Manchester United winger Amad Diallo believes team-mate Kobbie Mainoo can go on to become one of the club's greatest-ever players.
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Mainoo tipped to become Man Utd legend
Teenager already a regular at Old Trafford
Amad eyeing trophies with Red Devils
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Mainoo has emerged as a key player for club and country after making the breakthrough last season at the tender age of just 19. The midfielder has already lifted his first trophy as a Manchester United player, after scoring in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, and also helped England reach the final of Euro 2024.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mainoo is part of an exciting crop of youngsters at Old Trafford, alongside Amad, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, and the Ivorian winger believes his midfield team-mate can go on to become a club legend. Given the calibre of players that have graced Manchester United's colours during the club's rich history, that's quite the compliment.
WHAT AMAD SAID
Amad told : "Talking about Kobbie is like talking about a big legend. At his age, he is so good, he is an amazing player, a good person, I'm very close to him. I think he's going to be one of the best players in Man Utd's history."
Amad also spoke about his own ambitions at the club, adding: "[I want] to win more trophies with the club. I want to win a lot, a lot, a lot of trophies, Champions League, Premier League, everything."
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WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD
Manchester United will be hoping the likes of Mainoo can inpire the team to glory this season. However, Erik ten Hag's side have made a slow start to the campaign and take on Tottenham on Sunday aiming for just their third Premier League win of 2024-25.
A key Leeds United player could make his return from injury for his side's Championship playoff clash with Norwich City this weekend, Daniel Farke has confirmed.
Leeds face massive playoff clash
The Whites are preparing for their biggest game of the season so far on Sunday lunchtime, as they make the trip to Carrow Road to take on the Canaries.
Leeds narrowly missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League, meaning they now have to go through the drama and unpredictability of the playoffs, and it promises to be a nerve-shredding couple of matches. The return leg takes place at Elland Road next Thursday, as Farke's men look to book a place in the final at Wembley.
Patrick Bamford
There are injury concerns for the Whites heading into a massive day at the office, with Daniel James and Patrick Bamford among those who are big doubts for Sunday's game.
Pascal Struijk is long-term injury absentee, having not featured for Leeds since the 2-1 defeat away to Preston in the Championship on Boxing Day, and a key update has now emerged regarding the current fitness situation.
Farke drops big Leeds injury news
Speaking in his pre-match press conference [via Leeds Live], Farke confirmed that James "has a chance" of featuring for Leeds against Norwich, but Bamford is definitely unavailable for both legs:
"Daniel James is making good progress. He’s coming closer and closer. Joined in with parts of team training. Tight race, but has a chance. Depends on the next 48 hours. Could be that he is an option. Not ready for 90, but an option to travel. Patrick will definitely miss both legs. Seen a different knee consultant. New diagnosis: mini trauma in his patellar tendon."
This is a much-needed boost for Leeds ahead of the trip to Norwich, even if James is far from definite to feature prominently at Carrow Road. Just having him available in some way feels significant, considering what an impressive season he has had.
The £50,000-a-week Welshman has scored 13 goals and registered seven assists in the Championship in 2023/24, and Farke thinks highly of him, saying after his goal against Hull City last month: "It was also a crucial and important goal and that is even more important. His identification with this club is second to none."He always works hard. He had to support our full-backs and he was great in his work against the ball, could have an assist and had one or two good chances."
Leeds United's top scorers in the Championship this season
Total
Crysencio Summerville
20
Daniel James
13
Joel Piroe
13
Patrick Bamford
9
Wilfried Gnonto
9
Georginio Rutter
7
To not have Bamford available is clearly a big setback, even though the striker has come in for criticism at times for missing big chances, with the Englishman so experienced and capable of individual brilliance, as highlighted by an outrageous FA Cup strike at Peterborough United.
If Leeds can get James on the pitch, though, it would help make up for the loss of Bamford, with his pace and improved end product having the potential to change a game in an instant.
The Cityzens looked on their way to victory, but Beth Mead's late equaliser ensured the spoils were shared as these two title rivals went head-to-head
It looked like Vivianne Miedema had inspired another big win in north London on Sunday – albeit not in the manner which Arsenal fans have become accustomed to ever since her arrival in England back in 2017. This time, she was the opponent, and her deflected strike helped Manchester City get back into the game at the Emirates Stadium that they subsequently looked like they were on their way to winning, until Beth Mead popped up in the right place at the right time to secure a 2-2 draw for the Gunners.
