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Incoming Glasgow Rangers boss Mick Beale will seemingly need to deal with the situation surrounding contract rebel Ryan Kent, amid an update on the Englishman’s future at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the appointment of the former Queen’s Park Rangers manager will seemingly have ‘no bearing’ on talks over a contract extension for the 26-year-old, with the fleet-footed ace having just a matter of months left on his existing deal.

The report suggests that the former Liverpool winger has been offered improved terms by the Old Firm outfit, although appears to be keeping his options open ahead of the January window.

This follows previous claims that the one-time England youth international has his eyes set on the Premier League after rejecting an offer from the Light Blues, having notably been linked with a move to Leeds United in the summer.

Ruthlessly ditch

The uncertainty surrounding the future of the Oldham-born ace will no doubt be a notable issue on Beale’s in-tray, with the 42-year-old potentially having to decide whether to try and tempt the player into staying with the Gers, or to simply move him on sooner rather than later.

Having previously worked with the 5 foot 8 ace during his time as Steven Gerrard’s assistant, the up-and-coming coach may well be inclined to try and revive Kent’s fortunes in the coming months in order get the electric talent back to his best.

However, the best course of action could well be to ruthlessly ditch the £18k-per-week man when the market re-opens, with the dynamic speedster having perhaps become something of a problem for the Light Blues in recent times due to his underwhelming form.

The one-time Bristol City loanee – who arrived in Scotland on an initial loan deal in 2018 – has still chipped in with a respectable tally of six assists in all competitions this season, although has proven somewhat unreliable in front of goal with just one strike to his name thus far.

The club’s miserable Champions League run saw the £15m-rated dud particularly underwhelm as he failed to provide a single goal or assist, with pundit Neil McCann notably calling out the attacker for having “disappeared” during the shambolic, 7-1 home defeat to the Reds back in October.

Pundit Frank McAvennie also suggested that while Kent is a “wonderful player” he has seemingly been the Scottish Premiership outfit’s “biggest failure” of late, having come under scrutiny for his work ethic and attitude.

As Beale looks to stamp his authority on the side and spark a revival of fortunes for Rangers, the new head coach will seemingly not want to have problematic and uncommitted figures lingering in his dressing room, with a fresh start perhaps the best solution for all parties.

Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to be eyeing a move for Juventus sensation, Adrien Rabiot, ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato – the Magpies – as well as fellow Premier League side Arsenal – are ready to ‘go on the offensive’ if there is a chance to land the 27-year-old next month, with the French international having just six months remaining on his existing deal in Turin.

The report suggests that the Serie A outfit could potentially even set their sights on the midfielder’s compatriot Allan Saint-Maximin as part of a swap deal, albeit with Max Allegri’s side also set to consider offers of around €15-20m (£13-17m).

The 6 foot 2 maestro was previously linked with a move to Tyneside during the summer window, having also reportedly come close to joining Manchester United.

‘Monster’ at St James’ Park

Were the £149k-per-week man to trade one black and white jersey for another it could well prove a notable coup as far as the northeast side are concerned, with Rabiot having been in scintillating form for both club and country of late.

The experienced asset has notably been something of a shining light at the Allianz Stadium so far this term having scored five goals and laid on two assists in all competitions from his midfield berth, proving himself a growing threat in the final third.

The former Paris Saint-Germain “monster” – as described by journalist Robin Bairner – would offer Eddie Howe’s side a real all-round asset due to his brilliance at both ends of the pitch, as he also ranks in the top 15% in Europe for aerial duels won, as well as in the top 19% for tackles made.

That quality has now been replicated at international level with the “sensational” ace – as described by commentator T.N Raghu – having been vital for Les Bleus at the World Cup so far, making up for lost time after refusing to be part of the standby list four years ago in Russia.

The 33-cap magician has started three of his country’s four games at the tournament in Qatar thus far, notably scoring once and laying on one assist, while also showcasing his ball-winning talent after averaging an impressive 2.5 tackles per game.

