South Africa’s current coach Russell Domingo’s contract expires at the end of the England tour in August

Firdose Moonda18-May-2017Cricket South Africa has nominated a five-man panel including two former national coaches, Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons, to recommend a suitable candidate for the position of head coach, which it aims to fill by the beginning of September. Current coach Russell Domingo’s contract expires at the end of the England tour in August and while free to reapply for the post, he has not indicated whether he will put his name in the hat.If Domingo does apply, he, along with other candidates will be screened by a panel which consists of CSA’s lead independent director Norman Arendse, board member Rihan Richards, transformation and cricket pipeline committee member Oupa Nkagisang and the two former coaches. It is not clear whether the panel will search for suitable candidates or whether applications have been opened, but either way, the panel will have about three months to decide on their recommendation. It will then be up to CSA’s board to ratify that choice.Domingo has been in charge of South Africa since after the Champions Trophy in mid-2013 and has had his contract renewed three times but cannot be rolled over again in order to meet corporate governance requirements. Domingo enjoys widespread player support and is the only coach to oversee a South African victory in a World-Cup knockout match – the 2015 quarter-final. He has also been in charge through a severe dip in form – when South Africa crashed from No. 1 to No. 7 on the Test rankings – and a subsequent revival that has seen them climb to No. 2. They cannot move any higher in their next series against England – even with a 4-0 victory – but that is unlikely to have as much effect on whether Domingo stays on as head coach or not as the Champions Trophy. With the new coach’s tenure set to include the 2019 World Cup, CSA is likely to lean towards someone who it thinks will bring the team success there.CSA has already put faith in the current crop of selectors, whose tenure began after the 2015 World Cup. Convener Linda Zondi, along with Hussein Manack, Errol Stewart and Lux Qoboshiyana (who replaced Ashwell Prince after he became Cobras’ coach last September) have had their term of office extended until after the 2019 World Cup. The selection panel has presided over the rise of several stars for South Africa, including Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, and has done so while adhering to strict transformation targets.The only other notable change to the structure is the appointment of Robin Peterson as the eminent past-player representative on the cricket committee. Peterson replaces Prince in that role.

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson is "likely" to re-sign defender Will Fish on another loan from Man United, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

Who will Hibs sign?

Hibs have been fairly busy so far this transfer window as they build a capable side for the 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign and their foray into Europe.

The Hibees qualified for the Europa Conference League play-off rounds at the end of last season after finishing fifth, and are still awaiting who they will face off against in the first leg of their second qualifying round on July 27th.

In the meantime, Johnson's side have looming friendlies against Bournemouth, with kick off later today, and FC Groningen next Friday.

So far, they've prepared well this summer in terms of incomings, having already sealed deals for Elie Youan, who joined from Swiss side St. Gallen for around £496,000, and Dylan Levitt from Dundee United for £299,000.

The aforementioned duo join striker Adam Le Fondre, left-back Jordan Obita and goalkeeper Maksymilian Boruc who have signed for Hibs on free transfers.

These additions could do wonders to fill the gaps left by star departures, most notably striker and top scorer from last season Kevin Nisbett, who joined Millwall last month for a "significant" seven-figure fee.

The 26-year-old departed Hibs alongside Marijan Cabraja, Mikey Devlin, Maciej Dabrowski, Kyle Magennis and Aiden McGeady – with Johnson seemingly orchestrating a major rebuild (Transfermarkt).

However, according to reliable reports in the English press, they may not be done there as young centre-back Fish could re-join Hibs on loan from Man United.

Journalist Luckhurst co-wrote a piece for the Manchester Evening News, sharing it on Twitter, whilst claiming Fish's reunion with Hibs is "likely" as the player agrees to make another season-long loan move.

The 20-year-old has been named in Erik ten Hag's recent friendly squads and will be again for their match against Lyon in Edinburgh next week.

He's then expected to remain in the Scottish capital and begin preparations with Hibs boss Johnson as he looks set to make the move back up north.

Fish was attracting attention from rivals, like Aberdeen, as well as clubs in the English Championship and League One. However, it is Hibs who have seemingly won the race for his signature, with the youngster keen to re-join and build upon his brilliant end to the 22/23 campaign.

How good is Will Fish?

The starlet seriously impressed towards the back end of last season with Hibs.

Indeed, Fish ranked among their top five best-performing players per 90 according to WhoScored, with the Englishman even chipping in with three league goals going forward.

