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Glasgow Rangers legend Barry Ferguson believes that the Gers can get through to the Champions League group stages with or without Ianis Hagi.

The Lowdown: Tug of war over Hagi

Romania have qualified for the Olympic Games football tournament, which is set to take place in Tokyo later this summer.

The Eastern European nation want the 22-year-old for the tournament, but seeing as it clashes with the opening Champions League qualifiers, Steven Gerrard and co do not want to let him leave Ibrox for the Games in Japan (The Scottish Sun).

The Latest: Ferguson says he should go

In his column for the Daily Record, Ferguson believes that the 55-time Scottish champions should allow the midfielder to represent his country. He wrote:

“It’s a balancing act and it has to be thrashed out face to face between player and manager.

“I’ve put myself in Gerrard’s shoes and he’ll be desperate to have all his players available.

“Kemar Roofe and Glen Kamara are suspended. If the squad was wafer thin, the boss would have to play hardball and tell the player he simply can’t afford to let him go. Not with the prize at stake.

“That might be Gerrard’s decision. If it was up to me? When I look at the squad I actually think they have plenty of cover, even without Roofe and Kamara.

“Joe Aribo can play there, Scott Arfield is going to be back. Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Ofoborh will be in by then and I’m sure Gerrard will have a few more new faces arriving soon.

“You have to ask – how much does the player want to go? The Olympics is a big thing. Do you want to deny him that opportunity?

“Listen, Hagi is a good player. He has a bit of magic. But he is never a guaranteed starter and I’m not so sure he would start in a qualifier even with Roofe and Kamara missing.

“If he decides to go to the Olympics, it’ll be disappointing.

“But Rangers should still have enough to get through a third-round qualifier.”

The Verdict: Difficult decision

Hagi has enjoyed a solid first full campaign with the Gers. In 48 matches in all competitions, he has managed eight goals and 15 assists (Transfermarkt) – far from a poor return. However, as Ferguson has stated, he has not been a guaranteed starter under Gerrard at any point, being included in the XI just 23 times out of 38 in the triumphant Premiership campaign (Transfermarkt).

Of course, it is unclear as to who the Gers will play in that third qualifying round, but given they are now competing in the Champions League, they will need to find another level. Hagi is one of the few players in the squad who has already had a taste of the tournament, having competed in it with Genk in 2019. He also has the ability to change a game in one moment – remember his memorable salvo against Braga in the Europa League at Ibrox – so would Gerrard really be willing to take the risk of not having him available?

In other news, this Rangers man refuses to rule out an exit from the club.

Leeds United will make a last-ditch attempt to sign Calvin Ramsay, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Sun’s Alan Nixon claims the Yorkshire giants will “battle” Premier League rivals Liverpool over his signature this summer with the Reds eyeing him as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold, though the Whites could offer a faster track to the first-team.

It’s thought that Aberdeen’s teenage right-back is available for around £3m as interest continues to rise across Europe.

The Dons are understood to have knocked back bids from Leicester City, Bologna and even Leeds in recent times, as per Goal.com.

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Sign him up

If the 18-year-old gem is indeed available for as little as £3m, then his arrival should be an absolute no-brainer for director of Victor Orta and manager Jesse Marsch.

Tapping up a player with big potential like this for a fee as little as that could prove to be a masterclass from the Elland Road hierarchy.

His biggest qualities are those that he can provide in the final third, ranging from his excellent distribution through passes and crosses, his willingness to take on his man and his set-piece ability.

“His quality of delivery from set-pieces and open play has brought him plenty of assists for Aberdeen. For someone so young to come in and make the impact he has is a great credit to him,” former Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes told The Scotsman (via Goal).

Meanwhile, Dons chairman Dave Cormack believes Ramsay is “in the elite upper bracket, right up there, for a young right-back in Europe” – could the young Scot emerge as a major threat down the right flank for many years to come?

You’d imagine so given Marsch’s high-pressing attacking system.

The emerging sensation, recently dubbed a “wonderkid” by Goal on Twitter, has been likened to Man City’s Joao Cancelo in terms of playing style, largely due to his ambidexterity to play on either foot and thus, on either flank and his attacking prowess.

Further lauded as “so special” by scout Jacek Kulig, Ramsay could well become Leeds’ own Cancelo-like presence at right-back, should Orta and co manage to win the £3m race for his signature.

