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Due to Sky Sports' coverage of Nottingham Forest's response to their loss to Everton, the club has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the network.

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• Nottingham criticised by Sky pundit Neville
• Nottingham send legal letter to Sky Sports
• Likely due to Neville's Clatteburg comment

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After Nottingham Forest lost 2-0 to Everton last month, the club made comments on social media regarding the appointment of Stuart Atwell as the Video Assistant Referee for that game despite his alleged allegiance to Luton Town. During the clash, Nottingham had three very strong penalty calls denied by VAR and hence prompted the relegation-battlers to make the statements. Sky Sports pundit and Manchester United legend, Gary Neville tore into the club's 'mafia-gang statement'.

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• WHAT NEVILLE SAID

  During Sky's post-match broadcast, Neville said: "It's like a mafia gang statement, honestly. I mean what are they playing at? Look, I think anybody and everybody would have empathy and some sympathy for Forest this season with some of the decisions that they've had. The statement is like a petulant child. It's embarrassing. But they're grabbing defeat from victory. They could say, 'Why should we sit here and be badly done to and not say anything'. You can potentially come out at the end of the game – and the manager is a great spokesman at the end of the game, so is your captain – and say that we're not accepting the quality of decisions that are going against us, and that would have a real impact.

  "Today has been a horrendous day for Nottingham Forest. Possibly horrendous because of the decisions that they've had, but horrendous for how they've reacted to the situation. To mention the VAR official as being a Luton fan and inferring in some way that's had an impact on the decision-making process and suggesting to me as a fan, thinking 'Has he cheated us', you're into really dangerous territory."

  On Clattenburg: "Mark Clattenberg must resign tonight. If he saw those words go out in which they question the integrity of a referee and claim someone is a cheat for supporting another club, then he's supporting what is being said. He would lose all credibility with referees in the game. He should stand down tonight and distance himself from that statement."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per The Daily Mail, Nottingham have sent a legal letter to Sky Sports because of Neville's comments on Clattenburg, who did leave his role at the club earlier this week as was suggested by the Sky pundit. Sky Sports have reportedly removed an article from their website, in which Neville had said Clattenburg's resignation was 'not surprising'. This has reportedly been done after Nottingham's legal letter to the broadcaster.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR SKY AND NOTTINGHAM?

  It remains uncertain whether the legal letter will head to any other legal actions against Sky Sports. Nottingham will be in action next up against Chelsea on May 11 as they look to put a further gap between themselves and Luton Town.

Gary Rowett has revealed what Tom Brady brings to Birmingham amid questions of why the Blues should listen to the NFL icon.

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• American football icon invested at St Andrew's
• Endured disastrous debut campaign
• Committed to long-term project in West Midlands

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It was revealed early in the 2023-24 campaign that seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady had acquired a stake in Birmingham and become their new chairman of the advisory board. His debut campaign at St Andrew’s proved to be a disastrous one, with relegation suffered into League One.

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  WHAT ROWETT SAID

  Brady knows what it takes to win, but he is a novice when it comes to a different form of football to the one that he dominated in America. Rowett has told when asked why his input in the West Midlands should not be ignored: “In fairness, he would only talk about pressure and high performance. Tom spoke to the players. Tom has tried to play his part in terms of performance and what performance under pressure looks like. Again, of course it’s a different sport, but what I would say is they are here for the long-term and I think there is an opportunity to build the club.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rowett, who was at the helm when Birmingham tumbled into the third tier – following a failed gamble on Wayne Rooney and health issues for Tony Mowbray – added on Brady and the Blues board being committed for the long haul: “I can only judge what I saw, and the likes of Tom Brady, the likes of Tom Wagner, they are really invested in the club – both financially and also time wise. They are trying to do their bit.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BIRMINGHAM?

  The Blues are expected to push for an immediate return to the Championship in 2024-25, with Wrexham – who have Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney calling the shots at boardroom level – set to form part of their League One fixture list.

Tottenham Hotspur have wrestled with a stark loss of form over recent weeks but returned to winning ways with an excellent 4-1 victory over Newcastle United last weekend.