He was also an indomitable presence at the back for Hibs, averaging more clearances and blocks per 90 than any other player in Johnson's squad (WhoScored).

Johnson, speaking to BBC Sportsround (via Football Scotland), heaped praise on Fish for his contribution in green and white.

"He's been fantastic. I've said before if you could build a centre-half, you'd build Will Fish," exclaimed Johnson.

He's a great student and a great lad and he's had to up his gravitas levels for this league and his on-pitch personalities.

"He's trusted by the boys, trusted by the staff and it's a great sign."

Listed No. 1 in the ICC rankings for bowlers in ODIs and T20Is, Imran Tahir was “sad” and “down” after going unsold at the IPL auction two months ago. But an injury to Mitchell Marsh opened a door for Tahir: he was signed as a replacement and shone with 3 for 28 in Rising Pune Supergiant’s seven-wicket win in their opening match against Mumbai Indians.After Mumbai raced to 41 for 0 in four overs with consecutive sixes from Jos Buttler, Steven Smith brought on Tahir, who bowled Parthiv Patel around his legs and then removed Rohit Sharma and Buttler within the space of three balls in his next over.”The way they were playing it looked like they were going to end up getting 200,” Tahir told after the match. “I always love challenges, and when I bowl I always look to get wickets. I was very fortunate to get Patel out and obviously, the next two wickets were very special. Those guys were really good against spin bowling and it was very special for me that I got them out and [I’m] really, really happy with the way the ball came out. I’ve been here for one week and I’m trying to do well because it’s a new team and they gave me a lot of confidence.”I always come on the ground with a smile on the face but inside I’m always ready to fight and try to give as much as I can. I love doing what I’m doing and I always look for a challenge.”Tahir expressed how disappointed he was when no franchise picked him at the auction in February, when he had a base price of INR 50 lakhs. He had been released by Delhi Daredevils after an unimpressive IPL last year, playing four matches for five wickets with an economy rate of 8.62.”I was obviously sad not to be part of this league [in the auction] but there’s nothing I can do about it,” Tahir said. “But really relieved and pleased with myself about playing the way I’ve been playing and just deliver it today.”I’m grateful to god and my family supported me, especially my wife. I was quite down when I didn’t get picked in the league. But our life carries on and I came here to prove myself again, that’s what my job is. I don’t blame no one for not picking me. My job, if someone picks me, is to come and perform, that’s what we do for a living.””I always come on the ground with a smile on the face but inside I’m always ready to fight”•BCCI

Supergiant played two legspinners – Tahir and Adam Zampa – in the absence of R Ashwin and left out Faf du Plessis from the XI. Zampa, their highest wicket-taker last season, did not impress as much as Tahir on Thursday, with 1 for 26 from three overs, but Ajinkya Rahane said the strategy of playing two attacking legspinners worked for them.”Both of them are attacking, both of them look to take wickets, and that’s very important in T20,” Rahane said. “Zampa did well for us last year, and Imran Tahir is a world-class bowler. It’s good to have them both in our side, and we, as a team, know they’re always looking to take wickets.”Rahane gave Supergiant’s chase of 185 impetus, scoring 60 off 34 that featured six fours and three sixes. He brought up his half-century off only 27 balls; Supergiant were 79 for 1 in the ninth over.”When you’re chasing 180-190, it’s important to continue the momentum after the first six overs,” Rahane said. “I knew I was batting really well, and striking the ball well. So, for me, it was really important to play with that same momentum. Smith was completely new [on the pitch] at that time. So, I just wanted to take my chances and play my normal shots. I mean, I didn’t take any risks. But it was important for both of us to keep rotating the strike and hit one boundary or six in an over.”When you are chasing 180 plus, it’s the openers’ job to consolidate the innings. For me and Mayank [Agarwal], our discussion was to play positive cricket. We did not set any target for the first six overs. We just wanted to play our attacking game, and later on just capitalise on that. Unfortunately, he got out, but I was batting well. And Smith was there, I told him I’ll take my chances, and he should just carry on and play a long innings.”

أكد أيمن يونس، إن إمام عاشور لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، هو محور أداء اللاعبين وأكثرهم تميزًا، مُشيرًا إلى أنه حزن بشدة بعد رحيله عن الزمالك.

