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Manchester United have reportedly made contact over a move for midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and Fabrizio Romano has shared Bayern Munich’s response.

Are Man United signing Ryan Gravenberch?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been productive so far this summer by bringing in Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund in three separate big-money deals.

However, the club’s spending spree may not be over just yet, although any further business could depend on any outgoings.

One area of improvement could be on another midfielder, with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Everton’s Amadou Onana just two players who have been heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch.

Ten Hag has previously worked with Amrabat, and Gravenberch has also featured under the United manager after coming through at Ajax. The 21-year-old made all of his Ajax appearances under Ten Hag, and it looks as if a reunion between the pair could be one to keep an eye on in the final weeks of the window.

After recent rumours of a Man United move for Gravenberch, Romano took to X to provide a further update on what he has heard regarding the midfielder’s future.

The transfer expert stated that both Manchester United and Liverpool called, and therefore made contact, to be kept in the loop over Gravenberch’s situation, however, it is believed that the German giants aren’t intending to sell.

“Manchester United and Liverpool called again this week to be informed about Ryan Gravenberch situation.

“Understand Bayern position remains the same as of today — no intention to sell Gravenberch. Both MUFC and LFC remain keen in case of last minute changes.”

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

How tall is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch can play as a central or holding midfielder and stands at 6ft 2. He has come in for plenty of praise during his career so far, with former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann saying the player has ‘everything a footballer needs’, pinpointing his ‘fantastic’ dribbling ability.

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best."

Meanwhile, Brian Tevreden, a coach who promoted Gravenberch to Ajax’s Under 15s team as a 12-year-old, compared the player to both Frank Rijkaard and former United man Paul Pogba due to his height and technical ability.

“Physically, I see Frank in him from back in the day because he’s tall and very strong. But technically, I would say he’s a better version of Pogba in his best days at Juventus, in terms of his technique and his presence on the pitch.”

His versatility and experience at the highest level for Ajax and Bayern Munich could make him a smart signing by the Red Devils to strengthen their midfield options even further, and by the looks of things, United are monitoring the situation.

Manchester United look set to try and end the summer transfer window with a bang, with rumours rife that the Red Devils could be plotting to make multiple signings to help bolster Erik ten Hag's squad.

A short-term deal for a new left-back appears to be a priority following the loss of Luke Shaw to injury, while the former Ajax boss is also said to be targeting a new midfield addition, amid rampant speculation that a move for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat is in the works.

The Moroccan international – who previously played under Ten Hag at FC Utrecht – may not be the only option that the Premier League giants are considering, however, with recent reports having indicated that Benfica starlet, Joao Neves, has also caught the eye of the Old Trafford hierarchy.

How much would Joao Neves cost?

As The Sun reported on Wednesday, United are said to 'have held talks' with the Portuguese outfit regarding a possible move for the teenager, with Ten Hag and co said to hold a 'very strong interest' in the 18-year-old playmaker.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

The report does add, however, that the Red Devils may have to wait until next summer if they are to seal a deal, with the Primeira Liga side seemingly intent on keeping hold of the exciting talent for another 12 months at least.

If a deal is to be struck before the close of the current window, United may have to fork out to meet the player's reported €100m (£86m) release clause, with there having seemingly been a recent increase in that figure after Neves signed a new deal earlier this month.

Who is Joao Neves?

Forking out such a hefty fee for a player still in his teens may be an unlikely prospect, although it is evident that the midfield maestro has caught the attention of those at the Theatre of Dreams, with The Sun report noting that he has even been dubbed the next Bruno Fernandes as a sign of his talent.

The hope would be that Neves could replicate the impact that his compatriot has had since making the move from Lisbon to Manchester back in January 2020, with that £46.6m signing having proven something of a masterclass as far as the club are concerned.

Having signed from Sporting CP midway through the 2019/20 campaign, the 28-year-old has since emerged as a truly influential presence in the side over recent years, racking up a stellar haul of 120 goal contributions in just 188 games in all competitions to date.

A true "creative machine" – as described by Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne – Fernandes notably finished top of the charts in the Premier League last season with regard to 'big chances' created, having already chipped in with one goal and one assist in the league in the current campaign.

Trying to emulate the success of the United skipper will be no small feat for young Neves, although the 5 foot 9 ace has been lauded as part of a group of "highly talented Benfica teenagers", as per talent scout Jacek Kulig – such is his exciting potential.

The Portugal U21 international does only have 24 senior appearances under his belt, although Ten Hag will likely be keen to get his hands on a player who could well explode in the years to come, having already forced his way into the Benfica first-team at such a young age.

