An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to add to their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window…
What's the latest on Anastasios Douvikas to Rangers?
According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have registered an interest in signing centre-forward Anastasios Douvikas from FC Utrecht in the coming weeks.
The report claims that the Gers are on the lookout for a replacement for Alfredo Morelos, who is set to depart on a free transfer this summer, and the Greek international has emerged as one of their targets.
It is stated that the Eredivisie outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £6.9m for the prolific marksman and it remains to be seen how much Michael Beale's side are willing to pay for him.
Who is Anastasios Douvikas?
The 23-year-old striker has caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Dutch top-flight this season and he could form an exciting partnership with Kieran Dowell at Ibrox.
Norwich stars Kieran Dowell and Josh Sargent.
In the Eredivisie this term, Douvikas – who was hailed as "sharp" by journalist Josh Bunting – has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.01 and has plundered 19 goals in 24 starts, which shows that the dynamo has the quality to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
No Rangers player managed more than 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership in 2022/23 and this indicates that the Utrecht forward has the potential to come in as Beale's go-to man for goals next season.
The signing of Dowell on a free transfer from Norwich City could allow the Greek international to thrive even more as the Englishman is a creative midfield maestro that could provide the striker with the chances he needs to be a success in Scotland.
Over the last 365 days, the ex-Everton man ranks in the top 25% of players in his position in the Men's Next Eight Competitions for assists per 90 (0.24) and has racked up 0.20 xAG per 90.
In the 2020/21 Championship campaign, the magician created 0.31 xAG and made 5.12 shot-creating actions per 90 and this placed him in the top 3% of players in his position in that division, which shows that the wizard excels at opening up opposition defences for his teammates.
These statistics show that the 25-year-old has the playmaking quality to be a consistent provider for Douvikas in the final third, which could allow the Greek ace to flourish in front of goal.
The Utrecht star could also return the favour as the 23-year-old has created seven 'big chances' for his teammates in the Eredivisie and Dowell, who scored 12 goals in 72 games for Norwich, could profit from that by getting on the scoresheet for himself.
Therefore, they could form an exciting partnership at the top end of the pitch for Beale next season and the head coach should be hoping that the club are able to secure a deal for Douvikas in the coming weeks.
Allrounder Jimmy Neesham has been named in New Zealand’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of India, having not played an international since the Brisbane Test against Australia last November. Fast bowler Matt Henry and batsman Jeet Raval have been dropped from the 16-man squad that toured Africa, with Neesham the only addition to what is now a 15-man group.Neesham was forced out of last summer’s Australia tour due to back pain, but he has since then played for Otago during New Zealand’s home season and for Derbyshire in England’s county competition. New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said Neesham’s all-round ability made him an attractive proposition for the tour of India, while Corey Anderson could not be considered due to a back injury.”Jimmy has put in a lot of work to make sure he is physically ready for a return to Test cricket,” Larsen said. “Having two pace-bowling allrounders in Jimmy and Doug Bracewell helps the balance of the squad, particularly if playing on pitches which demand a spin-heavy bowling attack.”Jeet Raval misses out on this tour, but we were really pleased with what we saw of him in Africa. He did everything asked of him and we’ll continue to monitor him closely.””Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi will have benefitted from getting a taste of Indian conditions earlier this year at the ICC World Twenty20 and both showed excellent form at that tournament. It’s another big challenge for them early in their young careers, as well as for Mark Craig, who has made some changes in the past six months and has shown growth in his game.”India’s the No.2 ranked side in the world, and their record at home is formidable. We’re yet to win a Test series over there and that’s motivating for everyone. We’ve got three Tests to try create a special piece of history.”The first Test is in Kanpur beginning on September 22, followed by Tests in Kolkata and Indore.Squad Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.