A truly eye-catching figure who has a wealth of experience at the elite level – with 60 Champions League appearances to his name in his career thus far – Rabiot’s arrival in England would surely prove an astute move for the top-four hopefuls.

It may well prove a difficult task for Ashworth to try and tempt the Frenchman to come to St James’ Park, although the one-time Manchester City youth product could certainly add real quality to Newcastle’s midfield ranks.

While Erling Haaland has stolen the headlines for Manchester City so far this season, their acquisition of Julian Alvarez is looking increasingly like a superb piece of business as he continues to shine at the World Cup.

The 22-year-old forward joined from River Plate in a deal worth £14.1m but has struggled for regular starts under Pep Guardiola so far this season, with the form of Haaland meaning that he was never likely to start many games up front.

However, he has still contributed seven goals and two assists in all competitions for the Citizens so far this term and has caught the eye in his Champions League appearances, averaging an impressive 7.13 rating from WhoScored.

The fee that City paid was always likely to be a bargain when you consider that Alvarez managed a phenomenal haul of 54 goals and 31 assists in just 122 appearances for River Plate, but his superb form at the World Cup has hammered home just how well Txiki Begiristain did to sign him for the Citizens.

In six appearances in Qatar, ‘El Aranita’ has netted four goals for Lionel Scaloni’s side, including a brace in their 3-0 win against Croatia in the semi-finals earlier this week, which sets up an exciting final against France on Sunday.

During his thus far brief time at the Etihad Stadium, Alvarez’s Transfermarkt value has already risen to €32m (£27.7m), which represents a 95% increase on the fee that City paid to bring the Argentine sensation to England earlier this year.

Given his superb World Cup performances, that valuation is only likely to increase further during his time with the club, and if City do sell the striker in future, it seems almost certain that they will make a significant profit on him.

Guardiola will certainly have been keeping a close eye on Alvarez’s form in Qatar and might consider unleashing the 22-year-old more often in the Premier League, perhaps alongside Haaland, when he does return from international duty.

Either way, it seems clear from the Argentine’s World Cup form and increased valuation that Txiki delivered yet another transfer masterclass when bringing Alvarez to Manchester City this year.

Mikel Arteta’s merry bunch of Arsenal men have been sitting atop the Premier League table for a considerable period of time now.

They were the first and probably the only team to ever guarantee that they’d be top at Christmas in November, but such is the unique World Cup taking place out in Qatar that things have been done a little differently this season.

Either way, the Gunners are there on merit with Arteta’s side playing a superb brand of football that relies on youthful exuberance for it to thrive.

Everyone at the club has bought into the Spaniard’s vision, no less so than his new signings.

Gabriel Jesus, albeit now injured, has been a revelation courtesy of his five goals and seven assists in 20 outings while Oleksandr Zinchenko has brought a level of composure seldom seen at the Emirates Stadium.

Yet, for the north Londoners to keep their amazing run going they will need to invest in January, with the additions of extra firepower most certainly needed after Jesus’ blow at the World Cup.

A variety of faces have already been linked but there is a sense that a striker won’t be brought in to replace the Brazilian. Rather, Arteta will rely on Eddie Nketiah to lead the line while snapping up a lively and energetic winger.

According to David Ornstein, Ukrainian hotshot Mykhailo Mudryk is at the top of their shortlist but they may have to pay upwards of €100m (£86m) in order to bring him to English football.

A more cost-effective and safer option could fall the way of Ferran Torres. Reports from Germany – Sport Bild – suggest that the Gunners are battling with rivals Tottenham for the signing of the Spanish winger.

Having already played in the Premier League with Manchester City before a £55m move back to Spain, there is a hope that he’d be able to adapt quickly, something the Islington outfit no doubt need given that the Citizens are breathing down their necks.

Little adjustment time can be afforded in such a title race with Torres perhaps looking like a smart option for sporting director, Edu, when the window opens next month.

