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Ross Wilson dodged a massive bullet by not signing Manuel Benson in the summer after it emerged that Glasgow Rangers were reportedly eyeing up a move for the Royal Antwerp winger.

According to a report at the time from The Daily Record, Rangers were ‘exploring’ a swoop for the Belgian as Steven Gerrard tried to stop Celtic winning ten titles in a row.

Wilson sought to bolster Gerrard’s firepower last year by plotting a double raid on the Belgian top-flight as it seems the Gers were also considering a bid for former Stoke City and West Brom striker Saido Berahino at the same time.

However, they soon cooled their interest after the arrivals of Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe.

It would have been a challenge for Rangers to acquire the services of Benson, anyway, as his boss Ivan Leko was reluctant to sell his prized asset.  Yet it appears they have dodged a bullet in doing so given his struggles this season thus far.

Benson, who is a former teammate of Hagi, has previously been praised by his national coach Johan Walem for being part of a “talented” group of Belgian youngsters before the U21 European Championships last year.

However, it’s fair to say that he has struggled to hit the ground running this season, as goals have been hard to come by during an injury-disrupted campaign. Benson spent a brief spell on the sidelines and has yet to score since the 3-1 win at home to Ludogorets in the Europa League.

The 23-year-old has provided two goals and two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions for Antwerp, via Transfermarkt.

Leko has recently taken to benching the former Belgium U21 international in an attempt to trigger a reaction, with Benson being left on the bench as an unused substitute on seven occasions in the Belgian top-flight so far.

He has even suffered the ignominy of being dropped from the matchday squads as he was left out of the sides to face Waasland-Beveren and RSC Charleroi before the turn of the year, so the Gers can count themselves lucky they decided against signing the misfiring £1.5m-rated ace.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers dealt huge injury blow after Old Firm clash with Celtic…

Rarely a day goes by without Crystal Palace facing the same old questions about Wilfried Zaha’s future at Selhurst Park, but Roy Hodgson may have a more urgent matter on his hands if recent reports are to be believed…

What’s the story?

Recent reports had revealed that newly-promoted Premier League side West Bromwich Albion were interested in signing Andros Townsend in the summer transfer window.

However, a move failed to materialise, and the 29-year-old stayed at Selhurst Park. But his future is far from certain, as he has entered the final year of his current contract, which is set to expire in June 2021.

According to The Mirror, as relayed by HITC, Hodgson wants to give the winger a new deal, which would prevent him from leaving for free next summer.

Now, Palace chairman Steve Parish must convince Townsend to sign a new contract, as he has played in every single minute of Palace’s six Premier League games this season so far.

Shrewd move?

As far as we are concerned, Townsend has turned out to be one of the most reliable players at the club in recent years. In fact, he last suffered an injury during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, which speaks volumes about his professionalism and fitness levels. The former England international, who previously played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, and Watford, among others, made 93 appearances for Spurs, and scored 11 goals and supplied 15 assists in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

He has since gone on to make over 150 appearances for Palace, and played 24 games in the Premier League last term, whilst he scored one goal, supplied one assist, and made 1.6 dribbles per game, as per WhoScored. Not exactly numbers that you would expect to see from a right winger, but he has already bettered his tally this term, as he has scored one goal and supplied two assists in the English top flight so far.

Townsend played some of the best football of his career so far for Palace in the 2017/18 season, where he scored twice and created seven assists in the Premier League, and made 1.7 shots, 1.8 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game, via WhoScored, whilst Hodgson hailed him as a “fantastic” player for his remarkable efforts.

It’s safe to say that Palace enjoyed a summer spending spree, as they recruited the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michy Batshuayi to bolster their attack. After a bright start to the season, their performances soon tailed off, as they suffered back-to-back defeats to Everton and Chelsea, before bouncing back with a 2-1 win over Fulham.

SofaScore gave Townsend a high grade of 7.6 for his heroics at Craven Cottage – he created one big chance, made three key passes, as well as won eleven out of twenty ground duels, whilst football.london gave him a similar score, claiming he “put in a couple of dangerous crosses in the first half, including one from which Zaha should have done better. His work rate and a great pass for Batshuayi led to the second goal.”

