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Rangers-linked John Lundstram has refused to be drawn on his future, saying that “it’s the same situation, everything’s still on the table.”

What’s the word?

Reports in recent months have suggested Rangers are one of several clubs across Europe keen on landing Lundstram from Sheffield United as Steven Gerrard seeks to bolster his midfield options, with The Athletic claiming that the Ibrox side are “admirers” and are “waiting in the wings” with the midfielder’s contract coming to an end this season.

It is understood the Ibrox boss was interested in signing a central midfielder as well as a playmaker last year, with Bongani Zungu and Lewis Ferguson being identified as the club’s main targets.

However, Rangers did manage to sign Zungu on loan during the extended summer transfer window, but it seems Gerrard is still keen on Lundstram as he looks to complete an overhaul in midfield.

The in-form midfielder, 26, made the remarks before Sunday’s clash with Chelsea at Bramall Lane.

He said: “It’s the same situation, everything’s still on the table. We’ll see what happens.
“Of course, (speculation) is bound to happen but I’m here and while I am here I’m committed, as you’ve seen in my performances.
“I’m 110 per cent and no-one can question that. Who knows what will happen but while I’m here, I’ll give everything.”

Better than Bongani Zungu?

With Steven Davis’ contract coming to an end in the summer, the 36-year-old’s long-term future at Ibrox still remains uncertain, despite Gerrard’s insistence that the board should offer him a new deal.

Meanwhile Zungu has done very little to suggest that he deserves to stay at Ibrox on a permanent basis, with the Rangers boss giving him just 149 minutes of football in the Scottish Premiership.

In the £4k-a-week earning Lundstram, however, Gerrard could find the perfect replacement for the 124-cap Northern Irish international.

He really burst onto the scene last season, making 34 top-flight appearances for the club predominantly from the midfield, with five goals and three assists to show for his 26 starts. By comparison, Zungu has scored just twice in the past four seasons alone across all competitions, which suggests that he’d offer a far greater attacking threat than the Bafana-Bafana midfielder.

His captain at Bramall Lane, Billy Sharp, has spoken highly about his teammate’s physicality, athleticism and technique. He said:

“He gives us a lot of energy and he got an assist as well, which is important.

“He’s got all the attributes. He runs so much in a game, he provides assists and goals. He’s a real menace to other teams and a great player to have.”

Ross Wilson, therefore, should capitalise Lundstram’s uncertain future and contract status at Sheffield United by bringing the soon-to-be free agent to Ibrox when his contract runs out at the end of this season.

AND in other news, Rangers will regret letting Nathan Young-Coombes leave as he ‘closes in’ on Ibrox exit…

Both Celtic and their Old Firm rivals have been linked with a move for Airdrieonians forward Thomas Robert in recent weeks but the Bhoys will have to act fast if they want to sign him, with Dundee United reportedly having already made a bid for him.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Tangerines have submitted a bid for the 20-year-old as they attempt to steal the march on Celtic, following the opening of the winter transfer window earlier this week.

It is suggested that Robert’s performances are attracting the interest of sides across Scotland and England, after a superb start to the campaign with the Scottish League One side.

Would he be a good signing for Celtic?

The young right-winger has had no problem adapting to life in Scotland since he joined Airdrieonians from French side Montpellier during the summer, having contributed four goals and two assists in 13 appearances for his new side.

The Hoops are arguably lacking in terms of quality wingers at the club, with just James Forrest available as a natural right-winger, whilst Mohamed Elyounoussi could depart at the end of the season when his loan from Southampton expires.

Therefore, whilst Robert may well prove to be a signing for the future, it would be a mistake by Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell to miss out on him.

Back in December, Airdrie boss Ian Murray admitted that he was anticipating a bid from Celtic for Robert and was full of praise for the Frenchman, saying:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we have a fight to keep him. Thomas has done really, really well.

“He showed his class again against Clyde with the corner kick, but it wasn’t just that, in the first half he was excellent, his touches on the ball, his movement, his timing in the releasing of the ball, the way he picked up space, was excellent.

