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Glasgow Rangers have the chance to put an end to a frantic week by securing a place in the final of the Scottish Cup.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were in action on Thursday night as they made it through to the semi-finals of the Europa League by beating Braga 3-1.

The Gers now take on Celtic in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, having lost to the Hoops in the SPFL earlier this month.

On the chalkboard

One player that didn’t start in midweek that should now make a return to the starting XI for Rangers is midfielder Glen Kamara.

Having replaced Ryan Jack after 80 minutes on Thursday, the 26-year-old ended up playing 40 minutes in total as the game went to extra time.

In those 40 minutes, the midfielder did his best to make sure his side kept their composure and see out the match once Kemar Roofe had scored the goal that put Rangers ahead on aggregate.

With 42 touches of the ball in total, the Finnish international completed 32 of the 35 passes he attempted, including two successful long balls.

He also managed to win four of the five duels he was involved in, block one shot and draw two fouls, showing how useful he was when he came on.

In the SPFL, Kamara has also shown what a useful defensive figure he is, with Joe Aribo (32) being the only other midfielder to have won more than his 19 tackles.

Similarly, John Lundstram (28) is the only other Rangers midfielder to rack up more interceptions than the £21k-per-week talent (22).

Taking into account the fact that Celtic ended up scoring seven goals in their previous outing against St Johnstone and have had a full week of rest, having a defensively capable player like the £5.4m-rated figure in his starting XI would appear a very wise move by Van Bronckhorst.

Labelled both “aggressive” and a “class act” in the past by former Gers manager Steven Gerrard, Kamara would very much appear to be the right player to break up the Bhoys’ attacks most efficiently.

Indeed, after his solid run out in midweek, Van Bronckhorst should definitely unleash the midfield machine from the start this time around – as Kamara’s presence in the middle of the park would certainly terrify Celtic.

AND in other news: £10.1m in the bank: Rangers hit the jackpot on “brutally ruthless” £31.5k-p/w machine

Rangers kicked off their 2021/22 Europa League group stage campaign with a disappointing loss at home to Ligue 1 side Lyon on Thursday night.

Toko Ekambi and an own goal from James Tavernier sealed the three points for the French outfit as Rangers’ six-match unbeaten run in all competition came to an end.

There were some positives for Steven Gerrard to take from the game, with a few promising attacks to create openings in the Lyon box. However, they failed to take any of those chances and were unable to get the ball past Anthony Lopes.

Despite the encouraging aspects of Rangers’ play, there is no shying away from the negatives. There were a few frustrating performances out on the pitch, with Joe Aribo in particular struggling to hold his own.

The central midfielder was shifted out into a wide role on the right in place of Kemar Roofe but the experiment from Gerrard did not go to plan. The 25-year-old looked out of place and did not show the requisite quality needed to make an impact against Lyon from a wide berth.

Going forward, Aribo contributed very little. As per SofaScore, he only created one chance and had one shot in 76 minutes on the pitch. He attempted one dribble and one cross, being unsuccessful with both, whilst losing possession of the ball 12 times from 46 touches.

This shows that he did not have the quality with the ball at his feet to make a real impact in the match. Roofe, who scored two goals in four Europa League starts last term, may feel that he could have done a better job in the final third.

Defensively, Aribo was a lightweight out wide for Rangers. As per SofaScore, he ceded 62% of his duels against Lyon players, losing eight of his 13 duels in total, including seven of his 10 battles on the ground. He made zero interceptions, clearances or blocks and was dribbled past twice, the same as the number of tackles he made.

This shows that he was not up to the physical battle against Lyon left-back Emerson as the Nigerian came out worse off in the majority of his 50-50s. Therefore, he was not suited to the wide role in place of Roofe and should have played in his more natural central midfield position or been put on the bench for this match.

Gerrard will surely be feeling badly let down by the former Charlton midfielder. He placed his faith in the Nigerian to put in a strong performance in a different position but Aribo was not able to repay him, as he struggled to showcase his qualities offensively and defensively last night.

AND in other news, Gerrard must make key Rangers decision over “exciting” gem after deadline day failure…

Newcastle United may now reportedly lose Sean Longstaff to a rival club in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Davies swap?

It has previously been reported that Longstaff could be used in a potential swap deal to lure Tom Davies away from Everton to St. James’ Park.

However, whether that deal comes into fruition is another question, given that the new 2021/22 season kicks off on Friday night and the end of the summer transfer window is edging closer.

The Latest: Longstaff eyed

As per The Liverpool Echo, Rafa Benitez is considering a move to bring Longstaff to Goodison Park, as he has entered the final year of his current contract in the North East.

