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Rangers’ decision to sign Borna Barisic from NK Osijek in the summer of 2018 certainly looks to have been a masterclass from Steven Gerrard and former sporting director Mark Allen, as the left-back’s value has skyrocketed since making the move to Ibrox.

The Croatian international was signed after impressing against Rangers in the Europa League qualifying stages and has gone on to become a regular during his time at Ibrox.

The defender has now made 109 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has contributed a superb seven goals and 31 assists from left-back.

His performances in the Scottish Premiership this season have been phenomenal, as he has contributed one goal and five assists in 30 league appearances, which has seen him average a superb 7.35 rating.

This is enough to see him ranked as Gerrard’s fifth-best performer in the top-flight so far this season, with only Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo, Connor Goldson and James Tavernier rated higher, so it is clear to see just how important he has become for the Light Blues over the past few seasons.

His impressive performances on the pitch have been reflected in his market value according to Transfermarkt, which has significantly increased during his time in Scotland.

The 28-year-old’s current value of £4.95m is the highest it has ever been, and it also represents a 275% increase from his value at the point of his signing, when the website suggested he was valued at just £1.8m.

Barisic was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur last year and it was suggested then that the North London club would have to pay £22m if they wanted to sign him, so whilst Gerrard will be keen to keep him at Ibrox for the long term, he can be safe in the knowledge that the club will receive a significant profit should he depart.

Following those rumours, former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae was full of praise for Barisic, saying:

“He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Therefore, Allen and Gerrard both deserve a lot of credit for bringing Barisic to Ibrox, as it has proven to be an excellent decision from both a footballing and a financial point of view.

And, in other news… Gerrard has a huge Rangers decision to make on “terrific” gem after rampant Old Firm display

West Ham’s approach to Sunday night’s game against Manchester United will have strengthened Declan Rice’s desire to move on from the club, according to The Mirror journalist Andy Dunn.

Dunn was critical of the Hammers for their lack of ‘ambition’ at Old Trafford after they failed to register a single shot in the first half and were unable to test Dean Henderson after the interval.

Moyes had opted for a conservative shape comprising three central defenders, two wing-backs and three defensive midfielders.

“Containment does not scream ambition. And containment does not keep £100million-plus players,” Dunn wrote.

Who might be looking at Declan Rice?

Rice is a player in demand. According to The Guardian, Chelsea were interested in bringing him back to the club after his eight years in their academy. Frank Lampard was said to be the driving force behind that proposed move, so his sacking in January may nip it in the bud.

However, The Guardian’s report also cited ‘suggestions’ that Rice could be a summer target for Liverpool.

Still, after West Ham’s hugely impressive ascent from relegation candidates last season to top four chasers now, plenty of supporters were unhappy with Dunn’s comments, which one Irons fan dubbed “embarrassing”.

Journalist under fire for Declan Rice column

“how is this allowed to be published?”

Credit: @WHU_MG

“So negative that Moyes has his team fifth in the table, three points off a CL spot? Come on Andy, you can do better than that.”

Credit: @kumbdotcom

“literally 5th in the league”

Credit: @scairrr

“It was one game”

Credit: @danwhu_

“We’re sitting 5th, who even is this guy”

Credit: @WHUFC_COYI_

“Embarrassing from a so called journalist.”

Credit: @nobby_hammer

“Here we go, press on the move to unsettle. Last night wasn’t great bit we still showed how far we have progressed.”

Credit: @gdcad

In other news, find out who’s top of the list for GSB as scouts sent on a mission.

David Sullivan can land West Ham a dream heir to Lukasz Fabianski, amid claims the Premier League club have expressed an interest in signing Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

What’s the word?

According to the Manchester Evening News, Henderson will seek to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season if he has not established himself as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s number one, with the Irons making it clear they are keen.

The 23-year-old has grown ‘frustrated’ by his lack of playing time and has no interest in accepting another year as David de Gea’s back-up, with the Spaniard currently still the first-choice shot-stopper.

Henderson is understood to have expressed his discontent with having only started two Premier League games this term to Solskjaer, who has continued to back De Gea despite calls to axe the former Real Madrid target following errors this season.

