Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement will be looking to make another signing or two before the January window slams shut in just over a week.

Rafael Fernandes is the only new arrival at Ibrox this month. With matches coming thick and fast, a couple of fresh faces would be warmly welcomed.

The Belgian may need to move on a current first-team player or two, however, to raise funds for such signings.

This might see several late moves out of Ibrox as the days progress, especially as one player is attracting interest…

Rangers transfer news

According to Turkish outlet Aksam, as relayed by Sport Witness, Besiktas are stepping up their pursuit of Light Blues defender Ridvan Yilmaz.

Of course, the left-back joined the Light Blues from Besiktas back in the summer of 2022, but it looks as though a return to the club is on the cards, with talks between the two clubs having been opened.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has recently taken over the Turkish side, and it remains to be seen whether he wants to make a concrete move for the 23-year-old in the coming days.

Yilmaz’s Ibrox career has been hit and miss. Clement could secure a decent fee for the Turk, and it could be a wise decision, especially as he earns more than one of the standout performers for the Gers this season – Hamza Igamane.

Why Ridvan Yilmaz needs to be sold

During his time with the club, Yilmaz has primarily operated on the left side of the defence. This season, however, he has been forced to operate in a more advanced role to support the attack.

He has registered just one assist all season, playing a total of 20 games due to suffering an injury early on in the season.

His injury issues are just one of the reasons why Clement should cash in on him. Earning £12k-per-week, he isn’t one of the highest earners at Ibrox, but he does take home more a week than Igamane.

The African striker has been excellent since establishing his place in the starting XI. In 26 matches, Igamane has scored 13 goals and grabbed three assists for the Glasgow side.

He tends to play as a centre-forward, but has been deployed on the left wing in several matches this season, showcasing his positional versatility.

It has been in Europe where the 22-year-old has done most of his talking. The pressure of performing on the biggest stage didn’t faze him as the striker has scored against Tottenham Hotspur and Nice in the Europa League group stages.

Indeed, he scores once every 71 minutes, while also creating a big chance and averaging 1.1 key passes per match.

He has all the required attributes to shine in Europe. His physicality has been on show domestically, winning 3.3 ground duels per game in the Premiership.

Igamane will only go from strength to strength, but he will soon be looking for a rise on his £7.2k-per-week deal if the goals keep coming. That’s a certainty.

Yilmaz hasn’t lived up to his £5m fee since joining in 2022 and that is why Clement must ruthlessly sell him amid interest from Besiktas this month.

Related Rangers have already sold their own Lyall Cameron in "world-class" star

Rangers let a player go in 2017 who could have been their very own Lyall Cameron

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jan 21, 2025

Vinicius Junior told Real Madrid to put up a "fight" against Arsenal after suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

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• Madrid trail 3-0 after first leg vs Arsenal
• Vinicius warns team-mates they have 'no excuse'
• Says they must fight to 'the very end'

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid are on the verge of crashing out of the competition after a Declan Rice double and a strike from Mikel Merino saw Arsenal take a comfortable lead from the first leg of the quarter-final in north London on Tuesday.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It will take an incredible comeback for the defending champions to book a place in the semi-finals and keep their treble hopes alive, but Brazilian star Vinicius says they have "no excuse" as he demanded they put up a struggle until "the very end" when the two sides meet again in the Spanish capital next week.

• WHAT VINICIUS SAID

  He wrote in an Instagram Story: "There is no excuse. Bad match. Time to improve and fight at the Bernabeu. Things have always happened in this field and we can do it again. To the very end, ALWAYS!!!!!!"

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Madrid have not won in their last three matches and will look to turn that around when they visit relegation candidates Alaves in La Liga on Sunday before they host Arsenal next Wednesday.

Liverpool were a day late and a dollar short in the Premier League last season, and in hindsight, the great Jurgen Klopp’s decision to stand down looks to have been the correct decision.

Arne Slot is thriving at the helm, lifting a gifted group of players and pushing them toward a top-flight title challenge and perhaps a shot at the Champions League trophy too.