One thing’s for sure, the Palace chairman must tie the £8.55m-rated ace down to a new deal. Whether or not he will be able to produce the same level of consistency for the rest of the season remains to be seen, but, at this stage, it’s surely a win-win situation. Get it done, Eagles.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace ace Jairo Riedewald dominated the midfield battle against Fulham…

Jose Mourinho delivered a rather interesting take on Japhet Tanganga’s current situation within the club. Speaking in his press conference ahead of Tottenham’s clash with Ludogorets, the boss admitted that he doesn’t view the 21-year-old as a typical centre-back option.

“For me he’s a full-back,” Mourinho said. “Can he play centre-back? Yes he can, of course he can, and he will if we need and we will need.”

The Spurs manager touches on the idea that he will call upon Tanganga if and when the team require him to play centrally. However, if there was ever a time they might need him, it would be now. But despite Toby Alderweireld’s injury, Mourinho appears happy with the options he has in Eric Dier, Joe Rodon and Davinson Sanchez.

Tanganga is an incredibly versatile defender and can play anywhere across the back four. Being able to play at both left and right-back is a valuable asset for Spurs, but could now put a lot of pressure on Serge Aurier.

The Ivorian continued to be linked with a move away to AC Milan following the closure of the summer transfer window following the arrival of summer signing Matt Doherty. However, between Aurier and a player in the same position who is six years his junior, it’s all but clear where Mourinho will place his focus.

Tanganga has a lot of potential to become a key player for Spurs and with the former first choice right-back already linked to an exit, the cards don’t look good for him. Indeed, Aurier is contracted with the club until 2022, but if he loses his value in the team, Daniel Levy will start weighing up his options.

The defender is currently valued at £14.4million and could bring in a handsome amount if he is to leave in either January or the summer. But if his current deal is left to tick down after this, panic will set in. Spurs will then be scrambling to land a sale before he is eligible to negotiate pre-contract terms. But however they choose to do their business, it looks highly unlikely that there will be much room for Aurier at Spurs once Doherty returns from injury and Tanganga continues to impress.

In other news, Ryan Sessegnon on-loan form could spell trouble for Ben Davies…

According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United are considering a bid for Glasgow Rangers captain James Tavernier.

As the transfer deadline closes in, the Hammers remain in need of defensive reinforcements, and Tavernier has been pinpointed as one of the men who could help them in that department.

Steven Gerrard would fight to keep the right-back, of course, but the Irons are set to test the Ibrox outfit’s resolve with an offer.

The 28-year-old could hardly have hoped for a better start to the season north of the border. In his first 11 games in all competitions, he has scored six times, whilst he has created a further four. That now leaves his career total for the 54-time Scottish champions at 52 strikes and 78 assists – there are few defenders who could claim to have anything close to that kind of output.

Currently valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, Tavernier still has two years left on his contract with the Gers and, as the armband indicates, he is an influential figure at the club. West Ham would likely need to make a significant bid to convince Steven Gerrard and co to part ways – it remains to be seen whether they do just that.

Let us know what you think below!

According to ESPN, Tottenham are facing increasing competition for Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie.

What’s the word?

Despite having already signed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer, it appears Jose Mourinho hasn’t finished rebuilding the Spurs midfield ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign next month.

ESPN claim that the Lilywhites’ reported target, McKennie, is now being pursued by other Premier League clubs, but that it’s Southampton who are currently “leading the race” for the signing of the USA international.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

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The report adds that a deal for the 21-year-old could reach up to £20m.

Imagine him and Hojbjerg

Whilst Spurs may feel they already have the ‘defensive midfield’ aspect of their squad sorted following the arrival of Hojbjerg, just imagine the kind of unbreakable wall Jose Mourinho could help build if he paired the Denmark international with McKennie.

The Schalke ace is another ball-winning ace whose energy and relentless running is a perfect match for the modern game. His manager at the Bundesliga side, David Wagner, said: “He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well.”

