Glasgow Rangers require some much-needed attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window as they aim to fill the void left by Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.

It won't be easy to replace them, however, Michael Beale is eyeing up a few players in the market who could arrive at Ibrox and make an impression. One such player was winger Luis Palma, who the club were interested in recently, yet reports this week have claimed that the deal is now off as Rangers aren’t willing to pay the £4.5m for the 23-year-old, and it appears as though Beale will now have to move on swiftly.

The 42-year-old may have already found an ideal alternative, with American. Brian Gutierrez being eyed up for a potential move according to the Daily Mail.

The Gers face competition for the teen however as Manchester United are also keeping tabs on him, yet securing a work permit may prove to be a stickler for any potential move this summer.

Could Brian Gutierrez improve Rangers?

The left-winger has enjoyed a wonderful start to his professional career at MLS side Chicago Fire, already racking up 75 senior appearances, registering 13 goal contributions across those games.

His creative talents have certainly been on show during the 2023 MLS campaign as the youngster has created four big chances, made one key pass per game and has succeeded with 1.5 dribbles per match – a success rate of 64% – showcasing all the attributes of a successful winger.

He even made more dribbles than Palma did during the entirety of the 2022/2023 season, while creating the same amount of big chances and failing slightly behind on key passes per game, with Palma managing 1.4, suggesting that the 19-year-old would be a fine alternative.

His coach at Chicago Fire, Frank Klopas, has lauded his player as someone who simply “has everything” before stating that he is “good with the ball, his work rate, key passes, ability to beat players, technical ability." And making a move for the winger should be a priority now that Palma is reportedly off the cards.

Gutierrez has plenty of experience for someone so young, and he could further develop his skills in Scotland, as he will be given plenty of game time under Beale if he did join the Light Blues.

With a void to fill on the left flank, the youngster has shown that he means business in the senior ranks and could be a gamble worth taking.

An update has emerged on Burnley and their plans to improve their attacking options following their promotion to the Premier League…

What's the latest on Jack Clarke to Burnley?

According to Football League World, Sunderland are expected to cash in on Clarets target Jack Clarke ahead of next season amid growing competition for his signature.

The report claims that Vincent Kompany is eyeing a swoop for the attacker alongside Rangers, Crystal Palace, and Everton, among others.

It is stated that Burnley hold the strongest interest in the former Leeds United academy graduate, who joined the Black Cats from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that could rise to £10m last summer.

How did Jack Clarke perform this season?

The English forward caught the eye with his performances in the Championship for Tony Mowbray's side and could form an exciting partnership with current Clarets star Josh Brownhill.

Clarke averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 45 matches in the second tier and chipped in with nine goals from out wide and only missed five 'big chances'. He plundered those strikes from 6.92 xG and proved himself to be a reliable finisher in front of goal.

Brownhill, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.27 across 41 league games and scored seven times. The former Preston North End ace outscored his xG by 0.85 and this suggests that, like his compatriot, the maestro is not wasteful with his shooting.

These statistics show that both players are effective at the top end of the pitch and could both carry a significant goal threat in the Premier League next season if they are provided with enough chances.

The Sunderland magician, whose dribbling ability was hailed as "effortless" by ex-Leeds ace Noel Whelan, also showcased his wizardry by racking up 12 assists from 11.10 xA in the division – four more assists than any Burnley player managed.

Brownhill was also a source of creativity for his side as the Englishman assisted eight goals and created 10.94 xA for his teammates, which suggests that the ace was let down by his fellow attackers as they did not make the most of the chances he was providing them with.

Kompany could now add another forward who is capable of finishing and creating opportunities in the final third by securing a swoop for Clarke.

The Black Cats whiz could form a dream partnership with Brownhill as they have both proven themselves capable of outperforming their xG and being able to consistently create openings for others from midfield and wide positions, which makes them huge threats for the opposition to deal with.

Celtic have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Leighton Clarkson, with news from Football Insider reporter David Lynch that Aberdeen are now leading the race for the player's signature.

Are Celtic linked with Leighton Clarkson?

The current Liverpool player was given the chance to shine out on loan in the 2022/23 season, joining up with Aberdeen on a short-term basis to get valuable first-team minutes. He went on to manage more games than ever before in his career, featuring on 34 occasions as the side finished in third place. The 21-year-old also managed a haul of five goals and eight assists along the way – career best totals for the youngster.

