Manchester United began 2026 with a 1-1 draw away to bitter rivals Leeds United.

The Red Devils struggled to consistently create chances in what was a cagey game, but with so many defensive players on the pitch, worked hard to keep the home side at bay and ended up with a point.

The first 45 minutes zipped by without either side having much of a clear-cut chance. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the post with a header, but a combined expected goals tally of just 1.4 xG suggests it was not the most gripping of games.

It was Daniel Farke’s side who took the lead, just over an hour into the clash. Attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson managed to nip in behind young defender Ayden Heaven onto a loose ball, carrying into the penalty box and slotting home to send Elland Road into pandemonium.

The Red Devils did manage to hit back, just three minutes after the Leeds opener. It was Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha who bagged, after being slotted through exceptionally by substitute Joshua Zirkzee. The United number ten took his chance well, slotting home past Lucas Perri first time with his right foot.

It was a new look attack on Sunday, with Amorim adapting the frontline again in response to a lot of absences.

How Man United adapted in attack vs. Leeds

It is no secret that United have been hit hard by attacking absences of late. Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are at AFCON, and Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo are injured. It has required some adaptation from Ruben Amorim.

We have already seen the Red Devils boss play a back four on Boxing Day, before switching to his favoured 3-4-2-1 against Wolves for the final game of 2025. Against Leeds, Amorim kept that same system, but made personnel changes.

The main change saw Patrick Dorgu push higher up, and Leny Yoro replace Zirkzee from the start. It meant the Dane played as United’s right number 10, where his intensity off the ball was important, though he did struggle in possession, perhaps because he was playing narrower than he did against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Despite keeping the same system throughout the game, Amorim did replace Yoro with Zirkzee at the 63-minute mark. This saw Dorgu play wing-back and Diogo Dalot right centre-back.

With the lack of attacking options on the bench, perhaps this adaptation could be seen as one that was made in an attempt to buy United a goal. Zirkzee, of course, had an immediate impact.

Despite the changes made by Amorim, there was still one attacker who struggled.

Man Utd's most disappointing player vs Leeds

It was yet another tough day at the office for summer signing Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian star failed to add to his two Premier League goals this season, and whilst he had a couple of brighter moments linking up play, generally struggled to make an impact at Elland Road.

His stats from the game really reflect that. The former RB Leipzig star had 51 touches of the ball, but lost possession 14 times. He failed to complete a dribble, create a chance, complete a cross, or win a tackle.

Sesko key stats vs. Leeds

Stat

Number

Touches

51

Possession lost

14x

Shots

3

Big chances missed

2

Expected goals

0.74xG

Dribbles completed

0

Chances created

0

Stats from Sofascore

Overall, it was a really disappointing showing from the United number 30. One person who was critical of Sesko at full-time was Goal journalist Richard Martin. He gave the striker a 4/10 post-match rating, explaining that he “seemed to infuriate his team-mates with his lack of movement.”

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It will be fascinating to see what the immediate future holds for Sesko. He is a player whose “confidence was shot,” according to Martin, and the Red Devils really need someone up front who is firing at the moment.

Amorim has options at his disposal if he wishes to drop Sesko from the side, too. Zirkzee is the natural replacement, and it might also create fluid rotations with Cunha, another player who can operate as a number nine.

Either way, his form must pick up soon, or United might find they struggle to get consistently better in front of goal. For a team that is already struggling with attacking absences, Sesko’s lack of form has come at a bad time.

Related Ugarte upgrade: Man Utd hoping to sign "monster" for £35m after talks

Time could be running out for Manuel Ugarte at Manchester United.

Posts ByRobbie Walls

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to complete some business in the January transfer window. Despite beating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at the weekend, they remain in the bottom half of the Premier League, 11th at the season’s midpoint.

There is much work for Thomas Frank to do, many holes to be plugged, but Tottenham are building something atop the foundation of last season’s Europa League win, and a well-utilised winter market could help accelerate the manager’s vision.

