Celtic Accept Transfer Offer For Versatile Youngster

Celtic have agreed a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for versatile youngster Ronan Ferns, according to reports.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news involving Ferns?

Ferns, regarded by Celtic's coaching staff as a hugely promising talent and earning himself a reputation as a future star, is primarily a centre-back but can also play in midfield if required.

However, the 16-year-old’s future in Glasgow has been up in the air in recent months, with Brighton making an offer for his services back in April. The Seagulls were chasing a quick deal for the Scotland youth international, and it looks as if there has been a breakthrough when it comes to a transfer.

Writing for The Daily Record in their live transfer blog on Thursday (09:26), Scott Burns provided an update on Ferns’ future, which looks like it will be on the south coast, describing it as a blow to those at Celtic Park.

“Brighton have agreed a £250,000 deal to sign Celtic youngster Ronan Ferns. The Scotland youth defender will join the Premier League outfit this summer.

“Ferns, who can also play midfield, had come through the Celtic youth ranks but hadn’t signed professional forms. It meant that the Seagulls were able to make their move for the 16-year-old. It was a blow for the Hoops who were keen to keep Ferns. Celtic would have been entitled to training compensation but have now cut a deal that will also see them get further add-ons. Ferns will join Brighton’s under-23 and development squad in the first instance.”

Who could Celtic sign this summer?

Ferns looks like he is on course to become the latest Celtic teenager to leave for the Premier League, but it does look as if the Parkhead board are chasing additions to Brendan Rodgers’ senior side ahead oof the 2023/24 season.

According to reports, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is a target at Celtic Park, whereas Norwegian playmaker Odin Thiago Holm has now been confirmed as the first Celtic signing of Rodgers' second tenure in charge, signing a five-year deal after undergoing a medical in London on Wednesday.

As well as new midfielders, a Celtic bid has also been submitted to sign right-winger Yang Hyun-jun from Gangwon FC. It could well be a busy few months ahead of Rodgers’ second tenure in charge, but by the looks of it, Ferns will be ending his association with the Hoops, aiming to make the grade in England instead.

CSA hands Petersen two-year ban

Alviro Petersen, the former South Africa opener, has been banned for two years by CSA after admitting to 13 breaches of the anti-corruption code in relation to the 2015-16 domestic T20 match-fixing scandal

Firdose Moonda21-Dec-2016Alviro Petersen, the former South Africa opener, has been banned for two years by CSA after admitting to 13 breaches of the anti-corruption code in relation to the 2015-16 domestic T20 match-fixing scandal.’Unusual and pressured circumstances’ – Petersen

Alviro Petersen said on Thursday that the events which gave rise to the charges to which he pleaded guilty took place under “pressured and unusual circumstances”.
In a statement through his lawyer Robin Twaddle, Petersen said that he had “reported his knowledge of the corruption before the events that led to the charges against him took place and that he assisted the anti-corruption officer during the investigation, to the point that he gave him information and details of a possible fix that was going to happen hours before a game”.
He also said that he had approached a player who had received money from the fixers to try and convince him to report his involvement, under instructions from the CSA’s anti-corruption officer.
The statement said that, “Whilst he took part in discussions that were initiated by Gulam Bodi and certain fixers, these discussions took place at a time when Alviro knew that the fixing scandal was under investigation and he (Alviro) was convinced that the fixing operation would be shut down imminently. Knowing that match fixing is controlled by criminal gangs, Alviro feared for his and his family’s safety at the time, to the point where he engaged a bodyguard while playing for the Lions last season.”

