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Rangers managed to reclaim their spot at the top of the Scottish Premiership table as they beat Hibernian 2-1 on Sunday.

Kevin Nisbet headed Hibs in front in the opening 10 minutes before Ryan Porteous was sent off in the 30th minute for a poor challenge on Joe Aribo.

The Gers were able to find the leveller in the 60th minute as Nathan Patterson put the ball on a plate for Kemar Roofe to nod home at the back post. Alfredo Morelos then won the match with his goal, assisted by Borna Barisic, in the 78th minute.

Roofe and Morelos may steal the headlines with their goals, but one player who was an unsung hero in the midfield was summer signing John Lundstram. He found a balance between defensive ballast and impressive play in possession to put in an all-around brilliant display.

Defensively, he was almost faultless for Rangers. Per SofaScore, he made four tackles, three interceptions and one block. He also won 62.5% of his duels on the pitch in the game, winning five of his eight 50/50 battles against Hibernian players.

This shows that he was able to snuff out Hibernian attacks with his defensive awareness and strength. He did not allow the opposition to pass by him easily, which allowed Rangers to dominate the game – contributing to the final result.

On the ball, he was composed and assured in possession to maintain the dominance. Per SofaScore, he had an eye-catching 118 touches of the ball – completing 99 of his 104 attempted passes (95%) and only giving the ball away six times from all of those touches.

Lundstram was efficient with his passing and did not give the ball away on a regular basis. Not only did this stop Hibernian from gaining the ball, but it also allowed Rangers to pile the pressure on the opposition goal and tire the midfield, which then created space for the Gers to work with.

Therefore, the midfield beast was Gerrard’s unsung hero in the match as he did the dirty work so that the forward players could shine in possession of the ball.

Hopefully, the summer arrival from Sheffield United will continue to perform to these standards and maintain his place in the starting XI to improve Gerrard’s side, which is – presumably – why he was brought to the club.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterclass: Rangers beast has seen his value soar 33.3% in less than 2 years…

A number of Liverpool supporters have bemoaned Paul Tierney’s appointment as referee for the weekend showdown with Manchester City.

The Reds face their biggest game of the season so far on Sunday, taking on the defending champions in the Premier League at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently top of the table and one point clear of their rivals, highlighting the importance of the result this weekend.

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It could prove to be a pivotal day in the title race and the performance of the referee could have a huge bearing on the outcome.

It has been confirmed [via Anfield Watch on Twitter] that Tierney will take charge of proceedings in what is a high-profile occasion for him, while Stuart Attwell is on VAR duty.

Liverpool were undefeated in four league matches with him as referee last season – two wins and two draws – which bodes well. However, he controversially blew for half-time in the 0-0 draw against Manchester United in January just as Thiago had played Sadio Mane through on goal.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-5/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans unhappy with Tierney appointment

Despite the good record in games involving Tierney last term, these Reds fans took to Twitter to show their unhappiness at his appointment for Sunday’s showdown against City.

“At least have Michael Oliver on it”

Credit: @nathan_brauner1

“Manchester born & bred. First L inbound boys”

Credit: @georgegould97

“Can’t stand this fella”

Credit: @RoyalElectrica6

“Great”

Credit: @Bow7Timmy

“Horrible pairing but then again they all are”

Credit: @sazzam31

“Paul Tierney and Stuart Atwell. This isn’t going to go well”

Credit: @TheFNundy

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at a James Pearce injury update. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur demanded £40million for Everton target Harry Winks, according to The Times’ Gary Jacobs. 

The lowdown

Winks started just nine Premier League matches for Spurs last season, and has only played 61 top-flight minutes so far this term (via WhoScored).

It’s a tricky period for a player Mauricio Pochettino once compared to Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The 25-year-old has two years left to run on his £50,000-per-week contract at the North London club.

Winks has racked up ten England caps since his debut in October 2017, but has yet to make the squad for a major tournament (via Transfermarkt).

The latest

The report states that both Everton and Aston Villa were interested in signing the Englishman during the summer transfer window.

However, Spurs’ valuation deterred both clubs from making a move.

Had Everton agreed to pay £40million, it would have been their second biggest transfer outlay of all time.

The verdict

It was inevitable that Everton pulled out when that figure was floated. £40million is a frankly extortionate price tag for Winks, a player who despite his ability on the ball lacks the athleticism to thrive as a true box-to-box midfielder.

In all honesty, you could question whether, even for a quarter of that price, he truly improves Everton. This is a player who has stagnated in north London.

Rafael Benitez is probably better looking elsewhere if he’s intent on bolstering his midfield ranks.

In other news, a contract extension for this midfielder has been predicted.

MatériaMais Notícias

A necessidade de reforços do Botafogo é evidente, especialmente para o setor ofensivo. E um nome que está em pauta no clube de General Severiano é o do meia Leonardo Valencia, ex-Palestino-CHI, e que disputou a final da recém-encerrada Copa das Confederações, vencida pela Alemanha.