Having snapped up Fernandes from his homeland to great effect just a few years ago, perhaps United can repeat that transfer blinder with the addition of Neves in the near future.

While the international break is now upon us, it does not look set to be a quiet week or so as far as Manchester United are concerned, with talk dominated by the situation involving manager Erik ten Hag and struggling winger, Jadon Sancho.

With the former Borussia Dortmund trickster having been a notable absentee from Sunday's matchday squad for the trip to Arsenal, Ten Hag subsequently confirmed that the player had been left out of the trip to the Emirates as a result of his underwhelming displays in training.

That surprise admission was followed by a quick response from the player on Twitter, with the 23-year-old insisting that such accusations were "untrue", while also going on to claim that he had been made a "scapegoat" at Old Trafford in recent times.

Such a statement is unlikely to go down well with a manager who has already ruthlessly shown Cristiano Ronaldo the door and stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy in his tenure to date, with the end potentially nigh with regard to Sancho's time at the club.

What has happened to Sancho at Man United?

Quite what has gone wrong for the Englishman at the Theatre of Dreams is hard to ascertain, with it not too long ago that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauded his shiny, new £73m signing as a player who would "form an integral part of [his] squad", following his arrival from Germany in 2021.

Having been forced to wait to get their hands on the one-time Manchester City asset – after failing to clinch a deal a year earlier – the hope was that Sancho would make up for lost time and hit the ground running in his new surroundings, after previously recording 114 goals and assists in 137 games for his previous employers.

As it has proved, the £350k-per-week enigma has since endured a particularly turbulent and underwhelming stint in red, notably missing a fair chunk of last season after being afforded time to address his "physical and mental" issues, as per Ten Hag.

That spell away from first-team action had seemingly been with one eye on helping to rejuvenate the misfiring marksman, although Sancho ended the season with just seven goals and three assists to his name in 41 games in all competitions.

With just 12 goals and assists in total in 82 outings over the past two years, it is easy to see why reports have indicated that the Red Devils were willing to cash in on the player over the summer for a fee of £45m, with Ten Hag said to have been growing 'increasingly impatient' with his shortcomings.

With that in mind, United may well rue their failure not to sign an adequate replacement for the London-born winger, with new West Ham United gem, Mohammed Kudus one such figure who could well have blossomed.

Did Man United want Mohammed Kudus?

As a player who worked under Ten Hag previously at Ajax, it was perhaps inevitable that Kudus would be the subject of speculation regarding a move to Old Trafford, with the Manchester Evening News naming him as a possible summer target amid his form at the World Cup in Qatar, after scoring twice for Ghana in the competition.

The Athletic's Andy Mitten also noted back in December that the 23-year-old was of interest to the United boss, among a handful of other targets, with the Dutchman said to admire the 'skill and dynamism' of his former asset.

That was followed by further reports during the recent summer window that indicated that the Premier League giants were ready to enter the race for the forward's signature, with the player himself said to be keen on a reunion with Ten Hag.

Despite that apparent interest, the versatile gem – who can operate in midfield, on the flanks or in a centre-forward berth – ultimately sealed a £38m move to West Ham United last month, ensuring he could well wreak havoc on those at Old Trafford in the near future.

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

While the one-time Nordsjaelland sensation is yet to show his quality in the Premier League – having made just a late, stoppage time appearance for the Hammers against Luton Town at the weekend – he did dazzle in Amsterdam last term, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 42 games in all competitions.

Hailed as a "star boy" by ex-teammate Calvin Bassey, Kudus was particularly eye-catching in the Champions League after netting four goals and contributing two assists in just six group games, including scoring in a 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool at Anfield.

The left-footed speedster appears to be particularly adept at dribbling past opponents with ease as he ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for successful take-ons, at an average of 4.37 per 90.

That record is far superior to what Sancho has achieved across the last 365 days as the United man averaged just 1.95 for that same metric, with pundit Tim Sherwood noting that he now "plays too safe", after losing that confidence and desire to try and beat his man.

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell even went as far as to suggest that Kudus shared a likeness to current Gunners gem, Bukayo Saka, with the pundit stating that the new Irons ace "plays a bit like Saka", as he "welcomes the contact and shifts away from it".

Saka, of course, has been in sparkling form for the north Londoners in recent times after bagging 14 goals and providing 11 assists in the Premier League last season, with that a far greater return than that man Sancho, who registered just nine top-flight goal involvements in 2022/23.