Dale Steyn has reaffirmed his commitment to South African cricket, after an injury-riddled 2015-16 season had cast a shadow over his international future. Steyn missed six of South Africa’s eight Tests last season and was left out of the ODI side that toured the Caribbean for a triangular series in June but says he has returned even more in love with the game than he was before, and is even more determined to keep playing.”I just want to play. I don’t know if I will wake up in a month and can’t do it anymore or if I will wake up in four years and can’t do it anymore. I just really enjoy playing Test cricket. I love it. It’s what I feel I have been put on earth to do,” Steyn said. “I do not know when to pull the plug or when the time to make that decision will come but if I am still making batters jump around and the pace is there, I will carry on doing what I am doing.”Steyn was the leading wicket-taker in the two-match Test series against New Zealand with 10 scalps at 10.20 and claimed his 26th five-for in Centurion to end questions over whether he could regain the fitness and form of the past. When he struggled through last season questions were asked over whether Steyn was spent, but he insists he never thought so.”No, there was never any doubt. I tried to rush back for the Bangalore Test and if I hadn’t, I would have probably played the [rest of the] series against India,” Steyn said, referring to the groin strain he picked up on that tour. “Then, against England, I tried to go from 0 to 100 too quickly and I broke a bone in my shoulder which is very rare. It was not a case of age or ability. There was no doubt that my ability was there or that I could play this game anymore.”Steyn worked his way back through T20, in the IPL, CPL and with Glamorgan, and still needed to prove to himself that he could bowl longer and more sustained spells. Before this Test series, he said he would be happy if he could just get through it injury free. He managed that after bowling more overs than anyone else in South Africa’s pace attack and re-established himself as the leader of the pack. Still, Steyn does not regard himself as more important than anyone else.”This bowling unit is at a stage where everyone can rely on everybody – you don’t have to rely on me,” he said. “Look at KG [Kagiso Rabada], he took 13 wickets here last time [against England]. It’s now about the culture in the side. You can step in and perform. It’s not aimed at one player to mentor anyone.”That may be the case, but Steyn remains the spearhead in every way. He is now six wickets away from overtaking Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s leading Test wicket-taker. Considering he is committed to carrying on playing, he seems certain to achieve that, but maintained that is not the missing line on his CV.”When I am 70 years old that’s not what I am going to remember,” Steyn said. “I will remember tonight. I will remember winning in Australia, I will remember winning in England, and hopefully I will remember winning a World Cup too.”
West Ham attacker Michail Antonio could quit the club and look for a new challenge at the end of the season, according to a new update on his future.
How many goals has Michail Antonio scored?
The 33-year-old has been a brilliant player for the Hammers down the years, proving to be such a handful with his work rate, power and goal threat, In total he has scored 75 goals and registered 43 assists in 273 appearances, so often proving to be an influential figure.
This season, Antonio hasn't been at his best, however, only scoring five times in 32 Premier League games and being part of a West Ham team that has often struggled. His current deal expires at the end of next season, so the club could have a decision to make over his future.
If he stays put, they would lose him on a free transfer in 2024, although it looks as though the east Londoners' decision may possibly have been made for them.
Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton update, Everton transfers, Everton transfer news, Michail Antonio
Will Antonio leave West Ham?
According to Football Insider, Antonio "could pursue a summer exit in the search for more regular first-team football", having not always been a regular starter this season. It is stated that the Hammers "will be in the market for another forward" once the summer transfer window arrives, which could push him further down the pecking order and see him leave, joining Declan Rice in potentially moving on.
It does feel as though a move away could be the best solution for all parties, even though the attacker has still chipped in at key times the more this season has gone on. At 33, his best days are probably behind him and it is difficult to see his squad status changing for the better moving forward.
The fact that West Ham could earn a fee for Antonio this summer is another big reason for allowing him to leave, with those funds going towards much-needed signings in the transfer market. The £85,000-a-week Hammers hero can still be a force for another team, having been hailed as "very important" by teammate Thilo Kehrer, and a fresh challenge could do him good, allowing him to be a regular elsewhere.
