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If Erik ten Hag was looking for some respite following the midweek disappointment at home to Bayern Munich, he certainly hasn't got it, with his Manchester United side now preparing to take on bitter rivals Liverpool this afternoon.

Such a trip is daunting enough considering that the Red Devils haven't won at Anfield since back in January 2016 – and haven't actually scored away to the Merseysiders since 2018 – yet considering United's limp form this season, the task ahead appears even more sizeable.

Despite taking a step forward with the win over Chelsea last week, back-to-back defeats to AFC Bournemouth and Bayern have put the travelling side right back into the mire, with Ten Hag and his injury-ravaged squad desperately needing to avoid another humbling at the hands of Jurgen Klopp and co

Seeking to avoid another wretched result like the 7-0 thrashing earlier this year, Ten Hag will have to find a winning formula later today, ensuring a possible return for Marcus Rashford on the flanks.

Why Marcus Rashford should start against Liverpool

The England international is set to be available for today's crunch clash despite sitting out Tuesday's defeat due to illness, although it is not guaranteed that he will instantly return to the starting XI, having been named on the bench against the Cherries a week ago.

The academy graduate was scorned for his "unacceptable" display against Newcastle United at St James' Park a fortnight ago – in the words of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher – having endured a wretched season which has seen him score just twice in all competitions.

That being said, the 26-year-old's record against the Merseysiders to date should help to give him the nod over young Alejandro Garnacho, particularly with the Argentine having been so muted in midweek, prior to being withdrawn late on.

In 15 meetings with Liverpool in his career so far, Rashford has scored six goals in all competitions – notably netting what proved to be the winner at Old Trafford in the 2-1 victory last term.

Such a statement, early season win was something of a turning point for United at the time, with Rashford potentially able to inspire his side to another pivotal victory over Klopp's title hopefuls – even with influential teammate Bruno Fernandes set to be sidelined.

The players who could replace Bruno Fernandes vs Liverpool

Foolishly, Fernandes will have to watch on at Anfield after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season in the dying embers of the defeat to Bournemouth, ensuring Ten Hag's options in the centre of the park are even more limited – with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Casemiro all ruled out with injury.

The loss of the skipper will ensure that Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat will have to keep their places in the side due to the lack of alternatives, with there a case to be made that young Kobbie Mainoo should fill the final midfield slot – with McTominay moving into the advanced role vacated by Fernandes.

While still in the infancy of his senior career at the age of 18, Mainoo – who has been dubbed "unreal" by ex-teammate Anthony Elanga – has already sparkled on Merseyside this season, thriving on his first Premier League start against Everton last month.

That outing saw the teenager dubbed "unbelievable" by the typically hard-to-please, Roy Keane, having shown no signs of nerves in what was an initially raucous Goodison Park atmosphere on the day.

Bizarrely, the midfield maestro's only start since then came in the defeat to Newcastle, albeit with Statman Dave suggesting that he "should have started" against Harry Kane and co in midweek, following a bright late cameo.

While he was restricted to just 12 touches after entering the fray, the Stockport native certainly looked the part, at one stage producing a stunning, outside of the boot pass out to the flanks.

Of course, it would be a bold call for Ten Hag to select such an inexperienced figure for this afternoon's encounter and the Dutchman may be keen to protect his emerging superstar, yet with Fernandes – and a raft of others – unavailable, Mainoo must simply be in the starting lineup.

Footage of Sir Alex Ferguson praising Aston Villa has gone viral again after Unai Emery's side secured a place in next season's Champions League.

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• Villa will play Champions League football
• Fergie was impressed after heavy defeat
• Scotsman's call labelled 'best ever'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester City's 2-0 victory at Tottenham means the Villans are assured of fourth spot in the table following their 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Monday night and it represents a monumental achievement by Emery. Villa's campaign actually got off to a horrendous start when they lost 5-1 to Newcastle on the opening weekend but 13-time Premier League winner and Manchester United legend Ferguson saw the positives from the result at St James' Park – and in hindsight, his analysis was pure genius.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• WHAT FERGUSON SAID ABOUT VILLA

  Ferguson said: "To be honest with you, I watched Aston Villa and I can't believe the scoreline. Honestly Aston Villa played fantastic football and just lost to bad goals. Newcastle are going to be very difficult to beat, on their own ground in particular, and their manager has done a great job there. It's a surprising game, football. You can play teams off the pitch and not score – that's what Aston Villa did."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VILLA?

