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Glasgow Rangers could be set to sack manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the coming days, according to reports over the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Calls for the sack

The Premiership giants have lost ground in the title race in recent weeks, falling nine points off the pace, and there has recently been calls from some fans for the 47-year-old to be dismissed following a dismal run of form for the Light Blues.

The Dutchman insisted during his post-match interview on Saturday following the 1-1 draw at St Mirren that he didn’t feel under any pressure despite a noticeable dip in form, although the Ibrox hierarchy appear to have a different view.

The Latest: Rangers set for big decision

According to Football Insider on Monday, Rangers are ‘increasingly likely’ to relieve Van Bronckhorst of his duties in the coming days after the board held ‘crisis talks’ regarding his future.

The Ibrox directors have been ‘locked in discussions’ over what to do, and it’s believed that the 47-year-old’s job is ‘hanging by a thread’.

It’s stated that plans are being ‘put in place’ for a new manager to be in the dugout for the first game back after the World Cup break, with QPR’s Michael Beale identified as the number one target.

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The Verdict: Time to go

Van Bronckhorst made an initial impact upon his arrival last year and got the club back into the Champions League group stage, but with pressure from many supporters impossible to ignore, now seems the right time to let him go.

That is all the more case given the mid-season break for the World Cup, as a quickfire change could give his successor a few weeks on the training ground to get his feet under the table.

The Rotterdam native has only won two out of his last seven games in all competitions, and after crashing out of Europe in unenviable record-setting fashion, Rangers’ season is already at risk of petering out to anti-climax.

The Gers are still on course to secure Europa League qualification for 2023/24, but a change at the helm could well be needed if the club want a stronger chance of success next season.

West Ham United could be set to dip into the market for another forward this January…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb, which states that Atalanta will listen to offers for Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel in an effort to revolutionise their attack.

This news will be of particular interest to David Sullivan, as the Hammers failed in a late bid to sign the former Colombian back in January.

Having agreed to terms and submitted a deal sheet, they simply ran out of time as the window slammed shut. Now, a year on, they could reignite their interest in the man who was reportedly valued at €55m (£48m) in the summer.

He’s the perfect Antonio heir

Standing at 6 foot 1 and boasting a huge physical frame, it is easy to draw comparisons between Zapata and Michail Antonio.

The Jamaican international has excelled in east London since his 2015 move, having played everywhere on the pitch before settling up front.

There, he has managed to score 66 times and assist a further 41, wreaking havoc against Premier League defences with his continued pressing and unrelenting physicality.

With Gianluca Scamacca somewhat faltering since his summer transfer, perhaps adding a more experienced forward who can provide a steady stream of goals might be a smart move for David Moyes.

Although he has underperformed somewhat this season, Zapata too has been a consistent goalscorer during his time in Italy.

Just last season he scored 13 times and assisted seven, and during his career for the Bergamo-based club has scored 80 times.

Any reservations regarding his ability to translate his proficiency to the Premier League are somewhat alleviated through his Champions League display against Manchester United at the start of last campaign, where he bullied their defence on his way to scoring and assisting in a 2-2 draw.

The notion from his old teammate Papu Gomez only acts to further liken him to Antonio, as the Argentine had the following to say about the 31-year-old: “Zapata’s shorts look like underwear, he is so big. Sometimes I don’t even want to get close to him in a match because he’s a beast and it hurts. 

“When he is feeling good he’s like a train – you throw the ball forward and ‘ciao!’”

With one physical animal seemingly coming to the end of his career at the London Stadium, perhaps Moyes could look to bring in another who can take his place whilst Scamacca continues to acclimatise.

Leeds United were linked with a move for Flamengo centre-forward Pedro in the summer transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano revealing Victor Orta’s interest in the 25-year-old in an interview with GIVEMESPORT back in August.

Regarding the Whites’ fondness for the Brazil international, the transfer insider said: “I’m told that the player they have been monitoring for a long time is Pedro from Flamengo, the Brazilian striker.

“But the problem with South American transfers is the timing. Of course, now we’re close to the end of the window, so they need to be fast if they want to do a South American deal.”

However, with the Brazilian Série A season now at an end, and with Pedro having made Tite’s 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup, Orta and his transfer team at Elland Road will have a perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the striker this winter.

BBC Sport commentator Guy Mowbray singled the Flamengo forward out as one of his players to watch in the tournament, labelling the 25-year-old as “something special” and stating his belief that Pedro is set to play a “starring substitute role” for when the Seleção “need something different.”

