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Rangers’ hopes of Champions League progression were all but extinguished last night, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s outfit slipped to a third successive defeat in the competition at Anfield.

Up against a Liverpool side who have hardly been in the best of form of late – having been held to a 3-3 draw by Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend – the Old Firm side were simply unable to lay a glove on their opponents, registering just two shots on target in the game in total.

A stunning, early free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a second-half spot-kick from Mohamed Salah sealed a deserved win for the hosts on the night, with the Scottish giants having had veteran stopper Allan McGregor to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable, the 40-year-old making eight saves in what was a brilliant individual performance.

Elsewhere, however, there were notable villains for the Glasgow side, with summer signing Malik Tillman one such figure who distinctly underwhelmed, recording just 18 touches in his grim, 66-minute outing.

The 20-year-old forward lost possession on seven occasions and won just two of his five ground duels, while also proving ineffective in an attacking sense as he failed to complete a single dribble nor provide a single key pass.

The £5k-per-week man’s frustrating showing was epitomised just before the hour mark as his sliding challenge inadvertently played in opposition forward Diogo Jota, with the Gers thankfully seeing the aforementioned McGregor tip the Portugal international’s effort over the crossbar.

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell was particularly critical of the youngster’s performance, suggesting at one stage that the playmaker “couldn’t be bothered making an option” for teammate Ryan Kent, with the journalist going on to state that the two-cap menace needs to be more “energetic.”

Pundit Neil McCann echoed that view in his post-match analysis, brutally stating that:

“Tillman at times was shocking, absolutely. I can forgive him for having bad touches, I can forgive him for making wrong decisions or passes. But I can’t forgive him for not trying. At times tonight it looked like he wasn’t trying.

“He has shown that already this season. I said he could be one of the players of the season and I think he has ability to show he is a top player but you can’t just walk around the park and turn it on when you feel like it. That is unacceptable.”

That accusation of putting in a lack of effort is not one that any player will want to be on the end of, although the on-loan Bayern Munich man seemingly does need to do a lot more to make an impact in games, with just two goals and two assists to his name in 14 appearances in all competitions so far this term.

Having been on the bench in recent weeks in the Scottish Premiership, it was somewhat of a surprise to see the German-born starlet recalled to the starting lineup for the clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side, although he has seemingly played his way out of the team again for this weekend’s meeting with St Mirren.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes Aston Villa are still tracking Watford forward Ismaila Sarr ahead of a potential January move.

The Lowdown: Sarr move falls through

Sarr, labelled a “freak” of a talent with “scary” ability by former team-mate Ben Foster, looked to be heading for a late summer move to Villa Park after the two clubs agreed on a £25m+ deal.

However, as we know, a transfer never materialised after Villa pulled out of negotiations due to a ‘host of stumbling blocks’. The club didn’t bring in a new attacker after a move for Sarr fell through, with Leander Dendoncker and Jan Bednarek joining on deadline day.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke said that he is ‘sure’ Villa will be ‘keeping tabs’ on Sarr heading into the January window after he remained at Watford over the summer, and believes Villa could look to use him in a central role.

“Aston Villa – I’m not sure where he fits in the team. Where does Ismaila Sarr play? Does he plays a winger, because Villa don’t really play with wingers, or do they see him more as a forward – that’s maybe where he might become a better option for Villa because they have struggled for goals this season.

“Obviously Villa do like him, as they tried to sign him in summer, so I’m sure they will be keeping tabs on his future going forward.”

The Verdict: One to watch?

Sarr, who actually shares the same agent as Steven Gerrard, has mainly played as a centre-forward for Watford this season and ranks highly when it comes to pressures per 90 minutes, something which could appeal to Villa in the New Year.

Villa have scored just six times in seven Premier League games, with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings both netting just once each.

Should Villa’s poor form in front of goal continue, a new attacker could be of use to Gerrard in the winter window. Sarr could be a smart addition due to his versatility across the front three, which could come in handy if the Villa boss reverts back to a system using wingers.

Tottenham Hotspur could still move for Adama Traore as their search for attacking reinforcements rumbles on ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

The north London side have been linked to numerous attacking midfielders and wingers in recent weeks but according to Sky Sports reporter Paul Gilmour, mooted moves for names such as Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United and Dan James at Leeds United seem unlikely.

Although, the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is a viable candidate with just over 48 hours left to complete business.

He told the ‘Last Word on Spurs’ YouTube channel:

“Adama Traore is one that won’t go away either, with his contract running down. There’s always a chance.

“He’s [got] good Premier League experience, so he will be quite appealing as a good squad player for any top six club.”

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Better than Dan James

As outlined at Football FanCast in recent days, James would be something of a backwards move for the Lilywhites as he has struggled to impress ever since his step up to the Premier League.

