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Alan Hutton has now revealed some ‘positive’ Glasgow Rangers injury news regarding John Lundstram.

The Lowdown: Groin niggle for Lundstram

Speaking to Sky Sports after their recent 4-0 win away to St Mirren in the Premiership, Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed that the 28-year-old picked up a groin niggle during the game but is ‘hopeful’ that he will be fit for their Europa League quarter-final second leg at home to Braga on Thursday night.

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Forced off after just 26 minutes on Sunday, Lundstram had played in the Gers’ last eight matches in the league, showing how much faith Van Bronckhorst has in him.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Teddy Bears right-back and Rangers TV pundit Hutton has revealed that he ‘saw’ Lundstram walking out of the stadium to the team bus over the weekend, and ‘looked normal’, suggesting that he should now be okay to face Braga.

The 37-year-old outlined: “It depends on how serious it is. They seemed quite positive after the game, the way they were talking about it.

“I saw him walking out of the stadium to the team bus, he wasn’t limping. He didn’t look like he was stiff or anything, he just looked normal, which is a good sign.

“I think if there is a slight doubt, you would probably want to protect him on Thursday. That being a home game, you want a lot of attacking flair on the pitch.

“You could maybe get away with resting him and bringing him back in for for the big game at the weekend. You’re going to need his defensive qualities as well as his ball retention.”

The Verdict: Big boost for Rangers

The fact that Lundstram seems fine is certainly a big boost ahead of Rangers’ Europa League tie.

The former Sheffield United ace ranked as the Light Blues’ joint-best player in the first leg, as he won all three of his duels and managed one successful dribble, one clearance, two tackles and one key pass, while also making a team-high three interceptions and five accurate long balls (SofaScore).

The 28-year-old is clearly a key player for Van Bronckhorst, so the Dutchman will no doubt want to have him available for the return leg.

In other news, one man is now almost certain to leave the Gers in the summer

What has so been so striking about Rafa Benitez’s Everton side is the way they’ve defied the critics since he entered Goodison Park.

The Spaniard arrived back in Merseyside surrounded by controversy after comments he made about the Toffees over ten years ago.

However, he has guided his team to a mightily impressive start despite a blip over the last seven days.

They lost to QPR and Aston Villa but after defeating Norwich 2-0 on Saturday afternoon, they are a point off top spot in the Premier League.

Andros Townsend confirmed his place as Everton’s top scorer by finding the net from the penalty spot and then Abdoulaye Doucoure scored following smart work by Demarai Gray.

All three of those players have been exceptional this term, namely the wide players who have netted seven goals between them after their summer arrivals.

They have already outperformed Alex Iwobi and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they usurp his goals tally for the club in just a matter of months.

Iwobi cost Everton £34m back in 2019 but has only beaten the goalkeeper on five occasions after joining from Arsenal.

Townsend (four goals) and Gray (three goals) are already beginning to outmuscle the Nigerian despite an accumulative price tag of £1.7m.

They were brilliant against the Canaries but Iwobi stuttered again, just as he has done throughout the vast majority of his Toffees career.

The winger was incredibly poor against QPR a few days ago, completing just 75% of his passes and winning only 22.2% of his defensive duels.

There was a slight improvement against Daniel Farke’s side this weekend but he still flattered to deceive in Everton’s attack.

The £100k-per-week earner completed 92% of his passes on this occasion but he was still a lightweight in physical battles, losing out 60% of the time.

Furthermore, he could only complete one dribble in a display where his decision making left plenty to be desired.

Ultimately, that has been one area of the 25-year-old’s game that has continuously let him down. He can beat a player and get into the penalty area but his end product is tame and lacks authority.

Iwobi is no longer a young player; he is a senior professional who needs to begin showing more to Benitez. At £34m, he has been a waste of money; they must focus their attention on bringing someone else into the team.

AND in other news, Forget Iwobi: Rafa must unleash Everton’s rarely-seen 20 y/o with “unbelievable pace”…

A number of Sheffield Wednesday supporters are delighted after centre-back Dominic Iorfa signed a new contract with the Owls.

