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Sheffield Wednesday duo Dominic Iorfa and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are ‘big injury doubts’ for the League One game against Lincoln on Saturday, according to journalist Dom Howson.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Owls secured a 2-0 victory over Cambridge United last weekend, and will be hoping to continue their three-game unbeaten run when they travel to the LNER Stadium in two days time.

Iorfa recently picked up a knock in training, whilst Dele-Bashiru suffered a bruised knee after coming on as a substitute against Mark Bonner’s side, and they could now both be ruled out for yet another game.

The Latest: Howson’s update

Taking to Twitter, Howson revealed that the Sheffield Wednesday pair will be touch and go to face Lincoln, and will need to have a late assessment.

“Dominic Iorfa and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are big injury doubts for Sheffield Wednesday’s forthcoming trip to Lincoln.”

The Verdict: No need to panic

Whilst it’s not ideal for Darren Moore to have two of his senior players sidelined, there’s absolutely no need to panic given the impressive start his team have made to this season.

The Hillsborough outfit have won nine, drawn two and lost just three of their opening 14 games in the third tier, which sees them five points off league leaders Plymouth Argyle (Sky Sports).

Wednesday rested a lot of their first-team players during the Papa John’s Trophy fixture vs Leicester City’s U21s in midweek, so the boss should have a strong squad at his disposal to pick from when his side make the trip to Lincoln.

Glasgow Rangers return to action today and they will be looking to bounce back from the chastising Champions League defeat on Tuesday evening.

The 2-0 defeat to Liverpool doesn’t sound too bad on the surface, but only Allan McGregor received pass marks from the starting XI for his string of excellent saves, minimising the damage to just two goals.

A home tie against St Mirren awaits this afternoon, with three points the sole aim, and the Light Blues have suffered no new injuries from the midweek trip to Anfield.

Rangers suffer no new injuries

Giovanni van Bronckhorst spoke ahead of today’s match and had this to say regarding the squad:

“I don’t have any news on Tom Lawrence that I can share. It’s still the same we are waiting. James Sands is back from suspension against Liverpool and we have no worries from midweek.”

This is good news for the club, especially with a run of fixtures coming thick and fast, no new injuries are extremely important.

Lawrence’s latest injury blow is not something that the Dutchman needed at this stage of the campaign, with the midfielder set to be out until after the 2022 World Cup.

Other long-term absentees include Filip Helander, Ianis Hagi, and Kemar Roofe, with none of them making an appearance so far this season.

The match against St Mirren could see Rangers tweak their tactics from the Liverpool match, with Van Bronckhorst offering an insight into an option that many of the Ibrox faithful has thought about since the start of the season.

“They can definitely both be on the pitch at the same time.” Said the manager when asked about whether Antonio Colak and Alfredo Morelos could play in the same team.

With the duo scoring 13 goals between them so far in all competitions, Rangers would certainly offer a greater goalscoring threat.

This might be something the manager tries today against a team who are likely to deploy a low block and attack on the counter. Whatever team Van Bronckhorst decides to go with, three points is all that matters.

Tottenham Hotspur and Fabio Paratici enjoyed a spectacular summer transfer window, with the Italian sporting director landing a number of impressive signings who should undoubtedly improve Antonio Conte’s squad.

Indeed, with Spurs welcoming the likes of Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Djed Spence, Ivan Perisic, Clement Lenglet and Fraser Forster to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium prior to the transfer deadline on September 1, Conte now boasts squad depth that he infamously claimed he was lacking over the course of the club’s 2021/22 campaign.

However, while Paratici very much looks to have done a stellar job in the transfer market, there was nevertheless one position that Conte was reported to be extremely keen on strengthening where the 50-year-old sporting director failed to bring in a fresh face – that of a new attacking midfielder.

Despite being heavily linked with moves for a number of players in that position, there was one target in particular who would have undoubtedly been a magnificent signing for Paratici to land – Lazio sensation Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Indeed, the 27-year-old has been a continual attacking threat in the heart of the Lazio team over the past eight seasons, scoring 48 goals and registering 44 assists over his 236 Serie A appearances for the club.

The £63m-rated talent was in particularly fine form over his 36 league outings in 2021/22, scoring 11 goals and registering 11 assists in the Italian top flight. The Serbian’s returns were more than Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Harry Winks, Rodrigo Bentancur, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso managed between them in the Premier League last time out.

