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Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is still in with a chance of sealing a sensational first term in charge of the Ibrox club between now and May.

He still has the opportunity to lift the Premiership, Europa League and Scottish Cup titles before the campaign comes to an end, having taken over the keys in the first half of the season.

They are second in the league, in the quarter-finals of the European competition and into the last four of the domestic cup, which shows that they are within touching distance of major success.

The ex-Feyenoord boss is not the first Dutch manager to step foot in the dugout at Ibrox. Dick Advocaat was in charge of the Glasgow giants for three years and managed 195 games – winning an impressive 135 of those as his team scored 427 times during his tenure and won the domestic treble in his first campaign.

However, Advocaat was not perfect and cost the Gers millions with one shocking transfer decision in 2000. He opted to sign Norweigan striker Tore Andre Flo from Chelsea for a reported fee of £12m and it ended up being a disaster for the club.

Despite bringing the talented centre-forward in for a club-record fee, Rangers did not win a single trophy in the 2000/01 campaign. He scored a respectable 13 goals in 22 matches in all competitions but did not do enough to bring home any silverware that year as Celtic pipped them to the trophies.

In the following season, Advocaat left Rangers in January and Alex McLeish took over. Flo found top form as he bagged himself 25 goals in all competitions across 46 appearances – showing that he was more reliable in terms of availability and his end product.

However, his goals were – again – not enough to win the title for the Gers as the Hoops snatched it up again and the club opted to cut their losses on him in the summer of 2002.

They sold him to English side Sunderland for a reported fee of £6.75m ahead of the 2002/03 campaign, which meant that Rangers lost £5.25m on the striker in just two years.

This means that the club failed to be successful on the pitch with him in the side and made a huge loss on his value in a short space of time. Therefore, Advocaat cost the Gers millions with his decision to bring the forward to Ibrox for such a big transfer fee, as he did not live up to the hype and was unsuccessful on and off the pitch as a player and as an investment.

AND in other news, Huge boost: 3-word Rangers update will leave Van Bronckhorst buzzing…

Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton has suggested that Celtic may already have opened new contract talks with midfielder Tom Rogic, as per Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Deal talks on hold

This comes after Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou told reporters back in February that a new deal for Rogic was the ‘last thing’ on his mind as the pursuit for the Scottish Premiership title went on.

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Fast approaching the final year of a deal at Parkhead, the club are in danger of losing the 29-year-old on a free next summer or needing to cash in during the upcoming transfer window.

However, Hutton believes that Postecoglou may already have a successor lined up for his compatriot in David Turnbull, while also claiming there are likely ongoing negotiations ‘in the background’.

The latest: Lesson learned?

Speaking to FI, the BBC 5 Live pundit claimed that Celtic would be best served to keep Rogic in the long term, hinting at discussions behind the scenes.

“You’d hope Celtic have learned their lesson. You don’t really want any of your kind of top assets to be walking away for next to nothing or running down contracts.

“He’s been a good servant and I think he’s come back into form since the new manager’s come in. He obviously trusts him.

“You’ve also got other players within the squad to come back, the likes of Turnbull and these sort of guys. They’re in a good place right now but again, moving forward, you never want to lose a top player.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if there were talks going on in the background to try and tie him down to a longer deal. I’m kind of interested to see where it goes and what Celtic’s thinking is.

“Do they stick with the likes of Rogic? Or do they have somebody else in mind to really transform that midfield? It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. Ultimately, I still think you need someone like that in your squad.”

The verdict: Too good to go

Whilst there can be little doubting Turnbull’s long term future as a Celtic mainstay in attacking midfield, Rogic has matched the output of the 22-year-old so far this season.

When using Transfermarkt to compare the two, the Australian has also provided 16 direct goal contributions – albeit the 51-cap Australia ace has made seven more appearances across all competitions.

