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Kylian Mbappe will reportedly not travel to North America in pre-season with the rest of the Real Madrid squad.

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• Los Blancos will travel to the USA on July 28
• Mbappe will be on a break from football
• Will return to training at Valdebebas on August 7

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The reigning champions of Spain and Europe will cross the Atlantic for their USA trip on July 28 where they will engage in friendly matches against Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea. However, according totheir latest Galactico, Mbappe, will not be a part of the trip and will instead commence his pre-season training alongside his new teammates at the Valdebebas training facility from August 7 onwards.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe had been involved with the French national team in the European Championship and hence did not get an opportunity to take a break from action after a demanding club season with Paris Saint-Germain. And following France's exit from Euro 2024 at the semi-final stage against Spain on July 9, Mbappe, Carlo Ancelotti, and Real Madrid's management have collectively opted for a period of rest and recuperation for the star forward. It is expected that the forward will now embark on a vacation to unwind before getting back on the grass in the first week of August.

• WHAT MBAPPE SAID

  At his introductory press conference as a Real Madrid player, Mbappe revealed that he is ready to join Ancelotti's troops but will comply with the club's decisions regarding his participation in pre-season activities. "If the club wants me to go, I will go," he told reporters.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  Real Madrid aim to synchronize Mbappe's return to training with his compatriots from the French national team, including Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga. It is believed that the club want Mbappe to make his debut in the European Super Cup clash against Atalanta, scheduled for August 14 in Warsaw, Poland.

Glasgow Rangers extended their winning run to 11 matches with a 2-1 win against Kilmarnock in midweek, but they did not make it easy for themselves.

The plastic pitch at Rugby Park upset the Gers' usual rhythm as they struggled to make things happen during the first half, trailing by a goal to nil after 45 minutes.

Philippe Clement had to deliver a strong team talk at the break, and it clearly did the job, as a James Tavernier free-kick followed by a lovely low effort by Tom Lawrence swung the match in their favour and the Light Blues saw out a crucial victory.

The fixtures are flowing thick and fast as the Ibrox side take on Motherwell this afternoon. A win would allow them to extend their advantage at the top of the Premiership table to five points, albeit temporarily, and Clement will be trusting his side to deliver a solid performance to pile the pressure on Celtic.

With that in mind, here's a look at the potential starting lineup that the Belgian manager could choose this afternoon, with three potential alterations from the midweek triumph…

1

GK – Jack Butland

The Englishman has been in imperious form this season for the club, and it could even potentially lead to an England call up in the coming weeks.

In 43 matches this season, Butland has kept 22 clean sheets and conceded 31 goals, returning to the form which saw him become a regular in the Premier League with Stoke City.

They say attack wins matches, but defence wins championships and the ‘keeper is going to make all the difference.

2

RB – James Tavernier

When Rangers received a free kick just outside the Kilmarnock box on Wednesday evening just minutes into the second half, there was only going to be one outcome.

Tavernier stepped up when it mattered most and scored his 121st goal for the club, a remarkable number for any player, never mind a right-back.

His captaincy has been criticised in the past, but this season, he could lead the Gers to an incredible treble.

3

CB – Connor Goldson

There will be no change among the centre-backs for today's clash with Well, as the duo were solid against Killie in midweek.

Goldson and John Souttar have formed an excellent partnership which has evolved due to a consistent run in the starting XI together.

The Englishman recently made his 300th competitive appearance for the Light Blues and, judging by his injury record and performances, he could reach 400 if he maintains his current form.

4

CB – John Souttar

The Scot was impressive yet again during the comeback win over Killie on Wednesday evening as he won eight of his nine aerial duels, was successful with 100% of his long balls and made a key pass.

He and Goldson have been the nailed-on centre-back duo for the Gers since the start of the year and long may it continue.

5

LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

Borna Barisic started against the Rugby Park side, yet he endured a woeful first half which saw him lose possession 16 times while completing just 69% of his attempted passes.