The Lewis family are going to back the boss. Funds have been provided; expect a fresh face or two.

There’s no question that Tottenham need a new centre-midfielder, but there has been movement on the Brennan Johnson front, so landing a new wide-attacking recruit could be first on the club’s co-sporting directors’ list of priorities.

Spurs lining up Brennan Johnson replacement

On the overtures of the New Year, it has emerged that Tottenham have agreed a deal in principle with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Johnson, worth £35m.

Johnson has played a sporadic role this season, with his creative and physical metrics leaving much to be desired. Only at the end of last season did the Wales international score the winning goal in the Europa League final, his 19th of the season, but football moves quickly.

So quickly, in fact, that the north Londoners have already earmarked a replacement, with the Daily Mail revealing that Spurs are interested in AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

Akliouche, 23, has been excellent for his French employers since graduating from their much-lauded academy, and at £40m, he would be more affordable for Tottenham than someone like Bournemouth’s £65m-rated winger Antoine Semenyo, who is headed for Manchester City.

Why Akliouche would be a Johnson upgrade

Akliouche has become one of the most important members of Monaco’s senior squad, featuring 22 times in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and supplying five assists.

But this is not a player who is defined by data. He is elegant and fleet-footed, dangerous out wide or from a central midfield berth. As per Sofascore, he has created seven big chances from only 14 league appearances in 2025/26, his athleticism underscored by an average of 5.3 ball recoveries per game.

Data isn’t everything, but as the statistics will tell you below, Akliouche is a strong playmaker and he likes to dribble forward with the ball himself, albeit leaving something to be desired when in front of goal and striking at the keeper.

Akliouche vs Johnson (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Akliouche

Johnson

Goals scored

0.16

0.39

Assists

0.30

0.04

Shots taken

2.25

1.08

Shot-creating actions

4.13

1.59

Touches (att pen)

5.07

2.75

Pass completion (%)

82.9

67.4

Progressive passes

5.77

2.19

Progressive carries

3.81

1.98

Successful take-ons

1.53

0.73

Ball recoveries

4.89

2.62

Tackles + interceptions

2.31

1.72

Data via FBref

Johnson might have a firm advantage on the goalscoring front, but he’s turning out to be something of a one-trick pony, otherwise offering very little.

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Given that a lack of spark and creativity has been among Tottenham’s most damaging flaws this season, the decision to have shipped him out is understandable, especially now that Akliouche is in ENIC Group’s sights.

A veritable artist on the ball, talent scout Jacek Kulig has actually remarked that Akliouche has “a left foot made of gold”, with pinpoint, inventive passing showcased each time he takes to the field.

This is a versatile winger of “ridiculous” technical quality, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, and though he’s not a shoot-first kind of wideman, Tottenham have struggled on the playmaking front, and he would be perfect.

A left foot made of gold, and a skillset tailor-made for Frank’s Tottenham team. The shoe could very well fit.

Related Kolo Muani upgrade: Spurs in record bid for “one of the best CFs in Europe”

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Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair

Newcastle United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven matches as they face off against Brentford today.

The Magpies are on a terrific run of form in the division that has lifted them out of the bottom three in the table, with three straight wins over Everton, Aston Villa and Leeds United propelling them above the likes of Norwich, Watford and Burnley.

Their last match ended in a 1-1 draw away at West Ham and Eddie Howe is surely hoping that his side can return to winning ways against the Bees.

Axe him

One decision the ex-Bournemouth manager must make in order to give his team the best chance of picking up the three points is ruthlessly axing Emil Krafth from the XI.

The Swedish full-back started at right-back with Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo both out injured and failed to make a positive impression.

As per SofaScore, he lost three of his five duels and failed to make a single tackle, block or interception throughout the 90 minutes, whilst making just two clearances. He also gave possession away (18) almost as many times as he completed a pass (20).

