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Frank McAvennie has been left worried by some Glasgow Rangers injury news that has emerged on Ryan Jack.

The Lowdown: Jack update

Speaking ahead of his team’s game away at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon, Steven Gerrard has now revealed that Jack is due back on the training pitch ‘any day now’, but may have to wait another ‘couple of weeks’ before he can be integrated back into the group.

The central midfielder has not played for the Ibrox faithful since February, and will no doubt be desperate to get back onto the pitch as soon as possible.

The Latest: McAvennie on Jack

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, who is now a pundit after playing as a striker for the likes of Celtic and West Ham United, still thinks that it is a ‘big concern’ that Jack is not available at the moment:

“It’s a big concern.

“It’s a big concern for Scotland as well. I genuinely think on his day he is the best player at Ibrox.

“Luckily, Rangers have plenty of options in midfield and they aren’t missing him too much.

“But he’s a quality player so you will always miss him at some level.

“Hopefully the return isn’t that far away because on his day he can really be a leader for that side.”

The Verdict: Patience needed

After a player comes back from a long-term injury, there is always patience needed to ensure that he comes back in the right shape and frame of mind.

There is no doubt that Jack is still a key man for the Light Blues, playing in 19 of their matches in the Scottish Premiership on their way to the title last season, scoring two goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, with some Gers not happy with Joe Aribo’s performance in the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday night, it may be time for the Gers to bring in some fresh legs in midfield.

In other news, find out what RFC news has fans buzzing here!

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern it is unfair to criticise Axel Tuanzebe too much for his display in Aston Villa’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea.

The 23-year-old struggled to cope with Romelu Lukaku, who left him for dead before grabbing the first of his two goals that day.

It was a performance that drew criticism from multiple Villa supporters, with some taking to social media to make their feelings clear.

However, Palmer has called for some perspective, claiming that the young defender was up against one of the best No.9s in world football right now.

“You’re talking about one of the in-form strikers in the world and probably one of the top five strikers in the world, maybe in the top two or three,” the ex-Leeds United player said.

“To play against Romelu Lukaku now, you’ve got to be top drawer to deal with him. He can roll you, he’s got the pace, he’s got the strength and he can bully you. It’s unfair to label too much heavy criticism on the kid.”

Lukaku already has four goals in all competitions for Chelsea since returning to the club. Tuanzebe will not be the only Premier League defender this season who struggles to deal with him, so the Manchester United loanee probably should be given some slack after that tough day out at Stamford Bridge.

أعلن نادي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي استئناف مباراته أمام بايرن ميونخ المقامة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية اليوم.

وتوقفت مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبايرن ميونخ بسبب سوء الأحوال الجولة بعد 13 دقيقة فقط، لما يقارب الساعة.

طالع أيضًا.. مولر: لن نلعب بـ10 لاعبين لرحيل ليفاندوفسكي.. وماني رجل عظيم

النادي الإنجليزي أعلن عبر حسابه الرسمي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي تويتر، أن المباراة ستستمر من بعد الدقيقة 13 وسوف يستمر الشوط الأول حتى الدقيقة 40 فقط.

مما يعني أن الشوط الأول سيكون 40 دقيقة، وهو ما سيحدث في الشوط الثاني أيضًا، سيلعب على 40 دقيقة فقط، بعد الاتفاق بين حكام المباراة والفريقين.

وتم استئناف المباراة التي توقفت بعد هدف مانشستر سيتي عن طريق إيرلينج هالاند.

MATCH UPDATE

We can confirm that once the players return to the pitch and have warmed up we will be playing 27 minutes, followed by a short half-time break, before playing a further 40-minute second-half.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 24, 2022

West Ham United return to Premier League action later this afternoon as David Moyes and his side look to continue their fine start to the 2021/22 season.

The Hammers are unbeaten through their first three league matches and now head to the south coast to face Southampton at St Mary’s.

Moyes and co were very busy in the transfer window after their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last time out, so the Scot will have plenty of selection dilemmas to ponder, even more so as he has a fully-fit squad at his disposal.

With that in mind, what sort of line-up could we see today? Football FanCast delve into one potential XI…

Indeed, the Irons signed four new players in the transfer window and two could make their debuts here.

One of which is in goals, as loan arrival Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain replaces veteran Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks.

Football Insider claim that the 36-year-old will soon be phased out of the side to make way for the much younger shot-stopper in a bid to think about the long-term, rather than the immediate future. If Moyes is thinking like that, then he ought to just make the call now in order to get a proper look at the Frenchman.