The Wales international, who has been dubbed a “headless chicken” by LeedsLive contributor Conor McGilligan, is currently on a run of 17 matches without a goal, whilst his overall record for Leeds is pretty underwhelming, managing a goal or assist every 313 minutes.

Whilst Traore’s end product isn’t much better, if not slightly worse, the tricky Wolves man is hugely versatile and a major threat on any given afternoon.

His brute physicality and rapid pace is trouble for many a Premier League defender and that’s something we have witnessed plenty of times, leading to Southampton striker Che Adams once lauding him as a “monster,” whilst BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand previously likened him to a powerlifter.

“He’s a machine. I was watching him pre-game and he could be a powerlifter or a cruiser-weight boxer – he’s huge. He’s powerful and quick and this season he has been scaring defenders. You see teams now trying to double up against him because of the threat he possesses.”

When compared to his positional peers across Europe, Traore ranks within the top 1% for dribbles completed (5.22) and the top 5% for progressive carries (10.16) per 90, as per FBref.

James is some way off this feat, ranking in the top 96% for dribbles completed (0.67) and the top 80% for progressive carries (4.70) per 90, so the Leeds man doesn’t just lack end product, he lacks plenty of bite and if anything, is a much more lightweight option.

Another factor behind Traore being the better option is the fact that he could cost just £10m, given his £43k-per-week contract expires next summer. James, however, cost the Whites a whopping £30m and they’d surely want to recoup as much of that as possible.

So if Conte does want another winger – with Bryan Gil likely to leave on loan and Lucas Moura currently injured – then sporting director Fabio Paratici ought to favour Traore, who has also been dubbed an “animal” by Barcelona manager Xavi, over the underperforming James.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano relays “agreement” over Spurs exit, it’s great news for Conte…

Tottenham Hotspur could make a late move for Illya Zabarnyi, according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable journalist revealed a fresh update on Spurs’ transfer plans ahead of the final few weeks of the window to supporters during a recent YouTube video.

He said:

“I think the key with Spurs, it’s about the opportunities.

“I’ve said before Ilya Zabarnyi, the young Ukrainian centre-back is a player that they really like, and he’s someone they’ll go back to if the window of opportunity is there for him.”

He’s the future

This would be certainly an interesting move from the north London outfit and one that could echo the signings of Destiny Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr and Bryan Gil in recent windows.

Zabarnyi at just 19 years of age probably isn’t ready for a berth in the big time just yet, though he has racked up 22 caps for Ukraine and 19 appearances in the Champions League already.

Gold also believes that Spurs will revisit the central defensive position if Japhet Tanganga follows Joe Rodon out of the door at Hotspur Way, so Zabarnyi could become a genuine possibility for the club.

Standing at 6 foot 2 in stature, the Ukraine gem has been compared to Kalidou Koulibaly by local scout Alex Velikikh, whilst he tries to emulate his hero, Liverpool colossus Virgil van Dijk.

It should, therefore, be no surprise to see the teenager described as ‘tall, strong in the air, physically imposing and good reader of the game’ by GOAL.

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Registering over amazing signing” for any strong team across Europe’s elite five divisions.

Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici must continue with his impressive moves in the market by sealing a transfer for the Kyiv sensation. It could help bolster the Lilywhites’ long-term future and a player with potential as big as this should be a part of it.

AND in other news, Spurs “exploring” swoop for £50m “frightening talent”, could be Conte’s next Fabregas…

Crystal Palace and West Ham have both been linked with a move for Napoli forward Hirving Lozano.

The Lowdown: Lozano profiled

Lozano, a Mexico international, is primarily a right-winger but can also play as a centre-forward or on the left. The 26-year-old has been on the books at Napoli since 2019 and has previously played for Pachuca and PSV Eindhoven.

Described as ‘unique’ by Luciano Spalleti and ‘entertaining’ by BBC writer Statman Dave, Lozano has scored 124 goals during his career for both club and country, and it looks as if Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman are keen on a move for the player known as ‘Chucky’.

The Latest: Eagles interest

Sports Witness relayed an update from Area Napoli regarding Lozano’s future on Monday.

They claimed that Palace have joined West Ham in the race for the forward, who is open to a move to the Premier League. The report adds that Lozano has recently changed agents, with his new representatives already having a positive relationship with Palace officials.

The Verdict: Needed?

Patrick Vieira has already bolstered his options out wide this summer with a swoop for teenager Malcolm Ebiowei. He looks set to be involved in and around the first team squad after Vieira blocked a loan exit, however, Lozano could also be required at Selhurst Park.