Losing a key player for nothing simply isn’t a viable option for the club and as the Bhoys prepare for a possible jaunt into the UEFA Champions League group stages next term, where keeping the experience of the likes of Rogic will be pivotal.

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He missed their best chance to score in the Mestalla but tonight Kris Ajer came of age as a

Celtic player.

After 62 minutes he rose perfectly to meet a Ryan Christie free kick from the right but got too much on his header when simply glancing it would have opened the tie right up.

Eight minutes later Kevin Gameiro scored the only goal of the game but when the final whistle blew there wasn’t a failure in the Celtic side.

The travelling support witnessed tame performances away to RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig in the group phase but against overwhelming odds, increased by the 37th minute sending off of Jeremy Toljan, the Bhoys stood up to be counted.

The 6 foot 5 youngster started off on the right of a back three and played the role with great discipline. When Toljan walked he had to go out to right-back and barely gave the Spanish side a look in.

The 20-year-old was disciplined and determined as Valencia tried to flood the flanks to find a way to goal. Ajer was well backed by his defensive team-mates as Celtic stood their ground until they were cut open for Gameiro’s goal.

His header just past the hour mark will obviously be remembered but in one of the toughest venues in the Europa League Brendan Rodgers got a glimpse of a future central defence without Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata.

Here’s what Celtic fans have been saying on Twitter…

Pundit Alan Hutton believes that Celtic have already spoken with Tom Rogic in regards to a new contract, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou’s comments

Rogic, who missed the 3-0 win over Rangers due to being away on international duty, returned on the weekend against Motherwell and put in a starring display.

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The Aussie netted twice in a 4-0 victory, and with his current deal at Parkhead set to expire in less than 18 months’ time, Ange Postecoglou was quizzed on the playmaker’s future.

Postecoglou admitted that Rogic’s contract situation was the last thing on his mind but hailed Rogic for his performance at Fir Park.

The Latest: Hutton’s claim

Hutton, who regularly contributes for BBC Radio 5 Live, was asked for his thoughts by Football Insider on Rogic and the possibility of a new deal.

This is what he had to say in reply, believing that initial talks may have already been held regarding a fresh contract.

“I think when you’re building a squad like Postecoglou’s doing, you need the experienced heads round about you. The likes of Rogic, McGregor, Hart, these kinds of guys.

“They’ve been there, seen it, done it. You need that within your squad and then you can put the different jigsaw pieces next to them.

“So I’m pretty sure that there will have been conversations that have already happened.

“He’s maybe trying to keep it close to his chest. He doesn’t want to make a big deal of it and neither does the player.

“It wouldn’t surprise me in the near future if we did hear more about it. They’ll want to tie him down. Rogic is a great player and he’s still got a lot to offer.

“He’s only 29 and he’ll want to continue winning things for Celtic. He’s already won a heck of a lot as we stand, so he will probably want to continue.”

The Verdict: Evaluate in the summer?

Rogic was close to leaving the club back in 2020, and should he continue his impressive form, you’d expect links of a possible exit will only resurface in the summer.

He’ll be into the final 12 months of his contract ahead of the 2022/23 season, which seems to be a good time to reassess his future, but also a good time for any interested parties to stump up an offer.

Rogic will turn 30 at the end of the year, so you could argue that he still has a few more years to star in Scotland. On his form this season, with no other Celtic player registering more assists, a new deal seems to be a no brainer, but there is no rush to finalise one over the coming months.

In other news: Celtic gifted injury boost as reporter relays news involving ‘very valuable’ player via Twitter. 

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed a fresh doubt over David Turnbull ahead of the Hoops’ Scottish Cup semi-final clash this coming weekend. 

The lowdown: Not so perfect

As the Bhoys completed a 7-0 annihilation of St Johnstone at Parkhead to temporarily move nine points clear at the top of the Premiership, all appeared to be positive for Postecgolou.

However, soon after the match, it emerged that Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis had suffered a hamstring injury before being replaced in the first half.

