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Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is showing signs of feeling ‘a little unsettled’ at Ibrox, Daily Record journalist Keith Jackson has warned.

The lowdown

Rangers appointed Liverpool legend Gerrard back in May 2018 as the permanent successor to Graeme Murty.

In December 2019, he signed a contract extension committing him to the Ibrox outfit until 2024 (via BBC Sport).

Gerrard landed his first silverware at the club last season, winning the club’s first Scottish Premiership title since 2011 and ending Celtic’s nine-in-a-row streak (via Sky Sports).

But even off the back of an invincible campaign, there are signs that Gerrard’s relationship with members of the hierarchy is imperfect.

He told the press last week that Rangers ‘need to big spend money’ to compete in the Europa League and lamented the lack of ‘realism’ and ‘common sense’.

The latest

Writing in his Daily Record column, Jackson suggested that Rangers had focused all their energy on the short-sighted goal of merely ending Celtic’s dominance, citing concern over Gerrard’s pops at the board and his chopping and changing of the first XI.

And he warned that, unless Rangers show enough ‘ambition’, Gerrard could begin to consider other options.

“It feels as if Gerrard is starting to realise that he was brought to Glasgow for one reason only,” he wrote.

“That the be all and end all for the men in charge of the purse strings was stopping Celtic from winning a tenth successive title.

“The board was prepared to throw the kitchen sink at this myopic project but as soon as it was accomplished the spending stopped.

“If Gerrard suspects his own ambitions are not being matched at the top of the stairs then it won’t be just his starting XI which feels a little unsettled.

The verdict

You can understand Gerrard’s frustration. As well as the domestic title, Gerrard impressively led Rangers to the Round of 16 of the Europa League last season. With the right backing, it seemed he could build a dynasty.

But without it, he’s surely going to look south, and given his achievements in Scotland, it surely won’t be long before a manager-less Premier League club comes knocking.

Indeed, back in June The Athletic reported that Gerrard was one of the names under consideration at Everton following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

In other news, this player came under fire for his performance against Hibs.

Reported Everton summer transfer target Luis Diaz was on target for FC Porto as they drew 1-1 with reigning Primeira Liga champions Sporting Lisbon on Saturday night. 

Nuno Santos had put Sporting ahead, but with 20 minutes remaining, the Colombian picked up the ball in the top left corner of the penalty area, cut inside two challenges and curled his shot into the bottom right corner to equalise for Porto.

It was his third league goal of the new season following earlier strikes against Maritimo and Belenenses.

Everton’s interest in Diaz

Everton tried to sign the left winger during the summer transfer window as part of a deal which would have seen compatriot James Rodriguez head to Portugal, but the latter’s wages proved to be an insurmountable stumbling block (via Carlos Aleman).

It remains to be seen whether the Toffees will revisit their interest in the £22.5m-rated 24-year-old in a subsequent transfer window.

BT Sport posted a clip of the goal, and here’s what some Everton supporters made of it.

Many Everton fans flock to footage of Diaz goal

“Hopefully we revisit next summer”

Credit: @GraemeMcV

“Here’s what you could have had”

Credit: @AndyBeav96

“Luis Diaz what a player man. Hopefully Everton go back in and land him next summer”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

“Not a chance we are getting him now”

Credit: @barry1878

“Get him signed!”

Credit: @the_street_end

“PAIN”

Credit: @LouisMeliaEFC

In other news, Marcus Bent says this is why Moise Kean’s move didn’t work out.

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi has been spotted on the training ground ahead of the Hoops’ League Cup quarter-final with Raith Rovers.  

The Lowdown: Furuhashi’s injury

Furuhashi returned to Parkhead from the recent international break with a knee injury he sustained playing for Japan.

The 26-year-old made a brilliant start to life in Glasgow prior to his injury, scoring seven times in nine appearances.

Reports earlier this month suggested he was set to miss seven games following his international knock and has already missed the games against Ross County, Real Betis and Livingston.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-14/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Celtic’s post

Celtic took to Twitter on Wednesday ahead of their clash with Raith Rovers to share images of the first-team squad in training at Lennoxtown.

