Glasgow Rangers have received a response from a primary managerial target that they have identified to replace Michael Beale in the Scottish Premiership, as a fresh report has shared.

Is Michael Beale getting sacked?

At Ibrox, Beale’s side have had a mixed start to the new campaign where they find themselves fourth in the table after securing three wins and suffering two defeats from their opening five games, via Sky Sports, but after being knocked out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion, some supporters have been calling for the manager to be sacked.

The Light Blues have therefore been linked with the likes of Graham Potter, who has already rejected the opportunity, and Kevin Muscat, although reporter Andy Newport was quick to confirm that rumours surrounding the latter were wide of the mark.

Another candidate to have entered the frame is Birmingham City’s John Eustace, who The Daily Mail claim has emerged as a serious contender having caught the eye not only with his CV, but the fact that he’s an up-and-coming coach which meets the profile wanted.

According to journalist Alex Dicken, it would take an irresistible offer for the 43-year-old to leave St. Andrews and make the move north of the border, but regardless of how much the hierarchy try and tempt him, it doesn’t sound like anything they do will work.

Are Rangers appointing John Eustace?

Speaking to BBC West Midlands, Eustace was asked to comment on the rumours linking him with the job at Rangers.

As quoted by the Football League Paper (via Ibrox News), he said: “It’s all speculation. I’m not interested in any other job than Birmingham City. I’m very, very happy here. I came here 14 months ago and I signed a three-year deal to try to help grow the club, to build this fantastic football club to back where it should be. We’re coming up to halfway in doing that.

"I think there’s been great progress and I want to continue with that progress and see this club fly. There have been some ups and downs but I think everyone can see that we’re going in the right direction, and I want to be here for as long as the club want me.”

What is John Eustace's record at Birmingham?

In the Championship this season, Eustace has helped his side to secure three wins, two draws and just one defeat, where having taken 11 points from a possible 18, Birmingham find themselves sixth in the play-off places in the table, as per the BBC.

The Solihull-born coach, who has a preferred formation of a 3-5-2 flat midfield, was also nominated for August's Manager of the Month award as a result of his impressive efforts from the dugout, so it’s fantastic that he’s receiving individual recognition for his work from the sidelines.

According to journalist Josh Bunting, Eustace has got the Blues playing “easy on the eye” football, and having previously beaten Beale on the one occasion that he’s faced him throughout his career, he’d clearly be an upgrade on the current boss in Glasgow.

Nottingham Forest could be set to table a bid for an exciting player, but a new report has revealed that they aren’t the only club looking to bring him to the Premier League.

What's the latest transfer news at Nottingham Forest?

Over the summer, Steve Cooper was extremely busy in the window, bringing in a total of 14 fresh faces which included the likes of Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Divock Origi just to name a few, but whilst there were plenty of new recruits entering the building, a big number of players also completed departures.

In terms of outgoings, Brennan Johnson led the big-name permanent exits, whilst the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Emmanuel Dennis and Lewis O’Brien were all sent out on loan, as per Transfermarkt, and with a bit more space in the squad having been freed up, this will allow the boss to bolster his ranks further in January.

One of the players he could turn his attention to is Benfica’s defensive midfielder Florentino Luis, who despite still having another four years remaining on his contract, could find himself on the move having previously been linked with a switch to The City Ground.

The Reds reportedly joined the race to sign the 24-year-old back in August, and whilst the same outlet claimed that they were preparing an approach, a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline, though if the following update is to be believed, the hierarchy are now considering taking a second bite of the cherry.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Florentino Luis?

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest could make an “irrefutable” offer for Luis, alongside Fulham, Barcelona and Bayern Munich who are also named as interested parties.

Benfica’s central talisman, who is sponsored by Adidas, has a €120m (£103m) release clause included in his contract, but his current market value is only €20m (£17m), meaning that a cheaper deal could be available.

The Eagles are already looking for a replacement as they know their star is likely to be on his way out in the new year, and with his list of admirers growing, it “isn’t known” how much longer they will be able to hold onto their prized asset.

Is Florentino Luis a good player?

Previously, Luis has been dubbed a “Portuguese Octopus” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and the way that he protects his backline when sitting in front of them is remarkable, so it comes as no surprise to learn that Cooper and Nottingham Forest have reignited their interest in their former target.

The Team of Future client currently ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions and the 96th percentile for tackles, via FBRef, displaying his ability to win back possession for his team and get stuck into challenges, but he’s also capable of having a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch.