“We’ve had loads of clubs looking at him, a few of them were pretty impressed.”

Therefore, it seems clear that Robert won’t be with the League One side for much longer based on his performances this season and the interest being shown in him, so Celtic should flex their financial muscles and ensure that they are the ones to sign the winger this month, as it looks as if he could be a great player in the future for the Bhoys.

And, in other news… Lawwell disaster: Celtic will surely rue not signing gem with 43 goal contributions in 2020

For Olivier Ntcham, his Celtic stay is very quickly running out of gas.

The former Manchester City man was signed under Brendan Rodgers and initially, that looked like good business. He has scored 24 times for the Hoops throughout the years and once established himself as one of the most promising box to box midfielders in Scotland.

However, in double-quick time, it has all unravelled for the Frenchman. No longer does he display the lung-busting energy we associate with Ntcham and his lack of regular minutes this season suggest that he could soon be out the exit door.

The 24-year-old hasn’t started since the end of November and has been touted with a switch to West Brom.

That could be a welcome relief for Neil Lennon, someone who may be troubled by the player’s poor attitude this season.

Speaking earlier in the campaign about Ntcham, talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil stated: “Ntcham, he looks as if he’s tools down and not bothered.”

Funnily enough, a player who could all but end his stay in Glasgow is in a similar situation in England.

The man in question is Preston’s Ben Pearson, another player being left out of the team because of a contract dispute. Celtic are eyeing a move for him and if they get a deal over the line, it would surely push Ntcham further down the pecking order and likely out of the Parkhead door.

After all, Pearson is a midfielder himself, and a powerful one at that.

Discussing his future over the weekend, Preston boss Alex Neil commented: “Listen, Ben would’ve been fit to be in the squad today, but we’ve signed some new lads that need to get minutes now. Ben has made it clear to us that his future doesn’t lie here come the end of the season.”

It was a damning indictment of the 26-year-old who perhaps like Ntcham, has displeased his manager.

Pearson is one of the most aggressive players around and in picking up 52 yellow cards in the last four and a half years, he is no stranger to throwing in a tackle.

By replacing their French titan with the Preston brute, they’d lose a degree of attacking urgency but importantly, they wouldn’t lose his battling and tough-tackling characteristics.

It seems like for all parties it would be best if Pearson and Ntcham left their respective clubs. Celtic, however, are likely to benefit most.

The former’s current £8.5k-per-week deal expires in the summer and consequently, Nick Hammond can agree a pre-contract with Pearson if he deems Celtic’s offer to be appropriate.

This signing would certainly be shrewd business from the Hoops hierarchy.

AND in other news, Lennon could finally axe Celtic veteran by unleashing “sensational” rarely-seen gem – opinion…

Manchester United’s start to this season has been a rollercoaster of a ride.

Linked to the likes of Borussia Dortmund starlet Jadon Sancho, Leicester City star James Maddison and former Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham in the summer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced to settle for nothing less than Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek, as well as promising youngsters Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri. Oh the shame!

But that’s not all, though.

Solskjaer has had to dodge rampant speculation over his future at Old Trafford all the way to taking his side to the top of the table, level on points with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. It almost beggars belief, really.

But if there’s one criticism that can be made, they arguably lack that final cutting edge in the midfield. Other than Bruno Fernandes, no other midfielder has reached double figures  – Scott McTominay is the closest despite only scoring three goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.

According to The Daily Mail, United had the chance to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa. However, the Red Devils refused to meet their asking price, and a move failed to materialise as he signed a contract extension to extend his stay at Villa Park in the end instead.

It goes without saying that Grealish would have added a great deal to Solskjaer’s side, having provided five goals and nine assists in 15 games in the Premier League this season thus far, via Transfermarkt.

The 25-year-old bears some resemblance to his countryman Paul Gascoigne. Just like Gascoigne, he is a superb dribbler, capable of picking the ball up from inside his own half and gliding past defenders.