Ange Postecoglou will have been most displeased with his side's decline, having won eight of his first ten matches in the Premier League – drawing the other two – and winning a trio of Manager of the Month awards to announce himself to English football emphatically.

How Spurs have been restored since the Australian's appointment has been stunning, with the eighth-placed finish of 2022/23 a poignant memory fading into the ether: while Tottenham's thinness has been their undoing of late, the fluency and attacking verve has hinted at fruitful future fortunes.

Postecoglou needs to strengthen in January, bolstering his ranks to compete against the division's best as the season stretches into its decisive phase after the new year, and the attacking area is of great importance.

Tottenham transfer news – Matias Soule

While many Lilywhites supporters will be aware of Tottenham's interest in a young Juventus forward named Samuel Iling-Junior, Daniel Levy and his transfer team have been enticed by further starlets from the Old Lady's squad, with Matias Soule identified.

Spurs could repeat Maddison masterclass with move for £20m "assist machine"

Tottenham will look to strengthen the ranks in January.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 12, 2023

According to journalist Fabio Santini – via Sport Witness – Spurs, alongside Crystal Palace, are interested in signing Soule after his impressive performances on loan with Serie A side Frosinone, following news from Calciomercato earlier in December that revealed Tottenham's attention.

Santini said that Juve could seek to recuperate funds as they target central midfield additions and will attempt to cash in on Soule, valued at a ballpark fee of €25m (£21m).

Tottenham have a good relationship with the Turin club after signing Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in recent years, and could use such former deals to engineer a transfer.

Matias Soule's season in numbers

Last season, the 20-year-old scored his first goal for Juventus and played a bit-part role as he honed his craft, starting four times in Serie A, but Massimiliano Allegri probably made the right decision in allowing him to further improve elsewhere, shipping him out on loan in the summer.

As per Sofascore, the 5 foot 9 whiz has been immense now he has been taken off the leash, scoring six goals and supplying one assist across 13 outings in the Italian top-flight this term, however, his influence stretches far beyond this surface-level contribution.

Completing 81% of his passes. Soule has also averaged three key passes and 5.6 ball recoveries per game while making 4.5 dribbles each outing – for comparison, Manchester City's Jeremy Doku is averaging 4.0 dribbles per game in the Premier League.

Described as an "exciting talent" by Statman Dave, Tottenham would pull off a coup in securing this youngster's signature, and Postecoglou simply has to act incisively to snap him up.

Matias Soule's style of play

While Soule's "superb" dribbling style is his standout attribute – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – there is little question that he is blooming into a multi-faceted player with a keen eye for goal and a natural intelligence in decision-making and movement.

While he would be effective on the left, his eagerness to weave inside and beat his man highlights his hunger and mettle in attacking sequences, always looking to inflict damage on his opponents and earning praise from journalist Zach Lowy, who noted his "special" skill set.

Boasting some impressive and evenly spread metrics, Soule ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive passes, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 5% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Artful and penetrative, he is likened to Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, which is probably a definitive factor behind the Eagles' interest as they look to complement their fleet-footed star.

For Spurs, augmenting their offensive ranks with a player of such quality is only going to tantalise riches down the line, with Soule's innate eye for goal and skill in driving the ball forward, progressing the play as an unstoppable wide vehicle, something that will prove invaluable as Postecoglou looks to return to European competition and indeed thrive on the continental stage.

How Soule compares to Dejan Kulusevski

Since Soule principally plays on the right wing, he would find himself in direct competition with Kulusevski, who intriguingly also arrived from Juventus, signing for £25m in the summer after completing an initial 18-month loan.

It's perhaps a fair assessment that Soule has the makings of a natural finisher in a way that Kulusevski cannot emulate; the Sweden international has a melange of noteworthy qualities but ranks among the bottom 29% of positional peers for goals scored per 90.

That said, he ranks among the top 19% for tackles and the top 20% for interceptions per 90, having been praised for his attributes recently by Sky Sports' Jamie Weir.

