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Glasgow Rangers are eyeing up a summer move for talented Romanian midfielder Darius Olaru as Michael Beale continues to work on improving his squad at Ibrox.

What’s the latest on Olaru to Rangers?

According to Pro Sport, the Premiership giants have sent scouts to Romania as they take a step closer to pursuing a deal to sign the midfielder. The 24-year-old will be watched over the coming weeks, and a final decision regarding interest will be made then.

The report states that FCSB are looking for between €6m and €8m (£5.3m-£7m), although the higher fee could be slightly out of Rangers’ price range.

The Ibrox club have been linked with the player since last summer, and it certainly looks like a decision will be made sooner rather than later regarding a potential summer move, with Ross Wilson looking to sign another highly-rated player.

Can Olaru become Beale’s next Ianis Hagi at Rangers?

The Romanian dynamo has impressed recently at FCSB. Last season, he played 36 league matches and scored six goals while registering ten assists from a central midfield role, which suggests that his attacking abilities could add a more forward-thinking dimension to the Gers’ midfield compared to John Lundstram and Ryan Jack, who scored one and zero league goals respectively in 2021/22.

Olaru has kept his best performances for the Europa Conference League (ECL) this season, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.1/10 across six appearances while registering one assist and creating three big chances, averaging 1.8 key passes and 40.4 touches per game.

Not just content with adding an extra attacking spark to his team, the midfielder also demonstrated his defensive talents in the ECL group stage. He made 1.8 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game while winning 66% of his total duels, clearly showcasing his all-round ability, and these attributes could be of great use to Beale as he looks to re-energise his midfield options at Rangers.

Indeed, the 24-year-old – who was dubbed “exciting” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – can become Beale’s next Ianis Hagi and flourish at Ibrox.

Although Hagi plays in a slightly more advanced position, both players’ qualities going forward could see Beale create a wonderful duo. The current Gers ace has scored 15 goals and grabbed 21 assists during his time in Glasgow, and he is just battling back from a serious injury sustained in January 2022.

It took a while for Hagi to settle in Glasgow, but he really came to the fore during the Premiership-winning campaign of 2020/21. That season, he registered 18 goal contributions (seven goals and 11 assists) along with creating six big chances and averaging 1.8 shots per game as he proved to Steven Gerrard that signing him on a permanent deal was a wise move.

Both players are just 24 years old and still have a couple of years left before hitting their prime. Signing Olaru should definitely be a no-brainer for Beale, although the potential £7m fee could prove to be a snag in any future deal, so Wilson must work his negotiating magic to lure him to Glasgow.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their search to sign a new winger before the end of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Magpies are interested in signing Zenit Saint Petersburg attacker Malcom before the window slams shut.

The report claims that the Premier League side have received information from the Russian outfit as Dan Ashworth eyes up a potential swoop for the Brazilian.

It is also stated that Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director, Luis Campos, is a fan of the forward and is looking at him as a possible signing for the French giants.

Allan Saint-Maximin upgrade

Ashworth could land manager Eddie Howe a big upgrade on current Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin by signing Malcom ahead of PSG in the coming days.

In the Premier League this season, the French forward has struggled for starts and has not been producing brilliant performances, or quality end product in the final third, on a regular basis.

These statistics show that the gem, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.95 in the top-flight last season, has not been a key player for the club in the 2022/23 campaign thus far, which is why Ashworth could land an upgrade on the underperforming wizard this month.

Malcom has been in phenomenal form for Zenit over the last two seasons and his statistics indicate that the maestro would offer more than Saint-Maximin for Newcastle, if the 25-year-old can translate his form over to English football.

The former Barcelona attacker, who was once hailed as “hugely talented but a bit unrefined” by journalist Ryan Baldi, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.86 across 17 appearances in the Russian top-flight this season – scoring 12 goals and providing five assists from out wide.

This comes after the forward averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.58 across 24 outings for Zenit in the 2021/22 campaign. Malcom plundered eight goals and six assists, whilst creating ten ‘big chances’ and making 2.6 key passes per match, as he consistently made an impact at the top end of the pitch.

Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin, 25, has not managed more than five goals or assists in a single Premier League season since joining the club in the summer of 2019.

This indicates that Malcom, who is the same age as the Frenchman, could be a major upgrade on the current Newcastle winger if he can replicate his success with Zenit at St. James’ Park.

The dynamo’s incredible form in Russia is eye-catching and suggests that the Brazilian has the quality to be a match-winner on a regular basis for Howe, which could help him to force his way into the starting line-up week-in-week-out – something Saint-Maximin has failed to do this season.

