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Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale is set to be in the market for a new number nine this summer to replace current forward Alfredo Morelos.

The head coach recently confirmed that the Colombian international, whose contract expires at the end of this month, will be leaving Ibrox, saying:

“Morelos is moving on. I think you saw the difference in energy in the forward area when Morelos came on. And not in a positive way. We'll need a focal point to the team, for sure."

In the same interview, the boss lamented his team consistently missing "incredible chances" and this indicates that the Englishman wants to add a clinical edge to his side next season.

Who could replace Alfredo Morelos at Rangers?

Beale could find an upgrade on Morelos and a player who provides excellent finishing by securing a swoop to sign Coventry centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that the Light Blues have enquired about a potential deal to sign the £20m-rated attacker as Beale is said to be a big fan of the ex-Brighton prospect.

How has Gyokeres done this season?

In the Championship, the Swedish international has scored 21 goals from 16.08 xG (expected goals) and this means that the dynamo has found the back of the net 4.92 times more than expected based on the chances his teammates provided him with. Whereas, Morelos scored 11 goals from nine xG in the Scottish Premiership – two more than expected.

Coventry's star man has overachieved his xG and scored ten more than the Colombian marksman to date, which indicates that Gyokeres would be an upgrade on the departing Gers forward in terms of the finishing quality he can provide.

The 24-year-old goal machine could offer more creativity than Morelos in the final third to go along with his goalscoring.

He has racked up 10.16 xA and 1.84 key passes per 90 in comparison to the 26-year-old's 4.81 and 1.62, which means that the Championship bulldozer has opened up opposition defences on a more regular basis for his teammates.

Gyokeres could also provide a focal point at the top end of the pitch as the goal machine has won 6.2 battles per game in the English second flight, whilst the Light Blues attacker has only won 1.9 duels per outing in the Scottish Premiership, and this shows that the Coventry gem can compete with defenders and put himself about in physical contests, thus preventing the other team from easily winning possession back off the number nine.

Taking all of this into account, the Swedish phenomenon – whose ability was hailed as "unbelievable" by his manager Mark Robins – could be a big upgrade on Morelos due to his clinical finishing, creative output, and his willingness to do the dirty work, which is why Beale must work hard to secure a deal this summer.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their defensive options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Xavier Mbuyamba to Celtic?

According to Sky Sports, the Hoops are one of the clubs eyeing up FC Volendam central defender Xavier Mbuyamba ahead of next season.

The report claims that English Championship side Watford, alongside Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, are also interested in the Dutchman, with teams keeping tabs on the youngster's situation.

It is stated that clubs have been tracking the centre-back this season due to his past pedigree in the academy systems at Chelsea and Barcelona.

What is Xavier Mbuyamba's style of play?

The 21-year-old is a talented central defender who is able to win the ball back on a consistent basis for his side whilst also having the presence to chip in with goals at the other end of the pitch.

He has been compared with former Celtic superstar Virgil van Dijk, due to their similar styles and the huge potential of the Volendam gem, and Ange Postecoglou could now land the club's next version of the current Liverpool monster.

Meanwhile, scout Jacek Kulig previously described Mbuyamba as a "complete, elegant & dominant CB" and the youngster's form this season is comparable to Neil Lennon's star performer.

In the 2013/14 campaign, van Dijk made 3.8 tackles and interceptions and 5.7 clearances per game in six Champions League outings for the Hoops.

Mbuyamba, who stands at a whopping 6 foot 5, has put up similar statistics in the Eredivisie this term for Volendam – making 3.5 tackles and interceptions and 5.4 clearances per match. This shows that the youngster is able to consistently cut out opposition attacks by reading the game and being strong in his tackles, whilst also having exceptional positioning to make clearances.

Van Dijk was also a goalscoring threat during his time in Scotland, scoring nine goals in 76 Scottish Premiership outings, and the 21-year-old has showcased his prowess in the opposition's box with five goals in 26 appearances in the Dutch top-flight.

These statistics show that Mbuyamba has many similar qualities to the ones that the current Reds star displayed during his time in Scotland, both in terms of his defensive and offensive impact on the pitch in being able to regain possession on a regular basis whilst also punishing teams with his ability in the air.

