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Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left reacting to a revelation that has emerged from Jermain Defoe.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the striker was looking back on his time at Ibrox, and in particular the relationship that he had with his teammates: “My teammates… oh, I get emotional.

“The boys were fantastic. They were brilliant from day one.

“Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara call me ‘uncle’! These are special people.”

The fact that both Aribo and Kamara referred to the 39-year-old as ‘uncle’ emphasises how much togetherness there is in the current squad, and surely every fan wants their club to feel like one big family.

The Englishman was indeed a great servant to the Teddy Bears, scoring 32 goals and making a further 10 assists in 76 matches in total over all competitions across the last four campaigns (Transfermarkt), helping them towards winning the Scottish Premiership title last season.

Nonetheless, it is nice for the Light Blues supporters to get snippets like this of what players were like when Defoe was there.

Rangers fans on Defoe revelation

These Gers reacted to Defoe’s revelation as it was shared on Twitter:

“One of us man. Absolute hero.”

Credit: @LH1872

“That’s me away”

Credit: @afgavinstan

“Cheered me up this”

Credit: @Paul187255

“Someone’s chopping onions”

Credit: @P4MELAR

“I honestly love this man more than life itself”

Credit: @Richy_McG

“This man will be missed, oozes class”

Credit: @mark_loch

In other news, find out who was slammed by RFC fans against Aberdeen here!

Pundit Frank McAvennie has urged Newcastle to launch a move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Alli to leave, Newcastle in contact

A Spurs source has informed Football Insider that the club are willing to move Alli on in the January window, with the 25-year-old not in Antonio Conte’s plans.

Alli has featured in just two minutes of Premier League action under Conte, with Tottenham allegedly open to loan, loan-to-buy or permanent transfers.

Reports from Teamtalk have revealed that the Magpies have been in contact with Spurs regarding a move for Alli and would want an option to buy, as long as they avoid relegation.

The Latest: McAvennie’s claim

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the news on Alli.

He appeared to urge Newcastle to follow through with the approach and launch a move for the attacking midfielder, although he did have one concern in regards to being involved in a relegation battle.

“He’s a good player, there’s no doubting that.

“Going to Newcastle? What an asset he would be to them if he got his form back.

“If he plays as well as we know he can, he is the man to save them.

“What concerns me is whether you want him in the trenches with you.

“Is he going to put his foot in and do the dirty work in a relegation fight?

“I’m not saying he won’t or can’t. We have just never seen it before.

“If the option is there for Newcastle and they have already secured the new defenders they need.

“I think they could do a lot worse than getting Alli in, even on loan.

“He can be phenomenal on his day.”

The Verdict: Sign

A loan with an option to buy next season, as long as Eddie Howe keeps Newcastle in the Premier League, seems to be a smart move.

Howe has just one senior attacking midfielder on the books at this moment in time in Miguel Almiron, with the 27-year-old yet to contribute to a goal in 14 league appearances.

Alli has 88 Premier League goal contributions in 179 games, so would add that attacking threat and experience that could prove priceless in the second half of the season.

In other news, find out which ‘sensational’ signing NUFC are now ‘closing in’ on here!

Now that the January transfer window has opened, this has set off a flurry of transfer rumours and reports linking numerous players with moves to a range of different clubs.

One club that have been linked with a potential transfer deal in the near future is Aston Villa, who could be set to allow manager Steven Gerrard to make some changes to his squad.

What’s the word?

According to a recent report from The Sun by journalist Alan Nixon, Villa are interested in signing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil as well as fellow Premier League clubs Everton and Crystal Palace.

Since joining Burnley’s U18 side back in 2014 from Manchester United’s youth system, the 22-year-old has gone on to make a total of 127 senior appearances for the Clarets across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing 17 assists in the process.

In terms of a potential move to Villa, either in the current January transfer window or the next summer window, the report claims that the Midlands club would have to “shift some of their squad for a bid to happen.”

Forget El Ghazi

With this in mind, it could be a good time for Villa to get rid of current winger Anwar El Ghazi, who has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks, given how he’s only made three substitute appearances for Villa since Gerrard’s first game in charge against Brighton & Hove Albion back in November.

