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Steven Gerrard’s first experiment with a 4-4-2 diamond formation, as per Transfermarkt, didn’t pay off as Rangers were beaten 2-1 by Kilmarnock on Wednesday, and while the 38-year-old should already be considering ditching it, he should give it one more run-out against Livingston on Sunday.

On the chalkboard

The Glasgow giants would have been full of confidence coming out of the winter break considering they’d beaten arch-rivals Celtic in the Old Firm derby to draw level with them at the table’s summit, but Gerrard had an added selection headache following the January addition of Jermain Defoe on an 18-month loan deal from Bournemouth, as per rangers.co.uk.

He may be in the latter stages of his career but the 36-year-old hasn’t moved north of the border to play a bit-part role, and with Alfredo Morelos being such an important player for Rangers it was no surprise that both made the starting XI against Kilmarnock.

The early signs were positive and especially when Defoe netted a 12th-minute opener, but things went downhill after that as they slipped to what could prove to be a costly defeat in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Stick or twist?

It may be very early days, but Rangers clearly lacked the width they had become accustomed to in Gerrard’s preferred 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 systems in recent weeks, and instead of having the quality of Ryan Kent out on the wing he was instead deployed in more of a No.10 role behind the aforementioned strike duo.

While the Liverpool legend may be tempted to twist against Livingston, he should stick with the formation for at least one more game. It may not have worked out completely at Rugby Park, but the chance to have a formation in which Defoe and Morelos can thrive in alongside each other is too good an opportunity to throw away during the season run-in.

Gerrard needs to ensure that his full-backs provide some much-needed attacking threat from the flanks on Sunday, but ultimately if the match does end in disappointment again then it should be the end of the experiment once and for all.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips could be ‘tempted’ by a summer move to Liverpool or Manchester United, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Phillips linked with Leeds’ rivals

The 25-year-old’s reputation has grown hugely in the last year or so, with the wider footballing public realising what Whites fans have known for a long time. He was the squad’s fifth-best performer last season as per WhoScored, an indication of his importance to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Phillips has also become a key player for England, being nearly ever-present in their run to the Euro 2020 final, and he has been linked with joining both Liverpool and Manchester United in recent times.

The midfielder’s current Leeds deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, however, so a huge bid would likely be required to prise him away from Elland Road.

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The Latest: Journalist claims exit could happen

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown believes that Phillips’ head could be turned by one of the two Premier League heavyweights in order to reach another level in his career.

He told the publication: “I could see him being tempted by a move to one of those clubs.”

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The Verdict: Future up in the air

It is tough to predict what will happen with Phillips, but hard as it may be to accept, it would be difficult to begrudge him a move away next summer. Indeed, Eurosport reported last month that the club were struggling to agree a new deal for the 25-year-old, who is seeking reassurances that the Whites can be competitive at Premier League level.

Leeds are languishing near the relegation zone but the England international is someone who deserves to be playing at the very top level, testing himself against Europe’s best midfielders in the Champions League. He is England’s reigning Player of the Year, after all.

From a Whites perspective, it would clearly be fantastic if Phillips pledges his long-term future to the club, but as Brown has hinted, the midfielder may feel that a fresh challenge needs to come his way.

In other news, Phil Hay has given his thoughts on a potential Leeds signing. Find out who it is here.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst continued his 100% record as Glasgow Rangers manager on Wednesday evening, as Gers defeated Hibernian 1-0 at Easter Road.

However, the Light Blues did not have things all their own way against Jack Ross’ side, with Hibs looking very good value for a draw until the 85th minute of the match, when Kemar Roofe slotted home from the spot to seal an important three points for the Dutchman.

Despite the win – which saw Rangers extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table to seven points – there were nevertheless a couple of underwhelming performances turned in by Gers players on the night, none more so than from central midfielder Steven Davis, who was ineffective in the middle of the park.

Lost possession 14x

After being left out of Rangers’ last two Premiership fixtures, Davis did very little over his 66 minutes on the pitch against Hibs to convince van Bronckhorst he is worthy of retaining his starting spot in the middle of the park going forwards.

