Football
Clement right over decision taken on ‘Bullied’ Rangers ace v Kilmarnock
Philippe Clement’s decision to drop Robin Propper proved spot-on in a brilliant victory over Kilmarnock.
The Dutch defender was among several players left out of Clement’s starting XI for the clash at Ibrox on 4 December, against a team that had previously beaten the Gers 1-0 in October.
Leon Balogun, 36, was brought into the defense, and as Billy Dodds noted on BBC Sportsound (4 December, 19:54), it was the right move.
“Defensively there are frailties with Robin Propper,” he said.
“The last time they played Kilmarnock he got bullied by Kyle Vassell and taken off, so I can understand why they’ve gone with Leon Balogun.”
Those predictions were emphatically validated as Rangers delivered a stunning 6-0 victory, their best performance of the season.
With pivotal matches still ahead, every game for Rangers carries a sense of unease, as evidenced by their last encounter with Kilmarnock before this dominant display. It highlights a challenge Brendan Rodgers and Celtic haven’t faced this season, which explains why Rangers are in a position of catch-up.
Clement’s bold team selection against Kilmarnock was largely supported by fans eager to see an entertaining and commanding Light Blues side, rather than one struggling in matches they should comfortably win.
Rangers responded with an attacking masterclass, albeit against modest opposition, as they cruised to a six-goal triumph. Clement’s tactical changes were rewarded, earning him well-deserved praise.
The win sets the stage for a crucial run of six games before year-end, including a European clash with Tottenham at Ibrox on 12 December and the Scottish League Cup final against Celtic on 15 December.
Maintaining strong form is now essential as Rangers approach these high-stakes fixtures.
Football
AC Milan Close to Signing Kyle Walker as First Addition Under Sergio Conceicao
AC Milan is reportedly close to announcing their first signing under new manager Sergio Conceicao, with Manchester City veteran Kyle Walker on the verge of an agreement, according to the Daily Mail.
Walker, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, has expressed his desire to leave Manchester City after nearly eight years of loyal service. At 34 years old, he is eager to begin a new chapter in his career, and Milan is prepared to provide him with that opportunity.
The Italian club is awaiting Manchester City’s approval before making formal contact. Milan plans to offer the England international a two-and-a-half-year contract at the San Siro, contingent on the Premier League champions allowing Walker to leave on a free transfer.
Meetings between Milan and Walker’s representatives continued on Friday, with the player’s camp affirming his strong interest in moving to Lombardy. Should Walker’s transfer go through, it would effectively end Milan’s pursuit of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, as the club can only sign one British player during the winter transfer window.
While Rashford was initially a primary target for the 19-time Serie A champions, Milan has shifted focus, considering Chelsea forward Joao Felix as an alternative. Felix, who joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in a £42.7 million move in August, has struggled to meet expectations. As a result, Chelsea might be open to loaning the Portuguese star to Milan with an option to buy.
Football
Juventus identify Miguel Gutiérrez as a replacement for Andrea Cambiaso
Serie A giants Juventus could face the departure of Andrea Cambiaso to Manchester City during the January transfer window and have already lined up a potential replacement.
According to Mirko Di Natale of TuttoJuve, Juventus are preparing for Cambiaso’s possible exit by identifying alternatives. Among their targets is Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez, who has been on the club’s radar for some time.
A move for Gutierrez would only proceed if Cambiaso departs. Should that happen, Juventus are expected to make an offer for the 23-year-old left-back, who has impressed this season with one goal and four assists in 18 La Liga appearances.
Girona reportedly value Gutierrez between €25 million and €30 million, making him a feasible option. Juventus, on the other hand, are seeking a fee exceeding €60 million for Cambiaso, though they would ideally prefer to sell him in the summer.
Randal Kolo Muani transfer to Juventus: Fabrizio Romano updates on unexpected twist
Randal Kolo Muani’s loan move to Juventus has hit an unexpected snag. Despite completing medical checks and signing documents, the official announcement remains on hold.
The issue lies with PSG, which has already reached FIFA’s limit of six players loaned abroad this season. The club’s quota is filled by Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), Carlos Soler (West Ham), Nordi Mukiele (Bayer Leverkusen), Renato Sanches (Benfica), Cher Ndour (Besiktas), and Juan Bernat (Villarreal). Unlike last season, when seven loans were allowed, FIFA’s tighter regulations have created complications.