Taking this into account, getting rid of the Dutch forward could be the first step towards signing McNeil, which would surely be very pleasing for Gerrard given how the Burnley winger has managed to rack up more shots, key passes and dribbles per game than El Ghazi has in the Premier League this season, highlighting his attacking talents.

Depending on what happens with Villa’s current attacking players this month such as El Ghazi or anyone else, there could be an opportunity for the Midlands club to secure a move for McNeil and get him into Gerrard’s squad.

However, with Burnley currently sitting in the relegation zone, it could be easier for Villa to sign McNeil in the summer if Sean Dyche’s side aren’t able to avoid the drop by the end of the campaign. Either way, Gerrard would surely be delighted to welcome him.

In other news: Lange could solve Gerrard’s big AVFC issue with swoop for “complete” £24.3m-rated gem – opinion

Celtic have been dealt a late injury blow ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership clash.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report by The Herald, Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt will be unavailable for selection against Hearts this evening, as the defender does not look to have recovered from a hamstring injury that has seen him miss the Bhoys’ last six fixtures – despite the defender being pictured in training at Lennoxtown on Wednesday.

Postecoglou will be fuming

With the fixture against third-placed Hearts tonight being an extremely important one for Celtic, with a win reducing the gap between the Hoops and the current Premiership leaders to just four points ahead of the busy Christmas schedule, the news that Starfelt will not be available for selection is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou fuming.

Indeed, the Sweden international has highly impressed over his 11 league appearances so far this season, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and winning 6.3 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £2.7m-rated man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.23, ranking him as the Bhoys’ joint fifth-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football – of the players who still remain in Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

What makes his time on the sidelines even more problematic is that since his time out, the Hoops are yet to keep a clean sheet in Premiership action, conceding to both Dundee FC and Aberdeen.

As such, the continued absence of the centre-back will undoubtedly come as a major blow to the 56-year-old manager and his side, who will be desperate to secure all three points against Hearts in order to keep pace in the Premiership title race.

In other news: Postecoglou axes £14k-p/w “terrible flop” in 2 changes: Predicted Celtic XI v Hearts

Even though Leeds United have had eight different players scoring in the Premier League so far this season, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have only managed 15 goals in as many league games, 10 goals fewer than they had at the same point last season.

Taking this into account, it seems as though the club could do with a bit of a boost in terms of their creative and attacking power on the pitch.

With the January transfer window approaching, the Whites being previously linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley back in November and the fact that journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed recently that the midfielder is on a list of transfer targets at Leeds, this could be exactly what they need to turn their season around and bring a bit of extra attacking depth to the squad.

After completing a loan spell with Aston Villa last season, where he scored three goals and provided one assist in 24 outings, the 28-year-old has found regular game-time back at Chelsea hard to come by this season, with just eight appearances across all competitions under his belt, starting only twice.

Labelled a “tremendous” player by former Villa manager Dean Smith, Barkley averaged 1.5 shots at goal and 1.6 key passes per game in his 26 Premier League appearances last season across Chelsea and Villa.

With this in mind and Barkley, who is currently picking up £100k-per-week at Stamford Bridge according to Salary Sport, having a lot of Premier League experience with 230 appearances, 28 goals and 31 assists at that level, he could offer Leeds a lot on the pitch in an attacking sense.

Looking ahead to January, if Victor Orta can convince Barkley to make the move to Elland Road with the promise of regular game-time, the 28-year-old definitely seems to have what it takes to revolutionise Bielsa’s side and turn their season around after an underwhelming start by potentially giving them a fresh creative and attacking outlet on the pitch.

Also, with Leeds only having three players in their senior squad who predominantly play in the central midfield position, it would be a good idea to secure Barkley’s signature to add some depth in that area of the pitch in case any of their current options pick up injuries throughout the rest of the campaign.

