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Glasgow Rangers have enjoyed Premiership and Scottish Cup success in the previous two years, along with reaching a stunning Europa League final last season and despite being off the pace in the league title chase this term, Michael Beale looks to be the man to get them back to the summit.

Despite those triumphs, Ross Wilson’s business in the transfer market has been shoddy to say the least, missing out on a few high-profile targets, with current England star Ivan Toney being one.

The Brentford striker was wanted back in 2020 and a fee of just £5m was required to secure his services from Peterborough United, where he scored 49 goals in just 94 matches.

Remarkably, the forward very nearly joined Gers, once claiming: "I was going to sign for Celtic – but I was also going to sign for Rangers."

Since then, he has now graduated to becoming a full England international while sitting third in the Premier League goal-scoring charts this term on 17, and it was a huge missed opportunity for the club.

Another transfer saga rumbled on last year too, as the Light Blues scouted Israeli talent Oscar Gloukh according to Rangers podcaster Andy Barnett.

He told the Heart and Hand podcast: “They (Rangers) were meant to be looking at Oscar Gloukh, who I’ve seen play in person and is an absolutely superbly talented youngster, a wonderkid.

“He came on for Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the final third of the season and was just the best player in the league in the final third. He scored against Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel-Aviv which are the two biggest games and there was meant to be clubs from La Liga as well as Rangers looking at him last night."

Where is Oscar Gloukh now?

Having impressed for Maccabi Tel-Aviv, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances, he sealed a move to Red Bull Salzburg after they activated his £6m release clause in January.

The “exciting talent” – as dubbed by football consultant Raphael Gellar – has begun life in Austria well, registering three goal contributions in only nine matches so far with that initial return suggesting he could turn out to be an incredible investment,

In the Austrian Bundesliga, the attacking midfielder has already averaged a rating of 7/10 across just seven games, taking two shots per game, creating four big chances and making 1.9 key passes.

All of these attributes will certainly have given Beale an extra dimension in his new-look Rangers attack.

Aged just 19, Gloukh already has three caps for Israel, scoring once and there is no doubt he will continue to rack up appearances on the international stage considering his wonderful form of late.

With a host of Rangers midfielders out of contract this summer, including Scott Arfield, Steven Davis, and Ryan Jack, while Malik Tillman ends his loan spell, there could have been a space available for Gloukh to develop and stake a claim for a first-team slot.

£6m sounds like a lot of money for Rangers but his potential is remarkable. Indeed, in a campaign where Beale's men trail Celtic, they could have done with the additional firepower and creativity, particularly after Joe Aribo's exit.

Indeed, this may well have to go down as their biggest error in the transfer market since the aforementioned Toney.

Arsenal will be looking at winning their seventh consecutive Premier League match when they face Leeds United at the Emirates this afternoon.

Mikel Arteta can take another massive step towards claiming a first league crown in 19 years if they defeat Leeds and with Manchester City playing before them, the pressure will be on the Gunners to produce.

The club have suffered a few injury problems of late, with William Saliba and Eddie Nketiah looking like they will miss the tie against Leeds, although Thomas Partey should be available, despite not starting Ghana’s match against Angola in midweek, and he should be ready to play.

With that in mind, we at Football FanCast have predicted the starting XI that will take to the pitch today as Arsenal look to claim another crucial three points.

What will Arsenal’s starting XI look like vs Leeds United?

4-3-3 – Aaron Ramsdale (GK); Ben White (RB), Rob Holding (CB), Gabriel (CB), Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB); Emile Smith Rowe (CM), Thomas Partey (CM), Granit Xhaka (CM); Bukayo Saka (RW), Gabriel Jesus (ST), Gabriel Martinelli (LW)

Aaron Ramsdale will retain his place in goal and the former Sheffield United keeper has enjoyed a solid campaign so far, keeping 12 clean sheets in 28 matches and will be looking to make that 13 today.

Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko will take up their usual places on the right and left-hand side of the defence. Due to Saliba missing out, Rob Holding will form a centre-back duo with Gabriel. The Englishman enjoyed a solid game against Crystal Palace in his last outing, making five clearances and winning 70% of his aerial duels and Arteta will be hoping for more of the same against Leeds.

The midfield will see one change from the one that started against Palace, with Emile Smith Rowe coming into the side in place of Martin Odegaard, who will be given a rest. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka will retain their places.

Despite his wonderful form since joining the north Londoners, Leandro Trossard – who has four assists in his last two league games – will drop out of the starting XI and be replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

The “unreal” Brazilian – as dubbed by Alex Batt – will be hoping to score his first goal since returning from injury and the 5 foot 9 maestro could spearhead the club’s final push for the title.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will keep their places on the left and right-wing, respectively, and with the duo scoring 26 goals between them, Arteta will be confident they can add to their tallies this afternoon.

