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Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is set to remain at the club beyond the January transfer window after becoming enthused at the prospect of working under Ralf Rangnick.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and has so far rejected the club’s offer of a new deal, opting instead to wait until the end of the season to weigh up his options.

Pogba’s current situation would allow him to reach a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club over the coming months, though, ensuring his United exit six years after re-signing for his boyhood club.

However, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the World Cup-winning midfielder is not expected to enter talks with any interested party, instead focussing on his return from injury and working under Rangnick at United.

Ornstein’s report states that: “The midfielder continues to rehabilitate in Dubai but is said to be enthused by the idea of working under Rangnick, having received positive feedback about the 63-year-old from contacts in the game.

“The Athletic is told that he is highly unlikely to do so (sign with another side in January) as he focuses on football and considers all options heading towards the summer.”

Ralf Rangnick will be elated

News that Pogba is set to remain at the club at least until the end of the campaign will leave Rangnick feeling elated, given his importance to the side.

The engine room operator has already racked up seven assists in his 13 appearances for the Red Devils throughout 2021/22 and his underlying numbers are also indicative of his influence over proceedings.

As per WhoScored, Pogba has averaged 1.7 key passes per league game this term, two dribbles and 4.8 long balls, placing him in the top three for each metric when compared to his teammates.

With Rangnick set to implement a new style and philosophy upon the 20-time English champions, he will need his best players available, and Ornstein’s latest revelation will be warmly welcomed by everyone at the Theatre of Dreams. This is evidently a huge boost for United as they aim to hit the ground running under their new tactician.

And, in other news…MUFC can get rocking again with “absolutely exceptional” £33m gem who Rangnick loves

An update has emerged on Rangers’ pursuit of a new manager, regarding a possible candidate for the role…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, 53-year-old Bodo Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen is a coach who has caught Ross Wilson’s eye in his search for Steven Gerrard’s replacement.

The report claims that he is also on Norwich’s shortlist to take over at Carrow Road, whilst the Gers are also plotting talks with ex-Feyenoord man Gio van Bronckhorst.

Dream for Rangers

Wilson could discover a dream Rangers boss in Knutsen with his progressive, front-foot, style and impressive C.V in Norway with Glimt. He broke the goalscoring record in the Norweigan top-flight as his side found the back of the net a whopping 103 times last season as they won the title, whilst his team also beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in the Conference League earlier this term.

This shows that he is capable of setting up a team to play exciting, free-flowing, football to score goals at a ridiculous rate, which could excite Rangers fans and explain why he could be a dream appointment. He could carry on where Gerrard left off and help the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala and Kemar Roofe thrive, as he has shown that he can organise a team to flourish in front of goal.

Glimt captain Ulrick Saltnes described Knutsen’s style as ‘kamikaze’ and the man himself outlined his demands for the players on the pitch, wanting his side to dominate all aspects of the game. He said:

“Dominating doesn’t just mean scoring but also having the possession of the ball and dictating the rules of the game.

“We want to create a team identity that encompasses everyone; players, staff, managers, fans. We must confront ourselves to be able to create this ‘Bodo model’.”

This goes further to show that he wants his team to play in a defined style and will try to employ a dominant, attack-orientated, system at Ibrox. Therefore, he could be an excellent appointment by Wilson if he is able to translate his success over to Scotland.

The Gers chief should, at the very least, explore the move and see if he is a viable option in the coming days as his background suggests that he could be a great addition to the dugout. Supporters could get excited about the prospect of their team firing in the goals on a consistent basis and winning titles under him, following on from what he has achieved in Norway.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for Rangers disaster over 43y/o boss with 0 trophies, fans surely livid…

Loads of Everton fans have been left raging over comments made by Rafael Benitez ahead of their game away at Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the Bees, the Spaniard claimed with regards to youth development at Goodison Park (via Toffee TV): “When we talk about young players, it seems to be young is to be good enough. Anthony Gordon is a young player & people were asking him to play. After 2-3 weeks, he was mentally ready…Not too many players can play when they are still young players”.

Speaking of Gordon, the 20-year-old has started in four of the Toffees’ last six games in the top flight (Transfermarkt), and his performances on the pitch so far have kept him in the team.

However, it should not matter how old you are so long as you can perform, and Benitez is seemingly suggesting that he would rather play more experienced players in match situations.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Salomon Rondon (32) and Cenk Tosun (30) are examples of experienced players at Everton, but have not yet scored a goal between them this season, showing that in some cases youth need to be given more opportunities.

Everton fans slam Benitez comments

These Toffees supporters raged as the comments from Benitez were shared on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that they were ‘garbage’:

“Oh what total garbage, great boost for our kids.”

Credit: @Evertongezza

“So let’s keep playing experienced players who offer nothing”

Credit: @tjdoyle84

“What a nonsense statement, give the youth a chance, looking what we have in our first 11”

Credit: @beaney1966

“Such a poor view. Young, talented and hungry players are what fans want to see!”

Credit: @Gre9oryPeck

“Utter nonsense! That might be an argument if you’re sitting top of the table with an abundance of talent available! We have Rondon!?”

Credit: @RingKilcronan

“There are so many examples of young players playing well in the Premier that his comments make him look a fool. We’re not asking for a team of teenagers to play, but where we have good young players in positions that we are struggling in, you’d try it.”

Credit: @MDub700

In other news, find out what Marcel Brands has done to leave these Everton fans fuming

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie thinks that a new left-back will be the first thing the club will seek in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Left-back issues; Buchanan links

Ange Postecoglou has been tested at left-back in recent weeks after positional regular Greg Taylor had to undergo shoulder surgery.

The Scot has missed the last 11 games in all competitions as a result, with the likes of Boli Bolingoli, Adam Montgomery and Josip Juranovic being used in Taylor’s absence.

Celtic have also been linked with Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan in recent weeks, with reliable reporter Alan Nixon believing that the Rams may sell in the next transfer window.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider about the Hoops’ left-back ranks, which he labelled a ‘problem position’ based on the instability in the role in recent weeks.

He has tipped the club to remedy that in January by making a ‘quality’ left-back addition, saying:

“Left-back is the problem position.

“We just can’t seem to get it right. I don’t think Postecoglou is happy. Juranovic is a right-back but he plays left-back quite a lot of the time.

“Taylor is in and out and Bolingoli can’t get more than a couple of games even though he’s the best of the lot.

“That tells me Ange isn’t completely happy and I think a new left-back will be first through the door in January.

“I think we will spend, the money is there. The defence is definitely the problem.

“But the same centre-backs start every week and it’s usually Ralston at right-back.

“A top-quality left-back would improve us to no end.”

The Verdict: Over to Nicholson…

With no director of football or head of recruitment in place at Parkhead, you’d expect that the club’s winter window business will be down to interim CEO Michael Nicholson at this moment in time.

A left-back appears to be needed with Postecoglou so far struggling to find the answer without Taylor, so Buchanan could be a shrewd addition.

Wayne Rooney has tipped the Derby youngster to go on and play for England, and with the player out of contract at the end of the season, January could be the perfect time for the Hoops to make their move.

In other news: ‘It’s a small fee’ – BBC pundit reacts as Celtic make first move to sign ‘incredible’ defender

According to Graham Roberts, Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Brendan Rodgers, believing that would be high up on Spurs’ wish list to replace Nuno Espirito Santo as manager.

The Lowdown: Nuno Espirito Santo sacked

After just four months in charge, Nuno was sacked as the club’s manager on Monday morning after Spurs lost five of their previous seven Premier League matches (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Roberts suggests Rodgers

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Roberts stated his belief that the north London club would have Rodgers high up on their list to become the new manager. The former Tottenham player said:

“Yeah, I think they would go for him. I think Rodgers, Pochettino, but I would think Rodgers would be in the top two at least.”

The Verdict: Rodgers has pedigree

Currently at Leicester City, Rodgers has proven himself consistently in recent years. He led Liverpool to the brink of the Premier League title in 2014 before going on to win a number of trophies at Celtic. With Leicester, he has twice been just a few points away from Champions League football, while he also helped the Foxes win the FA Cup last season.

Whether he would now make the move to Spurs is another question. Leicester are currently in a better place than Tottenham – they have had more success in recent seasons and continue to look up rather than down. Rodgers would be a very good choice, but he could be unattainable for Daniel Levy and co.

In other news, Tottenham want to sign this centre-back

West Bromwich Albion have agreed a deal to bring Adam Reach to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claimed that Albion have made a breakthrough in talks with the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, with the club now finalising the 28-year-old’s contract ahead of his move to West Brom on a free transfer.

The report added that Blackburn Rovers were also interested in signing the former England under-20 international this summer, but it would now appear that Valerien Ismael’s side have beaten them to the player’s signature.

Ismael will be over the moon

With West Brom having been relatively quiet in the summer transfer window thus far, Ismael will undoubtedly be over the moon with glee if the Baggies have indeed managed to secure the signing of Reach ahead of their opening fixture of the Championship season next weekend.

With the Frenchman being short in options on the left-hand side of his Albion team, the addition of Reach – who is capable of playing in every position along the left – would very much appear to be an astute addition to the 45-year-old’s side.

Indeed, over his 44 Championship appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, the £2.52m-rated midfielder scored five goals, registered three assists and created five big chances for his teammates, taking 1.3 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The £20k-per-week man also impressed in a defensive capacity, averaging 0.9 interceptions, one tackle and one clearance and winning 2.8 duels per match.

These metrics saw the man who Chey Dunkley dubbed a “leader” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.82, ranking him as Darren Moore’s sixth-best performer in the second tier last time out.

As such, it would appear that Reach could quite easily be deployed at left wing-back, left midfield or even on the left-hand side of the West Brom front line next season, versatility which will be a huge boost for Ismael over what will be a challenging and tiring Championship campaign.

In other news: West Brom dealt major transfer blow over “athletic” 5ft 8 dynamo, fans will be fuming

Newcastle United now reportedly want to sign Ross Barkley when the January transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Free to go

As per 90min, Barkley is free to leave Chelsea in January, and was even expected to go in the summer.

West Ham United were exploring a loan move for the central midfield player at one stage, while Burnley entered the race at the end of the window.

The Latest: Talks already ongoing

According to 90min, the St. James’ Park faithful are one of three clubs in the Premier League who now want to sign Barkley in January, along with both Leeds United and Burnley.

They are keen to do a deal for the Englishman, and intermediaries have actually already initiated talks with the North East club to offer his services.

Barkley is on the shortlist of the new owners, along with Blues teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The Verdict: Sign

Barkley may have fallen off from the early hype he got while playing for Everton, but he is still a player who can add to the current Magpies squad.

Dubbed an ‘unbelievable’ and ‘unreal’ player by none other than Callum Wilson  – and one who he would like to play with –  on The Super 6 podcast (via The Chronicle), he may cherish linking up with a deadly striker in Wilson, who showed how much of a threat he is when given the right service with a goal at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

It is amazing that he is still just 27 years of age, as it feels as if he has been around forever, and given that Chelsea seemingly want to get rid, Barkley could be available for a price Newcastle’s new owners can comfortably afford.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ manager is now in the frame for the NUFC job here!

West Ham United slumped to their second Premier League defeat of the season as they were beaten by Yoane Wissa’s last-minute winner at the London Stadium.

David Moyes’ men looked to be settling for a point against Brentford after Jarrod Bowen fired a driven shot past the visiting goalkeeper in the 80th minute to cancel out Bryan Mbeumo’s fortuitous opener.

But the super substitute scored with the last kick of the game to hand the Bees all three points.

Plenty of the Irons’ key starters were simply not at the races on the afternoon, including Tomas Soucek, who had a ‘shocker’ according to the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser, and veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who was beaten far too easily for both goals.

However, on his return from injury, Vladimir Coufal looked some way off it. Perhaps he was rushed back too soon. He looked leggy, he looked error-prone and he was just not at his usually impressive high standard, at both ends of the pitch.

The Czech Republic right-back was well-beaten in the air by Pontus Jansson, who saw his header glance into the path of the goalscoring Wissa.

Earning a 6.7 rating on SofaScore, the 29-year-old defender was rather wasteful with the ball, managing only 23 passes at a success rate of just 55% – the worst of any outfield player – and he lost possession a match-high 29 times.

It meant he lost the ball every three minutes and once every 2.4 touches (71 total).

In attack, Coufal managed just one accurate cross from eight attempts, whilst he failed to make a single long ball from eight attempts, meaning Michail Antonio had very little to feed off, so you can forgive the 31-year-old talisman for looking quieter than usual.

Elsewhere, the £18m-rated dynamo committed two fouls, handing the game back to the Bees even more, and managed just one tackle and no interceptions or blocks either.

football.london graded his performance a 5/10, which was amongst some of the lowest ratings in the squad for this encounter.

As a player that has averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.3 key passes per game this campaign, via WhoScored, it’s evident that Coufal was some way off his usual performance level.

He was one of several Hammers players to severely let his manager down as they slipped down to ninth in the table.

AND in other news, Newman could become an instant hit at West Ham by signing £36m-rated “world-beater”…

West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael has dropped a promising hint on the future of Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by Birmingham Live, the Baggies boss revealed that he is confident Johnstone will put pen to paper on a new deal at The Hawthorns, despite the reported interest in the 28-year-old’s services from the Premier League.

When asked about the current progress of the England international’s contract talks, the Frenchman said: “I don’t think it will be a short-term story. We need more time with him, but we are talking and this is the most important thing. He’s open, he’s happy, he’s shown from day one since he came back that he has the right attitude.