O chileno foi algoz do rival Flamengo no ano passado, ao marcar um dos gols da eliminação do Rubro-Negro na Copa Sul-Americana. Por ora, nada formal foi executado pelo atleta, mas é fato que aaposentadoria de Montillo abriu mais uma brecha no elenco e na folha salarial alvinegros.

O meia vem de 25 gols em 41 partidas na última temporada (que, no Chile, terminou em maio). Especialmente entre setembro e março, teve grande destaque. Em janeiro, houve oferta da Universidade de Chile, mas recusada. Interessou também ao Vasco, mas a pedida do clube impediu o negócio.

O contrato com o Palestino terminou. Agora, o atleta de 26 anos procura novo clube, para o qual se transferiria sem custos. Ele já passou pela La U, Santiago Wanders, Unión La Calera e Melipilla, todos do Chile.

O Botafogo, por sua vez, luta por reforços para o setor ofensivo. Mas esbara nas pedidas salariais, e nas próprias dificuldades financeiras. Contudo, a última parcela da rescisão de Canales será paga este mês, e a saída de Joel também abriu espaço no orçamento do clube.

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حسم نادي يوفنتوس الإيطالي صفقة دفاعية جديدة فور رحيل الهولندي ماتياس دي ليخت إلى صفوف بايرن ميونخ الألماني، بحسب تقارير.

وأعلن يوفنتوس رحيل دي ليخت اليوم الثلاثاء إلى بايرن ميونخ حيث ودع الهولندي السيدة العجوز بعد ثلاث سنوات بقميص البيانكونيري، وسيوقع للعملاق البافاري حتى يونيو 2027.

وجليسون بريمر على وشك التوقيع ليوفنتوس بعد أن اتفقوا على صفقة إجمالية قدرها 50 مليون يورو مع تورينو.

كان قلب الدفاع البرازيلي البالغ من العمر 25 عامًا أحد أفضل المدافعين في الدوري الإيطالي الموسم الماضي، وبدا الانتقال إلى نادٍ كبير هذا الصيف واضحًا، على الرغم من أن الكثيرين توقعوا انضمامه إلى إنتر ميلان.

ركز النيراتزوري على أهداف أخرى بدلاً من ذلك وفشل في وضع اللمسات الأخيرة على صفقة بريمر، مما سمح ليوفنتوس بدخول المعركة بعد أن وافقوا على بيع دي ليخت إلى بايرن ميونيخ.

اقرأ أيضًا | دي ليخت مودعًا يوفنتوس: كان القتال بجانبكم شرفًا

كما هو مفصل من قبل “توتو ميركاتو” من المتوقع أن يعود بريمر إلى تورينو في وقت لاحق من هذا المساء للخضوع للفحص الطبي مع يوفنتوس غدًا.

بافتراض أن كل شيء يسير على ما يرام، فإنه سيضع القلم على الورق في عقد مدته خمس سنوات مع البيانكونيري، وسيدفع يوفنتوس لتورينو 41 مليون يورو بالإضافة إلى 9 ملايين يورو كإضافات للاعب.

يبدو أن اللاعب البرازيلي البالغ من العمر 25 عامًا هو البديل المثالي لدي ليخت وقد أدار يوفنتوس الموقف بشكل لا يصدق، في تناقض صارخ مع إنتر.

Herschelle Gibbs has received a vote of confidence from Glamorgan only weeks after he was dropped from the South Africa team

Cricinfo staff19-Nov-2008
Herschelle Gibbs: a vote of confidence from Glamorgan © Getty Images
Herschelle Gibbs has received a vote of confidence from Glamorgan only weeks after he was dropped from the South Africa team for breaking a curfew, after being signed up as their overseas player for July, August and September 2009.Gibbs, 34, played for the county in the Twenty20 Cup last summer, and replaces their outgoing overseas player, Jason Gillespie. “I’m really excited about returning to Glamorgan, joining the team for the Twenty20 Cup last season was a great experience,” he said. “I am looking forward to having more time to play with Glamorgan.”He has an option to extend his stay at the county, although with an IPL contract for May and the prospect of a recall to the international side for the World Twenty20 in June, he faces a busy few months. Nevertheless, having recently split from his wife and undergone a alcohol rehabilitation course, he’ll be reassured to know he is still in demand. He is currently playing for his club side, Cape Cobras, in South Africa’s SuperSport Series.Glamorgan’s cricket manager, Matthew Maynard, is convinced that his club have made an astute signing. “I am absolutely delighted about Herschelle returning to the club,” he told the BBC. “He made a great impression on the team in 2008 and he is an inspirational player to add to the squad.”Herschelle is a typical example of the cricketing experience that we are looking to sign to the club and I’m thrilled that he is joining us next season.”