Turning to the 22-year-old, who is valued at £30m by Transfermarkt, could well see Arsenal unearth their next Santi Cazorla.

Both capable of featuring on the wings, the duo have more than just positional versatility and nationality in common.

Indeed, both have already scored top-flight hat-tricks in England, with the Spanish assets having the ability to create and find the net in equal measure.

During his time at the Emirates, Cazorla scored 29 times while assisting a further 45 strikes for his teammates in 180 outings, a tally that works out at a goal involvement every 2.4 matches.

On the other hand, Torres has beaten the goalkeeper on 12 occasions in 44 appearances, while registering seven assists. That means the young Spain international has contributed to a goal every 2.3 games, a fraction ever so slightly better than the former Arsenal star.

Torres has further thrived on the biggest of stages this summer, finding the net on two occasions during Spain’s World Cup campaign before they were dumped out on penalties by Morocco.

The best praise for the Barca gem has come from none other than Xavi, the winger’s fellow countryman who certainly knows a thing or two about how to thrive in Spain. He once said: “He’s [Torres] a player on another level, he’s spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn’t lose the ball, his defensive work… he’s world-class. He’s a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer.”

Indeed, the Barcelona boss could well be speaking of Cazorla there too, with the now 38-year-old famed for his close-knit control and ability to keep the ball away from his opponents.

Both incredibly creative and press resistant, it’s evident how alike the duo are with Torres surely marking a fine signing for Arteta and co, one that could also be a great deal cheaper than Mudryk. Over to you, Edu.

Sunderland’s signing of Danny Batth on a free transfer has proven to be a masterstroke by Kristjaan Speakman, as the centre-back has been instrumental to the Black Cats’ impressive start to the season.

The experienced defender had spent much of his career in the Championship with the likes of Wolves, Middlesbrough and Stoke City, so he was always going to be a valuable addition at the Stadium of Light when he joined the Wearsiders last January.

Batth came to the north east on a free transfer from Stoke, having turned out just 11 times in the Championship for the Potters last season, and he featured 12 times for the Black Cats as they earned promotion back to the second tier via the League One play-offs.

So far this term, only seven players have earned a higher average rating from WhoScored than Batth, with his strong 6.74 rating a testament to his impressive start to life back in the Championship.

The 32-year-old also ranks first for clearances and second for aerial duels won in Sunderland’s squad, which emphasises how important he is to Tony Mowbray and why he has earned a reputation as a “colossal” defender, as Josh Bunting called him.

The Sunderland-supporting journalist was full of praise for the former Wolves man at the weekend when an injury forced him off in the 1-1 draw with Hull City.

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Bunting tweeted: “Hopefully that injury for Danny Batth isn’t serious, hope it’s just a minor one or a precaution and he’s back for Boxing Day. Has been our best player this season, obviously great to have Daniel Ballard back in the team and an option from the bench. Batth is the leader at the back.”

Only Anthony Patterson has also started every single game for Sunderland in the Championship this season, which shows how highly Batth is valued by Mowbray at the Stadium of Light.

Therefore, Speakman deserves a huge amount of praise for prising the defender away from Stoke on a free transfer earlier this year, as it seems likely that he will be hugely important in any push for the play-offs again this season.

Liverpool fans! 2023 is just around the corner and with the New Year comes yet another exciting transfer window, but how well do you know your club’s dealings in recent years?

Reds fans will hope to be active in the winter market after their mixed start to the season, with Jurgen Klopp perhaps in need of some reinforcements after injuries struck down Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

The Premier League giants will no doubt want to push on as they aim to secure a top four place come the end of the 2022/23 campaign, perhaps with the view to really splashing out in the summer once Champions League football is confirmed at Anfield for another season.

That being said, sit back, enjoy the festivities and take on this transfer quiz from players past and present who have moved to Merseyside. 

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023 from all of us here at The Transfer Tavern – good luck! 