Ebiowei is the club’s only recognised right-winger, whereas Wilfried Zaha is the only left-winger on the books. Michael Olise and Jeffrey Schlupp are also options but are down as midfielders, so it could be wise for the club to bring in someone like Lozano, who has an impressive goal record and can play anywhere across the front three.

A claim has emerged regarding a potential Newcastle United swoop for Jean-Clair Todibo in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Magpies have been linked with a move to sign the centre-back, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that it would be a good move for the Tyneside club as they could pair him with Sven Botman.

He told Football FanCast: “Potentially, those two (Botman & Todibo) look on paper to be a good pairing. If Newcastle were to move for Todibo, you’ve got the left sided centre half and then the right sided centre half in Todibo, who has been talked about for a long time.

“He was a big signing at a very young age for Barcelona. It didn’t work out from there, but he’s rebuilt his career as well. And I think he’s a player that a lot of top clubs have been looking at.

“So I think if Newcastle could get him he will be an astute piece of business by them and as you said Todibo and Botman on paper look like a good central defensive partnership.”

Astute signing

The gem, who is available for €20m (£17m), would be an excellent signing by Dan Ashworth, as he has the potential to be a superb defender for Eddie Howe.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once called him “solid as a rock”, and his statistics in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 campaign suggest that such a comment is apt.

Last season, Todibo averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.09 across 36 outings. He made three tackles and interceptions per game and won 60% of his duels as he proved that he has the quality to deliver brilliant performances on a regular basis, whilst remaining fit for the majority of the campaign (he missed just two league matches).

Meanwhile, no Newcastle centre-back averaged a Sofascore rating higher than 6.98 in the English top flight, which suggests that the Frenchman would be the best partner for Botman at St James’ Park.

Todibo has the quality to be a top performer if he is able to adapt to the Premier League. At the age of 22, he is also still learning and gaining experience at the top level.

This means that he has the scope to improve and get better over time, which he could do alongside Botman, who is the same age as him.

Bringing in Todibo would be an investment for the future whilst also strengthening Howe’s team immediately, which is why Ashworth securing a deal for him – as O’Rourke claimed – would be astute business, and he could form an exciting partnership with the Dutchman at the back at St James’ Park.

AND in other news, PIF could land their own Aguero as Newcastle eye deal to sign “exceptional” £13m phenomenon…

Aston Villa could have a future star on their hands.

Earlier this week, the Midlands outfit handed a professional deal to young centre-back Josh Feeney after his impressive performances for the U18s and U23s earned a spot in first-team training.

The 17-year-old has also captained England at youth level and was even named amongst the substitutes in Steven Gerrard’s squad for matches against Brentford and Burnley.

“We are really pleased Josh has signed his first professional contract after a very promising first season with us which led to him being involved in the first team,” academy manager Mark Harrison told the club’s official website.

“He put in some excellent performances last season which also saw him captain England at Under-17 level.”

Feeney, who has been described as “highly-rated” by Birmingham Mail journalist Ashley Preece, is clearly well thought of by Gerrard and his coaching staff, so could he have a part to play in 2022/23?

Villa ended last season 14th in the Premier League standings and as a result, the club have taken steps to bolster the playing squad, in which Diego Carlos has been added to the backline, joining Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause.

However, two of those names are currently injured, leaving Gerrard light on options to kickstart the new campaign; and this is perhaps why the Midlanders have been linked to further central defensive additions.

The Liverpool legend has been linked with a swoop for Calvin Bassey, who impressed under him during their time together at Rangers, whilst a raid on another one of his former clubs has also been mooted, with Joe Gomez a reported target.

Gomez is expected to sign a new contract at Anfield, so that deal could prove hardest to complete this window.

Both, particularly the latter, would cost several millions of pounds and certainly a large chunk of the transfer budget, so perhaps it could be wise to turn to the academy with Feeney surely the first in line, given the faith shown in him this week.

Also lauded as having “an awful lot of potential” by Harrison, it would make sense as the teenage sensation could save Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens a lot of money.

Therefore, Gerrard must utilise Feeney in the first-team this season. He may not play a part in the starting XI but having him around leaders like Mings will only help his career and subsequently, the club too.

AND in other news, Lange given green light to seal “amazing” Aston Villa signing, he’s shades of Maguire…

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had their hopes of keeping Ruben Neves boosted.

What’s the word?

As per a report from Fabrizio Romano, via GIVEMESPORT, it is said that Neves could stay at Wolves after the club potentially priced him out of a move to Manchester United.

Romano believes that United may opt against negotiating for the Portugal midfielder due to Wolves’ starting price.

Speaking to GMS, Romano said: “The point is about the price because, a few weeks ago, Wolves manager Bruno Lage said in public that they want around £100m for Ruben Neves.

“They don’t see Manchester United paying that money for a single midfielder like, in this case, Ruben Neves. I’m sure that they will consider other options.”