Furthermore, as per FBref, the £98k-per-week sensation also ranks in the top 5% of midfielders among Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 2% for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for passes attempted and the top 14% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days – proving his all-round forward-thinking ability from central midfield.

As such, with Conte clearly lacking a midfielder in Milinkovic-Savic’s mould, the fact that Paratici did not pull the trigger on a £38m bid for the player who Hesham Bilal dubbed “insane” and David Amoyal labelled “unreal” this summer appears something of a shocker by the Italian.

It seems evident that the Serbian would have solved Conte’s biggest – and perhaps only – issue in his Spurs side at present.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, who claim that, with all three of Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Pape Matar Sarr having either left or looking set to secure a move away from north London in the coming weeks, Antonio Conte is hoping to add a new central midfielder to his squad, with the Italian said to be an admirer of the SS Lazio playmaker.

The report then goes on to suggest that, although it has been widely reported that Fabio Paratici is targeting a move AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo in the current transfer window, the sporting director could now turn his attention towards the Serbia international, with Spurs thought to be preparing a bid totalling €60m (£50.5m) – including bonuses – for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Better than Zaniolo

While it is undeniable that Zaniolo would make a fantastic addition to Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of September’s transfer deadline, considering just how talented a player Milinkovic-Savic undoubtedly is, there is an argument to be made that the Serb could well be a much better target for Paratici to pursue than the Italy international.

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Indeed, when comparing their returns in the final third over the 2021/22 Serie A campaign, there is only one winner, with Milinkovic-Savic bettering Zaniolo in goals – 11 to two – assists – 11 to two – and big chances created – 11 to four – last season.

The £63m-rated Lazio midfielder also betters the Italian’s returns with the ball at his feet, completing more passes per 90 – 56.3 to 18.0 – making more progressive passes per 90 – 4.94 to 2.42 – and boasting a better pass completion rate per 90 – 81.9% to 71.4% – than the 23-year-old Roma playmaker last time out.

It is a similar story in defensive metrics, with the £95k-per-week talent once again besting Zaniolo in tackles made per 90 – 1.57 to 1.23 – blocks made per 90 – 1.51 to 0.73 – and interceptions made per 90 – 1.60 to 0.68 – last term.

As such, when considering that the player who CalcioLand podcast host David Amoyal dubbed “unreal” could be available for just €10m (£8.5m) more than the €50m (£42m) valued Zaniolo this summer, coupled with his more eye-catching returns last season, it is evident that Milinkovic-Savic would be a much better immediate fit for Conte’s Spurs squad this season – leading us to believe that Paratici must prioritise a move for the 27-year-old in the coming weeks.

Aston Villa could end the transfer window with a bang by signing Ryan Kent…

What’s the word?

With the transfer window open for another three weeks, the Midlands outfit could yet secure some more fresh faces to bolster Steven Gerrard’s squad and according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Rangers winger would be a game-changer for the club.

“I think we saw the best of Ryan Kent under Steven Gerrard and I’m sure Gerrard would be confident that he would get the best out of Kent as well if he was able to bring them to Aston Villa,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“He’s a potential game changer, Ryan Kent, on his day, a really skilful, tricky winger who can score goals, create goals as well. So I’m sure it’d be a signing that would excite the fans as well with this style of play. I think it could be a win-win situation.”

Villa were linked with a move soon after the former Liverpool midfielder arrived in the dugout at Villa Park and it’s believed that he has a £20m release clause at the 2020/21 Scottish champions.

A huge coup

Gerrard and Kent were together for that very triumph and in that campaign, the 24-year-old winger delivered an eye-catching 13 goals and 15 assists at a rate of one direct goal contribution every 152 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

He continued that fine form without his former boss last campaign, where he delivered two goals and 20 assists on the Gers’ run to the Europa League final.

Kent has consistently delivered so it could well be time for a return to the big time and Villa do need to find some creativity and threat in front of goal from somewhere.

According to journalist Andrew Dickson, the Rangers star is “completely unplayable” on his day, whilst Ibrox teammate Leon Balogun is a “wizard” on the wings, as he claimed to ‘The Beautiful Game’ podcast.

This sort of presence could be exactly what Gerrard needs to inject life back into Villa’s season, having won just two of their last 12 matches and after firing a blank against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, it’s clear that the manager needs another attacking option.

If Johan Lange can secure Kent before deadline day on September 1st, then he could end the summer with a bang.

AND in other news, Villa dealt setback in race to sign “complete” £34m midfielder, it’s a blow for Gerrard…

Celtic ‘have had conversations’ with St Mirren midfielder Dylan Reid over a summer move to Parkhead, according to manager Stephen Robinson.