Miedema nearly lit up her old stomping ground immediately, with there just seven minutes on the clock when she robbed Kim Little of the ball and almost beat Manuela Zinsberger from 30 yards out. Yet, 45 seconds later, the deadlock was broken at the other end, Frida Maanum pouncing onto a loose ball and powering it into the top corner to give Arsenal the lead. It should've been 2-0, too, but Stina Blackstenius could only find the side-netting with a glorious chance just a few minutes later.
Instead, Miedema's strike, which took a wicked deflection off Laia Codina and left Zinsberger with no chance, would be the second goal of the game and City would get the third as well, a stunning half-volley from Jess Park giving them the lead just before the hour.
Given Arsenal were happy playing on the break, to go behind didn't suit their game plan at all, but they still managed to find the goal that levelled the scores and ensured the spoils were shared on this opening weekend of the Women's Super League season, Mead scoring nine minutes from time to make it 2-2.
GOAL rates City's players from the Emirates Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Ayaka Yamashita (5/10):
Made some questionable decisions throughout after being preferred to Keating.
Kerstin Casparij (5/10):
Struggled when Caldentey ran at her.
Laia Aleixandri (6/10):
Strong in her defending centrally, then adapted well when moved to left-back after Ouahabi's injury.
Alex Greenwood (6/10):
Often slowed the game down too much when she had the ball. Generally good defensively.
Leila Ouahabi (4/10):
Really poor awareness in the build-up to Arsenal's opener. Struggled to contain Foord the whole time she was on the pitch, then limped off just before half-time.
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Midfield
Yui Hasegawa (6/10):
Did well defensively considering she had little help, though should've tracked Maanum for the opening goal.
Jess Park (7/10):
Struggled to really impact the game until she smashed home an absolute wonderstrike.
Vivianne Miedema (8/10):
City's liveliest player throughout, so was no surprise that she inevitably scored on her Emirates return.
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Attack
Aoba Fujino (5/10):
Got into some good positions but decision-making let her down.
Khadija Shaw (5/10):
Had very little service and, as such, struggled to get involved.
Lauren Hemp (5/10):
Had a lively start but faded.
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Subs & Manager
Alanna Kennedy (6/10):
On just before half-time due to Ouahabi's injury. Settled well given the circumstances.
Mary Fowler (N/A):
Only had around 15 minutes to make an impact and struggled to do so.
Chloe Kelly (N/A):
Added a little more to the attack when brought on at the same time as Fowler.
Gareth Taylor (5/10):
Decision to play both Miedema and Park in midfield left the defence completely exposed in transition.
Lee Carsley has been praised for the England team he selected to play the Republic of Ireland and the tactical tweaks he made in the 2-0 win.
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England beat Republic of Ireland 2-0
Carsley praised for team selection
Interim boss lauded for tactical tweaks
WHAT HAPPENED?
Following England's Nations League win over Ireland on Saturday, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright praised interim boss Carsley for selecting left winger Anthony Gordon and encouraging the Newcastle United man to run in behind the defence – something he believes the Three Lions have been lacking.
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WHAT IAN WRIGHT SAID
He said on ITV Sport: “Very, very impressive from England. I thought Ireland would have be a lot tighter to them. But saying that, they have been passing into areas. Passing it with pace and passing it through the lines. You saw with the first goal, it was a brilliant run from Anthony Gordon. Even with Harry Kane in the middle. You are seeing somebody who is willing to run in behind, which is something we haven’t had in a while. Then you flood the box, good effort from Harry Kane, but then Declan Rice, who has been making that late break into the box all day, making those late runs, has come in again. It’s the run from Gordon. The fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold has got so much time on the ball (to play a ball over the top). I think Gordon should score this (one-v-one). He did a great interview (before the game) about what he wanted to do and those chances he has to take. In the end, they got the ball back in and then bam, Declan scores a fantastic goal.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
After Gareth Southgate's England tenure – which brought the Three Lions the closest to winning a major trophy since their 1966 World Cup triumph – expectations are high for caretaker boss Carsley to hit the ground running with this talented group of players. If he does well, he could be given the job on a permanent basis.