FSG are stuck with a bit of a reputation for being overly wary in the transfer market, something that was reflected through Federico Chiesa being the only addition to Slot’s project thus far (he’s suffered with injuries and has only started one match).

But January. Ah, January. It’s a month for action, as far as the Anfield bosses are concerned.

Liverpool's best January signings

In recent years, Liverpool have pounced on multiple winter opportunities to strengthen their frontline, bringing in Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in successive January windows. Both have been staples for Slot’s team this season.

Way further back, though, you’ll find the £23m deal to sign Ajax’s Luis Suarez was pulled off on deadline day in January 2011. The Uruguayan might not have lifted any silver but he’s an iconic Redman, one of the very best.

Of course, no January acquisition can confidently claim that they have been better, more transformational, than Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool’s all-powerful captain left Southampton for Merseyside in a £75m deal at the 2017/18 campaign’s midpoint, proving the catalyst for illustrious success.

One of the greatest defenders of his generation, the Netherlands titan is still starring for title-chasing Liverpool and is undoubtedly one of their most iconic players.

Now, Liverpool are eyeing up another exciting winter recruit in Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Liverpool's perfect Kvaratskhelia alternative

Paris Saint-Germain are looking to complete a deal for the Serie A leaders’ wantaway winger this month, but numerous sources – including The Athletic – report that Liverpool are attentive to the situation and could seek to hijack the deal.

Not to be pragmatic, but PSG are in control of the race as things stand, and anyway, Liverpool might be better off launching a bid for a Premier League star instead.

Indeed, as per Sky Sports this month, Liverpool have been monitoring Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and might be tempted into completing a deal, though the Bees would look to claim at least £50m for their prized forward.

Sky Germany have recently revealed that Arsenal have shortlisted the French forward and Newcastle United are known admirers too. If Liverpool have the funds to spend on such a player, why not act now?

Why Liverpool should sign Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo has gone from strength to strength under Thomas Frank this season, scoring 13 Premier League goals – a haul bettered only by Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Premier League – Top Scorers 2024/25
Rank	Player	Goals
1.	Mohamed Salah	18
2.	Erling Haaland	16
3.	Alexander Isak	13
3=	Bryan Mbeumo	13
3=	Cole Palmer	13
Stats via Premier League

Kvaratskhelia is the bigger name, to be sure, but Liverpool’s shrewdness might just pay off, should they move for Mbeumo. Analyst Ben Mattinson has actually hailed the French ace for emitting “Mane at Southampton vibes,” practically begging for a high-profile suitor to come along and place him in a more prominent position.

The 25-year-old has his prime years ahead of him, as did Mane when Liverpool snapped him up from the Saints for a £34m fee in June 2016, when he was 24.

Mane scored 120 goals and added 42 further assists across 269 appearances for the Anfield side, winning the whole gamut and being described as a “machine” in the final third by Jurgen Klopp.

Principally playing off the left, the Senegal superstar’s positional flexibility has been one of his main strengths throughout a storied and successful career, something that Mbeumo could emulate as his belated natural successor.

Mbeumo could further mimic the now Al Nassr player by arriving from a ‘lesser’ Premier League club and becoming one of Europe’s superstars, very much in line with the way in which FSG like to conduct themselves in the transfer market.

Moreover, Slot has shown that he’s partial to shuffling his forwards about, with Luis Diaz in particular playing regularly and with great success at number nine. This is something that Jurgen Klopp did with Mane, and Slot could now follow suit.

Mbeumo has properties that are well-suited to the striker’s department and boasts an impressive record when Frank has shifted into the number nine spot. Let’s not forget that Ivan Toney left last summer and took all his potency with him, but it’s scarcely been felt with Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa combining emphatically.

Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford Stats by Position (PL)
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Right winger	60	22	17
Centre-forward	28	10	3
Attacking midfield	29	2	1
Stats via Transfermarkt

As per FBref, the £45k-per-week ace ranks among the top 5% of Premier League positional peers this season for goals scored (0.65) and the top 13% for crosses made (4.92) per 90.