  With Champions League qualification secured, Villa will be in a celebratory mood when they travel to in-form Crystal Palace on Sunday. A Spurs win at City would have made the tricky fixture rather daunting but Selhurst Park should now see positivity coming from all angles. A victory would see Emery's side break the 70-point barrier and make it 21 wins from 38 matches.

Phil Foden was savaged after he won the Premier League Player of the Season award as some think he was "not even the best player" at Manchester City.

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• Foden named Premier League's Player of the Season
• Beat Rice & Haaland to the top prize
• Fans remain divisive over his win

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 23-year-old forward emerged triumphant ahead of the likes of superstars like Erling Haaland, Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer after a sensational campaign which could potentially see him crowned as the Premier League and FA Cup champion. Although the Cityzens were buzzing after the announcement a few others raised their eyebrows as they felt other candidates like Rodri and Palmer were more deserving.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  An X user wrote: "He’s not even the best player at Man City this season."

  An Arsenal fan wrote: "Such a shame. The player who deserves it the most is Rodri and he wasn’t even nominated".

  However, a City fan @CITYInszhagii backed Foden and wrote: "This is just the beginning, well deserved.💙"

  He was seconded by @_Kwabena_Kodua: "Well deserved Congratulations to him I was hearing names like Cole Palmer 😂😂😂."

  On the contrary, a Chelsea fan @CFCFico thinks Palmer was "robbed."

• WHAT FODEN SAID

  Foden was elated to be recognised as the best in the Premier League and wrote: "To win this award is an achievement that I am extremely proud of. The Premier League is acknowledged as the greatest league in the world, and it is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players who have all enjoyed special seasons for their clubs. Overall, I’ve been very happy with the way I have played this season and really pleased that I have been able to contribute with the goals and assists throughout the season. I’d like to thank all of the City staff, coaches and especially my teammates because without them this wouldn’t be possible. And I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me as the award means a lot.”

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The versatile winger notched up his best figures at City this season with 25 goals and 11 assists across competitions. Foden could potentially add more to his ever-increasing tally with two more games left in the campaign.

Tottenham and manager Ange Postecoglou have been given a pre-Brighton boost after some injury news out of north London.

Brighton vs Tottenham preview

The Lilywhites will face off against Roberto De Zerbi's side in newly rejuvenated form on Thursday, having picked up three wins from their last three Premier League games.

International could push to join Spurs for one key trait Postecoglou has

The Australian is seriously tempting Tottenham’s transfer target.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 23, 2023

Victories over Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton have brought the good feeling back to N17, coming after they previously went from November 4 to December 10 without a single league win.

Injuries to Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, coupled with suspensions, gave Postecoglou real selection headaches throughout that time – but he now appears to have struck a winning formula.

After their latest win over the Toffees, Postecoglou heaped praise on Spurs for their resilience in particular.

"Obviously the result is very pleasing against a very difficult opponent today in Everton, who have been the form team of the competition for the past few weeks," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's win over Everton (via football.london).

"You can see why today, they worked hard and we kind of got on top of them in the first half, apart from our goals our football was good. We looked really threatening and then after we got 2-0 ahead we just eased back a little bit and I thought that allowed them to get back into the game.

"We just took a bit more time on the ball and some of it was because of them. They kept working hard and in the second half it became something of a transitional game. We had to show some resilience and some strong defending in the box and a couple of outstanding saves from Vic, who was brilliant again today. It had a little bit of everything. A different type of performance from us. I guess the pleasing thing for us is that we got the three points."

One worrying aspect of the game, especially as Tottenham prepare for a tough away trip to Brighton, was star defender Cristian Romero being hauled off with hamstring tightness.

This brought up some concerns that the Argentine could miss Spurs' trip to the south coast, but they've now been alleviated by journalist Dom Smith of The Evening Standard.

Romero in line to face Brighton

Indeed, Romero is expected to be fit for Spurs against Brighton and is line to feature, which will come as a big boost for Postecoglou who is looking to make it a fourth win in four games. The 25-year-old has been an important player for Postecoglou's top four-chasing Londoners, starting every Premier League game he's been available.

