Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin revealed that Hamza Igamane was unable to come on as a substitute against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

The Light Blues were held to a 1-1 draw away from Ibrox, needing a goal from substitute Findlay Curtis, and they were unable to call upon the Morocco international from the bench.

Speaking after the game, Martin said: “We had a bid this week for Hamza, we rejected it. All was fine. Trained fine yesterday [Saturday], warmed up fine. I turned around to him at 60 minutes because I wanted two strikers on the pitch. Hamza told me he was injured.”

With just under a week left to go before the end of the summer transfer window, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the Moroccan frontman.

Euro club make approach for Rangers striker

Whilst Martin has already confirmed that an offer has been rejected for Igamane, there is no concrete interest from a European club in one of their other forwards.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to L’Arena, as relayed by Calcio Hellas, Serie A side Hellas Verona have approached Rangers about a deal to sign Cyriel Dessers before the end of the window.

The report claims that the Italian outfit are looking for a loan whilst the Gers want a permanent exit for the Nigeria international, and that a compromise could be made with a loan leading to an obligation to buy next summer.

It adds that the experienced forward would cost a fee of around £3.4m, but it remains to be seen whether or not Hellas Verona will press ahead with a deal at that valuation.

Why Rangers should cash in on Cyriel Dessers

Whilst it is not exactly how these situations work, Rangers should look to cash in on Dessers ahead of Igamane if possible, as he is a worse option in the centre-forward position for this season.

If the Gers can get the Morocco international on board with Martin’s project, Rangers could have an electrifying striker who could be a real difference-maker in the final third.

Dessers, meanwhile, has been the first-choice striker for two seasons at Ibrox and has blown hot and cold. Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness went as far as to describe him as “marmite”, “invisible”, and “frustrating” for supporters.

The Nigerian forward has scored 34 goals in the Scottish Premiership for Rangers in just over two years at the club, but the underlying numbers suggest that Igamane has the potential to offer even more to the team as the main number nine.

Appearances

35

33

Goals

18

12

Big chances missed

20

6

Big chances created

2

10

Assists

2

1

Ground duel success rate

34%

40%

Aerial duel success rate

32%

39%

Dribbles completed per game

0.3

1.3

As you can see in the table above, Igamane was significantly more efficient with the ‘big chances’ that came his way, whilst being more creative, more effective in duels, and offering more as a ball carrier.

These statistics suggest that the Moroccan star, who played off the left wing at times, could offer more to the team as a clinical goalscorer and a creative threat as the main number nine ahead of Dessers at Ibrox.

This means that a move to Hellas Verona for the former Cremonese marksman could open the door for Igamane to be the main man up front for Rangers, which could provide him with a platform to showcase his talents and attract even more interest in future transfer windows.

Martin could make that point to the striker and dangle the carrot of being the main man for the Light Blues this season in a post-Dessers world, despite interest from elsewhere in the current window, in an attempt to keep him at Ibrox.

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Therefore, in an ideal world, Rangers could cash in on Dessers and tempt Igamane to commit to the team as the main man. However, life is not always simple, and there could be a world where the Light Blues lose both of them in the next six days, which would be far from ideal.

Tottenham are set to be very active in this final stretch of the window, and we can expect talks for attacking targets to intensify quickly after they were robbed of a deal for Eberechi Eze by north London rivals Arsenal.

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The Lilywhites thought they were closing in on Eze, then Arsenal moved, and everything changed.

Spurs were deep in talks with Crystal Palace, seemingly on the brink of agreeing a deal for their star number 10.

However, Arsenal reignited their long-standing interest almost immediately after losing Kai Havertz to injury – seizing the initiative and agreeing a deal worth £60 million upfront, plus £7.5 million in add-ons.

Despite Tottenham agreeing both personal terms and a deal in principle with Palace, the final decision rested with Eze, and he chose a move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old grew up a Gunners fan, trained in their academy as a youth, and Mikel Arteta’s side needed fresh attacking flair amid Havertz’s fresh knee problem. Arsenal have been targeting Eze all summer, but Havertz inadvertently pushed them into action whilst breaking Spurs’ hearts in the process.

Now Spurs are left scrambling for different options to plug the creative voids left in their squad – made worse by Son Heung-min’s departure and James Maddison’s long-term ACL injury.

In just a few hours, the tag-team of Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta snatched the deal from under Daniel Levy’s nose. From nearly finalized by Tottenham to firmly Arsenal’s – this one will sting in N17 for some time.

Levy and Thomas Frank will be desperate to put the saga behind them whilst making a serious statement of intent, and they’ve been linked with a few intriguing attacking options in the aftermath of their botched Eze deal.

Tottenham are still trying to loosen Man City’s grip on Savinho, but another option is still there in the form of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

Tottenham could be close to agreeing loan deal for Rodrygo

According to Defensa Central, the Brazilian is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans, and his pool of suitors is running thin.

As things stand, Spurs are the most realistic destination for him, and their eagerness to offload him has resulted in Bernabeu chiefs softening their stance when it comes to his £86 million price tag.