In the first image, the majority of Celtic’s squad are being put through their paces, and in the background, Furuhashi appears to be running on his own.

Fans may not have noticed the forward at first glance, with the image available to view here.

The Verdict: Back soon?

Going off the seven-game timeframe, Furuhashi shouldn’t be fit until Celtic’s trip to Motherwell on October 16.

That’s over three weeks away, but with Furuhashi already out on the training ground, albeit by himself, he could provide Ange Postecoglou with a selection boost before then.

Fingers crossed that is the case, however, he shouldn’t be risked until the Hoops staff know he is fully fit.

In other news: Celtic icon smiles and reveals whether he would replace McKay at Parkhead.

Following Rangers’ Champions League exit against Malmo earlier this month, it was perhaps always likely that some of the top performers in Steven Gerrard’s side would attract interest from elsewhere, with recent reports claiming that the Gers have rejected three bids for Ianis Hagi.

What’s the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers have rejected separate bids from Sevilla, Lazio and Galatasaray for the Romania international, who won the Light Blues’ Young Player of the Year award last season after a string of impressive performances for Gerrard’s side.

The 22-year-old only joined Rangers from Genk on a permanent deal worth £3m last summer following an impressive loan spell at Ibrox, yet he has regularly been linked with a move away this summer, even before the Gers’ defeat against Malmo which cost them a potential spot in the Champions League group stage.

The Scottish Sun included a report from Fanatik which details Galatasaray’s bid for the winger and claims that Rangers value Hagi at around £9.3m this summer.

Could Hagi leave?

Although Rangers fans may be keen to see Hagi stay at the club this summer, it has been widely reported that the Gers need to raise money through player sales in the near future, especially after missing out on the reported £40m bonus of reaching the Champions League group stage. That could leave fans worried that the 22-year-old could be dispensed with, especially if he keeps attracting transfer offers.

Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent are regarded as the most valuable players in Gerrard’s squad and have regularly been linked with moves to Porto and Leeds United respectively, but if both were to remain at Ibrox, then you would imagine that Hagi could be one of the likeliest candidates to leave.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Gerrard is a big fan of the Romanian, dubbing him an “outstanding talent” after he inspired Rangers to a comeback win against Braga in the 2019/20 campaign. However, if the youngster is keen on a move away from Ibrox, perhaps the Gers may be forced to sell him in order to balance the books this summer, which would surely frustrate the Rangers boss.

In other news… Rangers dealt transfer blow with “exceptionally good” beast, Gerrard must be gutted

Former Nottingham Forest shot-stopper Mark Crossley believes that the club will need to sign two strikers if Brennan Johnson leaves before the end of the summer transfer window.

There has reportedly been interest in Johnson’s services from Premier League newcomers Brentford FC and Sky Sports claim they are in talks with Forest over a deal for the attacking midfielder, but the Bees are not prepared to pay the £10m that Forest value the 20-year-old at.

Johnson was in fine form last season while on loan at Lincoln City, making 48 appearances for the Imps, scoring 13 goals and adding a further 14 assists, as Lincoln reached the League One play-off final at Wembley.

But Crossley believes that if Johnson does depart the City Ground this summer, then Forest need to add two strikers their squad: “Brennan Johnson is a target for a lot of clubs, so if he ends up going then you probably think it’s not one striker that’s needed, we probably need two, especially if you’re trying to get out of the division.

“It’s all about the strikers, although other players in the team have got to come up with goals but you need that 20 goal per season striker and another one that probably going to buy in with 15 or 16 goals,” Crossley exclusively told Transfer Tavern.

Bottom of the table Nottingham Forest travel to rivals Derby County on Saturday afternoon and are in search for their first Championship points of the campaign having lost their opening four league fixtures of 2021/2022.

Liverpool shared the spoils with Spanish visitors Athletic Bilbao in their pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon. 