He’s athletic and balanced in the execution of his attacking qualities, with the positional flexibility and, of course, innate goalscoring ability perhaps giving the claim that he’s got Mane-esque talents some substance.

Liverpool are looking for a new forward, with Kvaratskhelia as the name in circulation right now. However, Mbeumo might be the better pick, with the skills and style to make him Slot’s very own version of Mane.

PL club want him: Liverpool face their own Palmer disaster with "magic" ace

This Liverpool player has been linked with an exit and it would be a disaster for Slot’s project.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 10, 2025

There are not massive holes to fill in Australia’s side that is allrounder-heavy, but Zimbabwe could pose tough challenge

Andrew McGlashan27-Aug-2022

Australia are playing an ODI at home after a long time•AFP/Getty Images

Big pictureThis series in Townsville marks the end of a lot of long stretches. It’s 634 days since Australia’s men played an ODI on home soil; 14 years since a winter series in northern Australia; seven years since Zimbabwe last visited the country and 18 since their last bilateral series here.These games were first meant to take place in 2020, but the impact of Covid-19 pushed them back. It’s fair to say some wondered if they would ever take place. While Cricket Australia is doing as they should, it is also part of a wider revamp of their image as being more aware of their wider responsibilities to the game. Zimbabwe Cricket even tested the waters about a one-off Test being tagged on although it was, sadly, only ever a pipe dream.Related

A brief history of Zimbabwe in Aus: beating Eng, Streak's day at the SCG

Early-season ODIs provide World Cup springboard for Australia

Aus ODI talking points: how many allrounders, and who should bat No. 3?

It has been a swift turnaround for Zimbabwe from the end of the India series. They have had just two training sessions in Townsville since arriving after a long journey from Harare via Dubai and Brisbane. While they have plenty of recent ODI cricket under their belts, it is precious little time to acclimatise, or even shake off jetlag. But they have nothing to lose and if they can channel the spirit of the final match against India, then Australia will need to be on their guard.This is Australia’s first time back together since the Sri Lanka tour in June-July, although some of the players have been at the Hundred. The last time they had an ODI at home was in early December 2020 against India. The immediate white-ball aim is defending the T20 World Cup title, but the ODI World Cup, which is scheduled for next October, is close enough to focus somewhat. Not least because it’s close to a full-strength side, so tactics and game plans can be worked on.Pat Cummins is the key name missing, given time to get his body ready for the T20 World Cup and then a run of nine Tests through to March which will decide Australia’s World Test Championship fate. Travis Head, who is on paternity, is the other name who might have been here, but who he could force out of the batting order is an interesting debate.Even with their overall lack of games in the format during the pandemic, and the challenges of rest and rotation of key quicks, there are probably not massive holes to fill in Australia’s side for the ODI World Cup. But it’s worth noting the last time these two sides met in an ODI, back in 2014, Zimbabwe were the winners. A repeat here would be a huge surprise, but it would be a fantastic story.Recent formAustralia WLLLW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Zimbabwe LLLLWWill Sikandar Raza replicate his form against Australia?•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlightIt will be fascinating to watch Cameron Green’s development as a one-day cricketer. Everything suggests he’ll be hugely successful at it. In this side, he is being picked as a third fast bowler and the eighth batting option, giving Australia a deep order. Glenn Maxwell is locked at No. 7, a role he has had huge success at, but in reality, Australia’s allrounders could bat in any position. In time, Green will surely find himself higher up.He’s done it against Bangladesh. He’s done it against India. Now can Sikandar Raza do it against Australia? He is one of the form players in the world at the moment after three centuries in his last six ODIs. “We look up to him a lot and hope he’ll continue to do so,” captain Regis Chakabva said. Keep an eye out for Brad Evans, too, after he took 5 for 54 in their last match against India.Team newsMarnus Labuschagne has been left out with Australia continuing their allrounder-heavy approach. It is the first time since 2020 that they have had all their batting options to pick from and have reverted to Steven Smith at No. 3.Australia: 1 Aaron Finch (capt), 2 David Warner, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Alex Carey (wk), 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Cameron Green, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodFast bowler Blessing Muzarabani is back in the squad after injury and could come in for Victor Nyauchi or Richard Ngarava from the side that played the last game against India. The other question is whether Zimbabwe want to try and squeeze in another spinner.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Takudzwanashe Kaitano, 2 Innocent Kaia, 3 Sean Williams, 4 Tony Munyonga, 5 Sikandar Raza, 6 Regis Chakabva (capt & wk), 7 Ryan Burl, 8 Luke Jongwe, 9 Brad Evans, 10 Richard Ngarava, 11 Victor Nyauchi/Blessing MuzarabaniPitch and conditionsWith play starting at 9.40am local time there is the expectation that there could be some early assistance for the quicks but after that, it should be good for batting. It’s forecast to be a cloudy day but should stay dry. There are no international standard floodlights at the ground.Stats and trivia Mitchell Starc will play his 100th ODI in the opening game of the series. Josh Hazlewood needs three wickets for 100 in ODIs. There are potentially six survivors from the last ODI between these teams in 2014: Finch, Maxwell, Marsh, Starc, Williams and Raza (George Bailey, the national selector, was also in the Australia side). No Zimbabwe batter has scored more than three ODI hundreds in a calendar year – Raza is currently one of five to do so.Quotes”There’ll be a bit of mixing and matching of the structure, whether we go with two spinners and two quicks and lessen the load on the allrounders, we’ll see.”
“It obviously gave us a lot of confidence. We’ve been speaking a lot before that series, just in terms of how competitive we want to be and the last game was pretty close to what we want to be doing.”