Romero and van de Ven formed an imperious centre-back partnership at the beginning of the campaign, and his return from suspension has been a vital part of Spurs' recent up tick in form. News of him most likely being available will surely lift the Lilywhites in their pursuit of a solid end to 2023.

Emma Hayes has named her first U.S. women's national team squad ahead of two June friendlies against the Korea Republic.

• Hayes names first USWNT squad
• Two players given first U.S. call-ups
• 19 holdovers from SheBelieves Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED

  Hayes named a 23-player squad on Tuesday ahead of the USWNT's pair of friendlies against Korea Republic. The roster features a total of three uncapped players, including Sam Staab and Hal Herschfelt, both of whom are in their first USWNT camp. They're joined by Lily Yohannes, the young Ajax starlet who was called in for her second USNWT camp.

  The squad is headlined, though, by many regulars, including Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw. Also included is Rose Lavelle, who missed out on the SheBeleives Cup due to injury. In total, 19 players return from that SheBelieves Cup-winning team.

  In addition to the 23-player squad, Hayes has also called in Olivia Moultrie, Croix Bethune and Kate Wiesner as training players, with the latter two joining the USWNT group for the first time.

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  SQUAD IN FULL

  GOALKEEPERS:Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)

  DEFENDERS:Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Sam Staab (Chicago Red Stars)

  MIDFIELDERS:Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)

  FORWARDS:Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)

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  WHAT HAYES SAID

  “I’m really looking forward to getting started,” said Hayes. “The preparations have been well underway and I can’t wait to get into camp. We know it’s a short turnaround and we have a lot of work to do, but I’m fully focused on making sure that the performances are at the levels that are required to compete.

  "I want to build on the work that Twila [Kilgore] has been implementing over the last six months. I expect complete commitment from everyone to absorb very quickly the things that I value as the most important so that we can compete this summer. I know they are a highly coachable group and I’m looking forward to challenging them.

  "It’s time to go to work. I can’t wait to meet the fans and it’s really time to get behind the team as we get closer to putting a roster together for the Olympics.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Among the notable absentees is Alyssa Naeher, the USWNT's incumbent starting goalkeeper. Naeher recently suffered an injury on the club level with the Chicago Red Stars, leading to her absence.

  Additionally, the positional designations could offer some insight into how Hayes sees the squad. Crystal Dunn, long a left-back for the USWNT, is listed as a forward, while Emily Sonnett is listed among the defenders.

  Alex Morgan and Tierna Davidson return, however, despite recent injuries at the club level.

Tottenham may be in line for a "huge boost" behind-the-scenes if internal contract reports out of N17 come to fruition, says journalist Paul Brown.

Spurs form under Postecoglou this season

Barring a torrid November and some real injury problems this term, it's been quite a debut campaign in the dugout for new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Super agent "taking care" of Spurs transfer for player after £60m discount

Tottenham could grab a bargain this winter.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 19, 2023

The Australian, following his arrival from Celtic in June, made the best start of any new manager in Premier League history – winning eight out of his opening 10 top flight matches in charge.

His aggressive, high-octane style has won over both supporters and critics for the most part as Spurs contend for Champions League qualification. The feel good factor around Tottenham, and renewed faith in their manager, is a far cry from Antonio Conte's regrettable last few months in charge of the Lilywhites.

One of their star players in this period, Destiny Udogie, was recently awarded with fresh terms and a brand-new contract running until 2030. There have been reports that Spurs could tie down Son Heung-min after the Italian, with Postecoglou's captain really taking the mantle superbly from Harry Kane.

Fabrizio Romano has also suggested that young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr is in line for a new and improved deal as well. The 21-year-old is shining as one of Tottenham's surprise success stories of the campaign, often partnering the likes of Yves Bissouma to great effect in midfield.

Journalist moots "huge" potential boost after Son and Sarr news

Reporter Paul Brown, speaking to GiveMeSport this week, mooted a "huge boost" for Spurs if they do manage to secure both Son and Sarr to new deals.

The Tottenham duo are imperative cogs in Postecoglou's fluid attacking system, and Brown believes Spurs won't have an issue sealing new deals for Sarr and Son.