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WHAT NEXT?
Carsley's England side continue their Nations League campaign on Tuesday against Finland, before taking on Greece and the Finns again on October 10 and 13 respectively in the same competition.
Just over five months ago, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made the unfortunate call to sack manager Steve Cooper after a run of six games without a win.
The Welshman captured the hearts of the Reds fanbase, taking over the side after they were rooted to the bottom of the Championship after picking up just one point from their opening seven matches in 2021/22.
However, the former Swansea City boss achieved the unthinkable, leading the club to the Premier League following a 1-0 win in the play-off final over Huddersfield Town at Wembley.
Cooper once again worked his magic during the club's first top-flight campaign in 23 years, securing survival despite a huge influx of new signings – providing him with the huge task of gelling a bunch of strangers into a side good enough for the Premier League.
A poor start to the 2023/24 season – which included a run of five defeats out of six at one stage leading up to Cooper's departure – would see him lose his job at the City Ground, with numerous names flying around to replace the fan-favourite in the dugout.
Forest had verbal agreement with high-profile boss
According to a recent report from The Guardian, the club were recommended by advisor George Syrianos, to appoint former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian being the perfect fit for the Reds' squad.
The report goes on to state the club had a verbal agreement with the 49-year-old to take over at the City Ground, before owner Marinakis caught wind of the deal and decided to pursue another option.
He instead decided to appoint Nuno Espírito Santo, mainly down to his agent – Jorge Mendes, a football super agent who has multiple high-profile clients, in a bid to tempt them to ply their trade in Nottingham.
Nuno enjoyed success at Wolves, with signings such as Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota making a huge impact in their Championship-winning campaign – scoring 23 goals between them that season.
However, with just three games to go Nuno's side sit just a point clear of the Premier League's relegation zone, with the Reds making a huge mistake in not hiring Glasner.
Why Glasner's system would've secured PL survival for Forest
The "incredible" Austrian, as described by Transfermarkt's Stefan Bienkowski, would subsequently join Crystal Palace in February, taking over from Roy Hodgson and making an instant impact at Selhurst Park.
He's already secured Premier League survival for the Eagles, despite being 15th and just a handful of points clear of the drop at the time of his arrival – with his 3-4-2-1 system working its magic in England.
His high-intensity system has allowed multiple players at Palace to thrive, with his tactics masterminding a stunning 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield a few weeks ago.
Glasner's formation depends on his three centre-backs being comfortable on the ball, with the central player out of the three often playing slightly more advanced in possession to allow for a third man in the middle of the pitch – subsequently creating an overload in midfield.
Jefferson Lerma has been one player who has hugely benefitted from his arrival at the club, with the Colombian midfielder slotting into a wide centre-back role in recent weeks – even claiming FotMob's Man of the Match award for his performance against Jürgen Klopp's side.
The two attacking players behind the central striker would have a crucial part to play in any success, with the two wing-backs often providing the width, allowing the number 10s to stay central.
Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are arguably Palace's two most important players – hence their current £60m valuations – with Glasner able to utilise the duo in behind the striker, allowing them to get on the ball in some crucial areas, and further creating an overload alongside the two central midfielders and the centre-back who has pushed forward from the back.
Crystal Palace midfielderEberechi Eze.
However, he's had the greatest effect on striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Frenchman thriving since Glasner's arrival at the club.
The Palace number 14 has scored eight goals in his last ten Premier League appearances, with Olise and Eze's creativity and the introduction of flying wing-backs aiding his tally.
Whilst Forest striker Chris Wood has registered 12 goals this season, Glasner's one-time potential arrival at the Reds would've allowed the New Zealand international to have further added to his tally.
Current boss Nuno has stuck to a 4-2-3-1 system throughout the majority of his time at the City Ground, with the emphasis on counter-attacking rather than dominating possession.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno during a Premier League game.
However, Glasner's time short time at Selhurst Park has quickly transformed the side into a dominant force, with the aim to dominate possession, create overloads and play with fluidity in attack – all traits that would've aided Wood's goalscoring record.
Five months on from the deal to bring Nuno to the East Midlands, the Forest hierarchy must wish they had listened to Syrianos, who could've appointed the perfect boss for the club. However, with three games left this season, the Tricky Trees are sweating over their top-flight status, with fans still unsure whether Nuno is the right man to lead the club forward.
