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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly ‘serious’ about bringing Nicolas Raskin to Ibrox ‘in the next few days’.

The Lowdown: Cantwell in?

Rangers reporter for The Athletic Jordan Campbell shared on Friday morning that the Gers are ‘close’ to completing the signing of Todd Cantwell from Norwich City, with an ‘agreement in place’ with the club and personal terms ‘sorted’.

He does not look to be the last signing that they will bring through the doors before the end of this month, with ‘talks ongoing’ over Swansea City winger Morgan Whittaker and Michael Beale confirming they have ‘one or two’ new players in the pipeline.

The Latest: ‘Serious’ about Raskin

Taking to Twitter, Rangers insider The 4th Official, who regularly breaks news on their social media channels, says that the Gers are ‘serious’ about signing Raskin from Standard Liege ‘in the next few days’:

“Rangers are serious about getting Nicolas Raskin at the club in the next few days. This is according to several sources I spoke with including one at Rangers and one Belgian source.”

The Verdict: Get it done

After getting Cantwell and potentially Whittaker through the doors, Beale and the board should not stop there in terms of incomings, and should look to sign Raskin at all costs.

Hailed as ‘monstrous’ and a ‘leader’ by his manager Ronny Deila, he has played nearly 100 matches in the Belgian top-flight by the age of just 21, scoring five goals and supplying another 13 assists (Transfermarkt).

Journalist Bob Faesen has also noted how ‘technically gifted‘ Raskin is, while singling him out for his work-rate and saying that he can play in any position in midfield.

Nonetheless, both Cantwell and Raskin could form an exciting and formidable new partnership in the middle of the park, and could take the Light Blues to another level as they look to chase down bitter rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Manchester City have been credited with an interest in breakthrough Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia recently and the winger could prove to be Pep Guardiola’s own version of Mohamed Salah at the Etihad.

According to the Daily Mail, the Citizens are keeping tabs on the Georgia international after his incredible start to life at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Since joining the Serie A leaders from minnows Dinamo Batumi last summer, the youngster has gone on to contribute a remarkable nine goals and 12 assists in just 20 appearances and looks set to inspire Luciano Spalletti’s side to the Scudetto.

New York Times journalist Rory Smith was full of praise for the young winger earlier in the season, writing:

“I genuinely haven’t enjoyed watching someone play football as much as I enjoy watching Khvicha Kvaratskhelia play football for years. He’s instinctive, untamed, anarchic and, most of all, he’s really, really good fun.”

Kvaratskhelia’s phenomenal 7.55 average rating in Serie A sees him ranked by WhoScored as the best performer in Napoli’s squad so far this season, so it could be difficult to prise him away from Gli Azzurri this year, with his agent suggesting that he could cost around €100m (£88m).

However, given that he is just 21 and is already producing superb performances at the top level, that could prove to be a shrewd investment by Manchester City, especially if he can follow in the footsteps of Salah, who has regularly haunted Guardiola during his time with Liverpool.

The Egyptian winger has 10 goals and five assists in just 18 appearances against City for the Reds, which included the winning goal at Anfield earlier this season, which could prove extremely damaging in Guardiola’s hopes of retaining the title this year.

According to FBref, Salah is the fifth-most similar player to Kvaratskhelia when compared to other wingers across Europe’s top leagues.

This season has seen the two wingers register very similar numbers with regard to shot-on-target percentage (39.5% vs 40%), long balls completed (16 vs 14) and expected goals and assists per 90 (0.75 vs 0.68).

WhoScored also suggests that both Salah and Kvaratskhelia excel at playing key passes and through balls, while they both like to cut inside, albeit from opposite flanks, so they are clearly similar types of player.

Considering the 30-year-old’s performances in Jurgen Klopp’s side over the past few years, notably against City, Guardiola would surely be foolish to turn down a player so similar, so he should do everything he can to bring Kvaratskhelia.

Arsenal have been backed to sign Moises Caicedo by journalist Kim Kothari.

The Lowdown: Caicedo on the move?

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Caicedo has been one of the hotly linked names of the winter window, with elite Premier League sides queueing up for his services.

Previously touted as a “concrete option” for Chelsea by Fabrizio Romano (via GiveMeSport) as well as a switch to Liverpool, The Telegraph has now reported that the Gunners have joined the race for the 21-year-old.

However, the Ecuadorian won’t come cheap, with Duncan Castles reporting the Seagulls have placed a £100m valuation on the midfielder.