To have been able to find their own version of the Arsenal wizard in the form of Kudus would have been simply a dream scenario for those at Old Trafford, although Ten Hag may have to instead witness the West Ham dynamo shining at the London Stadium.

In the meantime, the 53-year-old is stuck with a player in Sancho who is struggling to deliver and has openly hit back at his comments, with some sort of resolution needing to be found sooner rather than later in what is yet another unwanted distraction for the club.

West Ham United manager David Moyes, in an admission this week, says one player has "improved greatly" in training at Rush Green.

How are West Ham doing?

The Irons have started this 2023/2024 Premier League season with real gusto; winning three out of their opening four top flight matches prior to this international break.

Impressive victories over the likes of in-form Brighton, who they convincingly beat 3-1 at the Amex, and big-spending Chelsea have proven West Ham right not to part company with Moyes so far.

Reports over the summer indicated that the Scotsman's future was in doubt after a period of transfer inactivity, but their recent performances have showcased that Moyes could still do a job at the London Stadium.

West Ham clinched their first ever European trophy since 1965 and first piece of silverware overall since the 1980s with last season's Europa Conference League triumph in Prague.

Some supporters, at the time, could be forgiven for thinking that Moyes should've bowed out there and then to end his tenure on a high – but the West Ham manager is so far proving them wrong.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

After bringing Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus to east London over the summer, rumours have circulated of a possible return for free agent Jesse Lingard.

The 30-year-old is free to sign for any interested club outside of the transfer window after leaving Nottingham Forest in late June, and he has been training with West Ham on a sort-of trial basis.

Lingard has been working to build his fitness up and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ipswich Town last week; a match which ended 1-1.

The Englishman was taken off soon before the final whistle after fading out of the game, but he did manage to impress in flashes.

There have been few updates since on the possibility of Lingard re-signing for West Ham, coming after he dazzled on a 2021 loan spell; scoring nine goals and assisting four others in 16 starts at the time.

Moyes, speaking to talkSPORT this week, has shared an update on the player and says that he's improved massively in training.

“Jesse has trained with us for three weeks and he’s improved greatly from when he first came in," said Moyes to the Sports Breakfast Show with Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend.

“He’s in really good condition – much better condition than he was when he first came in. I have to say, when Jesse joined us two years ago I think he scored nine goals in 15 games and was probably the difference between us getting into Europe for the first time.

“I want to give him every opportunity to get himself back in condition and see how he does. So there’s no real update on it at the moment, just to say that he’s back and getting much closer to the levels of fitness where you’d hope he would be.”

Lingard was once a Man United academy graduate, and upon returning from his 2021 West Ham spell, he ultimately failed to work his way back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.

A regrettable one-year stay at Forest followed, with time now running out for the midfielder to resurrect his career.

Whilst Arsenal have failed to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City so far this season, a draw and three wins in four games isn't exactly a poor start, and that's arguably without Mikel Arteta's men playing at their best.

The Gunners started their season with a nervy victory over Nottingham Forest, eventually winning 2-1 before edging past Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park and stumbling to a disappointing draw against Fulham. Bouncing back with their moment of the season so far, however, Arsenal overcame the visit of Manchester United in dramatic style, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus netting late goals in a 3-1 win.

That's not to say the current squad hasn't been without its criticism, though, with ESPN pundit Stewart Robson taking aim at one particular player and suggesting that the fans at The Emirates are becoming discontent with his performances.

What has Stewart Robson said?

Speaking during the international break, Robson watched on as Arsenal stars had mixed fortunes, particularly keeping a keen eye on Germany, with Kai Havertz starting in his side's shocking 4-1 defeat against Japan.

Speaking about Havertz after the game, the pundit gave a scathing review of Arsenal's summer signing, telling ESPN: “He wasn’t good enough, that’s why they (Chelea) got rid of him.

“He has gone to Arsenal and the Arsenal fans don’t want him in the side. They are booing him, at the moment. They don’t want him in the team. They can’t understand why Arteta is playing the system that he is playing to fit Havertz into it. He is struggling at Arsenal, at the moment.”

Just four games into the season, it's fair to say that Havertz is yet to win over the Arsenal fans, who will be desperately hoping to see the German do better than his poor Chelsea run, which saw him score just 32 goals in 139 games.

How has Kai Havertz performed this season?

Whilst it is still early days, to say that Havertz has got off to a slow start for Arsenal would be an understatement. And, the fact is, players who cost a side a reported £65m can ill-afford such a disappointing opening spell at a new club.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man could yet come good, but football fans rarely have patience, so he must finally get his Gunners career going after the international break.