Among Petersen’s transgressions are four counts of failing to disclose details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct; four of failing to disclose evidence of another participant breaching the code; four of failing to cooperate with the investigators by not providing accurate and complete information; and one of concealing and destroying information relevant to the investigation. CSA has withdrawn charges relating to fixing or contriving to fix any matches and accepting or offering any bribes.Petersen apologised for his actions and vowed he had no intention of fixing matches. “I would like to apologise to my family, friends, the public who are fans of the game of cricket, my team mates, Gauteng cricket, Lions cricket and especially to Cricket South Africa for my actions. At the time that the meetings with Bodi and the fixers happened, I never had any intention of fixing matches or taking money,” he said.”I now deeply regret having participated in these meetings and not to have immediately reported them to the authorities as I am obliged to do. I understand that I need to take personal responsibility for my actions and I accept the punishment that CSA has imposed on me. I hope that other players will learn from my experience and be better prepared if they find themselves in the situation that I was in, and that my punishment will serve as a deterrent. I also want to thank my family, friends and my legal team for their unwavering support and guidance during the last few months.”Petersen is the sixth player and third international to be sanctioned after Gulam Bodi, Thami Tsolekile, Ethy Mbhalati, Pumi Matshikwe and Jean Symes were banned for between seven and 20 years for their roles in the saga. The investigation remains ongoing.Petersen’s ban prevents him from being involved in any capacity for any international or domestic match, or having any other kind of function in cricket organised by CSA, the ICC or any other national federation. Most recently, Petersen has played for South African franchise Lions, for Lancashire in county cricket, was employed as a commentator for the public broadcaster, SABC, and ran a charitable foundation. He will be unable to do any of the first three of those until November 12, 2018, two years from the date he was charged.Petersen was formally charged after rejecting a plea bargain from CSA and gearing up to play for Lions in the domestic T20. He issued a statement through his lawyer, Robin Twaddle, in which he admitted to “playing along” with those involved in the scandal but denied any wrongdoing. Petersen claimed the ACSU was aware of his discussions and meeting with the players.Although Petersen’s exact involvement has not been disclosed, CSA indicated his most serious breach was not reporting approaches in full.”He is obliged under the code to have disclosed various approaches that were made to him to engage in corrupt activities,” Haroon Lorgat, CSA CEO, said in a statement. “While having provided certain information to the investigators he had also withheld and concealed certain material information, such as the meetings with Bodi and certain fixers.”CSA has confirmed that Bodi acted as the intermediary for international betting syndicates and approached certain players “with a view engaging in fixing activities”, according to the statement. CSA has maintained no actual fixing was carried out in the 2015-16 Ram Slam.However, it has not been able to declare its inquiry complete. Petersen, in his statement after the charges were made public, said he knew of at least one other player who had not been charged. The independent chairperson of CSA’s ACU, Bernard Ngoepe, a former judge, said the body will continue working to conclude the matter. “We are still finalising certain aspects of the investigation and we will not stop until we are fully satisfied that we have exhausted every lead and scrutinised every aspect relating to this matter. As we have stated previously, any form of corruption in the game will be dealt with severely. We will leave no stone unturned in this investigation.”

Arsenal Could Sign £60m-rated "Generational Talent"

Arsenal are edging closer to signing a Premier League ace, as the Gunners aim to make a dominant start to the transfer window.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to build upon his title-challenging season in north London by making strong reinforcements this summer.

The latest talent speculated to be Emirates-bound poses as a significant figure to bolster the squad.

What’s the latest on Kai Havertz to Arsenal?

As initially reported by journalist Alex Goldberg via AFCStuff last week, Arsenal are interested in Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.

The speculation has gathered significant pace since the official opening of the transfer window.

Journalist Angelo Mangiante stated yesterday that the Gunners are “very close” to signing the German star, naming him a player with “great class”.

Valued around £60m by FootballTransfers, it’s believed that Chelsea are wanting a fee in the region of £75m for the 24-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current contract.

What could Kai Havertz offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as a “generational talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Germany international could be a revelation in north London.

While this season was damningly underwhelming in the west of the capital, Havertz has unquestionable talent outside of his form and contribution to Chelsea’s 12th-place finish.

Deployed primarily as a forward at Stamford Bridge, the former Bayer Leverkusen star is versatile in his positioning in attack, having innate playmaking skills which make him a strong asset in central midfield.

During his rise to senior football in the Bundesliga, the Aachen-born gem contributed to 61 goals in 118 league appearances, including a glamorous individual campaign in which he was voted Transfermarkt Player of the Season for 2018/19.

That year, the then-20-year-old scored 17 goals and added four assists in 34 appearances, showing the threat the talent can provide if stationed in a fluid attack.