And, considering just how impressive the two-cap international was in Brazil this season, it would not be hard to imagine that Orta will once again be tempted into launching a move for the centre-forward in the January market.

Indeed, over his 24 Série A appearances – only 12 of which came as starts – in 2022, the £17.5m-rated talent was in devastating form, scoring 11 goals, registering three assists and creating five big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.2 shots, making 0.7 key passes and completing 0.4 dribbles per game.

The 25-year-old also caught the eye over his 13 Copa Libertadores fixtures, bagging 12 goals, providing two assists and creating six big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots, making one key pass and completing 0.6 dribbles per game – playing a starring role in Flamengo going on to win the competition.

As such, should the player who boasts a £110m release clause go on to explode for Brazil in Qatar, it would indeed appear extremely wise for Orta to launch a move for Pedro this winter, as the striker’s goals would look to make a very welcome addition to Jesse Marsch’s current attacking options at Elland Road.

Jordan Ayew is certainly a man who splits opinion among Crystal Palace fans but the experienced forward won the hearts of Ghana supporters on Monday as he produced a superb display in their win over South Korea at the World Cup.

The 31-year-old struggled as a substitute in the Black Stars’ 3-2 defeat against Portugal in their World Cup opener but was trusted with a start by manager Otto Addo for their vital game against South Korea this week.

He redeemed himself by playing a huge part in their 3-2 victory yesterday, which likely sets up a winner-takes-all game against 2010 rivals Uruguay in their final group fixture later this week.

As per SofaScore, Ayew would earn a strong 6.9/10 rating for his performance in Qatar, as he was instrumental in Ghana taking a 2-0 lead.

First, his beautifully-flighted free-kick would cause chaos in the South Korea box, allowing Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu to fire home the opener.

He then produced a similarly brilliant cross for Mohammed Kudus to head home the second, so it was no surprise to see Ghanaian journalist Owuraku Ampofo describe his first-half performance as a “masterclass.”

During his time on the pitch, the former Aston Villa man would register two key passes, an 88% pass success rate and two crosses, all of which were an improvement on his performances in the Premier League this season, where he has averaged one key pass, an 83.4% pass success rate and 0.2 crosses per game.

The attacker, who earns £32.5k-per-week at Selhurst Park, would also play a big part from a defensive perspective, as he registered three tackles, one clearance and one interception, which again was an increase on his Premier League average of 2.2 tackles, 0.9 clearances and 0.2 interceptions per game.

Patrick Vieira will certainly hope that the forward can replicate performances like this when top-flight football in England resumes after Christmas, as Ayew has been largely disappointing for the Eagles so far this campaign, with no goals and just one assist to his name.

Therefore, it seems clear that Ayew was crucial to Ghana’s important win that gives them a real chance of securing qualification to the knockout stages, and he certainly redeemed himself in the eyes of fans after his disappointing cameo against Portugal last week.

Liverpool have ‘contacted’ UEFA regarding their Champions League ticket allocation for the game against Real Madrid, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Last 16 showdown

The Premier League giants are set to face Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the last 16, with the first leg being played at Anfield on February 21 before the reverse fixture which will take place at the Bernabeu on March 15.

Los Blancos’ Stadium is currently at a reduced capacity as a result of ongoing construction work, which means that the Reds have received just 1,800 away tickets, despite being entitled to a whole lot more under competition regulations.

The Latest: Pearce’s update

Taking to Twitter, Pearce revealed that Liverpool’s hierarchy have made an official approach to both UEFA and their opponents in a bid to increase their allocation.

“Liverpool have contacted both UEFA and Real Madrid to complain about being given just 1,800 tickets for March’s Champions League trip to the Bernabeu. Even with the reduced capacity, they should have 3,000 tickets.”

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The Verdict: Doesn’t make sense

Liverpool and Madrid met last season in the Champions League final so the atmosphere inside the stadium will be electric, which is why it doesn’t make sense that they don’t want to allow as many fans in as possible.

Spirit of Shankly and the Disabled Supporters Association have also made their feelings known after being given just four wheelchair bays, which again limits the opportunities people have of going to the game.

All the Merseyside outfit can now do is continue negotiations with all parties ahead of the clash and hope that their wish is honoured for what will be a hugely exciting fixture in the calendar.