Darren Moore’s side have made an impressive start to the season, picking up 10 points from their opening four League One games. Saturday’s 2-0 win away to Rotherham United was a particularly good result, with Wednesday looking like strong promotion hopefuls in the early weeks of the campaign.

The Owls haven’t conceded a goal yet this season and Iorfa has been a rock at the heart of the defence, proving to be an influential figure. Indeed, WhoScored’s metrics cite him as the team’s second-best performer over the early weeks of the campaign, averaging an impressive 7.37 rating per match.

The 26-year-old has now made 74 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday and he has committed his future to the club until the summer of 2023, as confirmed on their official Twitter account on Monday.

Sheff Wed fans react to Iorfa news

It is a hugely positive piece of news for the Owls and these fans took to Twitter to show their happiness over the “brilliant” development.

“Now got the best defender and midfielder in the league secured for this season. Brilliant”

Credit: @Beta_Owl

“Absolutely made my day this”

Credit: @JackWaddle93

“BIG DOM”

Credit: @Haleb_4_ever

“Absolutely buzzing, Wednesday now doing all the right things and looking after the club’s assets”

Credit: @Hill7Conor

“Cracking news”

Credit: @Ryan_Guesty

“Cannot be overstated how big this is. Dom is a top player who could easily have walked back into the Champ, but also the beating heart of the team. His connection with the fans the way he plays on the edge is impossible to replace. Huge statement of intent. Big from the gaffer”

Credit: @MattSummerhill

In other news, some Sheff Wed fans were critical of one player in the 2-0 win at Rotherham United. Read more here.

Rodrigo’s attitude and quality in training are believed to have caught the eye of Marcelo Bielsa, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Up-and-down Whites career

The 30-year-old became Leeds United’s record signing when he joined from Valencia last year, but he is yet to fully ignite at Elland Road.

Rodrigo has scored seven goals in 32 appearances – a record that should really be better, considering the reputation he had when he arrived.

He was hooked at half-time against Liverpool last weekend, but according to a fresh update, that doesn’t mean Bielsa is unhappy with him.

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The Latest: Rodrigo impresses Bielsa

The Spaniard has impressed his manager in training, The Athletic‘s Hay claims, especially in terms of his professionalism and work ethic.

Rodrigo will hope to start Friday’s clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park, as the Whites look for their first Premier League win of the season.

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The Verdict: Persevere with him

Rodrigo is a hugely gifted footballer – former teammate Neto once hailed him as a ‘phenomenon’ – so he is certainly worth persevering with at Leeds.

Granted, he hasn’t yet excelled in a Whites shirt, but it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop in a No.10 role under Bielsa, considering that wasn’t his natural position when he arrived.

The fact that Rodrigo is seemingly knuckling down in training certainly bodes well and he may be eager to prove his worth at Newcastle, who have themselves struggled to start the new campaign.

In other news, one huge club are reportedly eyeing up a move for a Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are ecstatic after Jordan Henderson signed a new deal with the Reds, extending his stay at the club.

The 31-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable Liverpool career, overcoming a tough start to become arguably one of the best captains in the club’s history.

Henderson was given the huge task of replacing Steven Gerrard as skipper, but he has thrived in the role over time, making it his own.

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Not only that, but the midfielder has lifted the Premier League and Champions League trophies in recent years, cementing his place as a Liverpool great.

On Tuesday, Paul Joyce confirmed on Twitter that Henderson has signed a new contract at Anfield that will keep him at the club until 2025, news which was later announced on official club channels.

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Liverpool fans flock to Joyce’s tweet

It may not be the transfer news that some were hoping for on deadline day, but nevertheless, these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their love for the Reds captain in response to Joyce’s tweet.

“CMOOOOON”

Credit: @AntonioHysen

“VAAAAMOOOSSS”

Credit: @LonningLudvig

“YES! ITS LIKE A NEW SIGNING!”

Credit: @Neboneid

“Great news”

Credit: @TacticallyLfc

“This is obviously fantastic news but hilariously predictable that they would announce it today”

Credit: @ChrisMors1

“Beautiful!”

Credit: @NathanALinley

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a deadline day signing. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have agreed a deal with Celtic for defender Leo Hjelde, according to journalist Stian Andre de Wahl.