Former Arsenal icon Ian Wright previously blasted the defender as being “out of his depth” and ex-Magpies defender Steve Howey reacted to his comments, saying:

“I think the lad has struggled a bit, but he’s not the only one. He has been criticised very heavily, I think from Ian Wright, who said he was well out of his depth.

“There have been times when he’s had an afternoon of turmoil but listen, he could be a player that comes back in next season and gets better.”

Unfortunately for Howey and Newcastle, Krafth has not kicked on this season and improved on his troubling displays on the pitch.

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Instead, he has continued to be a liability on the pitch in the Premier League this season as he has averaged a dreadful WhoScored rating of 6.31. This is lower than the score of 6.47 he managed in the top-flight last term, which suggests that he has struggled throughout the campaign.

Howe has confirmed that Manquillo has returned to training and the Spaniard is one option to replace Krafth, although it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to start. The head coach could also bring Jacob Murphy back into right-back and play Miguel Almiron out wide if Allan Saint-Maximin misses out.

AND in other news, Howe could unearth Coloccini 2.0 in “commanding” NUFC tank, he’s “captain” material…

West Ham will still be monitoring January targets Darwin Nunez and Duvan Zapata as they look to bring in a centre-forward in the summer, according to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: January bids

Hammers fans endured a disappointing wineter transfer window after the east London club failed to sign a single player in January. This was exacerbated by their need for an attacker, with Michail Antonio being the only senior striker at David Moyes’ disposal.

As reported by The Evening Standard, the Irons had a club-record £60m bid rejected by Benfica for Nunez. It was claimed that the 22-year-old was waiting on a move to a Champions League club, thus making it difficult to entice him to the London Stadium.

After their failed Nunez bid, West Ham made a last-ditch attempt to sign Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata on deadline day. It was reported that the Hammers submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League, but they failed to get the loan move over the line before the transfer window shut.

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The Latest: O’Rourke’s update

Despite their unsuccessful transfer attempts in January, O’Rourke has claimed that West Ham will still be monitoring the pair ahead of the summer window.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “They tried to sign both players in the January transfer window but just ran out of time to try and get those deals done and were maybe priced out of it by the respective two clubs of Benfica and Atalanta. 

“So, I’m sure they still remain on West Ham’s radar, and they’ll be continuing to keep tabs on them.”

The Verdict: A striker is essential

Whilst Antonio has been in fine form at certain points this season, having scored four goals in the Hammers’ opening three Premier League games, he has also seemed fatigued, which is understandable due to his lack of rotation.

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As a result, the 31-year-old has been unable to find the net in his last eight league games. This has not come at a good time for the Irons, as a top-four finish is slowly slipping from Moyes’ grasp, with a lack of goals partially to blame for their recent drop-off.

Therefore, it is essential that GSB secure at least one striker in the summer; if they can get either (or even both) of Zapata or Nunez in at the London Stadium, it should greatly reduce the over-reliance on Antonio to score consistently.

In other news: Roshane Thomas has revealed details of a fresh injury setback for West Ham

Following Everton’s 1-0 loss to Wolves on Sunday, Frank Lampard revealed the reason for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s absence and made a worrying claim about when the striker may return.

The Lowdown: Lack of goals

The 24-year-old has been largely absent this season due to injury. After playing and scoring in the Toffees’ three opening league fixtures, he missed the following 15 games after suffering a fractured toe, dealing then-manager Rafa Benitez a huge blow.

More recently, Calvert-Lewin was not in Lampard’s matchday squad for Everton’s home defeat to Manchester City, and he also missed their most recent game against Bruno Lage’s Wolves.

This added to the 43-year-old’s troubles, as Everton have now failed to score in their last nine league matches.

The Latest: Lampard’s comments on Calvert-Lewin

In his post-match press conference after Sunday’s defeat, Lampard was questioned about Calvert-Lewin’s exclusion, and was further asked about the striker’s availability for Thursday night’s clash against Newcastle.