يشهد اليوم الأربعاء الموافق 21-5-2025 عددًا من المباريات المهمة على الصعيدين المحلي والدولي، حيث تتواصل منافسات الكرة في بطولات مختلفة أبرزها نهائي الدوري الأوروبي، وكأس الرابطة المصرية، والدوري السعودي، وسط ترقب جماهيري كبير.

في أوروبا، تتجه الأنظار إلى مدينة بلباو الإسبانية، حيث تُقام المواجهة المنتظرة بين مانشستر يونايتد وتوتنهام في نهائي الدوري الأوروبي. ويمثل اللقاء فرصة حاسمة لكل من الفريقين لإنقاذ موسمهما، خاصة في ظل الإخفاقات المحلية، حيث يسعى كل منهما للتتويج بلقب قاري يضمن له مكانًا في البطولات الأوروبية الموسم المقبل، ويمنح جماهيره نهاية مشرفة لموسم متقلب.

أما على المستوى المحلي، فتُستكمل اليوم منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية (كأس عاصمة مصر) بإقامة مباراتين في دور ربع النهائي، حيث يواجه بتروجيت فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، فيما يلتقي حرس الحدود مع إنبي. وتُعد هذه المرحلة من البطولة محورية للأندية الطامحة في تحقيق إنجاز محلي، خصوصًا أن البطولة تُمنح فيها الفرصة للعديد من الفرق لإثبات نفسها خارج نطاق ضغوط الدوري الممتاز.

وفي السعودية، تتواصل الإثارة في دوري روشن مع إقامة ثلاث مباريات ضمن الجولة الثالثة والثلاثين، أبرزها مواجهة الهلال أمام الوحدة، والتي تُقام على ملعب مدينة الأمير عبد الله الفيصل في جدة.

ويطمح الهلال إلى مواصلة الضغط في سباق القمة، بينما يسعى الوحدة لتحسين موقعه في جدول الترتيب والابتعاد عن مراكز الخطر.

في الوقت ذاته، يستضيف النصر فريق الخليج، في لقاء يسعى من خلاله النصر لتأمين مركزه ضمن المربع الذهبي، بينما يلتقي الخلود مع الفيحاء في مباراة تحمل أهمية كبيرة لكل فريق في حسابات النقاط والتمركز في جدول الدوري.

طالع أيضًا | سون: هاري كين سيدعمنا أمام مانشستر يونايتد.. وآمل في منح الجماهير لحظة تاريخية مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأربعاء 21-5-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات كأس الرابطة (كأس عاصمة مصر) اليوم

بتروجيت ضد سيراميكا كليوباترا، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on sport 1”.