He was taken off at half-time, replaced by Ridvan Yilmaz, and the contrast was remarkable.

The Turkish defender looked a bigger threat going forward while impressive defensively and there is no doubt who should be the starting left-back from now on.

6

CM – John Lundstram

Mr consistent. Lundstram has missed only one game since Clement took over as manager last October and his form will almost certainly earn him an extended contract.

The former Sheffield United midfielder will retain his place, and it will be one of the January signings that will be deployed next to him this afternoon.

7

CM – Mohamed Diomande

Diomande has made quite an impression at Rangers since arriving in January. Across just six matches, the Ivorian has scored twice – in league games against St Johnstone and Hearts – while adding some dynamism in the midfield.

He did struggle on the Rugby Park pitch in midweek, but this experience will allow him to perform better in the future, and he could emerge as a star in the coming years.

8

RW – Dujon Sterling

Clement has utilised Sterling in a few positions recently, but it was his stint on the right wing during the clash against St Johnstone that caught the eye.

He won a penalty, missed a big chance, and succeeded with a dribble attempt after coming on for Scott Wright, showing his attacking intentions.

9

AM – Tom Lawrence

It was perhaps a surprise to see Lawrence take to the pitch in midweek due to the surface and his injury issues in the past, but he performed wonderfully.

The Welshman scored the winner, and it was a testament to just how well he has bounced back after various setbacks threatened to derail his Ibrox spell since arriving in the summer of 2022.

10

LW – Ross McCausland

Clement stated in his pre-match press conference that Oscar Cortes would miss the tie today due to an injury suffered against Kilmarnock.

This means that McCausland will start on the left wing as Rabbi Matondo might not be fully fit either, and it represents a chance for him to shine out of his comfort zone.

Reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold has shared an interesting bit of detail from "within" Tottenham concerning a "sensational" player of theirs.

Postecoglou praised for excellent debut season at Spurs

The appointment of manager Ange Postecoglou was arguably one of chairman Daniel Levy's best decisions in recent memory, as the difference in mood compared to this time last year is vast.

Tottenham now willing to back Ange with transfer bid for £79m "magician"

Spurs are prepared to make an offer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 10, 2024

Around 10 months ago, Spurs were gearing up to sack ex-head coach Antonio Conte after his very public outburst, with the Italian lambasting Levy, his players and Tottenham's culture in a fiery tirade to the media.

The Lilywhites completed 2022/2023 without Champions League football with the future looking bleak, especially with former technical director Fabio Paratici receiving a 30-month worldwide ban from FIFA as well.

However, Postecoglou's arrival soon turned the tide in Spurs' favour, with the Australian implementing an intense, high-pressing style of play to win over many admirers. Levy and co have also proved successful in the transfer market with a new data-driven recruitment model, something which has paid dividends thus far with the successful signings of Micky van de Ven and James Maddison among others.

“He’s put something in place that’s breathtaking to watch but actually, is quite complex when you watch it from a football point of view," said Sky pundit Gary Neville on Postecoglou earlier this season.

“Spurs fans won’t like this but he is amazing, and if you’re Manchester City losing Pep Guardiola in a year or two, you’d be looking at Ange Postecoglou now thinking ‘wow that’s exactly what we want to see’.

“But for the time being Spurs have just got to enjoy this because it’s brilliant to watch. What they can do is enjoy one of the best brands of football I’ve seen in 10 years since I finished playing football. I love watching Tottenham Hotspur play.”

Another great aspect of Spurs' season has been the return of star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who made his long-awaited comeback from a long-term ACL injury earlier in the campaign.

Alasdair Gold shares Bentancur doubts from "within" Tottenham

Speaking on his YouTube channel, football.london correspondent Gold has shared an interesting bit of detail on this, claiming some "within" Spurs have held the belief Bentancur won't be back to his best till next season.