Prior to his spell in the Scottish Premiership, his only other gametime had come during a loan with Blackburn. He managed only seven league games for the Championship side though and couldn't produce any goals or assists.

Given plenty of minutes in Scotland, he impressed many and there is now a race for his signature. Celtic are one of the clubs that had been mentioned as having a keen interest in the player this summer, with the Hoops eager to add him to their ranks.

Even though the club have been managerless, Brendan Rodgers is now close to securing the job and he could have been one of the first signings to arrive for the new boss.

However, according to a report from Football Insider, Celtic – and perhaps Rodgers – will not get their wish.

That's because Aberdeen are believed to now be leading the race to sign him above the league winners and it means that they could now miss out on his signature. Having had the player on loan last season, the Dons have the advantage of knowing the youngster well and it would likely not take much for him to slot back in.

Has Leighton Clarkson played for Liverpool?

The 21-year-old has never managed to play in the Premier League for Liverpool and it now appears that he could be off in pursuit of regular first-team football. It's unclear how much he would cost the interested parties, although CIES Football Observatory suggest his value is around 5 million Euros (or £4.2m).

It means that any deal would likely not break the bank for Clarkson and he could be a bargain deal for any club that does sign him. Considering the player is now experienced in Scotland and has the ability to both score and assist in the league, he looks like he could be a solid purchase for any club – and Celtic likely wouldn't be happy to therefore see him join Aberdeen.

Match facts

Friday, November 25, 2016
Start time 0930 local (0730 GMT)Shai Hope is one of the two batsmen to have scored hundreds in the tri-series•AFP

Big picture

West Indies are yet to cross the line and win a match in Bulawayo on this tour after their tie against Zimbabwe and one-run defeat to Sri Lanka. That leaves them second on the points table, with seven points, while the hosts are third on four, with their points coming from that tie and the rain-ruined encounter against Sri Lanka. Both teams are chasing that winning feeling, and this match is essentially a semi-final, with the winner guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s final.The statistics favour West Indies: they have three of the top five wicket-takers and the top two run-scorers in this tri-series in their squad. But both teams’ recent form has been unpredictable and inconsistent, and West Indies may well be without strike bowler Shannon Gabriel after he limped off with a hamstring niggle during the game against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, making this a difficult match to call.The Zimbabweans floundered in the tournament opener, stooping to an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka, but the green, seaming conditions they encountered in Harare are a world away from the more benign surface they are likely to find on Friday. Zimbabwe will also be able to draw confidence from their last match against West Indies, as well as the comfort of playing at home in front of a supportive crowd.Zimbabwe’s best hope may be to play on West Indies’ performance anxiety and build pressure on their lower middle order. Captain Graeme Cremer made no secret of his intention to starve West Indies’ batsmen of boundaries as a route towards building pressure at the beginning of this series, and if his batsmen are able to cobble together a score, scoreboard pressure in the chase may be Zimbabwe’s best way to find a route past West Indies.

Form guide

Zimbabwe TLLLL (Last five completed matches, most recent first)
West Indies LTWLL

In the spotlight

West Indies’ Nos. 5 to 8 have scored 224 runs at 22.40 in the series, and both times that they chased they were unable to fully close off the game. Whether they are setting or chasing, the West Indies’ lower order will have to find a way to build on the platforms handed to them by the top four, and deal with pressure situations in unfamiliar conditions.It’s all very well formulating and sticking to a bowling plan, but if Zimbabwe’s fielding is not up to scratch that could all be for nought. Before their dramatic comeback, Zimbabwe missed multiple chances in their last game against West Indies, and coach Heath Streak pointed out that, as proud as he was of the fight they showed, this was one area to improve upon. The cliché ‘catches win matches’ should be ringing in Zimbabwe’s ears.There are doubts over Shannon Gabriel’s fitness•AFP