Per WhoScored, Grealish has managed, on average, 2.9 dribbles  per game for Villa in the Premier League. By comparison, new summer recruit Van de Beek has averaged a mere 0.4 attempts over the same metric.

In terms of shots per game, there’s almost no comparison, as the England international is far ahead of the 23-year-old by quite some margin – 2.7 in contrast to Van de Beek’s abysmal 0.1, albeit from far fewer starts.

BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage believes Grealish would be an “incredible” signing for any team inside the top five, as quoted by The Daily Express.

Whether the Red Devils will regard this as a missed opportunity in the years to come remains to be seen, but Woodward will have to break the bank in order to meet Villa’s £100m valuation.

AND in other news, Manchester United must swoop for Lens defender Facundo Medina…

Aston Villa have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Milot Rashica, after Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, played down a potential move for the winger.

What’s the story?

Reports over the summer transfer window suggested that the Kosovo international was a key target for Villa as they looked ahead to their second season back in the Premier League.

It was claimed that after initially wanting to stay in the Bundesliga, the £16.2m-rated Rashica had a change of heart and was open to a move to the Premier League and join Villa, with Dean Smith’s side ready to cough up big money.

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And with reports in recent weeks claiming that Villa are contemplating reigniting their interest in the forward in January, they were given a significant boost when one of their rivals for his signature, Leverkusen appeared to pour cold water over a move.

Rolfes said: “That was a consideration in the summer, especially because of the many games in the autumn. In the winter we will re-evaluate it but at the moment he is not an issue.”

Another exciting signing for Smith

With Leverkusen seemingly bowing out of the race for Rashica, Villa may well have an open road to luring him to the Premier League in the upcoming January transfer window.

The 24-year-old has struggled with injury problems this season, making just five appearances, but when he is fit and firing, he is an explosive attacker who could bring yet more pace and dynamism to Villa’s attack.

Hailed as someone who “makes scoring look easy”, Rashica can play anywhere just behind the striker and even up front too, and that kind of versatility will be like gold dust to the Villa boss.

It seems like a no-brainer for Villa to go after him next month. Johan Lange must surely be licking his lips.

Aston Villa have made some big-name signings recently, with players like Ross Barkley and Emiliano Martinez being brought during the last transfer window. They have been linked to Jesse Lingard in the past and there is now a fresh update on the player’s future.

The latest transfer update on Lingard

According to TEAMtalk, Lingard is ready to ask Manchester United to let him leave in January. His contract expires in the summer, so United will need to sell him this winter if they want to get any money for him. They could, in theory, extend his deal but this doesn’t seem to be likely at this stage.

Lingard also has interest from abroad with teams from Germany, Spain and Italy keen, as well as Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, keen to sign him.

Would the Englishman be a good signing for Villa

Lingard is yet to feature for the Red Devils in the Premier League this campaign.

However, he has definitely shown he has the potential to succeed in the Premier League in the past, as highlighted by his performances in the division across the 2017/18 season, where he scored eight goals and six assists (Transfermarkt).

In the past, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised the England international saying: “Jesse’s a big game player” but he’s yet to reward the midfielder with much game time.

Lingard also has 24 England appearances, emphasising he has an abundance of experience. A move to a club like Villa, where he should get more chances to play, could be ideal in unlocking the quality we have seen him show in the past.

With his contract expiring, Dean Smith’s side could get Lingard on the cheap, and whilst it could look like a risky signing, it could turn into a great one if they can get the Englishman back to his best and as such, it might be a gamble worth taking.

In other news, fans react to Gabriel Agbonlahor’s comments on this Bundesliga star.

Aston Villa’s latest move should strike shades of Stewart Downing into the Midlands if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mirror, Dean Smith’s side are leading the charge to sign Liverpool misfit Harry Wilson this summer but the Premier League champions refuse to budge on their £20m valuation.

