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Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key update in Manchester United’s pursuit of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The Lowdown: United closing in…

The Red Devils appear to be closing in on bringing Ten Hag to Old Trafford after holding ‘positive’ discussions last month.

Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday evening that the Red Devils, who have also spoken to Mauricio Pochettino, are now close to finalising a move for Ten Hag.

The report claims sources from the Dutchman’s camp have shared details regarding a compensation package and how Ten Hag will be announced after impressing United chiefs in an interview.

The Latest: Romano’s big update

Romano has now weighed in with a significant update on Ten Hag moving to England, posting on Twitter on Thursday morning.

He insisted that interim manager Ralf Rangnick has given his approval over a move for the 52-year-old in ‘private conversations’.

“While Man Utd sources insist no final agreement has been reached yet with any manager, even Rangnick has approved Erik ten Hag in private conversations.

“Rangnick is not involved in any negotiation – it’s up to the club to discuss details of the project with ten Hag.”

The Verdict: Good news…

United have stressed that no managerial appointment is imminent, but it looks as if Ten Hag will be the man to come in ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

It is easy to see why Ten Hag is wanted by United chiefs too, averaging an impressive 2.36 points-per-game with Ajax since 2017. He has successfully rebuilt the Dutch giants after losing several star men after their run to the Champions League semi-finals back in 2019, winning the double last season.

Hopefully, Ten Hag will be the man to turn United’s fortunes around, but he’ll have a lot of work to do over the coming months to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

In other news: Sky Sports man: Fresh Man Utd ‘concern’ after Romano shares ‘bad news’ at Old Trafford. 

Journalist Paul Brown has now dropped some fresh Everton transfer news involving Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, claiming a deal for the winger is ‘out of reach’.

The Lowdown: £50m claim

As per The Daily Mail, the Magpies are now willing to listen to offers of around £50m for Saint-Maximin in the summer, as Eddie Howe looks to freshen up his squad ahead of the new season.

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The Goodison Park faithful are reportedly just one of a number of clubs who are interested in his signature, but that is assuming that they manage to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Latest: Brown update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown has now claimed that a move for Saint-Maximin to the Merseyside club ‘looks out of reach at the moment’, but admitted that he would have been an ‘ideal’ signing under former manager Rafa Benitez:

“It looks out of reach at the moment. I’ve thought since last summer, when we found out that Rafael Benitez wanted to play quick, counter-attacking football with wingers, that Saint-Maximin was ideal for that kind of role.”

The Verdict: Unlikely

It just seems very unlikely that Saint-Maximin would leave the long-term project at St. James’ Park for a club currently entrenched even further in the relegation dogfight.

He is clearly a key player for the Magpies, having averaged more shots and dribbles per match in the division than any of his teammates, while no Toon player has come close to his six man-of-the-match awards.

Nonetheless, it is very difficult to see the Toffees paying anything close to £50m for the Frenchman anyway, given their financial troubles.

In other news, find out which Ronaldo-like star the Blues are now eyeing here!

Rangers managed to put in a dominant performance against Kilmarnock in their Scottish Cup fifth round replay last night as they secured a 5-0 victory. 

The Bluenoses currently find themselves trailing in the race for the Scottish Premiership title, with the Hoops holding an eight point lead having been dominant in recent times.

One player who may be of interest to Rangers is Lawrence Shankland, who has been in sublime form in Scotland in the current campaign having produced an incredible 30 goals and eight assists in 30 games.

Interestingly, the 23-year-old told the BBC’s Off the Ball radio show that he would like a second shot at succeeding at Rangers after spending time at the club as a youngster. So, it would make perfect sense for Steven Gerrard to move in for the forward as his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

Gerrard has managed to secure a number of impressive signings since taking over as Rangers boss, including the likes of Jermain Defoe, Ryan Kent, Joe Worrall and Scott Arfield. So, many supporters will be eager to see what the 38-year-old’s next move will be, with Jordan Jones already set to rock up at Ibrox at the end of the season.