The Lowdown: Hjelde’s Celtic career

Hjelde arrived at Celtic Park in 2019 on a three-year deal from Rosenborg.

The Norwegian, described as ‘composed’ by Callum Morris, is yet to make a senior appearance for the Hoops but has some Scottish Premiership experience after going out on loan to Ross County last season.

Leeds were monitoring Hjelde before his loan move to Ross County, and it seems as if an Elland Road switch may now go through.

The Latest: Price agreed

According to Andre de Wahl, the Whites and the Hoops have agreed on a price for Hjelde.

Personal terms have already been agreed, so all that appears to be in the way over a move to Yorkshire is passing a medical.

Football Insider were informed by a Leeds source on Thursday that a medical has been booked for Hjelde.

The Verdict: Not ideal

Former Ross County manager John Hughes tipped Hjelde to become ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’, so a Parkhead exit could be a blow in the long run.

Celtic appear to be building for the future with summer signings Liel Abada, Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide all under 21 years of age, so Hjelde could have been in the club’s plans for the future.

However, it seems as if he may not be around at Parkhead for much longer, so it’ll be interesting to see if Celtic look to replace the 17-year-old before the end of the window.

In other news: Celtic submit offer to sign 6 ft 3 powerhouse for Ange, claims journalist. 

As per football.london correspondent Tom Clark, a West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.

The Lowdown: Ake keen to join…

An emergency central defensive signing is on the agenda for manager David Moyes as he aims to keep his West Ham side in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

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Injuries to both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna have prompted both the Scotsman and recruitment chief Rob Newman to look at their options in January with City ace Ake one of their targets.

As per Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, the 26-year-old ‘is believed to be keen’ on the prospect of a move to the London Stadium if his side sanction a transfer.

Clark, writing for football.london, has now shared an update.

The Latest: Newman exploring offer…

As per his sources, West Ham, and by extension transfer chief Newman, are ‘exploring’ an offer to sign Ake in January.

However, a deal may be difficult to pull off given City are in no hurry to let him leave – especially since the Netherlands ace has worked his way back into contention with 11 appearances so far.

The Verdict: Pull out all the stops?

The £28.8 million-valued ace would be a shrewd signing for Moyes given his versatility as a central defender, left-back and even a defensive midfield man.

Ake would plug many gaping holes in West Ham’s side and come as a really assured presence – having averaged a better pass success rate out from the back (93.2%) in the Premier League than any Irons defender (WhoScored).

Lauded as ‘underrated’ by Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, this further highlights his quality, but if City refuse to budge on letting him go then Anfield defender Nathaniel Phillips could be a great alternative.

It is believed that the 24-year-old could leave for just £15 million and he has already signalled his willingness to leave next month as West Ham eye a move (The Sun).

In other news: ‘We are back’, ‘What I wanted to hear’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘best news’ has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi, who is currently on loan at Everton, isn’t wanted by either club in the summer, Football Insider have reported.

The Lowdown: Everton loan…

The 26-year-old hasn’t had the best of seasons, making just four Premier League starts, all of which came under former Villa boss Dean Smith.

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El Ghazi was sent out on loan to Everton in the January transfer window, but he has played just 11 minutes of football under Frank Lampard.

Labelled as ‘inconsistent’ by Villa podcaster Aaron Clark, it now looks as if the Dutch winger will be on the hunt for a new home over the coming months.

The Latest: Source’s reveal

Football Insider shared an update on El Ghazi after being informed by a Villa source. They claimed that the attacker will be let go by Everton in the summer, with Villa looking to secure a permanent exit for the player.

Steven Gerrard does not see the 26-year-old in his plans ahead of his first full season in charge, with the player set to enter the final 12 months of his Villa Park deal in the summer.

The Verdict: Right call?

Gerrard has also given the green light over an exit for midfielder Morgan Sanson in recent days, so it seems as if there will be a major shake-up over the coming months.

A permanent move away for El Ghazi does seem to be the correct decision, though, with the winger clearly not in the manager’s plans after he agreed to a winter loan move.

Villa officials may well have been hoping that Everton would take up the option to make El Ghazi’s move permanent for €10m (£8.4m), but it looks as if Johan Lange will be on the phone looking to find a new permanent home for the winger.