حرس الحدود ضد إنبي، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on sport 2”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري السعودي اليوم

النصر ضد الخليج، الساعة 7:10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC SPORTS SD 5”.

الخلود ضد الفيحاء، الساعة 7:25 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC SPORTS SD”.

الوحدة ضد الهلال، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC Extra HD1”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الفرنسي اليوم

مينز ضد ستاد ريمس، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الأوروبي اليوم

توتنهام هوتسبير ضد مانشستر يونايتد، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports 1 HD”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

David Beckham once again proved that class is permanent after scoring a goal from an impossible angle at the Inter Miami training ground.

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• Beckham paid a visit to Miami's training ground
• Rolled back the years on the pitch
• Scored a stunning Olimpico from behind the corner flag

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Beckham may have hung up his boots over a decade ago, but the former England captain continues to remind the world why he’s regarded as one of football’s greatest technicians. During a recent Inter Miami training session, Beckham sent social media into a frenzy with a sensational goal that showcased his trademark precision and flair.

  From what appeared to be an impossible position near the corner flag, Beckham struck the ball with sublime technique, curling it directly into the goal – a jaw-dropping Olimpico that stunned onlookers. Even in retirement, the 49-year-old’s touch and control remain as sharp as ever.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The art of free-kick taking is one few have truly mastered, but Beckham continues to prove why he was – and remains – among the very best. Over the course of his storied career, he scored 65 goals from free-kicks alone – many of which have gone down as historic moments in football lore. Perhaps none is more famous than his dramatic equaliser for England against Greece in 2001, a thunderous strike that secured a place in the 2002 World Cup and remains etched in football history.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

  While Beckham dazzled with his moment of brilliance, Inter Miami have their sights firmly set on competitive challenges. The Florida-based club is in the thick of their MLS campaign and will face Columbus this Saturday evening. Beyond the domestic league, Inter Miami are also eyeing success on the continental stage. Their run in the Concacaf Champions Cup has garnered significant attention, and the squad is aiming to secure a place in the final by getting the better of Vancouver in the last four.

B Aparajith to lead Tamil Nadu in the absence of the injured Vijay Shankar

Deivarayan Muthu15-Sep-2022Allrounder Washington Sundar, who has had a recent history of injuries, is set to return to action for Tamil Nadu in the upcoming 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Washington has been appointed vice-captain, with B Aparajith replacing Vijay Shankar as captain.Vijay is yet to recover from the shoulder surgery he underwent after his IPL stint with Gujarat Titans. However, T Natarajan, who has been dealing with a recurring knee injury since his memorable tour of Australia in 2020-21, is set to return to action and lead Tamil Nadu’s attack in their quest to defend their T20 title. Natarajan hasn’t played a single competitive game since IPL 2022. Natarajan and Vijay were also sidelined from the Tamil Nadu Premier League.Washington is working his way back after he landed heavily on his left shoulder during his county stint with Lancashire in August. The injury forced him to pull out of India’s ODI series in Zimbabwe. This is only the latest in a long sequence of injury setbacks for the 22-year-old allrounder.He ended up playing just three Royal London Cup matches for Lancashire, scoring 30 runs in two innings and picking up three wickets. Prior to that, he played two County Championship matches too, starring in the win over Northamptonshire with a first-innings haul of 5 for 76 and a knock of 34* in a successful chase of 278.Around the time Washington was returning to India for rehab in August, Lancashire had tweeted he “will fly home to India to undergo treatment on his injured left shoulder, with a view to the all-rounder potentially returning to play in the #LVCountyChamp in September”.ESPNcricinfo has now learned that Washington is unlikely to head back to the UK for the final rounds of the County Championship.Varun Chakravarthy will bolster the Tamil Nadu spin attack•TNPLAt the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he will be part of a potent Tamil Nadu spin attack that includes mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, legspinner M Ashwin and left-arm fingerspinners M Siddharth and R Sai Kishore. Siddharth was recently with India’s T20I side as a net bowler for the Asia Cup.Barring new faces J Suresh Kumar and G Ajitesh, all other 14 members in Tamil Nadu’s squad have had a taste of the IPL as squad players or support players. Suresh Kumar, who was the second-highest run-getter in TNPL 2022, behind R Sanjay Yadav, is the back-up keeper-opener to N Jagadeesan.In his first TNPL season with Nellai Royal Kings, Ajitesh – having moved from Bengaluru – slotted in as a finisher and sent 14 of the 53 balls he faced over the boundary. However, there was no room for Aparajith’s twin brother B Indrajith, who had played for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022, and M Mohammed, who was a net bowler with Punjab Kings during the same season.Squad: B Aparajith (capt), Washington Sundar (vice-capt), B Sai Sudharsan, T Natarajan, M Shahrukh Khan, R Sai Kishore, R Sanjay Yadav, Sandeep Warrier, M Siddharth, Varun Chakravarthy, J Suresh Kumar, C Hari Nishaanth, N Jagadeesan, R Silambarasan, M Ashwin, G Ajitesh