Indeed, the Rangers boss can pull off another masterstroke by securing the services of Lawrence Shankland on a free transfer as he’s arguably one of the most prolific attackers in Scottish football, and he has pretty much his whole career ahead of him so there’s still plenty of time for him to develop into a star.

What do you think Rangers fans?

Leeds United could be making a huge mistake as a transfer update emerges on Francisco Trincao’s possible move to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that Raphinha is someone who Barcelona are keen to land when the transfer window opens, with the Brazilian winger’s agent, Deco, having close ties to those at the Camp Nou.

Now, Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) have revealed that the Whites would be open to taking a young player in return from the La Liga giants, and that Trincao could be someone who moves in the opposite direction if Raphinha does make the switch.

Orta making a mistake

Given Trincao is on the books at Barcelona, there’s no surprise that a number of people, including his former teammates, have waxed lyrical about his talents, with Ronald Araujo saying: “He is not so fast or intense but I think he has a little more magic.  He was an amazing kid, very skinny. Physically, he was very poor but with the ball he was magic, doing tricks, so skilful.”

And, about the 22-year-old previously, his former teammate at Braga, Abel Ruiz, said: “I would say Trincao looks like Messi, but you can’t compare anyone to Leo. He is the typical left-winger who has a good dribble, someone who’s skilled. If he plays on the right, he goes inside and hits with his left. On the left, he overflows and scores many goals.

“He’s a very good player and I’m sure that he will do very well at Barca. Trincao, honestly, is a very complete player. He’s more than ready to play for Barca. His shot is incredible.”

But, since making the loan switch to Wolves last summer, the Portuguese ace just simply hasn’t delivered the goods on a consistent basis in English football.

Dubbed as being “toothless” by Nathan Judah, the winger has earned a measly average match rating of 6.60 from WhoScored, making him one of the lowest-rated Wolves players to start more than ten league games – indeed, only Leander Dendoncker figures lower than him in that regard.

Trincao appears to be someone who is very much streaky in his displays, capable of pulling off the sublime like he did against Leeds themselves when he scored one and made one, but also going on a run of nine games without a single goal contribution prior to that clash at Molineux.

The £25m-rated trickster may have the natural talent to potentially being an exciting addition to this Leeds team, but his overall performances and lack of consistency in the Premier League make him a very questionable signing for Marsch this summer.

Seeing Leeds swap Trincao for Raphinha would be an almighty backwards step, and it’s a mistake Victor Orta would be very wise to avoid.

AND in other news – Forget Joffy: Marsch can get Leeds rocking by finally unleashing “phenomenal” 20 y/o

Everton have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their clash with Leicester this evening at Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

Frank Lampard took to his pre-match press conference to give an update on the availability of Donny van de Beek following his absence due to a small grade thigh injury sustained in the warm-up ahead of the West Ham United game earlier this month.

The Toffees boss told the press:

“He was not well for a period, then he had an injury pre-West Ham [before being unable to play against parent club Manchester United].

“He had a baby girl last week, which is great for him. It’s nice for us to have him to be back in the squad now.”

Frank will be buzzing

There is no doubt that Lampard will be buzzing to have an almost fully fit squad at this stage of the season, especially the return of a first-team player like Van de Beek who has become involved in Everton’s pursuit for safety from relegation since joining the squad in January.

Despite only making six appearances so far, the 25-year-old midfielder has played an important role in the centre of the pitch when he has been available to play in the team.

His most notable 90-minute performance came from his Everton debut when the Man United loanee delivered a fantastic defensive midfield performance to seal a 3-0 victory over Leeds United.

According to Squawka, the Dutch star had an 89.5% pass accuracy, made ten ball recoveries, won seven duels, won the most possessions in the middle third, made the most tackles (4) and created one chance, proving how effective and influential he can be to this team.

With that being said, Lampard now has the opportunity to unleash Van de Beek back into his midfield three tonight thanks to his return to fitness, and if he can emulate his first performance upon his return against Brendan Rodgers’ side tonight, it could make a huge difference to Everton’s chances of survival.