Up next, Arsenal square off against Everton, who are yet to win a game this season, therefore representing a good chance for Havertz to open his account for the North London club.

The longer his goalless run goes on, the more and more worried Arsenal fans will get that Havertz will fail to come good, and instead replicate his time at Chelsea.

There will have been a point, somewhere before the summer transfer window, that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would have sat in a room, round a table, with some associates all wearing the same furrow-browed expression.

The Anfield side wasn't performing well. In fact, Liverpool were playing some pretty dire stuff, falling to heavy defeats and showing scarcely any sign of the once mighty outfit that secured silverware in abundance under the German manager's wing.

Change was paramount, and with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all headed for the exit with their contracts set for expiry, the sapped midfield was clearly going to receive more than just a new lick of paint.

Help arrived in the form of a sweeping midfield rebuild, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister already cementing themselves as starring members.

Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch were also signed to help combat the sales of Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson, who departed for the riches of the Saudi Pro League.

Last year, the Reds would ultimately fail to make the grade for the top four and missed out on an eighth successive year in Europe's elite club competition, now returning to the Europa League to claim the one trophy that has alluded Klopp during his Anfield odyssey.

How are Liverpool playing?

As The Times' Henry Winter put it, Liverpool were "really out of sorts" last season, and were it not for a return to form in the latter stages of the campaign, the club may well be plying their trade solely on English soil this term.

However, the Merseyside outfit have dazzled since the summer, wreaking devastation with their attacking prowess and currently riding a four-match win streak in the Premier League after drawing the opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Klopp looks to have unearthed the formula for high-octane success once more after toiling last year, and while unseating champions Manchester City from the Premier League throne – with Pep Guardiola's outfit searching for an unprecedented fourth successive title – there is evidence that the Reds can produce a lasting run of results to prove one of the fiercest competitors.

They haven't hit their zenith; far from it, in fact. Away victories over Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers were both emphatic and illustrated the winning mentality so intrinsic to this prestigious football club, but Liverpool fell behind on both occasions, also conceding first against Bournemouth at Anfield before winning that one 3-1.

With a trip against Austrian Bundesliga outfit LASK now forthcoming to commence the European campaign, Klopp's side will be hoping to continue their rich vein of form, though will likely do so with a much-changed starting eleven.

What is the Liverpool team news?

Trent Alexander Arnold has not quite recovered from a hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa before the international break and will miss the clash, while Thiago Alcantara, who has not featured yet this season, is still not ready for an anticipated comeback.

Newly-appointed club captain Virgil van Dijk may also be involved after completing a suspension; rising star Jarell Quansah might be in line for a second consecutive start having impressed on his "phenomenal" – as was said by Alexander-Arnold – full debut against the Old Gold.

With a crucial home fixture in the league against West Ham United awaiting on Sunday, Klopp will definitely shake things up in Linz, with exciting summer signing Gravenberch sure to be itching for his starting debut after making a brief cameo last week.

How good is Ryan Gravenberch?

Joining from supreme German champions Bayern Munich in a £34m transfer on deadline day, Gravenberch ended a nightmarish spell in Bavaria that saw him earn just three league starts.

An immensely talented and multi-functional midfielder, Gravenberch was hailed as the "greatest talent" in the Netherlands by countryman and former Ajax striker Win Kieft, having excelled for de Godenzonen before joining Bayern, making 103 appearances and winning three Eredivisie titles.

The 11-cap Dutchman is both tenacious with his defensive work and artful in his creativity, also energetic and capable of working head to charge the midfield engine.

As per FBref, the 21-year-old ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 18% for interceptions and the top 17% for progressive passes per 90.

Based on that evidence, there are discernible signs of a star in the making, and given Klopp's knack for shaping unrefined gems, he may well be a standout member of a prosperous Liverpool team in a few years.

It's a slow, arduous process, however, and the trip to LASK will provide the first brick of the foundation from which he can slowly build his career, with his technicality sure to leave him as the "dominant" – as he has been praised by former youth coach Brian Tevreden – force in the middle.

His all-encompassing arsenal could be perfect for Stefan Bajcetic too, with the precocious Spaniard yet to feature this season after impressing during his breakout year in 2022/23, cruelly curtailed by a long-term injury in March.

The midfielder, aged 18, has made the bench for the past four Premier League outings, but has not been selected for a second-half cameo as of yet.

He's clearly match fit though, and this is an apt opportunity to get him back up to speed, having been heralded for his youthful exuberance and being "so mature and composed for his age" by journalist Ben Bocsak.

