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A big update has emerged on Rangers wide man Ryan Kent, regarding potential interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Aston Villa reporter Gregg Evans has ruled out the Premier League side making a move for the Gers forward in January.

A fan sent in a question asking whether or not Steven Gerrard will return to Ibrox to pinch some of his former players, with Gregg giving a snippet on Kent and Glen Kamara.

He replied:

“Kamara has been on Villa’s watch-list in the past, so he’s an interesting one but having just signed a new deal at Rangers, it looks unlikely in January.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see Villa wait until the summer to bring in a new midfielder if they can’t get a top target either, unless there’s another injury to add to Nakamba’s setback, then they will need to increase the numbers.

“I’m pretty sure it’s a no to Kent. Villa already have lots of options in the attacking areas.”

Big boost

Rangers fans will surely be delighted with this update as it suggests that the ex-Liverpool man will not be heading to Villa Park in January.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst will want to keep as many of his best players as possible and a lack of firm interest in Kent will come as a welcome relief. The Kamara update is slightly more worrying heading into next summer, but Evans claiming that a move is ‘unlikely’ in January is another boost for the side.

In the league this season, the Finland international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.04 across 17 starts. The midfielder has completed 91% of his passes and won 54% of his duels, whilst chipping in with one goal and two assists.

Last term in the Premiership, Kent managed ten goals and nine assists as the Gers won the title. He averaged a terrific SofaScore rating of 7.23, showing that he can perform consistently to a high level in the division. This is why he is a crucial player for the club and why losing him in January would be a major blow.

Therefore, fans will be delighted with this latest update on Aston Villa’s plans for next month and the slim chances of them trying to sign Kent or Kamara to bolster their squad.

AND in other news, GVB could ruin Rangers’ title charge with major January gamble, fans would be livid… 

Dean Jones has revealed some big Transfer Deadline Day news involving Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Busy day

It has certainly been a busy day at St James’ Park so far, with both Dan Burn and Matt Targett currently undergoing medicals ahead of moves from Brighton and Aston Villa respectively.

Hugo Ekitike also looked like he was on his way to the northeast, but that deal now looks to be off as things stand.

One other name who has popped up fairly recently is Jesse Lingard, and that would potentially make three new arrivals on Tyneside today.

The Latest: Five deals?!

As per journalist and transfer insider Jones, Newcastle are ‘pushing’ to sign as many as five players today, although he did not confirm who they were.

The reporter tweeted: “Newcastle pushing for 5 players on deadline day should be fun!”

The Verdict: More than expected?

Assuming that Burn and Targett pass their medicals, that would be two new arrivals on deadline day, and Lingard could potentially be a third.

There could still be a dramatic twist with Ekitike in the final few hours, but that still only makes four players. Who the fifth one could be is anyone’s guess, with links to the likes of Yannick Carrasco today as well.

Nonetheless, if Newcastle can bring in five fresh faces before the 11pm deadline, it would certainly be a big statement in terms of increasing their chances of staying in the Premier League.

In other news, find out what Keith Downie has said about NUFC’s pursuit of Jesse Lingard

Many Manchester United fans have been left to slam the display of Marcus Rashford despite their 6-2 home win over AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League.

Despite the demolition of the Serie A team in the end, with Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani the star men on show with two goals and two assists each, the England international did not manage to grab himself a goal or an assist in what was a frustrating night for him at Old Trafford.

Rashford lost out on seven of his duels in the game, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, accurate cross or long ball, all while losing possession no fewer than on 17 separate occasions in total, the joint-most out of any of his teammates to played in the match (Sofascore).

Manchester United fans on Rashford display

These Red Devils slammed his performance on Twitter, with one MUFC supporter even going as far as to claim that the 23-year-old is ‘lazy’ and encouraging him to learn from the work rate of Cavani:

“Rashford and Martial will never learn anything from Cavani, they’re so lazy #Mufc #Glazersout”

Credit: @Tetelo40051997

“Negatives were AWB was very poor tonight Rashford was just horrific and I felt awful for poor Chrissy Smalling the penalty against him was harsh and he was easily their best defender #MUFC #EuropaLeague”

Credit: @hanlonstweets

“There is one definite conclusion from today’s match. Rashford should not start for Man United ever. #UEL #MUFC #MUNROM”

Credit: @singharjun011

“Coincidence, Man United started playing well as if they are playing with 11 men instead of 10 since Rashford has been substituted #bbcfootball #mufc #mutv #MUNROM”

Credit: @AshwinR10_

“I can see the reasons for putting Pogba further forward but Rashford is hopeless on the right… He should be left or on the bench… Play Mason right!… #mufc”

Credit: @wilson2604

“Marcus Rashford is the bad apple in that #MUFC #ManUtd Squad. He doesn’t defend or make an effort for the team. Cos he knows Ole will always pick him #Rashford”

Credit: @DBoyT3

In other news, find out what Eric Bailly update has left United fans fuming here!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Pau Torres to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication La Razon (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite the Villarreal centre-back having rejected a move to Spurs last summer, Fabio Paratici will once again launch an offensive for the 25-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

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The report goes on to state that, now the Spain international has fulfilled his dream of playing in the Champions League with his boyhood club, Unai Emery will agree to part with Torres in the summer transfer window – as long as an offer of around €60m (£50m) is submitted.

