All posts by h716a5.icu

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Mauricio Pochettino wants to target Premier League-proven transfers for Chelsea this summer.

Who does Mauricio Pochettino want to sign for Chelsea?

With the season nearly done, the Blues can soon finally put this dreadful season behind them and start looking to the future.

The first step of this will be saying goodbye to interim boss Frank Lampard and welcoming Pochettino to Stamford Bridge – as he is expected to officially arrive in June.

While there has been plenty of talk already about how he will need to trim the bloated squad by offloading a number of unwanted first-team members, the 51-year-old will also have spoken with Todd Boehly and co about incomings too.

And it seems as though Premier League players will be on the agenda for Chelsea this summer. Indeed, in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs revealed his understanding of the latest behind-the-scenes in West London.

The insider told GMS: “The other thing that Pochettino has emphasised is that Premier League proven quality is really important.

“I think that's significant because if you look at Chelsea's recruitment throughout the last two windows, it's been a bit scattergun.

“We can expect that from the first summer because of the new ownership and Thomas Tuchel pushing for certain things.

“But then the January window, although there was a strategy, was very much youth based. They weren't afraid to bring in players from all over the world.

“Malo Gusto came in from Lyon, Andre Santos the Brazilian, and Enzo Fernandez from Argentina. They signed Mudryk, who had played in the Champions League, but again had no Premier League experience.”

How does Pochettino make his teams fit?

At the end of January, Boehly had signed 16 players during his time in charge of Chelsea up to that point for a total of £556m. Of that bunch, only five – Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – had played in the Premier League before.

With the consequential lack of cohesion on the pitch this term, you can see why Pochettino will be keen to adopt a different approach in the upcoming window.

Along that line of thinking, it's interesting to note that fellow Argentine Emi Martinez has been linked by The Mirror with a move from Aston Villa to the Blues – although Manchester United are also in that race.

No doubt more players will be reported as targets in the coming weeks and months but it does seem as though Poch will have a preference for those already in England and it might not be the worst idea in the world.

Mauricio Pochettino has a history of finding gems, as during his time at Spurs he managed to sign the likes of Son Heung-min, Victor Wanyama, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies and Toby Alderweireld for very respectable prices.

Gloucestershire’s seamers bowled them to a 61-run County Championship win over Division Two leaders Essex at Cheltenham.

ECB Reporters Network16-Jul-2016
ScorecardCraig Miles completed a split-innings hat-trick•Getty ImagesGloucestershire’s seamers bowled them to a 61-run County Championship win over Division Two leaders Essex at Cheltenham.Starting out on 16 for 1, requiring a further 197 for victory, the visitors crashed to 152 all out by early afternoon, with Liam Norwell, David Payne and Craig Miles all profiting from the overcast conditions.Norwell claimed four wickets in the innings, while Payne and Miles took three each, maintaining an exemplary line and length to put constant pressure on the batsmen.The result catapulted Gloucestershire into the promotion race as they took 21 points to the six earned by Essex. They now trail the leaders by only 11 points, with a game in hand.Norwell removed nightwatchman Jamie Porter with the first ball of the day, Gareth Roderick holding a thin edge at the second attempt, and followed up by having Tom Westley caught at first slip for 17 before left-armer Payne pinned Nick Browne lbw, pushing forward.Miles then claimed a split-innings hat-trick when bowling Ravi Bopara for 3, shouldering arms, with his first ball of the day, having also struck with his final two deliveries of the first innings.He followed up by dismissing Dan Lawrence, who drove a catch to extra cover and Ryan ten Doeschate, caught behind, in a six-over spell of 3 for 26.”My dad had mentioned to me that I was on a hat-trick after the first innings and Hamish Marshall reminded me before I ran in to bowl my first ball today,” Miles said. “I gave it everything and it was a great feeling, whether it was spread over a few overs or not. I’ve never taken a hat-trick in any form of cricket.”The ball I took the last wicket with is the one I get to keep and have mounted. But it was a real team effort by the bowlers. Liam Norwell and David Payne probably deserve a ball each too.”Essex did their best to be positive, but the quality of the bowling, with the ball swinging and seaming off the pitch, allowed Gloucestershire to dominate the morning session.James Foster pulled Norwell for a defiant six in the final over before lunch, but then edged a wide delivery through to wicketkeeper Roderick and departed for 7.That left Essex 124 for 8 at lunch, still requiring 89 runs, with spots of rain in the air. The afternoon session saw only one run added before Graham Napier edged a defensive shot off Payne to give Roderick his fourth catch.Ashar Zaidi smacked Norwell for a six over wide long-on, but the following ball saw the left-hander, on 37, get an inside edge onto his stumps and it was all over at just before 2.15pm.That gave Norwell 4 for 65 from 16.3 overs, while Payne finished with 3 for 40 and Miles on his lunch figures of 3 for 26. It was a high class bowling effort on a day Essex began as favourites.