Manchester City have been largely disappointing in the 2024/25, with any hopes of retaining the Premier League title for yet another season near enough over after 21 matches.

Pep Guardiola’s side currently occupy sixth place, already 12 points behind current leaders Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s men also having a game in hand over the Citizens.

Their terrible form between October and December has given the side a huge task to resurrect their title ambitions, winning just once in 13 matches across all competitions.

Such a drop has seen the hierarchy back the boss in the transfer window, with numerous deals edging closer to completion – including that of Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, with Fabrizio Romano giving the here we go for his move to England.

After the signing of the Uzbekistan international, the hierarchy looks set to target another player who could feature alongside the youngster after the closure of the window in a few weeks time.

Man City make contact to land PL star this month

According to I News, Man City have initiated talks with Milos Kerkez’s agents after his impressive start to the campaign.

However, they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Bournemouth star, with Liverpool and Manchester United also in the race for his signature.

Despite the interest from City, the report claims that table toppers Liverpool currently lead the running for his services, with Kerkez wanting a move to Anfield.

The interest is no surprise given his form at the Vitality, featuring in every Premier League match of 2024/25, registering one goal and three assists in the process.

The Cherries aren’t said to be planning to offload the 21-year-old, but could entertain offers in the region of £50m for the defender before the end of the window.

He would undoubtedly improve the options at Guardiola’s disposal, helping to mount a second half of the season charge back into the top four, potentially forming an excellent partnership with a fellow new arrival.

Why Kerkez would be perfect for Marmoush at Man City

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush is said to be close to swapping Germany for England, with journalist Romano stating that personal terms have already been agreed with the Egyptian over a move to the Etihad.

However, the two sides are yet to agree a fee for the 25-year-old who’s already scored 15 times in just 17 league appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.

His goalscoring prowess would inject added quality into the forward line, helping the side create more chances, subsequently improving the ambitions of turning their fortunes around in attacking areas.

Erling Haaland is certainly going to remain as City’s number one striker, with Marmoush likely to play in and around the Norwegian, potentially featuring in a left-sided role – which could see him strike up a partnership with Kerkez should he move to the North West.

Despite being a defender, who’s been dubbed “one of the best left-back prospects” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has started at both ends of the pitch, providing the Egyptian with the ammunition to thrive in England after his big-money move.

Games played

21

Goals & assists

4

Progressive passes

4.6

Progressive carries

2.6

Passes into the final third

2.3

Shot-creating actions

2.4

Tackles won

1.5

% of tackles won

58%

Interceptions

1.2

He’s managed to complete 4.6 progressive passes and 2.6 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his ability to take the ball into attacking areas and provide opportunities to the players in the final third.

However, he’s more than capable defensively, winning 1.5 tackles per 90, winning 58% of the battles he’s entered, helping the defensive unit in transforming their recent fortunes.