Should Antonio stay put at the London Stadium until his contract runs out, it certainly wouldn't be a disaster, providing the Hammers with more squad depth and retaining the services of someone with a great team ethic, but this summer does feel like the right time for him to say goodbye.
ScorecardTom Curran had a fine night with bat and ball•PA Photos
Debate continues to ferment over the future of England’s T20 competition, which whatever the outcome is unlikely to survive in its current form, but the last thing the NatWest Blast needed on its opening night was for the Colin Graves, the ECB chairman, to deem it “mediocre” before a ball had been bowled.Record attendances last season; record advance ticket sales this. The NatWest Blast might be in for a revamp, but a noisy full house for the TV match at Chelmsford – ultimately silenced as Surrey stole an eight-run win in an engrossing, fluctuating contest – was another salutary reminder that this competition has its fans.It has angered many around the counties that the “Graves digger”, whether by accident or design, almost buried the competition before it had begun.Surrey’s victory came from the unlikely position of 80 for 6 in the 11th over as one of T20’s ancients, Azhar Mahmood, combined with the up-and-coming allrounder Tom Curran to steel Surrey with both bat and ball.Mahmood smashed 42 off 22 balls as he put on 65 in seven overs in a bright and breezy seventh-wicket stand with Tom Curran to spark a mid-innings revival.And Mahmood had barely removed his helmet than he had reduced Essex to 26 for 3 with the key wickets of Jesse Ryder and Dan Lawrence in successive balls – Ryder outwitted with a slower ball, Lawrence strangled down the leg side. He ended with four for 38.New Zealand quick Matt Quinn had claimed career-best T20 figures of 4 for 35 in his first appearance for Essex only to finish on the losing side.Ravi Bopara’s decision to bowl in his first match as Essex’s T20 captain broke the Chelmsford habit and the second-wicket pair of Jason Roy and Kumar Sangakkara raised 50 b y the fifth over. Bopara was forced to recall Quinn, who had already dismissed Steven Davies, and he removed Roy at mid-off. Four balls later, he caused Sangakkara to miscue a hook.By the time Ryan ten Doeschate claimed a third catch, diving in on the deep square leg boundary to dismiss Sam Curran, Quinn had four wickets and, at 90 for 6, seemed to have settled the contest in Essex’s favour.But Tom Curran responded with 32 off 26 balls until he played over a slower ball from Napier. Mahmood went in the last over, toe-ending Bopara to Ashar Zaidi.Essex’s reply got off to the worse possible start when Bopara departed to the sixth ball, hooking Sam Curran high to Mahmood at square leg for one.Tom Westley held them together with 46 off 33 balls, but he was lbw, reverse sweeping Gareth Batty after putting on 60 for the fourth wicket with ten Doeschate and at 89 for 4 with seven overs remaining Essex were behind the pace.The burly figure of Azhar Zaidi joined ten Doeschate and took 18 off an over by Matthew Pillans, including a flat six to midwicket, and then hit another big six in a Gareth Batty over that went for 17.Ten Doeschate also launched Batty over the sightscreen for a maximum and before middling a delivery from Tom Curran to Sangakkara to depart for 36 off 32 balls. Zaidi also tried to reverse-sweep Tom Curran and departed for a quickfire 30 off 15 balls.When Tom Curran lost a skier in the floodlights, and a ball change also seemed to work to Essex’s advantage, suddenly they were back in the game with 17 needed from two overs.But James Foster and Napier fell in successive balls, leaving the ever-competitive Mahmood to dismantle Matt Dixon’s stumps and take a return catch from Quinn.
Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has 'major support' at Tottenham Hotspur amid their search for a new manager, according to reports.
What's the latest on Nagelsmann to Spurs?
The 35-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs since the north Londoners mutually agreed to part ways with former boss Antonio Conte.