Since the start of his career, Luis, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role, has posted 13 contributions (ten assists and three goals), so being such a well-rounded player, it would be a massive coup if he was to put pen to paper in the Midlands in January.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has suggested that Xavi could stay at the club for another season – despite announcing his intent to resign in June.

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• Club would be open to Xavi staying
• Search for a new manager not underway yet
• Struggling boss announced resignation in January

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In January, Xavi revealed that he would leave the club at the end of the season, citing a need for change as the reason for his impending departure. It has since emerged, though, that the Blaugrana board would be open to him staying and aren't undergoing a search for a new manager.

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  WHAT DECO SAID

  Deco, the Blaugrana's sporting director, told that Xavi might stay, saying: "We are not making any decision about the future coach because it is early and we have many things ahead of us. If something changes, I will not say that we cannot raise it. We have nothing against him. It is not a decision that the club or the sports management has made. At the moment, there is no such possibility; if it happens, we will discuss it."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barca have enjoyed a resurgence of late. The Blaugrana are undefeated in the six matches since the disgruntled manager announced his resignation, and would appear to have a good chance of advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals with their two-legged tie against Napoli balanced at 1-1.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR XAVI AND BARCELONA?

  Xavi, for his part, has suggested that his mind is made up; he will depart in June. Still, Barca are yet to start their search for a new coach – despite being linked with a number of high-profile managers.

Sevilla have issued a statement accusing Real Madrid TV of trying to influence referee Diaz de Mera before the two sides clash on Sunday.

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Real Madrid TV accused of trying to influence refereeSevilla and Real play on SundayStatement condemns actions of TV presentersWHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid TV, in the build-up to their clash with Sevilla, aired a segment in which they pointed out previous mistakes from the game's assigned referee, de Mera. They did similar with the assigned VAR, Gonzalez Fuertes, and Sevilla have now made a formal complaint to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

AdvertisementWHAT SEVILLA SAID

Sevilla's statement reads: "We wish to underline in the strongest terms our condemnation against these orchestrated campaigns aimed at undermining refereeing integrity. "The club wishes to confirm through a written statement to the Competition Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), we have reported the campaign of persecution and harassment towards the referee Diaz de Mera and González Fuertes (VAR) for tomorrow evening's game against Real Madrid orchestrated by Real Madrid TV, the official club television channel of Real Madrid.

"We wish to formally report these events to the RFEF to see if these actions can be considered as a violation of competition rules or any other regulations. The club also wishes to reiterate its strongest condemnation of these orchestrated campaigns aimed at undermining the image of the refereeing body, causing serious harm to Spanish football and calling into question the integrity of the competition."

CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Real are currently top of La Liga with 62 points, six points clear of second-placed Girona and eight clear of third-placed Barcelona. Sevilla, by comparison, are mired in 15th, but they are unbeaten in their last four games.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

There will likely be an intense focus on refereeing decisions when Real face Sevilla on Sunday, especially with former Los Blancos enforcer Sergio Ramos making his return to Santiago Bernabeu. It remains to be seen if Real can extend their lead at the top of the table, with Girona due back in action a day later against Rayo Vallecano.

Glasgow Rangers will be without another of their first-team players for tonight’s Europa League group stage game vs Real Betis, following a fresh update.

Who is injured at Rangers?

At Ibrox, Michael Beale currently has both Todd Cantwell and Danilo on the sidelines with their own respective injuries, and whilst Kieran Dowell is also out of action, the boss recently provided a positive update on his fitness.

The Light Blues manager has confirmed that the summer signing is hoping to stage his comeback during the Scottish Premiership game against Aberdeen on September 30th having made positive progress in training.

However, Nicolas Raskin is also set to be unavailable for selection having missed training on Wednesday after sustaining a suspected calf injury, via Sky Sports, which is a real shame for the central midfielder who has been impressive following his arrival at the start of the new year.

Back in January, Belgium’s youth international put pen to paper north of the border from Standard Liege and he’s since gone on to make a total of 25 appearances, though taking into consideration the next update, he’ll have to wait a little bit longer to make his 26th.

How long is Nicolas Raskin out for?

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Beale confirmed that Raskin is ruled out of this evening’s fixture vs Manuel Pellegrini’s side but failed to specify how long for in total, whilst also delivering an update on Cantwell and Danilo. He said:

“Nico Raskin is out with a calf problem – Raskin, Cantwell and Danilo will be missing. We still have options in midfield – we are losing a good player but we have good ones coming in. Danilo has had a successful surgery on the areas impacted. He will be back in non-contact training come the end of the international break.”

What type of player is Nicolas Raskin?