£50m may seem to be a huge fee for another player given the recent transfer rumours, but it’s one that would be worthwhile for a youngster who’s able to make an immediate impact in the first team.

Whilst, Liverpool may hold the edge in the race for his signature, it’s crucial that the hierarchy work tirelessly to secure a move for the Hungarian, allowing Marmoush to flourish with his own move to Manchester.

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Deadline day for the January transfer window, despite it being February, has finally arrived and it appears as though Celtic still have plenty of business left to be done.

The club’s only signing of the window so far, Jota, made a joyous return to action for the Hoops with a goal in the 3-1 win over Motherwell away from Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

He may not be the only winger to arrive at Paradise before the deadline passes, however, as the Scottish giants reportedly had a bid rejected for Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter, who is valued at £7m by his club.

A left-back could also be on the agenda for Celtic after they failed to bring Kieran Tierney, who is due to join on a free transfer in the summer, in during the current window.

Alex Valle’s loan from Barcelona was cut short last month and the Hoops have been linked with an interest in signing Manchester United full-back Tyrell Malacia on loan.

Celtic are also in need of a new centre-forward after they sanctioned the sale of Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes earlier this window, but it does not look like Mathias Kvistgaarden will be his replacement.

Why Celtic are unlikely to sign Mathias Kvistgaarden

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph recently revealed that the Hoops have moved on to other targets after they failed to agree a deal with Brondby for the Denmark U21 international.

The journalist claimed that discussions between the two clubs reached an impasse due to a difference in valuations of the 22-year-old marksman, but it is one that they could pursue in the summer transfer window if the opportunity is there to do so.

Transfer Focus

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That came shortly after Joseph posted that Brondby were looking for a fee of £10m, which would be a club-record sale for the Danish side, amid interest from Celtic.

Unfortunately, the Bhoys were unwilling, or unable, to spend that kind of money on Kvistgaarden, which is a shame because his form this season suggests that he could have been an exciting addition to the squad.

24/25 Superliga

Mathias Kvistgaarden

Appearances

15

Goals

10

Big chances missed

6

Conversion rate

26%

Assists

4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the £10m-rated centre-forward has been in staggering form in the Superliga for Brondby, with a return of 14 goal contributions in 15 matches.

These statistics suggest that the Danish number nine could have offered a big threat in the final third for Celtic in the second half of the season if they had managed to reach an agreement to secure his services before the deadline.

Brendan Rodgers and the recruitment team could sign a fantastic alternative to Kvistgaarden, however, by swooping to sign one of their other striker targets.

Celtic's interest in £8m forward

The Daily Record claims that Slovan centre-forward David Strelec is one of the players the club are looking at in their pursuit of a new number nine.

However, Slovan’s director general Ivan KmotrIk has confirmed that it will take a club-record fee for him to move on from the club and that an exit before the deadline is unlikely.

He told Sportnet: “If David leaves, it will definitely be a Slovak record. In the situation we are in today, however, I do not realistically see him leaving in the winter transfer window.”

The Daily Record adds that it would take a fee of £8m to sign the 23-year-old striker, as Slovan’s current transfer record stands at £5m, and that means that he would be £2m cheaper than Kvistgaarden.

However, it currently remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants are prepared to go to £8m to acquire the Slovakian forward, after they failed to agree a deal for the Danish ace.

Rodgers should, though, push for the Hoops to get a deal over the line for Strelec on deadline day because he could be a great alternative to Kvistgaarden.

Why Celtic should sign Strelec

As well as being £2m cheaper than the Brondby star, the Slovakia international has played in the Champions League this season and could immediately contribute in the play-off clash with Bayern Munich.

Strelec scored two goals in eight appearances in the league phase, which shows that he has experience in the competition and has the quality to find the back of the net at that level, and featured against Celtic.

The Hoops beat his side 5-1 on the night but the striker did offer a physical presence, winning three of his four aerial duels, and completed 89% of his attempted passes. This suggests that he could provide a strong option for Celtic when they need to go long, as he has the ability to dominate centre-backs aerially.