So much so, in fact, that Real are now prepared to green-light an initial loan for Rodrygo, something that is enticing Tottenham as Levy maintains an interest in the 24-year-old.

As per Defensa, this means that Tottenham “could be close” to reaching an agreement for Rodrygo, as they’re also ready to cover the player’s entire £208,000-per-week salary.

The only roadblock is apparently whether Levy will agree to include a buy-option/obligation, as Florentino Perez would ideally like his price tag paid in full, but could be forced to wait until 2026.

Rodrygo, for his part, has decided to leave Real in pursuit of more game time, and while not explicitly stated, the prospect of a Premier League move could well tempt him.

Called a “superstar” by Luka Modrić, Rodrygo bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Los Blancos last term.

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منذ انضمامه إلى ليفربول عام 2017، فقد اعتمد مشجعو ليفربول باستمرارية على حتمية تسجيل محمد صلاح للأهداف، بالصورة التي جعلته يتوج هدافًا للدوري الإنجليزي أكثر من مرة خلال مواسمه الثمانية مع الريدز.

وكان من المتوقع أن يواصل صلاح تألقه، بعد أن قدم أفضل أداء الموسم الماضي، ولكن بعد 10 مباريات من الموسم الجديد فقد ظهر على اللاعب علامات الإرهاق.

وقد كانت هزيمة ليفربول أمام تشيلسي هي الأخيرة في أحدث العروض السيئة التي قدمها صلاح هذا الموسم، لكنه لم يكن الوحيد الذي ابتعد عن مستواه ويبدو صاحب القميص رقم 11 الآن ظلاً لما كان عليه في السابق.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جاري نيفيل يهاجم أداء محمد صلاح وثلاثي ليفربول أمام تشيلسي: افتقروا للإبداع

وبدأ مشجعو ليفربول يشعرون بالقلق من تدهور أداء صلاح بشكل دائم، وتحدث زميله السابق دانييل ستوريدج ودافع عنه وضد من يقولون إنه قد انتهى تمامًا.

وقال ستوريدج في تصريحات لـ”سكاي سبورت”: “لست قلقاً، أعتقد أنه يحاول فهم كيفية اللعب مع مهاجمين أكفاء واستغلال فرصه”.

وأضاف: “لقد تراجع مستواه من حيث الإحصائيات ومستوى الأداء الذي اعتدنا عليه، لكنني أعتقد أنه يحاول فهم كيفية اللعب مع هذين المهاجمين (إيزاك وإيكتيكي)”.

واختتم مهاجم ليفربول وتشيلسي السابق: “لقد عمل بفعالية مع لويس دياز الذي لم يكن مهاجمًا صريحًا، وكان جوتا لاعبًا رائعًا، لكنه لم يكن مهاجمًا صريحًا، لعب على الأطراف مع وولفرهامبتون أحياناً وكذلك بوبي فيرمينيو، والآن كما ترى فهو يعمل مع مهاجمين حقيقيين، المساحة محدودة والفرق تلعب في عمق الملعب”.

Aston Villa are now making advances in their pursuit of a “fabulous” attacker, with Unai Emery keen to bolster his forward line before the September 1st transfer deadline.

Emery keen on new forward after disappointing start

The 0-0 draw against Newcastle United on the opening day wasn’t the worst result, but Emery is likely to be a little more concerned by his side’s most recent performance, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat away at Brentford on Saturday.

The Villans dominated possession throughout the match, and arguably should have at least drawn the game on the balance of play, recording an xG of 1.23, compared to Brentford’s 1.27, but they were ultimately unable to take their chances.

As such, it is no surprise that Emery wants to bring in at least one new attacker before the deadline, and Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that three forwards with Premier League experience remain on the manager’s shortlist.

However, according to a report from A Bola (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have also submitted an offer for a Liga Portugal forward, namely Sporting CP’s Geny Catamo, with a €20m (£17m) proposal being tabled.

The Villans are said to be making advances in their pursuit of Catamo, but there is set to be competition for his signature from Fenerbahce, and the most recent offer was deemed too low by Sporting.

The Portuguese club are looking to hold out for around €25m – €30m (£22m – £26m) for the forward, meaning Monchi will have to increase his offer to tempt them into a sale.

He's like Duran & Benteke: Aston Villa make £65m star their top target

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ByWill Miller Aug 23, 2025 Catamo could be "fabulous" Ramsey replacement

With Jacob Ramsey departing to join Newcastle United, Emery could do with bringing in another versatile midfielder, and the Sporting star certainly fits the bill in that regard, given that he is capable of playing on both wings and in attacking midfield.

Once lauded as “fabulous” by former coach Filipe Celikkaya, the 24-year-old also played a major role in Sporting CP’s back-to-back Liga Portugal title triumphs in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns, regularly chipping in with goals and assists.

