Rangers fans believe team needs critical investment

Rangers fans had to endure another disappointing night of Scottish Premiership action on Wednesday after watching their team labour to a 0-0 draw at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.

The Gers could find no cutting edge on their travels and are now a massive 12 points behind Aberdeen in second with just 7 games remaining. Worryingly for fans, they are now closer to fourth place than second.

There’s still hope, Rangers are still due to play the Dons twice before the end of the season which could cut the gap dramatically, however the chances of finishing second now look remote at best.

Pedro Caixinha remains unbeaten as manager but it’s wins that supporters are looking for, not draws and poor performances.

Youngsters David Bates and Myles Beerman made their debuts in defence after a series of illnesses and injuries wiped out half the Gers backline and while heartening for fans to see new blood coming through, they are hoping for new faces from other clubs to kickstart their revival.

They are looking for serious investment this summer to revitalise their team and took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

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Newcastle United legend says club must back Benitez to keep him happy

Newcastle United legend and BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer says Magpies manager Rafa Benitez must be given funds to strengthen his squad if they are to keep him at the club following their return to the Premier League on Monday night.

They secured promotion back to the top flight with a 4-1 win against Preston North End at St James’ Park, but despite spending more than £50m on transfer fees last summer following their relegation to the Championship – although they made a significant amount from the sales of Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend – the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer says Mike Ashley must back the Spaniard again.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: “I would think giving him transfer funds would be the key to keeping hold of him.

“He’s a huge figure at the club. He loves the place and the passion of fans – and it’s hugely important Newcastle keep hold of him.”

Benitez could have left St James’ Park last summer as part of a clause in his contract if Newcastle went down, but he instead decided to sign a new three-year deal.

But tensions between himself and Ashley intensified during the January transfer window with Benitez frustrated at their lack of activity, and Shearer believes the club can’t afford to stand still if they want to keep the 57-year-old and avoid being in another relegation battle in the Premier League next season

He added: “I’m sure he will demand the team has to be improved and will demand a few quid to do that.

“You can’t stand still. You can’t be loyal and give all the players that have got the team promoted a chance. You’ve got to go out and buy new players.

“People realise the team needs improving to get to where they want to be and that’s got to be the top half of the Premier League.”

Newcastle can still win the Championship title but they will likely have to win their final two fixtures against Cardiff City and Barnsley if they are to do so as they currently sit four points behind leaders Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham fans sweat on fitness of key man ahead of Arsenal clash

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Friday that midfielder Mousa Dembele is being assessed ahead of their huge north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday after picking up an ankle injury in the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

Spurs know that they need to beat the Gunners in order to keep the pressure up on Premier League leaders Chelsea – who sit four points above them going into the weekend’s fixtures – but they may have to do it without the Belgian after he picked up a knock at Selhurst Park which saw him taken off at half-time.

Tottenham supporters were quick to give their thoughts on the injury update via social media, with many praying that he is fit for the clash against their local neighbours in order to boost their chances of taking the three points and keeping their title hopes alive.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction to the news…

In Focus: McKay has what it takes to make it in England

As reported by The Daily Mail, Rangers winger Barrie McKay is the subject of interest from English Championship side Nottingham Forest.

What’s the story?

There’s no love lost between Rangers and Mark Warburton right now. His acrimonious departure in March left saw a string of statements and accusations follow before he eventually became the new boss at Nottingham Forest. Now, having kept them in the English Championship, Warburton is planning on raiding his old club for one of its top talents.

That’s according to The Mail anyway, who say that Warburton is hoping to capitalise on McKay’s current contract situation at the club and land him for a cut price.

McKay’s deal at Ibrox runs out next year and the paper say that Forest are aiming to move for the 22 year old in January if no agreement has been reached by that point.

It’s fair to say that wouldn’t be a popular scenario with the loyal Rangers support.

How good is he?

McKay’s talent has been on full display in recent weeks. He’s netted twice in Rangers’ last two fixtures, prodding home an equaliser against Partick Thistle last weekend before scoring the winner against Hearts on Saturday. It’s those kind of contributions that have made him a fan favourite at Ibrox.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for the attacker this season however. Since the turn of the year his form has been patchy amidst contract talk and transfer speculation. It culminated in him being dropped for a few fixtures by Pedro Caixinha, a move that appears to have paid off.

Wherever he ends up, if a club can put him in a happy place and a manager can get the best out of him, he’ll likely be an effective player. He has the ability to make it in England if that’s what he desires, although Rangers fans will be hoping that he realises his full potential in Glasgow.

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In Focus: Aston Villa target Donkor isn’t right for their current situation

According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa could look to sign Wolfsburg winger Anton Donkor this summer but they could face competition from Premier League side Everton.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Villa boss Steve Bruce wanted to bring the 19-year-old to the Championship outfit during the January transfer window but he lost out to the Toffees, who brought him in to play in their Under-23 side.

The deal that took him to Goodison Park was with a view to completing a permanent £1.5m move this summer, however an ankle injury meant he featured just three times before returning to Germany to undergo rehabilitation.

Whether Everton are willing to sign him permanently now remains to be seen despite the fact that he won a penalty and assisted another on his debut for the Toffees, and Villa could swoop in if not.

Where would he fit in at Villa?

Well, even though he is yet to feature in the first team for Wolfsburg he has impressed with his ability to play on either wing.

The 19-year-old is pacy and skilful and there is no doubt that he could prove to be an exciting addition for Villa, if for the future.