Southampton are interested in completing a loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spence profiled

The Premier League right-back made the big-money move to N17 from Middlesbrough last summer after impressing during his season-long loan at Nottingham Forest.

However, the 22-year-old is yet to have made an impression on the first team and is out of favour under Antonio Conte, having made zero league starts and just four substitute appearances so far this season (WhoScored).

Spurs being in negotiations to sign Sporting CP’s Pedro Porro means that the former Boro star will be pushed even further out of the senior picture, and there’s a chance that he could be on his way to St. Mary’s.

The Latest: Southampton eyeing Spence

According to 90min, Southampton, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are all ‘interested in a deal’ to take Spence on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.

Championship league leaders Burnley would also be ‘keen’, whilst Michael Carrick’s side would be ‘open to bringing him back’ to the Riverside, though a return there ‘looks unlikely’.

Tottenham are ‘open’ to sanctioning a temporary exit for the full-back this month to help him get some regular minutes under his belt.

The Verdict: Exciting signing

Spence has been described as ‘swashbuckling’ by footballing legend Ian Wright, and looking at his numbers during his time at Forest, he would be a hugely exciting signing for Nathan Jones.

The England U21s international clocked up eight goal contributions (five assists and three goals) under Steve Cooper and currently ranks in the 98th percentile for dribbles completed per 90 minutes by a full-back.

Spence helped Forest gain promotion to the top flight so will know what it takes to achieve success, and with the Saints rock bottom of the table, a winning mentality is exactly what they need to bring into the building.

Joao Palhinha would be a good signing for Liverpool, who are desperate to strengthen their midfield, Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

What’s the word?

Liverpool fell to yet another defeat as they were humiliated by Brighton, and their lack of depth and quality in midfield has been a big concern all season.

They have been linked with a summer move for Jude Bellingham, but arguably need more than one central midfielder, and Fulham’s Palhinha has also been linked.

Palhinha only joined Fulham in the summer, but has started his Premier League career well, helping his side climb to sixth place in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to Football Fancast, O’Rourke claimed that the Portuguese midfielder would be a good addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“He’s been very impressive for Fulham, there’s no doubt about that,” he stated.

“Since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon, his stats are right up there for interceptions and tackles and everything else and something that’s been really missing from Liverpool’s midfield this year is probably the lack of energy in there.”

A Fabinho upgrade

The Brazilian has not been at his best for Liverpool this season, and his performances at the base of midfield are a concern.

Palhinha provides an upgrade on Fabinho in tackles, blocks and interceptions, ranking in the top 17% of midfielders for all three, ranking significantly higher than the Liverpool star as per FBref.

Even if Bellingham joins the club, Palhinha would be a fine addition as a deep midfielder, and the 27-year-old can help Liverpool’s squad evolve as a fresh face in good form.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will likely be plotting to move on some members of his squad in the January window, with the Parkhead outfit having a handful of figures who are currently on the periphery at present.

One of those who is out in the cold is boyhood fan, James McCarthy, with the 32-year-old having endured a miserable time of it in Glasgow since joining the Old Firm outfit back in the summer of 2021.

The Republic of Ireland international has gone on to make only 27 appearances in all competitions since then over the last 18 months, with only six of those outings having come from the start as a marker of his struggles for game time.

The 43-cap dud – who is currently ruled out with injury – has been restricted to just 62 minutes of action in the current campaign thus far, with it appearing a notable mistake to have awarded the former Crystal Palace man a lengthy, four-year contract at the time of his arrival.

Reports back in October suggested that the Scottish champions are already looking to shift the £14k-per-week man in the New Year, with pundit Frank McAvennie suggesting that the midfielder “will go” if an offer does arrive.

That exit could well provide the chance for Postecoglou to promote a promising talent from the club’s youth ranks, with 17-year-old Daniel Kelly one such figure who could well prove to be the heir to McCarthy in the side.

The highly-rated playmaker appears to have a “big future” in the game – in the words of B team coach Tommy McIntyre – with the teenager having impressed in his deep-lying midfield role of late, racking up 13 appearances in all competitions this season.

The young Scotsman – who is yet to feature at senior level – was notably lauded following his display in a recent clash against Dunfermline, with opposition boss James McPake having spoken highly of his quality:

“You come up against a CDM or a No 6 in that role, the deep-lying midfielder, Daniel Kelly is the best about at that age for Celtic, I’ve seen him a few times. He’s so assured.”