The Latest: Kothari’s comments

Speaking on Sky Sports, Kothari discussed the potential switch to north London and urged Mikel Arteta’s side to make a swoop for his services, saying:

“I think you look at that transfer and you see £75m, it does seem a lot of money, but there’s always been a case of teams in fantastic form going into the winter break, going into the January transfer window, not building on it and faltering later in the season.

“They’re doing good business, and I think this would be quite a big statement signing. It seems like a lot of money, of course, £75m as I’ve said, but he’s a very, very, very good player.

“He probably will be playing backup at the moment but Arsenal have been quite lucky with injuries so far this season, so if anything happens in that midfield, he’s going to be a fantastic replacement to have – especially come the end of the season.”

The Verdict: Huge fee

Although Caicedo has proved his undoubted ability for the Seagulls this season with him starting 18 of their 19 league games this season, incidentally only missing the Arsenal clash.

He’s only appeared in 31 games for the Sussex side to date, making a £75m-£100m price tag a huge gamble to match given his lack of experience.

With Kothari revealing that it looks as though Caicedo would arrive as a backup to Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka who have averaged the sixth and seventh highest average Arsenal rating in the league this season (via WhoScored), it poses more questions on what would be a club-record fee for a player not guaranteed to start.

According to The Guardian, Arteta has admitted a new midfielder could come in to replace Mohamed Elneny whose knee injury looks more serious than first feared, but paying a fee up to £100m for a backup doesn’t make sense.

Galatasaray are ‘leading the chase’ to sign Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips before the end of the January transfer window, according to James Pearce for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Phillips down the pecking order

The 25-year-old has struggled to enjoy much playing time at Anfield this season, finding himself as the fifth-choice centre-back behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

Phillips has only started one match in the 2022/23 Premier League so far and he also has just 24 minutes of action under his belt since the turn of the year.

Time is running out to buy and sell players in January ahead of Tuesday night’s deadline, but it looks as though the Englishman could yet depart before the cut-off.

The Latest: Galatasaray lead the chase

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Athletic, Pearce claimed that Galatasaray are in pole position to snap up Phillips, although it isn’t yet decided if the move will be a loan or a permanent exit.

The reporter succinctly tweeted:

“Galatasaray leading the chase to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

Phillips has always given his all in a Liverpool shirt whenever he has been asked to do a job, even being hailed as “immense” by Jurgen Klopp and starting 15 league games back in 2020/21 in the midst of a defensive injury crisis at Anfield.

It does feel like the right time for the defender to leave permanently, though, with minutes set to be hard come by in the second half of the season, especially with the Reds now out of both domestic cup competitions.

At 25, the £65,000-per-week Phillips needs to be playing regularly somewhere, and Galatasaray could be ideal, giving him a taste of football in a different country at a team who are on course for a league title and making him a more rounded player.

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Arsenal are currently ‘not interested’ in a deal to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Contrasting claims

The Premier League starlet is currently out on a season-long loan at Bayer Leverkusen and has been impressing during his performances in the first half of the 2022/23 season.

The England international had fallen out of favour under Stamford Bridge, hence moving away to get more game time, with reports suggesting that the Gunners are tracking him ahead of a potential move this summer.

Following a fresh update, however, it sounds like this might not actually be the case…

The Latest: Galetti’s update

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Arsenal are not, as it stands, considering an approach for Hudson-Odoi, regardless of outlets claiming otherwise. He wrote:

“Despite the last rumours, #Arsenal are not interested in Callum #Hudson Odoi as of now.

“At the end of the season, the player will come back at #Chelsea after his period on loan at #BayerLeverkusen.”

The Verdict: Worth an attempt

Hudson-Odoi has been dubbed a ‘monster of a talent’ by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, and whilst interest isn’t there right now, Arsenal could benefit from making an enquiry in the summer.

The 22-year-old has provided 22 assists and scored 16 goals for Chelsea since stepping up to the senior first team and has the versatility to operate in the midfield alongside out wide on the left (Transfermarkt).

He would also count as homegrown, and going by his age, Hudson-Odoi could get better over time and seriously improve his all-round game under a manager like Arteta.

According to WhoScored, the bright young attacker is already well on his way to doing that – ranking in Leverkusen’s top four when it comes to key passes made and successful take-ons per 90 in the final third.

While not exactly standing out as their undisputed star, there could still be a player in there and Chelsea’s influx of new signings this year indicates Hudson-Odoi will find it difficult to break back in.

Arsenal’s quest to secure a first Premier League title in nearly a decade suffered a setback over the weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten by a struggling Everton side.

James Tarkowski’s header got the Sean Dyche era off to a perfect start and put a dent in the league leaders after they suffered just their second top-flight defeat of the 2022/23 campaign.