This comes after Nagelsmann was surprisingly sacked by Bayern, despite the Bundesliga giants fighting on all fronts at the time, and he is now readily-available with plenty of pedigree.
Having won a Bundesliga title and with many years of tpp level coaching under his belt, all at such a young age, Nagelsmann arguably stands out as one of Europe's most exciting managers.
That fact isn't lost on chairman Daniel Levy and Spurs, who reportedly hold a serious interest in the former RB Leipzig boss after his shock Bayern dismissal.
RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann celebrates after the match vs Spurs
They may have just been boosted by reliable reports that Nagelsmann to Chelsea is no longer possible, with both the coach and Tottenham's rivals apparently withdrawing from talks.
This could potentially open the door for Spurs with a report by The Daily Mail sharing that Hoffenheim's former coach has plenty of backing inside Tottenham.
Indeed, it is believed that the tactician has 'major support' at N17 over potentially becoming Spurs' next manager, with Luis Enrique, Arne Slot and Vincent Kompany also of interest to the Lilywhites.
Brendan Rodgers, after his departure from Leicester City this month, is also available with Levy having considered him in the past.
Could Spurs hire Nagelsmann?
You could make an argument that Nagelsmann will need real reassurances that Spurs will give him the necessary financial backing to make a success of the club.
Serial winners like Jose Mourinho and Conte, despite the latter clinching a top four finish last season, ultimately failed in their mission to transform Spurs into elite trophy-contenders.
Nagelsmann will likely be taking this into consideration, but if Tottenham can persuade him to make the move or open formal talks, he would be quite the hire.
Called a 'phenomenal' tactical innovator by BBC Sport Writer Raj Chohan, his brand of intense, high-pressing football could be a joy to watch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After the years of seeing a more dogmatic approach from the likes of Conte and Mourinho, Nagelsmann helping Spurs to press more on the front foot could be far more reminiscent of the Mauricio Pochettino era.
Crystal Palace are preparing to make an offer to bring Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos to the Premier League, according to reports.
What's the latest on Morelos' future?
The Scottish Premiership forward will be out of contract in the summer and is still yet to receive a new deal to extend his stay, meaning that he is likely set to become a free agent at the end of the season. The Colombia international has featured in all 19 of Michael Beale’s games in charge so isn’t out of favour, but there have been plenty of suggestions that he doesn’t completely trust him.
The Light Blues boss publicly admitted that he wants “more energy” from the 26-year-old and confirmed that he’s held one-on-one discussions with him to express his concerns. The Glasgow-based star soon fuelled speculation of an exit following those comments by taking to social media to post a cryptic message that read: "Do not give up. Sometimes the last key is the one that opens the door."
According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are “ready to make an offer” for Morelos and are “keen” to give him an opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League. Roy Hodgson and the board are “poised to chance their arm” as they look to bolster their attacking ranks, and considering he would cost nothing come the summer, the move would be virtually risk-free.
Aston Villa, Everton, Wolves, Burnley and Middlesbrough also “hold an interest” in the striker, whilst it’s stated that the player’s representatives have “already held discussions” with Villarreal and Sevilla regarding a potential move to La Liga.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.
Should Palace take a chance on Morelos?
Wilfred Zaha has been linked with an exit this summer, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea name-checked as potential suitors, so if he departs, we think Palace should definitely consider tabling a proposal for Morelos as his replacement at Selhurst Park.
The two-footed ace has proven to be extremely prolific in the final third, posting 180 goal contributions (122 goals and 58 assists) in 263 Rangers appearances, where he’s currently averaging 5.26 shots per game – form which has seen him dubbed a “machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
The £33k-p/w talent is also used to stepping up and performing at the highest level, having become the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership in 2018/19, and with his ability to additionally play out wide on either wing alongside his natural centre-forward position, this deal could be an absolute bargain.
Crystal Palace could look at a move for Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo, according to The Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor.