Such a glowing assessment is a marker of just what a genuine starlet the Bhoys do have on their hands, with that talent also illustrated by the fact that the youngster has earned notable interest of late, with Premier League clubs having been circling prior to his recent contract extension.

The next step will no doubt be to hand Kelly a more prominent role at first-team level, with the departure of McCarthy seemingly set to afford the youngster a great chance of staking his claim in the side at the base of the midfield.

It could well be wise for Postecoglou to try and spark the Celtic career of one gem, while ending the career of another.

Sunderland striker Ross Stewart could feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly next week as he recovers from injury, according to journalist James Hunter.

The Lowdown: Stewart missed Sunderland win

The Black Cats made a welcome return to Championship action on Saturday lunchtime, as they hosted Millwall at the Stadium of Light.

Tony Mowbray’s team eased to an impressive 3-0 victory against their London opponents, which is made all the more impressive because star striker Stewart wasn’t available.

The 26-year-old hasn’t featured since the end of August because of a thigh injury, although it now appears as though his return is imminent.

The Latest: Return in sight?

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from Chronicle Live, Hunter claimed that Stewart could take part in a friendly next week as he makes positive progress in his recovery.

The journalist tweeted:

“Tony Mowbray explains his decision to leave out Ross Stewart against Millwall, and says the Scot could play in a behind-closed-doors friendly next week.”

The Verdict: Massive boost for Sunderland

This is huge news for anyone of a Sunderland persuasion, with Stewart arguably the most influential player at the club, having scored 26 goals in League One last season.

The Scot’s return would suddenly give the team are far more dangerous adnd potent look to it, even though they fared impressively without him against Millwall.

Sunderland need to be careful with Stewart, though, in terms of not rushing him back too soon and easing him in gradually, but having him available for the upcoming Christmas period could be massive.

Journalist Manuel Veth has revealed that Celtic are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Canada right-back Alistair Johnston.

The Lowdown: World Cup star

Johnston put in an impressive performance for Canada despite their 1-0 loss at the hands of Belgium in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The SofaScore).

He plays his club football in the MLS with Montreal, where he has scored four goals and made four assists in 39 appearances in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Celtic ‘closing in’

Taking to Twitter, Veth has revealed that ‘multiple sources’ have confirmed that Ange Postecoglou’s side are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Johnston, with a deal now ‘advanced’:

“Multiple sources! Alistair Johnston is closing in on a move to Scottish giants #CelticFC. A deal is now advanced. The #CanMNT star also has a UK passport. He is under contract at #CFMTL until 2023 with 2 option years. He is currently starring at the World Cup.”

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The Verdict: Another good signing

Following the signing of Japanese central defender Yuki Kobayashi, who the Hoops described as a ‘hugely exciting talent’ in their announcement, Johnston looks set to be another smart acquisition at Parkhead.

He has recently received glowing praise from former Scottish Premiership full-back and Canadian legend Colin Miller, who claims that he would ‘suit’ the division, and is ‘very quick’, ‘very aggressive’ and ‘competitive’. Miller adds that he would be a ‘great signing for Celtic’, as he is ‘very ambitious’ going forward, but also ‘loves a tackle’.

With Johnston looking like he will join Kobayashi at the Celts, they could both give them a big push going into the second part of the season.

Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon as they take on Cardiff City in the Championship.

Tony Mowbray’s side got back to winning ways in midweek as they earned an impressive 2-0 victory at Huddersfield, and the former Blackburn Rovers manager will want to continue that momentum against the Bluebirds this weekend, in what is the Wearsiders’ final home game before the World Cup break.

Three points could see the Black Cats move into the top 10, whereas a defeat could see them slip closer towards the relegation zone, in what is a tightly-contested division.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Sunderland to line up on Saturday, with three changes from the side which started at the John Smith’s Stadium on Wednesday.

Anthony Patterson has started every game in the Championship for the Black Cats this season and he looks unlikely to lose his place after a sixth clean sheet of the season in midweek.

Similarly, it would be strange to see Mowbray deviate from the defence which won Sunderland the game on Wednesday, so Luke O’Nien, Bailey Wright, Danny Batth and Dennis Cirkin should all start.

Despite scoring the opening goal in midweek, Alex Pritchard could drop out of the side in favour of Jack Clarke, who is available again after suspension, with the 21-year-old the second-best performer in Mowbray’s side this season according to WhoScored.