Top-flight clubs are already lining up at the door looking to sign Henderson if he does quit the Red Devils, with London rivals Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham all expressing their interest in a transfer.

But any permanent deal is expected to be difficult to orchestrate with Manchester United slapping a £40m asking price on their £100,000-per-week ‘keeper, who only penned a new, five-year contract last August following his return from a loan spell at Sheffield United.

Henderson is also considered to be the Red Devils’ next number one by Solskjaer, yet senior figures at Old Trafford feel pressured into playing De Gea due to the 30-year-old being their top-earner on a £375k-p/w deal.

Should West Ham sign Henderson?

West Ham should not fear the implications for Manchester United of parting with Henderson in the summer and go all out for the signature of the one-game England international, who could be David Moyes’ dream heir to Fabianski.

Fabianski is beginning to face serious doubt over his London Stadium future with the Poland international due to be out of contract in the summer, having yet put pen to paper on new terms despite stating that talks were underway back in December.

The former Arsenal and Swansea City shot-stopper is still producing top-draw performances between the posts, even when results go astray, much like in the FA Cup defeat to Solskjaer’s side earlier this month.

Yet, at 35, he represents the past more than the future, and that is where Henderson can come in, win the number one jersey, as well as a home for years to come.

Chris Wilder lauded Henderson as an “outstanding” goalkeeper during his time at Bramall Lane, where his efforts won him a place in the England squad before making his debut in a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in November of last year.

Henderson may barely have featured for Manchester United since returning to Old Trafford, but came in from the cold to impress in the Europa League against Real Sociedad in a 4-0 rout last Thursday.

“Dean tonight was very solid, good kicking, should have had an assist for Marcus [Rashford], which is another thing we worked on today,” Solskjaer said, via quotes by the Manchester Evening News. “He was clean in his handling, clean with his short passes, a good performance and he is maturing all the time.”

So, if Fabianski’s time at the London Stadium is nearing its end and Henderson is open to leaving Old Trafford, Sullivan should be going big to bring the Whitehaven-born ‘keeper to the capital.

AND in other news, West Ham may rival a top-six Premier League side for a 16-y/o whizkid this summer…

Southampton received yet another blow at the weekend as it was confirmed that star striker Danny Ings is set to miss around four weeks of action through injury but in his absence, Ralph Hasenhuttl should rely on youngster Nathan Tella to step up.

The academy talent has established himself as something of a regular in Southampton’s matchday squad in recent weeks and was handed the second Premier League start of his career in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United at the weekend.

The 21-year-old was originally seen as a winger but impressed in a striker role for David Horseman’s B team earlier in the season, scoring four goals in a 5-2 win against Leicester City in the Premier League 2.

This was clearly enough to convince Hasenhuttl to give him more regular chances in his first-team, as he has gone on to make nine appearances in the Premier League, as well as one in the FA Cup, where he earned his first assist for the senior side in the 2-0 win against Wolves.

Tella was originally selected alongside Ings in attack at Bramall Lane at the weekend but when the former Liverpool man was forced off injured in the first half, he partnered Che Adams, which could well be Hasenhuttl’s preferred front two for upcoming fixtures, as both impressed with their performances.

The former Arsenal youngster was a constant thorn in the Sheffield United defence with his pace and willingness to make runs in behind, which led to Southampton’s opening goal, as he was fouled by Ethan Ampadu for a penalty, which James Ward-Prowse tucked away.

Following the game, Hasenhuttl was full of praise for Tella, saying:

“He can be a threat against everybody because he is quick, even on the ball, he is calm.

“He is never nervous, he is never arrogant and he has a good mixture of enjoying what he is doing and staying calm on the pitch.”

Therefore, it seems clear that the Austrian is a big fan of Tella and he should have faith in him to step up in the absence of Ings for the next month or so, despite him having made just 12 senior appearances for Southampton in his career thus far.

And, in other news… Southampton will rue missing out on “technically outstanding” £21.6m-rated record-breaker

Newcastle United were reportedly close to signing Arkadiusz Milik, according to football journalist Vincenzo Morabito.

