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An update has dropped concerning the vacant managerial position at Glasgow Rangers after Giovanni van Bronckhorst was relieved of his duties at Ibrox…

What’s the news?

According to the 4th Official, Rangers have earmarked Kjetil Knutsen as one of the main contenders for the vacant managerial role at Rangers.

Taking to Twitter, they said: “Kjetil Knutsen is definitely one of the frontrunners for the Rangers job right now. But this is nowhere close to done.”

The Daily Record reported that the Bodo/Glimt coach is someone who caught Ross Wilson’s eye during the hunt for Steven Gerrard’s successor and he could be an excellent replacement for van Bronckhorst.

Wilson should hire Knutsen

Knutsen has already endeared himself to the Rangers faithful, inadvertently anyway, with his team defeating Celtic 5-1 on aggregate in last season’s Europa Conference League knockout stages, while in the same competition, his side dismantled AS Roma 6-1 while they were coached by defensive-minded guru Jose Mourinho and these results have attracted attention.

The Norweigan led Bodo/Glimt to their first-ever league title in 2020, shattering the goalscoring record too by ending the campaign with 103 goals from just 30 matches.

They retained their title last season, playing a scintillating brand of attacking football that hasn’t been seen at Ibrox for a long time. Van Bronckhorst had the Light Blues playing negatively, often labouring to victories and towards the end of his tenure, this became almost unbearable to watch.

A definite style is required at Rangers, and Knutsen would certainly bring that with him if he was appointed. Even his captain Ulrik Saltnes has publicly praised his playing style, describing it as “kamikaze” and this may work wonders in Scotland.

Journalist Connor McGilligan also praised his style of play, saying “it would be fantastic to watch” and the Rangers supporters deserve to see their players, who are built for an attacking style of play, demonstrate this on a regular basis.

Wilson has seen Celtic make a left-field appointment in Australian manager Ange Postecoglou and the rewards have been evident, with a vibrant, attacking style which sees the team begin matches at a frantic pace and often kills opponents off within 30-40 minutes.

If Rangers want to see something similar at Ibrox, the 54-year-old would be a fantastic candidate. It’s now over to you Wilson.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will miss the Reds’ Premier League clash with Leeds United, journalist James Pearce has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Must-win for Reds

The Reds are back in action on Saturday evening, looking to build on Wednesday’s impressive 3-0 win away to Ajax in the Champions League.

Despite Liverpool’s patchy form, they will be the undoubted favourites at Anfield, as they take on a Leeds side wallowing in the relegation zone.

While some injury problems have eased for Jurgen Klopp, including Thiago, one key figure remains absent.

The Latest: Keita still injured

Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Athletic‘s Pearce confirmed that Keita would play no part in proceedings on Saturday:

“No Keita v Leeds.”

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The Verdict: Frustrating ongoing problem

Keita’s Liverpool career has been such a deeply frustrating one, with the Guinean clearly a talented, effective footballer – Virgil van Dijk has called him ‘world-class’ – but someone who just can’t stay fit.

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The 27-year-old is still yet to play a single minute of league action this season and Klopp has badly needed him while other midfielders have struggled, from Fabinho to Jordan Henderson.

It does at least feel as though Keita is nearing a return to action but the next six months or so are crucial for him, in terms of whether or not Liverpool retain his services.

Arsenal may have got their Premier League season underway yesterday, but it is likely that Edu and Mikel Arteta’s attention has not completely diverted from the transfer window…

Is Joshua Kimmich leaving Bayern Munich?

Despite the Spanish manager admitting that there were no plans to bring in any more players, he did crucially note:

“The window is very unpredictable and things can happen that probably we don’t wish for.”

With that in mind, should a few of their out-of-favour assets decide to depart the Emirates, it could pave the way for one last big purchase to give them a final boost before the campaign truly kicks into regular action.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Of all those who they have been linked with over the summer, few additions would be as stunning as the potential capture of Joshua Kimmich after rumours have suggested that could make the swap from Munich to north London in the near future.

Despite being a true leader for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, and boasting two years left on his £323k-per-week deal, the prospect of this exciting project could be enough to tempt the 28-year-old machine to force such a move.

How good is Joshua Kimmich?

In collecting a starring German from his native top-flight, the Gunners could actually replicate a recent success of theirs earned with Lukas Podolski.

After all, the German forward became an instant fan favourite at the Emirates following his 2012 move from FC Koln, having previously enjoyed a stint at Bayern too.

