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Rangers reportedly want to sign Josip Vukovic, who has been linked with a move to Lazio.

What’s the story?

According to Calciomercato, Rangers, Aston Villa and several other English clubs want to sign Vukovic.

Vukovic, valued at £360k by Transfermarkt, is wanted by Lazio, but the report states that the midfielder will be available on the cheap, seemingly paving the way for other teams to swoop in.

The 26 year-old midfielder is in contract with current club Maritimo until 2021.

What sort of player is he?

Standing at 6 ft tall, Vukovic is a tough-tackling defensive midfielder who would likely operate in one of two central midfield positions in Steven Gerrard’s 4-2-3-1 system if he joined the Gers.

Whoscored lists the Croatian’s strengths as concentration and interceptions, but notes that he is weak at passing and aerial duels, evidenced by his 78 per cent pass success rate.

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He is definitely not a player who will add goals to Gerrard’s midfield, as according to Transfermarkt’s stats he has never actually scored a professional goal, mustering one assist in 126 games and 27 yellow cards.

Is he good enough?

Quite simply, Vukovic is not the type of player Rangers should be targeting if they want to compete with Celtic, or even stand a chance of stopping their arch-rivals winning ten titles in a row.

He would certainly feel at home at Ibrox with countrymen Nikola Katic and Borna Barisic already at the club, but is he going to force Ryan Jack or the ever-improving Glen Kamara out of the first XI? Probably not.

For a small fee, the Croatian could perhaps be a decent addition to Gerrard’s squad depth, but with 27 yellow cards for every one assist, he is nowhere near the calibre of player required to trump Celtic to silverware.

It can be all too easy to look at two teams league positions and make some false prejudices. That’s the exact case here too, as with Swansea hosting Middlesbrough later today, the side 15th in the Championship is surely going to be the favourites over the 8th placed bottlers, especially when you factor in the recent form.

At times this season, we’ve seen Swansea playing some incredible football under Graham Potter. It may have taken the ex-Ostersunds manager time to adapt to the Championship, but his brand of football is much better than Tony Pulis’ anti-football.

As the two sides clash, it will be an interesting match-up, and one that if Potters’ side gets going in then they will surely edge it.

TONY PULIS

Tony Pulis is undoubtedly the more experienced gaffer going into this clash, but with experience doesn’t always come advantage, and it’s easy to argue that the Welshman’s football is stagnant and behind the times. Stints with Stoke City, Crystal Palace, West Brom and now Boro in recent times have all brought the same set-piece orientated football, and it’s time he had a rebrand or got out of the game.

In a world where the likes of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are passing teams off the park, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are high-pressing their way to glory and Mick Harford’s Luton Town are playing scintillating stuff in the third tier, hoof-ball has no place anywhere in the football league. The EFL is starting to see beautiful football, and whilst Pulis can’t adapt his sides will struggle, as we’ve seen with Boro losing their last four games.

TT GRADE: D

GRAHAM POTTER

There was very little hype and media attention around Graham Potter when he came to Swansea City, especially considering how well picked up on his time at Ostersunds was. The once-unheard of 43-year-old made his name in Sweden, where he miraculously took Ostersunds from a fourth tier club all the way through the Swedish footballing system, into the top flight and even into the Europa League, which he qualified for through winning the Svenska Cup.

His achievements have been incredible, and whilst he may only have Swansea in 15th, the signs have been there. Consistency has been his side’s problem, although he’s shown that his Swans can roll with the punches against the best sides in the country, with their recent FA Cup clash with Manchester City, an unjust 3-2 loss, proving just that. It’s the football that has them standing out, though, and should he add consistency then promotion is a real possibility next season.

TT GRADE: B

TT VERDICT

When comparing Potter and Pulis, it quickly becomes apparent that league position is never a safe barometer with which to compare managers in the Championship.

If given the chance, plenty of Boro fans would be rid of Tony Pulis in a heartbeat, and whilst Swansea may be taking their time to adapt, Potter is certainly the man for the job and is certainly a more apt manager given the current footballing climate than the dinosaur that is Tony Pulis, and that’s why he wins this battle.

A game of football can be won both on and off of the pitch.

Throughout history, managers have tried to gain a mental advantage over their opposition with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho mastering this particular art. However, when a club’s player tries to get involved it usually doesn’t have anywhere near the same effect.

Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips’ outburst yesterday is the latest case of this. Speaking in a press conference (as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post) ahead of the Whites’ clash against Preston North End last night, the midfielder remarked that: “There’s six more big games to go but hopefully after tomorrow night, we can have a little chill, relax and watch Sheffield United get beat!” Even though the comments were apparently a light-hearted attempt of humour by Phillips, it is not the message that manager Marcelo Bielsa will be wanting his players to be sending to their promotion rivals.

The Blades do not need any more encouragement this season yet upon hearing this revelation, Chris Wilder may use it as motivation to do what Leeds could not do at the weekend; beat Birmingham City. If they can clinch victory at St Andrew’s, United will remain in pole position to secure a top-two finish alongside runaway leaders Norwich City.

Up until this point in the season, the promotion race in the Championship had been played in good spirit yet with the tension cranking up a notch over the next few weeks, it will be interesting to see whether it will be Bielsa or his English counterpart who keeps their cool.

What do you think Leeds supporters? Are Phillips’ comments wise at this stage of the campaign? Does Bielsa need to control what his players say to the media between now and May? Let us know below.

Tottenham have seen their title challenge typically ripped apart over the last seven days, and it proves why their biggest stars need to move on before they win silverware.

Losses to Burnley and Chelsea and a draw against Arsenal on Saturday took them from being almost two points behind then leaders Man City to now being 10 points behind them. It’s been followed by an exclusive in the Sunday Mirror claiming Real Madrid are prepared to use Gareth Bale as a makeweight to brink Spurs maestro Christian Eriksen to the Bernabeu.

This move would be ideal for the Dane, who must be getting rather disillusioned at spending the prime of his career at a club who can’t even organise the building of a stadium, nevermind win a trophy. This is probably the reason he’s reportedly stalled on signing a new deal at the club, and who could blame him if he leaves?

Harry Kane is the other star who simply needs to be playing for one of the best clubs in world football and not one that can’t even mount a challenge of a domestic trophy. In the opinion of most, he’s the best striker in the world at the moment, but the game is fickle and he could quickly be overshadowed by another fresh talent in the years to come.

He, like Eriksen, needs to make a move now.

Madrid would be ideal for both considering the club are going through what they’d probably deem as a crisis at the moment, because they’re not in line for any trophies the way they’re playing. However, it just proves the difference between them and Manchester United compared to Spurs who are applauded when they come close to challenging.

The gap is huge, and it’s too huge for even those two great players to fill.

It would be a huge shame if they both wasted their careers merely competing in competitions rather than challenging to win them, but that appears to be what they’d be resigned to if they stay loyal to Spurs.

What do you think is the next best step for Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane?

A sweet Wednesday night in Munich was slightly soured for Liverpool, who saw captain Jordan Henderson having to be taken off after suffering an ankle injury.

While his departure didn’t really impact the result as the Reds rode on Sadio Mane’s brilliance to progress into the Champions League quarter-finals, an injury at this point could be worrying. Indeed, according to the club’s official site, he suffered a twisted ankle, though the extent isn’t yet.

However, thanks to their varied options, Liverpool have players to fall back upon. Indeed, a player who could be blessed by this unfortunate incident is Naby Keita, seemingly exiled from the starting XI in recent weeks.

The summer signing hasn’t proven to be as effective as Jurgen Klopp thought he would but is getting the slow grind towards immersing into the system. Keita now has the opportunity to prove his ability and be the hard-working midfielder who can take the pressure of their front-three.

Like Fred at Manchester United, he’s also had enough time to adapt to the Premier League’s conditions and is now primed to make his mark. He scored six goals and assisted five in the Bundesliga last season and will want to replicate similar numbers in the final stretch of the season.

A creative midfielder who adds more fuel to the attack, Keita now needs to take control and dictate Liverpool’s midfield in the next couple of weeks. The midfielder’s dominating potential is well known, but the next few months will determine whether he’ll thrive at Liverpool in the long term or be discarded as Jurgen Klopp’s failed experiment.

If he’s ever going to prove he’s worth the money, now’s the time.

Liverpool fans, do you feel Keita can finally come good as Henderson’s replacement? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

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Liverpool swept Watford aside at Anfield for the third year running on Wednesday, and Fabinho proved that he is now the Reds’ most important midfielder with a Mascherano-esque performance.

Liverpool desperately needed a big performance and result on Wednesday night, and that’s exactly what they got.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was magnificent, Virgil van Dijk was his usual self with an extra dose of goals and Mohamed Salah looked back to his best despite not finding the back of the net.