Team news

While Tarisai Musakanda might have seemed the romantic choice for a debut earlier in the series, it’s more likely that Zimbabwe might turn to experience in this situation. Hamilton Masakadza could slot in the opener’s position in place of Brian Chari, who hasn’t been able to take advantage of the Powerplay even when he has looked solid. Masakadza has been somewhat out of sorts recently, but he averages a healthy 34.79 at Queens. There are also questions at the lower end of Zimbabwe’s batting order, and the choice of whether to play Elton Chigumbura or Malcolm Waller as their finisher will have to be made.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Chamu Chibhabha, 2 Brian Chari/Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Craig Ervine, 4 Sikandar Raza, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Peter Moor (wk), 7 Elton Chigumbura/Malcolm Waller, 8 Graeme Cremer (capt), 9 Donald Tiripano, 10 Tendai Chisoro, 11 Chris Mpofu.Shannon Gabriel could only bowl five overs during West Indies’ match against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, and given the fast bowler’s susceptibility to injury they might not want to risk aggravating any niggles by playing him again, in which case Miguel Cummins seems the obvious replacement. Sulieman Benn has struggled to make an impact with the ball, and Zimbabwe’s batsmen might find Devendra Bishoo a more difficult prospect.West Indies (possible): 1 Johnson Charles, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Kraigg Brathwaite, 4 Shai Hope (wk), 5 Jonathan Carter, 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Ashley Nurse, 10 Devendra Bishoo, 11 Miguel Cummins.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch being used for Friday’s match is expected to play similarly to Wednesday’s encounter. With a little grass on it, albeit dead, it should hold up through the day and offer a little more for the bat than the ball, without being an absolute road. Friday’s weather forecast suggests a little more cloud cover than the last two days, as well as the threat of thunderstorms in the area.

Stats and trivia

• Evin Lewis and Shai Hope are the two leading run-scorers in this tri-series, with 193 and 173 runs respectively, and they are the only two batsmen from any of the sides to pass 100.
• Zimbabwe have chased 300-plus targets twice, with both times coming in the last five years, and both against New Zealand. Just over five years ago, Zimbabwe had chased down 328 at this ground.
• Craig Ervine is Zimbabwe’s leading batsman in this series, with 115 runs at 57.50 in three innings.

Quotes

“The mood in the camp is happy and confident. We’re hoping for a good home crowd as well, as the support will definitely help to fire us up.”
“We expect a good competition. They played a very good game against us last time, and we don’t expect anything different from them. Their tails will be up, so the situation for us is that we need to buckle down and close off these close games.”

The South Africa coach is hopeful administrators will either give players a wide berth or crack down completely when applying law 42 because he believes the application of artificial substances to the ball, especially in the form of edibles, occurs often.

Firdose Moonda in Adelaide22-Nov-20163:44

‘Seems to be a daily occurrence on the field’