The other debut is likely to be handed to Kurt Zouma, who replaces Craig Dawson in the starting line-up. After splashing a considerable amount (nearly £30m) on his signature, the Premier League and Champions League winner should come straight into the side, pairing with Angelo Ogbonna in the middle, with Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell on either flank.

Moyes is then likely to stick with the same players in midfield and attack, having kickstarted the campaign unbeaten, which means it’ll be Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice in the middle, with Pablo Fornals keeping his spot despite the arrival of Nikola Vlasic.

The Croatian playmaker may need a little more time to adapt to England, having only just arrived off the back of the international break, whereas Zouma should be a lot more comfortable.

It also means there’s no place for Alex Kral in the starting line-up, but you could expect him to be named on the bench.

Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen will join the £25.5m-rated Spanish “machine” in attacking midfield, with the Premier League’s top goalscorer Michail Antonio set to lead the line once again.

AND in other news, Moyes could fix alarming West Ham problem by unleashing 19 y/o gem who’s “on fire” – opinion

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that West Bromwich Albion’s transfer window has been good enough to help them win promotion back to the Premier League this season.

The Baggies have made six summer signings, with Alex Mowatt, Matt Clarke, Adam Reach, Quevin Castro, Jordan Hugill and Jayson Molumby all penning deals at the Hawthorns.

Under the leadership of Valerien Ismael, West Brom have started life back in the Championship undefeated. After drawing their first fixture of the season against AFC Bournemouth, the Baggies have put a run together of four straight victories and currently sit second in the Championship table.

With the business that the Baggies have done this summer, Hatfield believes it’s good enough to ensure that the club are in the picture for promotion, telling Football FanCast: “I think it has been good enough. To be honest they’ve filled positions which they have needed to, they could maybe have done with one more to cover Darnell Furlong, that’s a position that, you know, if he was to go down, they’d really struggle to replace, I think.

“But ultimately, when you look at clubs in the Championship, there are only a couple who are spending serious money.”

After bringing in six players this summer and the start to the season that the Baggies have had, everybody connected with the football club will be hoping that they can keep up this run of form and ensure that they push for promotion this season and try to return to the Premier League at the first-time of asking.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in completing a deadline day move for Inter Milan and Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.

The Lowdown: Wijnaldum replacement needed?

Gini Wijnaldum joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier on in the summer, but the Reds are yet to replace the Dutchman in the middle of the park.

Granted, Harvey Elliott has come in and shone, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are back fit, but a new signing wouldn’t go amiss.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The Latest: Liverpool want Brozovic

According to Inter Live [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are eyeing up a last-minute move for Brozovic, who is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt.

The Croatia international played in the 2018 World Cup final defeat to France and has made 244 appearances for Inter, winning the Serie A title last season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Hard to see happening

In truth, it is hard to see Brozovic making the move to Anfield, considering that he turns 29 later this year and therefore doesn’t represent a long-term signing.

Liverpool look well-stocked in midfield despite Wijnaldum’s exit – Elliott’s emergence has helped hugely in that respect – and they should be looking to add another attacker instead.

Last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea highlighted the need for a greater goal threat in the final third from the substitutes’ bench as Jurgen Klopp’s men ran out of ideas against 10 men.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Championship gallery