No one impressed more than Fabinho though, who completely dominated the middle third and proved once and for all that he is the star man in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.

Mascherano 2.0?

Fabinho had to wait for his chance at Anfield, as the 25 year-old didn’t start a Premier League match until late October, but he has not looked back since breaking into the side.

He produced a stunning performance at home to Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, but his true breakout came in December, when he dominated wins against Manchester United and Wolves.

The Brazilian international has since been forced to fill in at right-back and centre back, both of which he has done with little difficulty, and Wednesday’s performance felt like the culmination of everything he has learned so far under Klopp.

The ex-Monaco ace was tenacious in the tackle, read the game expertly, and most importantly he always looked forward with the ball, breaking lines with high-tempo, incisive passing.

Liverpool have not had a truly elite defensive midfielder since Javier Mascherano left the club back in 2010, but Fabinho might even be better than the feisty Argentinian, as his skills on the ball are far superior.

Bad news for Henderson

His form could be bad news for Jordan Henderson – the two don’t really fit in the same team because they attempt to cover the same spaces, which sacrifices attacking returns.

Negative passing is always the most common criticism levelled at Henderson, and it was one that you simply cannot fire at Fabinho as he constantly looks over the top to his pacey wingers.

The Brazilian international is well and truly coming into his own, and with fans calling him the midfield version of Virgil van Dijk, it could be very hard for Henderson to force his way back into the side.

Australia 4 for 487 (Clarke 218*, Cowan 136, Hussey 86*, Morkel 2-109) lead South Africa 450 by 37 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsEd Cowan kept his head over the ball on the way to 136•Getty Images

On the same afternoon Australia rejoiced the confirmation of Ed Cowan as a genuine Test opening batsman, their prolific captain Michael Clarke squeezed South Africa with a merciless unbeaten 218 to give his side the psychological and tactical high ground after four days of the first Test.Graeme Smith’s side began the day in search of quick wickets to press for victory in Brisbane, but a first Test century of high accomplishment by Cowan smoothed the path for Clarke and Michael Hussey to run the tourists ragged in the final session. Australia piled up 181 runs after tea to close on 4 for 487, a lead of 37 with another extended day’s play to follow.Clarke’s innings grew in command with every hour, and maintained his outstanding record of performance since assuming the national captaincy. His third Test score beyond 200 in 2012 made Clarke one of only three batsman to achieve the feat, joining Sir Donald Bradman and Ricky Ponting. Rare company indeed.Cowan was considered by some to be under some pressure for his place entering this match, though the national selector John Inverarity had been highly supportive. That faith proved well founded, for Cowan produced exactly the sort of innings the team required. Scoring within his favoured zones and showing sound judgement of when to defend, this was a major step in Cowan’s career, and also a poignant achievement a year to the day since the death of his mentor, Peter Roebuck.Hussey’s innings demonstrated how destructive his batting can be when runs are behind him, and in his busy running and pure driving he pushed tiring opponents to their limits. Before the series Inverarity had hoped Hussey was “due” for a strong series against South Africa after several poor ones, and he has made the ideal start.The defusing of the touring bowlers was a tonic for the rest of Australia’s batsmen, and the contempt with which they were treated at the finish by Clarke and Hussey will be sobering for Smith. Rory Kleinveldt and Vernon Philander gave up 19 no-balls between them, the latter’s bowling notably nobbled on perhaps the flattest Test surface he has seen on so far. Steyn threatened intermittently, and Morkel’s bounce did not diminish, but the employment of Smith and Hashim Amla as modest spinners conveyed a lack of variety in South Africa’s attack.In responding aggressively to a perilous position the night before, Cowan and Clarke had tilted momentum their way even before they emerged on the fourth morning. But they had to fight to build on that advantage early on. After a brief early flurry, runs came steadily rather than swiftly, Cowan pushing singles while Clarke punched a pair of delectable straight drives back past Steyn in between leaving plenty of deliveries wide of off stump.Cowan had an uncomfortable moment when he cuffed past the stumps and down to the fine leg boundary while trying to leave Steyn, and Clarke was twice the beneficiary of good fortune when his unconvincing attempts at a sort of half-pull shot lobbed into the air but out of the reach of fielders.Clarke looked ungainly against the short ball on more than one occasion, once taking his eye off a Steyn bouncer and gloving into the space between the stumps and the slips cordon. But he prospered in other areas, playing with a restraint that showed self-awareness of how important his wicket has become for Australia.As the adjournment ticked closer Cowan reached the outskirts of a century, gaining four runs when the umpire Asad Rauf failed to detect Morkel’s bouncer had skimmed straight off the batsman’s helmet. He would go to the interval two runs short of a hundred, but happy to wait.On resumption Cowan did not take long to gather those runs, pulling Philander powerfully to midwicket to pass three figures. His celebration was ebullient, but he also collected himself pointedly at the end of the over, regathering his focus to resume the task. At the other end Clarke had further troubles with the short ball, but unfurled a pair of crisp drives to close on his own century.He reached the mark with a hurried single to backward point, and raised his bat for the sixth time since becoming Test captain and the second time in as many Gabba Tests. Clarke and Cowan’s stand had by this time become the highest for the fourth wicket in all Tests between Australia and South Africa, blunting a visiting attack that had looked so daunting at the start of the innings.Having seen off the second new ball, Cowan was dropped at fine leg when Steyn’s path to the catch was distracted somewhat by Alviro Petersen’s convergence. Ultimately Cowan would would not perish at the hand of any bowler. Instead he was run-out at the non-striker’s end when Steyn deflected a Clarke drive onto the stumps – Cowan’s penchant for backing up a long way reducing his chances of getting back in time. That dismissal brought Hussey to the crease, and he had a couple of nervy moments against Morkel before tea arrived.There would be a few more plays and misses in the final session, but they were rare moments of consolation for South Africa as Hussey and Clarke streaked away. Hussey’s cover driving was a particular highlight, while Clarke reached his double century with another pristine straight drive. By the close a draw was the most likely result, but Clarke, Cowan and Hussey had ensured that it will be the South Africans more likely to be sweating.