A nimble, agile and energetic centre-midfielder, the former Celta Vigo youngster possesses a silky-smooth passing game married with a steely resolve in the centre, and Gravenberch's qualities would bounce off his smoothly.

There will be tougher tests ahead than LASK this season, but that is not to say that Thomas Sageder's outfit cannot disrupt Liverpool and consign Klopp to a first seasonal defeat.

The 56-year-old will use the contest to provide certain stars with an opportunity to impress, and the robust Gravenberch and the delightful Bajcetic could unearth a partnership for the ages to continue the conversation that this Liverpool team is not only revitalised, but reformed and now ready to emulate the previous illustrious success under Klopp's management.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have mocked their own spending while announcing a historic tour of the United States for Wrexham’s women’s team.

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• Hollywood stars in charge at SToK Racecourse
• Elaborate projects funded in North Wales
• Women's team preparing to head for the States

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Hollywood superstars have been at the Red Dragons’ helm since completing a stunning takeover in February 2021. They have enjoyed success on and off the field since then, with promotion pushes being complemented by notable commercial deals and an award-winning documentary series.

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  Wrexham men’s team have seen their stock soar to the point that a trip to the U.S. was taken in last summer – playing the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies – and an ambitious women’s squad will now be treading a similar path in 2024.

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  WHAT REYNOLDS SAID

  In a tongue-in-cheek video to announce that tour and a partnership with financial services company Ally that is making the trip possible, Reynolds has poked fun at the manner in which cash has been splashed in North Wales. He said, while pointing a finger at fellow co-chairman McElhenney: “Would you say that your reckless spending has led us to the point of needing an ally like Ally? Mister let’s send everyone to Vegas. Mister let’s build a temporary Kop. Mister let’s do a show. It won’t cost you a thing, not a dime!”

Tottenham Hotspur have seen almost everything go their way this season, enjoying a near-faultless start to the new Premier League term, with everyone from within the squad pulling their weight.

Therefore, to see anyone struck down with injury would mark a major blow. Even Manor Solomon, who was enlisted on a shrewd free transfer in the summer has contributed heavily, and could now be a major miss for Ange Postecoglou.

How long is Manor Solomon injured for?

Although the Israeli wide man has only enjoyed two starts in the league thus far, his creativity and dynamic play style has proven effective from the bench on more than one occasion, resulting in the two assists he has provided across five games, via Sofascore.

The 24-year-old seemed poised to enjoy a standout year in north London as a backup pushing for a starting spot, until news broke this week confirming the Lilywhites' worst fears.

Journalist Paul O'Keefe would take to Twitter and issue a devastating update: "Manor Solomon has suffered an MCL injury and faces potentially 2-3 months out."

Such a blow adds to the ever-growing list of casualties for the campaign, with Ivan Perisic likely to be ruled out for the bulk of the term, whilst Rodrigo Bentancur and Ryan Sessegnon are both fighting for a November return. Even the likes of Brennan Johnson and Giovani Lo Celso have been ruled out more recently.

Who could replace Manor Solomon?

In Bryan Gil, who will hopefully be hopping off the treatment table soon, they may have a readymade replacement for their freshly injured star.

Although the young Spaniard has endured a tough period in England since making his switch in 2021, there will arguably be no better time for him to reignite a once-promising career, under Postecoglou's revolutionary leadership.

After all, the likes of Pedro Porro, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison have all overcome hardships to become important members of the squad once again this season, with Gil set to be the latest.

Especially given that there have been glimpses of his immense potential, with the 22-year-old briefly shining last term under Antonio Conte.

Having been handed a start as they travelled to Crystal Palace back in January, his Italian manager was effusive in his praise after the 22-year-old recorded an assist in their 4-0 rout: "We are talking about a player who was born to play football.

"He understands football quickly. He’s so clever, so intelligent to understand the situation. This league is difficult because you have to be good in quality and be fast and to have good endurance, and he has this type of quality." Journalist Rob Guest would supplement this notion back in 2021, highlighting the "magic" of the Spanish U21 international.

The £40k-per-week wizard had begun to justify the Italian's claim back during the 2020/21 season, as he scored four and assisted three as a teenager, lighting up La Liga, via Sofascore.

Although chances have been stuttered, perhaps now the Australian manager could seek to use this as an opportunity to instead hand Gil some much-needed minutes over someone like Dejan Kulusevski, who whilst also impressing is perhaps better suited to his right-wing role.