Now it appears that Celtic have a fresh concern regarding another key player…

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The latest: Turnbull a doubt

Speaking to Celtic TV, as quoted by The Herald, Postecoglou admitted that there is also concern over Turnbull’s availability for the semi-final against Rangers on Sunday.

The 56-year-old stated: “Nothing concrete yet. Again, we’re still waiting on the final scans on it.

“Hopefully, it’s not too bad. He [Giakoumakis] feels like it’s not too bad. But until we get the information we won’t know.

“Similar with David Turnbull, he obviously got a pretty hard knock. It’s only a couple of days after so we’ll see how it all settles down.

“With both, I’m hoping it’s not too lengthy an absence.”

The verdict: Worth the risk?

So far this term, the 27-year-old Greek marksman has scored 13 times in 24 appearances, whilst Turnbull – who was hailed as a ‘class act’ by ex-Hoops boss Neil Lennon – has directly contributed to 17 goals in 37 outings across all competitions. Therefore, both are players who can make a discernible impact.

As Postecoglou prepares for what looks to be a crucial run-in on the quest for a domestic treble, it seems unlikely that the 56-year-old would take any unnecessary risk over two players of such importance.

Having won both Old Firm derbies since the turn of the year, the Hoops go into the semi-final encounter full of confidence, and with the returning Kyogo Furuhashi fit and available once again.

In the absence of Giakoumakis and Turnbull, the Japanese forward could be called upon to lead the line, whilst Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are likely to make up the midfield trio.

In other news, Pundit reacts to presure claim from Celtic man. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Rangers and their deal to bring John Souttar to Ibrox at the end of the campaign.

What’s the talk?

The Gers have already agreed a pre-contract deal with the defender and Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has now admitted that there are no talks to make the transfer happen immediately instead of in the summer.

He told the Glasgow Times: “There’s been nothing new with John. Although I saw they lost three goals today so I might get a phone call!

“But at this moment in time there’s been nothing.

“He’s fine. He’s left here and he’ll be back in tomorrow. And I expect he’ll be available for Tuesday if he’s still here.”

Fuming

Rangers fans will surely be fuming with this news as it suggests that Ross Wilson is not trying to secure a deal to sign the defender before the window closes.

Souttar could be a sensational addition to the squad and improve the side’s chances of winning the Premiership title this season. He has proven his quality at this level for Hearts and could replace one of Gio van Bronckhorst’s current options, strengthening the team in the process.

The Scotland international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.40 in the league this term – showing that he can perform to a high level on a consistent basis. He has won 70% of his duels in the division, making 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game.

Meanwhile, no Rangers centre-back has averaged a score higher than 7.18. This suggests that Souttar would come in and be an upgrade on what van Bronckhorst currently has to work with, which is why he could increase the club’s chances of securing the title ahead of Celtic for a second successive season.

Therefore, Gers fans will be gutted with Neilson’s comments as they indicate that Souttar will not be coming to Ibrox this month and they will have to wait until the summer to see him in a light blue shirt. They will be fuming with the club for not trying to negotiate a deal with Hearts to bring him in during the current window.

Although, it is worth saying that anything can still happen heading into deadline day and Rangers could pull a surprise in the final hours of the window to get a deal done. At this point, though, Souttar appears set to remain at his current side until the end of the campaign.

AND in other news,  Talks set: Rangers now eyeing key deal for “important” £16k-p/w beast, GVB needs it…

Glasgow Rangers could reportedly now sign Billy Gilmour on loan once the summer transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Norwich struggles

Gilmour’s loan spell at Norwich City from Chelsea has not quite worked out how both clubs would have hoped.

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The central midfield player has not always been a starter for the Canaries, and has only managed a mere two assists in 24 games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

There is no doubting the ability he has, having previously been dubbed an ‘exceptional talent’ by fellow Scotsman Steven Naismith, while former Scottish Premiership striker Noel Whelan has called him a ‘diamond’, but it seems as if another loan move away from Stamford Bridge is now likely in the summer, assuming that Norwich get relegated from the Premier League.