Arsenal ended the season as the Premier League’s second-highest scorers in a delightful term for the Gunners, with Arteta creating a flourishing young attack Havertz could undoubtedly thrive within.

kai-havertz-chelsea-arsenal-transfer-gossip-robin-van-persie-arteta-edu

Due to his creative ability, the Champions League winner could add a playmaking spark if deployed to lead Arsenal’s line, which could significantly benefit Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian scored 11 goals in his first term at the Emirates, as well as registering six assists, showcasing his own creative ability aside from putting the ball in the net.

This campaign, the German averaged 3.12 progressive passes per 90 via FBref, highlighting his ball-playing competency and multi-dimensional approach to leading the line in a style that could reach new heights in Arteta’s system.

Jesus followed closely behind Havertz in terms of progressive passes, averaging 2.76 per 90 – suggesting that he could be complemented by the German in the similarities to their games.

The duo could form a balanced partnership with their goal-scoring and creative ability, supplying the squad with unlimited chance creation in attack.

If Arteta is capable of unlocking the past form of Havertz in a positive environment in north London, having two creative forwards could be the key to unlocking another title charge at the Emirates.

Chelsea could sign "giant" £59k-p/w ace

Chelsea are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer, as Todd Boehly reportedly hopes to land a new first choice shot-stopper in the upcoming transfer window.

The Blues spent a monumental figure exceeding £500m last season in a bid to improve their squad, all to little avail as Stamford Bridge saw the club’s lowest finish since the 1993/94 campaign.

If reports are to be believed, Chelsea could spend big once more with a number of players already linked with a potential move ahead of the window.

What’s the latest on Mike Maignan to Chelsea?

As understood by 90min, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was mentioned in discussions with Chelsea officials.

The report claims that Blues representatives mentioned their interest in the goalkeeper while discussing the potential deal between the two clubs for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Their approach was reportedly dismissed by Milan, though taking into consideration the clubs’ hopes to sign a new 'keeper, the Rossoneri favourite could be a name destined for Stamford Bridge.

What could Mike Maignan bring to Chelsea?

Hailed as being a “giant” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has established himself as one of Europe’s strongest goalkeepers for his performances at San Siro.

The 27-year-old, who ascended up the ranks at Paris Saint Germain, could be a revelation at Chelsea, who have jousted between the talents of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga this past season.

Branded as a “liability” by former Blues defender Mario Melchiot, Kepa has had an eventful time since signing from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for a fee of £71.6m, with him now rated at just £26m by the CIES Football Observatory.

While the Spaniard has displayed his talents on numerous occasions, he’s had his fair share of mishaps on and off the pitch, and was benched by Mendy following the Senegalese ace’s arrival in the capital.

Now, the end of the road for the 28-year-old could be in sight if reports regarding Maignan are to be believed.

As per Sofascore, the Milan goalkeeper has conceded an average of 1 goal per game in Serie A this season, marginally fewer than Kepa, who averages 1.1 per game in the Premier League.

Criticised by Jamie Redknapp for not making ‘nearly enough saves’, the Spaniard has been placed into the spotlight in the past for his weaknesses in saving shots from distance.

As displayed in a graphic presented by Sky Sports below, the former Bilbao ace is familiar with conceding from outside the box, with the pattern reinforced this season with him conceding six from such areas, via Sofascore.

kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea

Maignan could eliminate the weakness that the current Chelsea 'keeper possesses, as evidenced by him conceding just two from distance this campaign, as well as recording three saves caught to Kepa’s none, despite playing fewer games as per Sofascore.

Chelsea’s inconsistencies between the sticks must be resolved this summer, with not many clubs switching between their goalkeepers throughout the season due to poor performance.

In signing the £59k-per-week beast, Mauricio Pochettino could unearth a reliable and commanding number one in the bid to significantly improve things at the Bridge.

Bravo, Russell keep Dhaka on top of BPL table

Dhaka Dynamites ensured a first-place finish in the league phase of the BPL with a six-wicket win over Chittagong Vikings

Mohammad Isam02-Dec-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAndre Russell took the wicket of Chris Gayle and scored an unbeaten 18-ball 31•BCBDhaka Dynamites ensured a first-place finish in the league phase of the BPL with a six-wicket win over Chittagong Vikings. They stretched their points tally to 16, opening up a four-point lead over Chittagong, whose five-match winning streak they also snapped.Dhaka’s chase of 135 got a little complicated in the 13th over when Kumar Sangakkara was run out by Zakir Hasan’s direct hit from long-off, after he made a run-a-ball 35. It left them 83 for four, but Andre Russell settled the chase with three sixes in an unbeaten 18-ball 31. He was well supported by Alauddin Babu, who finished not out on 33 as the pair shared an unbroken 52-run fifth-wicket partnership.With Chittagong sent in to bat, Tamim Iqbal struck his third consecutive fifty in the space of six days, and became only the fourth batsman to make five fifties in a single BPL season. Shamsur Rahman’s six fifties in 2013 remains the record. In this innings, Tamim ended up scoring 55 per cent of Chittagong’s total of 134.Chittagong lost wickets quickly either side of an 86-run fourth wicket stand between Tamim and Shoaib Malik. Chris Gayle was the first to go, top edging Russell to extra-cover in the fourth over. Anamul Haque also top-edged a slog in the next over, with wicketkeeper Sangakkara completing the catch.Tamim and Malik came together after Jahurul Islam holed out at long-on in the eighth over, They played within themselves for a while before Tamim renewed his big hitting. He struck three sixes and six fours in his 59-ball 74. Malik contributed 33 off 25 balls with a four and a six.Both were caught in the deep off successive deliveries before Mohammad Nabi joined them in the dugout, out for a two-ball duck.For Dhaka, Dwayne Bravo took three wickets while Russell picked up one. Ronsford Beaton took two wickets on his BPL debut.

Took the wind out of Pakistan's sails – McMillan

The hosts took the “wind out of Pakistan’s sails” in the 21 overs on day one, said New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Hamilton25-Nov-2016The hosts took the “wind out of Pakistan’s sails” in the 21 overs on day one, said New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan, though he remained wary of what could continue to be a tough pitch. New Zealand had moved to 77 for 2 in Hamilton after being asked to bat on a lively surface, having become increasingly confident as the morning wore on. They hit 38 runs in the six overs preceding the rain that washed out the remainder of the day’s play.”It was favourable conditions for the bowlers, so I thought the way we played took the wind out of their sails to be fair,” McMillan said. “We were very positive and decisive in that first session. I thought our guys – especially Ross Taylor – were pretty harsh on any width that was offered up, and he made the most of it.”Taylor remained not out on 29 off 20 balls, cracking six boundaries – five of those behind square on the offside. It was a particularly important innings for Taylor, who has not only been in modest form, but has been troubled by a growth in his left eye over the past week.”I thought Ross moved really well today,” McMillan said. “Even the first ball that he left – sometimes he doesn’t like leaving the ball. I thought his decision-making was excellent. Sometimes he got some short wide ones. We know how well he enjoys playing the cut shot, so it was perfect really.”Opener Jeet Raval continued his bright start in Test cricket, finishing 35 not out off 63 balls. He had been dropped at first slip by Sami Aslam in the first over, but was largely secure against the right-arm bowlers, though Mohammad Amir continued to trouble him through the session.”He looked really good today. Always helps when you get dropped in the first over. I thought it was a quality first over from Mohammad Amir where he asked some serious questions from the left-handers,” McMillan said. “But Jeet just showed a composure that we’ve seen from him at the level below. It’s nice that you can see him take that step up and see that composure again. It’s what we’ve come to expect and what we know about him.”Really the key for any Test opener is the decision making. The good thing about this Pakistan bowling attack is that they ask a lot of questions. We know we have to be precise in the decisions we make at the top of the order in seamer-friendly conditions. I think he’s shown the ability to do that, and it’s been great to see.”McMillan expected the pitch to be just as tough upon resumption on day two because it will have been “sweating under the covers”. Nevertheless, he said New Zealand had been surprised by Pakistan’s omission of Yasir Shah. The visitors chose four quicks instead, perhaps swayed by the colour of the Hamilton surface, and the wet forecast over the first three days.”Yasir is a world-class bowler, so it’s good for us, I think,” he said. “If the game goes along to five days, you’d think that days four and five, a spinner might be needed and will come into calculations. They’ve decided that he wasn’t needed and they went for the extra fast bowler. We’ve got Mitchell Santner on our side, so we’ve got pretty much all bases covered.”

Nottingham Forest Plot Swoop For £48k-p/w Titan

Nottingham Forest could look to the summer transfer window to add depth to their squad ahead of next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Forest's interest in Romain Saiss?

According to Foot Mercato, Nottingham Forest are one of the clubs interested in signing Besiktas defender Romain Saiss.

As per the report, the Garibaldi Reds are keen to take advantage of Saiss' Premier League experience by bringing him back to the Premier League this summer, but will face strong competition from fellow relegation battlers Everton.

Would Romain Saiss be a good fit for Forest?

Steve Cooper will be thrilled with the way his squad performed at the business end of the Premier League season to secure survival, but will be looking for solutions to improve the consistency in the team across the next campaign to ensure they don't fall into trouble again.

Indeed, at 33 years old, Saiss would not be a long-term prospect for the Tricky Trees but would provide a wealth of Premier League experience and add depth to the centre-back roles, making him an ideal addition for next season at the very least.

The 6 foot 3 Moroccan titan is best known for his six-year stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but has continued to shine in the Turkish top-flight and on the international stage at the 2022 World Cup for his national team; part of a record-breaking tournament for Morocco.

romain-saiss-premier-league-nottingham-forest-transfers

Over six appearances in Qatar, Saiss – hailed "impeccable" by Medhi Benatia – scored one goal, kept three clean sheets and won 100% of his aerial duels, as well as averaging 41.7 touches, five clearances and 26.5 accurate passes per game, captaining his side to become the first African team to ever get to the semi-final of the prestigious international tournament.

The £48k-per-week Besiktas ace has demonstrated excellent leadership skills over his career and from his centre-back role has never struggled to display his huge presence on the pitch with not only his defensive consistency but his eye for attacking opportunities, making him the perfect player to work alongside Serge Aurier at the City Ground.

The Forest full-back has been a consistent and reliable performer since joining the club with both defensive and attacking attributes on the right flank – averaging 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles, 2.7 clearances and six duels won per game over his 24 Premier League appearances.

Combine that aggressive and combative nature with the titanic approach of Saiss and you'd have a fine defensive pairing, one certainly capable of helping improve Forest's record at the back next term.

Indeed, Saiss could be the perfect player to bolster Forest's defensive presence. He could form a particularly solid partnership with Aurier next season and help the club retain their top-flight status more comfortably than they did this time out.

Tottenham: Spurs Eye "Intriguing" Move For World Cup Star

Tottenham Hotspur have an "intriguing" alternative goalkeeper option in Croatia number one Dominik Livakovic, according to reports.

Who could replace Lloris at Spurs?

Long-serving number one Hugo Lloris could well leave Spurs this summer, with reports suggesting as such and the player himself recently admitting to the press he wants a fresh challenge.

The 36-year-old, speaking to Nice-Matin, even proclaimed it is the end of an era and desires different things following over 10 years in north London.

"We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me," explained Lloris."It's the end of an era. I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible."But I don't forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen. "What is essential at the moment is to recover well from my injury. I'm on vacation but I continue to talk and do my training. My goal is to be on top in July, then we'll see what the future holds for me."

As such, Tottenham have been keeping a watchful eye on key targets for the goalkeeping position, perhaps most notably Brentford's David Raya who is believed to be of serious interest. Everton keeper Jordan Pickford has also been mooted in the press.

However, according to Football Insider, there is an "intriguing" alternative option in Livakovic – who they reiterate "impressed" at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 28-year-old helped Croatia to the semi-finals, where they eventually secured a third-placed finish at the expense of Morroco.

Livakovic is entering the final 12 months of his deal with Zagreb and could well come very cheap, with his club apparently valuing him at aroind the £10 million mark.

He has also apparently been watched by Tottenham at club level as they take an interest.

Who is Dominik Livakovic?

Beyond his exploits at the World Cup, Livakovic has been a faithful servant for Zagreb, having worn the jersey for nearly a decade.

He has also attracted praise from some major figures in the game, like former Bayern Munich chief Oliver Kahn.

"The man who stopped Brazil will always be a hero to me," Kahn said during his time working at the Allianz Arena. (via 90min)."Livakovic is worthy of praise. Such a goalkeeper must play at a top club. I have no doubt that this will be the case in the new season, but at the same time, he is not within the scope of our interests."