The reporter said: "Dejan Kulusevski really is a special special player. Works so hard, covers every blade of grass. Hell of an engine on him, and just so much heart."

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old has also completed 83% of his passes in the Premier League this season while averaging 2.3 key passes per game, evidencing his creative flair and effectiveness in Postecoglou's squad, having started all 16 league fixtures.

Such contrasting skill sets could be crucial for Spurs going forward, adding some prodigious talent to the right flank to further the development – with the struggling Bryan Gil the counterweight, the balance is somewhat askew.

Given that Kulusevski has also played a central creative role at times recently, and by utilising his spark he could create a constant passage through to the danger area, from which the Argentinian talent could wreak havoc.

Bolstering with an exciting youngster such as Soule could be the perfect move for Spurs, who can look ahead with much optimism once again after a testing period.

Football superstar Neymar has sent Tyson Fury a message ahead of his heavyweight clash with Oleksandr Usyk.

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• Fury set to fight Usyk
• Neymar sends Fury a message
• Continues to recover from injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A video has swept social media of Neymar sending a message to the British boxer ahead of the fight on Saturday evening, where the Brazilian wished him well but told him to 'do his job' during the clash.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

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  WHAT FURY AND USYK HAVE SAID

  Speaking ahead of the fight. Fury was his usual confident self. "I'm ready. I've got nothing to say. I'm ready for a good fight. If it's tough or easy. Either way, I'll be ready,” the 35-year-old said.

  "God bless him [Usyk]. I'll say a prayer for him before the fight for us both to get out of the ring safely."

  The Ukranian was less talkative in the build-up to the fight, after simply adding: "Let's make history. Enough."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The two heavyweights will be facing each other for the first time this weekend, with the winner set to be crowned the first undisputed champion in the four-belt era. The bout will be held in Saudi Arabia, where Neymar is currently based with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen on a player they showed interest in this summer as Gary O'Neil looks to build on his solid start to life at Molineux.

Wolves cast eye to January…

In the Premier League, Wolves have shown some commendable steel under the stewardship of O'Neil to put themselves in a comfortable spot in and around mid-table; nevertheless, bringing in quality and shipping out excess players in January will be important to help balance their squad at Molineux.

Regarding outgoings, the Old Gold look to have found a new home for out-of-favour striker Fabio Silva, who looks set to travel north of the border to join Scottish Premiership side Rangers on loan for the remainder of the campaign on a straight loan deal with no option to buy.

Journalist Christopher Michel has also indicated that his fellow striker, Sasa Kaladjzic, could be set to depart on a similar basis next month after failing to receive regular minutes at Molineux. Taking to social media platform X, the SPORT1 reporter claimed that the Austria international has interest from clubs in both the Premier League and Bundesliga for his signature, which would potentially leave Matheus Cunha and Hwang-hee Chan to fight it out for game time in the final third.

In light of this, Wolves may need another attacking option to enter the fold in the West Midlands and a new report has suggested that they could well be in the market for one in January.

Wolverhampton Wanderers receive Boulaye Dia reply…

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Wolves are keen on Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia once again after previously seeing a loan-to-buy offer rejected in the summer that would've guaranteed the Serie A side gain €12 million; however, they turned down advances from the Old Gold for the Senegal international.

The outlet state that Wolves have now come forward with another offer containing a €12 million "right of redemption" to buy the 27-year-old, though Salernitana have once again turned them down. If O'Neil's side can raise their bid by €8 million, though, they could be successful in their pursuit of the attacker.

In 2023/24, the France-born forward, who journalist Jonas Adnan Giæver described as an “absolute monster”, has made 14 appearances in all competitions for his current employers, registering four goals in the process (Dia statistics – Transfermarkt).

Newcastle United are also believed to be tracking the progress of the experienced frontman, which may mean Wolves will need to be quick if they are to try and tempt Dia to come to Molineux once the market re-opens for business.