Paratici’s next De Ligt

Considering how impressive Torres has been for Villarreal this season, in addition to it being reported that Tottenham will prioritise the signing of a left-sided centre-back this summer, it is easy to see why Antonio Conte and Paratici would be interested in a move for the Spaniard ahead of 2022/23.

Indeed, over his 28 LaLiga appearances in the current campaign, the £58m-rated centre-back has been imperious in the heart of Emery’s defence, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 3.3 clearances and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of 65% – per game.

The £126k-per-week defender has also impressed in an attacking and creative capacity, scoring four goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing 55.2 passes, 4.5 long balls, 3.8 chipped passes, 0.9 dribbles and taking 0.7 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who journalist Simon Collings dubbed “classy” and Javi Calleja labelled an “extraordinary talent” average a fantastic SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as Villarreal’s third-best player in the Spanish top flight.

The 25-year-old has been equally as impressive over his ten Champions League outings this season, helping his side keep three clean sheets, scoring one goal and creating two big chances, with these metrics seeing the left-footer average a SofaScore match rating of 7.08 – with the centre-back playing a crucial role in the Yellow Submarine’s run to the semi-finals of the competition.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Torres would make an exceptional addition to Conte’s current defensive options at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leading us to believe Paratici must do all he can to get a deal over the line for the Spaniard this summer – especially if he is available for a figure of around £50m.

And, with the managing director having been the man behind Juventus’ €75m (£67.8m) capture of Matthijs de Ligt back in 2019, Torres could very well prove to be the Italian’s next seismic centre-back signing.

AND in other news: “Tottenham could consider…”: Romano drops huge transfer claim, Conte would love him

Charlton Athletic are on the verge of making a massive mistake over out-of-contract midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey.

The Addicks are starting a new era at The Valley after long-serving midfielder-turned-manager Lee Bowyer swapped south east London for another old home in Birmingham City.

In has come Nigel Adkins, with the side sitting ninth in League One, firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot come to the end of the season. But his job will be made harder if Charlton chief Steve Gallen doesn’t start planning for the future.

And the best place to start would be tying down their most influential player…

On the Chalkboard

The 26-year-old dynamo has now been at the club for five years but is arguably enjoying his best season in an Addicks shirt.

Indeed, Forster-Caskey current ranks as Charlton’s second-best player as per WhoScored ratings, grading at 7.18. Only Preston loanee Jayden Stockley is managing better (7.18).

In 26 league appearances, the £6k-per-week gem has delivered five goals and two assists, which puts him as their third-highest goalscorer, too.

Forster-Caskey offers an industrious box-to-box presence and that’ll be something Adkins will want to keep hold of, if he’s to persist with a 4-4-2 formation. You need someone that can contribute up and down the pitch.

As per WhoScored, the midfielder is averaging two tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, showing an ability to not only read the game defensively but actually put that intelligence into action, as well as managing to average 1.4 shots and 1.3 key passes per game on top of his direct goal contributions.

Just before his departure, Bowyer emphasised how crucial he is to the team.

“We’ve missed him,” said the 44-year-old to LondonNewsOnline. “Jake will [drive his teammates on]. If you do see your teammate running and fighting and pressing then it has a natural reaction. You have to go with him because if not you stand out like a sore thumb. He does have that impact. He’s been here since day one when I was here. He does have that aura in the dressing room. He has that respect.”

Whilst ex-Addicks boss Karl Robinson has previously lauded him as “unbelievable.”

Letting his contract run down until the end of the season is a dangerous game to play, given his influence on the squad. Gallen is running the risk of seeing one of Adkins’ star players leave for nothing.

That would be catastrophic.

The Charlton director of football must tie the 26-year-old down as soon as possible.

AND in other news, Nigel Adkins could unearth his next Adam Lallana in “improving” 20 y/o gem

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News), Wolves are interested in signing Rafael Leao from AC Milan this summer.

The Lowdown: Movement at Wolves

Wolves struggled in terms of strikers last season. Raul Jimenez spent the majority of the campaign out with a head injury (Transfermarkt), while 18-year-old Fabio Silva managed only four goals in 32 Premier League appearances.

