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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared news involving Manchester United chief scout Jim Lawlor on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag announced

It looks set to be a summer of change at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag now confirmed as Ralf Rangnick’s replacement at the end of the season.

Romano revealed in the early hours of Thursday morning that ‘contracts and paperworks’ were ready for the Dutchman following a full agreement last week, with Ten Hag now penning terms until June 2025.

The 52-year-old previously demanded to be 100% involved in new signings, outgoings and fresh contracts, and he’ll be working with a new scouting team in England.

The Latest: Lawlor to leave

News emerged on Wednesday regarding Lawlor, who has been on the books at Old Trafford for 16 years. He is set to leave the club over the summer, while head of global scouting Marcel Bout is also departing.

Romano took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to drop the key exit news on social media, saying:

“Manchester United revolution begins as chief scout Jim Lawlor leaves the club.”

The Verdict: Revolution needed?

Lawlor and Bout worked together for seven years and made a number of high-profile signings, which you could say largely haven’t worked out.

They’ve spent over £1.1bn on 37 players since 2014/15, with Paul Pogba the most expensive of those, who now looks set to leave for nothing this summer.

Hopefully, Ten Hag will be heavily involved when it comes to incomings and outgoings with a new scouting setup, in what could be an extremely busy first summer on charge.

In other news: Big news: Man Utd now eyeing signing of ‘absolute beast’ for Ten Hag in potential £100m+ deal. 

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that Leon Bailey will miss the Premier League clash against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the story?

The Jamaica international came on as a second half substitute to great effect against Everton last week, scoring one goal and essentially making another. However, his home debut ended under a cloud, with the winger forced off due to injury less than 15 minutes later.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against United today, Smith said: “Leon has a strain which is likely to keep him out until after the international break. We would be hopeful that he would be available for the Wolves game but we will need to assess him nearer the time and see how he progresses over the next ten days or so.”

Dean Smith will be devastated

The incredible impact that Bailey had on that game against the Toffees showed exactly why he might well turn out to be the best signing of the lot when it comes to Villa’s summer transfer business.

The searing pace and directness with which he took the game to the Merseysiders brought a much-needed energy to Villa, and to now be missing him for a number of matches is undoubtedly a major setback.

After initially seeing Bailey go down with injury, former Villa man Alan Hutton responded by saying: “He’s a little bit different to some players because he’s so explosive. That’s kind of a red flag. You need to be careful, especially if you’re coming back from a hamstring injury or things like that. He’s that quick off the mark that he needs to be right.

“The intensity of the Premier League is massive so it’s always going to put strain on your body. They’re going to have to be careful with him, he is playing catch up. I’m sure over the coming weeks, depending on how bad he is, they’ll take their time with him and try bed him in really slowly.”

Make no mistake about it, Smith will be devastated to discover that Bailey will not only miss today’s game against United, but a few more after that as well, given the enormous impact that he can bring (and has already brought) to Villa’s team.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has delivered some transfer insight into this Villa academy starlet…

After getting their first win of the new Premier League season on Saturday afternoon against Newcastle United, Aston Villa turn their attentions towards the Carabao Cup when they take on Barrow in the second round.

Dean Smith’s side ran out 2-0 winners against the Magpies at the weekend thanks to goals from Danny Ings and Anwar El Ghazi, and tonight could represent the perfect opportunity for the Villa manager to change things up with his team selection.

A number of youngsters could be in line to feature, and one academy starlet who should be starting is Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

While much of the talk has been around Carney Chukwuemeka – which is understandable given his superb performances in the FA Youth Cup last season – Philogene-Bidace is also pushing hard to make his mark on the first team.

The 19-year-old was in fine form last season for the club’s under-23s, scoring five goals in just 14 games at Premier League 2 level, as well as providing three assists. That’s not to mention the superb hat-trick he scored on his England under-19 debut last November.

His former coach Ahmed Abdulla has raved about his ability as an out-and-out winger, and judging by the coach’s comments, he seems perfectly ready to grab his opportunity in senior football.

Abdulla said: “He can come inside or go on the outside. The model winger. He hugs the touchline and can beat his man. (He’s) Very confident and very light on his feet and skips past tackles, not one of them that gets hit and goes down. He bounces off tackles. He’s very strong and outstanding in one-v-ones.”

Given that Leon Bailey could be missing again, Philogene-Bidace has the kind of explosiveness and trickery to make up for the Jamaican’s absence, and he could really terrify Barrow if he is let off the leash.