No coach in the modern era has achieved bigger things with such a small club for as long as the 66-year-old

Gian Piero Gasperini has never won a trophy with Atalanta; Wednesday may well be his final chance. However, as far as he's concerned, the Europa League showdown with Bayer Leverkusen is about more than his personal pursuit of silverware, or ending Atalanta's 61-year wait for a major title. In Gasperini's eyes, the club's mere presence in Dublin is more important any award.

"I think the final is going to be an historic occasion and for a club like ours it's truly incredible, but this bodes well for everyone," he told reporters after Atlanta had routed Marseille 3-0 to reach the final. "Statistics seem important to some, so it feels necessary to set up a European Super League. But the example set by Atalanta can give hope to the rest. Football is a meritocracy and that is what makes the game beautiful – not inheriting some genetic rights through your lineage."

Was that a shot at Andrea Agnelli, the disgraced former Juventus president who infamously questioned Atalanta's right to play in the Champions League? Maybe, maybe not. But what's clear is that Gasperini does not believe that trophy tallies define a coach or a club – and he's right too. Because no matter what the result on Wednesday, or how or when this era ends at Atalanta, what the Bergamaschi and their boss have achieved over the past eight years is already worth celebrating.

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  Annual aim? Beat the drop

  When Antonio Percassi acquired Atalanta in 2010, they were a Serie B side beset by problems on and off the field. The first objective was to get back into Italy's top flight; the second was to stay there. Even now, Percassi says that the aim at the start of every season is to avoid relegation – and it's easy to understand why.

  Atalanta are a provincial Italian club, their ground holds just 15,000 people and their annual revenue, a significant chunk of which is generated by player sales, is usually around €200 million. This is not a club that has featured in the top 20 of Deloitte's Football Money League – and yet they have just qualified for the Champions League for the third time in five years, while at the same time reaching their first-ever European final.

  Perhaps even more impressively, they have done all of this while playing fantastic football.

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  'I like your ideas'

  Ahead of Atalanta's crunch clash with Crotone on October 2, 2016, the newly-appointed Gasperini was stopped by a man outside his home in Bergamo. After four defeats in his first five Serie A games in charge, the Piemontese naturally feared a dressing-down from an upset local.

  However, the stranger told him, "I like your ideas. I'm convinced you will do well here." As Gasperini later admitted in an interview with the , "I thought he was making fun of me."

  That Monday, Atalanta claimed a pivotal 3-1 victory at Crotone that Gasperini admits saved his job. It also earned him a free meal. "I met that man again and he invited me to dinner at his house," Gasperini revealed. "He cooked a great risotto. Today, Paolo is a great friend."

  The continued support of the fans and the Percassi family obviously played a pivotal role in Gasperini's subsequent success – but so too did his continued faith in himself, and his footballing philosophy.

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  Humble but ambitious

  Gasperini freely admits that for a decade of his coaching career "retaining numerical superiority in defence was a dogma". However, ahead of a game against Juventus during his second stint at Genoa between 2013 and 2016, he had something of an epiphany.

  Although determined to stick with his favoured 3-4-3 formation, he decided to go one-v-one at the back when in possession, thus gaining "a spare man that I could commit to tactical manoeuvres."

  "It was worth the risk," he subsequently explained to the . "The Atalanta defenders you see attacking constantly today were born of that intuition."

  Such an adventurous approach has been punished at times, particularly by teams boasting bigger budgets and, thus, better players. "Every time we conceded five goals, I thought about potentially playing in a different way," he recently admitted. "But me and my assistant Tullio Gritti – we're stubborn. This season we have managed to have a great run and also continue with our identity."

  Indeed, as well as reaching the Europa League final, they also finished as runners-up to Juventus in the Coppa Italia, and have already secured a top-five finish in Serie A.

  It's a remarkable achievement for a club with a wage bill of just over €29m (for context, Juve's is €74.1m). For Gasperini, this season just provides more evidence that it is possible for the smaller sides to not only beat the big boys, but to do so by taking the game to them.

  "Just because you're humble, doesn't mean you can't be ambitious," he argued. "I firmly believe you are more likely to get good results if you play good football."