Lage will be delighted

The latest news from Romano will come as a delight for Lage, who would majorly benefit from Neves’ stay at Molineux.

The 25-year-old is the string-puller in midfield for the Old Gold, averaging around 53.88 passes per match at a solid completion rate of 82.8%. The reason for his pass accuracy being in the early 80s in terms of percentile, is due to the types of passes he looks to make.

Despite occupying a slightly deeper role in the engine room, he is extremely progressive in his passing play, covering 1313.68 yards in total passing distance, with 14.31 long-distance passes completed per game.

6.63 of his overall passes are directed into the final third, whilst his average of 75.59 touches per 90 will not come at all as a surprise, considering his ability to dictate the play.

If Neves does stay, it will be a big victory for Wolves, and will almost feel like a new signing in itself.

It would give Lage a chance to bring in quality to surround the Portuguese and improve the team whilst sticking to a core base.

In other news: Lage could land Wolves their very own Cancelo by signing “unique” £30m machine – opinion

A huge update has emerged regarding Glasgow Rangers striker Rory Wilson and his future at Ibrox heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Scotsman reporter Barry Anderson has claimed that Rangers will only receive £300k for the forward as a move south of the border begins to pick up pace.

He tweeted: “Rory Wilson from Rangers to Aston Villa is progressing. Wilson (16) scored 49 goals at youth level this season for Rangers & Scotland. RFC due a £300,000 development fee. Villa also close to signing Ewan Simpson (15) from Hearts in a £250,000 transfer.”

Supporters will be gutted

Rangers supporters will surely be left gutted by this news, as losing the 16-year-old talent is a big blow to the club’s future.

Wilson’s astounding tally of 49 goals for club and country in the 2021/22 campaign suggests that he has the potential to make it to the Premiership giants’ first-team in the future.

He has showcased immense quality at youth level and Villa now working on a deal to sign him shows that they believe in his scope to develop into a Premier League player. Steven Gerrard will have been aware of the teenager from his time at Ibrox and was clearly impressed by what he saw from the youngster, as the 42-year-old now wants him at Villa Park.

Scotland coach Brian McLaughlin previously heaped praise on Wilson, with the nation’s under-17 boss saying: “Rory is another who can play again in the next campaign. We have been brave enough to go really young at this age group. So Rory is leading the line as a 2006 against big powerful 2005s.

“He is a clever player, his touch is good, his attitude is superb and his finishing.. for a young boy to be able to finish the way he can finish, just clinical and calm in front of goals. He knows he is always going to get a chance because his movement gives him that.”

These comments further illustrate the teenager’s potential and show why losing him will be a big blow for Gio van Bronckhorst, as the Rangers boss will not be able to bring the youngster through to the first-team in the coming years.

Supporters may now have to watch Wilson make the breakthrough at senior level whilst playing for Villa in England, just like they had to do when Billy Gilmour made his debut for Chelsea. They will be gutted with this development and the fact that the club will only reap £300k (£1.2m less than they got for Cedric Itten), so they will not be able to reinvest much back into the team.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lundstram: Wilson must land Rangers deal for “fabulous” £28k-p/w maestro…

Tottenham Hotspur know a point will secure them a place in the Champions League next season as they travel to Norfolk to face Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Antonio Conte has transformed the north London outfit since arriving in November as Nuno Santo’s replacement and in recent weeks, their hard work on the training pitch has come to fruition.

Last week, Spurs defeated arch-rivals Arsenal and then Burnley to move into that fourth spot with everything in their own control. Now they go up against a side already banished to the Championship.

After an illness scare in midweek, it will be interesting to see what sort of side the Italian head coach names, here’s what we are predicting…

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In goal, Hugo Lloris is expected to remain, given he is the no.1 choice and the club captain. And with the Lilywhites still without Cristian Romero, there should be no changes to the backline either.

That means Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez continue in a back three, with Ryan Sessegnon and Emerson Royal on either flank as wing-backs. Sergio Reguilon is also still absent through injury.

In midfield, it would be a surprise to see any changes, so Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg partners Rodrigo Bentancur again.

But further up the pitch, we could see the one and only change to the starting XI as Dejan Kulusevski comes in for Lucas Moura.

The £18m-rated Brazilian, described as a “nightmare” by Dier in the past, just hasn’t offered as much threat as the Swede since he arrived on deadline day in January.

He comes back into a front three involving Heung-min Son and Harry Kane, who was a big doubt heading into kickoff due to illness. There’s no way he misses a game of this nature.

Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Davies, Dier, Sanchez; Sessegnon, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Emerson; Son, Kulusevski; Kane

AND in other news, Conte must ruthlessly axe Spurs’ £34m-rated liability today, he’s been “horrendous”…