AND in other news, Scouting mission: Leeds eyeing 6 ft 3 titan who “fits the bill”, Marsch would love him…

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a huge boost in their bid to land Julian Nagelsman this summer amid emerging reports this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Times, the 33-year-old RB Leipzig guru would be keen on replacing Jose Mourinho in north London at the end of the season.

Nagelsmann has emerged as Daniel Levy’s top target, something reported by the Telegraph’s Matt Law back in February, as he first claimed that Spurs would turn to the German if their form under Mourinho didn’t improve.

That was reinforced once again on Monday evening, claiming he’s the preferred option of the Lilywhites chairman.

Big boost

Nagelsmann, who has been tipped to become the next great in football management, has been coveted by Bayern Munich, who are expecting to sanction the departure of Hansi Flick from his contract after revealing his intention to stand down at the end of the season.

If the 33-year-old has to choose between a faltering, winless in 12 years side and one which regularly contends for multiple trophies, in the very same country he’s currently in, then it’s surely a no-brainer.

Bayern will win that race all day but a lot of it comes down to whether or not Flick does indeed leave and if the club themselves want to raid Leipzig again, this time for their manager.

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But the news that Nagelsmann would be keen on filling the vacancy at Spurs will surely come as a huge relief for Levy as he shouldn’t have to do much to convince him into making the switch.

Furthermore, the young gem has been touted for big things and has even been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

“Julian is the biggest German coaching talent. He’s very mature for his age and has already come very far,” explained ex-Leipzig director of football Ralf Rangnick to SID (via Bulinews). “If he keeps developing like this, he can reach the level of Klopp and Guardiola.”

Naglesmann’s 58.5% win rate across the German top-flight, a league dominated by Bayern, and the Champions League amongst other competitions is mightily impressive, so it’s no wonder he is Levy’s no.1 man.

The report from The Times will have the tough-negotiator buzzing, at least.

AND in other news, Levy could find Spurs’ next Pochettino in 45 y/o gem who WOWED Guardiola…

Graeme Bailey says that Newcastle United are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Hugo Ekitike in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Wood on his way…

Sky Sports reported on Tuesday night that the St. James’ Park faithful activated the £20m release clause of Chris Wood, and he is now set to undergo a medical ahead of a move from Burnley.

However, their striker search may not stop there, as The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh has suggested that could go for another one before the window closes.

Nonetheless, with the injury suffered by Callum Wilson, the North East club need all the help that they can get up top if they are to drag themselves out of the relegation zone come the end of the season.

The Latest: Ekitike to follow?

As per 90min journalist Bailey, the Tyneside outfit are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Ekitike, in what he claims would be a ‘huge signing’ if they can pull a deal off:

“Can reveal that Newcastle United are in advanced talks to sign Reims’ Hugo Ekitike for £30m.

“Outstanding talent – huge signing for Newcastle if they get it done, many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe.”

The Verdict: Worth the risk

With the Wood deal looking all but done, the Magpies have already found a striker with experience in the Premier League.

Thus, they can afford to take more of a punt on a player like Ekitike, and although £30m may be considered excessive considering his current market value, at just 19 years of age, he could easily be worth that in the future.

Any comparison to Kylian Mbappe, who has simply set the world alight since his teenage years at AS Monaco, is obviously welcomed, and highlights just how much potential Ekitike has.

With eight goals and three assists in 18 games in Ligue 1 so far this season (Transfermarkt), he has shown already that he can perform at a high level, and so would certainly be an exciting new addition for the Toon Army.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now set to bid for here!

Derby County striker Bobby Duncan looks set to leave the club this summer, according to an update from journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Duncan struggles at Derby

The 20-year-old joined the Rams on a three-year deal last summer, but has struggled to make his mark at the club.

Duncan made seven appearances for Derby’s Under-23 side, failing to score a single goal, and didn’t play once for the first team in the Championship.

The Latest: Striker set for exit

According to O’Rourke on Twitter on Tuesday, Duncan is in Denmark looking to complete a summer move to Vejle Boldklub.

It isn’t stated whether or not the potential move would be temporary or permanent, but given Derby’s use of him, it could well be the latter.