He would hit the ground running under legendary manager Arsene Wenger, and despite his exit being unceremonious as he sought more playing time, he is still remembered with fondness for his tireless work rate and explosive left foot.

The 38-year-old would feature 82 times for Arsenal, with his starring season coming during his debut 2012/12 term. There he would score 16 times and assist a further 12 across all competitions, with his French manager reserving praise for his star striker:

“Podolski can score goals – and when you have a goalscoring chance you want him to have it.

“He is a clinical finisher and has an unbelievable shot and backlift. He’s very accurate in his finishing. He can score goals when he starts and when he comes on from the bench – he is always dangerous.”

Whilst Kimmich is far more advanced in his career than Podolski was when he joined, and also far more revered across Europe given he is regarded as one of the finest central midfielders in the game, such a swoop would comfortably outdo the success earned nearly a decade ago.

Especially when looking back on his most recent full campaign, in which the relentless maestro spearheaded his side’s narrow Bundesliga title victory, marking the eighth time winning this trophy to partner with his sole Champions League too.

The Germany international maintained a 7.73 average rating in the league last season, buoyed by his 11 goal contributions and 90% pass accuracy alongside 2.7 key passes, 2.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, via Sofascore.

Such blistering form understandably drew praise, with former boss Julian Nagelsmann outlining his quality and versatility:

“The great thing is he's world-class at right-back and in midfield.”

There are arguably few so well-rounded in his position in the world, and his addition would prove an instant boost surely set to promote another title charge in a new division for Kimmich.

No matter how impactful Podolski may have been, deputising at a time when Robin van Persie had just departed for Manchester United, this potential deal would surpass its success with ease and mark yet another Edu masterclass.

Much has been made this season about West Brom’s goalscoring woes in the Championship but things could have been much worse for Steve Bruce’s side had they signed Dwight Gayle.

The 32-year-old was heavily linked with a move back to the Hawthorns during the summer, with reports suggesting that the Baggies held talks with both Gayle and Newcastle United but failed to put together a suitable financial package.

In the end, he would join Stoke City on a free transfer and given his previous record in the Championship, it seemed like something of a coup for the Potters.

In his last two seasons in the second tier, Gayle has hit 23 goals on both occasions, first with Newcastle in 2016/17 and then again with West Brom during a loan spell in 2018/19, so it is easy to see why Bruce wanted him back at the Hawthorns.

However, he has failed to impress during his time with Stoke City, with no goals in his opening 13 appearances for the club, which suggests that he would have done little to improve West Brom’s current situation, as they sit 22nd in the Championship table with just one win to their name.

Karlan Grant has come under a lot of criticism for his performances this season and rightfully so, with his missed penalty against Swansea City a microcosm of his poor season in front of goal, but the former Charlton Athletic man would still be a better option than Gayle in this Baggies attack.

The 25-year-old is West Brom’s joint-top scorer with three goals and averages 1.9 shots per game, whereas Gayle is yet to find the net for Stoke and has averaged just 0.9 shots per game, which again emphasises that, on current form, he wouldn’t have been the saviour in West Brom’s current predicament.

Therefore, Bruce may have dodged a bullet in missing out on the striker, as he now looks well past his best, although the former Newcastle boss would probably take any help that he can get at the moment, as he is surely facing the sack after more dropped points at home to Luton this weekend.

Newcastle United have an academy that, in recent years, has started producing talent worthy of making the step up to the Premier League. The Longstaff brothers, Matty and Sean, stand as current proof.

Whilst it is Elliot Anderson who seems to hold the hopes of the city to become the next big thing, waiting in the wings is prolific 21-year-old striker Isaac Westendorf.

Having signed in January after a successful trial period, the young marksman has made a meteoric rise from non-league Barking to the Premier League.

He could be the heir to Callum Wilson, who has been a capable goal scorer for the Magpies but has struggled with injuries as age sneaks up on him.

The 30-year-old has managed just 49 appearances for Newcastle, but in this time he has scored 22 times and assisted five times.

When fit, he is a fine striker for the division. The issue remains that he cannot maintain a solid run of fixtures, and Eddie Howe has responded with the £63m purchase of Aleksander Isak.

Wilson has had to assume the role of backup to the hulking Swede, but when his time to exit St James’ Park eventually comes, they will need a new dependable goal scorer to supplement the 23-year-old.

This man could certainly be Westendorf.