وقال أيمن يونس في تصريحات عبر برنامج “جمهور التالتة”، على قناة “أون تايم سبورت 2”: “إمام عاشور تركيبته الفنية في الملعب لا يوجد مثلها كثيرًا، لاعب يمتلك قدرات خاصة جدًا”.

وتابع: “إمام عاشور في كل مركز يلعب فيه يتقمصه، سواء صانع ألعاب أو مدافع الوسط، أو المتحول الهجومي، ويتحرك على الخطوط، لاعب مميز جدًا”.

طالع أيضًا | أيمن يونس ينتقد تصرف إدارة الزمالك.. ويُصرح: بداية الحكم النهائي على جوميز قريبًا

وأضاف: “دائمًا هو محور أداء لاعبي الأهلي لأنه لاعب ذكي، أنا حقيقة حزنت عليه لأن لاعب مثله كان لا يجب أن يتم تركه يرحل عن الزمالك، إلا لو هناك شيء متعمد”.

واختتم: “لم أكن مؤيدًا لقرار رحيله من أجل الاحتراف، لأن التجربة لم تكن مؤثرة له أو للنادي، لكن كل بني آدم يختار طريقه، هو رحل عن القلعة البيضاء بسبب شيء ما بداخله”.

وفي سياق أخر، الأهلي سيلتقي في مباراته القادمة مع سيمبا التنزاني، في إياب دور الـ8 (ربع النهائي) لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، وذلك بعد أن فاز في مواجهة الذهاب بهدف دون رد. موعد مباراة الأهلي وسيمبا في إياب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا

تقام المباراة يوم الجمعة الموافق 5 أبريل المقبل، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر بتوقيت السعودية.

Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have already arrived at Chelsea this summer, but new head coach Mauricio Pochettino has made clear he intends to bring in more players who are fully committed to the club's new era.

Who are Chelsea planning to sign?

Jackson and Nkunku's arrivals have come on the back of Chelsea saying goodbye to Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Edouard Mendy, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz this summer, with Mason Mount next to follow as he undergoes a Manchester United medical.

The Blues have made signing Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo their top priority, while a new goalkeeper also appears to be on Pochettino's radar, even if Kepa Arrizabalaga is to stay on as first choice.

Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki is another who has been touted as a target, and football.london reports that Chelsea are now considering a move for the Frenchman.

Will Chelsea sign Rayan Cherki?

French outlet But! Football Club claims Cherki is available to purchase this summer, but only if his €50m (£43m) valuation is met by any interested clubs – of which Chelsea are one of many.

Cherki has been on the radar of Europe's elite clubs for a number of years, ever since scoring two goals and assisting two more in the same game for Lyon at the age of just 16.

That performance earned praise from Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, who took to Twitter at the time to post: "Don't talk to him too much about age, huh?"

Now aged 19, Cherki is coming off the back of his third season as a first-team regular for Lyon, one in which he made 24 Ligue 1 appearances in a number of positions, predominantly in central attacking midfield.

Cherki's numbers last season make for exciting reading if you are a Chelsea supporter. The France U21 international ranked in the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for chances created, as per The Analyst, and likewise for dribbles attempted.

In fact, using FBref's player comparison model, Cherki's figures are up there with the very biggest names in the game – Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Vinicius Junior and Lionel Messi among them.

Taking Messi as an example, given the two men both played in Ligue 1 last season, the Argentina international averaged 35.9 touches in the opposition penalty box per 90; Cherki averaged 36.4.

Messi was successful from 55.4% of his take-ons, compared to 50.3% for Cherki, while they were involved in 6.25 and 6.15 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes respectively – a metric that considers factors such as passes and take-ons directly leading to a shot.

PSG star Messi was undoubtedly more of a direct goal threat (1.02 goals and assists per 90 to Cherki's 0.48), but it must be remembered he was playing in a forward line alongside Mbappe and Neymar.

In terms of the defensive side of both players' games, they are arguably more alike than any other area as Messi recorded 0.89 tackles and interceptions combined last time out, compared to 0.91 for Cherki.

Pochettino suggested last year that he struggled to manage Messi at PSG due to his compatriot's status, but that will not be the case with Cherki, who at 19 still has a long way to go before he can be considered a truly elite player.

Described as a "magnificent talent" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, it might be that Stamford Bridge becomes Cherki's equivalent of Camp Nou if he is to continue matching Messi and become a star in his own right under Pochettino.