“From what I understand from people within the club, as he was going through his rehabilitation and getting towards the end of it, there was this feeling last year that you weren’t going to see the best version of Rodrigo Bentancur until next season, so the 24/25 season," said Gold.

“And that’s not particularly down to him, that is purely because when you’ve had a serious, long-term injury, your body needs to rebuild itself. And it’s almost like the player has to re-educate themselves on all the things that were natural and instinctive, because they just haven’t done it for so long, or they’ve barely done it.”

The "sensational" Uruguay international has still managed nine league appearances, scoring once in that time, so if insiders believe he isn't even at his best yet, then supporters could have yet another thing to look forward to alongside the prospect of potential Champions League football.

After playing a pivotal role in a flawless Bundesliga triumph, the 31-year-old is now perfectly placed to make more history with his country

Switzerland's 3-0 loss to Italy at Euro 2020 has long bothered Granit Xhaka. He felt his team failed to turn up for the group game in Rome. Last weekend was different, though. Last weekend, Switzerland didn't just take to the field at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, they made it their own private playground, dumping the defending champions out of Euro 2024 with the most dominant of 2-0 wins.

"I have never seen the Azzurri in such difficulty on the field as against us," Xhaka enthused after the last-16 showdown in Berlin – and with no shortage of justification. "We won even before going on the pitch, just as they did with us three years ago. They were scared."

One wonders if England will be feeling a little fearful themselves right now, because despite picking up a minor adductor injury against Italy, Xhaka is expected to start against the Three Lions in Saturday's quarter-final clash in Dusseldorf, which means that there is a very real chance that a player in the form of his life will deliver another midfield masterclass on the biggest stage.

• 'In Granit we trust'

  One Switzerland supporter showed off a poster during the dismantling of Italy that read, "In Granit we trust." And why wouldn't they? Xhaka is not just proving himself a great leader at Euro 2024; he's also proving himself a great player. Indeed, he's been one of the best central midfielders on show in Germany, alongside Toni Kroos and Rodri.

  He's already claimed two Player of the Match awards, after Switzerland's 3-1 win over Hungary and the 1-1 draw with Germany, taking his overall Euros tally to five – only Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo have claimed more (six apiece).

  His most impressive performance to date, though, came against Italy.

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  Xhaka's 'positive' passing

  For an awfully long time, Xhaka was renowned for his more destructive qualities: making interceptions, winning crunching tackles, hoovering up loose balls. However, it was telling after the opening-round win over Hungary, Xhaka said his focus is on helping his team "by being positive" – and he's unquestionably delivering in that regard.

  Working wonderfully well in tandem with Remo Freuler, and within what is a dynamic, disciplined and well-drilled Swiss side, Xhaka is dictating games and constantly putting his team on the front foot with his swift and precise use of the ball.

  Against the Azzurri, no other player on the pitch had more touches (101), completed more passes (94/98) or created more chances (three). Even more significantly, he made a whopping 25 line-breaking passes – a single-game tally that only Kroos has bettered so far this summer.

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  Alonso's special six

  Of course, anyone who watched Bayer Leverkusen last season will be unsurprised by Xhaka's excellence at the Euros. The German outfit made several astute signings last summer, but Xhaka's arrival from Arsenal was utterly integral to their historic domestic double.

  Under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, Xhaka was deployed in more of an advanced role, like a box-to-box No.8, but fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso saw the Swiss as a No.6 and made him the fulcrum of his team.

  Xhaka may not have dominated the headlines last season in the same way as Florian Wirtz, for example. He didn't even register a single assist across the unbeaten Bundesliga campaign, but absolutely everything Leverkusen did went through Xhaka.

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  'I have come to lead'

  Alonso didn't just want Xhaka for his play-making skills, though. His character was also key. Alonso had an abundance of promising players at his disposal in Leverkusen; what he needed was someone with experience and an insatiable will to win. Consequently, he saw Xhaka as an "essential" addition to his relatively young squad.