Raskin is naturally a central midfielder so he is capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch, and supporters will have seen that following his arrival at Rangers having been dubbed a “different class” in comparison to his fellow teammates by journalist Josh Bunting.

Sponsored by Adidas, the 22-year-old has been averaging 2.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per league game so far this season so loves to get stuck into challenges and win back possession for his team, via WhoScored, but he’s also provided two assists since joining so can get involved with the action in the final third.

Furthermore, Liege’s native is a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including four roles in the midfield and even out wide on the right-wing, and this is another attractive attribute that the gaffer will have to cope without.

The Teddy Bears having to enter tonight’s encounter without Raskin will definitely be a blow to Beale, but there’s no doubt that he will work hard on his recovery to ensure that he can get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

After a devastating end to last season that saw them lose out on the Premier League title despite holding down top spot for so long, Arsenal are again right in the middle of a title race.

The Gunners find themselves three points clear of Manchester City in fourth place but one point behind the current leaders, Liverpool.

One of the major differences between Mikel Arteta's team last season and this season is the absence of Swiss international Granit Xhaka.

Kai Havertz has taken the left-eight role vacated by the rehabilitated midfielder but hasn't entirely managed to make it his own despite a recent run of good form.

However, the latest player to be linked with a move to the Emirates could be the perfect fit to carry the mantle Xhaka put down in the summer, Florian Wirtz.

Arsenal transfer news – Florian Wirtz

According to TeamTalk, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in Bayer Leverkusen's incredibly talented youngster, Wirtz.

The German international has scored four goals and provided five assists in just 13 starts for Xabi Alonso's title chasers this season. He has done even better in the Europa League, scoring two goals and providing four assists, per WhoScored.

This isn't new, however, as the 20-year-old has been influencing games for a few years now, registering ten Bundesliga goal involvements for the first time back in the 2020/21 season.

Unsurprisingly, with consistent performances such as this, the German maestro has a hefty price tag attached to him, with Sky Sports Germany reporting that it would take an offer of €120m – about £103m – to tempt Leverkusen into selling their star performer.

However, for a player described as "pure quality" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, it might just be worth it for Arsenal, especially if he can take up the left-eight role.

How Florian Wirtz compares to Granit Xhaka

Now, as things stand, the 20-year-old "generational talent", as dubbed by Apple Sports executive Cristian Nyari, plays most of his football either as an attacking midfielder, a second striker, or even as a left-winger. Still, some elements of his game suggest he could drop back a bit and help in a defensive manner as well.

This becomes more evident when you compare his current underlying numbers to those of Xhaka's from last season, as that is the man he could replace.

Surprisingly, the young German actually beats his current teammate in several key defensive attributes, such as blocking passes, ball recoveries and tackles in the defensive third.

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Moreover, his tendency to play more through balls and progressive passes could be utilised to turn over the ball and kickstart a counter-attack from deeper in his own half.

Wirtz

Xhaka

8.10

5.89

66.8 (83.5%)

49.0 (84.7%)

0.91

0.18

0.74

0.54

6.86

4.56

0.41

0.33

0.58

0.81

0.33

0.45

That said, there are, of course, still defensive areas in which the former Arsenal man outclasses Wirtz, but that is to be expected when his natural role thus far in his career has been orientated towards attacking.

Ultimately, the Gunners are going to need to find a new number eight at some point, and with Wirtz's age profile and promising numbers, there is every chance that Arteta could mould him into that player.

Sunderland fans had waited a decade for this moment, as their beloved Black Cats finally faced off against their arch-rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.

The match didn’t disappoint, either, from a Sunderland perspective, as Regis Le Bris’ men secured the bragging rights when Nick Woltemade unexpectedly headed back Aaron Ramsdale, just as the second half got underway.

A real sickener for the Toon proved to be the fortuitous match-winner for the hosts, as the lofty German striker wanted the ground to swallow him up, after his connection from an inviting Sunderland delivery beat the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper.

While the ex-Stuttgart forward’s embarrassing lapse of judgment stole the headlines come the full-time whistle, many of Le Bris’ first teamers also stood out throughout, as Granit Xhaka cut an assured figure again, all across the 1-0 win.

Xhaka's performance in numbers

Come the end of the match, Sky Sports’ Micah Richards would rightly hail the Black Cats captain as an “absolute warrior”, as the ever-present midfield battler barely put a foot wrong again.

He did give away possession 16 times, but the Swiss would constantly recover and retrieve the ball, with all 100% of his tackles successfully won.

