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A frustrating Rangers transfer claim has been made, regarding their chances of adding a winger to their squad…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that the Gers may not be able to complete a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville this month.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There’s Summerville at Leeds and, obviously, van Bronckhorst knows all about the young Dutchman from his time at Feyenoord.

“But I’m not too sure Marcelo Bielsa will be willing to loan him out right now.”

Worried

This frustrating claim will surely leave Rangers fans feeling worried about the club’s chances of signing Summerville on loan. There is little the Gers can do to change Leeds’ mind if they are unwilling to let him leave on a temporary basis, as there would be no significant financial motivation for the Premier League side to outweigh their need to keep him in their squad for the second half of the campaign.

Therefore, the 20-year-old winger may not be on his way to Ibrox before the end of the month. This will frustrate supporters as he could be an excellent signing for Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad if the situation changes and they are able to bring him in.

His teammate Jamie Shackleton previously lauded the young talent’s quality, saying: “There’s specific drills in training that we’ll do. We’ll do those repeatedly. It’s also coming up against better players in training. Coming up against top-class forwards and wingers that we have inside the club definitely helps.

“Cry Summerville is a nightmare to mark. He’s really sharp. For his size he’s very, very strong. I do my best to keep up with him and the other wingers. We’ve got some very sharp wingers at the club.”

He has nine goals and ten assists in 24 outings for the U23 side at Leeds and this suggests that he is a player who is capable of both scoring and creating goals. Although he is yet to prove that he can do it at senior level, these statistics show that he would be an exciting signing for the Gers as he would come in as an electric winger who wants to beat players and make things happen in the final third.

This is why fans will be frustrated and worried by this latest claim from O’Rourke that indicates a deal is unlikely this month.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bassey: Rangers could pull off masterclass in £2m swoop for “calm” gem…

Manchester United will be hoping to make it back-to-back victories under the reign of interim manager Michael Carrick when they take on Chelsea in their Premier League clash this afternoon.

The Red Devils look set to appoint Ralf Rangnick as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor following successful talks with the German, and they’ll be eager to put on a good show at Stamford Bridge.

However, Carrick could be without a handful of important first team stars for the trip to west London.

Long-term absentees Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane could be joined by Edinson Cavani, Fred and Luke Shaw on the sidelines due to a variety of injury issues, forcing the ex-Red Devils midfielder to change up his starting XI today.

The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood will be pushing for recalls, though, and Carrick will need his team to be on top form to keep the current league leaders at bay.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the 40-year-old to line up against Thomas Tuchel’s Blues, with three changes from the side which started against Villarreal last time out…

David de Gea will keep his place between the sticks after making an impressive return to form this season, and he’ll be desperate to keep his second clean sheet in a row.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be a back four made up of Alex Telles, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to the enforced absences of Shaw and Varane.

In midfield, Fred’s ankle issue may seen the experienced Nemanja Matic make a rare start against his former club alongside Scott McTominay as United look to contain an in-form Chelsea side.

Ahead of the defensive duo will be a front four including Rashford, Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former two gave United a much greater impetus against Villarreal following their half-time introductions and both should start today.

Sancho scored his first goal for the club in midweek, and the former Borussia Dortmund star will be looking to cement his place in the starting XI as the £31.5m-rated Anthony Martial is dropped to the bench following a disappointing performance in Spain last Tuesday.

In other news… Huge blow: Man Utd suffer potential double injury setback, Carrick will be gutted

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a transfer move for Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The Lowdown: Lots of potential…

Ait-Nouri obviously impressed Wolves enough to sign him on a permanent deal following his loan spell there last season, during which he won 3.8 of his duels and averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.2 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League, scoring one goal and making one assist, emphasising both his attacking and defensive potential (SofaScore).

Upon signing him permanently, Molineux technical director Scott Sellars claimed that he is a ‘very talented’ player with ‘lots of potential’ and is ‘only going to get better’ (Wolves).

Nonetheless, at just 20 years of age, Ait-Nouri is certainly one for the future.

The Latest: Newcastle hovering

As per Jeunes Footeux, Ait-Nouri is now ‘of interest’ to the St. James’ Park faithful as well as Crystal Palace, who are both ‘closely following’ his situation at Molineux.

However, as he has a contract at WWFC until 2026, he will not be sold for anything less than €25-30m (£21.4-25.7m).

The Verdict: Ritchie upgrade

Ait-Nouri would certainly be an upgrade on Matt Ritchie at left wing-back, given that he is averaging more tackles, interceptions, shots, dribbles and passes than the Scotland international in the top flight so far this term (WhoScored).