  "I also think that Granit had a vital need [to change] after his time in London, where he spent seven years," Alonso explained. "I motivated him to return [to Germany] to take on a different role, and he did so with a different level of maturity, saying, 'I have not come to follow anymore; I have come to lead.'"

  He did exactly that at Leverkusen – and now he's doing likewise with Switzerland.

Derby County are interested in completing the signing of a free agent once described as "magnificent" by Alan Shearer, but they aren't alone in the chase for a new goalscorer.

Derby transfer news & promotion hopes

The January transfer window is now done and dusted for another year, meaning Paul Warne knows he won't be available to spend on new signings until the summer, barring the acquisition of free agents. While January proved to be a relatively quiet month for the Rams, they did bring in Charlton Athletic attacker Corey Blackett-Taylor on loan, which could prove to be an excellent piece of business by the club by the time May arrives.

While he is yet to score or assist in his first two appearances in a Derby shirt, eight and six apiece for Charlton earlier in the season suggests that he will provide firepower in his side's League One promotion quest, as they look to return to the Championship.

Warne's side sit right in the promotion picture currently, finding themselves fourth in the league table and only one point behind the automatic promotion spots, albeit having played two games more than second-place Bolton Wanderers.

This suggests that Derby were right not to bring in a host of new players, with the manager generally happy with the squad that he has, but a new update claims that a well-known player is being looked at as an option.

Derby want Dwight Gayle

According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Derby are keen on signing free agent Dwight Gayle, with the striker without a club after leaving Stoke City on deadline day. They are far from alone in showing an interest, though, with some Championship teams believed to be in the mix, too.

"Charlton, Barnsley, Derby County, Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday are already showing interest in Dwight Gayle. He’s now available as free agent after terminating contract at Stoke City."

At 34 years of age, Gayle is admittedly not getting any younger and may not be the striker he used to be, but that's not to say that he wouldn't be a shrewd short-term acquisition by Derby. The Englishman has a wealth of experience at a high level, not least scoring 26 times in the Premier League and on 62 occasions in the Championship, and Newcastle United legend Shearer lauded him back in 2020 after he scored a goal for the former England striker's beloved Magpies:

"Oh yessssssss Dwight Gayle! A magnificent header from a great cross Jacob Murphy! Toon! Toon."

The fact that Gayle would join for free erases the risk element of spending lots of money on him, so Derby could almost see it as something of a free hit. If he comes in and scores goals, helping the Rams go up this season, it will be a roaring success, and if he fails to impress it won't be the end of the world, allowing him to move on at the end of the season.

World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst says he does not agree with recent criticism of the England team at Euro 2024 by ex-players.

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• England criticised at Euro 2024
• Hurst says says comments are unnecessary
• Three Lions already through to last 16

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hurst, who won the 1966 World Cup with England, has voiced his disapproval of recent events after seeing former Three Lions striker and television host Gary Lineker thrust into the spotlight after branding Gareth Southgate's side as "sh*t" at Euro 2024. Captain Harry Kane has subsequently been quizzed on Lineker's comments as has Southgate himself ahead of the team's final group game against Slovenia.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  England have already qualified for the knockout stages but fans have been left underwhelmed by their performances so far. A narrow 1-0 win over Serbia was followed by a 1-1 draw against Denmark, with Southgate coming in for criticism for his use of Alexander-Arnold in midfield and fans also left disappointed by Foden's lack of form for the national team.

• WHAT HURST SAID

  Hurst has told Sky Sports: "One thing I don't get along with is that criticism but also what I don't think is good is the fact that Harry [Kane] has to go to a press conference and defend himself. I am totally against any player getting criticism and going on the box and being interviewed, trying to defend his position I don't think he should be pushed into that. I don't agree with that at all.