“They’ve both become really important players for Spurs. I don't think anyone saw just how important Sarr would become, but Son was always going to be a key player once Kane left," said Brown to GMS.

“I think being able to tie them both down long term would be a huge boost for Spurs and it doesn't look like that's going to be an issue, as they're both happy there. You can see that under Postecoglou players are playing with a smile on their faces again and I think getting them to sign long-term won't be an issue really."

After a difficult 2022/2023 under Conte, Son has especially found a new lease of life playing both out wide and more centrally at points this season. The 31-year-old appears to have rediscovered his panache, with Postecoglou praising the South Korean on more than one occasion.

“He’s been outstanding as a leader and as a player," said Postecoglou after his north London derby heroics in 2-2 draw.

“I’m so happy for him. When I talk about that great environment with the players, Sonny is leading that with Madders and Romero.”

Marc Brys has been removed from his role as Cameroon manager without even taking charge of a single game after a row with Samuel Eto'o.

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• More chaos for Cameroon national team
• Brys axed after row with Eto'o
• Martin Ndtoungou takes over on interim basis

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brys was only appointed in April but has left his role without having taken charge of a single game following an angry clash with Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto'o. Martin Ndtoungou has now been named as the interim boss of the Indomitable Lions after Fecafoot's executive committee held an emergency meeting.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The move is the latest chaotic saga for Cameroon following the clash between Eto'o and Brys that also saw a ministry official kicked out of the 'working session' ahead of a pair of World Cup qualifiers at the start of June. Brys' initial appointment had drawn an angry statement from Fecafoot after being made without any input from the federation. Eto'o, meanwhile, has previously been accused of match-fixing, inciting violence and making threats in a file sent to FIFA's Ethics Committee.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  A statement from Fecafoot has confirmed the news and stated Brys has been replaced due to "inappropriate behaviour" and "disrespectful comments". Brys also stands accused of "an outright refusal to collaborate".

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CAMEROON

  Interim boss Ndtoungou is now set to announce his squad on Thursday for World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde Islands and Angola in June.

Might it be fair to say that the work that Ange Postecoglou is doing at Tottenham Hotspur is going under the radar? Or, perhaps at the least, the Australian manager's remarkable rekindling of the formerly struggling side has not received the praise it deserves after the dip before the festive period.

Timo Werner is closing in on a surprise loan deal, while Postecoglou's "priority" to sign a centre-back backs up recent transfer rumours that the backline will welcome a fresh face.

Spurs in talks to sign £50m Werner partner who would supercharge Maddison

Ange Postecoglou’s side appear to be busy in the January transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 6, 2024

There is a hope that January transfers will ameliorate any problems that have risen from the fragility of the squad, and with talisman Heung-min Son and midfielders Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr all on international duty for the next month or so, Werner's signing will likely be backed up with an approach for a midfielder.

In defence, Radu Dragusin is the prime target but whether Spurs will succeed in securing his services remains uncertain, with Napoli also interested; should they fail, other options have been lined up…

Spurs transfer news – Andreas Christensen

Last week, Spanish reports revealed that Tottenham are among the contenders to sign Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen, with the Premier League clubs attentive to the La Liga champions' fraught financial situation.

Barcelona signed the Danish star on a free transfer at the start of last season after his contract ended with Chelsea, and while he holds a €500m (£430m) release clause, Spurs might be able to agree on a favourable fee given the circumstances.

But with Manchester United and Newcastle United also pushing for a deal, Spurs will need to decide quickly whether they wish to advance their intrigue or focus their attention elsewhere.

Andreas Christensen's style of play

Christensen made 161 appearances for Chelsea and won the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup before joining Barcelona, where he played an important part in winning the league last term.

As per Sofascore, Christensen played 23 times during the 2022/23 La Liga campaign and kept eight clean sheets, completing 94% of his passes and winning 69% of his aerial battles.

There has been conversation surrounding the 27-year-old's sporadic role this season, but then he has started 14 of La Blaugrana's league matches and remains an important member.

However, should an enticing offer be put forth then Xavi and his transfer team may well be convinced to grant his departure, with Barcelona not short of first-class defenders.

