Bill Young believes Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be sacked after Rangers’ 2-1 defeat away to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Woeful day for Rangers

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were desperate for a win after Celtic’s 4-2 win at home to Dundee United on Saturday, with the pressure on the visitors.

Unfortunately, the Gers produced a horribly below-par showing at McDiarmid Park, conceding once in either half to fall to an insipid defeat.

The loss means that Rangers are now seven points adrift in the Scottish Premiership title race, which even at this stage of the season feels like a mountain to climb.

The Latest: Young calls for GVB sacking

Taking to Twitter, Young claimed that Van Bronckhorst will now be sacked as Gers boss:

“Rangers have eased off this have the belief lacking from the 1st half. If it ends like this the league is over and so is the managers tenure in my view. You must capitalise on what you create St.Johnstone have and Rangers haven’t that simple.”

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The Verdict: Time for a change

The nature of both Rangers’ performance and defeat on Sunday suggest that a managerial change is now needed at Ibrox, with things growing stagnant.

Things have been getting increasingly worse over time in recent months, from European disappointment to dropped points in the league, and there is a feeling that things are only going to get worse.

Quite who comes in to replace Van Bronckhorst remains to be seen – could a surprise return for Steven Gerrard even be on the cards? – but it would be a shock if he was in charge of Rangers’ next game.

Glasgow Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is facing a difficult situation next summer as a number of players are out of contract at Ibrox.

Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis are among the first-team members who are set to leave on free transfers at the end of the season.

The manager, alongside Ross Wilson, will need to decide who he wants to keep around and then attempt to negotiate fresh deals for those players, whilst allowing the others to depart for nothing.

If the likes of Morelos and Kent depart Ibrox on free transfers then Rangers will need to find replacements for them to bolster their attack, whether that comes from within the club or by dipping into the transfer market.

One player van Bronckhorst could strike gold with by unearthing him from the academy is young centre-forward Juan Alegria, who is currently out on loan.

The Colombian marksman was sent out on loan to League One side Falkirk in the summer and has enjoyed an impressive season so far. He has found the back of the net five times and assisted one goal in 11 league outings for the club, which shows that he has the quality to score goals at senior level.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn hailed the signing at the time, saying:

“We are delighted to welcome Juan to the football club. He’s a player we have been after for some time. We witnessed him playing for Partick Thistle last season and he’s a young, hungry, and hardworking striker who I am sure will kick on.”

“He fits the profile of what we are looking for look and we look forward to working with him this season as he looks to develop himself further.”

Alegria struggled during his first loan spell away from Ibrox as he failed to score in 12 matches at Partick Thistle but it was his first taste of regular first-team football in Scotland and the experience has seemingly helped him to thrive at Falkirk.

Ex-Rangers defender Alan Hutton previously claimed that the club must see him as a “big talent” and he has shown glimpses of his quality in a Gers shirt, scoring three goals in two Trust Trophy matches for the club last season.

It remains to be seen how he would adapt to playing at Premiership level but he is showing plenty of promise out on loan this season and has plenty of room left to improve at the age of just 20.

This means that van Bronckhorst could strike gold with the talented and young goalscorer by bringing him into the first-team set up next season and offering him a platform to show what he can do for the Light Blues, particularly if Morelos moves on to pastures new.

If the manager can unlock Alegria’s potential then he could strike gold by unearthing a new asset to potentially be sold on in the future if he can develop into a first-team star.

Chelsea suffered just their second defeat under Graham Potter in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday, which further strengthens their position at the top of the Premier League table.

What Potter would do for a talent like Bukayo Saka in his squad, especially with poor performances from Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount yesterday, with the former achieving a rating of just 5.9/10 via SofaScore.

Well, they could unearth a talent as impressive as the Arsenal sensation in January. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Chelsea are interested in AC Milan player Rafael Leao and could make a bid over the winter.

They face competition from Manchester City, however, and with a release clause of €150m (£130.5m), the Blues could look to offload a few players as part of the deal. Armando Broja and either Hayem Ziyech or Christian Pulisic have been mentioned and this would significantly bring down the cost of a potential transfer.