Three points will be all that matters against Leeds as Arsenal look to take another giant stride towards the league title.

Members of the media have reacted to an ‘astonishing’ development involving Richarlison after Tottenham’s aggregate Champions League defeat to AC Milan.

The Lowdown: Spurs out…

Spurs are now out of Europe after a dismal 0-0 draw in north London on Wednesday, having squandered their last opportunity to win a trophy this season.

Head coach Antonio Conte has been under-fire since and rumours around his immediate future are set to keep circulating.

The Italian’s contract expires at the end of this season with Spurs having an option to extend by a further 12 months, yet reports suggest this is highly unlikely.

The Latest: Journalists react to ‘astonishing’ Richarlison message…

Following the game, summer signing Richarlison didn’t hold back in an interview with TNT Sports (via The Telegraph), swiping at Conte’s tactics and freely admitting this season has been, in his words, “s***”.

Reacting to the uncensored post-match interview, journalist Matt Law and Jonathan Veal gave their takes – stating:

“Incredible interview by Richarlison. Often happens when players speak to their own country’s media in the mixed zone.” – Veal.

“Astonishing interview this – particularly from a forward who has scored in one game for Spurs this season, is yet to score in the PL and started the FA Cup defeat to Sheff Utd before being substituted off.” – Law

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The Verdict: Surprising…

The former Everton star has often portrayed himself as an emotional player on the field, but you could be forgiven for never expecting such a brutally honest interview.

Richarlison can have few complaints over his exclusion this season, especially when looking at his overall form for the Premier League top four chasers.

The Brazil international still has zero league goals to his name in a Spurs shirt, contributing just two in all competitions throughout 2022/2023 (Transfermarkt).

While he has found consistent starts hard to come by, you can make the argument he just simply hasn’t delivered when handed the opportunity.

Newcastle United could land an astute piece of business in the summer if they are to land the Eintracht Frankfurt’s Daichi Kamada.

Are Newcastle interested in Daichi Kamada?

There have been reports suggesting the Magpies are eyeing a potential swoop for the Japanese midfielder who has impressed massively in the Bundesliga.

And there has even been the suggestion that the Tyneside club are actually leading the race to land the 26-year-old over the coming months.

However, the Magpies are not the only Premier League side said to be interested in the midfielder with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool credited with an interest.

But speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed this could be a seriously impressive addition if the Magpies are able to beat off the competition from elsewhere:

“I think Kamada’s a top player and one of the probably the best free agents around the summer when his contract expires at Eintracht Frankfurt.

“He’s a top player. Played at the highest level was inspirational in helping Frankfurt win the Europa League last season as well. And as I said, he’s a top international as well. So I think get a player like that on a free transfer would be an astute piece of business by anybody.”

Who is Daichi Kamada?

The 26-year-old has now been showcasing his talent in Germany for a number of years now having made the move over from Belgium back in 2018.

And in the last few seasons, he has proven to be a real outlet for Frankfurt with consistent returns of goals and assists across all competitions.

This season alone, Kamada has been able to provide Oliver Glasner with 13 goals and five assists in his 28 appearances for the Geran side.

Kamada has proven to be a threat in the Champions League too with three of his goals this season coming in the elite European competition.

This will likely mean he will want to continue to showcase his talent on the highest stage of European football which could potentially be on offer next season at St. James’ Park.

And that could be a major sticking point in Kamada’s decision-making this summer if he is to leave Frankfurt given his contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign.

However, Newcastle are yet to really break the mould of their wage structure with their Saudi-based owners at the helm.

And with some huge clubs credited with an interest, it wouldn’t be difficult to foresee a club being willing to pay the Japanese midfielder a significant weekly wage given his performances for Frankfurt over recent seasons.

Liverpool would be an ‘attractive proposition’ for Chelsea and England midfielder Mason Mount this summer, according to former goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Mount on the move?

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent times, as Jurgen Klopp looks to make significant changes to his midfield next season.

Mount’s current Chelsea deal runs out next year and he is yet to come close to agreeing an extension, suggesting that he could be contemplating a fresh challenge.

It looks set to be a key period in the midfielder’s career, as he continues to weigh up his options.

The Latest: Liverpool transfer backed

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Robinson said that Mount could jump at the chance to sign for Liverpool:

“I still think it would be an attractive option for Mount. Liverpool are an attractive proposition for player even when they are not in the Champions League. It was not so long ago that they were in the Champions League final.

“I think Mount would see it as a great opportunity despite the recent struggles.