Speaking to Calcio Napoli 24, he claimed that the St. James’ Park faithful made a transfer offer of €20m (£17.3m), but Napoli considered his value to be around €25-30m (£21.6-25.9m).

It is not specified when the North East club made their offer, but what is for sure is that they were only a few million pounds away from matching their valuation and potentially securing his signature.

Newcastle should sign Milik

The Tyneside club should come back in for Milik in the summer transfer window should he become available to be purchased.

The Poland international is a born goal scorer, with a total of no fewer than 133 (Transfermarkt) senior goals scored for both club and country combined over the course of his footballing career so far.

His old manager for the Polish national team Jerzy Brzeczek described him as an ‘incredible’ player back in November of last year, and England fans may be able to take a better glimpse of him when they play each other in an upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Nonetheless, the 27-year-old could well serve as a decent back-up striker to Callum Wilson and thus ease the goal-scoring burden off of the former AFC Bournemouth ace, or even play in a front two together.

In other news, find out what big claim has been dropped on Rafa Benitez and the potential takeover here!

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Crystal Palace target Jordan Amavi seems set for a return to the Premier League.

What’s the word?

It seems Palace are in the market for a new left-back to compete with Tyrick Mitchell after it was revealed that talks between the club and Patrick van Aanholt have stalled, meaning the experienced veteran is likely to leave Selhurst Park in the summer.

Amavi has also reportedly rejected fresh offers of a new contract which has paved the way for potential suitors to eye up a cut-price deal in the January transfer window or wait until the summer when his contract will run out.

Palace are believed to be considering a move for the French defender as they look to provide competition for Mitchell.

Ideal cover and competition

The Frenchman has spent nearly four years at the Ligue 1 outfit having left Aston Villa after initially joining on loan for the entirety of the 2017/18 season.

Amavi is into the final six months of his current deal but could already be on his way out and Palace could be the perfect destination.

The Eagles are struggling to string together a positive run of results in the Premier League at the moment. In their last three games in all competitions alone, they have conceded five goals, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

Barring a 2-0 victory over Premier League strugglers Sheffield United, Palace haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet in the top flight since the 1-0 win at home to Southampton at the start of the season, which has become a bit of a concern for Hodgson.

The potential loss of Van Aanholt would leave Hodgson desperately short of options on the left-hand side of the defence. Therefore, Steve Parish needs to prioritise a new fullback this window, and he may not have to look much further than Amavi, whose form has caught the attention of a number of clubs.

In Amavi, Palace may find the perfect replacement for Van Aanholt at Selhurst Park, given the fact he has contributed to the same amount of goals as the Dutchman in Ligue 1 this season.

His attacking contributions are similar to Van Aanholt’s but he makes more tackles (1.2) per match which shows that he possesses a fine positional sense and awareness.

While the £9m-rated ace hasn’t featured prominently in France this season, he is still prepared to put the hard graft in to deny opponents as he currently averages 2.9 interceptions per match, which is more than the 30-year-old (1.2).

Once dubbed a “terrific young player” by former Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood, there’s no doubting the fact that Amavi would make a fine addition to the Palace squad.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace can’t afford to lose Tyrick Mitchell to Arsenal…

Manchester City return to Premier League action with a game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, and Pep Guardiola can give the Citizens a much better chance if he restores Rodri to his starting line up.

The Spanish midfielder was left out of the squad that comfortably beat Marseille 3-0 on Wednesday, but it seems as if that was a minor fitness issue, so it would be a surprise to not see him make the squad that travels to Old Trafford.

So far this season, the 24-year-old has made 10 appearances in the Premier League, averaging a very solid 6.91 rating, suggesting that he has been a big part of City’s impressive defensive record in recent weeks.

Guardiola’s side have kept eight clean sheets in their last ten fixtures in all competitions and will be hoping for a similarly impressive defensive display when they travel to Old Trafford, especially with United having gotten the better of City in recent seasons under Solskjaer.

If City unleash Rodri in a defensive midfield role against United, then perhaps he could be the man to stop Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese midfielder undoubtedly the danger man ahead of the derby, when you consider his incredible start to the season.

In 10 appearances in the Premier League, the former Sporting Lisbon man has contributed an impressive seven goals and four assists, resulting in an average rating of 7.65.