  "Certainly in this particular time, I am absolutely against being critical of the team and individuals. I'm just not getting involved in it. I don't think it's necessary. I don't think it's necessary that the players themselves should have to defend themselves. It's maybe the manager's job to defend them but I don't think it's necessary to do so."

  Hurst did concede we would like to make a change to the England team, adding: "One thing I would probably change is I'd play Anthony Gordon out wide on the left and I'd put Foden more in the middle of the park where Trent Alexander-Arnold is starting. I think his record at Manchester City in terms of scoring and creating goals is fantastic and wide on the left is not his best position and you have to put players in their best position. I think Foden is a fantastic player who should be more central and I think Gordon on the left gives Kieran Trippier, who is predominantly right-footed, more opportunities to play balls out wide on the left. They are the only changes I would make."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND

  England's final group game is on Tuesday against Slovenia and fans will be hoping for an improved showing from the Three Lions. A victory for Southgate's side will ensure they top Group C and set up a last-16 tie against one of thefour best third-placed teams in the last-16.

While a lot of Aston Villa fans might have been focussing on their impressive early transfer business in recent weeks, academy graduate Cameron Archer has been staking his claim for a spot in Steven Gerrard’s first-team squad next season.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Preston North End and hit seven Championship goals for Ryan Lowe’s side, with the Lilywhites reportedly keen on loaning him again next season.

Archer caught the eye for Villa early last season when he hit a hat-trick in a League Cup win against Barrow, before notching a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the same competition.

He has also excelled for England U’21s in the recent international break, with a goal off the bench against Albania as well as a double against Kosovo earlier this week.

Reports have suggested that Gerrard will assess the youngster before deciding whether to send him out on loan again next season, but given Villa’s strikers struggled to hit the back of the net consistently last season, he might consider unleashing the clinical Archer in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins finished the season as Villa’s top scorer in the top flight, hitting 11 goals, which suggests that Gerrard needs a more trustworthy option in front of goal if his side are to achieve European qualification next season.

Although he is only 26 and likely won’t need replacing for some time, Watkins showed his inadequacies last season as he underperformed on his xG, whereas the £5.4m-rated Archer’s recent efforts for England U’21s have shown that he knows where the net is.

Preston boss Lowe was full of praise for the young striker last season, saying: “Cameron has got an abundance of talent.

“His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Therefore, it seems like only a matter of time before Archer is given regular opportunities at Villa, and he could be the ideal man to replace Watkins in Gerrard’s side in the long term.

And, in other news… Bye-bye McGinn: Lange must now finalise Aston Villa swoop for “outstanding” £10m star 

West Ham have been linked with a move for Stade Rennais defender Adrien Truffert recently and he could be the next Theo Hernandez in David Moyes’ side.

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, West Ham, Everton and Leicester City have all enquired about signing the 20-year-old, who established himself as a regular at Roazhon Park last season.

With Arthur Masuaku reportedly set to leave the London Stadium and Aaron Cresswell set to turn 33 next season, it was perhaps always likely that Moyes would look to recruit a left-back this summer and Truffert could be the ideal man.

FB Ref suggests that the French defender excels going forward, particularly impressing in terms of progressive carries, shot-creating actions and progressive passes, while he is also strong at the back, with an impressive blocking rate.

The website suggests that Truffert’s style of play is very similar to that of Hernandez, and if the Stade Rennais man were to perform at anywhere near the level of the AC Milan ace at West Ham next season, then he would be a superb addition.

Last season saw Hernandez make 32 appearances in Serie A for I Rossoneri, in which he contributed an impressive five goals and six assists, averaging a 7.16 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Truffert meanwhile, contributed three goals and two assists in a strong season with Les Rouge et Noir, so clearly doesn’t lack attacking quality.

Former Rennes coach Julien Stephan was full of praise for Truffert in 2020, saying:

“He’s a young player who I know very well. He has huge potential and a very good left foot.