Potter’s own Saka

Leao has been on fire since the start of last season for Milan, scoring an impressive 14 goals and registering 12 assists as the Rossoneri won the Serie A title for the first time in 11 years. He has continued this fine form into the current campaign, already netting six times and chipping in with nine assists across just 18 outings.

The Portuguese winger is comparable to Saka according to FBref’s similar player model, and the two are certainly alike.

The Arsenal star has begun this campaign incredibly well, already registering ten goal contributions in the league, one more than Leao, and they both offer a prominent threat from wide positions.

In terms of shot-creating actions, both players have registered over four per match (4.58 for Leao and 4.33 for Saka). That said, the Englishman does tend to deliver more crosses into the opposition penalty area, delivering over double the number Leao has this season (52 to 20).

The two wingers also thrive in creating opportunities for others, playing 2.1 and 1.7 key passes on average per match this season.

Furthermore, they are also averaging an identical number of carries (15) with the ball at their feet in their respective leagues this season, showing a crafty ability to navigate opponents and evade a pressing defender.

The £30k-per-week “superstar” as dubbed by Theo Mwangi, would instantly thrive at Chelsea and with Potter witnessing firsthand just how excellent Saka has been since he burst onto the scene, the 47-year-old will aim to replicate that by signing the 23-year-old Leao in January.

Aston Villa have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the latest?

According to the French publication Le Equipe, this weekend could see the return of Lucas Digne following the injury he suffered in mid-September.

Whilst there was initial doubt over whether he would be fit for the World Cup, this new update is a big boost for both club and country.

He now has a run of games under the new manager to prove why he should be selected for France, all the while helping to take the Midlands club return where it belongs.

It could change their season 

For Steven Gerrard, the absence of both Digne and Matty Cash spelled the beginning of the end.

The 42-year-old relied heavily on his attacking full-backs to provide the width in his narrow system, so in their absence, his style of play crumbled.

Whilst Emery will likely set up his side in a very different way, the return of such a talented and creative defender will surely help him in his task of turning around this miserable campaign.

Thus far, Villa sit just three points above the relegation zone, having won just twice in their last ten Premier League games.

With the Frenchman’s absence felt all the heavier during this run, his return will be a welcome boost to the likes of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, who have struggled for goals this campaign.

Before last weekend’s double salvo against Brentford, the former had just one goal in ten league games, whilst the latter still only has two in 12.

For his previous club, whilst operating as a classic modern full-back would, he was lauded for his ability to deliver crosses to perfection.

Across his 127 games for Everton, he provided 20 assists, with his final full season seeing him assist seven under Carlo Ancelotti.

This kind of contribution could be integral to Emery’s plans, with Digne boasting vast Premier League experience and quality far beyond that of Ashley Young.

In the wake of arguably one of the toughest games you can face at the moment, the 29-year-old returning to fitness ahead of a trip to an in-form Newcastle United is undoubtedly great news for Emery.

Glasgow Rangers reporter for The Athletic Jordan Campbell slammed the performance of Antonio Colak despite their 1-0 win at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Important win

After a run of one win in their last five in all competitions, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team needed to get themselves back on track against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

It was not pretty at times, but a solitary goal from Malik Tillman midway through the second half was enough to give them all three points in front of their home supporters.

The Latest: Colak criticised

Taking to Twitter, Campbell was critical of Colak’s performance despite the win, claiming that it was ‘not happening’ for the striker, and that he looked ‘sluggish’:

“Not happening for Colak at all today. Looks sluggish, as he did at the weekend. Morelos has barely shown a thing recently, but you’d think he comes on imminently.”

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The Verdict: Low on confidence?

Colak has now only scored one goal in his last five league games, a sheer contrast to the 10 that he managed to bag in his first nine (Transfermarkt).

The Gers’ dip in form recently coincides with his mini drought, and so the club need to find a way to get him back firing again.

Despite the victory, it was simply not Colak’s night, having failed to score with all eight of his attempts on goal, by far the most any player took in the match, while he cut a frustrated figure up top with just 26 touches of the ball in total (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, he will have another chance to redeem himself when the Light Blues take on St. Mirren away from home over the weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has endured a turbulent few weeks, with the 35-year-old shot-stopper being Spurs’ star player despite a 2-0 loss at Old Trafford in mid-October, before arguably being one of the club’s worst performers in both the Newcastle United defeat and 3-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Indeed, after making a colossal eight saves against Manchester United – returns that saw the Frenchman earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 8.3 – the ‘keeper subsequently made an error leading to a goal against the Magpies and was beaten twice against the newly-promoted Cherries – earning rather less impressive match ratings of 5.8 and 6.5 respectively.

As such, while the World Cup winner is clearly still a world-class goalkeeper on his day, considering his rather erratic performances of late, coupled with the fact the soon-to-be 36-year-old is getting towards to end of his career at the very top level of the game, it would appear wise for Fabio Paratici to start planning for life without Lloris in north London.

And, when taking into account just how impressive one of Tottenham’s reported candidates to replace the £100k-per-week goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, was against Liverpool on Sunday, it is not difficult to understand why the Leeds United shot-stopper is of interest to Spurs’ sporting director.

Indeed, over the course of Leeds’ widely unexpected 2-1 victory over the Reds, the £34.5m-rated starlet very much provided the platform for Jesse Marsch’s side to go on and snatch all three points at Anfield, with the France U21 international making a simply sensational nine saves – seven of which were from inside the box – three punches, four clearances and one tackle.

Not only did these returns see the 22-year-old earn an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 9.0 – the best of any player to feature in the match – but his efforts also drew widespread praise, with Will Jackson dubbing the youngster “immense” and Alan Hardy stating his belief that “Meslier is right up there with Alisson and Ederson as the best in PL”.

As such, with Meslier more than proving to the country that he is indeed one of the best shot-stoppers currently playing in the top flight of English football, it would appear as if the “unreal” – in the words of Graham Smyth – starlet would be something of a dream heir for Lloris between the Spurs’ sticks.

However, with Phil Hay suggesting that Leeds will demand around £50m in order to part with the “sea eagle”, a move for the 22-year-old will not come cheap.

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a January swoop for Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Manu Kone.

What’s the latest?

As per German publication Sport Bild, the Irons could soon be ready to fork out upwards of €45m (£39m) to secure the services of the 21-year-old in the coming windows.

Despite being the crown jewel of the German side’s midfield, having reported losses over the calendar year they may be forced to move on one of their prized assets.

David Moyes holds the midfielder in high regard and has sent scouts to watch him on several occasions. He remains top of their transfer wish list.

Can ditch Soucek for Kone

The France under-21 international – who burst onto the top-flight scene last season – has warranted such interest following his consistently classy displays over the past season and a half.

That form is particularly impressive given how his side sits in midtable, having hardly set the Bundesliga alight with their play. Their prized asset has shone through amidst the mediocrity, boasting incredible power but a fleet of foot that makes him unlike few other midfielders in world football.

He ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed, and would certainly bring the excitement factor to the London Stadium.

The “monstrous box-to-box midfielder”– as described by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulic – also offers the capability to push forward and offer offensively, having scored three and assisted two for his current side, and having scored six goals for his former team in France.

Bringing in such a youthful and expressive recruit for their engine room could allow Hammers boss Moyes the chance to finally ditch their underperforming dud, Tomas Soucek, with the Czech Republic stopper enduring some poor form of late.

The 27-year-old had previously been touted as a fine goal-scoring asset from the centre of the pitch in recent seasons since joining from Slavia Prague – with his debut season tally standing at ten goals.

However, the 54-cap brute has just one goal and one assist this campaign, with journalist Josh Bunting recommending he be dropped as he has “struggled all season” and is “just not good enough to play in that role”.

His replacement could offer an instant upgrade, who has shown form of being a “one-man army”, as noted again by Kulig. Alongside Declan Rice, he could provide the energy they have been lacking.

It could prove time to remove the 6 foot 2 ace from the side, with Kone set to be the midfield star Moyes was craving in the summer.

Leeds United are willing to listen to offers for midfielder Adam Forshaw in the New Year, Football Insider report today.  

The Lowdown: Injury struggles

Forshaw has had plenty of injury problems in recent years, hitting double figures for league appearances just once in the last three seasons.

He has made just three Premier League appearances during the current campaign and hasn’t been involved in a match-day squad since September.