Russell Domingo, South Africa’s coach, is hopeful administrators will either give players a wide berth or crack down completely when applying Law 42 – fair and unfair play – because he believes the application of artificial substances to the ball, especially in the form of edibles, occurs often.Domingo spoke to reporters about an hour before his captain Faf du Plessis’ hearing to face ball-tampering charges took place at the Adelaide Oval and could not comment on the specifics of the case but hinted that one of South Africa’s defenses could be that everybody else does it too.”You see it daily with those types of instances taking place on the field. I don’t want to talk about the [Faf] incident too much but it seems to be a daily occurrence on the field of play so they [the administrators] might need to re-look at that should they feel its not within the spirit of the game,” Domingo said.Du Plessis was only charged when television footage of him shining the ball with saliva – while also having a sweet or mint in his mouth – was circulated the day after the Hobart Test. By then, the time for the match officials to report an alleged offence had lapsed and the ICC investigated the visuals of their own volition, after being alerted by widespread media reports. After two similar incidents in the last three years (Dubai in 2013 and Galle in 2014), in which broadcasters were also involved in bringing to light South African offences, Domingo said they feel singled out.”There are other teams that have maybe done similar things and we’ve maybe looked at one or two instances that they have done those things and they haven’t been highlighted. I wouldn’t say we’ve been targeted but we’ve definitely been highlighted,” Domingo said. “It’s definitely been brought to the attention of the world and its definitely been brought to the attention of the ICC and its definitely been brought to our attention. Although it seemed pretty insignificant at the start of it, quite a lot has been made of it.””Lolly-line” or “Mint-gate” as it has been dubbed, has been on the front and back pages in the Australian press. And the South African squad have had several run-ins with the Australian television reporters which culminated in an airport scuffle on their arrival in Adelaide. Journalists were trying to get a comment out of du Plessis, who was shielded by the security officer, and has not spoken to the media since the Hobart win. Despite the possibility of a one-match ban, Domingo said du Plessis was holding up well.”It’s never pleasant when everybody has got an opinion on you and people have judged you before rulings have been made. That’s the nature of the world at the moment, everybody has got an opinion and can air it. When you are constantly seeing yourself in newspapers and have things written about you, I suppose it does weigh you down at times,” Domingo said. “He is a tough and resilient man and the team really supported him and surrounded him to lessen the load on him.”South Africa’s entire squad stood alongside Hashim Amla at the MCG when he called the ball-tampering allegations a “joke,” last Friday and said South Africa believed their captain had done, “absolutely nothing wrong.” Amla’s address took place before du Plessis was charged, but even in hindsight, Domingo does not think they would have handled it differently.”We are a unified team. We stand by our captain. We stand by the decisions we’ve made. They might not have always come across as the ideal way to do things but at that time and space we thought those were the right things to do,” he said.Perhaps surprisingly, South Africa have been buoyed by this fight, even though it has marred their preparation for their first pink-ball Test. Two days ahead of the day-night game, they were not sure whether their captain would be able to take the field with them or whether they would be allowed sweets, when they step on the park. But they were very sure they’re in it together.”Hopefully these incidents do galvanise the team a bit more. There’s definitely a feeling of togetherness and unity in the group and a lot of support for the current captain,” Domingo said. “It’s been an interesting few days. We’ve had a wonderful tour here, its been great, we’ve played great cricket. We’ve had long discussions and our focus now is purely on cricket. It hasn’t been ideal preparation. I would be lying if I say its been spectacular preparation but our focus is totally on the cricket.”

Newcastle United are closing on their first signing of the summer after qualifying for the Champions League and could unearth a real prodigy in Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet Marca (via the Express), the Magpies are now 'very close' to signing the 21-year-old midfielder, who has enjoyed an exemplary breakout campaign with the Sky Blues.

Spanish sources first reported Newcastle's interest several months ago, who had sent scouts out to observe the Spaniard in action, evidently leaving enamoured with his skill set.

Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that the prodigy's release clause stands at €40m (£34m), and while the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are also vying for his signature, it is indeed Eddie Howe's burgeoning outfit who look set to win the race.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

Newcastle have held a vested interest in Leicester City's James Maddison for a considerable amount of time now, failing with a £50m bid last summer, probing again in winter and now eyeing a £40m move for the England international following the Foxes' relegation.

The playmaking whiz has been one of the Premier League's most prolific midfielders over the past several seasons, and has indeed illustrated his aptitude with ten goals and nine assists this term despite his outfit's plummet into the second tier.

The argument that he would bolster Newcastle's offensive potency is unequivocal, but with Veiga closing on a move to Tyneside, he's arguably the perfect alternative for the 26-year-old, potentially even eclipsing Maddison's prospective feats at St. James' Park.

Last season, the "Spanish gem" – as dubbed by Romano – plied his trade in the Spanish third division before making seven late league appearances for Celta Vigo's first team after captivating with his exploits; this term, he has plundered nine goals and four assists in LaLiga, his first full season at top-flight level.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 21% for rate of assists, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 11% for successful take-ons and the top 10% for touches in the attacking box per 90, which underscored just how much of a driving force he would be for Howe's thriving squad, who now offer the allure of Champions League football after finishing fourth.

While the Magpies have indeed been in stellar showing this term, the onus will now be on cementing this newfound stature and crafting a dynasty set to last, and Veiga, who is dazzling at the maiden stage of his career, could be the eventual centrepiece of the Toon's feats.

He has recently been heralded as "Baby Kaka" by one journalist, with the legendary Brazilian and former Ballon d'Or, World Cup and Champions League winner one of the most graceful and technically gifted players to ever take to the pitch.

Having enjoyed an illustrious career, notably with Real Madrid and AC Milan, Kaka has been heralded as a "magician" by his compatriot and all-time phenomenon Pele, and if Veiga can harness the prestigious former star's aura, he could bring an unprecedented slice of sorcery to Newcastle, who begin a chapter tantalising greatness.

The BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke has requested the ECB to bear the expenses of its team during England’s upcoming tour of India

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2016

The BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke has requested the ECB to bear the expenses of its team during England’s upcoming tour of India. Shirke said the BCCI was unable to sign the MoU with the ECB at this time because the board could not enter into contracts without directions from the Lodha Committee.”Dear Phil, I warmly welcome you for the upcoming cricket series. I am however at great pains to inform you that the BCCI is at present not in a position to execute the MoU between the Indian Cricket Board and the ECB,” Shirke wrote to the England team’s operations manager, Phil Neale, according to the . “This is due to restrictions on execution of contracts imposed on the BCCI by a Court order.”Certain courtesies such as hotel, travel and various other arrangements have been extended to you on arrival of the team in India. However, till the MoU is executed, the BCCI is not in a position to commit to paying for the same. Please make arrangements to remit such payments. The BCCI will inform you as and when further instructions are received by the BCCI from the Lodha Committee. I apologise on behalf of the BCCI for inconvenience that is being caused.”While the BCCI had contacted the Lodha Committee seeking approval for the MoU, the Lodha Committee in its response to the board said forming cricket policy was not part of its remit, but that directions regarding payments could only be given after the BCCI provided more information about the transactions involved.It is understood that Shirke then sent the committee the unsigned MoU via email late on November 3 evening, but despite being asked for details the email did not contain what the Lodha Committee wanted.However, there is a larger issue between the Lodha Committee and the BCCI. On October 21, the Supreme Court had directed the BCCI not to distribute funds to state associations until they agreed to comply with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, which the court had approved in an order on July 18. The court also asked Shirke and Thakur to meet the Lodha Committee in two weeks’ time and placed several restrictions on the board’s ability to enter into contracts, which forced the IPL broadcast and digital rights tender process to be put off indefinitely and prevented the BCCI from signing the MoU with the ECB.The Lodha Committee then asked the BCCI for an undertaking from Thakur that the board would implement the Supreme Court order of October 21, a step that would indicate that the BCCI was willing to implement the recommendations of the Lodha Committee. As of November 3, Thakur had not given such an undertaking and he and Shirke had not met the committee either.The Lodha Committee – comprising former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and retired Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran – was formed in January 2015 to determine appropriate punishments for some of the officials involved in the 2013 IPL corruption scandal, and also to propose changes to streamline the BCCI, reform its functioning, prevent sporting fraud and conflict of interest.

Manchester United could be a potential destination for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic if he decides to leave his current employers in the forthcoming transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Dusan Vlahovic?

According to Corriere Torino via The Faithful MUFC, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Vlahovic and would need to pay around €90 million (£77.4 million) to land the Serbia international this summer.

The report states that Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal made proposals to try and land the 23-year-old in the January window; however, nothing came to fruition and he remained at Juventus.

ESPN claimed last month that Chelsea are said to have made an offer of €80 million (£68.8 million) as they look to sign a striker this off-season and Vlahovic is believed to be their preferred striking target at Stamford Bridge.

Vlahovic is unhappy at Juventus and has become a hot topic around Europe as many clubs look to capitalise on the fact Juventus will be plying their trade in the Europa Conference League next term rather than the Champions League, where they would've been situated if it wasn't for a 10-point deduction.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Vlahovic could end up at Old Trafford this summer as speculation swirls over his future.

Jones said: “The situation around Vlahovic is very interesting. Potentially he’s one of the hottest frontmen on the market this summer – but we also have to consider Juve might change manager and my information is that could well sway his decision to stay if it happens.

“Let’s consider that he does leave Juve, there is good value to be had. Generally, there is a feeling he goes at around €70m, although I was told that he won’t leave for less than €80m (£70m). Even at that price, he holds good value in my eyes and would be worth the pursuit.

“A source in Italy told me he sees Bayern Munich and Manchester United as the two most likely landing spots for him but there are a few other clubs looking at this too so let’s see how it all opens up in the next few days as a decision is looming.”

Would Dusan Vlahovic prove to be a good signing for Manchester United?