Postecoglou is building something at Tottenham and is understandably pursuing reinforcements in defence, with star defensive pair Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both in and out of the team this season due to injuries and suspension for the latter.

Christensen, as per FBref, ranks among the top 1% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 7% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 14% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Clearly, he is among the finest passers of the ball within any backline across Europe and this is fitting given that he plays for Barcelona, but with Tottenham now refining their own technical play under Postecoglou's wing, he would be a fantastic acquisition.

The £149k-per-week ace is not naturally left-footed but he is at ease on the left side of the backline and has played there with regularity throughout his career, having been praised for his "intelligent" approach by one-time boss Thomas Tuchel.

Given this, he would be the perfect alternative to the left-sided centre-half Van de Ven, whose injury absence over the past few months has forced left-back Ben Davies into his position.

While the aforementioned Dragusin is the favourite to join the fold, there is indeed uncertainty regarding his move to north London, and while OGC Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo has also been of a vested interest, Christensen might just be the perfect fallback.

How Andreas Christensen compares to Jean-Clair Todibo

Spurs have held an interest in Todibo, aged 23, for some time but discussions are understood to have collapsed as the Lilywhites wanted a quick solution to their defensive quandary.

That hasn't happened, and the pursuit of a new addition goes on. And while Fabrizio Romano's words on transfer matters are often binding, reports persist in linking Tottenham to the France international.

Todibo is a very good defender and he would bring robustness and physical prowess to the Spurs backline, also averaging 7.9 ball recoveries and 3.2 clearances per game and winning 65% of his aerial duels.

But Postecoglou would be wise to sign Christensen if possible, with the former Chelsea defender's composure the perfect foil for Romero – with his style indeed also easing the burden on Van de Ven's shoulders.

The table above helps to elucidate the respective skill sets and, crucially, why both players have been touted for transfer to Tottenham.

While Todibo is evidently more active and commanding in his defensive duties – having been described as "solid as a rock" by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past – Christensen is a more fitting signing.

Furthermore, the 6 foot 2 titan has proved himself in the Premier League more and could instil confidence and security throughout the defensive ranks, also confident on the left and providing the preferred profile more appropriately.

To be honest, all of the aforementioned targets would be a credit to Postecoglou's side and the coach would succeed in bringing their best qualities to the fore.

But, pedantically, Christensen might just be the better option and could bring an elite passing game to enhance the overall fluency at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Kylian Mbappe will not earn less money at Real Madrid than at Paris Saint-Germain, despite reports that he was set to take a pay cut.

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• Mbappe has joined Real Madrid
• Reports suggest he has taken pay cut
• Not actually the case

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe was announced as a Real Madrid player earlier this week and, despite rumours suggesting that he had taken a pay cut to seal his dream move, it appears that is not quite the case. The World Cup winner, per Mundo Deportivo, was earning €72 million (£61m/$78m) gross at PSG, and will earn €26m (£22m/$28m) at Madrid, with €15m (£13m/$16m) of that being his net earnings. But that is not the full story.

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  Mundo have crunched the numbers and assuming that Real paid Mbappe a €125m (£106m/$135m) signing-on bonus – sources claim the number is between €100m (£85m/$108m) and €150m (£127m/$163m) – he would earn €25m (£21m/$27m) from the bonus per season alone. Add that to his €15m net salary and he receives €40m (£34m/£43m) per season, a similar figure to his net earnings at PSG.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Real have also made a sacrifice in terms of image rights. When they sign a player, the star's contract usually dictates that they will keep 50 percent of earnings from image rights and Real will keep the other half. That is not the case with Mbappe, as he will continue to earn between 70 and 80 percent from every contract he signs as a Real player.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Mbappe is preparing for Euro 2024, as France go in search of continental glory. They will play Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland in the group stages.

Glasgow Rangers finally return to competitive action this evening as they face Dumbarton in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, and they will be hoping it will be the start of a journey which sees them win the cup for the 35th time come May.

Philippe Clement has already won the League Cup since arriving at Ibrox in mid-October, and it won’t just be the Scottish Cup he has his eyes on, especially as the Light Blues are in with a shot at winning the Premiership crown.

While the matches are set to come thick and fast, Clement will also be looking to bring in another signing or two following the arrival of Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The injury crisis that engulfed the squad prior to Christmas showcased that the club need more depth in certain positions, and this should give the Belgian a licence to delve into the market.