Strelec, who also produced three goals and four assists in eight Champions League qualifiers, has been on fire in domestic football for his current club, scoring goals on a regular basis in the Nike Liga.

24/25 Nike Liga

David Strelec

Appearances

18

Starts

11

Goals

10

Big chances missed

5

Assists

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the £8m-rated star has been directly involved in 12 goals in 11 starts in the league for Slovan, and has been efficient with his finishing.

Strelec, who was described as “brilliant” at link-up play by writer Kai Watson, has only missed five ‘big chances’ to reach ten goals, which shows that the striker rarely passes up a good opportunity to find the back of the net.

His record is also comparable to Kvistgaarden’s at league level for Brondby and this suggests that they could offer a similar threat in the final third, whilst the Slovan ace would come in with the added experience of having already played in the Champions League.

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Therefore, Strelec could be a ‘brilliant’ alternative to the Dane due to his physical qualities, his experience, his price tag, and his finishing quality.

Southampton fans will be sick and tired of how many poor performances keep being mustered up by their bottom-of-the-table side, even with a new set of ideas being present now from the dug-out in Ivan Juric.

Juric has only managed to steer his abject team to one win since taking charge back in late December, but that elusive victory only came about in the FA Cup, with six straight defeats greeting him in the harsh environment of Premier League.

As a direct consequence, Southampton remain rooted to the foot of the division on just six points, with the misery piling up more and more for the South Coast outfit if these late outgoings are sanctioned.

Southampton's worries in the market

Indeed, many of the Saints’ star personnel could be tempted by a switch right at the death of the window to leave their depressing predicament, with Kyle Walker-Peters one face incessantly linked with a move away.

The likes of Galatasaray are now rumoured to be looking at the expansive full-back who has shone in spurts for his relegation-doomed side this campaign, with the in-demand number two picking up two assists in league action even as his team struggle to string together wins.

Everton and Leicester City have been noted as other interested parties looking at Walker-Peters, with the 5 foot 8 defender not the only first-team figure who could jump off the Saints’ sinking ship shortly.

Tyler Dibling has also had his fair share of admirers across January off the back of scoring three times for his boyhood club across 2024/25 to date, but it remains to be seen whether Tottenham Hotspur would be able to strike up a last-minute deal owing to the 18-year-old now being out injured.

Away from this duo, however, there are other players that Juric will happily wave goodbye to as the transfer window edges closer to slamming shut which includes this flop.

Paul Onuachu's struggles at Southampton

The dud in question here is Paul Onuachu, who has never managed to settle into his South Coast location after a goal-laden spell at KRC Genk.

Nobody can blame the Saints for taking a punt on the 6 foot 7 colossus back in 2023, however, considering Onuachu was just fresh off having bagged a clinical 85 strikes for his previous Belgian employers from 134 games.

He’s never been able to show off this same expertise in front of goal in the hustle and bustle of English football though, with just one goal next to the “monster” – as he was once labelled by journalist Benjy Nurick – number 32’s name from 27 forgettable appearances.

Having already been offloaded last season by Russell Martin when shining out on loan with Trabzonspor – where he helped himself to a mightily impressive goal return of 17 strikes from 25 clashes – it’s no surprise that more interest from other Turkish clubs has popped up as Beskitas now begin to sniff around to try and mould Onuachu back into a deadly striker again.

Stat

Onuachu

Games played

27

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Transfer fee

£18m

Wage per week

£30k-per-week

Wage costs over a year

£1.5m

Sourced by Transfermarkt/Capology

Glancing at the table above, it does feel in the best interest of all parties for the towering marksman to depart Southampton for good, with his hefty £30k-per-week wage amazingly making him a higher earner than both Walker-Peters and Dibling combined, who earn a lesser £20k-per-week and £5k-per-week each.

Removing him off the wage bill could free up space for Southampton to bring in a fresher body up top, with the Saints hopeful that Beskitas would snap up Onuachu for a fee near his past weighty £18m price tag.

Even if they do fall short of this fee, it does look likely that the misfiring Nigerian will be off the St. Mary’s roster sooner rather than later as Juric begins a clearout.

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