Indeed, the £900k-rated man failed to make a single tackle or interception, won just one of his three duels, failed with his one attempted cross and one attempted long ball, completed a mere 33 of his 43 attempted passes – a completion rate of 77% – and lost possession for his side on 14 separate occasions.

These metrics not only saw the £20k-per-week midfielder brought off midway through the second half, but they also saw him earn an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.5, with no other Rangers player who started the clash receiving a lower rating than the Northern Ireland international.

As such, with a hectic Christmas period coming up for Gers, one which could ultimately end up deciding the Premiership title race, Davis will undoubtedly have to up his game in the coming weeks if van Bronckhorst is to go on and secure the club’s second successive league title come the end of the season, as the midfielder failed the 46-year-old on Wednesday.

In other news: Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”

Aston Villa full-back Ashley Young is a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Brentford after the 36-year-old picked up a foot injury.

What’s the latest?

Villa manager Steven Gerrard has stated that Young has an “outside chance” of being available for the trip to West London on Sunday.

The versatile veteran is currently nursing a toe fracture and may struggle to be ready in time for the Villans’ next game, although the 41-year-old claimed that Young is “trying his best to be available.”

Young missed the 3-1 Boxing Day defeat to Chelsea and looks likely to sit out on a second consecutive game for the first time since Gerrard was appointed manager.

Villa fans will be worried

Although not a top performer within the squad, Young has been consistent for the Midlands side since his return to Villa Park last summer, ten years after departing for Manchester United.

The 36-year-old has featured in all but one of Steven Gerrard’s seven Premier League games in charge of Villa, missing the defeat to Chelsea. Moreover, he has contributed two assists under the 41-year-old and also helped his team towards two clean sheets in that time.

Despite being predominantly a right-back, Young’s versatility has proven quite beneficial this term, with the veteran being deployed in a variety of defensive, midfield and attacking positions.

His experience has been of great use all season and arguably deserves more credit and recognition from outsiders than what he’s received since returning to England from Italian outfit Inter Milan. Therefore, Villa fans may be rather worried to hear that he only has an “outside chance” of featuring against Brentford this afternoon, having just started to become a near-constant in the team.

One positive is that the injury doesn’t appear hugely serious and Gerrard should have one of his most reliable assets available for upcoming fixtures as the Villans look to stake a claim and make a serious push for European qualification under the 41-year-old.

In other news – “It’s a goer”: Ashley Preece drops exciting transfer claim which will leave Villa fans ecstatic

Former Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira has been backed to rejoin the Whites in the January transfer window by journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Vieira struggling Italy

The 23-year-old has had an injury-plagued few months and is yet to make a single appearance for Sampdoria this season.

Vieira has been linked with a return to Leeds in recent weeks, having emerged as an exciting youngster at Elland Road during the Championship days, playing 71 times in total.

A fresh update has now been provided regarding the situation, as the Whites slowly run out of time to make new signings this month.

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The Latest: Reunion on the cards

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that Leeds could welcome the transfer and try to get it over the line this month, given the midfield shortage they are currently experiencing.

He stated: “You would never say never. If he’s readily available, doesn’t fit in at Sampdoria, they’re willing to get rid and he wants to come back to Leeds, I’m sure it’s something Leeds will consider. It would just be an extra body in the building.”

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

With Kalvin Phillips out until March and Adam Forshaw limping off in the 3-2 win away to West Ham on Sunday, it is vital that Marcelo Bielsa brings in at least one midfielder in January.

Granted, Vieira’s own injury issues mean that he could be a gamble, but it is reaching the stage where desperation is creeping in and almost anyone would be a suitable transfer candidiate.

That doesn’t mean Vieira wouldn’t be a good signing, though – he has been lauded as ‘strong’ and a ‘little dog’ by former Whites team-mate Gaetano Berardi in the past. Also, he could bring defensive excellence to the midfield, having won two aerial duelss and 1.3 tackles per game on loan at Verona last season.

It would seem that Bielsa could do a whole lot worse than bring the Sampdoria ace back for a second spell at Elland Road, and it’s encouraging to hear O’Rourke saying that it is a possibility.