“Liverpool have to invest. I know that the owners are trying to sell the club but they have to invest at the same time. The must protect the club and protect their asset. You have to speculate to accumulate. Champions League football is imperative.”

The Verdict: Great option but unlikely

Mount could be an inspired signing by Liverpool this summer, bringing the legs, tactical nous and end product – 33 goals and 37 assists for Chelsea overall – that has so often been missing this season.

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At 24, he is far younger than the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho, with two tackles per game in the Champions League this season highlighting his off-the-ball work.

Mount can operate as a No.8 or a No.10, with that versatility likely to appeal to Klopp, and he has been hailed as an ‘unbelievable’ player by ex-Reds man Joe Cole.

In truth, it still feels more likely that the 36-cap England international will end up committing his future to Chelsea, given his love for the club, but Liverpool should be ready to pounce just in case.

Manchester United will consider appealing Casemiro’s red card against Crystal Palace, according to Samuel Luckhurst for Manchester Evening News.

The Lowdown: Three-game ban

The Red Devils picked up another three points in the Premier League on Saturday, but the 30-year-old’s dismissal spoiled what otherwise was a positive afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s side.

The Brazilian was shown his marching orders for violent conduct after an altercation with Will Hughes was watched back by referee Andre Mariner through VAR. Casemiro now looks set to miss back-to-back league games against Leeds United, along with the home clash against Leicester City.

The Latest: Appeal could be considered

Chief Manchester United reporter Luckhurst shared a story for Manchester Evening News after hearing from Ten Hag following the win on Saturday.

When it came to Casemiro, the United manager admitted that the club will “have to think about” an appeal, although he did add that the midfielder crossed the line when images are frozen.

The Verdict: Unlikely to succeed

You’d expect that United may launch an appeal due to the impact that Casemiro has made at Old Trafford, and also due to their lack of available midfield options considering a multitude of injuries.

The 30-year-old has been the club’s second-best performer in the Premier League this season, making more tackles per 90 (3.3) than any United player, as per WhoScored.

However, with VAR advising Mariner to take a closer look and the referee showing the player a red card, it seems unlikely that any appeal from the Old Trafford club would prove successful.

Should that be the case, Ten Hag will have Fred, Marcel Sabitzer and Bruno Fernandes as his only senior midfielders available, not an ideal scenario with the games coming thick and fast this month.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Declan Rice over the last few months and now a reliable source has given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player in 2023.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing the West Ham United midfielder.

Solhekol claimed, via Sky Sports Transfer Centre:

“Lots of clubs are interested in signing him, for instance, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool as well.

“So, there could well be a bidding war for him if West Ham do decide to sell him.

“We know a lot of clubs are looking for a central midfielder. He’s young, he’s the captain of West Ham and a regular starter for England as well. There will be a lot of clubs interested in him.

“He brings a lot to the table but the price is going to be at least £80m, £90m or £100m. I think West Ham would be looking for something like £100m for Rice.”

Klopp needs him

There is no doubt that Liverpool are in desperate need of a refresh in the centre of the pitch with a number of players either coming to the end of their contracts or reaching the latter stages of their career.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all set for an Anfield exit at the end of the season, whilst captain Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are both well into their 30s and will likely start to be phased out to make way for the future at the club next season.

As a result, the signing of Declan Rice could be a hugely worthwhile investment despite his expensive price tag as the 24-year-old England international is proving to be one of the hottest young midfield prospects in the Premier League and could offer Liverpool many years of quality in the centre of the pitch.

Over 19 Premier League appearances, Rice has scored one goal, registered two assists and tallied up an incredibly impressive 90% pass completion rate.

He is a well-rounded football, averaging 1.5 interceptions, 2.4 tackles, 1.2 clearances and playing 1.3 key passes per game, displaying that he is not only defensively solid but also a progressive presence that can make an impact in the final third too.

The Reds have been struggling to dominate their opponents in the middle third over their first 18 top-flight outings this season so far with lacklustre and tired displays from the midfield personnel which has seen the team outrun in many of their clashes, with the Premier League reporting that Liverpool were the sixth worst for distance covered in km (1537.6) ahead of the World Cup break.

The Hammers star – who was hailed a “force of nature” by journalist Rob Blanchette – could improve this significantly if the club can secure his signature as Rice recorded the second-best distance covered in the entire Premier League over the same period of time.

With that being said, it is clear that Jurgen Klopp needs a player like Rice to come in and bring the Liverpool midfield back to life, so it will be interesting if the powers at Anfield are willing to meet the transfer valuation West Ham are demanding as the situation is getting desperate at the club in terms of the need for change.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has questioned the treatment of Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence after he didn’t start in the club’s most recent game amid loan rumours.

What’s the word?