Although everything is still in the Gunners’ hands as they hold a five-point and one-game advantage over defending champions Manchester City, who could now be hit with a points deduction following remarkable revelations off the pitch.

If the north Londoners can get back on track with a result against Brentford on Saturday, then the defeat at Goodison Park will become a mere afterthought.

It could be time for some of Arteta’s fringe stars to step up and be counted, particularly as games are going to come thick and fast as the month rumbles on, with Arsenal still in the Europa League.

During the ‘Invincibles’ season, the Gunners were knocked out of both the FA and League Cup in the semi-finals and had bowed out of the Champions League by the quarters, so their focus was fully on the league in its closing stages.

Arsene Wenger often stuck by the same side – ten players started 28 or more of the 38 outings. You had the goals from Thierry Henry and Robert Pires, as well as the defensive resilience from central defensive pairing Kolo Toure and Sol Campbell.

Players such as Edu Gaspar – now sporting director at the Emirates Stadium – Pascal Cygan and Sylvain Wiltord perhaps never got the credit they deserved, having arguably been some of the unsung heroes of Arsenal’s last title-winning triumph.

Likewise with the late Jose Antonio Reyes, who joined mid-season during the January transfer window – just as Leandro Trossard has done recently.

The then 19-year-old would go onto register just seven starts during the second half of the season but became a vital piece off the bench as he registered a total of three goal contributions, which would see him rank sixth for goals and assists per 90 in the squad.

His defining moment came with the title already secured.

Arsenal’s chance of becoming history-makers was in jeopardy down at Fratton Park, two games after winning the league at White Hart Lane.

Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth outfit were leading through Yakubu at the break before the Spaniard bagged his first top-flight goal four minutes after the break to snag a point and keep their unbeaten record intact.

Trossard could play a similar role in the closing months of the season, especially as he’s yet to register a league start since his £27m move from league rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, where he has already notched seven goals and three assists this term.

The Belgian, once hailed as a “wizard” by journalist Charlie Haffenden and a “game-changer” by the BBC’s Phil McNulty, could well be a vital cog for the Gunners in their quest to secure their first Premier League title since that famous invincibles feat in 2003/04.

He may not get the nod over the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka but his influence and ability is going to be crucial, whether that be off the bench in key moments or when starting in Europe to aid some rotation.

The 28-year-old could well be Reyes 2.0 for the Gunners in the coming weeks and months, thanks to Edu’s magic in the market.

AND in other news, Edu could land Arsenal a dream Caicedo alternative in move for £36m-rated “dominator”…

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly in a huge race to sign midfield gem Kendry Paez for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Future star

Paez is a future star of the game, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him a ‘world-class talent’, and international scout Ron Dor even going as far as to call him ‘ridiculous’.

The Ecuadorian is only 15 years of age but has already been capped five times at international level for the U17s, scoring three goals (Transfermarkt).

He plays his club football for Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle, and was the star of 2022’s Next Generation Trophy, where his team made the final.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Newcastle are among a whole host of clubs to have spoken to Paez’s representatives to register their interest in signing him.

11 other teams in the Premier League are also thought to be interested in his signature, alongside European heavyweights Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, PSG, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Inter Milan and Atalanta.

Paez is seen as the next big talent to come out of Ecuador after Brighton and Hove Albion central midfielder Moises Caicedo, who was subject to a £70m bid from Arsenal in the January transfer window.

However, Independiente are reluctant to sell this year, and Paez cannot actually move to a European club until 2025, when he turns 18.

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The Verdict: Tough competition

The Magpies would have to fend off a lot of tough competition if they are to sign Paez, with a number of the sides mentioned already well-established in European football.

Still, they will want to grow their exciting young crop of players at St. James’ Park, having already signed teenage talents Garang Kuol and Harrison Ashby.

Nonetheless, Paez looks to be a star in the making, and the Tynesiders would do well to get him on their books.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina was sent off against Southampton this afternoon, and journalist Nathan Judah has slammed the decision.

The Lowdown: Victory at St Mary’s

Journalist Steve Madeley claimed Wolves ‘had the better of’ the first 15 minutes, but it was Southampton who took the lead, with Carlos Alcaraz firing home from the edge of the penalty area.

After going a goal down, the game changed when Lemina was sent off for a second bookable offence, having initially received what Madeley called a ‘very harsh’ yellow card.

However, the visitors still managed to take all three points, with a second-half Jan Bednarek own-goal being followed up by a late strike from Joao Gomes.

The Latest: Judah reacts

There was initial confusion as to why the central midfielder had received his marching orders, but Judah took to Twitter to clear it up at half-time, and he fumed over the decision.