At the age of 21, the ex-Barcelona enforcer would also arrive with plenty of time left to develop and improve and the talent could be a player, like when van Dijk was sold to Southampton for £13m, who comes in before being moved on for a hefty profit further down the line.

يستعد منتخب مصر الأولمبي لخوض مباراة قوية، اليوم السبت، أمام نظيره الإمارات، في إطار منافسات دورة دبي الدولية الودية.

منتخب مصر يشارك في البطولة الودية بمدينة دبي في الإمارات بجانب منتخبات السعودية وقطر والإمارات والعراق.

وكان منتخب مصر بقيادة البرازيلي روجيرو ميكالي، قد تعادل في المباراة الأولى مع قطر، سلبيًا، وخسر أمام العراق في المواجهة الثانية بهدف دون رد.

طالع أيضًا | بعد محمد صلاح.. منتخب مصر يحدد المركز الثاني الذي سيدعمه بلاعب من الكبار في الأولمبياد تشكيل منتخب مصر الأولمبي المتوقع أمام الإمارات اليوم

في حراسة المرمى: حمزة علاء.

خط الدفاع: كريم الدبيس وحسام عبدالمجيد ومحمد طارق وأحمد عيد.

خط الوسط: محمد شحاتة ومحمود جهاد ومحمود صابر.

في الهجوم: مصطفى سعد ميسي، أسامة فيصل، أحمد عاطف قطة.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق منافسات دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024 في أغسطس من العام المقبل، وتأهل إليها منتخب مصر بعد احتلاله وصافة كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 23 عامًا التي أقيمت في المغرب.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could look to add to his defence in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Arsenal's pursuit of defensive reinforcements?

As per 24 Sata via Football London, Arsenal have been linked with Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo and contact has already been made between the two parties regarding a potential move.

The report states that it could cost the Gunners around £17.6 million to prize the centre-back away from the Croatian giants and it is also said that the 22-year-old dreams of plying his trade in the Premier League.

90min also understand that there could be movement at full-back for Arsenal, claiming that Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui is a target this summer.

As per the same outlet, Gunners' scouts were in attendance recently to watch Ajax central defender Jurrien Timber, who is also attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones believes that Arsenal boss Arteta may enter the market this summer to bolster his current defensive options.

Jones told FFC when asked about Arsenal's defence: "It's something that Arsenal didn't really see coming that they would have to address this issue to try and win the league title, so you can't really put too much blame on them. It wouldn't surprise me if, in the summer, we do see them addressing the issue and looking to get more depth in there."

Do Arsenal need to bring in more depth to cover their defence adequately?

Given that Arsenal have struggled in central defence recently without the presence of injured central defender William Saliba, it may be wise to strengthen that area of the squad come the summer to ensure there isn't a vast drop-off in quality between their key players and rotational options.

Furthermore, there will likely be incomings and outgoing at full-back, with Kieran Tierney said to be attracting serious interest from Newcastle United, as per The Sun.

The outlet claims that a move to the North East is becoming an 'increasingly likely' possibility for the Scotland international, which would no doubt prompt Arteta into the market to try and source an alternative to fill the position.

Between now and the off-season, more rumours will swirl as Arsenal look to cement themselves among the regular challengers for silverware in English football.

For now at least, their focus will be on their remaining endeavours this term as the Gunners try to secure a first Premier League title since 2004.

Tottenham Hotspur's players have been dug out by Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane for their lack of responsibility following the exit of Antonio Conte.

What did Roy Keane say?

It has been a turbulent few months in north London for the Lilywhites who have dropped out of the top four as a result of their poor league form.

Dropped points against relegation battlers Southampton and Everton felt like a huge step backwards in the north London club's pursuit of the top four.

Matters off the pitch have not been much kinder to the club either with their director of football, Fabio Paratici, banned from all football matters.

Adding to that, Conte unleashed a scathing rant following their capitulation against the Saints prior to the international break which ultimately never saw him return to north London.

Speaking on The Overlap, Keane has now laid into the Spurs squad for their involvement in the recent downfall in north London:

(8:40) "But if you look at Spurs' last couple of games, you talk about managers and chairman, the players have got to take responsibility to get the goal in front and they just back off almost no bottle some of these Spurs players. Absolutely none whatsoever. Just get the job done."