Diogo Jota’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Alex Berenguer in the 53rd minute at Anfield as the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Harvey Elliott started for Jurgen Klopp’s side on the day and caused Bilbao problems throughout the contest, duly delighting many Kopites in the process. Hiss performance caught the eye, with the winger being labelled as ‘impressive’ by Sky Sports as he struck the woodwork with a curling effort against the La Liga side.

Elliott spent last season on loan with Championship side Blackburn Rovers and chipped in with seven goals and 11 assists for the Lancashire club, demonstrating that he is cut out for senior football at the tender age of 18.

Footage emerged online of Elliott’s performance against Bilbao, with a number of Liverpool fans flocking to give their verdicts on his “composed” showing at Anfield. Take a look at the best of the reaction in reply to CF_Comps9’s footage on Twitter….

“I mean this in the best way but does he remind anyone else of Raheem Sterling?”

Credit: @hornbecksteve1

“Far more composed on the ball. Doesn’t give it away. Direct, high energy. Loves taking in players. What an option to have.”

Credit: @1staz_Br0him

“Looks like a comp on YouTube of the best of some players but this is just from a game for Elliott. This kid will be big!”

Credit: @gerald_ynwa

“Trent, Harvey and Mo could cause absolute carnage down our right hand side given the chance this season.”

Credit: @JDSFITNESS_87

“He’s genuinely like a new signing for us. Klopp will do wonders to the kid.”

Credit: @Lucas_Duston7

“He’s a baller and one for the future. Hope we manage him properly and not overkill him like Pedri.”

Credit: @vintagedeepak

“Better than Messi.”

Credit: @onlyfarouk12

“What a talent.”

Credit: @galaxyomeogo

“He’s actually class.”

Credit: @lukehamerr

In other news, many LFC fans swoon over this news about one of Elliott’s team-mates.

Fulham are reportedly being considered as the next destination for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, according to Football League World. 

The lowdown

Carter-Vickers has been with Tottenham since 2009, but has found consistent minutes with their first-team hard to come by in recent years.

The defender spent last year’s campaign on loan with AFC Bournemouth, and played his part in their push for promotion into the Premier League as they fell just short in the play-offs.

The likes of Celtic and Cardiff City have both been credited with interest in signing the 23-year-old this summer, although a frontrunner was yet to emerge heading into the new league campaign.

The latest

Football League World now report that Fulham could be the next club that Carter-Vickers heads to, with Spurs considering their interest ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Cottagers were forced to settle for a point in their first match of the 2021/22 season, as they drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon.

The transfer window is set to close on August 31st, and Fulham are seemingly keen to add to their defensive options before that deadline later this month.

The verdict

This would be another solid addition to a Fulham team who are well-equipped to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

They’ve got a number of attacking talents in their team, with summer signing Harry Wilson already notching his first goal. But you need defensive solidarity in a team that is challenging for promotion, and Carter-Vickers could provide Marco Silva’s side with that this season.

The defender had an average Whoscored rating of 6.79, which put him seventh on the list when it comes to Bournemouth’s best performers during the 2020/21 season.

With just one year remaining on his current contract with Spurs, he’ll be fighting for his future, and that could play into Fulham’s hands, as Carter-Vickers will be wanting to perform to a high standard out on loan.

Former Luton Town boss Graeme Jones revealed that Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter labelled his character as ‘incredible’, with Carter-Vickers working with Potter whilst the pair were at Swansea City together back in the 2019/20 season, and that sort of character could certainly aid a promotion push at Craven Cottage.

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Parma winger Yann Karamoh as the club’s new era under Patrick Vieira starts to take shape.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Eagles have placed the 23-year-old on their shortlist this summer, although they’re reportedly set to face competition from Ligue 1 champions Lille.

The report claims that Parma are willing to let Karamoh depart the club over the coming months following their relation to Serie B despite the £5.4m-rated gem having two years remaining on his current contract.