This is enough to see him ranked as the fifth-best player in the top-flight so far this season, suggesting that if City can keep him quiet on Saturday, they give themselves a great chance of winning the game.

However, Rodri, who is valued at £57.6 million by Transfermarkt, has shown on occasions this season that he can bully opposition attackers out of the game using his height and strength, so if he sticks to the Portuguese attacker during the game, perhaps he can prevent him from having much influence.

Back in 2019, Guardiola was full of praise for the Spanish international, saying:

“Rodri was incredible today. We knew it but today I can assure you we have an incredible holding midfielder for the next decade or at least the years he will be here with a contract.”

Therefore, it seems clear that he is highly rated by the City manager, and if he is fit, he should definitely start at Old Trafford on Saturday.

And, in other news… Pep’s latest decision could spell trouble for 23 y/o tipped for a “long career” at City

This has been a torrid festive period for Sunderland. Not because they’ve lost every single game, but because they didn’t actually get to play.

A bout of COVID-19 struck the squad and as a result, they’ve had a number of matches postponed with the Academy of Light being closed until recent days.

For some players, it will have been a huge blow, specifically for the likes of Dion Sanderson – so impressive against Wimbledon – and Charlie Wyke who has been among the goals.

Though, for Jack Diamond, it should have been the biggest disappointment. The tricky winger has finally established himself in Sunderland’s first-team picture but his development has now come to a halt with several matches postponed to a later date.

Unfortunately, his festive period could get even worse when the transfer window opens in a matter of days.

That’s because Lee Johnson wants an attacker that can stretch the play, and he reportedly already has one player in mind. According to Gloucestershire Live, Sunderland are interested in signing Barnsley attacker Luke Thomas.

He is a very similar player to Diamond, utilising his fabulous pace in the final third to good effect and as a result, would surely be a valuable addition to a League One team.

Of course, upsetting the progress of Diamond would be a blow, but if it’s to sacrifice him for a more senior player with a proven track record at this level, it can be no bad thing.

Thomas has failed to score this season which will ring alarm bells, but the last time he played at this level for Coventry in 2018/19, he was a ray of energy. The 21-year-old scored four times and also provided five assists for the Sky Blues.

If Kristjaan Speakman managed to convince him to drop down from the Championship, he would surely be a valuable asset in Sunderland’s quest for promotion.

The price would be Diamond’s development, but in terms of the club’s long-term future, it’s a transfer that would be mightily beneficial.

On a salary of just £6k-per-week, there are also financial benefits, ones that will tie in with the new EFL salary cap. This move seems like a no-brainer, especially when Johnson lacks players with natural pace.

Sunderland can forget about Diamond for the time being.

AND in other news, Donald made a horrific SAFC blunder over gem with 65 goals in 2 years…

According to The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal, Sheffield Wednesday have approached Vladimir Ivic over the vacant managerial role at Hillsborough Stadium.

It’s claimed that representatives from the Owls made an enquiry to the unemployed 43-year-old boss at the end of December, around the time in which Tony Pulis was sacked after only 45 days at the helm.

The Serbian has been out of work since being fired himself at Championship rivals, Watford, though it is thought that he has remained in the UK, instead of returning to his home in Greece.

It is also thought that several teams have approached him across England and the Middle East, and Ivic is merely waiting for the right opportunity.

His short time at the Hornets should tell Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri all he needs to know about why this is a move that should be left at that approach.

Do not pursue him any more.

Ivic was described as “hard as nails, ruthless and a tough nut” upon his arrival at Vicarage Road in the summer, but that evidently didn’t correlate into results on the pitch.

He won nine of 20 matches, leaving them in fifth place but if the hierarchy at Watford didn’t think he was capable of leading them to glory with one of the most expensive squads in the division, then what’s to say he’d be fit for a relegation dogfight?

‘His overly defensive tactics have been unpopular with Watford fans, though, and the team’s style of play has not been easy on the eye,’ wrote the Guardian after his sacking.