Nottingham Forest dud who lost 100% duels was worse than Wood v City
The Reds fell to a second successive Premier League defeat yesterday.
Lionesses star Lucy Bronze has revealed the 'fate' conversation that led her to Chelsea, a move she believes has pleased England boss Sarina Wiegman.
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Bronze joined Chelsea from Barcelona this summer
England star explains conversation that led to move
And why Lionesses boss Wiegman is 'happy'
WHAT HAPPENED?
Bronze joined the Blues this summer after leaving Barcelona, where she won two Champions League titles in two seasons. Reports suggested that both the player and the club wanted to continue together when her contract came up in Catalunya, but Bronze's desire for more game time led her elsewhere.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
It was a surprise move in some ways, because Chelsea already have two top-level right-backs in the squad, in Eve Perisset and Ashley Lawrence. However, Bronze has now revealed the conversation she had with the Blues' new head coach, Sonia Bompastor, and her assistant, Camille Abily, when they were in charge of the Lyon side that faced Barcelona in the Champions League final in May, one which persuaded her to move back to England.
WHAT BRONZE SAID
"I was ready for a new challenge. I hadn't really thought too much about my future. No matter who I play for I'm 100 per cent focused on it to the end," Bronze told . "It was at the Champions League final I spoke to Cammy and Sonia, people I'm friends with. I'd heard the rumours [about them going to Chelsea] and said, 'Oh, I hear you want to live in London'. I said you'll love it in England and Chelsea's such a great team – and they were like: 'Why don't you come?'
"I said they didn't need me, but they said they'd love to have me come in. 'It would help us; you've just won the Champions League and we want to bring that to the club.' A couple of days later, I was like: 'Let's go. Get me the plane ticket, get me the shirt, I'm sold.' It was fate."
Arsenal, in 2007, are the only English club to have been crowned European champions on the women's side. However, Bronze is hopeful that the experience she, Bompastor and Abily have of winning the Champions League – the latter two having done so as both players and coaches with Lyon – can end that wait for another English champion.
"Bringing the Champions League back to this country would be a huge success and would make women's football even better," she said. "The team's good enough and adding Sonia and Cammy's experience as both coaches and players that have won it is a huge thing. They aren't afraid to talk about it and make the demands it takes to get to a final so hopefully this is the year we break that brick wall down."
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DID YOU KNOW?
When Bronze had to leave an England camp early to have her medical with Chelsea, she initially teased Lionesses boss Wiegman by not telling her which club she was signing for. "I told her, 'You'll find out like everyone else'," she said. But the defender believes her national team coach is "happy" that she is back in her home country because "the more England players are playing together, the better".
Chelsea bounced back from a disappointing 2-2 draw away to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United to beat struggling Everton 6-0 in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge emphatically.
It was a ruthless performance from Mauricio Pochettino’s side from start to finish, with the Blues 4-0 up at half-time, thanks to a perfect hat-trick from Cole Palmer, and a very well-taken goal from Nicolas Jackson.
The second half saw Chelsea add a fifth from the penalty spot thanks to Palmer once again before boyhood Chelsea fan Alfie Gilchrist scored his first goal for the club.
From an Everton point of view, their misery continues, with their only win in 2024 coming last weekend against Burnley. They are now just two points clear of the relegation zone, and a huge crunch match against Forest next weekend at Goodison Park.
“10/10” Palmer continues to shine
After Monday night's display, it is easy to see why Chelsea’s number 20 is nicknamed ‘Cold’ Palmer; he was the calmest man in Stamford Bridge, despite a hectic first half an hour when he scored his hat-trick.
All four of his goals were well taken for different reasons. The first was individual brilliance, nutmegging the defender before cutting inside and finishing well into the far corner. His second was a header, and whilst it may seem like an easier goal, he showed good attacking instinct to sniff out the chance and finish a good team move.
To complete his perfect trio of goals, Palmer pounced on a loose pass from Jordan Pickford before audaciously lobbing him from 35 yards. His fourth was a penalty, which was well finished into the bottom right corner, but it was not so simple to stay focused, with Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson both arguing their case to be the taker.
Aside from his four goals, Palmer ran the show, completing three out of four dribbles, and winning five out of eight ground duels, according to Sofascore.
