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Glasgow Rangers have agreed a deal to bring Jose Cifuentes to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Is Jose Cifuentes leaving Los Angeles FC?

The Los Angeles FC midfielder has made 115 appearances for Steve Cherundolo’s side since joining back in 2020, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the calendar year, there’s a strong chance that he’s already looking to find his next destination.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Fabrizio Romano had name-checked the Light Blues as a potential suitor and claimed that conversations regarding a move were “going well”, and the journalist’s remark was soon backed up by a big development.

The Herald recently reported that the 24-year-old was poised to quit the Major League Soccer to fly over to Glasgow and complete a medical to finalise his move to Ibrox, a formality which sounds like it may have since been wrapped up if the following update is to be believed.

Are Rangers signing Cifuentes?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are “set to announce” the arrival of Cifuentes on a pre-contract agreement “soon”. The Ecuador international and the Teddy Bears have made a “breakthrough in talks” and the club are therefore “close” to publicly unveiling him as Michael Beale’s latest signing.

Cifuentes is naturally a central midfielder but is much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game, and having been dubbed the “beating heart” of a team by South American expert Tim Vickery, he would be a top-class recruit should he put pen to paper at Rangers.

The World Cup participant, who pockets £5k-per-week, ranks in the 98th percentile for successful take-ons by players in his position and has recorded a total of 49 shot-creating actions so far this season which is the second-highest in his squad, as per FBRef, with this desire to drive forward resulting in him having three assists to his name in 13 MLS appearances.

The Esmeraldas native, who’s sponsored by Nike, would also provide Beale with wonderful versatility having operated in seven different positions since first bursting onto the scene, including four in the midfield and even all across the frontline, so is a great option for the manager to have at his disposal should any unexpected injuries occur.

Rangers have already completed the signings of Norwich City’s Kieran Dowell, Chelsea’s Dujon Sterling and Crystal Palace’s Jack Butland, and it would appear that Cifuentes is set to follow in their footsteps to become the fourth summer arrival walking through the doors at Ibrox.

Ben Duckett, the Northamptonshire left-hander who has been included in England’s one-day and Test squads, has been named the Cricket Writers’ Club (CWC) Young Player of the Year.Duckett, 21, enjoyed a prolific 2016 season for his county and England Lions. In July, he struck a blistering 220 not out off 131 balls, including 29 fours and six sixes for the Lions in a one-day game against Sri Lanka A, but his highest score of the summer was an unbeaten 282 in the County Championship against Sussex.His tally of 1,338 runs in the County Championship included four hundreds, while he also helped Northamptonshire win the Twenty20 Blast.First presented in 1950, and one of the oldest such honours in cricket, the award, which by tradition is won just once in a career, is restricted to England-qualified players under the age of 23 on May 1. Previous winners of the Cricket Writers’ Club Young Player of the Year award have amassed more than 2,500 Test caps between them. Duckett is the first Northamptonshire player to receive the award since former England batsman Rob Bailey, now an international umpire, in 1984.The County Championship Player of the Year award, presented in association with William Hill, was won by Durham’s Keaton Jennings. The 24-year-old was the leading run-scorer in the competition with 1,548 runs at an average of 64.50 with seven hundreds, including a double century against Yorkshire and another when he carried his bat against Surrey. His career-best 88 in the final was also the highest score during T20 finals day. Jennings is the fifth recipient of an award first presented in 2012.Charlotte Edwards, the former England captain, was named the first winner of the CWC women’s award. She led England to the final of the World T20 in India and finished as England’s leading run scorer, and the tournament’s second highest scorer overall, only to be removed from the England captaincy in a controversial move as team management sought a fresh start.That decision prompted Edwards to retire from international cricket after more than 300 senior matches for her country but she still enjoyed a hugely successful domestic season. Edwards captained three sides to a unique treble in leading Kent to the 50-over County Championship title, the T20 title, and the Southern Vipers to victory in the inaugural T20 Super League.The Cricket Writers’ Club Book of the Year award went to Scyld Berry for Cricket: The Game of Life, and the Peter Smith award for the promotion of cricket to the public went to Mike Selvey, the former cricket correspondent of . All the trophies were presented during the course of the Club’s Annual Lunch – which marks the 70th anniversary of the club – at London’s Merchant Taylors’ Hall on Tuesday.

Everton have been touted as a leading potential suitor to sign Real Betis striker Raul Garcia this summer, according to reports.