On a dead Lord’s track, the Championship leaders have got themselves into a position where they almost certainly cannot lose

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Lord's27-Jun-2016
ScorecardAlviro Petersen racked up 191•Getty ImagesWhat ingredients there were for a high-quality encounter at Lord’s look already to be heading for a bland conclusion. That may seem melodramatic – should Middlesex collapse tomorrow, it may enter into “misguided” or “facetious” – but there were few other conclusions to draw from a day in which eight wickets fell yet only one was taken.Lancashire’s seven were shed in the pursuit of quick runs to hammer a tiring Middlesex attack further into the dust. Even Tim Murtagh’s shoulders, constantly in a slumped relaxed state, plummeted to knee height. Even Murtagh, a bowler who can make the ball talk for fun could barely muster a whimper from a pitch that does the long-form more harm than good.What should have been a compelling day’s cricket, in near-perfect conditions, asked spectators to find their own source of amusement. The evening session hosted a low sun and with it the chance for them to shed some clothing, get some colour and indulge in the sorts of conversations with opposing fans that only beer and minor heatstroke encourages.”So you see, it’s those bastards across the way – they’re the tight ones,” concluded one such tête-à-tête. It’s those across the way that Lancashire are looking to build a lead over: level on points with Yorkshire going into this match but leading Division One by virtue of number of games won.Middlesex, with their six draws from seven, sat 16 points off the Northern rivals. This fixture between first and fourth felt like it could set the tone for the next half of the season, when captains roll the dice and each session weighs heavier on the nerves.The opening exchanges were very much in Lancashire’s favour as they amassed their highest innings score of the season. Alviro Petersen was thoroughly unflustered, picking up where he left off to add 86 to an overnight 105: perhaps the only surprise was his failure to bring up his double hundred. Looking to move the game on, he was caught and bowled by Toby Roland-Jones, whose 31-over toil was made relatively worthwhile by four wickets.Flanking Petersen were the offerings from the middle order cavalry of Steven Croft, Karl Brown and Liam Livingstone. It was with Livingstone in particular that the most damage was done: 103 runs put on together at six an over – 67 coming in 11 overs after lunch, as Livingstone brought up a 54-ball half-century filled with reverse sweeps and the odd wristy thwack through the leg side. To nitpick, 500 perhaps should have come up easier than it did: a scampered single between Lancashire’s 10 and 11 that nearly resulted in a run out.But even with scoreboard pressure and a 12-over session before tea bowled by Kyle Jarvis and Neil Wagner – perhaps the best opening duo in the domestic game at present – Lancashire were unable to land a telling blow on the hosts. Even the one wicket they managed looked a tad lucky, though that is simply going by Sam Robson’s forlorn expression after he had been adjudged caught at first slip off the leg spin of Matt Parkinson. The disappointment was understandable: he had looked on the cusp of one of those Lord’s vigils he embarks upon when he basically invokes squatter’s rights.If anything, Robson’s wicket sharpened Nick Gubbins’ focus, who gave up driving for a while and worked his way to 71 at the close. He will recommence tomorrow with Stevie Eskinasi, who goes to bed on a new first class best of 43.Lancashire will be hoping that when they wake up tomorrow the pitch might too. Unfortunately this is yet another Lord’s track that needs a defibrillator rather than a roller. The new ball brings something out of it but not for long. From then on, whatever movement there is comes once the ball had passed the stumps. Steven Croft found that out the hard way as he scrabbled around to contend with the late dips and swerves. The skip in his step at the start of the final session had slowed to a trudge when stumps was called.If anything, perhaps the Lancashire bowlers might leave the match with a bit of sympathy for their Middlesex counterparts, whose charge has consistently been hampered by these sorts of pitches. Still, the Championship leaders have got themselves into a position where they almost certainly cannot lose. If they are not still bowling by this time tomorrow then they should consider that a victory.