In other news – Time to shine: Bielsa must now unleash “superb” £17k-p/w prodigy after big Leeds blow

Celtic are ready to cash in on centre-forward Albian Ajeti in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that Michael Nicholson is ready to cut the Bhoys losses on the 24-year-old forward this winter, with the Record going on to state that the striker will go down in Celtic history as an expensive flop.

A further report by the Daily Record went on to reveal that, as a result of his struggles at Parkhead, the Switzerland international has been overlooked in selection for his national team by Murat Yakin, with the Switzerland boss stating:

“In my view, I look at each player’s individual performances and situation before I decide to name my squad. And that’s why in this instance I have chosen not to include Albian Ajeti.”

Fans will be buzzing

While fans of Celtic would have undoubtedly rathered Ajeti was a massive hit for their club, considering his poor performance levels, as well as his general lack of fitness and overall commitment during his time in Glasgow, the news that Nicholson is actively looking to ship the centre-forward out this January is sure to have left fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 44 appearances for the Bhoys, the £2.88m-rated man has scored just nine goals and registered a mere five assists, with the player who Packie Bonner dubbed a “problem” averaging a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.85 last term – ranking him as the Hoops’ joint 12th-worst performer in the league.

Furthermore, the £16k-per-week forward has not completed 90 minutes since September, with both Neil Lennon and Ange Postecoglou being reported to have concerns regarding the 24-year-old’s fitness levels.

As such, while it would appear likely that Celtic will have to take a substantial hit if they wish to move Ajeti on this winter, considering the fact that the striker has already cost the club over £1m in wages, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Nicholson to get rid of the former West Ham United forward as quickly as possible, as he is quite simply stealing a living at Parkhead.

In other news: Forget Jota: “Outstanding” £4.5m-rated Celtic gem who made 8 key passes stole the show

After Steven Gerrard’s appointment as Aston Villa manager was confirmed, attention has turned to potential signings from his former club Rangers.

The Birmingham Mail’s Richard Cusack has been considering the possibility of a swoop for Ryan Kent. On Friday, Daily Record journalist Scott Burns reported that the winger and Glen Kamara would be ‘at the top of Gerrard’s list’ if the 41-year-old were to launch a raid on Ibrox.

Ryan Kent profiled

Kent joined Rangers in September 2019 in a £6.48m move off the back of a loan spell in Glasgow the previous season. He has made 139 appearances for the Gers, scoring 28 times and notching 33 assists. Six of those goal contributions – one goal and five assists – have come in his 11 outings so far this season.

The 25-year-old’s contract is up at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and he is valued at £12.6m by Transfermarkt.

Twitter account @AVFC_News asked supporters if they would like Kent to move to Villa, and here’s how these fans responded negatively, believing that the winger wouldn’t be an upgrade on their current abundance of options out wide.

Liverpool gave him just one senior appearance before loaning him out several times prior to his permanent move to Rangers, something which may also discourage some Villa supporters.

These Villa fans unimpressed by Kent

“No Rangers players are better than what’s there”

Credit: @mickmcg81

“Surely we can do better?”

Credit: @kinglandranger3

“Not really. No better than what we have. That’s not where he should be looking, far from it.”

Credit: @AVFCAL79

“Don’t want Rangers players, he’s plenty of money to get better quality players”

Credit: @waynipoos1

“Not for me. Better value in U23 and around Europe”

Credit: @SpeakReason

“We have plenty of wingers though”

Credit: @BernardKeavy

In other news, many Villa fans react to this Neil Cutler update

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as the 28-year-old nears the end of his current contract with the club.

What’s the story?

The World Cup winner has been attracting the attention of a host of top European clubs for several months after refusing to put pen to paper on fresh terms at United.

And now, according to Spanish outlet AS (via Manchester Evening News), La Liga giants Madrid are eager to sign Pogba and will try to sign him on a free transfer next year.

He will be available to sign on a pre-contract agreement over the winter window which is good news for Los Blancos who want to secure his signature as soon as possible.

Solskjaer will be worried

Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain were heavily linked with a move for Pogba in the previous window before their shock move for Lionel Messi meant his arrival was no longer a financial possibility.