The Lowdown: Vieira sacked
The Eagles officially parted ways with Patrick Vieira on Friday morning after a run of 11 games without a win in 2023. Wednesday’s Premier League defeat to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion proved to be Vieira’s final game in charge, with Steve Parish and co now on the hunt for his long-term replacement.
Palace have a trip to league leaders Arsenal to prepare for on Sunday afternoon, with backroom staff members Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Said Aigoun also leaving the club.
The Latest: Nuno claim
Taylor shared a story for The Daily Express shortly after Vieira was sacked on Friday morning. He looked at five possible options to come in at Selhurst Park, one of which being Nuno. Taylor said:
‘Nuno was previously on the verge of being appointed Palace boss in June 2021 before a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour.
“The former Wolves manager is now working in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad but there is a sense he would be open to returning to the Premier League where he has a point to prove after being sacked by Tottenham in 2021 just months into his tenure.
“The Portuguese coach is renowned for playing a back-three, a system that was so effective as he guided Wolves to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2019/20. Nuno’s contract in the Middle East is thought to contain a release clause though meaning Palace would have to reach for the chequebook if they were to agree terms with the 49-year-old.”
The Verdict: Good option?
Nuno has enjoyed a successful stint in Saudi Arabia so far, winning 11 of his last 12 games in charge of Al-Ittihad. He also has proven Premier League experience and was hailed by Gary Lineker for his “fabulous job” with Wolves, where he took them from the Championship to the Europa League.
The 49-year-old also likes to play a 4-2-3-1 system and has wins over high-flying Premier League managers like Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp on his CV. His record against Palace also stands at four wins from eight games, and you’d expect he would arrive in London full of confidence, should a move go through.
Therefore, he could prove to be a shrewd target by Palace chiefs, who you expect will want Vieira’s replacement brought in relatively quickly to work with the squad during the international break ahead of the run-in.
Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale enjoyed his first transfer window in charge of the Scottish giants last month as he brought in two players to bolster his squad.
Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin both came in on permanent deals, from Norwich and Standard Liege respectively, and could win their first trophy with the Gers in the League Cup final on Sunday.
One player who will not be involved in the match after Rangers failed to snap him up in January, however, is wide forward Morgan Whittaker.
Do Rangers want to sign Morgan Whittaker?
The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell confirmed that the Light Blues were interested in signing the young attacker but the club were unable to tempt Swansea into parting ways with him.
Former Gers full-back Alan Hutton has backed Ross Wilson and Michael Beale to go back in for the gem in the summer, telling Football Insider: “He gives you a different sort of option from the right, coming in on the left. I think they have missed that area of the pitch since [Joe] Aribo left even though the likes of [Fashion] Sakala have stepped up.
“I think they will revisit it if they can make it happen in the summer. It did not quite work in January but I think it is someone that will still be high up on Michael Beale’s list.”
Aribo was a terrific performer for Rangers prior to his move to Southampton last summer. He enjoyed a superb 2021/22 campaign as he scored playing as a number 10 and as a right winger, cutting inside onto his left foot from a wide position.
As Hutton said, Beale does not have a similar player to the Nigeria international in the current squad and the left-footed Whittaker could come in as an Aribo 2.0 at Ibrox in the summer.
The forward, who ex-Reading forward Jobi McAnuff once hailed as “fluid” and “fantastic”, scored in his first Championship start for Swansea this season at the weekend and enjoyed an excellent first half of the campaign with Plymouth on loan.
In 19 starts for the League One outfit, the 22-year-old produced an eye-catching nine goals and seven assists whilst mainly playing as a number ten or out wide on the right.
Like Aribo, Whittaker is a left-footed forward who operates in the positions behind a number nine and has the quality to cut inside onto his favoured foot to score and create goals on a regular basis.
Therefore, Beale could land the club’s next version of the now-Southampton midfielder by reigniting his interest in the Swansea star at the end of the season.