In just 11 games for the Premier League 2 side, the German-born attacker scored five and assisted once. He has quickly announced himself as the paramount youth striker for the Tyneside outfit.

His inclusion in the pre-season training this summer also is indicative of a level of faith he must have in the next generation.

Jacob Ranson, a reporter for the Barking & Dagenham Post, was full of praise for the player he watched for Barking. He claimed: “Isaac is fast, powerful and was extremely impressive for Barking.

“Often youngsters, despite how good they are, struggle to adapt to men’s football initially, but not Isaac, as he got himself into the first-team and found the back of the net consistently.”

He certainly has all the ingredients to fulfil this role as Wilson’s understudy, with pace, power and a ruthlessness akin to the former AFC Bournemouth man.

If he continues his phenomenal rise, there is no telling how high he can go at the club.

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that Everton are ‘preparing to match’ the offer made by Newcastle United for Joao Pedro.

The Lowdown: Newcastle offer

Sky Sports journalist and North East correspondent Keith Downie reported on Tuesday morning that the St. James’ Park outfit have made a new bid for Pedro worth in the region of £30m, including add-ons.

Watford are thought to be considering the offer, and talks are ongoing between the two clubs over a potential deal to take him to Tyneside.

The Latest: Everton hijack?

Taking to Twitter, Hope has revealed that the Toffees are now ‘preparing to match’ the Magpies’ offer for Pedro:

“Understand Everton are preparing to match Newcastle’s offer for Watford forward Joao Pedro.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Given the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and the fact that Salomon Rondon is struggling to perform, the Merseyside club desperately need to bring in a new striker as soon as possible.

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Hailed as an ‘exciting‘ player by his former Watford boss Xisco Munoz, 20-year-old Pedro is already off the mark for the Hornets this term, and has a total of 14 goals for his club over the last three seasons.

Eddie Howe’s side have agreed to sign striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, and so may be less inclined to go for Pedro now, which could well open the door for the Blues to make their swoop.

Celtic are reportedly set to keep hold of Georgios Giakoumakis this summer amid significant interest in the Greece international.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 27-year-old is considered “untouchable” by those at Parkhead, despite being the subject of interest from potential suitors, including some Premier League clubs.

Writing on Twitter about the 11-cap striker’s future, the transfer insider wrote: “There were clubs interested in Georgios Giakoumakis as he’s doing great with Celtic, also approached by Premier League clubs in the last few days. Celtic have absolutely no intention to sell him: untouchable.

“He’s key player – also, Giakoumakis is happy at Celtic.”

The 6 foot 1 marksman still has four years remaining on his current contract with the Premiership champions, having only joined on a £2.5m deal from Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo last summer.

Boost for Postecoglou

That news will no doubt come as a huge boost for Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou, with the title-winning coach likely to be desperate to keep hold of a player who has made an impressive impact in Glasgow over the last 12 months.

Despite suffering a handful of injury setbacks last term in his debut campaign at the club, Giakoumakis still went on to score 17 goals in all competitions for the Old Firm outfit, with only Kyogo Furuhashi (20) netting more goals for Celtic in the 2021/22 season.

That tally was all the more impressive considering that it came in just 29 outings – only 15 of which were from the start – with the one-time AEK Athens man proving to be a hugely reliable goalscoring presence for Postecoglou and co.

Such form seemingly mirrors his previous goalscoring spree during his solitary season in Netherlands, as the £3.6m-rated marksman scored 26 goals in just 30 Eredivisie outings during the 2020/21 campaign, with the hope being that he can continue that rich vein of form this season.

The early indications are that he could well do just that, having netted in the 5-0 romp at Kilmarnock at the weekend, producing an inventive and acrobatic overhead kick to fire through the legs of the helpless Sam Walker.

Although he is yet to feature from the start so far this term, it looks as if the centre-forward will have a significant role to play for the club over the next few months as Celtic look to retain their league title and progress in the Champions League.

Having quality depth and cover in the forward ranks will likely be imperative if they are to achieve that objective, with Postecoglou no doubt delighted to have the lethal striker in tow for another season at least.

Newcastle United are ‘prepared to loan out’ midfielder Matty Longstaff this summer, according to journalist Jordan Cronin.

The Lowdown: Longstaff’s pre-season

The 22-year-old linked up with his brother and the rest of Eddie Howe’s first-team for the Toon’s pre-season after returning from his loan spell with League Two outfit Mansfield Town, where he spent the second half of last season.