Since then, United are believed to have offered their academy graduate a new contract worth close to £400,000 per week, and although he’s open to re-signing, Pogba’s taking his time over what is a huge decision at this stage in his career.

However, United’s chiefs are set to face a battle to keep the France international on their books after Madrid reportedly rekindled their interest in the box-to-box dynamo over the international break.

Pogba’s impressive displays for Les Blues during their Nations League triumph were just the latest in what’s been an impressive 2021 for the engine room operator, with club teammate Bruno Fernandes lauding him after his magnificent tally of four assists against Leed United on the opening day of the season.

“I’m pretty sure Paul could do five or six (assists) in one game! Paul is a quality player; we all trust him, we all know his qualities,” Fernandes told MUTV after the emphatic victory.

“The point is making those performances and to help the team do better and I’m pretty sure Paul is here to do that.”

Therefore, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to be very worried about this latest revelation, and the Norwegian tactician will be hoping one of his star players remains at Old Trafford for many years to come. After all, it would be a hammer blow to lose a player as good as the France star.

And, in other news…”They expect” – Romano delivers big Man Utd update, Red Devils fans may be concerned 

Leeds United could have to pay as much as €40million (£33.8m) to sign Club Brugge attacker Noa Lang in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on signing Lang

The Whites were linked with a move for Lang numerous times during the summer transfer window, following some influential performances for Brugge.

Their interest seems to have continued into this season, with a January move potentially in the offing.

Lang has made a flying start to the campaign for Brugge, scoring three goals and registering five assists in 11 Jupiler Pro League starts – that’s more assists than any Leeds player has managed this term, highlighting his creativity.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Brugge demand big money

According to Voetbal Belgie [via Sport Witness], Brugge will only sell the 22-year-old attacking midfielder for huge money in January.

His aforementioned €40million (£33.8m) price tag is more than Leeds’ record transfer fee for a player, set by Rodrigo when he joined from Valencia in 2020.

Leeds are mentioned among the possible suitors, though, along with Arsenal, AC Milan, West Ham United and Borussia Monchengladbach.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-22/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Is he worth it?

Lang is clearly a talented young player with a bright future – he was called ‘the best player in the league’ by analyst Filip Joos earlier this year – but it is hard to justify Leeds breaking their transfer record midway through the season.

In Raphinha, Dan James and Jack Harrison, Marcelo Bielsa already has quality in central and wide attacking areas, with Tyler Roberts also someone who will hopefully improve with age.

If Leeds were desperate for quality in those positions it could make sense to take a punt on Lang, but that money could be spent elsewhere instead, like finding an out and out back-up striker for Patrick Bamford.

In other news, Ben Dinnery has made a claim regarding Raphinha. Read more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of Joe Aribo despite their 2-0 home win in the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday night.

After a disappointing first half at Ibrox, the floodgates opened when Kemar Roofe opened the scoring early on in the second, before Alfredo Morelos sealed the win to put the Light Blues through into the next round.

While there were some good performances from those in a Gers shirt, Aribo far from impressed the RFC faithful, as he was guilty of misplacing too many of his passes and being reluctant to shoot when chances presented themselves.

Nonetheless, he will certainly need to do better if he is going to stay in the team come their next fixture away at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon.

Rangers fans on Aribo display

These Gers supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he was ‘rotten’:

“Aribo was rotten tonight. His pass success was shocking”

Credit: @CarrieCummings4

“Patterson started well, then kind of lost his way. Aribo was completely off it tonight. Made too many wrong decisions.”

Credit: @ron_resa

“Fair play to Lundstram showed what he’s capable of tonight but what’s happened to big Aribo he looks well off it.”

Credit: @Albertz_legend

“Not sure what Aribo brings to the team at the moment. He could do with getting dropped for a few games.”

Credit: @StevenRob73

“There is nothing more frustrating than watching Aribo, on the edge of the box, on his right foot, with a shooting opportunity”

Credit: @gmkelly1979

“Aribo has been like an opposition player tonight. Why can nobody take a shot from outside the box? It’s worrying”

Credit: @Davidmc50660735

In other news, find out who is a ‘huge loss’ for Rangers here!