His teammate at international, Reggie Cannon, further backed that up, revealing: “If you lose the ball, you know he’s going to be the first one running (to get) the ball. He’s a leader and that’s something I can learn from – everyone can learn from to up their game.”

Whilst playing two workman like midfielders in the same line-up seems counter-productive or even defensive, Mourinho could help bring back that solidity that was sorely lacking from Spurs last season – only Chelsea and Burnley conceded more than their 47 Premier League goals out of the top ten.

The teams that Mourinho has been successful with, particularly at the likes of Chelsea and Inter, have had a formidable spine to them – think back to players like Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Esteban Cambiasso to name but a few. Playing Hojbjerg and McKennie together would offer greater protection to the Spurs back-line and help strike fear into the rest of the Premier League.

Nobody would feel comfortable playing against a duo that hunt down every possession, and get the ball moving up the pitch as quickly as possible. It has all the hallmarks of being a potentially great midfield partnership.

Scotland U21 coach Scott Gemmill has said that Glasgow Rangers’ Glenn Middleton is very frustrated with his current situation at Ibrox.

The 20-year-old has been called up for international duty despite not playing a single minute for the Gers so far this campaign. All in all, he has made 28 appearances for the 54-time Scottish champions, scoring five goals and providing five assists, but he did not play for them at all last season either.

Discussing the winger’s situation with the Gers, Gemmill explained:

“I had a meeting with Glenn on Thursday and I was so impressed with him because he’s having to deal with a lot. But I tell you I spoke to a young man who is more determined than ever, more resilient than ever and more motivated than ever to keep going.”

“He’s not where he wants to be right now, but I am very confident he is handling the situation in a mature way. He’s very frustrated, but only because he wants to play football.

“We have got a really good young player who we are all trying to help maximise his potential…The guy I was speaking to is more determined than ever. When you look at players’ attitude and professionalism and mentality, Glenn is a real leading example.”

It seems like Middleton is approaching a crossroads in his career right now. It seems quite obvious that he does not have a future at the club, and as such he should be looking for a departure away from the Gers.

Given he is an 11-time U21 international, there would surely not be a lack of suitors to sign him. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the former Norwich City man.

Let us know what you think below!

A lot of Crystal Palace fans are loving the latest news from journalist Matthew Law, who has tweeted that the Eagles will face rivals Charlton in a friendly match to prepare for the return of the Premier League.

There is a big history between the two sides, stemming from the fact that they are local rivals, and moments like Ian Dowie leaving Palace to manage Charlton are one of many which heat up the London rivalry between the two sides.

It is the Eagles who currently boast bragging rights, as they are now an established Premier League side whilst Charlton fight for survival in the Championship. The Selhurst Park side also have a good record against their upcoming opponents as they have won 34, drawn 15 and lost only 19 against the Addicks, via 11vs11.

This could be the ideal type of friendly to get the Palace squad match fit for the Premier League, which is finally due to return in June after three months of postponement.

Here is what these Crystal Palace fans said following the tweet from Law:

Palace fans, are you excited for the friendly against Charlton? Comment below with your views!

So the Timo Werner transfer saga continues to take its twists and turn. And judging by the latest update, it appears Liverpool may finally have pulled the plug on bringing the Germany international to Anfield this summer.

According to The Daily Mirror’s David Maddock, the Reds have withdrawn from talks to sign the striker after refusing “point-blank” to pay his release clause.

Can you spot your Xabi Alonso from your Bruno Cheyrou? This Liverpool quiz will have you questioning your knowledge…

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It’s suggested that with the current situation taking its toll on clubs’ finances, Liverpool value Werner at significantly less than £30m, and that with Leipzig insisting they will not negotiate a price below £50m, the Merseyside club have simply walked away.

And after hearing about the fresh development on their chase for Werner, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

A couple of Liverpool fans aimed their criticism at the club’s owners, insisting that they are simply being frugal with their money again – this entire 2019/2020 campaign has seen the Reds spend a total of just £9.36m according to Transfermarkt.