Everton can go six points clear of 18th place Burnley this evening if they can secure all three points at Goodison Park, which would put them in a good position to avoid their first-ever Premier League relegation this season.

AND in other news: Lampard must unleash “unselfish” £22.5m-rated Everton star, he’ll terrify Leicester

Alex Crook has revealed a fresh development in West Bromwich Albion’s potential appointment of Steve Bruce.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the talkSPORT journalist revealed that, alongside the 61-year-old, Alex Bruce and Stephen Clemence also look set to join the Albion coaching staff upon the appointment of the former Newcastle United manager.

In his post, Crook said: “Understand Alex Bruce could be part of dad Steve’s WBA backroom team having recently completed his coaching badges. Stephen Clemence tends to be by his side at most clubs so would anticipate him coming too.”

Fans will be fuming

With Baggies fans appearing extremely unhappy at the prospect of Bruce being appointed as Valerien Ismael’s successor at The Hawthorns, the news that the veteran coach is planning on bringing his son into a coaching role at the club is sure to have left supporters fuming.

Indeed, in two polls ran on Football FanCast in recent days, West Brom fans first proved that they do not think the 61-year-old would be a good choice as the club’s next manager, before revealing in a second poll that the reasoning behind this is due to Bruce’s style of football.

As such, when adding into the mix the likely arrival of Alex Bruce as part of the Baggies’ new first-team coaching staff, there will undoubtedly be questions raised about the former Birmingham City and Aston Villa manager’s reasoning for appointing a completely inexperienced coach to help train a squad that is chasing promotion to the Premier League this season.

Indeed, with Albion fans not best pleased with Bruce’s impending arrival in the first place, the former Manchester United centre-back’s son also making a move to The Hawthorns is not likely to make matters any better for Albion supporters.

In other news: “I’m told…”: Sky Sports journo reveals WBA want 41 y/o boss, fans will be buzzing

Journalist Phil Hay believes that Dan James will lead the line for Leeds United in their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The Lowdown: James’ resurgence under Marsch

Jesse Marsch’s men face another crucial game in their top-flight survival battle as they head south to take on the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

James has been used regularly by the Leeds manager since the American replaced Marcelo Bielsa, admittedly not yet scoring under the 48-year-old but providing lots of endeavour and registering two assists.

The former Manchester United man has often been used centrally by Marsch in the absence of Patrick Bamford, and that could be the case again when Leeds take on Palace.

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The Latest: Hay makes team news claim

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic leading up to kick-off, Hay has backed James to lead the line for Leeds at Selhurst Park, on what feels like a crucial night in the relegation tussle. The journalist wrote:

“My gut feeling is it will be James up front again this evening – but maybe Marsch will surprise us.”

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The Verdict: Big night for James

In truth, James has had a disappointing first season in a Leeds shirt, having become the club’s second-most expensive signing in history when he joined from their Mancunian rivals.

Four goals and four assists is still a reasonable effort in a struggling team, though, and it makes sense for him to continue in a central role on Monday night in the absence of Bamford.

If James could find the net decisively at Selhurst Park, it would be perhaps his biggest contribution yet in a Whites shirt as he looks to justify the £25m that Leeds paid for him last year.

In other news, Marsch is reportedly trying to bring one player to Leeds. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have been dealt a huge injury setback concerning Stuart Dallas ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash with Southampton.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver (via MOT Leeds News), who claimed that, following the versatile defender’s withdrawal in the second half of Northern Ireland’s 3-1 win over Luxembourg on Friday evening, the 30-year-old was seen to be in discussions with medical staff regarding an apparent groin injury.

Following Dallas’ substitution, Weaver said: “Medical staff having a word with Stuart Dallas. Looks like it was his groin.”

Marsch will be devastated

Considering the fact that Dallas had already been something of an injury concern prior to leaving for international duty, as the right-back had been on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Joao Moutinho in Leeds’ 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, the news that the right-back now looks to have picked up a fresh knock is sure to have left Jesse Marsch devastated.