The Verdict: Career stalling

Duncan’s career has stalled badly after being seen as such a bright emerging talent at Liverpool, leaving on bad terms to join Fiorentina and not kicking on ever since.

For his sake, a move away from Derby could do him the world of good, with the youngster in need of playing regular football and finding his feet again – an inferior league could help him find his form.

His exit could hopefully generate some modicum of transfer funds for Wayne Rooney if it is a permanent deal, should the Rams’ transfer embargo be loosened.

In other news, some Derby fans have bemoaned an update regarding manager Wayne Rooney. Read more here.

Harvey Elliott’s hopes of featuring for Liverpool next season will hinge on their summer transfer business, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Elliott completes excellent spell at Blackburn

The 18-year-old has spent this season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, enjoying a brilliant campaign for the Championship club. On Saturday, Elliott played his last game for the Lancashire outfit, scoring in their 5-2 win at home to Birmingham City, meaning he finishes the campaign with seven goals and 11 assists.

The key question now is whether or not the teenager will stay at Liverpool this summer or head out on loan again, with Jurgen Klopp set to make that decision in the coming months.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The Latest: Pearce provides key update

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after Liverpool’s 2-0 win at home to Southampton on Saturday night, Pearce said he would like to see Elliott remain on Merseyside, but the decision will depend on potential summer arrivals and departures at Anfield:

 “I think it depends what happens this summer in terms of incomings/outgoings. I’d like to see him stay put next season. He’s such an exciting talent.”

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The Verdict: Keep hold of Elliott this summer

It is easy to get carried away about exciting young players – Rhian Brewster is a good example – but Elliott really does look like the real deal. The Championship is a tough league for a young player to make his mark, but he has taken it by storm and shown he can compete physically, also looking technically superior to those around him.

Elliott shouldn’t be a regular starter for Liverpool next season, but he should take up the role which will likely be vacated by Xherdan Shaqiri, if reports of a possible Anfield departure come to fruition.

Another loan move certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing, but the silky attacker is ready to be a squad option, maturing as a player at the same time and eventually becoming a star at Liverpool.

In other news, there has been another update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Ibrahima Konate. Read more here.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer feels managers need a player like Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Maitland-Niles, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom, is an extremely versatile player and has shown as much at both the Midlands outfit and his parent club, for whom Martin Keown described him as a “Rolls-Royce of a player” back in December.

During that spell with West Brom, he was used in central midfield, attacking midfield and out wide, while at Arsenal, he has played at both full-back positions (per Transfermarkt).

The 23-year-old is now being linked with a move to Southampton, with the Mirror reporting that the Saints are ready to do battle with Watford for his signature.

For Palmer, the above makes him a very useful asset, though it is something the player himself may not like.

“You always like players like [James] Milner who can play in a multitude of positions. Managers need players like that,” the ex-Southampton star exclusively told FFC. “It’s not so great for the player, because you want to progress.

“But it’s nice. You pick up an injury at left-back, you can chuck him in at left-back. You pick up an injury in midfield, you can chuck him on in midfield.”

Ultimately, you can see why Ralph Hasenhuttl would want a player like Maitland-Niles in his squad.

But given that the England international has recently spoken about his desire to play in midfield, he may now be at a point in his career where he wants to develop in one position rather than be used everywhere.

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United fans have been left thrilled by what they call an ‘exciting’ update as some behind-closed-doors news emerges.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to oversee United’s rise back to the pinnacle of English football this season with his side last winning a Premier League title nearly ten years ago.

In that time, their bitter rivals Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all gone on to become top flight champions while United looked on with the aim of reaching that same level again.

After a head-turning, blockbuster summer transfer window – signing the likes of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane before completing a sensational return for club legend Cristiano Ronaldo – it has been a fairly promising start in parts.

United are well in the mix near the top of the Premier League table but will be disappointed to drop crucial points against the likes of Aston Villa and Everton recently.

In a possible boost for Solskjaer, however, some news has emerged which has excited plenty of United fans.

As star forward Marcus Rashford continues his recovery from shoulder surgery, he has now marked a playing return by getting on the scoresheet twice in United’s 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers behind-closed-doors – according to Laurie Whitwell.

The Red Devils could very well be boosted by his imminent return as it edges ever closer, prompting many supporters to erupt as this ‘exciting’ Rashford update drops.