One Reds fan meanwhile appeared to be far more optimistic, instead suggesting that this is potentially mind games from Michael Edwards, and it could perhaps get Werner to push for a move himself.

Werner’s situation at Leipzig is unlikely to get resolved anytime soon.

Understandably, both Liverpool and Leipzig are trying to get the best possible deal for themselves, particularly in light of the current climate, where every penny will absolutely count.

So whilst for now the move may be dead in the water, don’t rule it out definitively just yet.

Earlier this week, Glasgow Rangers were linked with Bordeaux striker Josh Maja, and supporters of the Scottish side were excited by this rumour. Now they might be about to get even happier following the latest update on the forward.

French football journalist Hanif Berkane was speaking to WebGirondins and talking about the possible transfer, and he said: “For Maja, it’s very real. I think that if Lille have made official the transfer of Morelos, the offer will quickly arrive on Bordeaux’s desk”

Alfredo Morelos looks likely to be heading to Lille, and it looks like Maja could be the number one replacement on Steven Gerrard’s list following Berkane’s quotes.

The former Sunderland man is only 21, per Transfermarkt, but is showing glimpses that he can perform in a top league as he has managed nine goals in 31 appearances for the French side.

He is seen as more of a substitute at the moment as he has only started eight times, per WhoScored, so to be still picking up goals does highlight the potential he has. Added to that, he also scored 17 goals for Sunderland before leaving, so has 26 first team goals in 80 appearances across his time at both clubs.

Transfermarkt value the Nigerian at £5.67 million, and if Glasgow Rangers get the £20 million that they want for Morelos, then they may be able to acquire the player and even buy another forward if necessary as it is going to be very hard to replace the Colombian who managed 77 goals in only 137 games.

Maja is young, showing potential and looks to be quite prolific, so he could be a very decent striker for the Scottish side to sign this summer.

Glasgow Rangers fans, would you like Maja? Comment below!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

This weekend, leagues across Europe will start up again after the two-week international break.

Amongst them is the Bundesliga. This year’s edition of the German top flight is turning out to be a captivating one. Borussia Monchengladbach lead the way by four points, but after that, second and 10th are separated by the same gap.

Schalke are in that group chasing Die Fohle. Die Konigsblauen currently have 19 points, and are just two away from RB Leipzig in second. On Saturday, they will face Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion as they look to continue their good start to the campaign.

Other than the fact it has the potential to be a thrilling game, it is the perfect chance for Liverpool fans to see one of their transfer targets in action. Morocco international Amine Harit has been linked with a move to Anfield, and against Die Werderaner, he should have the possibility to show off his offensive ability.

It has been a magnificent start to the campaign for the 22-year-old. Much like the rest of the team, the former Nantes man has benefited from David Wagner’s influence. So far this season, he has scored five goals and provided two assists in the German top tier. That leaves him with seven goal contributions overall, which is his highest return in any league campaign of his to date.

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Even in just a few months since the former Huddersfield boss arrived, Harit has seen considerable improvements to his game. Via WhoScored, he has 1.4 shots per game compared to 0.7 last term, 1.8 key passes compared with 1.2, as well as 2.2 dribbles compared to two. Not only that, he has won more fouls – 3.5 per outing to 2.8.

Under Wagner, Schalke have increased their average possession by just under 5% from 46.9% last term, and they will be hoping to take advantage of a Bremen team that is currently struggling. Florian Kohlfeldt’s team have not won in seven league games, and have conceded 24 goals. Only two teams have shipped more in the Bundesliga.

That is partly down to an unsettled backline. Omer Toprak, Niklas Moisander, Milos Veljkovic, Christian Groß, Theodore Gebre Selassie, Sebastian Langkamp and Marco Friedl have all lined up at some point at the heart of the defence. This uncertainty will encourage Schalke, and Harit will look to be at the centre of their attacking play.

With a market value of £14.4m, he could end up being something of a steal. Against Bremen on Saturday, Liverpool fans should tune in to see the youngster show just what all the fuss is about.