Middlesex will need a mere 67 for victory when play resumes on the third day at Kidderminster, after a dramatic final-session collapse in which Worcestershire slid from a comfortable 62 for 2 to a disastrous 122 all out. Ben Smith made 52 but none of his colleagues passed 20 as Dirk Nannes routed all comers with six wickets in 6.1 overs. His first victim was the captain, Vikram Solanki, who was caught behind for 18, whereupon Nannes induced two more edges and detonated Moeen Ali’s stumps to reduce Worcestershire to 80 for 6. Smith was the next to go, caught by Andrew Strauss off Shaun Udal, and Udal then claimed Chris Whelan for a fourth-ball duck before Nannes polished off the tail. Earlier, Strauss had shown how batting should be done with 101 from 129 balls, his first century of the season for Middlesex.After a manic 16-wicket opening day, Gloucestershire’s contest against Derbyshire settled into a more measured rhythm, and a fascinating match began to take shape at Derby. First Gloucestershire hauled themselves back into contention from their uncomfortable overnight score of 98 for 6, thanks to 72 from their wicketkeeper Steve Snell, who found vital support from his captain, Jon Lewis (28) in a 69-run stand for the eighth wicket. But by the close, Derbyshire had inched their way back into the ascendancy through the efforts of their own captain, Chris Rogers, who made 74 before falling lbw to Lewis in the final session of the day. By the close they led by 159 with six wickets standing, with Greg Smith and Tom New both unbeaten on 24.Essex’s promotion hopes took a dent on the second day against second-placed Warwickshire at Chelmsford, as Tony Frost produced a painstaking unbeaten 121 from 286 balls to carry his side to a foreboding 277 for 3 in reply to 341. Essex managed to add only eight runs to their overnight 333 for 8, but that scarcely seemed to matter when Darren Masters struck with his second ball of the reply to remove Warwickshire’s captain, Darren Maddy, via an edge through to James Foster. It was slow-going for Essex thereafter, however. Naveep Poonia made 37 in a second-wicket stand of 85 with Frost, then it was over to Frost and Jonathan Trott for a third-wicket partnership of 182. Chris Wright eventually prised Trott from the crease for 81, but the victory that Essex need to stay in contention looks increasingly likely to elude them.Glamorgan seem determined to end a troubled week on a high note as they continued to dominate their dead-rubber contest with Leicestershire at Sophia Gardens. Michael Powell followed on from Gareth Rees’s first-day century with a composed 120, which underpinned a formidable first-innings total of 450. Powell eventually became one of four wickets for the spinner, Claude Henderson, but the wicketkeeper Mark Wallace kept the tail wagging with 59 from 106 balls, with support from the soon-to-be-retired Jason Gillespie, who made 34. In reply, Leicestershire’s innings never got going. David Harrison claimed 3 for 31 in ten overs, including both openers, and at 66 for 4 embarrassment loomed. Joshua Cobb and Paul Nixon prevented further losses before the close, but they have a long way to go yet to avoid the follow-on.

The ICC World Player of the Year, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, made up for lost time with an unbeaten 130 from 177 balls, as Durham did all they could to force the pace against Sussex in their crucial Championship-chasing encounter at Chester-le-Street. After bad weather washed out the whole of the first day, Durham made good use of an important chance to bat first, and racked up a handy 325 for 4. After Michael Di Venuto and Ben Harmison added 52 for the first wicket, Jason Lewry and Mohammad Sami, with two wickets apiece, chipped away with determination to reduce Durham to 143 for 4, but then Chanderpaul got going and their prospects were transformed. With Gareth Breese proving a vital sidekick with 63 not out from 118 balls, their pair added 182 for the fifth wicket, and crucially, they had not been parted at the close.Nottinghamshire remain firmly on course for the title after an effortless day of dominance against an inept and relegated Surrey at The Oval. Read Martin Williamson’s bulletin.Lancashire improved their fortunes on the second day at Liverpool, but not by much. Read Andrew McGlashan’s bulletin for more.Somerset haven’t given up on their maiden Championship title, but they’ll have to overcome a placid surface to defeat Yorkshire at Scarborough. John Ward was there.

Pep Guardiola has revealed that it is not certain whether Manchester City will sign a striker during this summer transfer window.

Earlier this summer, the Citizens allowed Sergio Aguero to leave on a free transfer – he has since made the move to Barcelona (fcbarcelona.com). However, they have not yet signed a new centre-forward, and although results like the 5-0 win over Norwich City suggest they have plenty of ability elsewhere, the preceding 1-0 defeats to Tottenham and Leicester City indicate that they need to bring one in.

Guardiola has been discussing City’s transfer dealings, and he admitted the club will sign a new striker only if the transfer window allows (via City Xtra), saying: ““When we decided not to extend the contract of Sergio Aguero and people asked what we would do, I said many times it would depend on the market.

“Maybe we will buy, maybe not. It is still the same situation. I will never complain. I have never complained since day one and I will not do it now.”

This has not pleased some City supporters, who believe that a new forward should have been a priority. The comments were shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and they attracted plenty of attention from supporters.

These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the comments from Guardiola

“Pep Guardiola: “When we decided not to extend the contract of Sergio Aguero” – this statement hurts”

Credit: @Ke_Teboho

“You lie too much”

Credit: @Fredijeh4

“Fraud”

Credit: @BeDruyne

“Stop playing with my emotion lol”

Credit: @mathieudurand69

“Of course he will say this. End of the day its up to the club to trash a deal for a ST. If the club don’t he will need to make use of what he has.”