With stability having returned to Leeds United following the change in ownership and the appointment of Daniel Farke on a long-term basis, the onus will now be on making astute moves in the transfer market, in order to aid the quest for a swift return to the Premier League.

In truth, much of the emphasis at present is on the numerous outgoings that could be on the cards at Elland Road, with the likes of Robin Koch and Brendan Aaronson having already sealed moves away from the club as part of what is likely to be a mass exodus.

It appears likely that Farke and co will need to bolster the midfield ranks, in particular, with January loan arrival Weston McKennie having returned to parent club Juventus, while both Marc Roca and Tyler Adams are facing uncertain futures in Yorkshire – as The Athletic's Phil Hay recently revealed.

As the respected insider noted, that lack of depth in the centre of the park has ensured that the Whites are now looking at suitable replacements, with ex-Bristol City starlet Han-Noah Massengo among those being considered.

The 5 foot 9 maestro is currently without a club after leaving Ashton Gate following the expiry of his contract last month, albeit with Leeds still set to need to pay some form of compensation fee to the Robins if they are to land the 22-year-old.

Having spent the last four years in Bristol after joining from Monaco in 2019, the playmaker could be in line to extend his stay in England's second tier by linking up with Farke's side…

Who is Han-Noah Massengo?

The France U21 international – who spent the second-half of last season on loan in Ligue 1 at Auxerre – is a figure who has earned rave reviews for his talents over the years, having previously been hailed as "complete" by former Tottenham Hotspur winger Nacer Chadli during their time together at Monaco.

Also described as "tough" and "forceful" by pundit Edouard Cisse during his recent stint back in France, Massengo has certainly caught the eye since emerging on the scene at Stade Louis II almost five years ago.

Perhaps the greatest praise the Frenchman has received is the comparison that has previously been made between himself and Real Madrid legend, Luka Modric, by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with that an indication of the possible diamond that Farke could have on his hands.

While perhaps more of a robust presence than the veteran Croatian – having averaged 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game in Ligue 1 last term, in contrast to just 0.9 for the 37-year-old in La Liga – the pair are seemingly alike due to their composure on the ball.

That is shown by the fact that while Modric enjoyed a stellar pass accuracy rate of 91% in the Spanish top-flight in 2022/23 and lost possession on average just 7.9 times per game, Massengo enjoyed a similar record with a pass accuracy rate of 86%, while having lost possession just 7.8 times per game.

Such brilliance on the ball has cemented the five-time Champions League winner as one of the best of his generation, with the one-time Spurs man having been rewarded for his "fantastic career" – as hailed by Jose Mourinho – with the Ballon d'Or in 2018.

For Leeds then to potentially find their own answer to the 5 foot 8 magician in Massengo is a particularly exciting thought, with the former Bristol gem perhaps the man to ease Farke's midfield woes.

Celtic reportedly have an interest in Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops look set to back Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market following his return as manager, with up to £30m available to the Northern Irishman over the coming months ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Celtic’s finances were handed a boost after Jota completed a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m.

There have been incomings, though, with two players already through the door in Glasgow. Odin Thiago Holm has arrived from Eliteserien club Valerenga on a five-year contract, and Australian winger Marco Tilio has also penned a five-year deal, signing from Melbourne City.

There could be more to come, though, with Gangwon FC for forward Yang Hyun-jun a firm target and a £2.1m offer seemingly accepted. Former defender Kieran Tierney has been linked with a sensational return to Glasgow, and another Scot in McTominay has also been linked.

Football Scotland have claimed that with McTominay potentially up for sale this summer, Celtic and Rodgers have been listed as an interested party. Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson labelled the player as a “star” for Scotland but admitted that finances over a fee and wages could be an issue over any possible Parkhead move.

“When was the last player you heard who took a wage cut to move? There is very few of them.

"I really like him and for Scotland he has been a star. He has that composure and he has played at a certain level where I think he would fit into the side. It's one, transfer fee and two, the wage – that is what it all comes down to."

Is Scott McTominay leaving Man United?

There could well be a clear-out at Old Trafford this summer, with up to 13 players reportedly up for sale, including McTominay. The central midfielder has progressed through United’s academy and has made 209 senior appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

However, he started just 10 Premier League games under Erik ten Hag last season and is out of contract in 2025, so could well be on the move over the coming months.

A move to Celtic has been mooted, although United’s reported £40m asking price could price the Hoops out of a move, especially when you consider their record arrival is Odsonne Edouard at €11.5m.