West Ham United star Declan Rice could be set to stay at the club for the foreseeable future, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Rice’s links away

Given the level of Rice’s performances for West Ham, weighing in as the club’s best Premier League performer this term with an average SofaScore rating of 7.27, there have been continued links with moves away from the London Stadium.

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea plan to hold talks with their former youth player, while Liverpool monitored him at the World Cup, as per Football Insider sources.

However, a transfer switch may not be in the offing any time soon, amid new claims from Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth…

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The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Sheth indicates that West Ham currently hold all the cards in the transfer saga, as they have the option to either extend the Englishman’s contract or charge any amount they desire.

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said:

“I just think there’s no pressure as such for West Ham United to sell. I think he’s got a contract that runs until 2024 with a club option of a further year, so we can still say he’s got a contract at West Ham United until 2025.

“So West Ham can put whatever price they want on him.”

The Verdict: Ideal situation

If Rice continues his current trajectory, he is set to become one of the world’s best midfielders, with a 90.2% pass completion rate over the past year already placing him in the 95th percentile of players in his position across Europe.

Despite England bowing out of the World Cup in a 2-1 defeat to France, the West Ham man put in an ‘incredible’ display according to football writer Sam Farley, highlighting his quality to perform against, and alongside, some of the world’s best players.

While it does not appear likely that the maestro will commit to an extended stay at the London Stadium, David Moyes is in a strong position, where he can either choose to cash in on his prized asset, for what would be an extraordinary fee, or keep him at the club for another two-and-a-half years.

This is the ideal situation for the manager, as he can either strengthen the squad considerably with the funds raised from the deal, or continue to benefit from Rice’s remarkable abilities next season and beyond.

Liverpool have joined arch rivals Man City in the race to sign Atalanta rising star defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports.

The Lowdown: FSG make plans…

The Reds and current owners Fenway Sports Group by extension are reportedly making transfer plans ahead of the January window with there being no shortage of links.

Jude Bellingham is reliably thought to be on their radar with Liverpool apparently leading the race for Borussia Dortmund’s superstar, who dazzled for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, the likes of Enzo Fernandez are also of interest to manager Jurgen Klopp who is attempting to revitalise his side’s fortunes in the Premier League.

The Latest: Liverpool join Scalvini transfer race…

As per Italian sources, it is believed that the Anfield side are now looking at signing colossal 6 foot 4 defender Scalvini.

The Atalanta starlet is considered a ‘top talent’ and La Gazzetta dello Sport report that both Liverpool and Man City are ‘at the window’ for his signature.

Both English sides, alongside Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan, are interested in Scalvini but his club have set an asking price of €40 million (£34m) to do business.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

The 19-year-old is a player of real potential and we believe Liverpool should certainly make an attempt.

If Scalvini follows in the foot steps of endless legendary Italian centre-backs, this could be £34m well spent, and the fact City are also on his trail is a real indicator of the teenager’s undoubted talent.

Chelsea have been urged to surge ahead and sign one of Europe’s most prodigious talents in Youssoufa Moukoko, who could form a devastating partnership with prospective new signing Christopher Nkunku.

What’s the word?

Earlier this week, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg tweeted that Chelsea have been pushing to sign the 18-year-old Germany international, who club Borussia Dortmund have been attempting to tie down to a long-term deal with the club.

And Sport BILD (via The Mirror) stated last month that the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United had been interested in the player, with a fee of just £26.2m due to the contract situation.

When asked by Football FanCast for his thoughts on the matter, O’Rourke said: “It’d be a really exciting signing, he is a top young player widely regarded as one of the best young strikers in Europe. He’s already achieved so much so early in his career to be the youngest player to represent Germany at the World Cup.”

Imagine him & Nkunku 

Breaking into the Dortmund first-team this term, Moukoko has plundered six goals and six assists apiece from just 22 showings, exhibiting clinical prowess that eclipses the expectations for someone scarcely into their adult years.

The two-cap gem was one heralded by former teammate Erling Haaland as the “biggest talent in the world”, high praise indeed from a striker who has scored 23 goals from his first 18 appearances for Manchester City since his summer move from Dortmund, and Chelsea might be looking to repeat their divisional rivals’ trick.

As per FBref, the teenage starlet ranks within the top 7% for both rate of goals and assists when compared to forwards across the entirety of Europe’s major leagues this past year, hinting at a future laden in prolific success.

Should Chelsea prove successful in their endeavours, they could forge a deadly partnership between Moukoko and another prospective signing in the form of £63m Christopher Nkunku, who will arrive from RB Leipzig in the summer.