Marcos Rojo has completed a move to Estudiantes, where he will spend the rest of the 2019/20 season.

What’s the story?

The Argentina international move to the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in 2014 for £16m. In those six years, he has made 122 appearances, scoring two goals.

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However, he has appeared in just nine matches in all competitions so far this term, and as such he has returned to his homeland on a short-term basis.

Leaves United short

On the one hand, given his considerable lack of game-time, it makes sense that he would leave, and a loan is probably the easiest deal for all involved. However, given that he clearly doesn’t seem to be a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans moving forward, United may have been looking for a permanent switch instead.

Calling all transfer experts! Can you get all 15 questions right on our Deadline Day quiz?

At 29 years of age – he turns 30 in March – his re-sale value will dwindle with each passing year – he is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt. However, some good performances for Estudiantes could persuade the South American team to part with some money to sign him for beyond this campaign.

Either way, with a contract that runs out in 2021, he does not seem to have a future at Old Trafford.

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In other news, Manchester United fans think this man should be given more of a first-team chance…

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Crystal Palace currently have three strong options in the goalkeeping department for the first time in years, with Vicente Guaita, Wayne Hennessey and veteran keeper Julian Speroni all vying for the number one jersey at Selhurst Park.

However, it is the latter of those options who is the main concern. Speroni is soon to be entering his 40s, where retirement will most likely be on the horizon for the Argentinian stopper.

As a result of that, Roy Hodgson should be looking to get another player in that department who would act as an option for the future, but who also has bags of potential.

Coincidentally, Palace have recently been linked with a move for 21-year-old Sao Paulo keeper Lucas Perri, who would be an ideal candidate for the aforementioned role.

We recently asked fans of the Eagles if they’d like to see the Brazilian stopper arrive in south London to cover the impending loss of Speroni.

As shown by the results below, a whopping 74% of those who voted said that they would like to see Perri sign…

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Roma striker Edin Dzeko has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina forward has previously enjoyed a successful five-year spell in England with Manchester City, winning the title twice at the Etihad Stadium.

At 32 years of age, the 6’4” target man would likely now have little to offer Pep Guardiola’s side but he could still have a big impact for a club a little way down the Premier League table.

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With Everton’s expensive centre-forward Cenk Tosun struggling to get to grips with English football, the Toffees would be wise to sign a proven Premier League marksmen in January. If Marco Silva could tempt Dzeko to Goodison Park on a short term contract or loan deal in the winter transfer window then that would be a great bit of business.

What do you think, Everton fans – would you be pleased to see the club sign Dzeko in January?

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