The Lowdown: Reid linked with move

The 17-year-old is considered an exciting young prospect in Scotland, having already made a name for himself at St Mirren, making three appearances in the Scottish Premiership last season.

Reid has been strongly linked with a summer move to Celtic, as Ange Postecoglou looks to focus on both the present and future, in terms of new signings.

Now, a new update suggests that the transfer could go through in the coming weeks.

The Latest: Manager confirms interest

In quotes provided by Clyde1, Robinson claimed that Celtic were in talks with Reid over a potential summer move:

“Celtic have had conversations with Dylan, I have had conversations with him and his parents. We want Dylan to stay. We think it is the best place for him to develop which has been proved.

“I will throw young players in and we have done. The boy has a decision to make and we don’t want to put any more pressure on a young kid.

“But we genuinely believe this is the best place for him to develop.”

The Verdict: One for the future

The impatience of the modern football fan means that many want signings for the here and now, but someone like Reid should be considered hugely exciting, even if he doesn’t come in as a starter straight away.

He has already earned some invaluable experience in the top flight despite only turning 17 in March and he has also won 11 caps for Scotland’s Under-17s.

It is imperative that Celtic always have emerging homegrown talent in their ranks and Reid ticks that box to perfection, having been hailed as ‘excellent’ by former manager Jim Goodwin after his St Mirren debut – perhaps a deal and loan back could be the perfect solution to keep all parties happy.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for free agent Jesse Lingard if he fails to come to an agreement with West Ham, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Lingard’s offers

With the midfielder now out of contract following his departure from Manchester United, the 29-year-old has recently been at the centre of numerous of transfer rumours.

According to a report by ESPN, the former England international is travelling to the United States to meet with a series of MLS teams ahead of a proposed move this summer. However, the same report also cites West Ham and Everton as clubs who remain interested in the free agent’s services.

Adding to the number of Premier League teams interested, The Telegraph have reported that Tottenham are keen on bringing Lingard to Hotspur Way in attempt to improve upon their homegrown quota.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim

O’Rourke believes that there is a possibility that the attacking midfielder could snub his former loan club in favour of Champions League football with Spurs this summer.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist said of Lingard: “West Ham obviously will probably offer him more of a guarantee of regular first team football.

“That probably couldn’t be guaranteed at Tottenham right now under Antonio Conte with the quality of the squad he’s now got at his disposal.

“But Champions League football is on offer at Tottenham and West Ham can only offer Europa Conference League football so that might be a big decision in where Jesse Lingard does end up moving this summer.

“I still think Tottenham will be thinking if West Ham can’t agree a deal with Lingard, then they might make a move for him.”

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The Verdict: Good addition for squad depth

During Lingard’s time at Old Trafford, former United coach Michael Carrick previously praised the 29-year-old for the hard work that he put in to establish himself at the highest level, describing him as a  ‘dynamic’ midfielder with a ‘unique’ playing style.

The free agent is also a proven Premier League operator, with 46 goal contributions in 165 appearances in England’s top flight.

Following the addition of Yves Bissouma to Antonio Conte’s squad, the arrival of the 32-cap England international would add further depth to the Lilywhites’ options in the middle of the park, with a more creative outlet able to come off the bench.

When you consider that Lingard would also be adding to Tottenham’s homegrown quota, this could be a move which makes perfect sense for both parties.

Liverpool have already made three signings this summer as well as losing one of their key players to Bayern Munich with Sadio Mane’s move confirmed, and now a new transfer update has emerged on a blast from the past.

What’s the latest?

According to FootballTransfers, Raheem Sterling wanted a move back to Anfield this summer.

As per the report, sources have told the publication that the Manchester City star cited Liverpool as his first choice club amid speculation of a move away from the Premier League champions ahead of next season.

The report goes on to claim that Sterling even went as far as inquiring about the possibility of reuniting with his former club and pushed for the move.

He can replace Mane

Although Sterling’s exit from the Merseyside giants was met with fury from supporters, he would be a dream replacement to add depth in the forward line to replace Mane next season.

The £200k-per-week dynamo who was hailed “world-class” by Frank Lampard, controversially left Liverpool back in 2015 to make the move to Manchester City and although it left a bitter taste in the Anfield faithful’s mouth, he has been massively successful just a few miles down the road at The Etihad.