Leeds United may have enlisted the help of Sam Allardyce for the present, but everyone including the 68-year-old likely knows that this is not a move for the future.

It merely poses a stopgap to hopefully ensure their continued participation in the Premier League, which not only would secure them huge financial benefits but also retain their allure that attracts the top players from abroad.

However, once the former Bolton Wanderers head coach is done, whether his job is a successful one or not, it is a top manager that chairman Andrea Radrizzani will seek either to maintain their top-flight status once again or to help earn it back at the first time of asking.

Most importantly however, they must seek out an identity once more, as amidst the three bosses that have succeeded Marcelo Bielsa, this seems to have gone amiss.

Leeds manager news – Is Ange Postecoglou a target?

The stature of such a historic football club means that even if relegation becomes their fate, they might still boast the pulling power to tempt a top manager from elsewhere. This is emphasised through their reference within a report from Football Insider detailing the future of Ange Postecoglou from earlier this week.

Having been shortlisted by several top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, the Whites are noted as a long-term suitor for the Australian who continues to earn unbridled success at Celtic.

Should they tempt him to Elland Road, no matter the division, the intelligent leader is sure to recapture some semblance of an identity with ease. He could be the first man since Bielsa to get them back on track and return some good times to Yorkshire.

What is Ange Postecoglou's style of play?

Enjoying a philosophy shrouded within a 4-3-3 shape, the 57-year-old bares striking tactical similarities with the likes of Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, as they all prefer a gung-ho style that makes their teams relentless in the press.

As such, the use of inverted fullbacks allows them both to build from the back and put a stranglehold on their opposition, piling men forward to win the ball back high up the pitch.

With such heavy metal football, it is hard not to liken Postecoglou to the legendary Argentine who transformed the culture of the club.

LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross even went as far as to claim: "It's astonishing, he is a deity, he is god-like," but not before noting the play style that shocked the division: "It's very, very carefree. They obviously attack at will, taking so many shots in the box at teams, regardless of who they are playing."

Whilst the Celtic boss is not quite as revered, the signs are there to suggest he could achieve those levels whilst operating in a similar system. He has also been on the end of plenty of praise too, although few as superlative as Cross'.

The academy manager of his Parkhead club, Chris Smith, did take to Twitter to laud the tactician:

"Having the opportunity to listen to Ange Postecoglou talk about how he wants to play football and how he wants to work with his staff and players is absolutely phenomenal! Best speaker I’ve listened to by a country mile."

This desire to micromanage the whole club only adds to the similarities.

Given that he has already won two league titles and two cups across just two seasons in Scotland, with a points-per-game average of 2.35, it is clear to see why he is so sought-after.

Should Radrizzani somehow convince him to be the man to succeed Allardyce, given his stature in the game and incredible play style, all the signs are pointing towards an exciting Bielsa repeat, where a second managerial god could soon be formed at Elland Road.

Sri Lanka’s coach, Graham Ford, has suggested no-ball calls be made purely via the use of technology, on a day in which his team was on the receiving end of an incorrect umpiring decision

Andrew Fidel Fernando at Lord's12-Jun-2016Sri Lanka’s coach, Graham Ford, has suggested front-foot no-ball calls be made purely via the use of technology, on a day in which his team was on the receiving end of an incorrect umpiring decision*.Nuwan Pradeep bowled Alex Hales in the 46th over of England’s innings but was denied the wicket when umpire Rod Tucker immediately deemed the bowler to have overstepped. Replays showed a fraction of Pradeep’s boot had in fact been behind the line.Sri Lanka’s team management then unfurled a national flag from the dressing room balcony as a “gesture of support” for their players. This flag was later taken down, after MCC informed team management that no flags or banners were allowed at Lord’s.SLC to complain to ICC

SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala has said the board plan to lodge a complaint with the ICC over the incorrect no-ball decision that he described as “unacceptable”. Sumathipala, at Lord’s for the Test, is Sri Lanka’s director on the ICC board.
“The management on tour is very sad about that decision and it will be reported to the ICC,” he said.
The team can also make their views on the decision known to the ICC via the reporting mechanism available to them through international series.
Sumathipala suggested the display of the national flag from the team’s balcony was a protest, though neither the team manager nor the coach characterised it as such, instead calling it a “gesture of support” for the team.
“The flag is a symbol,” Sumathipala said. “It is a mark to say we are not happy with the decision. To show solidarity and fight back.”