McTominay could be a shrewd signing for Rodgers and Celtic due to his experience at the highest level alongside his versatility of being able to turn out as a holding or central midfielder and even as a centre-back. But his price tag and £60,000-a-week wage could be a problem, as Wilson mentions, so a transfer could be unlikely.

Ian Bell’s highest first-class score for more than a year has kept Warwickshire’s heads above water in their Championship match against Surrey

George Dobell at Edgbaston23-Apr-2017
ScorecardIan Bell dug deep in what could turn out to be a significant innings•Getty Images

Ian Bell’s highest first-class score for more than a year has kept Warwickshire’s heads above water in their Championship match against Surrey.When Bell came to the wicket in Warwickshire’s second innings, they were already two down and still 60 behind. For a side bowled out for 91 by the same opponents a couple of weeks ago – and one bowled out for 115 by Yorkshire last week – the signs were ominous.But Bell, playing beautifully straight, negated an admirably disciplined attack and a pitch offering just a little variable bounce to ensure his side go into the final day with hopes of a morale-boosting draw very much alive.Such is Bell’s innate class that, in a professional career stretching the best part of two decades, he has rarely looked out of form. But, over the last couple of years, the runs have not flowed as they have previously and not since April 13, 2016 – the first Championship match of last season – has he made a century or reached a score as high as this.But, as he guided anything short to the third man boundary or anything over-pitched through the covers, it was hard to see any diminution of his powers. That cover drive belongs in the Louvre.The difference here, compared to recent Bell innings, was the discipline. Whereas he has, of late, looked a little over eager to search for the scoring opportunity, here he was prepared to wait for it. So, many balls were left outside off stump and, offered the chance to pull for a boundary, he often settled for rolling his wrists over the ball and settling for the single.There may be other differences. There were times in 2016 when Bell had so much on his plate – issues with discontented colleagues, potential recruitment and the disappointment as the decline of his own Test career – that he perhaps went into games with a mind clouded and burdened.This season, with a head coach and director of cricket keen to alleviate some of those responsibilities, he may have more time to focus on his own game. It is too early to suggest he has turned a corner – it is one innings, after all – but the manner with which he dealt with low bounce and high suggested the technique and the temperament remain a substantial asset to his club.He was given steadfast support by Ian Westwood. While William Porterfield edged a good one that left him and Jonathan Trott fell for his third duck in six Championship innings this season courtesy of one that reared and took the shoulder of his bat, Westwood refused to be drawn at deliveries outside off stump and added a half-century to his first innings century. While Tom Curran eventually snared him with one he might have left, it seems safe to assume he has already done enough to convince Warwickshire to give him a new contract at the end of this season.Warwickshire are in the market for new players, though. They are not nearly as cash-strapped as some might suppose – there is debt, yes, but it is to a benevolent partner and they are on the brink of the best run of major matches in their history – and, if the right players come along, they will pursue them vigorously.This was, as Bell said afterwards, their “best performance of our season without a shadow of doubt.” With Surrey resuming with the opportunity to build a match-defining lead, Warwickshire’s bowlers knew they had to strike early and often.Kumar Sangakkara went early – though not before he had reached his century – poking at a good one that left him, and with Ben Foakes guiding a pull shot to long-leg, Dominic Sibley misreading a lovely slower-ball and Sam Curran (who may find himself reported by the umpires for dissent following his dismissal) missing a straight one, Surrey lost their last seven wickets for a modest 131 runs. It left Warwickshire facing a deficit of 105 and the sense that things could have been much worse.Surrey bowled impressively in Warwickshire’s second innings. Despite losing Mark Footitt to a leg injury – he came back onto the field but is thought unlikely to bowl on the final day – the threat offered by Jade Dernbach and the Currans was unrelenting. Dernbach bowled one especially impressive spell, gaining movement in the air and off the pitch and only being negated by Bell’s excellence.The wicket of Ateeq Javid – nervously playing-on – in the dying moments ensured Surrey go into the final day in a strong position, but they will be just a little nervous of the prospect of chasing on a fourth-day pitch starting to go up and down. Bell still has a substantial amount of work ahead of him, but this was a heartening day for him and his team.

