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An update has emerged on Rangers’ pursuit of a new manager, regarding a possible candidate for the role…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, 53-year-old Bodo Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen is a coach who has caught Ross Wilson’s eye in his search for Steven Gerrard’s replacement.

The report claims that he is also on Norwich’s shortlist to take over at Carrow Road, whilst the Gers are also plotting talks with ex-Feyenoord man Gio van Bronckhorst.

Dream for Rangers

Wilson could discover a dream Rangers boss in Knutsen with his progressive, front-foot, style and impressive C.V in Norway with Glimt. He broke the goalscoring record in the Norweigan top-flight as his side found the back of the net a whopping 103 times last season as they won the title, whilst his team also beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in the Conference League earlier this term.

This shows that he is capable of setting up a team to play exciting, free-flowing, football to score goals at a ridiculous rate, which could excite Rangers fans and explain why he could be a dream appointment. He could carry on where Gerrard left off and help the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala and Kemar Roofe thrive, as he has shown that he can organise a team to flourish in front of goal.

Glimt captain Ulrick Saltnes described Knutsen’s style as ‘kamikaze’ and the man himself outlined his demands for the players on the pitch, wanting his side to dominate all aspects of the game. He said:

“Dominating doesn’t just mean scoring but also having the possession of the ball and dictating the rules of the game.

“We want to create a team identity that encompasses everyone; players, staff, managers, fans. We must confront ourselves to be able to create this ‘Bodo model’.”

This goes further to show that he wants his team to play in a defined style and will try to employ a dominant, attack-orientated, system at Ibrox. Therefore, he could be an excellent appointment by Wilson if he is able to translate his success over to Scotland.

The Gers chief should, at the very least, explore the move and see if he is a viable option in the coming days as his background suggests that he could be a great addition to the dugout. Supporters could get excited about the prospect of their team firing in the goals on a consistent basis and winning titles under him, following on from what he has achieved in Norway.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for Rangers disaster over 43y/o boss with 0 trophies, fans surely livid…

Wolves are interested in signing Atletico Mineiro left-back Guilherme Arana in the January transfer window, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The Lowdown: Wolves still without Jonny

Bruno Lages’s men have recovered impressively from a disappointing start to the season and now sit 11th in the Premier League, picking up three wins from their last four matches.

While Wolves’ squad looks relatively strong, signing a new left-back could be a priority in January, with Jonny still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and no certainty he will return the same player.

The Latest: Arana linked with move

According to Konur on Twitter on Monday, Wolves have added Arana ‘to their transfer list’ and ‘plan to talk’ to his club about a move in January.

The 24-year-old has one cap to his name for Brazil, also scoring nine goals and registering 15 assists in 81 appearances for Mineiro.

The Verdict: Exciting acquisition?

Arana is a relative unknown to European fans, even though he played 25 times for Sevilla earlier in his career, but he could be an exciting signing for Wolves.

His aforementioned statistics suggest he provides a goal threat from left-back, whether it be through creating or scoring himself, and he is at a good age, in terms of his peak hopefully still being yet to come.

Arana could thrive at wing-back if Lage continues to play a three-man defence, too, with his versatility an added bonus.

In other news, one player has been linked with a return to Wolves. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United centre-back Robin Koch has reportedly undergone successful surgery on a hip injury and is hopeful of returning to action ‘soon’.

The Lowdown: Koch missing for a while

The 25-year-old has been missing since the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Koch limped out of proceedings with a hip problem, and given the severity of the issue, surgery was required in the United States.

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The Latest: Positive update emerges

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], the surgery has been a success and the German is now focusing on being back in the Leeds fold as soon as possible.

Koch will return to the club next week and it is claimed that he could be back on the pitch in the ‘coming weeks’.

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The Verdict: Much-needed boost

There isn’t much positive injury news to report for the Whites currently – the likes of Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford are all out, among others – so this is a welcome boost.

Granted, Koch may not necessarily be a guaranteed starter when fit, but he provides competition for places and is capable of thriving in both defence and midfield, being hailed as ‘magnificent’ by Noel Whelan in the past.

Indeed, with Bielsa’s squad ravaged by absences at the moment, any positive update on the injury front is a most welcome one, not least in defence.

In other news, Leeds could sign a summer transfer target in January, according to a fresh update. Read more here.

Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamer, Pakistan’s newest pace sensation, can be expected to give a few nervous moments to oppostion batsmen

Cricinfo staff01-Jun-2009

Pakistan’s bowling attack for the ICC World Twenty20 could provide some anxious moments to opposition batsmen with the addition of the country’s newest fast bowling sensation Mohammad Aamer to its pace battery. The attack already includes Umar Gul, the leading wicket-taker at the last World Twenty20.Gul said he wanted to do better than last time and would attack the batsmen right from the first ball. “We have a balanced attack and if we bowl to a tight line and length, then we can get teams out or restrict them to gettable totals.”Gul said he preferred bowling first change since more swing could be obtained. “It’s the ideal time to not only stop the flow of runs but to take wickets. We came so close to winning the title in 2007 but it was bad luck. This time round we want to finish it without a blemish. The title, nothing less, is the aim.”Aamer, a 17-year old left-arm fast bowler from Rawalpindi, has said he wants to emulate his idol Wasim Akram’s success in the 1992 World Cup when he plays in the World Twenty20.”I want fairytale success, and will do my best for it,” Aamer said.Aamer, a protégé of Akram who had called for his selection to the national side in July last year, was born only two weeks after Akram’s feats at the 1992 World Cup but said he had watched videos of his idol and that attracted him to cricket. “I was never interested in joining the army. I was attracted by cricket and by Wasim Akram,” he said. In his maiden first-class season, Aamer took 56 wickets in 10 matches for Rawalpindi. He also picked up 15 wickets in List A games and was picked for the Bangladesh tour which was postponed. Along with Mohammad Talha, Aamer is regarded as Pakistan’s latest pace sensation.Shakil Shaikh, the official who spotted Aamer, said his swing and pace was handy. “Aamer’s strong point is that he can judge a batsman after a few deliveries and then plan his deliveries,” Shaikh said.Akram has tipped him to be a revelation in the World Twenty20. “I have watched him more than once and he’s impressive with over 140kmh speed and can swing the ball both ways.”

Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan’s recent lack of international cricket will not hamper their chances at the World Twenty20, due to begin in June, in England

Osman Samiuddin12-May-2009Shahid Afridi believes Pakistan’s recent lack of international cricket will not hamper their chances at the World Twenty20 in England next month. Since January 2007, no team has played as little as Pakistan’s ten Tests and 50 ODIs. Even Bangladesh, the weakest Test-playing nation, have played 15 Tests and 55 ODIs and teams such as Australia and India have played nearly three times as much cricket in that time.The lack of Pakistani participation in the IPL has also not helped, but Afridi, fresh from a successful battle with the Australians, believes Pakistan are strong enough to overcome the dearth. “I don’t feel our lack of cricket will make much of a difference because we are still a strong Twenty20 side,” Afridi told Cricinfo. “We have a pretty similar team to last time with only a few changes and we have Younis [Khan] as captain now. He has done well and taken the team along with him so far and he will be vital come England.”Afridi himself will be a vital plank in Pakistan’s challenge, especially given his fine recent form. He was the leading wicket-taker against Australia, a consistent, nagging threat on slow, low surfaces and pole-axed their batting in Pakistan’s crushing Twenty20 win in Dubai. Few will forget either that he was player of the tournament in South Africa two years ago.England, where he has been effective with the ball in ODIs, offers a different proposition, however. “Wickets in England might be slower, a little less bounce so I’ll make slight adjustments to my bowling,” he said. “Maybe a bit more flight, but generally, as an ODI leggie, you have to be straight and tight and that works in most conditions.”Until the series against Australia, Afridi’s form had been uncertain, especially poor with the bat, over the last year. In 18 matches before the series, his highest score was 28. His bowling, though considerably improved, lacked wicket-taking penetration; in 11 ODIs against established teams last year, he picked up nine wickets.Pressure was building for his place in the side to be scrutinized. “I don’t take or give pressure, no matter what anyone is saying about me. I knew I was backed by the coach, the captain and the team and that is all I needed.”But the form dip did spur him on to a more concentrated fitness and training regime. “It’s come about through a lot of individual effort. I’ve worked really hard on my fitness levels. I used to be tired after bowling six to seven overs previously and then struggle. I’ve also concentrated in the nets on my lines and lengths because for a legspinner this is vital, especially in ODIs. Abdul Qadir [the chief selector] has helped with tips, though it is easy to listen and harder to actually execute.”Significantly, there were indicators of a revival in his batting fortunes. Though there was still no fifty, a couple of unusually responsible, properly constructed 40s stood out. The fight to curb his instincts, Afridi said, goes on. “I have really fought with myself in the ground, talked to myself a lot during my batting. I’ve had to control myself because I need to score runs for the team – that is the priority. I want to continue it in England, where I’ve had some success batting in county games. You need to counter the initial overs there but after that, conditions for lower-order guys like myself, are pretty good.”