In other news, Leeds have been offered fresh hope of signing one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have reportedly entered the race to sign Penarol sensation Agustin Alvarez, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to improve his squad depth at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Alvarez impressing Uruguay

The 20-year-old striker is already a full Uruguay international, scoring once in four international appearances to date, not to mention impressing for Penarol.

Alvarez has netted 33 times in just 70 appearances for his current club – he also has nine assists – leading to interest in his services.

It appears as though Leeds could be seen as a possible destination for the youngster, if a fresh report is to be believed.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to La Repubblica [via Sport Witness], the Whites are eyeing up a January move for Alvarez, although Zenit Saint Petersburg have already made a €15million (£12.8m) bid.

Fiorentina are also mentioned in the report, so Leeds may have their work cut out signing the striker, whose current Penarol deal expires in the summer of 2024.

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The Verdict: Exciting young option

Admittedly, Alvarez is a relative unknown in England, but if Bielsa sees him as someone who can improve his squad, he has shown he can be trusted in the transfer market.

At 20, the Uruguayan would come in as a squad option still learning his trade but he could add some much-needed attacking firepower, especially with Patrick Bamford suffering an injury-plagued season.

It is vital that Leeds don’t just sign quick fixes in order to pull clear from the Premier League relegation zone and Alvarez would represent long-term planning beyond Bielsa’s time at the club.

In other news, a pundit has made a huge call regarding the future of one Leeds hero. Read more here.

It’s hard to find faults within the current West Ham side as they continue to impress and exceed expectations in the Premier League this season, sitting third in the table currently.

However, we do expect David Moyes to be looking to add quality and consistency to his already high functioning side, as he will be keen to keep up with the top four quality of Liverpool and Manchester City, to hopefully achieve a Champions League spot at the end of the season.

That said, Andriy Yarmolenko, who was once dubbed as “special” by his teammate, Declan Rice, has embarked on a poor run form as of late that could easily see the £100k-p/w player benched or worse, axed and moved on completely from the London club, especially if Moyes does well in the January transfer window.

Jesse Lingard is strongly connected with a move back to West Ham in a permanent deal, which will likely push Yarmolenko out of the team, depending on how Moyes decides to use the Manchester United midfielder’s versatility in the attacking third, should he re-join the side in the next few months.

They may receive a helping hand in landing that deal by shifting their offensive dud on in the next few months, a move that could potentially save the club millions when it comes to expending the cash received, rather than having to dig deeper into their current war chest instead.

Yarmolenko’s biggest problem at West Ham is his bad run of injuries which has seen the winger become an unreliable member of the squad. In fact, the Ukrainian has had seven separate incidents of injury or illness over the last three seasons with the East London club, and as a result, has ultimately become a liability for the side.

Moyes could capitalise on an opportunity to sell the winger back to Dynamo Kiev in January or the summer, as their president, Ihor Surkis spoke out to confirm the interest of bringing the player back to his home club, on NV Sport;

“There is no such agreement, but it depends on both parties. If Andriy has a desire, I will gladly give him the opportunity to end his career at his home club. I have great respect for what he did for Dynamo, and I consider him a very decent man.”

West Ham will be hoping to continue their run of fantastic form as the Premier League returns this weekend, as the Hammers travel to the Molineux on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for Yarmolenko, he will probably play a minimal role for that game and beyond.

In other news: Antonio & Lingard link up could spark top four era for West Ham

Wolves have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign Lille centre-back Sven Botman in January, with the Dutchman expected to stay put until the summer.

The Lowdown: Wolves keen on Botman

The 21-year-old is a key figure for the reigning Ligue 1 champions, standing out as a dominant performer despite his tender years. As per WhoScored, he is among their top five players in terms of overall ranking so far this season.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Botman a number of times in recent weeks, as Bruno Lage looks to bring in another defender in the January transfer window.

Newcastle are also thought to be eyeing up a move for the Lille centre-back, but a fresh update suggests that both clubs could have to wait to get their man.

The Latest: Milan director makes Botman reveal

As shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, AC Milan director Frederic Massara has claimed that Lille won’t sell Botman this month, with the Italian giants also seen as potential suitors.

The San Siro chief revealed to Sky Italy: “Sven Botman’s an amazing centre back but I think Lille have no intention to sell him in January.”