As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the Everton manager claimed: “He is not well, so we will see.” 

Lampard added: “We have had probably the most games I’ve coached with players missing from day one: Ben Godfrey, from two Yerry Mina and Demarai Gray, Dominic has hardly played. Selections are decided upon by missing big players.”

The Verdict: Worrying times ahead

Everton fans may well be worried for Thursday, with Lampard failing to confirm whether Calvert-Lewin will be able to make his much-needed return against Newcastle. With the Toffees now level on points with 18th-placed Watford, the possibility of relegation seems more realistic than ever.

The 24-year-old’s return would have come as a huge boost to the side, who are in desperate need of goals given their poor defensive record and aforementioned struggles at the other end in recent weeks.

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Therefore, with last season’s 21-goal top scorer quite possibly missing out, Lampard may well have to face another league fixture without another of his “big players”, with Mina, Fabian Delph and Tom Davies all longer-term absentees.

In other news: Sky Sports presenter rips into ‘awful’ Everton

As per reports out of Spain, there has been a big transfer update involving Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp as he personally eyes a perfect signing for the club.

The Lowdown: Interesting summer ahead…

Liverpool could be set for an interesting summer ahead with Fenway Sports Group yet to confirm new deals for star players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane – who could both leave at the end of next season as things stand.

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There have been rumours of possible future replacements for the former in particular, not excluding Villarreal sensation Yeremi Pino, as the Reds face a possibility of being without their Egyptian superstar post-2023.

Klopp also has his eyes on bolstering other key positions in the squad, like his central midfield, with a pretty significant update now coming to light involving Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.

The Latest: Klopp set to push…

According to a Spanish source, the German has personally set his sights on Madrid’s man, showing a ‘serious interest’ whilst considering Valverde a potential signing who ‘fits perfectly in his style of play’.

As well as this, it is believed Klopp ‘will try to take advantage’ of the 23-year-old’s worsening relationship with Bernabeu boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Indeed, he will apparently push to do ‘everything possible’ to take Valverde away from the Spanish capital.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Despite only starting 13 La Liga matches for Real this season, making nine appearances off the bench also (WhoScored), Valverde has really impressed when given the opportunity.

BBC Sport writer and tactical analyst Premier League Panel believes the Uruguayan and Eduardo Camavinga will ‘form a world class midfield for the next decade’ based off what he’s seen (Twitter).

Valverde can also play in a variety of roles across the middle of the park, backing why Klopp is apparently so eager to bring him to Anfield.

Real president Florentino Perez certainly rates him, evident by the fact he inserted a mammoth €1 billion (£840m) release clause into his bumper new contract last summer (Goal).

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While it won’t cost Liverpool that much to actually sign Valverde for Klopp, it is believed Perez will not let him leave for a penny less than €80m (£67m).

A significant investment of FSG’s part, it remains to be seen whether they will sufficiently back the Reds boss with an audacious summer swoop.

In other news: Contact made: Liverpool launch pre-summer move for ‘top level’ marquee record-breaker…find out more here.

Sharing Antonio Conte’s team news on Twitter, journalist Dan Kilpatrick has relayed who will be out of action for Tottenham Hotspur against Brighton this evening.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes run of consistency…

Spurs’ fiery head coach again suggested he could leave north London if the club fail to match his ambition, potentially coming as another message to the Lilywhites hierarchy ahead of this summer.

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Conte’s managerial record has been slightly stained by Tottenham’s inconsistency over this last month with their recent Premier League record standing at three wins and three losses in their last six matches (Transfermarkt).

They’ve also been knocked out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough in that time as the Lilywhites boss looks to kickstart a more stable run of form away to Brighton tonight.

Sharing the latest team news, reporter Kilpatrick has shared what Conte has said regarding the latest team news.