Who is Raul Garcia?

Garcia is a Spanish forward and academy graduate at the Benito Villamarin Stadium but currently plays his football at CD Mirandes who he joined on a season-long loan in July 2022, as per Transfermarkt. During his 37 appearances to date on the road, he’s grabbed the attention of Sean Dyche in the Premier League.

Last week, Estadio Deportivo reported that the Toffees had sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in action and are closely monitoring him as a result of believing that he would be a strong signing and be able to perform well in the top flight, and they have been handed an apparent transfer boost after learning that his parent club are willing to listen to any kind of respectable offer put on the table.

Who is signing Garcia?

Now, according to ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness), Everton have been given the green light because Real Betis don’t have Garcia in their long-term “plans” and have therefore “decided to sell” him during the upcoming window.

The La Liga side have already “communicated” their conclusion to the striker and his representatives in “recent days”, and whilst he has a €30m (£26m) release clause, it’s stated that €10m (£8m) is the “initial figure” needed to start negotiations.

The Blues, alongside Brighton and Hove Albion, are the only two suitors name-checked, and whilst the pair are yet to submit any formal bids, there is a “lot of interest”.

Everton have been missing an out-and-out centre-forward this season with the injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, not to mention that both Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms haven't been firing in front of goal, but having been hailed a “composed” finisher by journalist Josh Bunting, Garcia could be the perfect candidate to change their fortunes at Goodison Park.

The 2021/22 Spanish Cup winner has a mightily impressive record in the final third at CD Mirandes this term, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists in 37 La Liga 2 appearances, whilst recording a total of 93 shots which is more than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef.

Garcia doesn’t have any previous experience of playing in England, so on tat basis, it could well take him a bit of time to adjust, but considering how threatening he can be and the prolific edge that he may bring to Dyche’s squad, whether that be in the Premier League or Championship, the hierarchy should definitely test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached this summer.

Aston Villa are turning their attention to the summer transfer window as the 2022/23 campaign comes to a close.

Unai Emery has taken the Villans to new heights, with one game remaining of the Spaniard’s first season that could take the Midlands club to Europe.

Not many could have predicted the success that Villa would lead this term, following the dismissal of Steven Gerrard in October, when the club were loitering towards the bottom three.

The 51-year-old Premier League manager of the year nominee, is targeting more highs in his first full season and is reportedly looking towards an active summer in the transfer window.

Reports have linked a number of La Liga names to Villa Park in the coming window, with news reported over the weekend of the potential progression regarding a Real Madrid star.

What’s the latest on Dani Ceballos to Aston Villa?

As reported by one Foot Mercato journalist, Villa are speculated to have made a “very important” offer to Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in Madrid this summer, sparking rumours of his potential exit ahead of Emery’s interest.

The two were first linked in January when it was reported by Marca that the midfielder rejected a potential move.

What could Dani Ceballos bring to Aston Villa?

Ceballos has had a spell in the Premier League previously, as well as working under Emery while on loan at Arsenal.

Described by the Villa boss as a player that can do “great things”, the midfielder could have a real impact on his current side, with FBref likening him based on statistics to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

The Utrera-born play-maker ranks in the top 1% of progressive passes in Europe’s top five leagues in his position, with a monstrous 11.73 per 90. He also ranks highly in terms of take-ons (best 2%), averaging a successful 2.36 per 90 – as per FBref.

Lauded by former boss Mikel Arteta when speaking to BBC as being an "animal" in training, the £52k-per-week ace could be a powerful weapon in Emery's plans.

While his position is comparative to Villa’s Emi Buendia, his numbers over the past year dominate the Argentine as per FBref, with the former Norwich City ace recording just 2.18 progressive passes per 90 and only 0.98 successful take-ons per 90.

The potential arrival of the Madrid man could spark competition with the midfielder in Emery’s system, adding to depth and player performance.

Villa are on the path to great success with the four-time Europa League winner’s guidance, however, the summer window will be crucial as every team in the top tier will look to strengthen.

The club have strong targets for the 2023/24 campaign, and should they seal European football on the final day, Villa Park could become a very tempting location for hot talents to progress their game.

Rangers are keen on signing Arsenal defender Auston Trusty this summer in a deal that could be worth £2m, according to a recent report from the Daily Mail.

Will Rangers sign a defender this summer?