Ford said Tucker had repeatedly apologised for the mistake, but said cricket should take no-ball calls out of umpires’ hands.”I guess the ICC are going to have to look at it,” Ford said. “It just seems strange that with the technology that is available you can get a line call wrong. The line doesn’t move, and surely we can get to a point where that problem can be taken out of cricket. You’d think the best solution would be for the umpires to worry about what’s going on down the other end and for technology to look after the line call.”A large percentage of no-ball calls are already referred to the third umpire – but this is usually only when a batsman has been given out, and the umpires wish to confirm that the delivery was legal. In this case, neither Tucker nor the Sri Lanka team could have reviewed the decision, since a no-ball call cannot be overturned once the on-field umpire has signaled it. The rationale here is that batsmen may change their stroke on hearing it is a no-ball, though in this case Hales admitted that he was not aware the bowler had overstepped until after his stumps had been rattled.”Umpiring is a ridiculously hard job anyway,” Ford said. “Take one bit of pressure and one little problem away from them. The eye specialists all tell you that it’s very difficult to be focusing on something a metre away and then focus on something 22 yards away within a split second. Maybe take that problem away from them and let them get on with the decision-making.”There had also been consternation in the Sri Lanka dressing room when a similar incident occurred during the third day of the Chester-le-Street Test. On that occasion, Steven Finn trod close to the line when bowling the delivery that dismissed Kaushal Silva in the second innings. The batsman was given out, then the front foot reviewed by the third umpire, who upheld the decision when a fraction of Finn’s boot was shown to have landed behind the line.Ford said Sri Lanka had eventually come to peace with that decision. But team management had approached match referee Andy Pycroft for the second time in the series over no-ball decisions.A Sri Lanka flag was briefly hung from the balcony of the visiting dressing room•Getty Images”There was a very tight no-ball incident in Durham,” Ford said. “On our little TV in the dressing room, it looked as though it was a no-ball. We thought that one of our batsmen had been harshly dealt with. When we went across to the match referee, they showed us on their high definition screen that there was actually something behind the line. That was a legal delivery. Today when we went to see the match referee, this was more thinking whether we had the wrong picture again on our TV screen, and to go across and confirm.”The flag display meanwhile, occurred for less than an hour. Both Ford and team manager, Charith Senanayake, said they were happy to immediately take it down, once they were informed of MCC’s policy about banners and flags in the ground. MCC had allowed Sri Lanka Cricket to host a fundraiser in the Lord’s long room last weekend.”At that stage, I thought the boys were fighting really hard out there and showing a lot of character, but a few things hadn’t gone their way. Putting the flag out was to show a bit of support from the dressing room, try and boost the morale and let them know we’re really supporting them. That was the feeling from our lads. We then found out that’s not the done thing, and had to take it down. I fully understand that, and it’s not an issue at all.”* 20.30 GMT – This story was updated with Graham Ford’s quotes

Wolverhampton Wanderers had to settle with defeat at Old Trafford, as Julen Lopetegui’s side lost 2-0 against top-four hopefuls Manchester United.

A goal in the first half from Anthony Martial drew first blood, followed by a late blow from the newly returning Alejandro Garnacho that sealed Wolves’ fate in Manchester.

The visitors succumbed to a wave of pressure from Erik ten Hag’s team, with the Red Devils registering 3.20 xG and firing a total of 27 shots towards goal – as per Sofascore.

Lopetegui’s side mediated the game through possession, controlling 52% of the proceedings, however, could not settle the attacking threat of the hosts, who were hungry for goals following back-to-back 1-0 defeats in their previous two.

With survival confirmed, the defeat didn’t have fatal repercussions for Wolves, however following Crystal Palace’s win, the Molineux-outfit were unable to remain level on points with the Londoners in 12th, leaving them in 13th with just two games to go.

There was speculation prior to the game as to whether Lopetegui would make alterations going forward, with his side being the lowest scorers in the league, however, it was a contrasting change that saved Wolves from potential embarrassment at the Theatre of Dreams.