Le Bris would have known it was vital that Sunderland won the midfield battle to get the better of Eddie Howe’s visitors, as the likes of Sandro Tonali won no tackles, up against a far stronger Xhaka.

Moreover, the tenacious number 34 has the know-how of how to win these sorts of crunch affairs, having become well accustomed to the North London Derby at the Emirates, with Xhaka subsequently standing out from minute one. He would amass the most touches of any player in the first half at 50 touches, alongside calmly spraying the ball about at 43 passes.

Visibly cut at the full-time whistle, too, having given his all, it must be hard for Sunderland fans not to just constantly wax lyrical about their Swiss warrior. Yet, he wasn’t the only star showered with praise at the end.

Sunderland star was the "standout player"

Sunderland looked in control of the game from the minute Woltemade placed an effort past his own ‘keeper, as the rock-solid Black Cats defence stood firm once more this season, against a tired Magpies attack.

In particular, Reinildo shone down the left flank for Le Bris all match long, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley hailing him as Sunderland’s “standout player” in a lively first 45 minutes. Fellow journalist Andy Sixsmith also went out of his way to praise the ex-Atletico Madrid full-back by stating that he didn’t give a ropey Anthony Elanga a “sniff” when he was on the Stadium of Light turf.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

48

Accurate passes

27/32 (84%)

Successful dribbles

1/1

Tackles won

2/2

Interceptions

1

Clearances

4

Blocked shots

1

Ball recoveries

7

Total duels won

6/8

Away from completely nullifying the former Nottingham Forest attacker, Reinildo would also play with the same energy and determination that Xhaka displayed in spades, with the Brazilian even coming off at the end with the same amount of tackles won as the high-octane number 34.

He would even better Xhaka in terms of duels won, having won six compared to the ex-Arsenal man’s five, while also managing to complete all 100% of his dribbles as a force willing to push his side up the pitch, away from thwarting Newcastle forwards throughout.

Having arrived on a free transfer in the summer, Reinildo will surely now be seen as an unbelievable diamond that has been unearthed, with all 100% of his duels won against Liverpool, too, away at Anfield.

The celebrations at the end of the 1-0 victory will live long in the memory at Sunderland, as both Reinildo and Xhaka rightly jumped for joy, as their combined efforts ensured a tight three points were clinched.

Now sitting even prettier in seventh spot, five spots above their sworn enemy from Tyneside, it really was an all-round perfect day for Le Bris’ hosts, as Reinildo rubber-stamped why he should be the Frenchman’s starting left-back week in week out.

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Leeds United could look at more than one signing in the January window, according to an exciting claim made by a journalist.

Leeds eyeing left-back move

The Whites are currently short of left-back options under Daniel Farke ahead of a busy period in the Championship after Sam Byram suffered a hamstring injury at Blackburn Rovers that is expected to keep him out for three weeks. Junior Firpo is already sidelined with another injury of his own, and reports have suggested that he is a target for former side Real Betis heading into 2024.

Farke has recently hinted at bringing in a new left-back, with Phil Hay saying the manager “was thinking about that even before Byram/Firpo got injured”. However, adding to the club’s full-back ranks may not be the only idea for the 49ers Enterprises and co, with more than one loan spot available at Elland Road.

Talking to GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones was speaking about the possibility of two loan moves being made by Leeds in January that could help them get promoted. Jones said that alongside a left-back, “there's always going to be the tendency to go for an attacker”.

“If there is space for Leeds to do two loans, then it is something they should be looking to do. You probably feel that if Firpo, for example, does end up moving on, one of the best ways to replace him in that squad, for now, is to bring in a loan signing and then look at it again in the summer and see where you are.

“There are a couple of spots available to bring loans in, and when you think about how well somebody like Joe Rodon’s done, that's what you have to strive for again. The loan market is a fantastic opportunity for a team in Leeds' current position. The January market is always better for loans than for permanent deals. If Leeds can get this right, they’ll be right in the promotion mix, and they can get themselves up. So, there’s probably going to be a Firpo-type replacement, and then there's always going to be the tendency to go for an attacker that can somehow add some goals into the mix.”

Leeds' attacking options

Goals haven’t been a major problem for Leeds this season, with Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, Jol Piroe and Georginio Rutter establishing themselves as Farke’s preferred front four. Alongside the quartet, the Whites also have the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Patrick Bamford and Jaidon Anthony to call upon, as well as youngsters Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph.

However, if the right opportunity presents itself, adding two new faces in January could be just what is needed for the second half of the season as Leeds continue to chase down Leicester City and Ipswich Town. It may prove to be a busy start to 2024, and hopefully, by the end of the year, Farke and Leeds will be back in the Premier League, going from strength to strength.