The 31-year-old is currently out with an ankle problem, and it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch have finally made a call on his Elland Road future.

The Latest: Transfer update

FI reporter Wayne Veysey shared a story on Tuesday morning on what he’s heard from Leeds regarding Forshaw.

He revealed that the Whites are open to offers for Forshaw in January despite the club having the option to extend his deal beyond 2023.

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The Verdict: Replacement needed?

You can see why Leeds would be open to the idea of moving Forshaw on due to his ongoing injury history, but the Whites are fairly short of holding and central midfielders as it is.

Forshaw is one of four senior midfield options for Marsch alongside Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Mateusz Klich. Therefore, if he was to depart, then perhaps the club would be open to adding to their midfield ranks in the New Year.

Another option could be for youngster Sam Greenwood to receive more game time in a deeper role, so Forshaw’s future may well be one to watch heading into 2023.

Manchester City have been backed to secure a swap deal that would see Jude Bellingham join the club in the next summer transfer window. 

The Lowdown: City’s interest in Bellingham

The Manchester club have been linked with a move to sign the midfielder, with there being a growing belief that the Citizens will end up securing Bellingham’s signature in the summer.

Other clubs such as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been reported to have an interest in signing the player, who has been included in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

Now though, it appears that one pundit has suggested a potential outcome that may see the Dortmund star make a move to the Etihad Stadium, but with one current City figure going in the other direction.

The Latest: A swap deal for Bellingham

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan had this to say about the possibility of seeing Ilkay Gundogan making a return to Dortmund at the end of the season in an effort to help City land Bellingham. He said:

“There could be a swap with Gundogan. We know he could want to leave England – and it’s not exactly a bad club to go back to, is it?

“There could be a deal to be done with that player plus some cash. You can’t really compete with Man City. When Jude Bellingham is looking at where Man City are in the league, the style of play – he suits them perfectly.

“If he was making the choice right now, I think he’d be swayed to go to City. They’re the more consistent side, and they’ll be in the most finals – whether that’s domestic football or in the Champions League.”

The Verdict: A viable option for City

Bearing in mind how Gundogan’s contract at City is set to expire at the end of the season having joined the Manchester club from Dortmund back in 2016, it’s easy to see why Whelan has suggested the German could be used in a deal that could see Bellingham join Pep Guardiola’s side.

Hailed as a “sublime” player by journalist Josh Bunting, the 19-year-old has shown how much of a capable midfielder he is by racking up more passes into the 18-yard box (22), shots at goal (31), successful tackles (26) and blocks (27) than any other player at Dortmund for the current Bundesliga campaign.

Despite having a rather hefty reported price tag of €100m (£87m), securing a deal for the Englishman, whether it involves seeing Gundogan going back to his old club or not, is definitely something that the City hierarchy should look to do in the next summer transfer window.

Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Joe Donnohue has been reacting to an off-field update involving Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich.

The Lowdown: Lack of minutes

Klich has fallen down the pecking order under Jesse Marsch this season and is yet to make a Premier League start. He netted twice in a Carabao Cup win over Barnsley, after which Danny Mills labelled the 32-year-old ‘different class’, but has featured in only 188 minutes of league action.

The Poland international was linked with a move away in the summer but remained in Yorkshire, looking to make the cut for the World Cup in Qatar.

The Latest: World Cup absence

Poland confirmed their World Cup squad on Thursday afternoon, with Klich unfortunately not making the cut.

Donnohue took to Twitter to react to the news, describing it as a ‘bitter blow’ for the midfielder as he shared a corresponding article for Yorkshire Evening Post.

The reporter tweeted: “Bitter blow for Mateusz Klich to miss out on the World Cup. No guarantee he’ll be in a position to make the squad in four years, depending on whether Poland qualify at all. Jesse Marsch felt his reduced role would still be sufficient for a call-up.”

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The Verdict: Gutted

Klich put side before self at Elland Road by remaining in Yorkshire, providing Marsch with an experienced option from the bench.

However, his lack of game-time this season appears to have played a part in his exclusion from Poland’s squad.

Everyone associated with the club will be gutted for Klich, who – as Donnohue mentions – may not be in a position to line out for his country at the 2026 World Cup (that’s if they qualify), by which time he will be 36.