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their search for a new striker during the current January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Sunderland Nation, the Black Cats are eyeing up a potential swoop to sign Peterborough centre-forward Jonson Clarke-Harris.

The report claims that the club are looking at possible striker signings to bolster their depth after Ellis Simms was recalled by Premier League side Everton.

It is stated that Sunderland sent scouts to watch the League One marksman in action and that Tony Mowbray is a big fan of the 28-year-old, although it remains to be seen how much it would take to snap him up this month.

Ross Stewart 2.0

Kristjaan Speakman could repeat his Stewart masterclass by swooping to sign Clarke-Harris before the end of the window as the forward has the potential to be a prolific goalscorer for the Black Cats.

The Scottish striker has plundered 38 goals in 76 competitive appearances for Sunderland since arriving from Ross County in January 2021 and has proven himself to be a sensational signing.

He has led the line brilliantly for the club for two years and played a huge role in the promotion to the Championship, by scoring 26 goals in 49 outings last season.

Clarke-Harris, meanwhile, has scored 60 goals in 122 matches for Peterborough in all competitions and has found the back of the net 13 times in 23 starts in League One this term.

The Jamaican, who has 121 career club goals, has fired in 44 goals in his last 69 appearances in the third tier of English football and this suggests that he is too good to be playing below the Championship.

His current manager, Darren Ferguson, once hailed the forward’s all-round play as he told Peterborough Today: “Jonson’s goals have been valuable, but he’s more than just a goalscorer.

“He is a leader, a winner and a real focal point for this team. He was our number one target when Ivan Toney left and we had to work hard on his fitness when he first got here, but he’s been an outstanding signing and a real pleasure to work with.”

The gem has also proven that he can do the business in the second division after he scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 32 starts for Peterborough last season.

Therefore, he could be Stewart 2.0 for Sunderland, arriving as a talismanic number nine who is capable of being prolific in League One whilst also being a reliable goalscorer in the Championship.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is ‘expected’ to remain at the club despite being linked with a move to Aston Villa, Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

The Lowdown: Maguire linked with Villa move

The 29-year-old has suffered a frustrating season to date Old Trafford, losing his place in the team and being limited to just four Premier League starts.

Maguire has been strongly linked with a switch to Aston Villa in recent days, as he potentially looks for more regular football away from United.

Now, another update has emerged, however, following a fresh twist in the saga.

The Latest: Romano slams exit links

Writing on Twitter, Romano said that there is no truth in the rumours and that Maguire would be remaining at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future:

“Reports of Harry Maguire deal ‘done’ with Aston Villa are now denied by all parties involved. No negotiations or talks ongoing.

“Maguire is expected to stay at Man United, the position is very clear.”

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The Verdict: Sell in the summer

For now, Maguire is a solid squad player for United, with his performances at the 2022 World Cup showing that he is a good player, being hailed as ‘dominant’ by Bryan Robson.

It does feel as though Erik ten Hag doesn’t see him as an important part of his plans moving forward, however, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez the main centre-back pairing.

Maguire turns 30 in March and ultimately isn’t good enough if United want to reach that next level, so selling him in the summer for a decent amount makes sense, using the money to bring in someone more suited to Ten Hag’s style.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Leeds United’s Illan Meslier as the long-term successor to the shot-stopping throne at the club, with a transfer move potentially forthcoming…

What’s the word?

Chelsea boss Graham Potter is seemingly unsatisfied with his goalkeeping options in Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga – who cost an exorbitant £71.6m from Athletic Bilbao – and is scouring the market for a long-term first-choice deployment in the role.

And according to French publication RMC Sport, the Blues’ technical director Christopher Vivell is set to rival affluent divisional rivals Newcastle United in forging a transfer for the 22-year-old shot-stopping prodigy, who is also wanted by German giants Bayern Munich following an extensive injury layoff for Manuel Neuer suffered in a skiing accident this winter.