Tonight could be the perfect opportunity for Smith to give him a chance.

Meanwhile, Villa are plotting a late swoop for this star…

An update has emerged on Connor Goldson’s availability ahead of Rangers’ clash with Lyon…

What’s the latest?

According to the Scottish Sun, Connor Goldson is poised to return from self-isolation in time to face Lyon for Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The report claims that Goldson has passed the relevant tests and protocols to be able to return to training and he will now be available for selection after missing the 2-1 win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

Fans will be buzzing

Rangers fans will be buzzing with this update on Goldson’s availability as his absence could have been a cataclysmic blow for the club. Filip Helander is set to miss the game after he was stretchered off against St Johnstone and that left Leon Balogun as the only other senior centre-back available to face Lyon.

This meant that left-back Calvin Bassey could have been forced to cover in the middle of the defence against the Ligue 1 outfit, which would have been a blow as it is not his natural position. The 21-year-old has played in the position previously in his career, but throwing him in there for a big European clash would have been less than ideal in comparison to having an experienced option to choose from.

Therefore, Goldson’s return is a welcome one. The former Brighton man not only comes in as a natural centre-back option to partner Balogun, but he’s also a top-quality, proven, defender who will improve the side.

Earlier this year, Gerrard hailed the £27k-per-week beast as a warrior and lauded his qualities on and off the pitch. He told The Scotsman:

“Connor has been an absolute mountain for this team, a warrior.

“I can’t describe to you how well he has done for this team, not just in terms of what you have seen on the pitch but also his leadership on the inside of the club and his availability every single day.”

Last season, Goldson averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.39 in the Scottish Premiership across 38 starts as Rangers won the title. He won an incredible 71% of his duels over the course of the campaign, showing how strong he is in his individual duels and how the opposition struggle to compete against him.

This is why the fans will be delighted with his return against the French outfit. He has proven himself to be a reliable defender for the Gers and they will be buzzing that he is now set to be available to play.

AND in other news, Gerrard must make key Rangers decision over “exciting” gem after deadline day failure…

Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Stoke City star Harry Souttar in the January transfer window, and Alan Hutton has given his seal of approval behind a move.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith’s side have got their eye on a new year swoop for the centre-back, and former Villa man Hutton has insisted Souttar would be a great signing for them.

He said: “I think when you look at the boys who are there, they’re all good in the air. I’ve worked with them, I know they can be physical but they like playing with the ball at their feet as well.

“I think it’s very good to have those different styles of footballers within your armoury. It gives you the option if you want. If somebody’s injured, you want to play four at the back, three at the back or something may happen, you’ve got room to manoeuvre. I think that was Dean Smith’s plan moving forward. The starting XI was very good but they needed to bolster the squad.

“I think that’s the situation that they’re in at the moment. He obviously ticks all the boxes. He’s very physical, he’s there to win the ball and it’s good to have someone like that in your backline.”

Shades of Tyrone Mings

Once described as a “Rolls-Royce” by Stoke stalwart Ryan Shawcross, the defender has been compared to a number of different big-name players, including the likes of Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk.

His manager at Stoke, Michael O’Neill, is clearly a big fan of the kind of modern, ball-playing centre-back that Souttar is, saying: “He’s a player blessed with great natural attributes. Obviously his height but also he’s got good game intelligence and he’s a great user of the ball as well. That’s something which I think will set him apart from the other defenders in this league.”

And, when you compare his physical attributes (he’s an inch taller than Mings at a towering 6 foot 6), as well as his key defensive stats to the Villa man, they favour well.

As per Whoscored, he averages a whopping six times the amount of tackles per game as Mings, while he also boasts more interceptions per match in the Championship too. Not only that, but Souttar also makes close to eighty passes per game on average for Stoke (29 more than Mings), and at a far better accuracy too.

The Stoke beast could bring some added physicality to Villa’s back-line and give Smith some extra depth in that centre-back role. His height, reading of the game and ability to play out from the back has got real shades of Mings.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed an Aston Villa “blow”…

Joe Wainman has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer claim about their chase for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had preliminary discussions with the Terries over signing him, and now, Wainman has revealed a major development.

Speaking on the latest edition of The Daily Leeds show, he said: “I have it on good authority, a little bit of ITK for you, that Leeds United have agreed a fee with Huddersfield Town.