The former Real Madrid boss shocked fans as he handed Daniel Bentley his Premier League debut in goal ahead of Jose Sa, following his arrival at Molineux in January from Championship representatives Bristol City.

How did Daniel Bentley perform vs Manchester United?

At 29 years of age, the Basildon-born keeper was granted his first appearance in the Premier League by Lopetegui as the end of the season is in sight.

It was a dramatic occasion to be introduced to the top division, however, the Englishman showed no doubt of his quality in the Manchester sunshine with a “brilliant” display, as per journalist Chris Phillips.

Described as being “very calm” by his manager who spoke to the media after the game, Bentley kept the hosts at bay for the majority of the game, denying a number of efforts lashed at him in the bid to increase the scoreline.

The shot-stopper, who took 48 touches, gained an impressive Sofascore match rating of 8.0, making him his team’s top performer on the day by a long stretch, with Ruben Neves scoring 7.3 as second-best for the visitors.

Lopetegui executed an impressive switch between the posts exquisitely, with Bentley making eight saves in 90 minutes, as well as preventing 0.48 xG in what was a high-pressure fixture considering United’s desire to win after some disappointing form.

United registered nine shots on target in the game, with four of those being deemed as big chances in what could’ve been a bloodbath for the visitors to deal with had their 'keeper not stepped up to the task.

It wasn’t just praise from his own camp that the 29-year-old received, but from United captain Bruno Fernandes who told BBC after the game that his team simply had to “compliment him.”

“Their 'keeper had a really good game to keep Wolves in the game. It wasn’t a case of wasting our chances. Their 'keeper did a really good job.”

Despite the result, it’s high praise for the debutant who relished in the pressure and occasion at Old Trafford, giving Lopetegui a headache regarding selection for the final two games.

If England succeed against Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer they will complete a set that few would have contemplated possible two years ago

Melinda Farrell at Headingley18-May-2016Turn back a year, to the two-Test series against New Zealand, with low expectations of a team rising from the fiasco that was the World Cup, and few would have foreseen the bright summer that captured the public’s imagination and reinvigorated a young and exciting England side.Turn back another, and the knives were sharpening for whoever was left standing after an Ashes pasting that left the team in tatters and ended several careers.It seems astonishing, therefore, that England are just two series wins away from holding all nine bilateral Test series trophies. If they succeed against Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer they will complete a set that few would have contemplated possible two years ago.”I think it would be a great achievement,” Alastair Cook, England’s captain, said. “People have spoken about it over the last couple of weeks and I don’t think there’s any harm in that if it inspires us to do it. But actually achieving that will be hard work. We know that and it’s not going to be given to us against two good sides.”In a testament to his durability, Cook has weathered the turmoil, led each new round of new eras and now stands on the cusp of becoming the first English player to reach 10,000 Test runs.That he will reach the milestone as England captain is, he acknowledges, down to his stubbornness and determination never to quit. It will be fitting, too, if he passes the mark against Sri Lanka at Headingley; it was during England’s loss in the corresponding Test two years ago – as Angelo Matthews and Rangana Herath frustrated England’s bowlers with a match-winning partnership – that Cook reached his nadir as captain and was on the verge of quitting, in his own words “close enough that you wouldn’t want to get any closer”.Cook on…

Reaching 10,000 Test runs: “It would mean a lot and hopefully I can get there sooner rather than later so we can talk about something else. It’s a big milestone in terms of the people who have done it previously so it would be great to try and score these 36 runs. I’ve just got to put that to bed and try and do what I’ve done in the previous 10 years, which is concentrate on that ball coming down and nothing else. If it’s your day, go big and get a big score.”
James Vince’s debut: “I haven’t seen him play for a couple of years but I did see him play a few years ago when I was standing at first slip for Essex and he’s one of those players who had a lot of time and he timed the ball really well. They are two things that made him stand out then and over the years I think he’s matured a lot and to watching him go about his business mentally he looks ready for Test cricket. Talking to people, the way he’s operated in the T20 and ODI squad, Trevor [Bayliss] and Paul [Farbrace] rate him very highly and he’s the kind of character you need.”