Vlahovic, who has been hailed as a "monster", certainly knows where the back of the net is and would add a predatory instinct to a Manchester United side that did endure moments of profligacy in front of goal throughout this campaign.

In 42 appearances within 2022/23, Vlahovic managed to register 14 goals and four assists for Juventus in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored show that the £216k-a-week ace was also a constant problem for opposition defenders to contend with, as he averaged 2.5 shots per match in Serie A.

The Serbia international also showed his capacity to lead the line effectively, successfully carrying out 63 shot-creating actions this season, according to FBRef.

Manchester United need to find a quality striker to add extra goals to their side heading into next term and Vlahovic could help the Red Devils to become genuine Premier League title challengers under Erik Ten Hag if they can get a deal over the line for the striker.

Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the first Test against Pakistan after fracturing his right wrist while training for a domestic game

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2016

New Zealand allrounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the first Test against Pakistan after fracturing his right wrist while training for a domestic game. He was struck on the wrist while at practice for Northern Districts, ahead of their Plunket Shield – New Zealand’s domestic first-class tournament – game against Canterbury.In a release, New Zealand Cricket said an x-ray revealed the fracture, which also put him in doubt for the second Test. The two-Test series begins in Christchurch on November 17, with the second match due to begin on November 25 in Hamilton.”After such a strong tour of India, it’s really disappointing for Mitch to pick up this injury ahead of the first match of the home summer,” coach Mike Hesson said. “We’re unsure whether Mitch will be available for the second Test at this stage, but we’ll be monitoring his recovery closely and look forward to having him back.”Santner’s left-arm spin had proved to be very effective during the three-Test series in India. He finished the visitors’ joint-highest wicket-taker with fast bowler Trent Boult, taking 10 wickets in a series which they lost 3-0. Following the closely-contested ODIs, which they lost 3-2, where Santner was the most economical of New Zealand’s bowlers, captain Kane Williamson tagged him the standout performer of the tour.”He has been outstanding. Although conditions are favourable to spinners here there are a lot of spinners who come here and struggle,” Williamson had said. “Mitch has performed day in and day out. His change of pace and his ability to spin the ball was a great asset to have. Not to mention his batting and his fielding as well.”New Zealand have yet to name their squad for the Pakistan series.

Wolverhampton Wanderers ended the 2022/23 campaign with a relatively comfortable 13th-placed finish in the Premier League table.

Julen Lopetegui's side were never in any serious danger of being relegated down to the Championship as they finished seven points clear of the bottom three, with Leicester, Southampton, and Leeds United all dropping out of the division.

The Spanish head coach now has a full summer transfer window to improve his squad with a view to competing further up the table, and potentially challenging for Europe again in 23/24.

One player who could come in is Stuttgart ace Konstantinos Mavropanos, who is a reported transfer target for the Old Gold as they look to improve their defensive options.

Who is Konstantinos Mavropanos?

The 25-year-old Greek centre-back enjoyed an excellent campaign in the Bundesliga in 22/23 and could come in to form a terrific partnership with current Wolves star Max Kilman.

The English defender played 37 of the club's 38 Premier League matches in the season just gone and averaged a solid Sofascore rating of 6.85. He proved himself to be a solid option at the heart of the defence and dominated opposition attackers as he won 63% of his duels.

This means that Kilman is capable of bullying opponents and keeping them quiet for the majority of games when it comes to battling for the ball, which is particularly useful in physical games where there may be a barrage of set pieces and balls into the box.

Mavropanos could form a "monster" pairing with the Wolves ace as Borussia Monchengladbach chief Pellegrino Matarazzo previously described the Greek gem, whilst also hailing him as a "gladiator".

The colossal Stuttgart enforcer averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.26 across 28 appearances in the Bundesliga, which would place him top of the Wolves squad for outfield players, and won an impressive 66% of his battles, including 70% of his aerial contests.

This suggests that the former Arsenal prospect, who also made four tackles and interceptions per match, is also a dominant defender who does not give much away when competing with opposition strikers.

Therefore, the £22k-per-week brute could be an exceptional addition to Lopetegui's side as his form in the German top-flight suggests that the potential is there for him to be an outstanding performer for the club, whilst his dominance at the back could make him and Kilman a formidable pairing for strikers to come up against next season.