"But at this top-level sport, it's about winning games, it's about getting over the line. So whatever about the managers of Spurs, Spurs are going to have the same problems. It's in their DNA, the players, a lot of their players just can't do it."

Are Spurs serial bottles?

A lot of people use the term 'Spursy' when it comes to the Lilywhites for their inability to perform in the big moments when it matters most.

And there are certainly some examples of that over the last few years with a number of appearances in cup finals only offering up runners-up medals.

However, finals are not supposed to be easy – that's the nature of the game – and there can be some solace taken in losing a final to some of the sides Spurs have faced over the years.

However, there are also plenty of examples where Spurs have shot themselves in the foot with their dismal displays which have caused them to let down their fans.

The recent FA Cup game against Sheffield United is a great example of this, there may be some question marks about not starting Harry Kane and Cristian Romero.

But the players who were selected were all experienced members of the squad who should have had enough about them to see the tie over the line.

Instead, Spurs were only able to produce one big chance on the night at Bramall Lane and their opposition have since booked their spot in the semi-finals at Wembley (via SofaScore).

Again, the recent Premier League draws against Southampton and Everton should have saw Spurs take six points back to north London.

Instead, they were left with just two points after they capitulated late on in both games.

So there is certainly some merit in what Keane is saying and this set of players now have eight games remaining to salvage something from their season with a spot in the top four still to play for.

But it is not an easy road ahead of them with Newcastle United, Liverpool and Manchester United all to play before the end of the month.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the Premier League sides who could potentially look at James Ward-Prowse as a midfield option in the summer.

How much would Ward-Prowse cost?

The north London side's midfield has been decimated by injuries this season which has seen both Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma miss a lengthy period of time.

In their absence, Spurs have had to heavily rely on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr also playing a role in the middle.

However, the Danish midfielder has come under fire in recent weeks over his performances as the results leave Spurs adrift in the race for the top four.

Ahead of the summer window, Spurs have been linked with a potential attacking midfield option in Leicester City's James Maddison.

And another midfielder who they could potentially compete for over the coming months is Southampton's main man, Ward-Prowse.

The Saints are in serious danger of relegation with just several games remaining in the season and it is believed he would be a certainty to leave if they do go down.

This is all according to journalist Toby Cudworth who has been speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast where he noted the interested clubs in the £100k-per-week midfielder:

(34:55) "If [they] go down he's almost certain to leave the club now. Southampton probably could still command a very hefty fee for him. We talk about prices, Southampton probably seeking still around £50m we'd have thought because he's that valuable to them.

"And he has clubs who like him. Newcastle we've mentioned they're looking to strengthen their midfield looking to strengthen in a number of positions; left-wing/forwards, potentially another defender as well. James Ward-Prowse is a player who we think is capable of playing European-level football.

"So Newcastle like him, Tottenham also admire him, Aston Villa, who are now creeping up on Unai Emery. They like James will perhaps as well. So it could be a bit of a Premier League battle for him."

Would Spurs be a good move for Ward-Prowse?

Ironically, the 28-year-old has been hailed as a "machine" by journalist Alfie House and he has an incredible record against the north London side with three goals and three assists to his name in their last five league meetings (via Transfermarkt).

The midfielder even scored the equalising penalty in their most recent clash on the south coast to complete an impressive comeback for the league's bottom side.

He is a player who is renowned for his stunning free-kick ability but he has also provided an impressive return of 3.48 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes this season (via FBref).

However, he has also provided more tackles (1.74) per 90 minutes than Hojbjerg (1.61) has this season as well as more than 14 times as many crosses per game than the Dane (via FBref).

But with a valuation of around £50m, that is a big price to pay for a player who may not necessarily fit into the plans of the new manager.

It is unknown who will become Antonio Conte's successor and, therefore, the formation which Spurs will play next season is yet to be seen.

Potentially, Spurs could play with just two midfielders again and when Rodrigo Bentancur returns it could mean a potential spot in the XI for Ward-Prowse may not be there on a regular basis.

After all, Bissouma arrived in north London with the tag of one of the best midfielders outside the top six and he has failed ot make an impact on the Spurs side.

As Manchester United edged past nine-man Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday evening, it may well have felt as if the Red Devils had had a man dismissed of their own at times, such was the lack of impact from January arrival, Wout Weghorst.