“I just thought about that what had gone on since January 30 that year to what had gone on there really. It was a tough three or four months off the field as much as on the field,” he said.”I’ve never really quit on anything. I probably had about two percent left in me saying if you walk out now you still have a bit more to offer that side really. So I suppose me being stubborn, probably, and not quitting… I don’t really want to be known as a quitter.”It was certainly a tough day, the fourth night was tougher than the fifth,” Cook said of England’s Headingley defeat, which was confirmed from the penultimate ball of the Test. “I was very proud of the way we battled on the fifth day but the damage had already been done. It’s an amazing game of fine margins, that series. Minus the last ball [that] didn’t quite carry [at Lord’s] and then Angelo Mathews nicked a ball which didn’t quite carry and then he went on to get a brilliant 160, which won them the game.”It was a game of fine margins and Sri Lanka came out on top and thoroughly deserved it. It was a real tough moment for me as a captain, there’s no doubt about that, but I’m glad I hung in there for what’s happened since.”While Cook leads a far more settled side into this series, questions surround those batting alongside him in the top order, despite a successful tour of South Africa. But while he admits the consistency has been missing from the top three, Cook is keen for Alex Hales and Nick Compton to tune out the dissenters and embrace their own, contrasting styles of play.”Until someone really grabs that opportunity and nails it then there’s always going to be questions asked,” Cook said. “Alex is the man in possession at the moment and the way he played, certainly the one-day series against South Africa, five scores above 50 – the way he played, certainly watching back home, showed everyone he’s not just a T20 specialist. He played proper cricket. He wasn’t just whacking the ball. I thought he played some excellent shots and he looked really controlled. He can certainly play at this level.”As always with these things you want to get a big score to try and prove that to people and do it consistently. That’s his challenge and it’s the same for Nick as well. He got a really good 80 at Durban and that was only four games ago and that helped set up in tricky conditions a score that we were able to push on and win. The guy’s a fighter and he’s just got to relax and play.”Cook can no doubt relate to Compton’s situation – that of being a more traditional top-order batsman who excels in blunting the new ball and accumulating, rather than accelerating, in a world where aggressive batting has become far more fashionable.But many of Cook’s 9,964 Test runs to date have come via nudges and nurdles, and many more will likely follow in the same manner. As he leads his side out for the first session of England’s summer campaign, the man who was 98% sure he would hand in his notice is now sure of his place.”It’s probably taken me three years to feel comfortable in the job and hopefully I can carry on for a bit. While I’m still enjoying it and while the guys are still responding I’m staying there.”

Glasgow Rangers have little to play for this season following their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat last weekend at Hampden.

Defeat ended their chances to defend the trophy they won last year, while their Old Firm rivals have the Premiership title all but wrapped up, with thoughts turning to 2023/24.

Michael Beale faces a challenging summer, with an overhaul of the playing squad badly needed, and this could define the rest of his tenure. If he gets it right, the Light Blues could challenge for the title, but get it wrong, and he could be on his way out of Ibrox.

There are seven first-team players out of contract this summer, with the likes of Filip Helander, Steven Davis and Allan McGregor all expected to depart in the coming weeks.

Beale should also be trying to move on some deadwood that could bring in some vital funds in order to build the team that he wants, and Scott Wright could be such a player heading for the exit door.

Could Scott Wright leave Rangers this summer?

Back in February, Football Insider reported that Rangers rejected offers for the winger in January, but they could be set to receive offers during the summer transfer window, with this being the prime opportunity to move him on.

Wright's performances this year have dropped considerably from 2021/22. Last season, he scored seven times and grabbed three assists, even netting in the Scottish Cup final victory over Hearts, yet he hasn’t kicked on this term.

Across 32 appearances in all competitions so far, Wright has managed to register just two assists, and if the club are aiming to dominate Scottish football once again, a major upgrade is surely required.

Former Ibrox defender Alan Hutton has previously criticised the player for his lack of attacking output, saying: “I think there is definitely a question mark over him.

“He has been used a lot as an impact sub and at times he has done well. I think he needs to do more. He has got the ability but he needs to do it on a [consistent] basis.

“So it would not surprise me if the manager is looking at different options. He will want to put his own stamp on the team as well.”

The £5.6k-per-week Scot has shown glimpses of his talent during his spell at the club, but this won't be good enough heading into one of the most important campaigns in Rangers' recent history.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale is seemingly in the market to bolster his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign after a disappointing season at Ibrox.

The Light Blues have already been knocked out of all the domestic and European cup competitions that they were involved in and are 13 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table with five games left to play.