Find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Man United fans flock to ‘exciting’ Rashford update…

“The Prem is in trouble o.”

Credit: @SamKwasiBoateng

“I know its just a behind-closed-doors but this is exciting”

Credit: @Eddie_Fpl

“He’s come to save us”

Credit: @Lukeandreas_

“no one’s ready”

Credit: @manunited_vibezz

“SIUUUUUU”

Credit: @KingUTD2

“Wooh that’s good news for united”

Credit: @Eng_Severine

“This makes me so happy”

Credit: @Blueninja658

“Okay. We’re back in business.”

Credit: @Oliveresuana

Liverpool are the latest Premier League side to be linked with a move for Sampdoria winger Mikkel Damsgaard following a string of exceptional performances at Euro 2020.

What’s the story?

The likes of Leicester City, Leeds United and West Ham United have all previously been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old, but the Reds have now joined the race for his signature, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

Jurgen Klopp may have to move quickly in order to secure his man, though, with AC Milan already reportedly having a bid turned down for the Denmark international.

New Mohamed Salah

Damsgaard only arrived at Sampdoria from his boyhood side Nordsjaelland 12 months ago via a £6 million deal, yet his impressive performances at this summer’s European Championship means he could be on the move once again.

The youngster bagged two goals and provided one assist for his nation as they reached the semi-finals before succumbing to a solid England side, providing the spark they needed to exceed many people’s expectations.

Although his numbers throughout 2020/21 at club level were relatively modest – scoring two goals and providing four assists in 35 top-flight appearances – some of his performances caught the eye of intrigued onlookers.

After Damsgaard played a crucial role in a shock victory over eventual champions Inter back in January, TV2’s football expert Martin Mikkelsen lauded his compatriot, praising his maturity on the pitch.

“He’s magical – what speed! He is dynamic and can go both ways. He is creative but also so mature in his decisions,” Mikkelsen claimed.

His potential arrival at Anfield would see Damsgaard follow in the footsteps of current Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, who made the leap from Serie A side Roma to Merseyside four seasons ago.

The Eygpt international has shown just how well making the transition from Italian football to English can go, and director of football Michael Edwards may be tempted to put his faith in the Dane due to this proven track record.

After Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino’s struggles last season, Klopp may be tempted to dip into the transfer market for a new forward over the coming months, and Damsgaard could be an affordable alternative to some of the sports most expensive stars.

And, in other news…Liverpool offered “formidable” £43m wizard, he’s a massive upgrade on Shaqiri 

An update has emerged on Watford midfielder Will Hughes, regarding his transfer to Crystal Palace.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace are finalising a deal to sign Watford midfielder Will Hughes for a fee that could rise to £10m.

The report claims that the ex-Derby man is now set to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with the Eagles before being officially unveiled as the club’s latest signing.

Over the moon

Palace boss Patrick Vieira will be over the moon with this news as it means that his fifth senior outfield signing is close to being completed. The club have already brought in Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher (loan), with Hughes on the verge of joining them at Selhurst Park ahead of next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Vieria will be buzzing because it is a much-needed reinforcement to his midfield options heading into the rest of the season. Gallagher, James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic are currently the only out-and-out central midfield options he has available, with Jairo Riedewald and Chiekhou Kouyate being used in a variety of positions across the pitch.

This means that bringing in Hughes could offer the French head coach more variety in his team selections and allow him to rest players when needed. For example, if one of the starting midfielders suffer an injury or suspension, he can bring Hughes in – or whoever the Watford man displaces – and that allows Kouyate and Riedewald to be used elsewhere if there are other gaps to fill.

In the Championship last season, Hughes averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 6.98 in 30 appearances as the Hornets finished second in the league and secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.

He averaged 3.1 interceptions and tackles combined per game in the second tier, showing that he has a knack for winning the ball back in the middle of the park.

Vieira would love having a player like Hughes in the middle of the park as his industry and defensive work rate could allow the attacking players more freedom to go and do what they do best.

The Englishman would work his socks off in the engine room to then give the ball to the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Christian Benteke to score the goals to win matches for Palace.

AND in other news, Palace suffer major blow in pursuit of “explosive” 19-y/o prodigy, Vieira will be gutted…