It’s claimed that Villa would be prepared to offer up to £12m and are waiting to see if the Merseysiders ‘blink first’.

The likes of Leeds United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Southampton have all also shown interest in the 23-year-old.

Shades of Downing

Wilson has struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp’s senior line-up since making his debut in 2017, and it has seen him go out on loan four times with the latest coming at relegated AFC Bournemouth last term.

Per WhoScored, the Welsh international scored seven times in 31 appearances whilst averaging 1.8 shots, 0.5 dribbles and 0.5 key passes per game.

He’s also widely known as a set-piece specialist, which earned high praise from his German boss earlier in the season, he said: “I am happy he cannot play against us! Each free-kick is a proper threat. We were never in doubt about Harry’s shooting abilities, his skills in that part of the game are incredible – world-class, for sure.”

Having someone who can deliver a decent ball in is something that Villa have lacked for several years, perhaps dating back to Downing’s time at Villa Park.

The club splashed £12m on the veteran winger back in 2009 after a very encouraging spell at Middlesbrough but there are clearly similarities between the two with the pair being dead-ball experts.

Smith does indeed have a few options out wide, but Wilson would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Jota and perhaps, a nice squad option to have going into the new campaign.

AND in other news, Smith must land 1-2 sucker-punch with a swoop for £20m sensation…

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup hopes have come to an end after Spurs edged them out of the competition on penalties last night. 

The Blues took the lead through Timo Werner in the first half but couldn’t make any further chances count. Jose Mourinho’s side were able to batten down the hatches and wait until their opportunity to strike.

Indeed, their patient game paid off and Spurs were able to force the equaliser deep into the second half through Erik Lamela. Despite Chelsea fielding Ben Chilwell, Timo Werner and Edouard Mendy, it wasn’t enough to see them into the quarter-finals.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has criticised Frank Lampard’s defence and has admitted it’s a big problem within the team.

“So poor a goal to concede, Emerson [Palmieri] has time to run back and make it a four,” the former Blue told Sky Sports (via football.london). “[Kurt] Zouma also should have got the ball but it happens time and time again with Chelsea with individual mistakes.”

Despite spending about £250million on new signings, Chelsea have won just two out of their last five fixtures. A defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League has also put them on the back foot early in what could’ve been a close title race.

“He has the time. You smell danger but it’s like he goes through the motions and jogs back,” Hasselbaink continued on Palmieri. “He doesn’t see the urgency and the danger. It’s a big worry.”

Adding Chilwell and Mendy to their ranks along with veteran Thiago Silva was a huge statement by Chelsea. Their business showed that they had acknowledged the team’s weaknesses and were eager to plug the leaks.

But so far, the club’s lavish spending hasn’t proved to be too effective and the Blues have toppled out of the Carabao Cup. They will hope to make amends against Crystal Palace at the weekend in the Premier League.

How do you think Chelsea performed against Spurs? Have your say in the comments below…

Manchester City had a frustrating end to their 2019/20 season – they finished second in the Premier League despite being tipped for the title, lost their FA Cup semi-final tie against Arsenal, and crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals to French club Olympique Lyonnais – finishing the season with just the Carabao Cup to their name.

With another big season ahead, the next Premier League campaign could prove pivotal in Pep Guardiola’s career, with the possibility of him moving on growing greater by the day with the club still failing to win the Champions League – a trophy that has eluded Guardiola ever since his time at Barcelona.

At a club such as Manchester City, however, money is no issue, and they will have no problems in trying to strengthen their squad even further to try and secure every trophy in all competitions they take part in. This is something that has helped to keep Guardiola in Manchester for as long as he has – due to the financial backing and trust from the Manchester City board virtually handing him a blank check year in year out.

So with all this money, who would be the most realistic signings for City this summer?

Ismaël Bennacer

The 22-year-old midfielder has been in fine form this season for AC Milan – the Algerian international joined Milan at the beginning of August last year from Empoli, and has had a fantastic first season with the club.