As such, new Wolves manager Bruno Lage may be looking to bring in a striker, and it seems he already has one on his radar.

The Latest: Wolves eye Leao

It is now being reported that the Old Gold are interested in Milan striker Leao.

They are not the only clubs in pursuit, though, with both Borussia Dortmund and Marseille also linked with his services, as per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News).

The Verdict: Plenty to prove

Leao is certainly an interesting talent. He has already played for Sporting Lisbon and Lille as well as Milan and has previously earned high praise. In 2019, his previous Sporting coach Tiago Fernandes described him as “another Ronaldo” in reference to the former Brazil and Real Madrid striker (Football Italia).

However, he has struggled so far in Italy to find the back of the net on a regular basis. In 73 appearances for Milan, he has managed just 13 goals, only five more than he managed in 47 fewer games in France. Valued at £22.5m (Transfermarkt), Wolves would be paying an awful lot for a player who still has plenty of prove, and they might get better value elsewhere.

In other news, Wolves make an enquiry for this Euro 2020 star.

Liverpool have received a crushing blow in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, following reports that Paris St-Germain are set to offer the France international a contract extension [Liverpool Echo].

Enjoying a remarkable 2020-21 campaign, Mbappe notched an unbelievable 53 goal contributions in 47 appearances for the Coupe De France winners [Transfermarkt].

Sparking rumours of a switch to the Premier League, Liverpool alongside Real Madrid have been heavily rumoured with a move for to secure his signature.

However, this now looks set to fall by the wayside after the Parisians have stepped up their attempts to keep him at the Parc De Princes.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has taken charge of negotiations, whilst the 22-year-old looks likely to tie himself to his current employers for the foreseeable future [Liverpool Echo].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to Twitter to voice their opinions to the rumours.

Reds fans react:

Replying to The Liverpool Echo’s Twitter feed, here is how some Reds fans summarized these latest developments:

“Oh, for god’s sake, give it a rest. For a paper whose credibility among Liverpool fans is already low you seem determined to hang yourselves on this non-story. We Are Not Signing Mbappe!!”

Credit: @poggiolino”Oh no, nO, NOO! I’d already ordered my new shirt with his name on the back, thought it was a sure bet! For Gods sake people, Mbappe is not coming to LFC, not even on a free, not now, not ever. LFC would never pay that kind of salary on a player even if he was free!”Credit: @chara2_john”Double blow? What? 1. He’s not coming to Liverpool and 2. He was never coming to Liverpool anyway.”Credit: @FireGrd”No way. It looked nailed on a few days ago”Credit: @khan45887895″Only bloody fools will believe we are even in the running to bid mbappe”Credit: @ErnestYap9″Its only a blow if you were stupid enough to full invest your hope on this being true.”Credit: @GregB_LadIn other news, Liverpool fans react to a pursuit of a reported transfer target.

Newcastle sent scouts to watch Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir against Gaziantep on Monday, according to Turkish outlet Takvim.

Analysts from Ajax, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa were also said to be examining the 22-year-old firsthand.

Bayindir makes a rare mistake as Premier League suitors watch on

Fenerbache ran out 3-1 winners on the night to close the gap on league leaders Besiktas to four points.

However, Bayindir blundered under scrutiny, fumbling an Alexandru Maxim free-kick over the line on 65 minutes to gift Gaziantep an equaliser. Former West Ham striker Enner Valencia and Sinan Gumus ultimately bailed him out with subsequent goals.

It was a rare blip in a season which has seen Bayindir graduate from Turkey’s under-21s to the senior squad. He has kept 10 clean sheets in 32 Super Lig appearances, conceding 30 goals.

Bayindir has two years left on his contract with the Istanbul outfit and is valued at just over £12m by Transfermarkt. He was singled out for praise in a tweet from Fenerbahce team-mate Mesut Ozil back in February, with the World Cup winner giving ‘special thanks’ to the youngster for one particularly strong performance.

Transfer Tavern verdict

What do you do when a young talent you’re watching falters under pressure – cross out his name for the shortlist because you value composure, or give them another chance based on their otherwise strong form?

Bayindir has caught the eye for a reason, and clubs could miss out on a talented player with a high ceiling if they jump to conclusions.

After Steve Bruce restored a fit-again Martin Dubravka to the side, Karl Darlow could feasibly push for a move in the summer. He knows he’s good enough to be a number one keeper elsewhere, having actually posted more saves per match than his Slovakian colleague this season (3.4 to 3.3).

That could open the backup role at Newcastle, and perhaps Bayindir is being eyed as a long-term successor to the 32-year-old Dubravka, so he shouldn’t be dismissed solely on the basis of his recent error.