Nkunku, who operates a deeper role than the traditional centre-forward, has had a season bearing fruit himself, scoring 17 goals and registering four assists from 23 appearances at club level this term.

With the “wonder” Moukoko and Nkunku both bringing heaps of direct threat, the duality in Chelsea’s forward transitional efficiency would be immense; and for a side currently sorely lacking in goals – Chelsea have scored only 17 goals from 14 matches in the Premier League this term, languishing in eighth place.

With one box already ticked, Chelsea must utilise their wealth and stature on the global footballing stage to lure a talismanic talent to partner a monumental deal in the 25-year-old Nkunku; it would secure their future among Europe’s elite over the coming age.

The January transfer window is only a matter of days away from opening for business and Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray could be in the market to improve his squad.

He arrived at the Stadium of Light towards the end of the summer transfer window and that meant that he was unable to have a big say in the recruitment that took place ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The former Blackburn Rovers coach will now be able to work hand-in-hand with Kristjaan Speakman to identify targets to bolster the team heading into the second half of the season.

One position that the club could need to recruit a player in is central midfield after Elliot Embleton suffered an ankle fracture and ligament damage, which is set to keep him out in the ‘long term’.

The academy graduate had featured in all 23 league matches, starting 13, this season before picking up his injury and this shows that he has been an important player for Mowbray.

Embleton, who was once described as a “nightmare” to play against by Lee Cattermole, has chipped in with two goals and two assists from the middle of the park in the Championship and Sunderland could use the January window to sign a replacement for the gem.

The Sun reported, back in November, that the Black Cats are interested in a deal to snap Bradley Dack up from Blackburn and he could come in to fill the void left by this latest injury blow.

He is a similar player to Embleton, positionally, as he can play as a number eight, as a 10, or out wide and this means that he could slot straight into the squad as a like-for-like replacement.

Mowbray, who once dubbed the 28-year-old’s love for the game as “amazing to watch”, worked with the gem at Ewood Park and managed to get the best out of the playmaker.

In 150 games under the current Sunderland manager, Dack produced 50 goals and 26 assists from midfield and this shows that he has the quality to be a match-winner from the middle of the park as he is capable of scoring and creating goals.

The Blackburn maestro is a proven Championship performer, with over 100 appearances in the competition, and his pre-existing relationship with Mowbray indicates that he could hit the ground running at the Stadium of Light.

This means that he could be the perfect signing to replace Embleton as he would not need time to adjust to the standard of football or the manager’s tactics, which is why Speakman must now work hard to get a deal over the line for the ex-Gillingham man.

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray is facing the prospect of a busy month of business at the Stadium of Light during the January transfer window.

The Black Cats boss was hit with an early blow to his squad as Premier League side Everton decided to activate their recall option on striker Ellis Simms and the forward has now returned to Goodison Park, having initially been on a season-long loan.

He had averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.07 across 17 appearances in the Championship for the club – scoring seven goals and assisting two whilst creating five ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

The Englishman was consistent and reliable at the top end of the pitch for Sunderland and Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman must dip into the market to source a replacement.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie recently claimed that the Black Cats could pursue a deal to sign Blackpool centre-forward Jerry Yates to replace Ross Stewart if the Scotland international were to depart this month.

However, this was before Simms’ recall and the club must now swoop for the Tangerines marksman to take the Everton striker’s place in the squad, to compete with Stewart instead of replacing him.

Yates, who has been hailed as “immense” and “on fire” by Blackpool journalist Sean McGinlay, has been in terrific form in the second tier this term and could provide the goalscoring threat that Sunderland have lost at the start of this month.

The 26-year-old has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 and found the back of the net nine times in 25 appearances in the league this season. This suggests that he could have a similar impact to the one that Simms had in front of goal for the Black Cats, as both players have proven that they can score on a semi-regular basis at this level.

Yates has also shown that he can link-up play and provide for others by creating six ‘big chances’ for his teammates and registering two assists in the Championship, which means that he could replace Simms’ quality in both scoring and setting up goals.

Bringing him in on a permanent deal would also secure the long-term future of Sunderland’s striker department instead of having a player on loan until the end of the season, which would mean that there would be less cause for concern heading into the summer.

Therefore, Mowbray must push Speakman to strike a deal for Yates in the coming weeks as he could be a dream replacement for Simms.