“We saw in the games already his quality, and he has a perfect environment to improve. I think our way to play is perfect for him. He needs to cement altogether that feeling – at the moment, communication is the most important thing for all parties.

“It’s a good feeling that we’re still talking, everything can happen and we have a good chance to extend his contract.

“It’s a key position, but we must accept the situation. He has one year left on his contract and now we try to extend it. We need to see in the next few months which position we’re in, because the more we win, the more we stay where we are, the more we have a chance of extending his contract.”

Fans will be buzzing

With Ismael’s comments providing a very clear message regarding the future of Johnstone at The Hawthorns, in that the closer Albion are to the top of the Championship table and subsequently nearing a return to the Premier League, the more chance the club have of tying the goalkeeper down to a new deal, the fact that West Brom have enjoyed a fantastic start to their 2021/22 campaign will have left fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, with the 28-year-old’s deal expiring next summer, in theory, the Baggies have plenty of time to convince the £7.2m-rated man to remain at the club beyond his current contract.

And, should West Brom indeed go on to secure promotion come next May, retaining the shot-stopper would certainly appear to provide Ismael with a much greater chance of keeping his side in the top flight in the following campaign.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League appearances for Albion last season, the £28k-per-week ‘keeper kept six clean sheets and made a rather remarkable average of 4.5 saves per game.

These returns saw the man Micah Richards dubbed an “exceptional” goalkeeper earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Albion’s second-best performer in the league.

Johnstone has continued this impressive form so far this season, having kept two clean sheets and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.83 over his four Championship appearances.

As such, with it very much appearing as if promotion is the key to keeping the 28-year-old in West Brom colours beyond next summer, Ismael’s side have all the more motivation to go on and secure a top-two finish in the Championship this season – something that seems a very real possibility after picking up 13 points from their opening five games.

In other news: West Brom set to swoop for “talented” £1.8m-rated beast, Ismael will be buzzing

Aston Villa gem Cameron Archer bagged a stunning hat-trick as the Midlands outfit defeated Burton Albion in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old was in ruthless form at the Pirelli Stadium, delivering an absolute goalscoring masterclass in front of first-team manager Dean Smith, his assistant Craig Shakespeare and sporting director Johan Lange.

Having gone two goals down, it was the young forward who kickstarted the comeback ten minutes before the break.

The Walsall-born teenager fired a low-driven effort past the home goalkeeper before doubling his tally to put Villa into the lead just after the hour mark. He beat the Brewers’ backline with a nicely-timed run before slamming the ball into the net once again.

He completed his hat-trick with less than 20 minutes to go, it was yet another clinical and impressive finish from the striker.

BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece described Archer’s display as “absolutely sensational” in his post-match ratings column.

“It was finishing of the highest order with Archer being applauded off by Smith, Shakespeare, Danks and Lange in the stands. Archer was levels above here, whacking home his trio past Balcombe in the Burton net,” he added. “Villa need to get his contract sorted now. His development since the summer has been staggering. The boy’s some finisher.”

It merely continues his electric form in 2021/22, having been given a proper opportunity for the senior side in the Carabao Cup, where he bagged another hat-trick against lowly Barrow and a magnificent header against the Champions of Europe, Chelsea.

The Claret and Blue Army have witnessed many a young talent break through the system and become regular first-team stars over the years, with the likes of Gareth Barry and Jack Grealish being prime examples.

But it’s been a while since a proper frontman went onto become a hero at Villa Park – perhaps the last being Gabby Agbonlahor. Whilst Archer and the former Lions star aren’t like-for-like, the young prospect could well be the man to break the trend.

Archer has “genuine pace” but is also “stocky”, according to Preece, so he can combine sheer speed and physicality to dominate opposing defences for years to come, and just like Agbonlahor, he had to go out on loan to the lower divisions before getting his chance.

The 19-year-old marksman enjoyed a successful stint at local side Solihull Moors, where his former boss Jimmy Shan waxed lyrical about his ability.

“He’s a centre-forward. His movement is excellent but it’s his pace that makes him such a threat,” he said. “He was rapid, let me tell you. He doesn’t look quick but he just pulls away from defenders with ease. He’s a bright and intelligent guy and very inquisitive.”

Also described as a “major talent” by Guardian journalist John Brewin, Villa boss Smith could genuinely unearth the next big thing in the Midlands by unleashing Archer more frequently.

The teenage sensation could be the first homegrown talent since Agbonlahor to go onto greatness in the senior side.

AND in other news, “Sources confirmed…”: Gregg Evans drops Aston Villa update that’ll really worry fans…