In the third round of the FA Cup, Spurs managed to squeeze past League One visitors Portsmouth thanks to a single goal from key man Harry Kane.

The cup tie afforded Antonio Conte the opportunity to mix things up with his starting team with Fraser Forster starting in goal for Hugo Lloris for instance.

However, Spence still wasn’t trusted to start this game and was only afforded a brief 13-minute cameo off the bench in what was just his sixth appearance of the season.

In an article written for football.london after the match, Gold seemed to question Conte’s treatment of the wing-back.

Indeed, he wrote: “Conte sees Spence week in, week out on the training pitches of Hotspur Way, but when his system relies so heavily on having wing-backs exactly in the mould of the England U21 international it’s difficult to see the football reason as to why he would not give him more opportunities.”

He later added: “For Spence, it’s now all about playing the waiting game for a decision as potential chances for his first start come and go.

“If he’s not going to play for Tottenham then he needs to play elsewhere. The young wide man was sold a dream move that has been anything but so far, caught between head coach and club and just wanting to play football.” Time to go already?

The 22-year-old arrived in north London this summer for a fee in the region of £20m but is yet to start even once for Spurs in any competition.

This may not actually be a huge surprise when you remember that Conte very publicly made it clear that the club had wanted to sign Spence and he was not a personal target of his, bluntly telling the press: “The club decided to buy him.”

Interestingly enough, reports from The Mirror (via HITC) now suggest that Brentford, Southampton and Wolves are all keen on taking the defender on loan for the remainder of the season.

Surely if Conte has only found the time to play Spence for 41 minutes so far this term, he would be better off joining someone else for a spell.

Whatever happens, it’s safe to say things have not gone to plan for the Englishman since his big summer move.

Leeds United are already moving to sign Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi following his impressive 2022 World Cup campaign for Morocco.

The Lowdown: Ounahi shines in Qatar

The North African side were the surprise package in Qatar, reaching the semi-finals and playing some eye-catching football along the way.

Many players stood out for Morocco and Ounahi was undoubtedly one of them, producing a string of energetic and influential performances in the middle of the park and earning a place of Sky Sports’ team of the tournament.

He started six of his country’s matches in total, only failing to be in the starting lineup for the third-place playoff defeat to Croatia, averaging 1.3 tackles and 1.4 dribbles per game.

The Latest: Leeds make their move

According to ASRomaLive.it [via Sport Witness], Leeds are ‘moving rather eagerly’ to sign Ounahi.

Roma believe they will be able to pip the Whites to the signing of another target – Sasa Lukic from Torino – due to the Elland Road hierarchy’s attention turning to the Moroccan.

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The Verdict: Could be a great addition

Granted, a World Cup isn’t always the perfect way to gauge a player, considering its short and sharp nature, but Ounahi was superb and looks to have the tools to be a great signing for Leeds.

At just 22, the central midfielder is at a great age to come in and provide a long-term option, especially with Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw both ageing and injury-stricken.

Ounahi can provide both relentless pressing off the ball and quality on it – he enjoyed an 83.3% pass completion rate in Qatar – having been hailed as ‘absolutely incredible’ by Jose Mourinho during the tournament.

Wolverhampton Wanderers would majorly benefit from the acquisition of Chivas de Guadalajara and Mexico star Alexis Vega, according to transfer reporter Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Goalscoring woes

As if being rock bottom of the Premier League table wasn’t bad enough, Wolves cannot find the back of the net, having managed just eight goals across the first half of the season. 

They have struggled to even generate any meaningful chances, with no signs of improvement to their faltering total of 15 big chances created anywhere to be seen.

This is where Mexico World Cup star Vega could come in to proceedings. The 25-year-old created more chances last term (with 44) than two of Wolves’ greatest chance creators combined this season in Daniel Podence (23) and Joao Moutinho (20). 

The Latest: Wolves’ spark 

According to transfer expert Jones, who previously told GMS Vega is on Fosun’s radar, the attacker would bring a much needed spark to Molineux, with new boss Julen Lopetegui bound to be grateful for a creative addition. 

Asked whether £23k-per-week Vega would represent a good signing for Wolves, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I do think he would bring a spark.

“I think that is something they’re crying out for once the second half of the season gets underway.”

The Verdict: Sign him up!

With Mexico star Vega about to enter the final 18 months of his contract with Chivas, Wolves may be able to snap him up for a cut-price fee. 

In doing so, they would be signing a star who would comfortably sit as the most creative asset in the side. 

Ultimately, it is their lack of ability to create opportunities that is costing the side goals and, ergo, valuable points, so it is vital that the issue is fixed across the January window.

Wolves should take a gamble on Vega with a view to bringing in a couple of other forward thinking assets across this winter window, possibly including an out and out number nine as well.