Woakes reprieved by controversial no-ball

Bangladesh thought they had enjoyed a moment of fortune when Chris Woakes pulled a big full toss to midwicket, but the TV umpire denied them

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2016Chris Woakes battled his way through to a vital 46 on the second afternoon in Mirpur to give England a priceless first-innings lead. However, he might have been dismissed half an hour before his eventual departure, after being given a controversial reprieve off a waist-high full toss.Facing up to the legspin of Sabbir Rahman, Woakes had made 38 when he pulled fiercely across the line and straight into the hands of midwicket, and began walking off the field.However, the umpires opted to check the height of the delivery before upholding the decision, and after assessing several replays, the third umpire Chris Gaffaney ruled that the ball had been above waist-height and therefore a no-ball was called.Law 42.6.2, relating to bowling of high-pitched full toss, in the ICC playing conditions states: “Any delivery, which passes or would have passed on the full above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease is deemed unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker.”This playing condition supersedes the MCC Law, 42.6(b) which makes a distinction between the pace of delivery. “(i) Any delivery, other than a slow paced one, which passes or would have passed on the full above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker.”(ii) A slow delivery which passes or would have passed on the full above shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker.”This, however, was an extremely marginal decision. The ball had looped high above Woakes’ eyeline and was clearly dipping sharply when the batsman made contact several feet in front of his crease. In fact, subsequent HawkEye replays showed that the ball was hitting for the base of the stumps.What is more, Sabbir had opened his spell with two further full-tosses, the first of which was much higher than the wicket-taking delivery, neither of which was called for no-ball. The incident was reminiscent of Rohit Sharma’s reprieve against Bangladesh in the World Cup quarter-final at Melbourne last year, on that occasion for a delivery that was clearly below waist-height.Not even Woakes’ own family felt that his recall was justified. “Have to say, I wouldn’t have given no ball for that one,” said his brother, David, on Twitter. “But the others in Sabbir 1st over were. Keep going boys, great effort.”England were eventually bowled out for 244, a lead of 24.

"Interesting Project" Offered To 24-y/o Nearing Rangers Transfer

LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes could turn down Premier League interest in favour of a move to Glasgow Rangers, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Cifuentes and Rangers?

The Ecuador international is reportedly close to joining Rangers, as LAFC are willing to sell for a minimal fee with his contract coming to an end.

The 24-year-old could be one of many signings at Ibrox this summer as Michael Beale aims to revolutionise the Rangers squad, and this could represent something of a coup given the other interest in him.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano revealed that Beale's project at Rangers has appealed to Cifuentes, and that talks are progressing.

"I think this could be a smart move for Rangers because Premier League clubs also wanted him, but Rangers are offering an interesting project. So, the conversation is going well," he stated.

What next for Rangers?

It is certainly a good sign for Beale that players the club are targeting view his project as one worth joining, and he will be hoping that Rangers can land as many of his first-choice targets as possible.

Cifuentes will help bring a fresher, younger presence to the squad alongside Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell, who joined in January, and Beale seems keen to freshen up the squad with talent with potential and resale value.

Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

The club are currently overseeing an exodus of players who have been instrumental to Rangers over the last few seasons, as Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos are all departing on free transfers, and perhaps this has provided a lesson for the club when it comes to operating in the market.

The squad is in desperate need of a revamp following a disappointing campaign, and players have been hoarded for years, which allowed them to run down their contracts whilst their performance levels dipped.

Kent and Morelos for example, could have attracted significant transfer fees if they were sold earlier, but both are now leaving with Rangers failing to earn anything from their exits, and despite the excellent service both provided for years, neither performed well this season.

Targeting low cost signings like Cifuentes and Cantwell around the age of 24 is a smarter way to operate. They can arrive with points to prove, and if they perform well, then they can help bring success to Rangers whilst potentially attracting big transfer fees.

CIfuentes appeared for Ecuador at the World Cup, and has provided 33 goal and assist contributions in 111 games from central midfield in the MLS. His arrival can help pad the squad depth, and if he performs well, will be a good example of efficient scouting from Rangers.

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