Indeed, with Patrick Bamford, Diego Llorente, Mateusz Klich and Illan Meslier all sustaining injuries in the victory at Molineux, while Raphinha has also withdrawn from international duty with Brazil after falling ill, the American manager’s Leeds squad has been rather decimated over the past eight days.

As such, should Dallas join the aforementioned players in the Elland Road treatment room ahead of the visit of Southampton next Saturday, it would quite clearly come as a huge blow to the Whites’ chances of picking up all three points against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

And, while the back-to-back victories over Norwich City and Wolves have eased Leeds’ relegation fears somewhat, the club are by no means out of the woods just yet – meaning the potential loss of Dallas may not only harm the Whites in the short-term, it could also see them slip back into a fight for survival over their remaining eight games of the season.

AND in other news: Orta set for Leeds disaster on £8.4k-p/w “bag of tricks” whose “talent isn’t in doubt”

Leeds United midfielder Stuart Dallas may have picked up a groin injury on international duty, acting as another possible blow for the Whites.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ Mr Reliable

The 30-year-old has once again been a consistent performer for Leeds this season, even though he hasn’t necessarily been at his very best in a year of struggles for the team.

Dallas has made 30 Premier League starts in 2021/22 to date, filling in across several different positions, with his versatility proving to be priceless amidst the injury crisis suffered by both Marcelo Bielsa and now Jesse Marsch.

The midfielder, one of the only Leeds players to not miss a single fixture through injury this term, is currently on international duty with Northern Ireland, but he may be Leeds’ latest injury casualty.

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The Latest: Potential injury suffered

Dallas hurt himself in his country’s 3-1 win over Luxembourg on Friday night, with Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver pointing it out [via MOT Leeds News]:

“Medical staff having a word with Stuart Dallas, looks like it was his groin.”

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The Verdict: Hopefully nothing serious

There is no confirmation yet regarding the severity of Dallas’ injury but the hope is that it is nothing too serious ahead of Leeds’ return to league action next weekend.

The Whites have had to make do without a host of stars players throughout the season, from Kalvin Phillips to Patrick Bamford, and Dallas’ aforementioned versatility and reliability would make him a big loss in the relegation battle.

Should he be out for an extended period, it really would sum up a forgettable campaign for Leeds – one in which so little has gone right, as they look to avoid a return to the Championship.

In other news, a transfer expert has made a key double Leeds claim. Read more here.

Frank McAvennie has been left blown away by some Glasgow Rangers transfer news that he has now heard from Ibrox involving Alex Lowry.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

It has been reported that both Newcastle United and Manchester City are now interested in signing Lowry in the summer, after holding talks with his camp.

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He has reportedly rejected a three-and-a-half-year deal at Ibrox, and his current contract expires in 2023, casting a doubt over his future.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Scottish Premiership striker now pundit McAvennie has since given his reaction to the news, and was left wowed by the Magpies and City’s interest:

“It’s hard to turn down but he won’t be getting game time down there either.

“If you’re not getting in the Rangers team, you won’t be getting in either of their teams.

“He should be going somewhere where he can play every week, 100%.

“They could arrange to loan him back to Rangers. But he needs to impress between now and the end of the season if he’s going to get into that team, because he’s nowhere near it.

“If Man City and Newcastle are interested, then wow – he’s gonna get a bit of money there.

“But he needs to go somewhere where he can realise that potential, and I don’t think it’s going to be at either of those clubs.”

The Verdict: Keep

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team really need to be keeping hold of Lowry if they can, despite what could be tempting financial packages from the mega-rich Premier League clubs.

He is highly thought of at the Teddy Bears, having played four senior games already this season at the age of just 18, as former manager Graeme Murty has even hone as far as to call him ‘remarkable‘.

Nonetheless, with uncertainty over the futures of the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, there could already be a pathway paved for Lowry to get more minutes in the first team, which will only help his development as he looks to make a mark on Scottish football.

In other news, find out what ‘huge blow’ for the Gers has now emerged here!