Everton face a tricky dilemma over the future of defender Yerry Mina as his absence exposed their defensive frailties over the weekend.

What’s the story?

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fabulous start to the current campaign after several injury-hit years on Merseyside, cementing his status as one of Rafa Benitez’s most important players.

However, Mina’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2023, meaning Everton must soon decide whether to offer him an extension or cash in while they can still demand a high price.

And now, The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has provided an update on the centre-back’s situation, claiming a tough choice lies ahead for the club’s hierarchy.

He tweeted initially: “Everton have a decision to make over Yerry Mina. Two years left on his deal, future uncertain over the summer, but once again missed yesterday. He’s becoming increasingly important to the side’s hopes”.

Everton fans should be excited

After joining Everton in a £27.2m deal back in 2018, Mina has endured three stop-start campaigns where he’s failed to make over 25 Premier League starts in a single season.

Following the impressive form of Ben Godrey last term, the Colombia international was believed to be one of several first-team stars told they were available for transfer if a suitable bid arrived last summer, but his response to that setback has been very impressive.

As per WhoScored, Mina has averaged four clearances per league game in 2021/22, 1.5 interceptions and one tackle, highlighting his importance to the Goodison Park outfit.

Boyland’s latest report also praises the South American’s early-season showings, before stating how his absence from Sunday’s defeat could also see him be rewarded with fresh terms.

“Although fitness concerns mean he is not always able to play back-to-back games, Everton have often looked worse for his absence this season,” the piece reads.

“Quickly he has gone from bit-part figure to a potentially key cog. If there is one blessing to be had from Sunday’s defeat, it is that Everton now have their reminder as to the Colombian’s importance ahead of that all-important decision on his future.”

It remains to be seen whether Everton’s chiefs put a new deal in front of Mina over the coming months, although Boyland’s latest hint should leave the club’s supporters excited over a potential contract renewal.

And, in other news…Never mind Iwobi: EFC dud who completed just 67% passes had a game to forget vs WHU 

A number of Rangers supporters are excited by an official club tweet ahead of their Europa League clash with Lyon later this week.

Steven Gerrard’s side suffered the disappointment of not qualifying for this season’s Champions League following a two-legged defeat to Malmo last month.

The Gers must now focus on impressing in Europe’s second-biggest club competition, looking to go one better than last season’s round of 16 finish when they were eliminated by Slavia Prague.

On Thursday night, Gerrard’s men open their Europa League group stage account with the visit of Lyon to Glasgow, which promises to be a fascinating clash.

The Ligue 1 giants may fancy their chances of beating the Gers, but a passionate Ibrox crowd awaits them.

Ahead of the game, the club’s official Twitter account posted a video in preparation for the game, whetting the appetite nicely in advance by posting a clip of the official Europa League intro and music.

Rangers fans hail club tweet ahead of Europa League clash

These Rangers fans gleefully reacted to the club’s Twitter post, showing their excitement ahead of the match, for which some of them are “buzzing”.

“Probably the best side we’ve come up against since 2010, gonna be an exciting one”

Credit: @JamZar2801

“Can’t wait”

Credit: @honeyball69

“Here we go again. We love you Rangers, we do”

Credit: @JambaWATP21

“Inject this theme music into my veins”

Credit: @EveryOtherSatu1

“Tuneeeeee”

Credit: @jasonlamont72

“Cannot wait to be back at Ibrox this week”

Credit: @FrankyRN51

“Buzzing”

Credit: @jamesC1872

In other news, a pundit has made a key claim regarding one Rangers player’s future. Read more here.