He is being discussed by the Toffees as a potential target in this window, and so the Tyneside club risk losing him before the deadline hits.

The Verdict: Keep

Steve Bruce needs as big of a squad as possible if the Magpies are going to kick on in the new campaign, and that would mean keeping hold of players like Longstaff.

Once called ‘faultless’ by Alan Shearer after an impressive performance against Manchester City back in 2019, Longstaff is a local lad, and one that the Toon Army would love to see thriving.

Of course he has had his dips in form like any young player, but it’s not hard to imagine the midfield maestro returning to his best when stadiums are packed full of passionate fans.

He does not take up much space on the wage bill either, as he currently earns just £22,500-per-week at NUFC, one of the lowest earners in the entire squad, and if they ever do consider selling him, it should not be to a fellow rival in the top flight.

In other news, find out what ‘great bit of business’ Newcastle have done here!

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has dropped an update on Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka.

What’s the story?

In the end, transfer deadline day was a bit of a quiet one for Dean Smith’s side, with the only notable incoming or outgoing seeing Frederic Guilbert return to Ligue 1 to join Strasbourg on loan.

However, Preece did reveal that the Midlands club have still got a significant deal to do, and even delivered a timeframe on it…

And, writing on Twitter, he said: “Frederic Guilbert has passed his Strasbourg medical & pens a loan move back to Ligue 1, announcement soon. Still 1/2 loans out to be completed re #avfc U23s. A big deal will happen on Oct 20 when Chukwuemeka signs new long-term contract on 18th birthday.”

Fans will be buzzing

Make no mistake about it, getting the talented Chukwuemeka to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract when he turns 18 will be a major boost to Villa.

This is the same teenager who was being linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United just earlier this year – a real indication of the kind of potential he possesses and how some of the biggest and high-profile clubs around Europe are all sitting up and taking notice.

The 17-year-old was handed his senior debut in the Premier League towards the end of last season by Smith, making some late cameos against the likes of Spurs and Chelsea.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans then delivered some exciting news on the plans for Chukwuemeka heading into this campaign, saying: “Carney Chukwuemeka is the one teenager who will definitely be a part of the first team. He’s starting to fill out and will soon be ready for the demands of Premier League football.”

After seeing their club keep their powder dry on deadline day, the biggest and best news to come out of it is surely that one of their club’s brightest young academy talents, and a part of their FA Youth Cup winning side last season, is set to stay at Villa Park for the long-term.

Fans will be absolutely buzzing at the news Preece has just dropped.

Manchester United had to rely on a last-minute Cristiano Ronaldo strike to seal a victory against a well-organised Villarreal side in an entertaining Champions League encounter.

The Red Devils were searching for their first points in Group F on Wednesday night after an opening day defeat away at Young Boys, but it was another underwhelming performance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

Alex Telles’ magnificent volley and Ronaldo’s dramatic first-time finish earned a comeback win for the Old Trafford outfit, although it could have been a different story if it wasn’t for their in-form goalkeeper.

A bright start from the visitors forced David de Gea into an early save after Arnaut Danjuma drove his effort towards goal, and the Spanish shot-stopper would be called into action on several occasions in the remainder of the half.

Danjuma again stung the palms of De Gea just 10 minutes later, this time firing across the keeper’s body, but he was able to force the former Bournemouth winger’s strike wide when at full stretch.

Just moments later, United’s No.1 was called into action once more, this time tipping a glancing header from Villarreal striker Paco Alcacer over his crossbar.

The remainder of the first half carried on in a similar fashion, with De Gea repelling the La Liga’s outfit’s advances via some outstanding saves, yet the deadlock was finally broken just eight minutes after the interval.

This time, Alcacer’s effort squeezed between his compatriot’s legs after latching onto another Danjuma cross, although it didn’t take the shine off of what was a classic performance from the 30-year-old gem.

As per SofaScore, De Gea received a match rating of 7.7 out of 10, the highest total awarded to any player on the pitch. And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The ex-Atletico Madrid ace made a huge six saves on the night, all from within his own penalty box. He also achieved a passing accuracy of 100%, illustrating his ability with the ball at his feet and picked out a teammate with both of his attempted long balls.

It’s been a fabulous return to form for De Gea after several years struggling for consistency between the sticks, and he’ll now be hoping to continue in a similar vein for the remainder of the campaign.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Pogba: Man Utd must complete swoop for £60m beast, he’s a big upgrade 

There was a wobble and an air of uncertainty about Celtic heading into the new season.