In other news, Newcastle have been told not to shell out more than £15m on another transfer target.

According to a report by Italian news outlet Corriere Fiorentino, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘in the lead’ to appoint SS Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Inzaghi

Previous reports from Italy have touted Spurs with a strong interest in Inzaghi’s appointment, with newspaper Il Tempo (via Sport Witness) most recently claiming that he is ‘listening’ to offers from a host of clubs amid the speculation surrounding his future in Rome.

This includes both Tottenham and Leicester City, who busted busted many a bet365 bonus by missing out on Champions League qualification this season, as the Premier League clubs allegedly interested and links to the Lilywhites can be traced back as far as the beginning of this month.

Closer to the home, a report by the Daily Star indicated that Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy ‘could turn’ to Inzaghi as an option to replace Jose Mourinho – coming two years after an alleged ‘desperate attempt’ to hire the 45-year-old before the arrival of the special one.

The Latest: Spurs now in pole position…

Bringing the latest claim, another regional Italian news outlet.

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Indeed, Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness) believe that Spurs are now ‘in the lead’ to appoint Inzaghi with ‘various very important clubs’ also in the chase.

Levy leading the race for his signature is apparently repeated twice in this printed report as Corriere Fiorentino appear adamant that Tottenham are now favourites.

The Verdict: Fantastic candidate…

Even though you could argue he isn’t the ‘attack-minded’ manager Spurs have been most touted to hire, he certainly has his credentials with a number of players heaping praise on Inzaghi.

Lazio midfielder Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, in an interview with beIN SPORTS recently (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), lauded the Italian as an ‘excellent coach’ and ‘best’ manager he has ever worked under.

Meanwhile, striker Ciro Immobile even compared the former international to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp – explaining how the pair are ‘very similar’ due to their ‘motivational skills’ (Er Faina on Instagram Live via Football Italia).

As well as this, Inzaghi’s numbers are solid, having acquired 191 career wins over his managerial career to date with 628 points on the board and an impressive average of 1.86 points per match (Transfermarkt).

It’s clear Spurs could do far worse as Levy aims to commence a brand new era in north London.

In other news: ‘I hear from a reliable source’…Journalist drops major Harry Kane claim, find out more here.

West Ham United may have seen an approach for Jesse Lingard rebuffed in the summer but they could well revisit their interest at the turn of the year, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser claims that there have been suggestions of a fresh approach for the England international during the January transfer window should he not get the game time he wants at Manchester United.

It’s thought that the 28-year-old midfielder has rejected the Red Devils’ latest offer of a new contract, despite himself turning down a return to the London Stadium before deadline day.

Lingard is now into the final year of his £100k-per-week deal and will be free to leave the club for nothing next summer if no agreement is found.

He is yet to start a match for United this season but played a starring role in England’s win over Andorra last week as he seeks to prove his worth to Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer at his boyhood club.

Go get him in January

Of course, many supporters were desperate to see Lingard return to east London after a fruitful loan spell saw him provide nine goals and five assists but you can’t really begrudge him for trying to make an impact at the team he’s been at for 21 years of his life.

Assistant manager Stuart Pearce even reiterated their desire to sign him permanently to talkSPORT but as evident above, his chances of coming back were always going to be slim.

“The ball is in Manchester United’s court. He is contracted to them. We would like him with us, there is no doubt about that,” he said. “He’s a special lad and was very good around the players – the players really like him. His ability shone out last year and gave us a great option in our squad. You never know, but at this moment in time it looks like he is fighting for a place in the United line-up.”

However, it’s a move that cannot be ruled out in the long term.

Lingard could actually be making a very smart decision as the ball is firmly in his court. If he gets minutes, he can sign a new deal. If he doesn’t, then surely he will be eager for another crack at redemption with the Irons.

Hammers boss David Moyes has signed a replacement in former Everton flop Nikola Vlasic, something that needed to happen considering the void that would’ve been left behind and the Croatian playmaker does look like a good alternative, having delivered 12 goals and six assists in all competitions in 2020/21.

Although, that shouldn’t put the Scotsman off from doubling up in the role, particularly as Lingard can also play out wide and in deeper midfield, thus giving him plenty of options in the future.

The £19.8m-rated dynamo, who has now been capped 31 times by England, would be the sort of signing in January – or next summer – that would keep the east Londoners competing at the top, which is the next task after last season’s sixth-place finish.

If the opportunity arises in the future, then Moyes and co would be foolish to not bring Lingard back to the club. Their chances of doing so have certainly been bolstered by this latest contract update and it’s a move that would go down very well with the Irons’ fanbase.

AND in other news, West Ham receive huge transfer boost as exciting report emerges behind-the-scenes…