The Frenchman has that extra attacking mindset that will be needed from January onwards, as the North East club look to create enough chances and score enough goals in order to escape the drop.

The Express & Star journalist Liam Keen claimed last month that Ait-Nouri is a player who ‘gets the crowd on their feet’, and his runs up and down the flank should give the Toon Army some excitement going into the second half of the campaign.

Nonetheless, he is someone that they and Eddie Howe can get behind straight away.

In other news, find out which former Magpie NUFC are now eyeing here!

Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is the player ‘most likely’ to follow Steven Gerrard and join Aston Villa, according to Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Kamara links

Gerrard made the move to the Midlands last Thursday to replace Dean Smith and is hard at work ahead of his first game in charge against Brighton this weekend.

As to be expected, links to his former players have already emerged, with Kamara thought to be one of his top Ibrox targets along with full-back Nathan Patterson.

Gerrard has urged Villa chiefs not to miss out on either player as he feels they could be signed in January in a double deal worth over £30m. [90min]

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece ran a Q&A on Birmingham Live on Tuesday, discussing multiple Villa-related topics.

One supporter asked if the links to Kamara are serious and also wanted to know about a pundit linking Joe Aribo with a move to Villa Park.

This is what Preece had to say in reply, believing Kamara is the ‘most likely’ to move south.

“Hi Dyl, yeah, that’s the one that appears most-likely from Gerrard’s Rangers links. We’ll see what materialises. Aribo, or the left-footed Yaya Toure as he’s been labelled, has been on Villa’s radar before like you say. Can he cut it in the Premier League, that’s the question… Kamara most-likely out of them but Gerrard will have his own players he likes knowing Villa’s budget blows Rangers’ out of the water. Intrigued to see how Gerrard will work with Johan Lange. Ross Wilson was Gerrard’s sporting director at Gers.”

The Verdict: A midfielder a priority?

Gerrard likes to play an attacking 4-3-3 system and seems to be fairly well stocked in most areas of the pitch.

A new midfielder could be handy, though, with Villa’s only attacking midfielder on the books being youngster Jacob Ramsey.

He has two defensive options in Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba, while John McGinn, youngster Carney Chukwuemeka and out of favour Morgan Sanson are the three remaining options. [Transfermarkt]

Kamara can play as a central or defensive midfielder and his eye for a key pass has also improved year on year since working with Gerrard.

On that basis, the Finland international could be a solid first signing of Gerrard’s era as Villa boss, so it’ll be interesting to see if the club decide to make their move in the New Year.

In other news: ‘Excited’ – Many Villa fans rejoice as Gerrard reveals ‘one thing’ he wants. 

Flocking to Twitter, some West Ham United fans have shared their takes as an exciting update emerges involving Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark.

Club mainstay Angelo Ogbonna’s anterior cruciate ligament injury has been at the centre of discussion since he sustained the problem in West Ham’s 3-2 win over Liverpool prior to the international break

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The Italian had previously started every 2021/22 Premier League game for David Moyes and was untouchable on the Hammers’ team sheet, but they had to cope without his presence for the first time this season against Wolves on Saturday.

West Ham slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Molineux and never really got going as Raul Jimenez consigned the Irons to their first loss since early October.

Ogbonna has now undergone successful surgery as he begins his recovery, yet all eyes are now on who could jump in his stead, with Moyes apparently set to be backed in the January transfer window (Evening Standard).

Links to Burnley defender James Tarkowksi and Stark have emerged recently, but Sport 1 reporter Florian Pettenberg has now dropped an exciting update on the latter.

The German source claims that talks have now ‘taken place’ for the 26-year-old, who is personally ‘interested’ in the idea of joining West Ham (Twitter).

Moyes is also a personal admirer of the centre-half and Hertha want to do a deal in January, especially considering that Stark’s contract is set to expire in 2022 as things stand.

West Ham fans react…

Reacting to this exciting development, some West Ham fans have dropped a diverse range of takes on social media, with one supporter even branding Stark an ‘upgrade’ on Ogbonna.

According to WhoScored, when comparing both players, the stats actually support this theory, with Hertha’s mainstay averaging a superior rate of tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90 over the 33-year-old Hammers centre-back.

However, another Irons supporter feels that Moyes’ current crop in Issa Diop and Craig Dawson are actually better options than Stark.