  However, as Gasperini and others have been at pains to point out, Atalanta's remarkable rise to prominence just wouldn't have been possible without the Percassi family. "Behind teams that play well and express themselves like Atalanta, there is always great ownership," former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli told the . "The solidity and mentality of the owners have done a lot for the club. Gian Piero deserves a statue in Bergamo. Together with the Percassi family."

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  Europe's best run club

  Percassi, Atalanta's patron, is a wealthy man. He made a small fortune working with Benetton and investing in the make-up industry. However, the former defender, who was forced to quit the game at the age of 24, does not have pockets deep enough to buy even the best players in Italy. There is, then, no other option for Percassi to be prudent.

  As he once told , "Keeping the books balanced is fundamental for us" – and there is no better-run club in Italy, and maybe even in Europe.

  They have managed to turn a profit for years in a row, while at the same acquiring their stadium from the local municipality (making them one of only five Serie A teams to own their home ground) – and then modernising it to meet UEFA standards. When the final phase of the redevelopment is completed before the start of next season, the capacity will have jumped to 25,000.

  "It's been the biggest investment in the history of Atalanta, but we are very proud, as Atalanta and the people of Bergamo deserve a stadium of this quality," Luca Percassi told . "Being able to see the walls of the city from the stands is truly meaningful, it is a home for the team and its fans."

  So, how have Atalanta managed to achieve all of this? By identifying and developing players like no other team in Italy.

Into the last four of the Carabao Cup after a 5-1 thumping of West Ham United at Anfield and second in the Premier League with the chance to go top with victory over Arsenal up next, it's fair to say that Liverpool have so far bounced back from last season's disaster in style. The Reds look far closer to their ruthless best under Jurgen Klopp and are vying for silverware once more at Anfield.

What has helped contribute towards their return to the Premier League title race is their recruitment. Those in Merseyside did well in the summer to rebuild Klopp's midfield and have reaped the rewards ever since. Now, Liverpool could repeat that transfer trick to add the cherry on top of what has been an excellent rebuild.

Liverpool transfer news

Swapping the likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Fabinho for Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo was a stroke of genius by Liverpool's recruitment team, who wasted no time before making some drastic changes in the summer.

This followed the first time that Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League in a full season under Klopp, highlighting just how desperately needed some changes were. And more could be on their way, with one particular Serie A star reportedly eyed.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is in the middle of contract negotiations with the Italian giants.

So far, the contract talks are yielding minimal progress, and with the door still ajar, the Reds and Newcastle United are circling. Barella's current contract comes to an end in 2026, and while that hasn't stopped Inter from beginning early attempts to secure his future at the San Siro, they may be forced to cash in at some point if he does not pen an extension.

"Creative" Barella can complete Liverpool

As much as Liverpool did well in the summer to rebuild their midfield, adding Barella would finally complete the job once and for all. The Italian has the ability to play as a central, attacking and defensive midfielder, and could act as the perfect foil for Mac Allister in the middle of the park. Indeed, Barella's stats show that he's more than capable of outperforming both Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch.

When linked with a move to Liverpool, praise from Steven Gerrard doesn't get much better. The Reds legend had nothing but good things to say about Barella, saying back in May: "He's creative, he can nick important goals. I watched him against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game. He did really well against the England midfield – Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. He's at a good age as well, coming into his prime."

That said, given the rumours, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool decide to act when the January transfer swings open or Barella decides to stay put in Serie A.

Barcelona have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Aleix Garcia as the Girona star agrees to join Bayer Leverkusen.