While Albert Adomah has become a key man on the right-hand side, there is certainly a spot in the side up for grabs on the opposite flank.

Would he be a good signing?

As we hinted at before, the wide man would likely be one for the future rather than a key member of the side that is looking to achieve automatic promotion next season.

In that respect, and with little money to spend unless they sell some deadwood, Steve Bruce would be better off targeting players that ready to feature right now rather than taking a risk.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, with money tight and promotion on the line next season following a disappointing Championship campaign, a move for Donkor seems like it would be a big and needless risk.

If they could get him on loan it may be worthwhile, but a permanent deal would surely be out of the question.

Arsenal fans react as Wenger pens new deal

Arsenal have finally confirmed that manager Arsene Wenger has signed a new two-year deal at The Emirates after a season of mounting criticism from the fans.

The Gunners boss, whose side finished outside the top four for the first time in his tenure, saved face in winning the club a record 13th FA Cup, as well as becoming the most successful manager in the competition.

However, having been knocked out the Champions League at the round of 16 for the seventh consecutive season, anger and protests from the fans had been growing all season with many calling for the Frenchman to walk away.

Despite having endured criticism and even abuse from some sections of the fan base, as was expected in recent days, the former Monaco boss has agreed an extension which will take his time at the club into a 23rd year.

Within their statement, the club have been clear in targeting success in the Premier League as well as in Europe as soon as next season.

As you can imagine there was more than a mixed bag of reactions on Twitter, here are some of the best…

Moving for Chambers is a risk for Newcastle United

Newcastle United are one of a handful of clubs interested in signing Arsenal defender Calum Chambers, according to The Gambling Times.

What’s the word?

The Magpies are believed to be keen to strengthen their defensive options for the upcoming Premier League season, and Chambers is one particular target.

The Gambling Times claim that Everton and Bournemouth are also interested in the 22-year-old’s signature.

In addition, Southampton, who sold him to Arsenal for £16m three years ago, are rumoured to be keen to spend £20m on bringing him back.

Since moving to the Emirates, Chambers has struggled for consistency and spent the majority of last season on loan at Middlesbrough.

It is believed that he will hold talks about his Arsenal future with the North London club following the Under-21 European Championships.

Is Chambers the right fit for Newcastle?

The fact that he has struggled to fully establish himself in a Premier League team is a concern.

The England U21 international also flits from full-back to the centre of defensive, and it is not quite certain where his best position is yet.

From the player’s point of view, he should be at a club where he can hone his skills and develop.

Ordinarily, Newcastle would be a good club to do so, but Rafael Benitez’s side main priority will be remaining in the top flight, so it would be wise for him to strengthen the back line with a more experienced player.

Charlie Taylor joins Burnley on four-year deal, Leeds United fans react

Charlie Taylor has officially moved on from Leeds United, and plenty of fans are happy to see the back of him.

The 23-year-old caused controversy when he refused to play in the Whites’ final Championship game against Wigan Athletic last season.

The left-back had been linked with a move away from Elland Road for some time, and it was thought that he would have left last summer.

However, he stayed put until his contract expired and now he has become a Premier League player for Burnley.

Taylor came through Leeds’ academy ranks in 2011, and developed his craft during loan spells at Bradford City, York City, Inverness and Fleetwood Town.

Due to injury, the full-back started just 26 Championship games last season, and rumours of a possible exit continued to rumble.

Leeds fans were worried at the thought of their academy product leaving, but after his refusal to play in the final game of the season, the opinion of him changed.

After Burnley confirmed Taylor’s arrival, Leeds supporters took to Twitter.

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HYS: Should West Ham make another bid for Marko Arnautovic?

According to reports from Sky Sports, Marko Arnautovic has handed in a transfer request at Stoke City, citing what he sees as a lack of ambition from the Bet365 Stadium outfit.

The Austrian international is one of the Potters’ key players, depended on to provide creativity and goal threat in the final third.

The 28-year-old bagged an impressive eleven goals during the 2015/16 season but couldn’t match that total last time out, scoring six times as Stoke finished the campaign in 13th place.

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West Ham are known to be on the lookout for added firepower this summer and although Arnautovic isn’t necessarily the central striker the Irons crave, he could certainly do a job there until better options become available.

In fact, BBC Sport claim the Irons have already seen a bid rejected for the 62-cap international, who Transfermarkt value at £12.75million. So, Hammers fans, should your club table an improved offer? Let us know by voting below…

Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino insists flop Sissoko is in his plans for the season

It is safe to say that Moussa Sissoko failed to live up to his club-record £30m price tag when he joined Tottenham Hotspur from Newcastle United last summer.

The midfielder struggled for game time under manager Mauricio Pochettino, starting just eight Premier League matches and coming off the bench in a further 17.

Despite only being at the North London club for just under a year, there have been reports that Sissoko could move elsewhere.

Over the weekend, The Sun claimed that West Bromwich Albion are interested in his signature, with Spurs willing to let him leave for around £20m.

However, Pochettino has publicly claimed that there is a place for the midfielder next season.

During the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, in which Sissoko has not attended due to a virus, the Argentine coach gave an update on the midfielder.

According to the London Evening Standard, Pochettino’s assistant Jesus Perez translated the manager’s comments as saying:

“He’s training at the training ground. He’s a member of the squad. He’s in [Pochettino’s] plans for the season and he is, for us, a member of the squad.”

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