“I believe it was done yesterday, I can’t be privy to how much, if it does include a player – but I think by the sounds of it, it looks like it is just going to be cash and whether it will be close to £10m, I’m not sure.

“It seems hefty, but Leeds have that money, we need a midfielder, Lewis O’Brien’s liked by Bielsa. He wants him in the door, he’s seen him numerous times and it looks like that one’s going to be done.”

Fans will be excited

Having missed out on the signing of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher – the England youth international instead made the loan switch to fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace – Marcelo Bielsa is no doubt desperate to strengthen his options in the middle of the park.

And in O’Brien, the club would be getting someone who has the kind of energy and dynamism that can match the high-pressing philosophy Bielsa has employed at Elland Road.

Former Huddersfield goalkeeper, Matt Glennon, said: “Lewis O’Brien wants to put the hard yards in and wants to be at the very top of where he can get to.

“He’s one of those lads who works ridiculously hard which, for me, is your minimum in any league, but he’s got that quality, the drop of a shoulder, that strength to keep people off him, a low centre of gravity to glide past people, arm aloft when they try to knock him off the ball.”

At just 22, and with bundles of Championship experience to his name (he’s played 80 times in the competition), O’Brien could come into Elland Road to provide the likes of Kalvin Phillips with some genuine competition, and keep everyone on their toes.

While high-profile international signings like Rodrigo and Raphinha may be the ones fans typically get excited about, O’Brien’s tenacity, and value for money if Wainman is correct, se

Given Phil Hay’s update that a new central midfielder has been the priority for Leeds since the signing of Junior Firpo from Barcelona, Wainman’s latest claim that the club have agreed a fee for O’Brien is sure to excite Bielsa and the club’s fans.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a new Leeds United transfer update…

Rangers currently sit top of the Premiership table and the Ibrox giants are enjoying a fantastic season so far.

The Gers have progressed through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, where they will face Borussia Dortmund, and are four points clear of their nearest challengers in the Scottish top flight.

They have been able to maintain their hunger for success after winning the title last term and that could be partly down to new arrivals freshening up the squad.

Revelation

Ross Wilson brought Fashion Sakala to Glasgow on a free transfer in the summer and he has been a revelation so far this term, proving that it was a masterclass from the Gers’ recruitment team to bring him in.

The 24-year-old had a slow start in front of goal with just one in his first seven matches in the Premiership, but he has been showing positive signs throughout the campaign and has now found his eye for goal. He is currently on five goals and one assist in six starts, having scored four times in his last five matches in the league.

Former Gers boss Steven Gerrard previously lauded the attacker and explained why he is great to work with, saying: “He’s an incredible human being. The way he has come into the club, his smile and demeanour, his attitude and energy, has lifted the whole place. The signs are he is really starting to find his feet here at Rangers. He is a really exciting one for everyone to watch moving forward.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for Fashion, not just in Europe but domestically as well. We are really starting to see his strengths, his consistency from a training point of view.”

This shows that Sakala’s goalscoring record is not his only positive attribute, with Gerrard’s comments suggesting that the Zambian has had an impact on his teammates with his exceptional attitude off the pitch.

Former defender Alan Hutton, added further praise: “He’s like a firework, isn’t he? You just light him and watch him go.

“He’s one of those players who plays at 100mph, he takes players on, he’s aggressive, he can get shots off.”

Irrespective of his goals, he has also been turning in fine displays for the Gers in the Premiership. He has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.13, completing 1.3 dribbles and 1.3 key passes per game. This means that he has dribbled past an opposition player 16 times and created 16 chances, showing that he has more to his game than just finishing.

Therefore, the £8.3k-per-week earner has been a dream this season and is quickly establishing himself as an important player for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side. Hopefully he will be able to maintain his impressive levels of form and continue to catch the eye with his performances for the rest of the campaign.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst could solve big Rangers issue at Ibrox by unleashing “clinical” 21-goal teenager…

Wolves are back in action this evening with a Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

The Old Gold’s previous outing saw them secure a 2-1 victory over their Midlands rivals Aston Villa at Molineux thanks to an early strike from Jonny Otto and an own goal from Ashley Young.

On the chalkboard

One player that didn’t start against the Villans that should make a return to the starting XI on this occasion is Pedro Neto.

Since making his long-awaited recovery from injury back in February, the £39k-per-week winger has only started one league game for the Old Gold.

Unfortunately, that game saw Bruno Lage’s side fall to a 2-0 defeat at home against Crystal Palace.