Check out some of the best verdicts on this news from Twitter here:

“Getting players running down contracts is smart. Why we haven’t done this in last 5 years has amazed me. January window is the best place to get bargain quality players”

Credit: @corsan_harry

“He’s good, I hope this is true”

Credit: @SaidTalks

“Yes please. He’s really good.”

Credit: @eezeeu

“better upgrade to Ogbonna, a good signing if it happens”

Credit: @Markwake141

“He’s alright, used to be a big talent but hasn’t quite performed to the levels expected. Reckon Dawson and Diop are better”

Credit: @WHUInfo

“Can play holding CM as well

Contract talks on hold.”

Credit: @PinceyKeeble1

In other news: ‘I understand’ – West Ham reporter makes promising transfer claim involving ‘extraordinary’ striker, find out more here.

Luke Edwards has dropped a fresh update on Newcastle’s budget heading into PIF’s first transfer window on Tyneside.

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph reporter has claimed that the Magpies “can always spend more” than their pre-set January budget if a “box office” player becomes available in the winter market.

He made the claim in response to his own exclusive stating that they have a £50m transfer war chest for January, as PIF look to make moves to improve the team midway through the season.

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be left feeling delighted by this update from Edwards. For starters, they will be over the moon with the initial report stating that the club are preparing to splash out £50m in January as Mike Ashley only made one signing, Joe Willock, in the summer for £26.4m.

The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan from Arsenal, which meant that the Magpies added no fresh senior players to the squad over the summer. Converting Willock’s loan into a permanent deal was the only first-team incoming piece of business, with Newcastle failing to strengthen any area of their team from the one that finished the 2020/21 campaign.

Therefore, fans will be buzzing with the prospect of such a vast sum being spent in January to improve the team. It will give Steve Bruce, or whoever potentially replaces him in the dugout, additional firepower to attack the second half of the season in a bid to avoid relegation and push further up the Premier League table.

The supporters will also love Edwards’ added point about a potential marquee signing. His comment shows that PIF are ambitious and ready to invest the money required to make significant improvements to the team, as they are willing to pay more than they have initially set out if an opportunity arises to bring a big-name to St. James’ Park.

It remains to be seen what defines a ‘box office’ player for PIF, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mauro Icardi, Gareth Bale and Timo Werner touted with moves to the club. For example, would they splash out to sign Icardi? What about Sterling? January could be a very interesting, and exciting, window for Newcastle fans and Edwards’ comment will only add to the excitement levels bubbling away.

AND in other news, “Definitely”: Journo claims NUFC want £49.5m-rated star, he’s a huge Joelinton upgrade…

Speaking to the club’s official website, Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Espirito Santo has just shared some ‘bad news’ for Lilywhites supporters.

The Lowdown: Spurs injury list so far…

After the torrid September international break, a period of his reign that he would soon like to forget, Nuno has seen a variety of players succumb to injury worries or spend extensive time on the treatment table.

The likes of Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and Eric Dier have been sidelined already this season (Eurosport), as well as Matt Doherty and Ryan Sessegnon who have both missed the last few games.

Sharing news on the latter man, Nuno has just dropped a not-so-positive update.

The Latest: Nuno shares ‘bad news’…

Speaking to the press (via tottenhamhotspur.com) ahead of their clash with Burnley tonight, the Portuguese has shared some ‘bad news’ for Lilywhites supporters concerning Sessegnon.

Whilst confirming that Doherty is back available, the same cannot be said for the Englishman.

“He’s [Doherty] back in the group, that’s good news. He’s going to be in the squad,” Nuno explained.

“It’s up to us to decide the right moment to integrate all the players.

“The only bad news that we have at this moment is Ryan Sessegnon – he’s not able to join us yet.”

The Verdict: Blow for Sessegnon…

Signed for £25 million by Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, the starlet seemingly had the world at his feet at one point with pundit Noel Whelan claiming he would go on to become a ‘massive asset’.

That hasn’t quite happened thus far due to a mix of injury problems and spending time out on loan in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, but the fact Nuno is allegedly a big fan of the player tells you that he is still firmly in the manager’s plans.

In other news: Talks ongoing…Sky Sports journalist says ‘phenomenal’ star could now join Tottenham, find out more here.

Celtic have been dealt a tough hand in Europe with Ange Postecoglou having to withstand the test of some troublesome sides.

The Hoops have already come unstuck against Real Betis and they will desperately need to improve when Bayer Leverkusen arrive at Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

Based on Celtic’s recent form, supporters should be incredibly fearful over what result may occur on Thursday evening.

They have lost to Livingston and drawn with Dundee United during their last two league fixtures so the omens don’t exactly bode well.