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• Barcelona target Garcia set to sign for Leverkusen
• Agreed personal terms with the German club
• Has a €15m (£12m) exit clause in his contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Catalan giants have been long-time admirers of the Spain international and tried to sign him in the January transfer window. However, reports that the midfielder has agreed personal terms with Bayer Leverkusen and is set to join the Bundesliga champions in a cut-price deal.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report further claims that after getting verbal approval from the player, the German club will now negotiate with Girona. The Spanish side has reportedly set an exit clause in Garcia's contract at €15 million (£12m/$16m). Leverkusen are expected to seal the transfer soon.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Garcia, a former Manchester City youth player, had an important role to play in his club finishing third in La Liga and thereby securing a place in the Champions League group stage for next season. He appeared in 40 games across all competitions where he scored three goals and provided six assists.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  After a trophyless season under Xavi, the Catalan side are all set to appoint former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick as their next head coach. Despite their financial constraints, the German coach will aim to make some new signings in the summer window to rebuild the squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

For many Manchester United fans, they no doubt wish that the season could just be over already, with the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest being the latest underwhelming showing.

Erik ten Hag’s team are now eighth in the Premier League after 20 games, losing nine matches already.

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With that in mind, the boss is desperate to make additions to his squad in January, with injuries preventing squad rotation.

Man Utd transfers latest – Ederson

According to Goal Brasil, the Red Devils are interested in signing Ederson of Atalanta, who has been previously described as “instrumental” by Breaking The Lines.

Talks are yet to begin between the two clubs, but United are contemplating sending a proposal in January.

The Brazilian is estimated to be worth £26m, as per CIES Football Observatory, and the midfielder is reportedly keen on the move.

Ederson’s style of play

Due to what seems to be a never-ending injury list, Ten Hag will look to bring in the 24-year-old engine. The boss has already purchased an Atalanta player this season, and therefore, the potential signing of Ederson could see the Rasmus Hojlund trick repeated.

Hojlund has netted just once in the Premier League this season, yet there have certainly been signs of promise in his embryonic United career, having scored five times during the club's Champions League group stage run.

Signing Ederson could then also prove an exciting addition for both the present and future, with the Atalanta midfielder a vital cog in Gian Piero Gasperini’s system this season, playing every Serie A game and starting all but one.

The ex-Salernitana man has also netted four goals this season in Italy, which would make him United’s second-highest top scorer in the Premier League.

The midfielder has a vast skill set, and the table below shows his profile using stats from this season’s Serie A, while comparing them to his positional peers.

As you can see, Ederson is the definition of a box-to-box midfielder who can impact the game at both ends of the field. He currently plays in the midfield two of a 3-4-2-1 variant, which is an extremely demanding role both in and out of possession.

What instantly stands out regarding the Brazilian is his incredible out-of-possession work rate and statistics. His physicality and athleticism allow him to cover ground well, and when you combine that with his high tackles, dribblers tackled, and interception statistics, he would massively help United’s issue with defending transitions.

Furthermore, he is confident on the ball and is always willing to receive a pass, even under pressure. When in possession, Ederson likes to progress the play and get the ball into the attackers. His progressive passes and passes into the final third showcase that, and with Kobbie Mainoo the only defensive midfielder that can currently do that in the Red Devils squad, Ederson would be a welcomed addition.

Overall, the signing of Ederson would elevate Man United to a whole new level. With Casemiro potentially out the door, Sofyan Amrabat failing to impress, and Scott McTominay offering nothing but goals, Ten Hag should look to sign the Brazilian this January.

If United’s number 18 does leave this month, it could free up the funds to sign his compatriot, and he would walk into the United starting XI.

Glasgow Rangers are currently preparing for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign in La Manga, enjoying a training camp in the Spanish sun.

Philippe Clement will be hopeful this can reinvigorate the players following an exhaustive period in which the Gers played nine games from the start of December until 2nd January, winning a trophy and qualifying for the knockout stages of the Europa League in the process.

With the club chasing further glory on both domestic and European fronts when the season resumes next week, Clement will hopefully have added another player or two to his squad.

Fabio Silva – arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a six-month loan deal – is the only fresh face to join the Light Blues during the winter window thus far.

The onus will be on the Belgian coach to sign a few more players and there appears to be another name linked with a move to Scotland – Tashreeq Matthews.

Rangers transfer news – Tashreeq Matthews

It is no secret that Clement is aiming to bolster his attacking options this month. Danilo faces another three months out due to suffering a knee injury, while Cyriel Dessers lacks the composure that the club require for a title challenge – having scored just nine goals in 30 games to date.