Daniel Vettori has confirmed his text message to Brad Haddin did not contain an apology for his comments on Haddin’s involvement in the dismissal of Neil Broom on Sunday. Broom was given out bowled but replays suggested Haddin’s gloves had broken the stumps and a war of words over Haddin’s integrity erupted after the match.In the lead-up to Friday’s second ODI in Melbourne, Vettori said his message to Haddin was simply a statement of how his comments were intended, rather than an apology for how they were interpreted. However, he said the New Zealanders wanted to put the matter behind them and move on as they aim to build on their 1-0 series lead.”I sent a text to Brad saying whilst we agree to disagree on the situation, there was no inference of anything malicious on my part,” Vettori said. “I said there was no inference of that [cheating] from the team or myself.”Both teams will disagree on the situation and move on. You can’t always be expected to be on the right page with things. Everyone has their own opinion, whatever your opinion is, doesn’t mean it’s right or doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”Australia’s stand-in captain Michael Clarke, who did see the text message sent to Haddin, backed Vettori’s explanation. He said all the Australian players got on well with Vettori and the confusion over the incident would not change that.”I don’t know if it said ‘sorry’, put it that way,” Clarke said of the message. “‘I don’t think you’re a cheat’ – I do remember reading that – ‘and mate, let’s get on with it’.” Despite all the attention on Haddin over the past week and questions over whether he knew he had broken the stumps, Clarke said Haddin had retained his focus impressively.”He’s fine,” Clarke said. “Little things like that don’t bother him too much. I think the main thing was to make sure Brad and Dan were fine, which they’ve done, and he’s looking forward to playing a big role in the next few one-dayers for us.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Deixa o Brasileirão de lado, foco na Copa Sul-Americana. O Fluminense inicia a semana pensando na competição continental e entra em campo na quinta-feira contra a Universidad Católica, do Equador, no jogo de ida da segunda fase. O meia Gustavo Scarpa admite que o elenco jovem pode ter dificuldade para dividir a atenção entre os dois torneios, mas conta com a experiência de Abel Braga para manter o bom nível de atuação e alcançar os resultados positivos.

-– A gente vai sofrer um pouco porque nosso elenco é jovem e vem sofrendo com lesões dos companheiros. Tenho certeza que as decisões do Abel serão sábias e ele vai fazer de tudo pra nos ajudar. Temos chances boas – comentou.

A temporada, em si, vem sendo de dificuldades para o camisa 10 tricolor. Em fevereiro, sofreu uma fissura no pé direito e ficou afastado por quase três meses. Contra o São Paulo, no Morumbi, fez seu 12º jogo após recupera-se.

Individualmente, Scarpa ainda não atingiu o nível de atuação de antes da lesão, mas vem evoluindo a cada partida. Sobre o time de Abel Braga, o meia também vê um crescimento e elogia o padrão que é mantido dentro e fora do Rio.

-Temos chances boas. A gente está tentando jogar um jogo após o outro, tentando crescer e fazer bons jogos. Nossa equipe tenta se impor dentro e fora de casa – avaliou o camisa 10 após o empate em 1 a 1 no domingo.

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Crystal Palace are one of three Premier League sides reportedly keen to secure the services of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport (as relayed by Sport Witness), the Eagles are ‘determined’ to land the highly-rated 22-year-old in the final few days of the current window, although they’re expected to face stiff competition from a couple of Premier League rivals.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in McKennie, and the report states that a swap deal with Spurs for midfielder Moussa Sissoko is an option for Juve.

The capital club are said to want the USA international, courtesy of new director of football Fabio Paratici, who took him to Turin on a permanent basis last year and remains a big fan of the box-to-box dynamo.

Juventus are thought to be open to a swap deal involving Sissoko as he would fit into Max Allegri’s side far more comfortably than the Texan, although Palace and Villa are closely monitoring the situation.

Fans would be delighted

Although McKennie is not believed to be particularly keen on a move to either Villa Park or Selhurst Park, Juventus are aware that the £22.5m-rated youngster can raise them significant funds, meaning an imminent exit could occur.

His arrival in south London is one that would surely delight the Palace supporters, given his potential and past endeavours for the Old Lady and Schalke.

During his time at the Bundesliga outfit, McKennie earned praise from several impressed onlookers following a string of mature performances despite his tender years, including forme manager David Wagner.

“He has embraced this role of taking on more responsibility on the pitch,” commented Wagner, reviewing McKennie’s endeavours in 2019/20 (as relayed by Bundesliga.com). “He is a leader.”

After arriving at the Allianz Arena in a shock move 12 months ago, the American scored six goals and provided two assists in 46 appearances for Juve as they limped to a third-place finish in Serie A.

However, new manager Allegri has reportedly deemed him surplus to requirements, and Palace could potentially be the team to benefit.

It’s not often the Eagles get the opportunity to pick up a talented prodigy from one of European football’s heavyweights, and therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop before one of their domestic rivals snaps McKennie up from under their noses.

And, in other news…Parish must sanction Crystal Palace move for £10.8m-rated gem, Vieira needs him