“He’s very intelligent, has the right mentality and the versatility to play in different positions. He has all the qualities needed to keep progressing and to break through in the near future.”

Considering Truffert is only 20, he has plenty of time to adapt and grow in the Premier League, so signing him now might be a smart move by GSB, especially if he can develop to the same extent as Hernandez, who is now valued at £77m after his incredible performances with AC Milan.

And, in other news… West Ham could now sign their own Cancelo in “incredible” £30m gem, he’s Moyes’ dream

Celtic have been linked with a move for midfielder Connor Barron ahead of the upcoming summer window as Ange Postecoglou look to bolster his ranks at Parkhead.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Scottish Daily Express, the Hoops sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old during Scotland’s U21s clash against Belgium.

The report also added that “Ange Postecoglou and his scouting team have been impressed with Barron throughout the season.”

Celtic’s next Scott Brown

As a product of Aberdeen’s youth ranks, the midfielder has now made 15 senior appearances for the club after completing loan deals with Kelty Hearts and Brechin City.

With 13 appearances in League Two under his belt with Kelty, the teenager scored one goal and provided two assists before returning to his parent club in January and seeing out the remainder of the season with them.

In those appearances, the youngster won 15 tackles, made 15 interceptions and delivered 59 crosses in the process, highlighting how capable he is on and off the ball.

Back in March, Jim Goodwin had this to say about the young talent: “Connor is a very good player with great potential. He has so much to learn and improve on which he knows and he is not getting above his station at all.

“He has been a breath of fresh air since I came in. You talk about bravery and courage, the wee man has it in abundance.

“He demands the ball from the centre halves, in tight areas he wants to play out of trouble and that takes courage.”

Celtic said goodbye to club legend Scott Brown last summer after 14 years of service and Barron could well be seen as a potential long-term replacement for the Hoops veteran after he left to join Aberdeen during the previous summer transfer window.

Having shared the pitch with the former Celtic midfielder at Aberdeen this season, Barron will have certainly learnt a lot from having a figure like Brown around him in the dressing room.

While he would certainly have some big shoes to fill as Brown’s potential long-term replacement at Parkhead given the legacy the 36-year-old has at the club, the youngster definitely has the talent and time ahead of him to become a solid first-team option for Postecoglou.

After all, as Goodwin eludes to, he has the bravery that made Brown such a hit in Glasgow.

In other news: Deal close: Big transfer update emerges that’ll have many Celtic supporters buzzing

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has reacted to the latest transfer rumour linking Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles with a move away to newly promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

The Lowdown: Lascelles falling down pecking order

Following the arrival of former Brighton defender Dan Burn at St. James’ Park, club captain Lascelles has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle.

Since the closure of the January transfer window, the 28-year-old has made just nine appearances in the English top-flight, only five of which have come in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

Considering the skipper had been a fixture in the side whenever fit before Howe’s arrival, it would be no surprise to see him go in search of regular playing time.

The Latest: Waugh’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Newcastle journalist Chris Waugh shared The Athletic’s article linking Lascelles with a return to Nottingham Forest, eight years after he left the City Ground.

Reacting to the news, Waugh said: “Interesting on Jamaal Lascelles… NUFC may listen to a decent offer for their skipper.”

The Verdict: Losing a leader

Speaking about Lascelles after he was left out of his starting XI for the Magpies’ 1-0 loss against Everton, Howe claimed (via GeordieBootBoys): “His attitude has been spot on. He’s obviously our captain and he’s led like a captain even in a difficult moment for him because he would want to play every game.

“I always think that’s a true test of a leader is in the difficult moments, and I think Jamaal has been absolutely superb – he’s been positive in the changing room before the game, during training – I cannot speak highly enough of his reaction to that.”

Regardless of whether Lascelles is in Howe’s starting XI or not, the defender provides a leading presence in the dressing room at St. James’ Park, and we feel this could be a big loss for Newcastle even despite his of serious minutes this season.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson