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Dutch football expert James Rowe believes none of Glasgow Rangers targets Danilho Doekhi, Joey Veerman or Abdou Harroui will make the move to Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers eye Dutch trio

As the Gers prepare for their Champions League qualifying campaign, they will of course be looking to bring in new players to boost their squad.

In recent weeks, they have been linked with moves for the Dutch trio of Doekhi (gelderlander.nl), Veerman (Voetbal International) and Harroui (Football Insider), who play for Vitesse Arnhem, Heerenveen and Sparta Rotterdam respectively.

The Latest: Rowe drops damning update

Speaking to Rangers News, Rowe has provided an update on the Gers’ pursuit of the players. He said:

“I expect all three of this Eredivisie trio will stay in the Netherlands and – sorry Rangers fans – I’d be very surprised if any of them left the Eredivisie this summer.”

The Verdict: Disappointing

This will likely come as a blow to Rangers supporters. Valued at a combined £13.5m (Harroui £3.15m via Transfermarkt, Veerman £7.65m and Doekhi £2.7m), they clearly possess plenty of talent, and they are all at a relatively young age, meaning they have plenty of time to develop.

The Ibrox outfit, though, are likely to be linked with a whole host of names this summer, right up until the transfer window slams shut. As such, fans should not expect to sign every player they are linked with – the 55-time Scottish champions just need to sign the right performers.

In other news, Rangers fans react as this video emerges.

Sunderland have confirmed that Chris Maguire will not be offered a new contract by the club this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the club website, the centre-forward will be released upon the expiry of his current deal at the Stadium of Light next month, as the Black Cats do not wish to retain the 32-year-old’s services ahead of next season.

Potential mistake

After joining Sunderland from Bury FC back in 2018, Maguire went on to make 124 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 28 goals and providing 26 assists along the way.

This season, the Scotland international predominantly found himself starting fixtures on the bench, with only 12 of his total of 34 League One appearances coming from the first whistle.

However, despite this, Maguire nonetheless impressed when given the chance by Johnson, with the striker scoring five goals, registering five assists and creating seven big chances in the league.

The £315k-rated man also popped up with goal contributions at crucial times for the Black Cats this term, such as restoring the lead in a 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle, providing the assist for Charlie Wyke’s strike in a 1-0 victory against Swindon Town and scoring a 97th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra.

As such, Lee Johnson’s decision to allow the £4.4k-per-week forward move on to pastures new this summer could easily be argued as being one of his biggest mistakes at the club thus far – with this opinion being something that a number of Sunderland fans appear to agree with.

After the club posted their released list on Twitter, one Sunderland fan claimed that the departure of Maguire is “criminal,” while another simply stated their bafflement at Johnson letting the 32-year-old go.

Indeed, despite getting towards the twilight of his career, the versatile attacker has proven this season that he is still an extremely useful player to have around the place, and it would appear a highly likely scenario that the Scot will not be without a club for all that long – something that could well come back to haunt Johnson if Maguire were to sign for one of their League One promotion rivals.

In other news: Get it done: Johnson must sanction Sunderland swoop for £600k “nightmare” this summer – opinion

Former Rangers star Michael Ball hopes that Ryan Kent stays at the club beyond the summer transfer window amid links with Leeds United.

Kent has been in excellent form for Steven Gerrard’s side this season, as they have won the Scottish Premiership title with barely any fuss.

Indeed, Rangers did not lose a single league game, with Kent scoring 13 goals and laying on 15 assists in all competitions, from his position on the left flank.

Speaking at the start of May, Kent admitted that he is pleased to be linked with other clubs, such as Leeds, though he maintained that his focus would remain on Rangers until the end of the season.

Still, Ball hopes that Kent will choose to stay with the club who have helped him reignite his career following his £7.5m move from Liverpool.

Before his move to Ibrox, Kent had made just one senior appearance for the Reds, having gone on various loan spells, to Coventry City, Barnsley, Freiburg and Bristol City before heading north of the border.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “You don’t want to see him wearing a different jersey.

“He looks like he’s loving his time at Rangers, he’s developed as a player.

“He cost Rangers a lot of money at the time but they know that’s a great asset to have.”

Steven Gerrard has been handed a big injury boost to Ryan Jack ahead of next season, with the Rangers midfielder undergoing successful surgery earlier this week, which should hopefully see him fit to return to the Ibrox pitch in the near future.

The former Aberdeen man has been sidelined since February with a calf injury which ended up ruling him out for the season and Euro 2020 this summer due to a number of complications.

He was sent to London to see a specialist, who recommended that an operation was required in order to fix the 29-year-old’s issue and have him back fit in time for next season.

Fortunately, Jack confirmed on Instagram earlier this week that the operation was a success, saying: “Just letting everyone know I had a successful operation yesterday morning and I’m now on the road to recovery. Can’t wait to be back for the start of next season and getting back doing what I love. Thanks to everyone for the messages it’s much appreciated. All focus now is on 56!

The midfielder was very impressive in Gerrard’s side earlier in the season and was one of the main pillars behind their incredible defensive record – in the 19 Premiership games in which he appeared, the Light Blues conceded just twice.

He averaged a solid 7.03 WhoScored rating for his performances, and whilst Rangers were able to seal the title without him, they have definitely looked more vulnerable defensively in his absence, conceding 11 goals in the 16 league matches he has missed this term.

Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister was full of praise for Jack back in 2019, saying: “For me, he has been unbelievable from day one.

“He has improved no-end, and you are seeing a midfield player gathering loads of information, experience and being given a bit of responsibility he’s maybe not had in the past.”

This has certainly continued to be the case this season, so to have him back in time for next term will be a huge boost for Gerrard and his hopes of securing another Premiership crown in 2022, whilst hopefully also impressing in the domestic and European cup competitions.

In other news… Gerrard handed major boost with 23 y/o dubbed “the best”, Wilson must deliver

Daniel James was signed as a 21-year old from Swansea City in 2019 but he has seen first-team opportunities severely limited this season and former Man United midfielder, Keith Gillespie, has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern, that the winger must step up his game.

James enjoyed a run of four starts in six games in February and March, but since the emergence of Amad Diallo and Mason Greenwood’s upturn in form, the Wales international has made one appearance since April 4th.

There were reports back in January that the winger was set to leave Old Trafford but with no form of deal materialising, he remains on the outskirts of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s regular starting lineup.

Speaking on how James has a big summer ahead of him as he has failed to perform on a consistent basis for Man United, Gillespie spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s nowhere near the starting XI at the minute so he needs to really step up because he’s been very disappointing for me.

“I liked him when he first arrived but he doesn’t perform often enough so he’s got a big summer coming up.”

Back in 2019, James expected to be signing for Leeds United but after Swansea did not trust Leeds to pay the full amount for James, the Welsh club pulled the plug on a potential deal and the winger ended up signing for Man United the following summer.

The £45,000 per week attacked has failed to nail down a regular spot at Old Trafford as he has been handed just 14 appearances in the Premier League this season with 10 of them being starts.

In a recent interview with Austrian media, reported Tottenham transfer target Marcel Sabitzer dropped a hint regarding a potential summer move.

Speaking to Laola1 (via Sport Witness), Sabitzer – who has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs over the course of the past 18 months – claimed he is aware that his next transfer may be the final one of his career, with the Austrian outlet suggesting that the 27-year-old’s future is still up in the air as his contract expires in the summer of 2022.

According to Laola1, regarding a potential departure from RB Leipzig this summer, Sabitzer said: “There is nothing against it, but nothing for it either. I am relatively neutral. I know that I am at an age where it may be the last step. That’s why I let it go through my head.”

Indeed, with it being reported that Julian Nagelsmann is determined not to lose the £37.8m-rated midfielder for free at the end of his current deal, if the Austria international does not put pen to paper on a new contract with the Bundesliga side this summer, then he will be sold in the upcoming transfer window.

Transfer Tavern Take

With seven goals and three assists over the Austrian’s 23 league fixtures so far this season, it is no wonder that Jose Mourinho is claimed to be “extremely fascinated” by a move for Sabitzer this summer, as the 58-year-old’s Spurs side have struggled for goals from midfield this term.

With Bild reporting back in March that the 27-year-old will definitely not be signing a new deal with Die Roten Bullen this summer, it would seem there is very much a deal to be done for the midfielder in the coming months.

However, it is anyone’s guess whether it is indeed Spurs who manage to tempt the player – whom former RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick dubbed a “remarkable” talent – to their club. If Tottenham can’t, expect others to try and land the Austrian.

In other news: Asking price of £24k p/w Tottenham target revealed; Mourinho backed to seal summer deal – find out more here!

Sheffield Wednesday flop Matt Penney is one foot closer to the exit door at Hillsborough after a fresh report emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Star, the 23-year-old Owls defender is on the radar of Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.

Penney, a graduate of the club’s academy in south Yorkshire, is out of contract at the end of the season and no fresh talks have been held with Wednesday’s league status still uncertain.

The Hoops are keeping tabs on his situation as he could be available on a free transfer in just a few months’ time.

Let him go

As outlined in the report, the Owls have put contract talks on the backburner until they know which division they’ll be competing in next season, and at this stage it certainly looks likely that they will be relegated to League One.

However, they should be glad that a decision could already be made for them over the struggling left-back, as he’s simply not worthy of fresh terms at Hillsborough. After returning from a season-long loan at 2.Bundesliga outfit St Pauli, the club exercised a one-year option on Penney’s contract to keep him around for the current campaign.

[snack-amp-story url=https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-sheffield-wednesday-news-transfer-rumours-and-recent-gossip” title=”Read this week’s latest Sheffield Wednesday news, latest transfer rumours and more!]

However, it is rather telling that he has only gone on to feature 12 times in the Championship despite the Owls not having any other left-back in their squad.

Since Darren Moore has taken over, both utility man Adam Reach and right-back Liam Palmer have been preferred in the role, whilst the 5 foot 8 ace ranks among Wednesday’s worst performers, as per WhoScored ratings. Penney’s 6.45 average is only above five other players to start ten or more league games, and figures such as his 62.4% passing accuracy and 1.1 fouls per game are reasons why he has underperformed greatly.

Garry Monk saw something in him to warrant that extension last summer, telling The Star: “Potential-wise, when I look at the profile of Matt, the characteristics of him, he’s what we’re after – young, hungry and dynamic. He has the technical ability as well.”

Former Owls boss Jos Luhukay, who signed him on loan for St Pauli, has evidently always been a fan and once claimed: “He has been fantastic in that left-back position. He plays with no fear, he is not afraid and he is a very good player for us. I am so happy with him.”

However, we’ve never really seen him live up to such hype at Hillsborough, so Wednesday shouldn’t fret amid interest from QPR. Instead, they should be glad they can finally wave goodbye to the 23-year-old flop.

It’s time to move on this summer.

AND in other news, Worrying update emerges over £20k-p/w “leader”, it’s bad news for Moore…

Ibrox legend Alex McLeish has predicted that Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack may not be fully fit until the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

McLeish makes worrying Jack claim

The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign. He was ruled out of nine Premiership matches earlier this season with a knee issue, and he has missed the last three with a calf problem (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish has suggested that Jack may not be ready before the next campaign. He said:

“It seems to be an ongoing saga for Ryan over this season.

“In terms of injuries and one particular problem, maybe it is calf or hamstring. He is certainly a player who has progressed under Steven Gerrard.

“As have all the midfielders, I’m not saying they miss Ryan, in certain games they do, but they do have tremendous cover.

“For Ryan’s peace of mind, I think it will be great if he could clear up all of these ongoing injury issues, and maybe that can happen for next season.”

Blow for Gerrard

While Jack has been in and out of the treatment term this season, he has still been an important player for the 55-time Scottish champions. He has played without the 29-year-old in the side.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time he has struggled with injury. As McLeish says, it is a recurring theme with Jack ever since he made the move to Ibrox from Aberdeen. However, when he is fit, he is a force to be reckoned with – Gerrard will be hoping he can get back to his best before July, at least.

In other news, this Rangers man slams both UEFA and FIFA.

Sheffield Wednesday could lose their star forward Josh Windass this summer should they face relegation from the Championship…

What’s the word?

That’s according to reliable YorkshireLive reporter Dom Howson, who dropped a fresh claim over the future of the 27-year-old Owls ace earlier this week.

In response to one supporter in a recent Q&A, he said:

“I think they would struggle to keep Windass if they were relegated. I could see him having a lot of Championship interest. I know he was linked with WBA a couple of months ago.”

Bad news for Moore

The Owls have a tough task in staying up as it is, even despite their rampant 5-0 victory against Cardiff City last time out, they still remain seven points adrift of safety with only one game in hand on that 21st spot.

Windass has played a key role this season and is probably a player that Moore would love to keep around next season irrespective of what division they find themselves in.

In terms of goal contributions, the former Rangers man sits joint-top, having provided six goals and four assists. This accounts for a whopping 30% share of all the goals the Owls have scored in the second-flight this term.

He has also proven to be a versatile threat under Moore, playing in four different positions since the 46-year-old was appointed. Windass is the sort of player that fits the expansive, attacking style of football the ex-West Brom coach deploys.

Dean Windass highlighted a key part of his son’s game being his explosiveness in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, only bolstering his credential in south Yorkshire under Moore.

“He’s a quick, explosive runner,” explained Windass.

Indeed, the £1.44m-rated dynamo would be a big miss for Wednesday. He is under contract until 2022, but as Howson claims, the Owls are unlikely to be able to keep hold of him if they go down.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday eye Jordan Rhodes replacement in 23 y/o on a “different level”…

Sunderland have a rare opportunity to put the league on hold this weekend.

That’s because the Mackems are getting ready to face Tranmere in the final of the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley.

On the chalkboard

Heading into this weekend, Lee Johnson has plenty of selection dilemmas. Does he disrupt a defence which has kept five clean sheets in six or does he try to reintegrate some of the men who have been out injured?

There are also dilemmas in attack, an area of the field which has been dominated by Charlie Wyke and Aiden McGeady. They have contributed to 36 goals this term, a phenomenal return from two players from whom Phil Parkinson failed to get the best.

Wyke has 26 strikes this term compared to the six he scored in 2019/20, although Sunderland have also received help from the likes of Aiden O’Brien and Jordan Jones. The pair started last time out against Portsmouth but there are also cases for Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire to feature.

Who to unleash?

Maguire had been one of the biggest losers from Johnson’s appointment just a few weeks ago. He was, and still is, being mainly restricted to substitute appearances.

That being said, he has come to life to deliver some vitally important cameos in recent weeks.

The forward has already bounced back from his fair share of tough times at the Stadium of Light. He was reprimanded by Parkinson after being snapped alongside McGeady at a McDonald’s just hours after suffering a defeat to Gillingham in December 2019.

He became a pillar of Parkinson’s team from that moment onwards, however, contributing four goals and three assists in his next six outings.

The £4,400-per-week earner has responded to Johnson not picking him on a regular basis by starring from the bench. In the 32-year-old’s last five outings, he has been involved in three goals.

With the Scottish forward’s form improving all the time, Johnson has to consider unleashing him on Sunday. Maguire could just prove to be Sunderland’s secret weapon.

After all, the majority of Tranmere’s pre-game preparation could well be on how to stop Wyke and McGeady.

With Jones a major doubt, it only adds further appeal to playing Maguire on Sunday. He may be the difference.

AND in other news, Dreyfus may be on the verge of repeating one of Donald’s biggest SAFC mistakes already…