pleading for more time to adapt just recently, and one way or the other, that subject somehow always seems to become a talking point.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

Of course, seeing how the Frenchman was their big summer signing and he did arrive with a certain pedigree and reputation, it’s not really surprising that a lot is expected from him.

But Griezmann has very much been performing.

After all, he already scored four goals and assisted three in eight games he played in La Liga this season.

The issue of his preferred position, however, still remains unresolved. Luis Suarez seems to be Ernesto Valverde’s go-to striker which puts the Frenchman in an uncomfortable situation out wide.

Rivaldo believes that Griezmann will never give the Catalans what they had with Neymar and it seems he is not really optimistic about this newly formed trio of “MSG”.

Maybe he’ll be proved wrong, but the early signs aren’t encouraging.