Despite failing to score a goal or provide an assist since he’s returned to action, giving him the chance to start against the Toon could be a great opportunity for him to secure his first goal or assist for the season.

With Eddie Howe’s side conceding a total of 54 times in 30 league games this campaign, they could be susceptible to attacking pressure from the Old Gold, especially from a player such as Neto, who “plays as if the ball is attached to his boots with string,” according to journalist John Percy.

Labelled as a “superstar” by Jamie Carragher and a “wonderful talent” by Nathan Judah, the Portuguese international has scored ten goals and provided an equal number of assists in 85 appearances for the Midlands club since his arrival in 2019, showing how capable he can be in front of goal.

Francisco Trincao only managed to have one shot on target against Villa and complete 14 accurate passes in 74 minutes before making way for Neto which should make it a fairly straightforward decision for Lage as to who could make way for the 22-year-old to come back into the team.

Moving forward, if the former Lazio ace does get another chance to show what he can offer the team tonight and is able to find the back of the net, this could set him up for a very productive run of attacking form until the end of the season.

This would then surely be the difference in seeing Wolves secure European football for next season or not.

In other news: Lage handed huge boost as early NUFC team news emerges, it’s great news for Wolves

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left blasting the display of Kemar Roofe in their 2-2 draw at home to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

An Alfredo Morelos goal and a late James Tavernier penalty were enough to give the Light Blues a point in the end after being 2-0 down through goals from Christian Ramirez and Scott Brown.

A striker by trade, Roofe was asked to play a wide role by Steven Gerrard at Ibrox, but was largely a ghost throughout, recording a mere 20 touches of the ball in total, fewer than goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin (SofaScore).

The Jamaica international also lost out on two of his duels and failed to record a single shot on target, as he was hauled off in the 77th minute for Fashion Sakala (SofaScore).

Rangers fans on Roofe display

These Teddy Bears supporters blasted his performance on Twitter, with a couple of Gers even going as far as to claim that he was ‘anonymous’:

“Play Patterson further forward. Roofe was terrible tonight – very poor. Hagi needs to play centrally for me.”

Credit: @L41RD_

“I actually forgot Roofe was playing”

Credit: @JJ271099319

“Roofe was so bad tonight and Wright should be in the starting 11”

Credit: @bIadeefan69

“Roofe has been anonymous”

Credit: @__Scobra__

“Aribo, Hagi, Roofe, Kamara all anonymous”

Credit: @Aaron_mone

“What does Roofe do?”

Credit: @knocks_john

In other news, find out whose display against Aberdeen was also slammed here!

West Ham United currently have the second-oldest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 28.9 according to Transfermarkt.

Two of the oldest outfield players in David Moyes’ squad are centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna (33) and Craig Dawson (31).

In terms of what sort of transfer business the east London club could be involved in during the upcoming summer transfer window, it seems as though the Hammers could be set to wave goodbye to one of their defensive players, but not one of their more senior ones.

According to a recent transfer report from L’Equipe, the recent Europa League meeting between West Ham and Olympique Lyon gave the two sides the chance to discuss a potential summer deal for Issa Diop that would see the defender swap east London for France.

Since joining the Hammers back in the 2018 summer transfer window for a then club-record fee of £22m from Toulouse, the centre-back has made 121 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Frenchman has managed to chip in with eight goals and three assists.

Despite being one of West Ham’s youngest players, it would be a good idea for the club to cash in on him this summer if they can.

Having started just 10 Premier League games in this campaign, the 25-year-old has found himself down in the pecking order behind Dawson and Kurt Zouma who have both played more often than Diop.

Also, when he has been able to get on the pitch, the defender has failed to show Moyes that he has what it takes to potentially become a first-choice centre-back.

With an underwhelming overall performance rating of 6.46/10 from WhoScored, Diop is currently listed as the third-lowest rated Hammers player to start more than one league game.

To highlight his lack of effectiveness at the back for his team, the Frenchman has only won three of the nine tackles he’s attempted and gotten dribbled past on eight different occasions.

Even though he was previously described as being a “monster” by Jose Mourinho in terms of winning his duels against Paul Pogba back in 2018, Diop has been anything but that this season, losing 20 of the 39 aerial duels he’s been involved in.

Taking all of this into account, this summer would be the ideal time for Moyes to finally axe Diop from the club and get his hefty £61k-per-week wages off their books.

In other news: “Gives West Ham the edge…”: Insider drops huge transfer claim, Moyes will be buzzing