The Latest: Spurs injury news and Tanganga setback…

Taking to social media, the Evening Standard reporter relays that Japhet Tanganga is ‘still sidelined for Spurs’ alongside left-wing-back Ryan Sessegnon and midfielder Oliver Skipp.

The right-back hasn’t featured since Tottenham’s 2-0 loss away to Chelsea in late January with his absence arguably going slightly under the radar when compared to Skipp.

The Verdict: Tanganga setback for Conte?

Matt Doherty’s stellar form in the right-wing-back role for Conte should be revered, but with Emerson Royal drawing question marks as a back up, Tottenham may have benefited from the return of their aggressive young defender Tanganga.

Former Premier League striker and Aston Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor heaped praise on the 22-year-old for his performances earlier this year after Tanganga’s head-turning start to 2021/2022.

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Speaking to Football Insider, the pundit raved over Spurs’ ‘ferocious’ and ‘vicious’ starlet as a ‘breath of fresh air’ – coming after ex-Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo called him ‘huge’ for his opening day outing against Man City.

His continued spell on the sidelines will come as a setback for both the player himself and Spurs.

In other news: Spurs make contact to sign ‘one of the best players in the world’ with £50m release clause, find out more here.

Wolves manager Bruno Lage will be keen to build upon his encouraging first season at Molineux, and the summer transfer window could prove to be a busy one due to a number of rumoured departures, and the need to replace them – and address the problem areas already within the squad.

One issue that the team have struggled with particularly this season has been scoring goals, with just five teams in the Premier League failing to score more than them, with Leeds as far down as 16th having put the ball in the back of the net more times this campaign.

The summer will present Lage with the opportunity to improve the team in the attacking areas of the pitch, and one name that has once again cropped up who could prove to be the solution is Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes.

What’s the news?

According to Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo, Wolves will once again target the Portugal international at the end of the season, having been interested in him previously.

With his contract in Spain expiring in 2023, the West Midlands club could tempt Valencia with a bid around the £21.4m they almost paid for him at the start of the season.

Take Wolves to the next level

Having scored 11 times in 28 La Liga appearances this season, Guedes is a proven goalscorer who could provide some much-needed firepower to Lage’s Wolves team, who have struggled in front of goal.

Averaging a 7.17 in the Spanish top flight, the former Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain star who was once described by legendary forward Luis Figo as “fast, irreverent and unpredictable”, and has been a crucial asset to his team this season.

The 25-year-old also ranks in the top 1% among wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for crosses into the penalty area per 90 (0.53), top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90 (0.62) and top 2% for carries into the final third per 90 (3.01).

Not only would he provide the likes of Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence some much-required competition out-wide, he could also form an exciting partnership up top with his former teammate Raul Jimenez.

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Should the club sign him for less than his current valuation of £36m according to Transfermarkt, he would most likely prove to be excellent value for money – and help Wolves become more dangerous in the final third.

In other news: Worrying: £30m “animal” could leave Wolves after behind-scenes development emerges

Wolves right-back Nelson Semedo is back in training ahead of the visit of Aston Villa, reliable journalist Tim Spiers has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Semedo missing for key period

The Portuguese ace has been an undisputed key man for the Wanderers this season, having started 23 times in a largely positive Premier League campaign.

Semedo picked up a hamstring injury at the end of February and hasn’t played since, however, acting as a blow to Bruno Lage during an important period.

It now looks as though the right-back’s return to action is on the horizon, though, as Wolves prepare to host Villa on Saturday afternoon.

[freshpress-poll id=“388780″]

The Latest: Spiers makes positive claim

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Spiers confirmed in a simple four-word verdict that Semedo is back in the fold:

“Semedo back in training.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“388797″]

The Verdict: Big boost for Wolves

Semedo has been a strong performer for Wolves, being hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Spiers himself in the past, so this news is an undoubted positive.

Jonny has been filling in at right-back in his teammate’s absence but he isn’t as natural in that role as he is on the left-hand side, while youngster Ki-Jana Hoever remains a work in progress.