The Latest: Rangers bound?

Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that sources have told the news outlet that another loan ‘beckons’ for Gilmour, as he has ‘not done enough’ to nail down a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next campaign.

The Ibrox faithful are one of three clubs named as ‘possible destinations’ for the Scotland international, along with both Fulham and AFC Bournemouth.

The Verdict: Welcome return

Of course, Gilmour came through the youth ranks with the Teddy Bears, but never played a senior match for them before joining Chelsea.

He has since gone on to play for Scotland and in the Premier League, at just 20 years of age.

Gilmour has the potential to completely rip up the SPFL should he move, and just needs another manager like Giovanni van Bronckhorst to install that confidence back in him, as he looks to make a name for himself once more ahead of his country potentially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

In other news, find out which Premier League club are now eyeing up this Gers star here!

According to a source in Italy (via Sport Witness), the ‘auction has started’ for Lille’s Sven Botman ahead of the next transfer window, and Tottenham will provide competition to AC Milan in the race for his signature.

The Lowdown: January’s failed window

After missing out on two of the club’s top targets in both Adama Traore and Luis Diaz due to the moves being hijacked at the last moment, Antonio Conte’s side ended the January window with a late double swoop.

Both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur were signed from Paratici’s former club Juventus on deadline day, with a number of Spurs departures also taking place.

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The Latest: Paratici ‘wants’ Botman

According to SportMediaSet (via Sport Witness), the ‘auction has started’ for Lille defender Botman ahead of the summer window. Tottenham are said to ‘want’ the player, but face competition from Italy.

At this stage, there have been no indications to suggest what specific efforts are being made by Spurs for the player.

The Verdict: A wanted man

6 foot 4 Botman spent much of the January window being linked with a move to Newcastle United, whose highest offer for the defender totalled £33 million. Lille were firm in their stance, and the Magpies opted for Brighton’s Dan Burn instead. Liverpool have also previously been linked with the Dutchman, and now Tottenham have been pulled back into the picture.

It is no surprise to see so many teams interested in the towering young defender either – he leads his Lille side in clearances and blocks this season, per Whoscored, while also grabbing three goals and completing an impressive 88 per cent of his Ligue 1 pass attempts. To put that into context, no Spurs centre-back boasts a better pass success rate in the Premier League this term.

Described as a ‘great player’ by none other than Paolo Maldini, it is easy to see why Paratici will be in for a tough battle if Spurs want to secure the Dutchman’s signature, but what a signing he could be.

In other news: Pundit drops Tanguy Ndombele verdict

After a successful first transfer window for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa manager, it is clear to already see the direction the 41-year-old wants to take the Villans whilst in charge of the West Midlands outfit.

The additions of Lucas Digne for £25m from Everton and Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona were standout deals as Villa certainly made a statement of intent. However, big money purchases made back in the summer such as Leon Bailey and Danny Ings who were also major statements at the time from the NSWE group.

Of course, big spending will be essential if Aston Villa want to venture into Europe in the near future, however, it’s important to remember the deals that have proven to be bargains and not to shy away from them. John McGinn is the perfect example.

The Scottish midfielder has now been at Villa Park for three-and-a-half years having signed for £2m from Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian in August 2018.

When McGinn signed, Villa had just missed out on promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking, having lost 1-0 to Fulham in the Championship playoff final.

The midfielder would then go on to prove instrumental in the Second City club’s 2018/19 campaign, in which they finally achieved promotion back to the top-flight with a 2-1 win in the playoff final, this time against Derby County.

Fast-forward just under three years and the Scotsman has looked incredibly settled in the Premier League and has even been subject to strong interest from Manchester United amid a potential £50m move to Old Trafford.