While that may be a harsh assessment of the performance of the typically hard-working Netherlands international – as he did win five total duels on the day – the 30-year-old was somewhat anonymous in attack, with the striker's most notable contribution seeing him produce a tame attempt on goal in the first-half that was akin to something of a 'back pass', as per Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

As GOAL's Peter McVitie noted, the on-loan Burnley colossus was simply 'no threat on the ball' and looked 'a bit slow' at times, having ultimately been forced to drop into a number ten berth due to his lack of influence as a central striker.

Those woes ensured that the 6 foot 6 powerhouse now has just two goals to his name in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Old Trafford outfit thus far – all of which have come from the start – with writer Dominic Booth noting in midweek that supporters have almost come to accept the forward's "mediocrity".

To his credit, Weghorst has been a reliable figure to call upon while fellow marksman Anthony Martial has repeatedly been shackled to the treatment table, although it is no doubt a sorry state of affairs that Erik ten Hag has been left with such a goal-shy asset as his main centre-forward option – particularly with the club having been competing on four fronts this season.

The former Ajax boss may well be hoping he could call upon a prominent figure of the club's past in the form of now-retired ace, Robin van Persie, with the latter man – unlike Weghorst – a Dutch striker who certainly had the golden touch in front of goal.

How good was Robin van Persie at Man United?

Although Van Persie's spell at the Theatre of Dreams was undoubtedly brief – as he was moved on by compatriot Louis van Gaal in 2015 after just three years at the club – it is hard to question the stunning impact that he made in Manchester in that time.

Having been snapped up by managerial legend Sir Alex Ferguson in a controversial, £24m deal from Premier League rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2012, the one-time Feyenoord ace picked up where had left off with the Gunners, having previously netted 30 league goals in his final season in north London.

A first goal for the club against the Cottagers in late August set the tone for the remarkable debut campaign that was to follow for the experienced striker under Ferguson, as he ultimately proved integral in powering United to their 20th – and most recent – league title.

Handed the club's number 20 shirt upon his arrival with the aim of helping to steer the club to that landmark, Van Persie would end the 2012/13 season with 26 top-flight goals, finishing as the division's top scorer in the process.

In a season that saw the 6-foot sensation memorably score a clinical hat-trick against Southampton and net a late, stoppage-time winner in the Manchester derby at the Etihad, the 102-cap ace is perhaps most fondly remembered for his exquisite, first-time volley against Aston Villa that helped to clinch the title.

Such ruthlessness is in stark contrast to the likes of Weghorst and Martial among the current United squad, with even Van Persie's following two seasons still seeing him rack up a respectable tally, as he netted 22 league goals combined.

Hailed as "unbelievable" by Ferguson, the Rotterdam native was a true, out-and-out goalscorer in the traditional sense, although had plenty of other facets to his game, with former teammate Rio Ferdinand having stated back in 2015:

"As a player he is so silky to watch, great touch, can hold the ball up & bring others into play, timings of his runs, skills & a dream of a left foot."

Those traits would no doubt be appealing to Ten Hag amid the woes of Weghorst, with the United boss likely to have been hoping his compatriot was still fit and firing when the 39-year-old was at Carrington on media duties earlier this month.

Ahead of a summer that could see the Red Devils turn to Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen in their quest to find a long-term, centre-forward solution, what Ten Hag wouldn't give to have a prime Van Persie leading the line.

Newcastle United are ‘considering’ submitting an offer for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer, according to journalist Steve Kay.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

The Gunners forward is currently out on a season-long loan at Reims in Ligue 1, with his performances having caught the eye as a result of him being their top-performing offensive player.

CaughtOffside reported last week that there was Premier League interest in the 21-year-old ahead of the upcoming window, but it wasn’t revealed where it was coming from, and it now very much looks like it was Eddie Howe at St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Newcastle weighing up bid

Taking to Twitter, Kay revealed that Newcastle are pondering whether to table an official offer for Balogun later in the summer. He wrote:

“Newcastle United are considering making a bid for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun this summer.

“The Gunners forward who is currently on loan at Reims, has scored 15 goals in 25 games in #Ligue1UberEats this season.”