He also completed the most final third passes on the pitch, with 15/19, as per Stats Zone, with the young English talent showcasing his skill and creativity, as well as his instinct in front of goal, to put in one of the best performances by anyone in the Premier League all season.
It was probably the easiest 10/10 rating anyone will give out this season. Goal.com’s Matt O'Connor-Simpson described Palmer’s performances as “such a pleasure to watch” and explained how he showed he “has the finishing touch” to his game.
It was a perfect performance from Palmer, who is making a strong case to win both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the Premier League.
He now has 20 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season, and an incredible 15 goal involvements in his last seven Chelsea games in all competitions. Palmer is now level with Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot and does not seem like slowing down any time soon.
Premier League Top Scorers
Player
Goals (Assists)
#1 Cole Palmer
20 (9)
#2 Erling Haaland
20 (5)
#3 Ollie Watkins
19 (10)
#4 Mohamed Salah
17 (9)
#5 Dominic Solanke
17 (3)
Stats via BBC Sport.
Not only was Monday’s game memorable for Palmer, but it is a night that will live long in the memory of Chelsea’s young defender, Gilchrist.
Alfie Gilchrist also deserves the hype
A boyhood Blues fan, Gilchrist has had a few first-team opportunities under Pochettino this season but this was his biggest impact yet, sensationally managing to register his first goal for the club, as well as completing 100% of his passes after appearing from the bench in the dying embers of the game.
It was a well-taken finish, following in a rebound and driving a volley past Pickford and into the back of the net for Chelsea’s sixth. Cue incredible celebrations from the 20-year-old, who ran over to the corner flag to celebrate with the equally ecstatic fans.
It was summed up perfectly by football presenter Dougie Critchley on X when he described the moment as a “mad, unhinged, sweet release of emotion, where you lose control of your body and inhibitions for a few seconds."
It was an incredibly emotional moment for Gilchrist, a chance for him to show all his love and passion for Chelsea Football Club, and what it means to score for his club. That is exactly what football is about. There are many dark moments in a player’s career, but to experience a high like that must be an incredible feeling, and Gilchrist did not hold back with his incredible celebration.
It was a fabulous late showing from the youngster and aged just 20, he could be the next hyped-up youngster to emerge from the Chelsea ranks. That said, a start next time around unfortunately seems unlikely.
Indeed, next up for the Blues is the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, where they will be hoping to reach their second final under Pochettino and right the wrongs of their Carabao Cup final defeat in February. They are certainly going into the game full of confidence, and one of the Premier League’s best players.
Victor Osimhen is linking up with Galatasaray on loan, but the Nigeria international could still join Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool in January.
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Nigerian striker severing ties with Napoli
Has agreed switch to Turkish heavyweights
Break clause can be triggered by 10 clubs
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Nigeria international is taking on a new challenge in Turkey after deciding to bring an end to his Serie A title-winning spell at Napoli. Osimhen has dominated gossip columns across several transfer windows, with a number of potential landing spots being speculated on.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
He was linked with teams in England and Saudi Arabia over the summer, but Napoli’s demands saw no deals done. The 25-year-old will now join Galatasaray on an agreement that sees them paying all of his £176,000-a-week wage in return for stumping up no loan fee.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Osimhen has been given a raucous welcome to Turkey, but claims that he could be gone in a matter of months. That is because the Nigerian frontman has requested that a break clause be inserted in his loan contract that can be activated at the start of 2025.
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WHAT NEXT?
It is claimed that 10 clubs will be able to trigger that clause – as Napoli drop their asking price demands to ÂŁ63 million ($83m) – with Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool among those that can step in and lure a proven performer away from Istanbul. Osimhen would also welcome the opportunity to link up with Bayern talisman Harry Kane in Germany if the Bundesliga giants expressed interest.
Rangers legend Ally Mccoist has admitted that he was shocked his former side opted not to move for a true number nine in January following their issues in front of goal this season, likening current front man Cyriel Dessers to Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson.
Rangers striker options split opinion
It is no secret that Philippe Clement is not blessed at the top of the pitch as it stands. Dessers has been hit and miss since his arrival, with 13 goals in 30 Scottish Premiership appearances but a better record across all competitions. It led to Rangers drafting in Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January, but he has also struggled.