The delay has frustrated fans, who have criticized PSG for what they perceive as a significant oversight. Despite the backlash, the club appears relatively unbothered for now.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that discussions between Juventus and PSG are ongoing, with expectations that the deal will still go through. To resolve the issue, PSG plans to recall and sell one of their current loanees. While Kolo Muani will miss the Juve-Milan clash, he is expected to be available next week.
According to L’Équipe, Juventus claim they were only informed of the loan cap issue late Thursday into Friday morning, leaving details unclear. Reportedly, Juventus were unaware that PSG had already reached the loan limit, which has infuriated Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli. His frustration is reportedly directed at Pasquale Sensibile, the official overseeing Juventus’ loan operations.
Juventus has accused PSG of mishandling the situation, while PSG insists they were aware of the restriction beforehand. However, L’Équipe questions PSG’s claims, noting the club appeared to be scrambling to address the problem on Friday morning.
One potential solution involves recalling Cher Ndour, but PSG remains optimistic that the Kolo Muani deal will proceed. Even so, this situation might complicate potential moves for Milan Skriniar and Marco Asensio, who are currently ineligible for loans.
Football
Rangers have another deal in pipeline after signing Rafael Fernandes on loan – Chris Jack
Rangers are pursuing Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron, but it appears Lille defender Rafael Fernandes could be signed first, according to Chris Jack.
The Rangers Review journalist reported on 17 January that a deal for Cameron is in progress, with Dundee requiring compensation if he leaves at the end of his contract. However, securing Fernandes, a 22-year-old defender, is currently the club’s priority, with negotiations ongoing.
While progress on Fernandes seems promising, it’s crucial for Rangers to also focus on signing an attacker. Cameron, a talented midfielder, is expected to join Ibrox once his contract expires in the summer.
The immediate concern, however, is reinforcing the attack, particularly if Cyriel Dessers departs. Danilo’s latest injury setback raises questions about his availability, and although Hamza Igamane has proven his quality, relying on him for every game isn’t feasible.
Rangers may also consider signing a strong number nine, which could allow Igamane to shift to the left wing—a position where he has excelled.
Rafael Fernandes lands in Glasgow for Rangers move
Rafael Fernandes has reportedly arrived in Scotland to finalize a loan move to Rangers.
Philippe Clement is eager to bolster his injury-ravaged defense, and Portuguese defender Fernandes is being considered an affordable solution to the ongoing defensive crisis. Clement faces uncertainty over Robin Propper’s availability for Sunday’s Scottish Cup opener against Highland League side Fraserburgh, while John Souttar and Nana Kasanwirjo remain sidelined.
Fernandes, a 22-year-old former Sporting Lisbon trainee, was reportedly given a tour of Ibrox on Friday as discussions took place with Lille regarding a six-month loan deal. Signed from Portuguese top-flight club Arouca for €3 million last year, Fernandes has yet to break into Lille’s first team. Rangers scouts see the 6’3″ centre-back as a promising ball-playing option who could fit into Clement’s plans. It’s unclear if the agreement will include an option to make the move permanent.
Meanwhile, Propper and goalkeeper Jack Butland are in a race to recover in time for Rangers’ Europa League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford next Thursday. Butland required hospital treatment last month for a leg bleed, while Propper sustained an ankle injury against Aberdeen.
On a positive note, captain James Tavernier and veteran defender Leon Balogun returned to action during Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen, offering some relief to the backline.
Another potential defensive target is Burnley’s Hjalmar Ekdal. The Swedish defender, who joined from Djurgarden in a £2.5 million deal in January 2023, has struggled to secure game time under Scott Parker after an injury earlier this season. Swedish outlet Expressen recently linked Rangers to the 26-year-old, and Parker has hinted there could be an opportunity to offload Ekdal and his teammate Hannes Delcroix as they seek more playing time.
He said: “There may be an option there, yes. I mean, both players really have got the quality to play football. They are both very, very good football players.
“From my position, of course I’d love to keep them here and be part of things. But I also understand what stage they’re at and whether game time is a big thing for them, which I’m sure it is.
“They want to try and play some minutes and it’s a position in our squad that we are pretty stacked in terms of defenders, so there may be an option there.”
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