With Filip Helander's contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Gers may be keen on bringing in some additional depth at centre-back in the summer, and they are said to have "watched" Aarhus FC defender Thomas Kristensen.

Some of Ben Davies' performances may also convince Michael Beale to sign a new defender in the upcoming window, with Kenny Miller describing the former Liverpool man as "so poor" after his display against Celtic last month.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Rangers are now interested in signing Arsenal defender Trusty, who has impressed on loan at Birmingham City this season, winning the fans' player of the year award last week.

The American's performances have already earned him an international call-up, and a summer move could now be on the cards, with the Light Blues keen to get a deal done for a fee in the region of £2m.

The report also provides an update on some of the Gers' other transfer business, claiming a deal has been agreed with Kieran Dowell, while they have also discussed a move for goalkeeper Jack Butland with Crystal Palace.

Should Rangers sign Auston Trusty?

The 24-year-old has been an absolutely vital player for Birmingham this season, making a total of 44 appearances in the Championship, during which he has displayed he can pose a threat in the opposition box, picking up four goals and two assists.

Obviously, the most important thing is the centre-back's defensive attributes, and he ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles per 90 in the past year when compared to his positional peers, placing in the 94th for blocks in the same timeframe.

Birmingham manager John Eustace has heaped praise on the 6 foot 3 colossus, claiming that he is "going to be a top player", while also hailing him as "exceptional" back in October.

An average Sofascore match rating of 6.97 ranks the Pennsylvania-born defender as Birmingham's third-best performing player in the Championship this season, so the Blues may be keen to sign him on a permanent deal.

However, if Rangers are able to win the race for his signature, he would be an excellent addition to Beale's squad.

Arsenal have six games left to try and win a first Premier League title since 2004, but they face a tough trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City in what could be the deciding result to determine who are Champions in May.

Although it has been a superb campaign for Mikel Arteta and his young Gunners side, they have drawn their last three matches, and are struggling with the absence of defender William Saliba. Whilst it will still be a season to be proud of, Arsenal fans will be disappointed if they do not win the league after topping the table for so long.

The race is definitely not over, but the Southampton draw has handed Man City the advantage ahead of their title showdown, and Arsenal face some tough fixtures to end the season. Here's how we think their remaining six games will pan out.

Arsenal fixtures 26 April: Man City (a) 2 May: Chelsea (h) 7 May: Newcastle (a) 14 May: Brighton (h) 20 May: Nottingham Forest (a) 28 May: Wolves (h) Man City vs Arsenal

Although the draw against Southampton was a huge setback in terms of points on the table, Arsenal may be hoping that their late comeback from a 3-1 deficit will galvanise the team in what promises to be a tough encounter, with the Gunners winless against City in their last 11 league matches.

With City fresh from their dominant knockout victories over Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Sheffield United in the FA Cup, they may prove too much to handle for Arsenal in this mouthwatering clash, which saw Pep Guardiola's side run out 3-1 winners in the reverse fixture in February.

Prediction: Man City 3-1 Arsenal

Arsenal vs Chelsea

The result of the City game will determine how much more of a title challenge Arsenal can possibly deliver in the five following games, but even if they lose at the Etihad, they will want to pile more misery onto their rivals as Chelsea travel to the Emirates.

Arsenal's recent struggles have been in defence rather than attack, and Chelsea have scored just once since Frank Lampard's return as interim manager, as well as no clean sheet in their last four games, so this could be one of the easier games in the run-in, despite it being against one of the club's biggest rivals.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Chelsea

Newcastle vs Arsenal

Arsenal saw their top four hopes disappear as they were blown out of the water in their trip to St James' Park towards the end of last season, and it has become an even tougher place to travel since.

Newcastle have lost just once at home all season, and with Eddie Howe's side in contention for a top four place, the Magpies will be firing on all cylinders as they aim to secure all three points.

Arsenal were dominant in the 0-0 draw between the two sides in January, but failed to break down a stubborn defence, and may face similar issues away at such a robust opponent in what could be a low-scoring affair again.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal vs Brighton

Another tough game beckons for Arsenal as Roberto De Zerbi's impressive Brighton side travel to the Emirates hoping for another positive result in North London.

Brighton won at Arsenal last season to dent their top-four hopes, and knocked Arteta's side out of the Carabao Cup in November.

Their last meeting saw Arsenal win 4-2 at the Amex Stadium in a dramatic December outing, and the January transfer window saw Leandro Trossard leave the Seagulls to join the Gunners, who also made numerous bids for Moises Caicedo.