Aston Villa could launch a £15m bid for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones in the final days of the window, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the links on social media.

Nixon shared a story late on Saturday evening, claiming Villa are set to try their luck regarding the 20-year-old with an enquiry.

Jones can play as a central, attacking or left midfielder and still has four years left on his Anfield deal. He’s made 47 senior appearances for the Reds and has been involved in 13 goals, scoring seven and providing six assists.

The Englishman is yet to feature this season, though, and it appears as if Villa could launch a late swoop for the Liverpool man.

Villa fans react

@AVFCFaithful_ shared Nixon’s claims on Jones on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with some for and against a potential move.

“another 8, i’m sick of this season man”

Credit: @M10Packed

“wait WHAT”

Credit: @1874Jacob

“Would rather Harvey Elliot than him”

Credit: @AlexAstonVilla

“Please”

Credit: @sam_my_6

“no”

Credit: @IB2511FC

“Now we’re talking! What a signing this would be”

Credit: @Villabo58965244

In other news: ‘The pain never stops’ – Lots of AVFC fans erupt as ‘disgraceful’ news emerges.  

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien as new manager Patrick Vieira continues to overhaul the first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, a source has revealed that the Eagles are keen to secure the 22-year-old’s services this summer, with fellow Premier League club Leeds United also credited with an interest. Marcelo Bielsa’s side reportedly tabled an opening offer of around £3m for O’Brien, and the Argentine is said to be “exasperated” that Leeds are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations.

However, the standoff in talks appears to have opened the door for Palace to swoop in. The report claims that the Terriers initially demanded £10m for their prized asset but would now likely accept a seven-figure fee.

O’Brien has entered the final 12 months of his current contract at the John Smith’s Stadium, so he may be available in a cut-price deal, although Huddersfield do have the option of triggering a one-year extension clause.

Imagine him and Gallagher

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, O’Brien has established himself as one of Huddersfield’s most promising midfielders, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 82 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit.

Vieira has already bolstered his midfield engine room options in the shape of Conor Gallagher on loan, but with James McCarthy departing and Cheikhou Kouyate linked with an imminent exit, the former Nice boss may need added reinforcements for the upcoming campaign.

Therefore, Palace chairman Steve Parish must swoop for O’Brien, snatching a much-coveted transfer target from under Leeds’ nose.

The youthful pair would add energy, technical ability and running power to the Eagles’ midfield, attributes which have been desperately lacking in recent years as Roy Hodgson’s side grew old together.

Palace have been targeting young, exciting acquisitions in the current window, changing the landscape at Selhurst Park in the process, and O’Brien should certainly fit into the makeup of the new-look side.

It remains to be seen whether the Eagles follow up their interest with a formal offer, but many supporters must surely be hoping that they do.

In other news… Get it done: Palace must swoop for “dangerous” 21 y/o prodigy, Vieira will love him

أعلن نادي برشلونة المنافس في بطولة الدوري الإسباني، عن أولى صفقاته الصيفية لتدعيم الفريق الأول والشباب لكرة القدم في الموسم المقبل.

ووقع برشلونة مع موهبة جديدة في الكرة الإسبانية وهي صانع ألعاب نادي راسينج سانتاندير الناشط في الدرجة الثالثة، بابلو توري، البالغ من العمر 19 عامًا فقط.

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𝐏𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐎 𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/bJEREEDCKs — FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) June 15, 2022

شارك توري في الموسم الماضي مع راسينج سانتاندير في 31 مباراة، سجل 10 أهداف وصنع 9 وكانت مسيرته الكروية منذ الطفولة في هذا النادي.

وحصل نادي برشلونة على توقيع بابلو توري حتى يونيو 2026، مع شرط جزائي لفسخ التعاقد بمقابل 100 مليون يورو.

Marcus Bent has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Cenk Tosun to leave Everton this summer.

It’s been four years since the Turkish international made the switch to Goodison Park from Besiktas, but injuries and goalscoring troubles have restricted him to just 58 appearances.

Tosun has missed more than 60 games, with an ACL injury the reason for more than half of those, although that was during a disappointing loan spell with Crystal Palace two years back.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Tosun, who hasn’t played a single minute in pre-season, is not part of Rafa Benitez’s plans, which would explain why Andros Townsend has taken his squad number.

Tosun spent last season back on loan in Turkey with Besiktas, but more injured problems saw him make just a handful of appearances.

Everton want to add another striker to their ranks, which would see the 30-year-old slip further down the pecking order at Goodison Park.

And Bent told The Transfer Tavern that his time on Merseyside are limited:

“I think with Rafa coming in, he’s going to look at what’s going on. But again, with the budget and new stadium, I think he’s probably going to move on.

“Where he goes, I don’t know, but I think he’s probably one they’re going to move on.”