Indeed, those concerns were justified when the Hoops were dumped out of Europe’s premier competition at the first time of asking and then beaten in their first league match.

However, Ange Postecoglou hadn’t been backed and there was never going to be an overnight fix to the Bhoys’ lengthy list of problems.

That being said, in Kyogo Furuhashi, Postecoglou has discovered a player capable of turning the tide and injecting positivity into supporters who have waited so long to return to Parkhead.

The Japan international provided paying fans with a treat on Sunday afternoon as a swashbuckling hat-trick sent Celtic on their way to a 6-0 win over Dundee.

This was a perfect performance; one where Ryan Christie returned to his best and Liel Abada ran rampant down the right-hand side.

It was also a superb display in central areas from the likes of David Turnbull and a certain Callum McGregor.

There was slight doubt about the central midfielder’s future in Scotland but after being handed the captaincy following the departure of Scott Brown, he has taken on the extra responsibility fantastically well.

He scored a belter against Midtjylland in the Champions League and kept things ticking over marvellously in a quarter-back position against Dundee on Sunday.

McGregor was described as “outstanding” by Postecoglou for his performances for Scotland at the European Championships and this was a classy showing once more.

The 28-year-old was a pillar of solidity in the middle of the park, taking more touches of the ball (121) than any other player on the pitch.

His 104 passes at a completion rate of 95% were also the second-best number on the pitch behind pass master Carl Starfelt.

Furthermore, the skipper lost possession on just seven occasions and completed two key passes for his troubles. This was a brilliantly composed performance, laying the foundations for Celtic’s attack to run riot at Paradise.

McGregor also won 60% of his ground duels, showing a willingness to get stuck in whenever Dundee looked like coming forward.

It is only a few months into the new season but the Scot has proven exactly why he deserved to be given the armband.

He is relishing life under Postecoglou so far.

AND in other news, Forget Furuhashi: £12k-p/w Celtic gem who made 8 key passes was “astounding” today…

As per Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, sharing what he’s heard from club ‘insiders’, a promising update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard move…

According to numerous reports, West Ham are very much in contention to sign the Manchester United man who thrived on loan at the London Stadium last season.

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The Sun recently claimed that the Irons and manager David Moyes could even be boosted by the fact that United could let him go for just £10 million in January as his price tag crumbles by £15 million – with the Red Devils originally demanding around £25 million.

Lingard has even dropped cryptic Instagram posts of him playing for West Ham in a teasing hint surrounding his future, with reporter Jones now sharing what he’s heard.

The Latest: Jones shares Lingard update…

According to Jones’ information, ‘insiders’ around West Ham are being ‘led to believe’ that a swoop for Lingard is now ‘back on’ and they intend to ‘open discussions’ as soon as the January window allows.

While other clubs are watching his situation, it is believed that the 28-year-old ‘likes the set up’ at West Ham and knows he would fit in.

The Verdict: Priority for Moyes…

Lauded as ‘absolutely phenomenal’ and the ‘best player on current form’ in the Premier League at one point last season by talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham, there is little doubting Lingard would greatly strengthen Moyes’ options.

Scoring nine goals and assisting four others in 16 league starts over a temporary 2020/2021 West Ham spell last year, Lingard was briefly back in England contention after being left out in the cold at United.

Finding himself in a similar position this year, we believe a swoop for Lingard should still be among the top priorities even despite the need for an emergency centre-half.

In other news: ‘Oh my’, ‘Yes yes yes’…ExWHUemployee’s news on ‘perfect’ striker has these West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

Newcastle are expected to sign a number of players in the summer according to Sky correspondent Keith Downie.

What’s the story?

He said when speaking to This Is Futbol that he expects the Toon to be extremely busy when it comes to adding new faces to the squad ahead of next season.

He said: “I still expect four or five players to arrive, and that’s without me talking about anyone leaving. If players leave then it could lead to even more arriving.”

Despite still not having secured their Premier League status, the Magpies seem confident of their survival and seem to be planning ahead of next season already.

Who’s on their list?

It will be interesting to see who Newcastle are able to attract but it’s likely they will want to target some of Europe’s best players.

They have recently been linked with a move for West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen who has been their top scorer this season and is highly rated at only 25-years old.

A move for him would also see them weaken potential rivals next season when they’ll be looking to finish as high as possible.

Reports in the Daily Mirror also say that the club have already set their list of targets which includes Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Kalvin Phillips.

With Everton and Leeds both struggling this season, if either of them were to be relegated it would make it far easier for Newcastle to make these signings.