Rangers’ search for new signings

According to the Daily Mail, the Light Blues are showing interest in West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.

They face competition from Leeds United and Premier League side Sheffield United in their chase for the 23-year-old as he has made it clear he is not signing a new contract at the Hammers.

David Moyes will now be keen to move him on during the January transfer window to rake in a fee for the right-back, otherwise he will lose him for nothing in the summer.

It remains to be seen how much of a budget Clement has to work with before committing to bringing him in this month, as tying him down on a pre-contract agreement may be the smarter move this month.

This could allow the 49-year-old coach to not only bring in a reliable defender for nothing, but also allow him to use whatever funds he has available to strengthen his midfield and attack in January.

Rangers have had plenty of success with signing players on pre-contract agreements from England, with Scott Arfield being one of the most notable examples, and Johnson could certainly follow in his footsteps.

Clement could land his next Sterling as Rangers eye £33k-p/w dynamo

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a swoop for the young defender.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 16, 2024

Scott Arfield spent five seasons at Rangers

The former Canadian international spent five years at Burnley, featuring 86 times in the Premier League, before joining the Steven Gerrard revolution at Ibrox in the summer of 2018 on a free transfer.

He played a key role for the Gers during his first three seasons, culminating in the midfielder making 28 Premiership appearances as he helped end a decade-long drought without a league title in stunning fashion.

Arfield showcased his attacking abilities under Gerrard, registering 46 goal contributions during those first three seasons – 28 goals and 18 assists – but the last two years of his stint in Glasgow saw these tallies decrease.

Indeed, across both 2021/22 and 2022/23, the 35-year-old notched 15 goals and grabbed just one assist as the club only won the Scottish Cup.

He ended his five-year stay in Scotland at the end of last season, and he could perhaps feel aggrieved at not securing at least another year on his deal as the midfielder would still have offered something from the bench.

There is no doubt he was one of Gerrard’s finest signings, especially as it cost the club nothing, and they could replicate this move by luring Johnson north of the border.

How Ben Johnson could fit into the Rangers side

The £33k-per-week defender made his debut for West Ham during the 2018/19 campaign, yet it took until the 2020/21 season for him to make more than ten Premier League appearances as he firmly established himself as part of the senior squad.

A right-back by trade, Johnson is equally adept at playing on the left side of the defence or even in the centre of the midfield, and this positional versatility could be a huge advantage for Clement.

This adaptability could allow him to slot into a few different positions as and when required by the manager, and he could even become a potential long-term heir to James Tavernier, who turns 33 this year.

Indeed, WhoScored state that Johnson excels at crossing and ball interception, while he likes to play long balls and crosses often, indicating that he could be a decent option at right-back for the club.

Ben Johnson has been underused by West Ham this season

The youngster enjoyed a relatively decent campaign during 2022/23, particularly in the Europa Conference League.

Not only did the right-back rank fourth among the whole squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.15) in the competition, but he also ranked second for accurate passes per game (48.8), third for accurate long balls (2.7) and second for interceptions per game (1.7), clearly showcasing his talents on the big European stage as West Ham eventually won the trophy.

This season, however, Johnson has played in just seven matches for the senior side, including only two Premier League games, and it looks as though his time at the club is approaching an end.

During his only league start against Brighton and Hove Albion a few weeks ago, the 23-year-old made two tackles, two interceptions, two clearances and won three of his five ground duels, along with taking 61 touches, and it indicated that he still has plenty to offer.

He was praised by West Ham View on X, who said: “It would definitely be a mistake to let Ben Johnson leave the club this month or on a free in the summer.

“He looks quick, sharp, and hungry atm. Has been better than Coufal in the few games he played last few weeks for me as well.”

Johnson – who has been described as a "wonderful professional" by ex-Hammers coach Stuart Pearce – is still at an age when he is continuing to develop and making a move to a club that could give him more regular minutes would help him as a player and allow him to showcase his true potential.

If Rangers can convince him a move to Ibrox is the best thing for his career, he will have the chance to challenge for trophies alongside playing continental football for one of the biggest clubs in Britain.

Clement must act swiftly in order to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement, that’s for sure.