The central midfielder did not feature in the Tyneside club’s recent friendlies against 1860 Munich and Mainz 05, but was handed minutes against Burnley in a behind-closed-doors training match on Saturday.

The Latest: Cronin’s news

Cronin has shared news surrounding Longstaff’s future at St James’ Park. Taking to Twitter, the Newcastle World journalist claimed:

“Newcastle United are prepared to loan out Matty Longstaff this summer. The midfielder is into the final year of his contract.”

In the attached article, the Magpies boss is quoted as saying:

“We may look to maybe open the loan market to him again. We would open the door to him to maybe get football for his own benefit. We’ll wait and see.”

The Verdict: Stacked in midfield

With the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff all ahead in the pecking order, the 22-year-old will struggle to make it into Howe’s 25-man Premier League squad.

This would be a shame for the youngster, who has been described by journalist Josh Bunting as a “good player on the ball” and a midfielder who is “aggressive driving forward”.

With less than a year left on his Newcastle contract, this could be the last time we see Longstaff in a black and white shirt if a loan move is secured, potentially leading to his permanent exit as a free agent.

Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton is expecting Leeds United winger Jack Harrison to remain at the club despite conversations over a possible exit from Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with Harrison

Harrison is part of the 26-man Leeds squad who have headed to Australia for three pre-season fixtures, whereas Raphinha has remained in England looking to resolve his future.

The Englishman has been a regular over the last four seasons, contributing to 50 goals in 166 appearances for the Whites. However, he has recently been linked with Premier League rivals Newcastle, with Eddie Howe’s side weighing up a move for the 25-year-old.

Harrison is entering the final two years of his contract at Elland Road and Thornton thinks that he will remain at the club ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

The Latest: Thornton’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Thornton said that there ‘have been conversations’ regarding a potential exit for the winger, but he added that Harrison is ‘happy’ in Yorkshire and expects him to stay put.

The Sky Sports reporter said of the 25-year-old:

“I would expect him to stay. There have been conversations; there’s been interest.

“I think there was a bit of interest back in the January transfer window as well, but I think Jack’s happy at Leeds. His stats are good, his goals record; his assists.”

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The Verdict: Need to keep him

With Raphinha seemingly closing in on a move to Barcelona, it is vital that Leeds keep hold of another attacking regular in Harrison.

He has been a reliable member of the squad, missing just two games through injury over the past four seasons, and he appears to be happy at Elland Road judging by Thornton’s insight.

The winger has also gone from strength to strength, with his Transfermarkt valuation rising from £3.15m in 2018 to a career-high £16.2m at Leeds, so it makes sense to resist any potential offers from Newcastle over the coming weeks.

Leeds United are lining up a move for Club Brugge attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Mercurial talent

Fiercely linked to Leicester City previously, De Ketelaere has certainly caught the eye since stepping away from a potentially bright tennis career to concentrate on football.

Born in Brugge, the 21-year-old made a rapid ascent through the academy ranks to make 120 first-team appearances for the Jupiler Pro League side and is already a recognised senior international.

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Perennially indexed with a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs with AC Milan, Tottenham and Manchester City all admirers, Leeds could be about to usurp the competition…

The latest: In the running

Taking to Twitter, reputable journalist Romano has claimed that Victor Orta and Co are now ‘monitoring’ the eight-cap Belgium star ahead of potentially losing Raphinha this summer.

“Excl: Leeds are monitoring Bruges star Charles De Ketelaere as one of the options in the list, as Raphinha could leave for £65m.

“AC Milan are also interested in De Ketelaere since long time, part of the list. Leeds list also includes Cody Gakpo but not advanced/close.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Equally adept operating as a false nine, on either wing, at centre forward and in deeper positions, De Ketelaere offers extraordinary versatility that would act as a huge boost to Jesse Marsch’s attacking options at Elland Road regardless of Raphinha’s fate.

Last season, the cultured attacker scored a remarkable 18 goals and provided ten assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, earning a 7.25 Sofascore rating whilst winning 5.4 duels, making 1.8 key passes and taking 2.0 shots on average per match, highlighting a well-rounded game both in terms of attacking and defensive prowess.

Sharing a stylistic likeness with illustrious names like Antoine Griezmann, Alexandre Lacazette and Kevin Volland (Fbref), the talented Belgian youngster truly is a generational talent – he was even tipped to be ‘Kevin De Bruyne’s heir’ by European football writer Michael Yokhin.