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Sterling has scored 131 goals and contributed a whopping 95 assists in 339 appearances for Man City, with a goal contribution every 110 minutes over the last seven years, proving that he is incredibly consistent and a huge attacking threat that could be a real force under Jurgen Klopp.

The 27-year-old has also picked up a number of trophies since leaving Anfield winning four Premier League titles, five EFL cups and one FA Cup, as well as playing a massive part in the England team over the last 10 years.

Sterling has scored 19 goals and delivered 25 assists for England since he made his debut in 2012, and was arguably the most important player for his national side in their progress to their first major final in 55 years scoring the only goals in the group stage of Euro 2020.

With all considered, although it looks extremely unlikely that Sterling would make a return to Liverpool, he would be a great replacement for Mane if the club were to make the decision to bring in another attacking option this summer.

AND in other news: FSG plotting LFC move to sign “magical” £35m dynamo, he can be Klopp’s very own Foden

Leeds United are now closing in on a deal to bring Rasmus Kristensen to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Mike McGrath, with The Telegraph journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Victor Orta has now agreed a deal with Red Bull Salzburg for the transfer of the right-back.

In his accompanying report, the journalist revealed that the transfer could be worth up to £10m, while Leeds are said to have beaten both Brentford and Borussia Dortmund to the 24-year-old’s signature.

In his tweet, McGrath said: “Deal in place for LUFC to sign Rasmus Kristensen. They are expected to win race for Denmark full-back from Red Bull Salzburg.”

Big coup for Orta

When considering just how exciting a prospect Kristensen has proven himself to be during his three-year stay in Austria, in addition to the fact that both Dortmund and Brentford were reported to be keen on the 24-year-old, the news that Leeds now look to have agreed a deal for the full-back undoubtedly represents a big coup for Orta.

Indeed, despite his defensive position, the £13.5m-rated talent is quite clearly an extremely threatening right-back, having scored 13 goals and registered 19 assists over his 107 appearances for Salzburg, in addition to the Denmark international having also created 15 big chances in the Austrian Bundesliga over the last three years.

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The vast majority of these came over his 29 outings in the most recent league campaign, during which the £14k-per-week defender scored seven goals, registered four assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

However, the Dane also impressed at the back, helping Salzburg keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per appearance.

These metrics saw the 24-year-old average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Matthias Jaissle’s second-best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear to see just how big of a coup Kristensen would be for Leeds, with McGrath’s latest update on the Whites’ pursuit of the defender sure to be something that will have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds offer for “scary” £17m “beast”, it’d be an “unreal” signing

Leeds United’s chances of survival on the final day of the Premier League season were thin.

They started the day inside the bottom three and with injuries and suspensions cutting through the squad like a knife through butter, there wasn’t really much hope.

Jesse Marsch’s men had to travel to London, a part of the country where for some strange reason, Leeds struggled under the tenure of Marcelo Bielsa.

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However, as Victor Orta was all too keen to point out at full-time, Marsch is now the manager and he is very much here to stay.

The curse of failing to win in the big smoke is surely now over as this group of players ensured they left Brentford with three points and Premier League safety in the bag.

It felt like the moment their place was secure, they got to work in the transfer market.

It’s thought that Brenden Aaronson will finally join the club from RB Salzburg but Orta can form a devastating duo by lining him up alongside Noa Lang.

The former Ajax man is now playing his football in Belgium for Club Brugge and has been superb on the flanks. So much so that Football Insider revealed this month that Leeds had been in talks over a potential summer switch.

During the current campaign, he has found the back of the net on nine occasions while registering a mammoth 15 assists in all competitions.

With that in mind, should Raphinha leave as is widely expected, there would be no better replacement than Lang, someone who in the eyes of FB Ref is a similar player to Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho.

Potentially costing in the region of £33m this summer, the Dutchman has been described as both “unstoppable” by scout Jacek Kulig and a “phenomenon” by Belgian journalist Peter Vandenbempt.

A look at the stats tells you why that assessment has been made.

He ranks in the top 2% when comparing his numbers across Europe’s best five leagues for progressive passes per 90, the top 5% for progressive carries per 90 and the top 10% for dribbles completed.

Sancho, in comparison, also ranks in the best 6% for progressive carries, proving how dangerous the pair can be when given the chance to isolate a defender and take them on.

Lang would be a stellar first signing this summer and if Victor Orta can conclude a deal, supporters may well forgive him for some suspect recruitment in the last few years.

AND in other news, Leeds United supporters will be fuming at what Victor Orta did at full time yesterday…