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Though his endeavour cannot be questioned, his return of two goals in 13 games certainly can be, and with Rangers struggling to find the back of the net with concerning regularity this season, change seems inevitable this summer.
Rangers' struggles in front of goal
Fabio Silva
Cyriel Dessers
Appearances
13
30
Goals
2
13
Assists
0
3
Minutes per goal
339
144
Shots on target per 90
1.02
1.98
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of talkSPORT BET, Rangers legend Ally McCoist weighed in on the situation, admitting that the fans are split on their current no.9 options.
"I think the fans are kind of split. Silva's work rate is first class and Dessers scored two goals at the weekend [against Hearts]. His goal return has actually been good, but I think a lot of the fans perhaps feel that in many ways, he's maybe a wee bit like Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea whose goal return is acceptable but could be greater."
McCoist picks Shankland alternative
There was plenty of speculation that Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland would be making the switch to Ibrox in January, with McCoist labelling it the "obvious choice" for the Glasgow giants. Shankland leads the goalscoring charts this season, with 28 goals in all competitions for Hearts, and has forced his way into Steve Clarke's Scotland squad ahead of this summer's European Championships.
"I'll be honest, I thought that if they were going to sign another centre forward, they should probably have done it in the [January] window, and I think that Lawrence Shankland would have been the obvious choice", he toldFFC.
Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.
"Shankland I think this season he's sitting on 28 goals or 29 goals, which is a fantastic return and I was a little bit surprised, I've not been privy to the financial knowledge at the club, maybe they couldn't afford it I don't know, but at that particular time in the window it seemed the sensible move for Rangers to make."
But though McCoist bemoaned Rangers' failure to move for the marksman, he did also identify an alternative this summer in the form of free-scoring Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski, who he labelled "terrific".
Though less prolific than his Hearts counterpart, Miovski has nonetheless managed to notch up 24 goals this season across all competitions, including four in Europe. Four years younger than Shankland, could he be the man Rangers opt for this summer to ease their goalscoring woes?
Tottenham are thought to have "tempted" a £47 million star ahead of the summer window as an "affordable" transfer presents itself to chairman Daniel Levy.
Spurs tipped to sign new attacker for Ange Postecoglou
The £15 million buy-option in Timo Werner's loan deal is expected to be triggered, but that hasn't stopped Spurs from looking elsewhere to bring in even more attacking options.
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The German will reportedly be one of multiple new forwards Spurs may look to sign for Ange Postecoglou this summer, as the Lilywhites and technical director Johan Lange seek to bring in more avenues threat.
Fabrizio Romano, speaking to JD Football last month, claimed that a priority for Tottenham is bringing in a player who can make a real contribution to goals and assists in the final third.
Tottenham's top goalscorers in all competitions this season
Goals (via BBC)
Son Heung-min
15
Richarlison
11
Dejan Kulusevski
6
Brennan Johnson
5
James Maddison
4
Cristian Romero
4
Pape Matar Sarr
3
“Look, a player they appreciate for a long time is Raphinha from Barcelona. We know the financial situation at Barcelona is not easy, so he could be one of the names. They will look at that kind of player," said Romano on Tottenham's forward targets.
"Another player they appreciate is Pedro Neto, but he has this issue with his injuries, so I’m not sure Liverpool, Tottenham or the other clubs following the player will be prepared to play big money for Pedro Neto this summer. That kind of player is the priority for Tottenham, I see them going for that kind of winger, a quality player to help with goals and assists."
Alongside the aforementioned Neto and Raphinha, who's been regularly mentioned via the press, another player to have entered Spurs' radar lately is Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
The 21-year-old, who's bagged three goals and eight assists over his 24 La Liga appearances this season, appears to fit into Tottenham's transfer policy. His young age is another enticing draw, as Williams showcases plenty of potential and serious re-sale value.
Following links to the winger, another update has come out of Spain.
Williams tempted by Tottenham as "affordable" option emerges
According to newspaper AS, via Sport Witness, he is seen as "affordable" for Spurs chairman Levy and other interested sides – with his release clause coming at around £47 million.
Tottenham are said to have "tempted" Williams alongside both Liverpool and Aston Villa, as the race for his signature heats up before this summer window opens.
Pundit John Wenham, speaking to Tottenham News, described the youngster as a player who gets involved in "big games" and possesses "real pace".