The journalist said: “We’re hearing the explanation of Lemina’s second yellow card is because ‘Lemina ran towards the referee aggressively’ I absolutely give up! Game’s gone”

The Verdict: Bizarre decision

If there was no dissent from the Gabon international, then it was a very strange decision by Jarred Gillett, and one that could have had a significant impact on the game, if not for a fantastic second-half display from Julen Lopetegui’s side.

Despite only having ten men, the Old Gold were much the better team, having more possession and far more shots than their opponents, and Lopetegui will be delighted with the spirit of his players, after being on the receiving end of a contentious decision.

Wolves welcome AFC Bournemouth to Molineux next weekend, in what could be another six-pointer in the Premier League relegation battle, but unless the decision is overturned, they will have to make do without Lemina.

An update has emerged regarding the fitness of Glasgow Rangers ace Malik Tillman ahead of the Viaplay Cup final next weekend…

What’s the latest on Malik Tillman’s fitness?

According to Football Scotland, the USA international is ‘likely’ to return to training with his team-mates this week ahead of the Hampden Park showdown on Sunday.

The report claims that the 20-year-old missed the 3-0 win over Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday due to a hamstring issue, but he will not remain out of action heading into the cup final clash against Celtic.

It is stated that John Lundstram and Ryan Jack are also nursing injury issues and are facing a race against time to be fit for the Sunday decider.

This news comes after the Light Blues head coach Michael Beale, claimed at the weekend that it was “by no means certain” that Tillman would be back this week.

Tillman’s return would be a huge boost for Rangers

Having Tillman fit and available to face the Hoops would be a welcome relief for Beale, as the return of the attacking midfielder would offer a huge boost for Rangers heading into the final.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have been in phenomenal form this season, winning 24 of their 26 Premiership matches to date, and the Gers will need their best players available to give them the best chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday.

Celtic have only conceded 18 goals in their 26 top-flight outings, which suggests that if Postecoglou goes with his regular league XI for the Viaplay Cup final, it could be quite difficult for the Light Blues to break them down.

Therefore, Tillman’s availability would be crucial, as the Bayern Munich loanee has been a consistent threat at the top end of the pitch since arriving at Ibrox last summer. The 20-year-old has plundered nine goals and five assists in 36 matches in all competitions for the Gers, including seven goals and four assists in 23 league appearances.

These statistics indicate that the youngster offers a big goal threat who could cause Celtic a few problems with his ability to arrive into the penalty box to goalscoring effect.

Tillman has also created a whopping ten ‘big chances’ for his team-mates in the Premiership – two more than James Tavernier – and this shows that the American gem is adept at providing the other forwards at Ibrox with quality opportunities from which to score.

Therefore, the USA international’s return would be a huge boost for Beale this weekend, as Tillman has the quality to finish off chances whilst also creating them for his team-mates, and his ability in possession could be vital to opening up the Hoops’ impressive defence.

Chelsea ‘have to consider’ re-appointing Jose Mourinho should they decide to relieve Graham Potter of his duties at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Mourinho keen to return

The Premier League hierarchy have been sounding out potential successors for the Blues boss, who is under pressure having secured just one victory throughout the whole of 2023, and a couple of names have already been doing the rounds.

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly turned down an approach from SW6, with Zinedine Zidane the latest free agent to have been linked, the latter being a figure the board are ‘keen’ on.

The AS Roma boss, however, is claimed to have been the subject of an offer from the capital, with Simon Phillips revealing that he would be keen to stage a comeback.

The Latest: Jones’ verdict

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones insisted that Chelsea need to target a manager who’s been around the block a few times and name-checked Mourinho as a potential candidate. He said:

“So, I think a squad like this needs to be managed by someone with big experience, but also someone who’s got some ego.

“I think you have to be looking at and considering people from the very top of the trade here like Luis Enrique, Jose Mourinho. I know it sounds stupid, but yes, you have to consider him.”

The Verdict: Risk worth taking

Chelsea or any club for that matter bringing back one of their former managers is always a huge risk, but Mourinho being put back at the helm would surely be one worth taking.

The Portuguese maverick had an excellent record during his stints at the Bridge, winning 204, drawing 65 and losing just 51 of 320 total games in charge, averaging 2.12 points per match (Transfermarkt).

The Roma coach also knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level having got his hands on an astonishing 39 trophies throughout his career, so would definitely be able to manager the major expectations associated with Chelsea’s spending.

Mourinho has been dubbed a ‘legend’ of the game by talent scout Jacek Kulig so he could well be someone that the Blues think about should Potter be sent packing.