Steve Parish must swoop

Vieria has already begun to make his mark on Palace’s first-team squad following the acquisitions of Marc Guehi and Michael Olise, but several fresh faces will be required ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The Eagles released multiple ageing stars following the expiration of their contracts last month, meaning further additions are expected this summer.

And bringing in Karamoh would be seen as a significant coup for the south London side. After struggling to make an impact at Inter, the pacey wide man has resurrected his career at Bordeaux and Parma.

His impressive performances at the Ligue 1 outfit earned several plaudits, including former manager Eric Bedouet.

“Yann has qualities that are not ordinary. He has a great intensity,” stated Bedouet.

“He can make the difference when you need it most, which is not a common trait amongst most players. He is a fantastic dribbler and is still growing. He is a very interesting prospect.”

With Andros Townsend joining fellow Premier League side Everton and Eberechi Eze sidelined through injury until the new year, Vieira is thought to be in the market for a new forward in the current window.

Therefore, Karamoh could be the ideal solution to Palace’s attacking issues, and chairman Steve Parish must sanction a swoop for the highly-rated forward.

Lining up alongside the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Olise and Eze would make for an exciting forward line, and provide Vieira with the tools he needs to guide the capital club to a tenth successive top-flight campaign.

And, in other news…Parish must avoid Palace nightmare over £65k-p/w monster, Vieira will be fuming 

Graham Roberts reckons Tottenham should sell up to eight players this summer, amid new manager Nuno Santo’s stance of preferring to work with a smaller squad.

Following another poor season by their own high standards, Spurs missed out on the top four once again and only qualified for Europe in the final seconds of the campaign after beating Leicester City.

The man who secured their place in the UEFA Conference League, Gareth Bale, has returned to Real Madrid, whilst Tottenham have decided against signing another loanee in Carlos Vinicius.

Juan Foyth has joined Villarreal permanently, whilst several of their first-team squad have been linked away from the club having failed to perform in 2020-2021.

The likes of Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon are expected to bolster numbers by joining the first-team set-up following their respective loan deals with Norwich and Hoffenheim.

To sum up Spurs’ problems last season, 20 different players made 15 or more Premier League appearances – epitomising how much Jose Mourinho struggled to find a settled XI.

With that in mind, former Tottenham captain Roberts exclusively suggested to Football FanCast that he wants a summer clear out in north London amid Nuno’s small squad preference.

“Me personally, there would be eight players that I would get rid of – there will be the two right-backs Aurier and Doherty, I’d let Sanchez go. Although, saying that if I had to keep him, I would let Dier go, Winks go.

“They’re just squad players and they’re not happy being squad players, so it just causes you problems.”

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has said fans should expect Glasgow Rangers to sell players this summer after news of a £14m funding hole emerged.

The Lowdown: Gers have £14m funding gap

It was recently revealed by The Athletic that the Gers have a £14m funding gap after £40m was invested into the playing squad in recent years.

As such, the Ibrox outfit must quickly find out how to fill that hole.

The Latest: Maguire makes transfer claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire believes fans should expect players to be sold. He said:

“Over the next 12 months, you’d expect to see sales take place. But that should be the case for a big club such as Rangers.

“They have been building up their asset base and if you’ve got a big asset base then sometimes you have surplus assets which you can sell.

“That’s fairly standard in business. If we take a look at the Premier League, the club with the biggest sales in the past five or six seasons has been Chelsea, and you don’t think of Chelsea as being a selling club.

“Rangers have spent money under Steven Gerrard, no doubt about that. But the value of that £40m has generated assets that could generate cash.”

The Verdict: Sales will come

In recent years, the Gers have not made any major sales – they have sold just one player for over £1m in the past three campaigns (Transfermarkt). As such, they have been investing heavily in improving the squad rather than thinking of running a profitable and successful business.

At some point, they will have to change their strategy, as Maguire has here suggested. With the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent valued over £10m and plenty of others said to be worth more than £5m, there is plenty of scope to attract funds. It remains to be seen whether any important players do leave Ibrox this summer, but we won’t be surprised.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this Club 1872 news.