The Swedish trickster could actually form a fine creative partnership with the former Sevilla star, as the two seek to rally together and combine in an effort to continue Heung-min Son's blistering goalscoring start to the new term, and offset Solomon's absence.

Hannah Hampton posed for pictures with fans after Chelsea's UWCL win over Ajax as others called for her to become England's starting goalkeeper.

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• Hampton kept first UWCL clean sheet
• Chelsea fans sing goalkeeper's praises
• England competition for Earps heats up

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hampton kept the first Women's Champions League clean sheet of her career as Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win over Ajax in Amsterdam in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. Vocal travelling Blues fans made their feelings clear about her international prospects after the final whistle, claiming that she is already England's best stopper.

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  Hampton's decision to join Chelsea last summer was questioned when the Blues had already agreed to sign Belgium international Nicky Evrard on top of existing goalkeeping stars Zecira Musovic and Ann-Katrin Berger, especially when she spent the first two portion of the season sat on the bench. But the 23-year-old was given her WSL chance in the final game before Christmas – a 3-0 win over Bristol City – and hasn't looked back.

  She has started every league game since and and was afforded only her second European appearance during this week's trip to the Netherlands. Establishing herself as Chelsea's regular starter is positioning Hampton, described by Emma Hayes as "absolutely superb" against Manchester City in the recent Conti Cup semi-final, as genuine competition to Mary Earps for England's number one shirt ahead of Euro 2025 next summer, with the Lionesses seeking to retain their title from 2022. The rapidly emerging Khiara Keating is doing something similarly impressive at Manchester City.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HAMPTON?

  Now that she has ascended to No.1, Hampton will be focused on keeping her Chelsea place for the remainder of this season and beyond. The next few months could well bring a historic quadruple, with the Blues in control of the WSL title race, set to contest the Conti Cup final on March 31, into the FA Cup semi-finals and targeting the elusive Champions League as Hayes prepares to bow out.

  There is no summer tournament for England this year, but six Euro 2025 qualifiers between early April and mid-July could give three-cap Hampton, an unused member of Sarina Wiegman's squads at both Euro 2022 and last summer's World Cup, the chance to begin staking her international claim.

Rangers have held talks with a "successful" Frank Lampard alternative in Glasgow this week, as the search for Michael Beale's replacement intensifies.

Who could replace Michael Beale at Rangers?

After a poor start to the Scottish Premiership campaign, one which has seen the squad booed off on multiple occasions, Rangers made a big decision to relieve Beale of his duties after just 10 months in charge following the previous sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Glasgow giants are seven points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic already, with their title hopes in some doubt as a result. Beale was brought in from QPR to succeed Giovanni van Bronckhorst midway through last term, but it's now back to the drawing board for Rangers as they scour the market for another new manager in the space of a year.

Losing three out of a possible seven games was, quite frankly, unacceptable for one of Scotland's biggest clubs, and their Europa League group campaign took a bit of knock following their 2-1 loss to Cypriot first division side Aris Limassol in midweek. There have been many names mentioned by sections of the media as candidates to replace Beale, with reports suggesting Rangers have been considering the likes of Frank Lampard, Oliver Glasner and Kevin Muscat for the manager's job.

Initial talks were apparently held with Lampard over the vacant Rangers role, but reliable media sources have claimed that he is now out of the running to succeed Beale at Ibrox. However, the likes of Muscat and former AS Monaco boss Philippe Clement could still be hired by Rangers.

Will Rangers appoint Philippe Clement?

The latter coach, who has been praised for some of his successes in past seasons, has won four Belgian league titles across spells at Club Brugge and Genk. Clement would come as quite the decorated appointment, at least from Belgium, with Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell once calling him "one of the most prominent and successful coaches in Europe in recent years."

"His profile as a modern coach, with his teams playing with great intensity and [is] daring, including on the continental stage," claimed Mitchell.

"His ability to combine titles and the development of young players have made him one of the most prominent and successful coaches in Europe in recent years."

A report from Voetbal Nieuws has shared an update on the prospect of his hire at Rangers, with Clement travelling to Glasgow this week for a meeting with Gers chiefs. The 49-year-old is apparently seen as a "great candidate" for the job, with both Clement and Rangers putting forward their visions for success during this apparent sit-down. However, it is by no means a done deal just yet, as clubs from Saudi Arabia are also after Clement. While the coach will have to convince Rangers he is the right man, Voetbal Nieuws claims the feeling is mutual on Clement's side.

If Rangers were to decide he is the top target, you can fully understand why.