In other news: Newcastle now keen on signing another Villa player as advanced update emerges

Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama is hoping to make a Parkhead return, Football Scotland report.

The Lowdown: Wanyama since Celtic exit…

Wanyama, who was a colossus for Celtic, made 91 appearances in green and white during his two-year stay.

The Hoops made a £12m profit on the Kenyan after Southampton paid over £13m for his services in 2013.

Since then, the midfielder has made 154 appearances in the Premier League with the Saints and Tottenham, where he was hailed by Mauricio Pochettino and called ‘fantastic’ by Christian Eriksen.

He is now plying his trade with MLS side Montreal, with the 30-year-old under contract with Montreal for another 12 months, but it seems as if he has his eye on a return to Scotland.

The Latest: Open to return

Wanyama, talking to Football Scotland, admitted he would ‘love’ to play for the Hoops again and opened up on a ‘loan approach’ during Neil Lennon’s time in charge.

“I had a contract at Tottenham and they were very difficult to let me go, the demands were very hard.

“Celtic was a club that I would love to play for again and again. It’s more than a club. I enjoyed my time there.

“I honestly want to come back and give it a last go because I love the club, the people there, the fans, just everything there was great. They give the players everything to go on the pitch and perform. Everything was just on top.

“There was a loan approach but I don’t know what happened. I didn’t follow it up that much.

“I spoke to Neil as well and he said to me ‘it’s difficult with the demands’ and at that time they didn’t have the money to make it happen.

“But it is what it is. As I say, I still love that club, it’s in my heart.”

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The Verdict: Midfielders needed:

Wanyama is seemingly extremely keen on a return to Celtic, and the Hoops could do with midfield reinforcements.

Ange Postecoglou has relied heavily on Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull this season, with Nir Bitton filling in for Rogic in recent weeks.

On that basis, a move for Wanyama could be a smart one, especially with his wealth of experience and previous Hoops connections, however, the club might be cautious following James McCarthy’s form since joining on a four-year deal.

McCarthy, the same age as Wanyama, has started just three times this season and appears to be struggling to break into Postecoglou’s side, so they could be better off bringing in a younger midfielder with one eye on the future instead of possibly having another McCarthy on their hands.

In other news: Celtic now hoping to sign 11-goal international in January. 

A big update has emerged on Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s plans for Ibrox loanee Aaron Ramsey…

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the Gers are plotting a potential swoop to sign the gem on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

He is currently on loan from Italian giants Juventus and the Serie A side are said to be willing to let him leave on a free transfer, despite his current contract expiring in the summer of 2023.

Outstanding

Arsenal icon Martin Keown once dubbed the Welshman as “outstanding” and that is exactly what he would be for van Bronckhorst next season.

He has already shown glimpses of what he is capable of in a Light Blues shirt, with two goals in his last two games, and it is exciting to think about what he could do with a full pre-season under his belt.

The £175k-per-week midfielder has enjoyed an excellent career at the top level and his pedigree suggests that there is more to come from him in Glasgow. He scored 65 goals and provided 65 assists in 371 matches for Arsenal, before heading to Turin to chip in with 12 goals and assists in 70 outings.

This shows that he has the quality to regularly deliver in the final third with his bursts forward from the middle of the park. He played in the number 10 role against Celtic and caught the eye with a SofaScore rating of 7.6, winning 100% of his duels, scoring a goal, and creating two chances for his teammates.

Ross Wilson sang the gem’s praises in January, saying: “Not only is Aaron a world-class player who will play a key role in our team, his level of ability and professional standards will be an inspiration to our existing players.”

His recent form in the Premiership is now starting to live up to the hype and it is down to him to continue to deliver on the pitch, whilst making sure that he does not suffer any injury setbacks.

Ramsey’s career statistics and his two goals in two league starts for Rangers suggest that he will be able to have a huge impact on the pitch next season if they sign him permanently. He has the quality to be an outstanding player for the Glasgow giants and van Bronckhorst will surely be keen to keep him.

Wilson must now work hard off the pitch to make this a deal that is financially viable for the Gers, to take advantage of Juventus being willing to let him go for nothing.

AND in other news, Smith endured big Rangers howler over “world-class” £7.5m gem who was “admired by all”…