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Semedo’s return in the coming weeks should provide Wolves with an extra attacking threat – he has averaged 1.5 dribbles per game in the league this season – as they look to secure European football of some kind at Molineux next season.

In other news, a transfer expert has dropped a key Wolves claim. Read more here.

Glasgow Rangers were given a boost on paper when it was revealed that Mohamed Diomande did not make the Ivorian squad for the African Cup of Nations.

Whilst Nasser Djiga has gone away with Burkina Faso and will be unavailable for selection over the festive schedule, Diomande will be at Danny Rohl’s disposal.

How much of a boost that is remains to be seen, though, because the left-footed star has endured a difficult season, with more red cards (two) than goals (one) in all competitions, per Sofascore.

The Ivorian star needs to step up and improve his performances on the pitch to prove that he can be a key player for the German head coach moving forward.

Danny Rohl pushing for Rangers to sign £5m star

It is even more important for Diomande to up his levels for the Gers with the January transfer window now only a couple of weeks away from opening for business.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to TEAMtalk, Rohl is pushing for Rangers to seal a swoop for Tromso central midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

The report claims that the Scottish Premiership giants are intensifying their efforts to sign the Norwegian youngster, as the German head coach is very keen to bring him to Ibrox.

It adds that the former Sheffield Wednesday manager believes that Hjerto-Dahl can be the cornerstone of his midfield moving forward, because he is viewed as a dynamic and athletic midfield operator.

TEAMtalk also reveals that Tromso are looking for a fee of around €6m (£5m) for the 20-year-old central midfielder, but it remains to be seen whether or not Rangers are willing to pay that price.

Why Rangers should sign Jens Hjerto-Dahl

On top of the claim that Rohl is pushing for the club to sign the Eliteserien talent, Rangers should get a deal done for Hjerto-Dahl because he could arrive at Ibrox as an upgrade on Diomande.

As aforementioned, the current Gers midfielder has struggled in the 2025/26 campaign. The Ivorian has produced one goal and one assist in 13 appearances, per Sofascore, whilst making 1.8 tackles and interceptions per game.

The Rangers star has failed to provide much quality in or out of possession in the middle of the park in the Premiership, unfortunately, and that is why dipping into the market for a new central midfield option makes a lot of sense for the club.

Hjerto-Dahl, who was described as a “sensation” by journalist Pete O’Rourke, showed enough on the pitch in the 2025 Eliteserien campaign to suggest that he could arrive at Ibrox and offer more than Diomande.

The 6 foot 4 midfielder is more than just a physical presence, despite TEAMtalk’s claim that he has been identified for his athletic qualities, as he has delivered goals and assists at the top end of the pitch.

Stats

Diomande (25/26 Premiership)

Hjerto-Dahl (2025 Eliteserien)

Appearances

13

30

Goals

1

4

Big chances created

1

5

Assists

1

4

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.8

2.5

Duels won per game

3.0

5.0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Hjerto-Dahl offered a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the 2025 season, to go along with the defensive and physical benefits of his play.

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These statistics suggest that the 20-year-old starlet has the potential to be an upgrade on Diomande in midfield, because he could offer more quality in front of goal, whilst also being more combative and effective out of possession.

Rangers fan outlet The Rangers Journal stated earlier this month that it would be a “huge coup” for the club to bring him to Ibrox, as he is one of the “biggest talents in Norway”.

Whilst he is unproven in Scottish football and it is always difficult to predict how a player will adapt to a new country and league, due to how many factors are in play, Hjerto-Dahl seems to be a fantastic option for Rangers to sign on paper.

At 20, he would also arrive as a young player with potential who could grow and develop under Rohl’s coaching, which is another reason why this is a transfer that could make a lot of sense.

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Posts ByDan Emery

With Diomande struggling for form, it is not surprising to see this latest report that the manager wants to bring Hjerto-Dahl in to add more athleticism and quality to his midfield.