Chansiri’s history with appointments should also provide clues into why Ivic should be avoided. Yes, there was a successful stint with Carlos Carvalhal, where the Owls finished in the playoffs in back-to-back campaigns, but his successor Jos Luhukay was some sort of antichrist to that.

Under the Dutchman, they finished in their lowest position in four seasons in 15th, and before the same could be repeated, he was sacked by Christmas.

What the Owls need is someone experienced not only this level, but in keeping teams up. 20 games at Watford isn’t going to be enough to convince you otherwise.

When there are candidates like Paul Cook out there, a man who would have achieved back-to-back survival bids at Wigan but for a points deduction, then names like Ivic shouldn’t be considered.

It’s heading down an all too familiar and dangerous path.

If Chansiri is to listen to his advisors on this one, then Wednesday are on the verge of disaster.

AND in other news, 31 y/o “midfield enforcer” could be a game-changer for Sheffield Wednesday

Newcastle United have been blessed with a plethora of attacking talents over the years, with numerous players capturing the hearts of the fanbase during their time at the club.

From iconic hometown heroes such as Alan Shearer to current-day talents like Alexander Isak, the supporters have been able to witness some truly incredible forwards.

However, they’ve not had everything they would’ve liked, with years of disappointment under former owner Mike Ashley.

At one stage, the Magpies were operating with forwards such as Yoshinori Muto and Joselu, players with high expectations but unfortunately failing to deliver the goods during their time on Tyneside.

Despite the lack of attacking output in recent years, boss Eddie Howe has built a very successful forward line in 2024, with Isak partnered by one player who has rapidly developed at St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon’s stats in 2023/24

After joining the club in a £45m deal from Everton back in January 2023, there was real hope for the addition of winger Anthony Gordon – potentially providing Isak with added ammunition in the final third.

Whilst he endured a disappointing first six months under Howe, scoring just once in his first 12 appearances for Newcastle, he exploded into life last season – producing the best campaign of his professional career to date.

The 23-year-old featured in 35 Premier League matches, scoring 11 times whilst providing ten assists, but it wasn’t enough to help the club secure a second successive European finish as the Magpies ended the campaign in seventh place.

However, his subsequent form was enough to earn a call-up for the England squad for Euro 2024, but he only featured in one game during the entire tournament – with his direct pace and dribbling ignored by Gareth Southgate.

Whilst Gordon produced some impressive figures during his first full season on Tyneside, he was outperformed by one talent who the club allowed to leave on the cheap back in 2018.

Newcastle may regret selling 21-goal ace

After coming through the club’s academy and enduring various loan spells with multiple EFL clubs, boyhood Newcastle fan Adam Armstrong was sold to Championship side Blackburn Rovers for a fee in the region of just £1.8m.

The striker would go on to score 55 times during his time at Ewood Park, before securing a big-money transfer to Southampton in 2021 – with his best-ever season coming during their promotion-winning campaign last time around.

The 27-year-old registered 21 goals and 13 assists in the Championship, scoring the winning goal against Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley, securing an immediate return to the top-flight for Russell Martin’s side.

Adam Armstrong

21

13

34

Alexander Isak

21

2

23

Anthony Gordon

11

10

21

Callum Wilson

9

1

10

Jacob Murphy

3

7

10

Harvey Barnes

5

3

8

Miguel Almiron

3

1

4

Armstrong’s eye for goal was evident on various occasions last season, with a variety of different finishes on show, demonstrating the qualities he possesses in the final third.

Whilst it’s easy to say he’s only achieved these figures in the Championship and not the Premier League, his quality in attacking areas would certainly benefit Howe’s side in 2024, with the club potentially living to regret his cheap departure six years ago.

Even if he wasn’t a first-team member in the current squad, the Magpies would’ve been able to receive a significantly higher fee for a player of his talent.

The deal was an example of numerous poor dealings in the market by former owner Ashley, with the club now in a much better position under the Saudi PIF.

However, his excellent goalscoring figures would provide the added depth that Howe’s side have often lacked in recent years – further aiding the attempts to cement themselves as consistent top-four challengers.

Newcastle sold a defender for £90k, now he has more career goals than Isak

The Magpies previously sold a defender for mere peanuts…

ByRoss Kilvington Sep 8, 2024