Postecoglou’s men did score three times against Betis but it would be a great surprise if the same eventuality occurred tomorrow night.

Celtic will still be missing Kyogo Furuhashi and it’s thought that Callum McGregor will almost certainly be absent again.

He sat out their last Europa League clash with what was thought to be a knock but he hasn’t played since.

Who plays instead of him will be a crucial point of debate for the manager because he simply hasn’t got it right in the last few weeks.

James McCarthy has been abject to say the least, being terrorised for his performances since a first start in the defeat at Livi. During that clash, the Irishman attempted no attacking actions and lost the ball on 15 occasions.

Sadly, the midfielder was average against Dundee United too, winning just 33.3% of his defensive duels last weekend.

The solution

With that in mind, Postecoglou should consider turning to Ismaila Soro on Thursday, especially in a game where the Bhoys are expected to do more work off the ball.

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Like McCarthy, Soro hasn’t been at his best this term and he was fortunate not to be sent off against Betis.

The Ivorian was keen to get stuck in and did make a number of impressive robust tackles. However, he is often caught out with his lack of discipline causing him to throw in challenges even when he’s already been booked.

That being said, the Celtic brute is clearly more dynamic and mean-mannered than McCarthy.

Described as a player with “explosive power” by former coach Ori Guttman, he has been compared to N’Golo Kante and it’s clear to see why.

Soro occupies little pockets of space that enables him to sweep up the play. He reads the game well and is traditionally in the right place at the right time.

The 23-year-old knows what it takes to put in a defensive masterclass in Europe too. When they beat Lille 3-2 last term, he made a mind-boggling ten successful tackles.

The midfielder has failed to replicate that sort of display since but he simply has to step up with McGregor still on the sidelines.

Now feels like his time to really make a name for himself in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Ange may fix one of Celtic’s biggest problems by signing “lightning-quick” 43-cap ace…

Celtic defender Liam Scales has been called up to the Republic of Ireland’s senior squad.

The Lowdown: Scales at Celtic

The 23-year-old was one of 12 summer signings to arrive at Parkhead, costing the club £540,000 from Shamrock Rovers.

The versatile defender, labelled as ‘quick’ by Graham Gartland, is yet to start for the Hoops, though, with his only appearance coming against Raith Rovers in the League Cup.

He’s now got the chance to make his first senior appearance for his country during the international break ahead of his return to Glasgow.

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The Latest: Joseph’s post

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph took to Twitter to share the news regarding Scales.

He revealed that Scales has replaced Swansea City’s Ryan Manning who withdrew through injury, with the Hoops man now set to be around the squad for games against Azerbaijan and Qatar.

The Verdict: Celtic start pending?

The Daily Record believe that Ange Postecoglou will have one eye on Ireland’s clash with Azerbaijan on Saturday.

So, should Scales make his senior international debut and hold his own, that could tempt Postecoglou into handing him a first Hoops start against Motherwell.

Greg Taylor remains sidelined with a shoulder injury and Josip Juranvoic also picked up a knock recently, so Scales could be an option to feature at left-back at Fir Park.

In other news: Kyogo shares 10-word update away with Japan which should delight Celtic and Ange. 

Danny Mills has given his reaction to the news that Son Heung-Min may now be fit for Tottenham Hotspur to play Chelsea at home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Son could play

The Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law reported earlier on in the week that Son has ‘not given up’ on trying to get himself fit to face Thomas Tuchel’s team.

Nuno Espirito Santo told the press on the same day that the winger is ‘improving day by day’ and would be assessed ahead of the game on Sunday afternoon.

The Latest: Mills on Son

Speaking to Football Insider, regular BBC 5 Live pundit Mills says it would be a ‘huge boost’ if Son is fit to play in the London derby, and is in awe of how good of a player he is:

“It would be a huge boost.

“He’s a fantastic player, his energy is magnificent. He’s absolutely superb in what he does. He adds so much to the team and that’s what they miss.

“As much as he’s got quality, energy and professionalism. There is so much more about him than being a good player.”

The Verdict: Massive

It would no doubt be a massive lift if Spurs could call on Son, as he could well make the difference against the Blues.

The South Korea international has an exceptional record while playing for the North London club, with no fewer than 109 goals and a further 64 assists in 284 games in total over all competitions, including two goals already this season (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, the Lilywhites know that they will have to be at their best to get maximum points against their bitter rivals, who have looked extremely solid particularly defensively so far this term, conceding just once in the league.

In other news, find out what Harry Winks news has left this pundit stunned here!