Valued by Transfermarkt at £27m, a £50m fee would be a major scalp for Villa, particularly given that they paid £2m for his services in 2018. However, regardless of a potential swoop from another club, the Aston Villa hierarchy should be proud of striking gold in the form of McGinn.

When the 27-year-old signed for the then-Championship club, his market value stood at £1.58m, slightly under the figure paid by the West Midlands outfit. However, once the Villans secured promotion and McGinn upgraded his status to a Premier League footballer, his value rocketed to £5.58m.

The steepest upwards trajectory the Scotsman’s market value has received whilst being at Villa Park came in the opening months of his first Premier League campaign, going from being worth £5.58m in June 2019 to £18m in December 2019. In that period, McGinn scored all three of his Premier League goals that campaign, alongside two assists.

However, the outbreak of the pandemic threw a hefty blow to the 27-year-old’s value, which dropped to £14.4m in April 2020 and didn’t recover until December 2020.

The 2020/21 season saw McGinn’s value soar once again, as the Scot went from £18m to £27m by the end of the season, which hasn’t changed since.

In the 18 Premier League games McGinn has played this season, the 27-year-old has started all of them, failing to play the full 90 minutes on just two occasions which has led to the Scot being labelled as “terrific” by his manager.

Spending big money on luxury players will always excite fans more but, the midfielder is a vital asset to Gerrard’s setup and only cost a snip compared to the figures that some players nowhere near as essential have cost Aston Villa.

In other news: Aston Villa made a big January mistake by missing out on this potential signing

Newcastle United are set to miss out on target Nico Schlotterbeck with the Freiburg centre-back close to a move to German giants Borussia Dortmund.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the 22-year-old, who had been a January target for the Toon Army, is set to stay in Germany and make the move up the Bundesliga table to join Dortmund this summer.

The Freiburg defender opted against a move midway through the season in order to fully weigh up his options and will now snub a move to St.James’ Park for the Signal Iduna Park.

PIF and Howe headed for their first error

With the takeover of Newcastle by PIF, the North East outfit instantly became ambitious, with the upcoming summer transfer window set to see serious spending.

However, it already looks as though the Magpies will miss out on one defensive target in Sven Botman, who could be headed for AC Milan, and now missing out on another isn’t a great start to PIF’s dynasty.

Granted, the major first step was to secure Premier League survival this term which looks all but guaranteed with Newcastle on 40 points with five games remaining.

Moreover, Schlotterbeck would’ve undoubtedly improved Eddie Howes’ side’s defence.

The 22-year-old has been a kingpin in Freiburg’s success this term, with the Black Forest club currently fifth in the German top tier.

Averaging a colossal 81.6 touches per game, the centre-back is incredibly active, making 2.8 interceptions, 2.4 tackles and four clearances a league match, according to SofaScore.

Moreover, the German’s passing is excellent at 81%, averaging 50 passes a match whilst winning 67% of all duels.

Despite newfound solidity over recent months, Newcastle are still of the Premier League’s worst sides defensively, having conceded 55 goals in 33 games. Only Watford, Norwich and Leeds have shipped more.

According to SofaScore, January signing Dan Burn has been the Magpies’ best centre-back this term, but Schlotterbeck’s greater quality is clear to see.

Burn averages 57.3 touches a match whilst making 1.5 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 4.6 clearances with the Englishman’s passing also at 81%, although the defender averages 35.8 passes.

Furthermore, the 29-year-old wins fewer duels with a 58% success rate.

Despite having serious ambitions, right now Newcastle aren’t the same sort of prospect as Dortmund are and will now have to seek new defensive targets.

However, it is crucial for the football club’s success that Howe and PIF aren’t snubbed again as they look to reshape the structure of the Magpies as missing out on both Botman and Schlotterbeck should be seen as a disaster.

AND in other news: Fewer passes than Dubravka: NUFC dud who lost the ball every 2.3 touches let Howe down