Credit: @CityViews88

“At least extend Aguero if you’re not going to sign a striker. You mugs”

Credit: @DeBrxyne17

In other news, lots of Man City fans want the club to sign this Champions League winner.

An update has emerged on Leeds target Josh Doig, with Jack Ross commenting on his future.

What’s the talk?

Hibernian manager Jack Ross has confirmed that Leeds target Josh Doig is closing in on an exit from the Scottish Premiership club this week. He explained that the left-back was left out of his matchday squad at the weekend as there is strong interest in him from other clubs.

Leeds are one of the clubs reportedly keen on signing the Scottish defender, who is likely to fetch a fee in the region of £4-5m.

He’d be perfect for Bielsa

Victor Orta must sanction a deal for Doig if there is still time for the club to swoop in and hijack any transfer for the defender, assuming Leeds are not the mystery club referenced in Ross’ admission, with the Evening News reporting that it is Burnley and Watford who are pushing hard to get a deal done.

Junior Firpo joined from Barcelona earlier this summer, but there is still a spot to fill behind him in the pecking order.

It would be fantastic in terms of competition within the squad for the Whites to have two talented left-backs competing for a place in the side. Firpo could start the season as the first-choice, with Doig potentially willing to bide his time for a chance as he only recently turned 19.

He still has the majority of his career ahead of him and spending a year learning from a former Barcelona full-back whilst training with Marcelo Bielsa could do him the world of good. The teenager has the attributes the Argentine coach wants from his players, which is why he could be a perfect addition.

Former Premier League defender Alan Hutton said earlier this year that Doig has a great engine and is aggressive in his play. He told Football Insider:

“He’s only 18 but he’s got a great engine, can get up and down, got a great left foot, aggressive. He is definitely one for the future.

“Whether he’s ready to step up to the Premier League right now? I also saw Leicester were supposedly looking at him.

“I think he’s a target teams would be looking at for the future. Get him down, integrated with the squad and build on what he already has.

“It’s no risk. There’s not much of a risk. You can definitely tell he’s a talented player. He’s got all the attributes to be a left-back or a wing-back. He is one that you’re hoping does well.”

Bielsa wants players who can cover the ground and work hard for the team throughout the 90 minutes with his pressing style of play.

This means that players who have a great engine and are aggressive, like Doig, are perfect for him. Therefore, Leeds must act to bring in the youngster before the end of the window and beat off interest from any other sides.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Bamford: Leeds must swoop for £125k-p/w gem with “unlimited ceiling”…

Everton are reportedly set to revive their interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes after new manager Rafael Benitez gave his approval over the potential signing.

What’s the story?

The Toffees looked set to secure the 22-year-old’s signature last week before their manager took a closer look at the youngster’s credentials.

It now appears Nunes is finally going to become an Everton player, with Benitez ‘willing to receive him’ in a deal which could reach €20m (£17.3m), according to Portuguese newspaper Record (as relayed by Sport Witness).

Big upgrade on Andre Gomes

Nunes may not be a household name on English shores, but the Brazilian maestro is a highly-rated talent with bags of potential. He started just 12 top-flight fixtures for Sporting last season but came off the bench on many occasions, heavily contributing to the capital club’s first league title in 19 years.

The South American has cultivated an enviable reputation for his ball carrying skills, completing 1.2 dribbles per game throughout 2020/21, with only four Everton players outperforming him on that particular metric.

He’s also capable of contributing at the top end of the pitch, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 39 appearances for Ruben Amorim’s men.

With current Everton midfielder Andre Gomes linked with a possible exit, the statistics suggest that Nunes would be a significant upgrade on the former Barcelona ace.

Gomes failed to score in the 2020/21 campaign, laid on just two assists and completed 1.1 dribbles, falling below Nunes’ output, as per WhoScored.

Therefore, this is a prospective transfer which should excite the Merseyside faithful. Benitez appears to be on the verge of tying up deals for Andros Townsend (30)and Demarai Gray (25), but neither of those seem as exciting as the prodigious Sporting starlet, whose style has been likened to Toffees midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Finishing inside the top six will surely be the aim for Benitez next season, and signing Nunes could certainly help the former Real Madrid boss achieve that goal.

In other news… The Athletic drops Everton claim on “unbelievable” Euro 2020 star, fans surely buzzing