The former Scotland captain had retired at the age of 29 in November last year to pursue a career outside the game

ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2017

Former Scotland captain Preston Mommsen, who retired from international cricket last year, has returned to the side for their upcoming World Cricket League Championship fixtures against Namibia.Mommsen had retired, aged 29, in November to pursue “a very exciting and attractive opportunity in the corporate world”. Cricket Scotland said the batsman will take leave to be available for the Namibia matches and had been in fine early season form for his club side, Grange, as well as training with the national coaches.Scotland squads

Intercontinental Cup: Kyle Coetzer (capt), Con de Lange (vice-capt), Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Alasdair Evans, Safyaan Sharif, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, Mark Watt, George Munsey, Craig Wallace, Chris Sole, Stuart Whittingham.
WCL Championship: Kyle Coetzer (Captain), Con de Lange (vice-captain), Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Alasdair Evans, Safyaan Sharif, Michael Leask, Preston Mommsen, Calum MacLeod, Mark Watt, George Munsey, Craig Wallace, Chris Sole, Stuart Whittingham.

Kyle Coetzer will captain Scotland in the Intercontinental Cup and WCL Championship fixtures against Namibia, while Con de Lange has been appointed vice-captain. Seamer Stuart Whittingham, who made a county debut for Sussex last season, features in the squads for the Intercontinental Cup and WCL Championship matches. Whittingham featured in both practice matches against Sri Lanka earlier this month, and took 3 for 56 in one match.Seamer Alasdair Evans also made a return to the side, having last played for Scotland in September last year against Hong Kong. Evans had been rested for the Desert T20 challenge in the UAE earlier this year and, like Whittingham, was a part of the practice matches against Sri Lanka, where he picked up a three-for.The Intercontinental Cup fixture will be played between June 6-9 in Ayr, with both teams placed in the bottom half of the table. Namibia are placed last, having won one out of their four matches, while Scotland are yet to win a game, having had three matches affected by the rain.The hosts are better placed in the WCL Championship. Wins in both matches will lift them to second on the points table – they are currently fourth with 11 points from eight matches – and improve their chances of reaching the ICC World Cup Qualifier. Namibia, however, are last-placed in the one-day format too, with a sole win from their eight matches. The two WCL games will be played on June 11 and 13 in Edinburgh.

Michael Beale means business this summer as a plethora of signings for Glasgow Rangers will give him hope that they could secure just their second Premiership title in 13 years during the 2023/24 campaign.

The likes of Jack Butland and Kieran Dowell have arrived at Ibrox, while Beale has already moved on from the departures of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos by signing forwards Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers from Atalanta and Cremonese respectively, as the start of a new era beckons.

With still a month and a half to go of the transfer window, Beale won't be stopping there in his quest to improve his first team squad and this could mean another few arrivals.

Could the 42-year-old perhaps add another striker to the options he has at his disposal to complete the jigsaw? As the Ibrox side have been linked recently with a move for Feyenoord hitman Danilo, he could form a dream frontline which would give the Gers plenty of goals next term and a wonderful chance to hit the ground running by qualifying for the Champions League group stages once again.

Could Danilo improve Rangers?

The Light Blues scored 93 goals last season in the league alone, which on the surface looks like a great total, yet it was just 21 goals shy of the 114 that Celtic netted. The difference is they had plenty of forwards who could score on a regular basis, with eight of their forwards scoring five or more goals, in contrast to Rangers, where just three of their attacking players netted over five goals.

Therefore, adding someone like Danilo to the squad could give the Gers another player who has the capability of scoring over ten goals a season.

The £8.3k-per-week Brazilian has enjoyed a rather productive couple of years across spells at Feyenoord, Ajax and FC Twente, scoring 40 goals across those three campaigns.

His former boss at Ajax, Erik ten Hag even heaped praise on the 24-year-old, saying “Danilo is the best finisher we have in the squad” and despite departing the Dutch giants, he went on to prove the current Manchester United boss correct in terms of his finishing skills, scoring ten Eredivisie goals last term as he led Feyenoord to their first title in six seasons and only their second since 1998/99.

If Beale lured him to Ibrox, he would be getting one of the finest strikers on the continent, with the player ranking in the top 2% across the next big eight competitions for total shots per 90 (4.24) and the top 3% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (7.14), suggesting he poses a constant goal threat by getting into the box as often as possible and taking shots at every possible opportunity, increasing his scoring chances.

Making a move for the 24-year-old sounds like a real no-brainer for Beale, as it could be money well spent in his chase for silverware next term. Combining his abilities with that of Lammers and Dessers could give Rangers an attacking trio which will be feared by opposition defences.