Brighton may want to prove a point to Caicedo, who continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates, and another victory away at the side who bid for him may help convince him to stay.

The Gunners have only lost once at home all season so you would have to fancy them, though it could be dependant on how much they have to play for at this point.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

The City Ground has proven a tough place to go since Forest's return to the Premier League, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City dropping points there, and the pressure could be ramped up on both sides in their penultimate game of the season.

Forest may need the three points as they battle against relegation, but unless their disastrous form under Steve Cooper improves before May, a crucial match against a team contending at the top of the table would be far from ideal.

Arsenal ripped Forest apart in a 5-0 victory in October at the Emirates, and although the result may not be as emphatic away from home, it is tough to see a different outcome.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal vs Wolves

It remains to be seen if either side will have anything to play for on the final day, as Arsenal may find themselves out of the title picture, whilst Wolves may already be on the beach if they successfully avoid relegation, with Julen Lopetegui's side six points ahead of the bottom three.

Wolves have proved to be something of a tough opponent for Arsenal in recent years. Whilst the Gunners won in the final seconds of the game last season, they have dropped points at home to Wolves in three of their four home games against them since their promotion in 2018.

However, Arsenal typically put on a show on the final day of the season, and if both sides have nothing to play for, then a routine victory for the hosts to round off a memorable campaign could be expected.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Wolves

Predicted run-in points: 13/18

Predicted total points: 88

Liverpool midfielder Thiago is "close" to making a return from a lengthy injury absence, as relayed on Twitter by journalist James Pearce.

Is Thiago having an injury-plagued season?

So much has gone wrong for the Reds overall this season, from poor form to bad luck at times, but injuries have again been a major problem. Jurgen Klopp has constantly had to make do without key players, with the likes of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Ibrahima Konate all out for long periods at various points.

One player who has found himself in and out of the team is Thiago, whose reputation for being an injury-prone figure has continued in 2022/23. The Spaniard has only made 14 appearances in the Premier League and his last outing came in the 3-0 defeat away to Wolves in early February, having picked up a hip problem.

Liverpool are now in a season-defining period, as they look to clinch an unlikely top-four finish, and they need as many pivotal players available as possible. Fortunately, it looks as though Thiago may be on the verge of return, following a key update.

Is midfielder set for a return?

Taking to Twitter, Pearce relayed news from Klopp's press conference before City that the 31-year-old is nearing a comeback after a two-month absence from the team, hopefully joining Diaz in being back next week:

He explained:

"Thiago close to a return."

This is fantastic news for Liverpool, with Thiago the most gifted midfielder in the squad and someone whose influence in the middle of the park is arguably unrivalled when he is fit and firing. This season, he has averaged 2.9 tackles per game in the league, which is more than any other Reds player, as well as enjoying an 89% pass completion rate in the Champions League.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man is capable of playing passes few others can pull off, while his ability to dictate a midfield battle can give Klopp's men so much more control in games. He has been hailed as both "outstanding" and "sensational" by his manager and he can have a major say in the top-four race between now and the end of the season.

Moving forward, Thiago needs to be treated as something of a luxury player, however, with his constant injury absences unlikely to change. He is out of contract at the end of next season, at which point it could make sense to let him leave on a free transfer, rather than extend his stay at Anfield.

Manchester United’s interest in signing Ajax star Mohammed Kudus in the summer transfer window is ‘very genuine’, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Kudus shines at World Cup

The 22-year-old made a name for himself at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring twice in three appearances for Ghana and standing out as far and away their best player.

Kudus has also impressed in this season’s Champions League, netting four times in five starts for Ajax and also chipping in with two assists.

United have recently been linked with a move for him this summer and now a promising new update has emerged.

The Latest: United’s interest ‘very genuine’

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jacobs claimed that Erik ten Hag is extremely keen on snapping up his former player at the end of the season:

“The interest in Mohammed Kudus is very genuine. We know that Erik ten Hag is a big fan, they worked together at Ajax. And I think that he’s got all of the key attributes to succeed in the Premier League as well.

“Those that saw the Ghanaian in the World Cup will have realised how impressive and clinical he was. He got two goals and showed himself to be very smart.

“He has a good first touch and is very aware of his surroundings as well. And then if you look at his league form for Ajax, it’s 17 goals in just over 30 appearances, and he’s added four assists as well. And he’s only 22.”