Bennacer made 31 league appearances, scoring just the one goal, but averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game – as well as this, the defensive midfielder is a great passer of the ball, with an 88.3% pass success rate and averaging 56.8 passes per game.

His style of play would suit City very well and would be welcome assistance in defensive midfield for Rodri, especially with the need to soon find a replacement for the aging Fernandinho.

Diego Carlos

The Brazilian defender has been a rock at the back for Spanish outfit Sevilla during the 2019/20 campaign and has even helped the club to the Europa League final. Carlos joined the club from French club Nantes at the beginning of the season, and his defensive numbers from this season have impressed.

The 27-year-old kept 17 clean sheets in 35 games in La Liga, as well as winning 2.8 aerial duels and averaging 5 clearances per game.

His physical prowess would be something that Manchester City would gain from, and would make an ample replacement of Vincent Kompany due to the similarities of the two – and would make a great partnership on the right-hand side of City’s defence alongside Aymeric Laporte.

Kalidou Koulibaly

Despite his age, Kalidou Koulibaly would make a good choice in defence for Manchester City and is rated as one of the best defenders in the world.

According to Sky Italy – the club are keen on signing Koulibaly even though he is 29 years old, and along with the fact that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has valued him at £72 million, it seems like an odd transfer at first glance.

However, after deliberation, it could prove to be a great addition – the player’s ability is a given and there is no doubting that, but the blend of youth and experience with himself and Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Aké could create one of the best defences in the world given the chance to work.

Douglas Luiz

The Citizens sold Douglas Luiz to Aston Villa last year for just over £15 million – but recent reports have suggested that the club are looking to activate a £25 million buy-back clause in Luiz’s contract this summer.

Guardiola was said to have highly rated the player, but he never made an appearance for City due to issues with trying to gain a work permit.

The 22-year-old had a great breakthrough season with Aston Villa in the Premier League – scoring 3 goals with 2 assists and playing 36/38 games for Dean Smith’s side – with Douglas Luiz an almost like for like replacement for club veteran Fernandinho.

Lionel Messi

If you’d have asked me at the start of the season I’d of simply replied with “yeah, okay mate” – but this seems like a move that could genuinely and realistically happen this summer given recent circumstances.

After Barcelona’s shocking defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Messi has reportedly told the club he wants to leave immediately, and Manchester City have been named the frontrunners for the six-time Ballon d’Or winners signature – which is understanding given the relationship between himself and City manager Guardiola, as well as the fact that City would have no problems covering his wages.

All-in-all, it’s become a realistic signing that would change the landscape for Manchester City.

It looks like Glasgow Rangers could lose a rising star within their ranks, as a Premier League side are close to signing Adedire Mebude.

According to Football Insider, the 16-year-old has accepted an offer from English giants Manchester City of a scholarship which will become a professional contract when the player turns 17 next May.

The Etihad Stadium club are willing to pay compensation, which could exceed £100,000 and there are only a few minor details to sort until Mebude officially makes the move from the ‘Gers to Manchester City, as per Football Insider.

Mebude’s impending exit could be quite a blow for the ‘Gers as another young prospect looks set to leave the club on what is a sizeable fee for his age, but one which could have been even greater had he managed to break into the first team at Ibrox and make an impression.

Not only will they feel like they are losing him on the cheap, but they will know that he is not the first young talent to leave the Light Blues’ academy after being tempted by a move elsewhere.

As per Football Insider, 18-year-old Kai Kennedy had also rejected a new contract to stay at the ‘Gers to leave his future in Glasgow up in the air, whilst 19 year-old Billy Gilmour, whose performances for Chelsea have excited many, was from the Ibrox club’s academy but left for London at the age of 16.

Steven Gerrard will likely be keen to avoid the continuing exodus of academy talents from the ‘Gers, as the brightest jewels from the youth ranks could supplement their senior squad and may even grow into first team regulars who could save the club money in the transfer market further down the line.

‘Gers fans, is Mebude’s impending exit another huge blow for the academy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!