Meslier joined the Lilywhites on a permanent deal from French outfit Lorient in 2020, since going from strength to strength and establishing himself as the unwavering No 1. and one of the most exciting young goalkeeping prospects in world football.

Blues’ next Cech

Signing for Leeds while they still floundered in the EFL Championship, the Frenchman has since risen to the fore and cemented his place within the top-flight outfit’s starting set-up, making 106 appearances and keeping 28 clean sheets.

And having been an ever-present force between the sticks this term, playing every single Premier League minute, Meslier is indeed blossoming into a formidable presence despite his tender age.

Should the £31m-rated phenom sign for Chelsea, he would bering shot-stopping prowess, having made the most saves of any goalkeeper in the Premier League with an impressive 143, a veritable wall in the fight against relegation, pivotal in steering his club towards survival, with Leeds indeed finishing 17th, just three points off the dreaded drop-zone.

Making 494 appearances for the west London outfit, winning scores of major honours – including four Premier League titles and one Champions League triumph – and keeping 228 clean sheets at a remarkable rate of 46.1%.

While Meslier cannot boast clean sheet statistics quite as formidable as the Czech legend thus far, his shot-stopping ability certainly alludes to a promising career in the mould of one of the Premier League’s most esteemed players throughout its history.

And the season prior, his club’s first in the top-flight since the 03/04 campaign, Meslier dazzled with 140 saves, illustrating his consistency in repelling the opposing threat.

As per Sofascore, the “rare talent” – as hailed by The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Phil Hay – has recorded ratings of 7.13 (20/21), 6.87 (21/22), and 6.88 (22/23) during his time in top-flight English football, still holding a respectable rating since his emphatic first season, despite his club’s dip in results and performance.

He could indeed emulate legendary shot-stopper Cech, and as he nurtures his ability with age, also developing the leadership and composure required to truly flourish at a club competing for major honours across multiple fronts – like Chelsea – he will grow into his own, taking the baton from a former icon and finally gifting Stamford Bridge the presence in between the sticks that it yearns for.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa defender Matty Cash and his current injury situation…

What’s the talk?

Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece has revealed that the Poland international is a “doubt” for tonight’s clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

The right-back is one of a number of players who may be watching on from the sidelines for the Premier League clash as he is struggling with a groin issue.

Meanwhile, Leander Dendoncker will serve a one-match suspension for the match following his red card against Stevenage in the FA Cup and John McGinn has already been ruled out through injury, having not played since the win over Tottenham.

Big blow

McGinn has already been out for two games and Emery may have already prepared to head into this game without him but this fresh doubt over Cash’s fitness could come as a big blow to the Spaniard’s plans.

The former Nottingham Forest midfielder was one of the shining lights throughout the miserable loss to the lower league outfit as he put in an excellent display at right-back.

As per Sofascore, he won 100% of his three individual duels and made two clearances, one interception, and two tackles, whilst also completing 88% of his attempted passes.

The defender also started further forward, ahead of Ashley Young, in the 1-1 draw with Wolves in the Premier League last time out and caught the eye with a solid performance.

As per Sofascore, Cash won six of his eight individual battles and completed 90% of his attempted passes, whilst making two clearances, one block, two interceptions, and three tackles.

He recorded Sofascore ratings of 7.2 in both matches and this indicates, alongside his impressive statistics, that he thrived in Emery’s tactical set-up.

Meanwhile, no Villa player has averaged a Sofascore rating higher than 6.96 in the Premier League this season and this means that Cash could be one of the team’s top performers if he is able to continue his current vein of form.

However, the gem will be unable to do so if he is now out of action for a period of time due to the groin injury he sustained against Stevenage. This, this news is likely to come as a big blow to Emery.

Cash, certainly in recent games, has proven that he is a strong defender who is also reliable in possession and the Spaniard should be desperate for him to be fit enough to start against Leeds tonight, as his pace on and off the ball could be useful on the right side of the pitch.