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The Verdict: Massive coup

Balogun has been excelling out on loan at Reims and whilst his price tag is unknown, it would be a massive coup for Newcastle should they be able to successfully secure his services.

The Adidas-sponsored ace has clocked up an outstanding 120 goal contributions (96 goals and 24 assists) in just 161 appearances throughout his career at youth and senior level, and he’s currently averaging three shots per league game so the numbers should be sustainable.

The New York-born talent also ranks in the 86th percentile for progressive passes received, showing that he is consistently able to get himself in the best positions in the final third.

Balogun has been likened to Napoli striker Victor Osimhen by talent scout Jacek Kulig and when you consider what he’s already achieved at just 21, he’s sure to have an extremely bright future ahead of him.

Liverpool could potentially sign both Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount during the summer transfer window, according to an exciting new update.

The Lowdown: Bellingham and Mount rumours rife

The Reds have been endlessly linked with new midfield signings this summer, with the club surely set to make significant additions in that area.

Bellingham and Mount are perhaps the two most prominent links at the moment, with the England international duo’s future up in the air.

The former is widely expected to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, while the latter is refusing to accept Chelsea’s current contract offer to him.

The Latest: Pair could both join Liverpool

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool could actually sign both Bellingham and Mount in the summer, with the Chelsea man ‘not viewed as an alternative’ to his international teammate.

The report states that Jurgen Klopp will be given a ‘significant transfer kitty’ for new signings and that the English pair could be two main additions.

The Verdict: Perfect summer business

If Liverpool managed to sign both Bellingham and Mount this summer it would be magnificent business – the type that could completely transform Klopp’s team moving forward.

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The duo already have 58 England caps between them, despite only being 19 and 24 respectively, and they possess both the technical brilliance and energy to make the Reds’ midfield a force again.

Bellingham is clearly the bigger star of the two, considering he is one of the best young players in the world – Roy Keane has said he ‘has everything’ – but Mount could also be a really shrewd signing.

Granted, he isn’t having his best season for Chelsea – who is, in truth? – but he can operate as a No.8, No.10 or even out wide, and his tactical nous is well-documented, with Jose Mourinho once calling him a ‘very, very intelligent’ player.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale has a number of significant decisions to make heading into the summer transfer window as a collection of players are set to be out of contract.

The Gers have a host of first-team squad members whose deals expire at the end of the season and the Light Blues boss, working alongside Ross Wilson, needs to decide who he does, and does not, want to keep.

One player who could be worthy of an extension is Scotland international midfielder Ryan Jack, who has been heavily involved so far this season.

The 30-year-old has played 17 times, starting 11 of those matches, in the Premiership this term and has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 in that time.

Jack, who started nine games in the run to the Europa League final in 2021/22, has been a reliable performer for Beale in the middle of the park and it could be worth handing him an extra couple of years, given that he only turns 31 this year.

However, Beale must also start to think about what life may look like at Ibrox after the Scottish battler departs and that is where B Team gem Bailey Rice comes into play.

The Light Blues head coach could find the long-term successor to Jack by developing the young academy talent to a point where he can take the experienced technician’s place in a few seasons’ time.

Extending the current first-team star’s contract for another two or three campaigns would allow the club to work with Rice to ensure that the youngster is fully ready to make the step up to first-team football.

The 16-year-old, who was dubbed a “prospect” by journalist Mark Hendry, joined the club from Motherwell in January of last year and has been a regular for the youth side this season.

Despite only turning 16 in October of 2022, the enforcer has played 14 matches for the B team, alongside some players who are three or four years older than him, and six times for the U19s.

The midfielder, who has scored two goals and provided one assist in 13 Lowland League outings, is seemingly showing maturity and quality beyond his years to be regularly selected for the B Team at his age, which is a promising sign for the future.

Premier League champions Manchester City were also interested in signing the gem last year, which shows how highly his performances in Motherwell’s youth set-up were rated, and Rice has also been capped 15 times by Scotland at youth level.

His accomplishments and the transfer interest he garnered before the age of 17 suggest that the gem, who has vowed to “keep improving”, has immense potential and could be a future star of the Gers first team if he can continue to develop and grow as a player.

Therefore, Rice could be the long-term successor to Jack in the middle of the park and extending the latter’s contract to coincide with when the B Team star will be nearing his 20s could be a smart move by the club.