حقق جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، فينيسيوس جونيور، لقب الأفضل في جوائز ذا بيست المقدمة من قبل الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” يوم الثلاثاء الماضي.

ونجح فينيسيوس في التغلب على منافسه رودري الفائز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية لعام 2024، ولكن على الرغم من تألق البرازيلي إلا أن أسطورة بايرن ميونخ ومنتخب ألمانيا، لوثار ماتيوس، لديه بعض الانتقادات تجاه اللاعب.

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وقال ماتيوس في تصريحات لصحيفة “بيلد” الألمانية: “فينيسيوس موهبة خارقة، لكنه مثل نيمار فهو يحرض الجماهير على بعض الأفعال ويتشاجر مع المنافسين ويستفزهم ببعض الحركات”.

وأضاف: “لديه إمكانات فنية رائعة خاصة في السرعة وتسديد الكرة، لكن سلوكه على المسار الخطأ، فهو يتخذ نيمار مثالًا أعلى وهو النموذج الخاطئ”.

وشارك فينيسيوس مع ريال مدريد في الموسم الحالي خلال 21 مباراة بجميع البطولات وسجل 14 هدفًا وصنع 10 أخرى في إجمالي 1729 دقيقة.

أعاد محمود الزنفلي، حارس مرمى الأهلي السابق وحرس الحدود الحالي، سرد تجربته مع القلعة الحمراء خلال فترة إعارته، وكشف عن تفاصيل حديثه مع المدرب مارسيل كولر.

وقال الزنفلي في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورت”: “أنا لعبت للأهلي على سبيل الإعارة، ولم يتحرك أحد من مسؤولي القلعة الحمراء لتفعيل بند شرائي نهائيًا، لذلك عدت إلى فريقي بعد نهاية الموسم”.

وتابع: “كنت أتمنى أن أشارك مع الأهلي، أنا انضممت للفريق في آخر شهر يناير الماضي، حتى نهاية الموسم، وكانت هناك مباريات في آخر الدوري كنت أتمنى أن أشارك بها، لكن مارسيل كولر قال لي أنا سأمنح اللاعبين الكبار كلهم راحة وسأدفع بالناشئين”.

وأضاف: “مع احترامي للناشئين، كلهم لاعبين كبار وعلى أعلى مستوى، لكن طبيعي أفكر أنني انضممت للفريق على سبيل الإعارة وأريد أن أشارك وأظهر بشكل جيد، لأنني لم ألعب منذ فترة”.

واستكمل: “قلت له أنا أريد المشاركة وسط لاعبين كبار لكي أظهر بصورة جيدة مع الأهلي، حيث إنني منذ 8 أشهر لا أشارك، لكن كولر صمم على موقفه بالدفع بالناشئين، وقال لي انظر ماذا تريد أن تفعل”.

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وأردف: “قلت له لو اللاعبين الكبار شاركوا سأشارك لأن هذه أول مباراة لي مع الأهلي، وهناك جماهير ستحضر والناس سيتابعون المباراة بشكل كبير، وبالتأكيد أريد الظهور بشكل جيد، وقلت له مع احترامي أن اللاعبين الناشئين على أعلى مستوى، لكن أنا طبيعي أريد أن أظهر بشكل جيد”.

واستمر: “لكن كولر صمم وقال هذا قراري، سأدفع باللاعبين الناشئين، فقلت له إذًا أنا لاعب إعارة ولا أعرف موقفي من النادي، لو عرفت موقفي سألعب مع أي فريق”.

وأشار: “بعد ذلك وجدت أن هناك لاعبين كبار شاركوا في المباريات الأخيرة من الدوري، رغم أنني قلت للمدير الفني لو ستدفع بلاعبين كبار سأشارك، لكنه لو كان يريد الدفع بي لفعل ذلك، لكنه كان قد اتخذ القرار بأن من شاركوا هم الذين سيستمرون معه”.

واختتم الزنفلي حديثه بالتعبير عن حزنه لعدم حصوله على فرصة الظهور بشكل جيد مع الأهلي وسط اللاعبين الكبار، لكنه أكد أنه لو عاد به الزمن، فإنه سيشارك مع الناشئين ولن يرفض، قائلًا: “حزنت، لأنني في ناد كبير وكنت أريد أن أظهر بشكل جيد وسط اللاعبين الكبار، لكن لو عاد بي الزمن كنت سألعب مع الناشئين ولن أرفض”.