The Verdict: Could be a great signing

Kudus is a footballer of immense promise, having already racked up 21 caps for Ghana, and he is someone who could be a really shrewd signing by United this summer.

This season, he has been mainly used as a centre forward by Ajax, scoring seven times in 11 appearances in that role, but his versatility means he has also played in midfield and out wide.

This ability to shine in several positions will surely appeal to Ten Hag, who also clearly knows him well from his Ajax days, and he is ‘absolutely on fire in 2023’, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

A frustrating update has emerged on Aston Villa star Boubacar Kamara after he suffered an injury against Crystal Palace.

What’s the latest Aston Villa injury news?

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has relayed Unai Emery’s confirmation that the holding midfielder is set to be out of action for a number of weeks.

Villa’s enforcer was forced off the pitch in the 59th minute of the club’s 1-0 win over the Eagles at Selhurst Park with a muscular issue and is not expected back to feature before the international break later this month.

Evans Tweeted: “AVFC will assess Boubacar Kamara tomorrow. Initial thoughts are that it is not an Achilles or ankle injury. Unai Emery says he’s going to be at least a few weeks and that Chambers is the most likely replacement.”

Is this a big blow for Unai Emery?

Kamara’s absence in the coming weeks is bad news for the Villans head coach as the French central midfielder being unavailable for selection is a big blow for the manager and the team.

The former Marseille man has been a terrific addition to the team since arriving in England last summer and is enjoying an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League.

In the top flight, the 23-year-old has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.84 across 19 appearances and made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game – winning 54% of his duels in the middle of the park.

His 2.5 tackles per match are unmatched within the Villa squad with that emphasising how important the 6-foot ace has been to the side from a defensive perspective this season, consistently breaking up opposition attacks by winning the ball back for the team.

Evans claimed that Calum Chambers is the most likely player to take Kamara’s place and this is concerning for the Villans with the Englishman having been less than impressive this season.

The former Arsenal man has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.42 across his six top-flight outings and lost 67% of his duels, which shows that he has been putting in dismal performances, being bullied by the opposition in the majority of his battles.

Chambers, who also averaged a woeful score of 6.45 in his two EFL Cup matches this term, has struggled badly when called upon and his disappointing statistics in 2022/23 suggest that he will be a major downgrade on what Kamara has been offering in the middle of the park.

Therefore, losing the Frenchman for the club’s upcoming games in March, and potentially beyond, is a big blow for Emery and one that will be frustrating for the head coach.

A frustrating injury development has emerged on Leeds United centre-back Maximilian Wober…

What’s the latest on Maximilian Wober’s injury?

According to The Mirror (20 February, pg. 6), the central defender is now facing a spell on the sidelines and could be out of action for up to three weeks.

The report claims that the Whites star could be out for between two-and-three weeks after suffering a shoulder injury in the 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park in the Premier League.

He was substituted at the interval in the loss to Sean Dyche’s Toffees after dislocating his shoulder and attempting to play on through the pain.

Horrible news

This will come as yet more horrible news to under-pressure interim coach Michael Skubala as the loss of Wober for a number of games is set to be a big blow for the Whites.

Since arriving from RB Salzburg in January, the defender has been one of the club’s top performers and has adapted well to playing in the Premier League, in spite of the team’s position in the bottom three.

The Austria international has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.95 across his six appearances in the top flight and won 60% of his individual duels in that time, whilst making 2.7 tackles and interceptions per match.

Out of all of the players with at least one start, only Tyler Adams (7.00) and Rodrigo (7.07) have averaged a higher Sofascore rating than the centre-back for the Whites this season.

These statistics show that the 25-year-old enforcer has been an exceptional addition to the squad over the last six weeks with his performances having been better than what the majority of his teammates have been producing throughout the campaign so far.

Leeds will also miss his passion and fight, along with his qualities as a defender. At the time of his move to Elland Road, Wober said:

“Some of my biggest strengths are my personality and character, I’m never going to give up on the pitch, I will leave it all out there, it doesn’t matter what score it is or if we are winning or losing, I’ll give everything for this badge.”

With the Whites scrapping for points and attempting to battle their way out of the relegation zone, Skubala will surely be frustrated to be without Wober for the games against Southampton, Chelsea, and potentially, Brighton.

The Austrian warrior has proven himself to be a capable Premier League performer in his short time at the club so far and his absence in the coming weeks will be another big blow for the club in their bid to beat the drop.