The Verdict: Move on instead?

Judging by Massara’s comments, it looks as though Wolves will have to wait for the time being if they want to sign Botman, giving Lage the dilemma of either moving on to another transfer target or being patient.

That revelation comes as blow to the Old Gold’s chances of landing the 21-year-old, but in truth, it could be hard for Wanderers to sign the centre-back at all, given Newcastle’s vast wealth and Milan’s stature as a European powerhouse.

For that reason, looking at an alternative target could make perfect sense in the coming weeks if Lage wants to add further competition for the likes of Max Kilman, Conor Coady and Romain Saiss.

In other news, some Wolves fans have reacted to a key fitness update. Read more here.

Manchester United have been in the process of appointing their next manager to take charge at Old Trafford this summer, and with Erik ten Hag the favoured manager to take the role new information has emerged about his potential coaching team that will work with him at the club.

What’s the word?

According to Chief Football Writer for The Mail on Sunday, Rob Draper, ten Hag is lining up Robin van Persie to join his management team at Man United this summer.

Draper tweeted late on Saturday night:

“Van Persie being lined up as Man Utd asst – but ten Hag still in talks, no deal yet.

“Ten Hag still wants assurances over how club will be run…”

Supporters will adore him

Van Persie provided a fairy-tale during his first season at Old Trafford, with the Dutch striker scoring “goal of the century” as claimed by Sir Alex Ferguson, to guide Manchester United to their 20th Premier League title victory in 2013.

The star forward scored 58 goals and provided 21 assists during his three-year tenure with the Red Devils, so the idea that he could come back and become part of the management team to guide United back to the glory days that once were will surely delight supporters who adore him.

The two time Premier League golden boot winner has the invaluable experience earned with Arsenal and Man United that could give ten Hag a real insight into the challenges of the league and can certainly help the current squad understand what it means to win trophies at the club.

Van Persie retired from playing football in 2019 hanging up his boots at 35 years old, and has since been making an impact in his assistant manager role at Feyenoord Rotterdam after being promoted from his technical coach role last summer. Coming back to the Premier League to work alongside ten Hag would be a huge next step in his career on the sideline.

With that being said, Manchester United have not even officially reached an agreement with the Ajax boss, and until ten Hag is confirmed we don’t expect other members of the coaching team to be decided until the deal is done, but the idea of Van Persie returning to the club will surely have supporters very excited.

In other news: MUFC make “shock approach” for “cold” £50m “warrior”, it’s bye-bye Rashford

Celtic are closing in on a deal to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers to Parkhead on a permanent basis this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that, despite the increased interest in the centre-back’s signing – with the likes of Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City all believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the 24-year-old – Celtic are now in pole position to land the Tottenham Hotspur defender at the end of the season.

The report goes on to state that Ange Postecoglou’s transfer team are currently locked in negotiations with the Premier League side concerning the activation of their £6m option to buy clause for the USA international – a deal which could eventually rise to £10m with add-ons.

Finally, it is claimed that, with Champions League football all but secured ahead of next season, people close to Carter-Vickers believe that Celtic Park is the best place for the American to continue his progression in the game.

Huge coup for Celtic

Considering just how impressive Carter-Vickers have been for Celtic since his season-long loan switch to Glasgow last summer, it is unsurprising to learn that a number of Premier League sides, as well as the Hoops, are keen to secure the centre-back’s signature at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 27 Premiership appearances this season, the £2.7m-rated defender has been flawless in the Celtic backline, helping his side keep 14 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 4.4 clearances and winning six duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

The £22k-per-week American has also chipped in for the Bhoys in an attacking capacity, bagging four goals – one of which was the winner against Rangers on Sunday – and registering one assist, as well as taking an average of 0.6 shots and making 0.3 key passes per fixture.

These returns have seen the 24-year-old average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.36, ranking him as the fifth-best player in the top flight of Scottish football in the current campaign.

As such, it is clear for all to see why there is so much interest in Carter-Vickers this summer, as well as why sealing his permanent switch to Parkhead would be something of a major coup for the runaway Premiership leaders.

AND in other news: Postecoglou drops huge behind the scenes update, it’s great news for Celtic