The Black Cats can afford to be more adventurous at home, so Corry Evans drops out of the side in favour of the more attack-minded Dan Neil. The “young Paul Gascoigne” partners Elliot Embleton in the middle of the park, with Patrick Roberts keeping his place on the flank.

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Finally, in attack, Ellis Simms gets the nod to start up front alongside Amad Diallo, after the two combined for Sunderland’s second goal in midweek, with Leon Dajaku dropping out following a tepid display on Wednesday which saw him dubbed the team’s lowest-rated performer by Sofascore.

Saudi Arabian consortium PIF completed their takeover of Newcastle United in 2021 and some supporters lined up outside of St. James’ Park to celebrate the news.

It ended Mike Ashley’s 14-year reign on Tyneside and the Sports Direct supremo’s exit from St. James’ Park seemingly pleased a contingent of the fanbase.

He endured his fair share of shockers and gaffes in the market in his time at the club. In one of his first windows as the owner, Ashley sanctioned the sale of midfielder James Milner to Aston Villa in the summer of 2008.

Former Magpies assistant Terry McDermott once revealed that the Englishman left for a fee of £15m because it was believed that German ace Bastian Schweinsteiger would come in to replace him.

Speaking on the 5times podcast, the former Toon coach said: “We were actually at the club when we sold him, myself and Kevin Keegan.

“We sold him for £15m. The story goes – and this is a true story – we didn’t want him to leave but we needed to get other players in because we’d had a bid of £15m.

“The idea of accepting the bid of £15m for Milner, which was a lot of money then, and then we’re looking to get Schweinsteiger it’s a no-brainer. But after he’s signed for Villa – the day after – we’re trying to sign Schweinsteiger and the answer was: ‘Absolutely no chance, it will cost you £50m if you want to buy Schweinsteiger’.”

The German midfielder had already broken into Bayern Munich’s first team and established himself as an international player for his country, making his debut in 2004, by this point.

However, Ashley seemingly believed that he would be able to secure his signature to replace Milner for Keegan and McDermott. Instead, the asking price ended up being far more than Newcastle were willing to pay.

It is unclear exactly what went down in negotiations but the club going in for Schweinsteiger after cashing in on one of their own midfielders for £15m could have played a role in Bayern coming back with a £50m valuation.

The German giants knew that Newcastle needed a replacement and that they had just received a hefty sum of money from Villa, which allowed them to set their stall out.

Whereas, Ashley may have been able to negotiate a better deal with Bayern if he had gone in for the gem prior to the sale of Milner becoming official.

Philipp Lahm previously hailed his fellow World Cup winner as “sensational” and ESPN journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt once dubbed him a “German football legend”.

Schweinsteiger went on to play 500 matches for the Bundesliga side in all competitions, winning the Champions League, and was capped 121 times by Germany, whilst also enjoying a stint in the Premier League with Manchester United towards the end of his career.

Therefore, Ashley dropped a shocker for Newcastle as he did not wrap up a deal for the Bayern hero prior to selling Milner and then refused to match the valuation set when he did go in for the midfielder.

The career that the former Red Devils man went on to have suggests that he would have been an incredible signing for the Magpies if they had managed to bring him in, which is why the farce around this failed move was a nightmare for the former Toon owner.

Wolves defender Toti Gomes ‘has to start’ his side’s Premier League clash with West Ham this weekend, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Wolves back in action

After a long break without a game, Wanderers return to action on Saturday evening, making the trip to east London to take on the Hammers.

Bruno Lage is badly in need of a positive result after a poor beginning to the season, with Wolves going into the weekend fixtures sitting 17th in the table. West Ham are one place and two points behind them, however, highlighting the importance of Saturday’s game.

The Latest: Keen wants Gomes to start

Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Express & Star‘s Keen talked up Gomes starting the game, with Max Kilman’s role being tweaked in the process:

“Every decision is a big one and the centre-back issue is an interesting one for Wolves ahead the West Ham game. In my view, Toti Gomes has to start, which means moving Max Kilman to the right of two centre-backs – which he is more than capable of.”

The Verdict: Makes complete sense

Granted, Gomes only has five first-team appearances to his name for Wolves, none of which have come this season, but needs must at the moment, following Nathan Collins’ red card against Manchester City that has led to a three-match suspension.

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At 23, the Portuguese defender is maturing as a player and this should be viewed as a wonderful opportunity for him to prove himself to Lage, having been such a bit-part player to date.

The absence of Collins of clearly a blow for such a big match but Gomes has been described as ‘absolutely excellent’ and ‘fantastic’ by former Conor Coady and can produce an influential showing at the London Stadium.