Targeting an English contingent of players may be a strategic move. They may be more willing to move to the North East due to recognising Newcastle’s stature and history perhaps more than players on the continent.

However, if they do go down this route then they will have to be willing to pay more for English talent. History has shown players from home tend to fetch higher transfer fees.

Ever since the takeover, it’s been expected that Newcastle would spend big to try and compete with the best in the league. Time will tell just how much they will spend but if you’re a fan of the Magpies then it should be an exciting summer ahead. This is certainly great news for the Toon Army.

IN other news: NUFC plot bid to sign £31.5m-rated star who’s on “fire”, he could be their own “Salah” – opinion

A fresh twist has emerged in Newcastle’s pursuit of a new manager regarding former Magpies coach Rafael Benitez.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Tynesiders are yet to give up hope of being able to lure the Spaniard back to the club to lead them to survival this season in the Premier League.

The report claims that PIF have had him as their first choice to replace Steve Bruce since they completed the takeover and that a deal could still be possible despite him joining fellow English outfit Everton in the summer just gone.

Newcastle fans on cloud nine

Newcastle fans will surely be on cloud nine following this update. Some fans reacted to his switch to Goodison Park in the summer and were gutted after he went there instead of returning to St James’ Park. PIF are now trying to rectify the situation and appease those supporters who want him back at the club, despite it initially seeming unlikely due to his position at Everton.

The 61-year-old enjoyed a terrific spell on Tyneside as he managed the club for three-and-a-half years. He came in at the end of Newcastle’s 2015/16 relegation season, only losing three of the final 10 Premier League matches as the damage had been done prior to his arrival.

A Championship-winning campaign was then followed by 10th and 13th-placed finishes in the top flight, with Benitez leaving on good terms in 2019 to join Chinese Super League side DL Yifang. He ended his time at Newcastle with an average of 1.48 points per game across 146 matches.

Bruce replaced him and averaged just 1.15 points per game in 97 matches in charge, with Newcastle finishing 13th and 12th in the top flight in his two full seasons at the helm. The Magpies are currently 19th in the table after the 60-year-old led them to three draws and five defeats in eight games, culminating in his dismissal.

This is why fans would surely be delighted with a return to the club for the Spaniard. Even if it is on a short-term basis to help keep Newcastle in the Premier League before another manager comes in to take them forward under PIF, it could give the fans another season of Rafa to enjoy. However, the owners must now find a way to prise him away from Everton and relieve Graeme Jones of his caretaking duties in the next few weeks.

AND in other news, Contact made: PIF must seal dream Newcastle deal for £45m-rated “phenomenon”…

Newcastle United put their three-match losing streak to bed with a 1-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League on Friday night.

Eddie Howe’s men lost to Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham in the build-up to this clash at St James’ Park, where Chris Wood’s goal was enough to seal all three points.

The 30-year-old thought he had given the Magpies the lead in the first half as he bundled the ball into the net from close range after clever play from Miguel Almiron and Bruno Guimaraes. VAR then deemed the latter to be offside and the goal was subsequently disallowed.

The New Zealand international’s wait for a St James’ Park goal did not go on much longer, though, as he converted from the penalty spot in the second half. He was brought down in the box by Jose Sa and dusted himself down to score from 12 yards.

Despite the win, there were some worrying performances for the Toon, and one of them came from electric winger Allan Saint-Maximin.

Magpies reporter Ciaran Kelly dubbed it a “tough night” for the attacker and the statistics back that up as the 25-year-old struggled badly throughout the match.

Off the ball, the Frenchman was a liability for Newcastle. As per SofaScore, he lost a whopping 15 individual duels out of 22 contested, which shows that he was physically dominated by the opposition. He was unable to stand up to the Wolves defenders in one-on-ones and was lucky that Bruno Lage’s team did not make him pay for it.

Saint-Maximin also made zero clearances, tackles, interceptions or blocks, whilst being dribbled past twice. This suggests that he did not put in the required effort defensively to win the ball back for Howe’s side.

On the ball, he was also ineffective. As per SofaScore, he had 52 touches and attempted 11 dribbles but did not create a single chance as a result of his involvement in attacks. All three of his attempted crosses failed to find a team-mate and he ceded possession a staggering 23 times in his 95 minutes on the pitch.

Overall, the Frenchman was a passenger last night as he was unable to positively contribute in or out of possession for Howe. He was nowhere near his best and he has now gone eight games without a goal or assist to show for his efforts on the pitch, which highlights his struggles of late.

AND in other news, Signed for free, now worth £9m: Ashley sealed his final NUFC gift in £35k-p/w “dream”…