This means that the Gers are on course to end the season without a single trophy to show for their efforts despite sacking manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst in favour of Beale to rescue their campaign during the World Cup break last year.

The English boss has been unable to bring success in terms of silverware this term but the summer transfer window will now provide him with an opportunity to improve his team with a view to competing in 2023/24.

One player who has been linked with a move to Glasgow is Aston Villa central midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, who is currently out on loan at Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship, and he could be the dream partner for Nicolas Raskin at Ibrox.

Beale signed the England youth interview for QPR at the start of the season and worked with him during his time with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, with the boss now eyeing either a loan or permanent swoop this summer.

How has Iroegbunam performed this season?

The 19-year-old has been a solid operator in the Championship and displayed his qualities as a defensive workhorse in the middle of the park, which could allow Raskin to thrive in Scotland.

He has averaged 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game, winning 50% of his duels, and this shows that the £12k-per-week ace regularly cuts out opposition attacks with his aggression and anticipation.

Iroegbunam has also chipped in with two goals and one assist whilst creating 0.6 chances per game for QPR and has the potential to contribute in the final third, with boss Gareth Ainsworth claiming the teen "glides past people".

Last season, the youngster made three appearances for Villa in the Premier League and caught the eye with 2.4 tackles and interceptions and a duel success rate of 80%, which proved that he can handle himself physically at the top level.

By comparison, Raskin has only created 0.1 chances per match across seven Premiership outings since joining the Gers in January but managed 1.1 key passes per outing and created four 'big chances' in 16 games for Standard Liege during the first half of the campaign.

His form in Belgium showed that the midfielder has the quality to be a creative threat from the middle of the park and thus, bringing in an energetic and defensive-minded machine in the form of Iroegbunam could allow the 22-year-old to step forward and make things happen in possession.

Instead of being tied down to defensive duties, Raskin could use the shield that the Villa teen may provide to use his qualities on the ball to split open defences and create opportunities for the club's forwards.

Therefore, Iroegbunam could be a dream partner for the Belgian talent next season.

Mauricio Pochettino looks as if he will become Chelsea's new manager and the Argentine will no doubt have been watching on as the Blues were defeated 2-0 at home by Brentford last night.

Frank Lampard made it five defeats from five as interim manager against the Bees, with his tactics and team selection once again questioned by Chelsea fans.

One peculiar decision by the Englishman has seen N'Golo Kante feature in an advanced role in Chelsea's 3-4-2-1 formation, with the Frenchman missing big chances against both Brentford and Real Madrid.

There is no doubting the former Leicester City man's quality but finishing has never been his greatest strength, and the Blues are surely missing his incredible energy in the middle of the park.

Therefore, when Pochettino does take over at Stamford Bridge, he must ensure that the 32-year-old is utilised correctly, as Lampard clearly doesn't know how to get the best out of him.

How did Kante play against Brentford?

According to Sofascore, the 32-year-old was actually ranked as Chelsea's best player on the pitch against the Bees, earning a strong 7.6 rating for his performance.

While he was able to utilise his ball-winning abilities higher up the pitch, winning eight duels and three tackles, he doesn't seem to possess the necessary quality in the final third, as he also lost possession on 22 occasions and put both of his shots off target.

Kante has spent much of this season on the sidelines through injury but has impressed since returning to the side, averaging a strong 7.04 rating from WhoScored which sees him ranked as the second-best performer at Stamford Bridge.

He also ranks second for tackles and first for key passes per game, which emphasises just how influential he can be in the middle of the park, but his record of just 13 goals in 267 appearances for the Blues suggests that he cannot be considered a reliable option in front of goal.

The World Cup winner will undoubtedly be a key part of Pochettino's squad when he takes over but given that the Argentine has shown a preference for a 4-3-3 formation in his career, there is surely no room for Kante in any of those attacking positions.

Graham Potter would laud the experienced midfielder as "world-class" during his time at Stamford Bridge and while nearly every top manager would agree, Lampard is clearly not playing to his strengths right now, and it has been a factor in the Blues missing out on a European spot in the Premier League.

Therefore, Pochettino must ensure that Kante returns to a more familiar central midfield position whenever he takes over at Stamford Bridge, otherwise, it is difficult to see how Chelsea are going to end their woes in front of goal.