Latest Rangers transfer news: Gers want PL teen; Saudi link to midfield ace

Who is Philippe Clement eyeing up in the transfer window ahead of his first full season at Ibrox?

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 9, 2024

Several names have been mentioned with regard to a move to Ibrox, most notably Michy Batshuayi, and Clement has a few decisions to make over the coming weeks.

According to Soccer Laduma (via Glasgow World), the Light Blues are also seemingly chasing a move for Tashreeq Matthews, who is currently playing in Sweden for IK Sirius.

The report states that Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and Kaizer Chiefs are also keen on securing a deal for the talented gem, and it is believed the player fits the current player-trading model at the club.

He has a contract that runs until 2026, and it remains unclear how much the Gers will have to fork out should they wish to lure him across the North Sea.

It wouldn’t be the first time the Ibrox side have raided a Scandinavian club for an attacking player who is displaying wonderful potential, as Alfredo Morelos joined the club in 2017 from Finnish side HJK Helsinki, and he went on to become a cult hero among the supporters.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics

Morelos was arguably the finest signing former boss Pedro Caixinha made during his dismal spell at the club, and it shows that there are plenty of gems ready and waiting to be plucked from outside Scotland.

The Colombian only cost the club £1m and considering how many goals he would net over the next six years, it soon appeared to be a stunning bargain.

Having netted 46 goals across just 62 matches for Helsinki, there was no doubting his ability in front of goal, yet playing for Rangers was a major step up in class, was he ready to handle it?

Morelos scored 18 goals during his debut campaign in Scotland before netting 30 in his second and any questions about his ability to shine for the club were put to one side.

The next four seasons saw the 27-year-old become the leading European goal scorer in the club’s illustrious history, ending up with 29 goals in 63 continental matches, although he did miss the 2022 Europa League final, diminishing their chances against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Morelos departed Scotland after six enjoyable seasons and while his last season wasn’t quite as productive as first anticipated, he leaves a plethora of wonderful memories.

Matthews may not be an out-and-out striker like Morelos, but his form in the Swedish top flight as a winger for IK Sirius could see Clement repeat the blinder Rangers had when signing the Colombian centre-forward.

Tashreeq Matthews’ career statistics

The South African starlet began his career at Borussia Dortmund, playing twice for their youth side in the UEFA Youth League before enjoying loan spells at FC Utrecht and Helsingborgs before ending up at IK Sirius via Varbergs, and he shone during the 2023 Allsvenskan campaign.

The versatile attacker – who can operate on either wing while even being able to operate in a more central role – managed to register 20 goal contributions across 30 top-flight matches, and it clearly proves he has the knack of not only finding the back of the net, but also setting up plenty of chances for others.

The 23-year-old impressed among his teammates, ranking first for goals and assists (20) in the top division along with ranking second for shots per game (2.2), first for big chances created (seven) and second for key passes per game (1.5) and these statistics clearly showcase how impressive he was in the final third for the Swedish side last season.

If there is one area that Clement desperately needs to improve this month, it is his attacking options and the 5 foot 9 dynamo has proved that he can register solid numbers in a side that finished in midtable.

Writer Gavin Valentine lauded the winger amid interest from the Light Blues, saying: “Technically gifted, good finisher, good playmaker something we lack.” And he could thrive in Scottish football if given the chance.

Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson was another to heap praise on Matthews, saying: “A creator and finisher, Matthews could provide the numbers fans always hoped Ryan Kent would.”

Could he follow in Morelos’ footsteps and impress after joining Rangers? No one will know unless the move happens, but the fact that he can provide a goalscoring threat from a wide position indicates that Clement must take a gamble on the player.

The Gers have played it safe with certain signings over the last couple of years and while not every risk will pay off, there could be the chance to unearth the next rough diamond who could be turned into a profitable asset.

Matthews may not be the finished article just yet, but if the 49-year-old can get him registering 15-20 goal contributions a season, then the South African winger will generate the Ibrox side a decent profit.