Season

League appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

27

8

2024-25

30

7

That said, it would be a risk to sign Catamo, given that he is unproven in one of Europe’s top leagues, and with Villa known to be treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may be better to only bring in Jackson, who could set them back £65m.

Australia will finish in the top two with a win in the New Year’s Test, but a loss will keep India interested while Sri Lanka will be hoping for a draw

S Rajesh30-Dec-2024

Nathan Lyon finished off the match to take Australia up 2-1 at the MCG•Getty Images

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If Australia win the Sydney Test against India, they are through to the WTC final regardless of results in Sri Lanka – if Australia were to win in Sydney but lose both Tests in their upcoming series in Sri Lanka, they would finish on 57.02 percentage points to India’s 50 and Sri Lanka’s 53.85.A draw in Sydney will keep them ahead of India, but it would leave the door open for Sri Lanka to sneak through; if Australia were to draw in Sydney but lose both Tests in Sri Lanka, they would finish on 53.51, while Sri Lanka would climb up to 53.85.If Australia were to lose in Sydney, they would need one win in Sri Lanka to qualify. A 1-1 verdict in Sri Lanka after losing in Sydney would leave Australia on 57.02 to India’s 55.26. If Australia draw both Tests in Sri Lanka after losing in Sydney, India and Australia will be level on 55.26, but India will qualify on the basis of having won more series in this WTC cycle.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

IndiaIndia need to win in Sydney to stay in contention for the WTC final. A win would take India to 55.26, which would be enough for them to finish second if Australia were to achieve no more than two draws in Sri Lanka. As mentioned above, if Australia draw both Tests, they will finish level with India on percentage, but India will qualify with more series wins in this cycle. If Australia lose 1-0, they will drop to 53.51, and Sri Lanka will finish with 48.72 (with a 1-0 win).However, if India only manage a draw, they will drop to 51.75 and will be out of the WTC final race. That is because even if Australia were to lose both Tests in Sri Lanka after drawing in Sydney, they would finish on 53.51, while Sri Lanka would climb up to 53.85.Sri LankaThe only way Sri Lanka can qualify is if the Sydney Test ends in a draw and they then beat Australia 2-0. In that case, Sri Lanka, on 53.85, would finish above Australia (53.51) and India (51.75).If India win in Sydney, they will knock Sri Lanka out. Australia, also, will certainly finish ahead of Sri Lanka if they go to 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rangers fans protested against Russell Martin, whom they consider the "worst manager in their history", after a dismal start to the 2025-26 campaign. Rangers faced Hibernian in a Scottish League Cup quarter-final clash on Saturday and after the team's 2-0 win, Martin bizarrely thanked supporters, despite their vehement protest at the Stadium.

Rangers fans protested against Martin

On Sunday, during Rangers' Scottish League Cup quarter-final tie against Hibernian, the supporters of the Scottish giants displayed vehement protest outside the Ibrox as they demanded the ouster of manager Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart. Inside the stadium, the fans unfurled banners with the words written: "Russell out – worst manager in history." They also hurled balls onto the pitch, which led to a delay in the start of the game. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMartin thanks Rangers fans

The under-fire Rangers boss was asked about the pre-match protest after the game, to which he said: "Well, it was actually right during the team talk, but it's like I said to the guys, I can't control any of it. And also a bit of perspective, like I said, yesterday in the press conference about some family stuff this week that's been really difficult to put in some perspective.But we had control of the performance and we had control of, not the start of the game, but the fans at the end of the game. And I have to say I thought the fans were brilliant. 

"They made their feelings really clear, and then once that was done, the team started playing with a bit of flow. I think they were really, really good. So I have to thank them for that. At this football club, it comes about one person really quickly. But it's just not. It's not. It's about so many people, staff and the players. It's become about me, not by my choice. So now, hopefully it'll become more and more about the team if we put in performances like that."

Rangers' maiden win in domestic competitions

After going winless in their first five Scottish Premiership matches, which included four losses, Rangers finally registered their maiden win in domestic competitions as they rode on Nicolas Raskin and Bojan Miovski's first-half goals.

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GettyWho could replace Martin at Rangers

Rangers’ hierarchy have publicly backed Martin but are reportedly exploring alternatives if results at Ibrox don’t improve. Among the potential candidates is the son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, Davide, who is currently in charge of Botafogo in Brazil.

Match abandonedAlyssa Healy was prevented from testing herself in the middle with the wicketkeeping gloves as the Governor-General match against England was abandoned after less than 29 overs due to rain in Sydney, while quick bowler Lauren Filer endured a difficult start to her Ashes tour with the ball as she repeatedly lost her footing in delivery.Australia captain Healy was using this match to test her readiness to return with the gloves after playing as a batter only against New Zealand late last year, but was only able to have a hit as she made a crisp 38 in a rapid opening stand of 91 with Georgia Voll who again impressed with a 38-ball half-century.After the game had been called off due to frequent stoppages, Healy had a 20-minute keeping session on the outfield with Australia’s coaching staff ahead of Sunday’s first ODI.Related

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Rain delayed the start after the toss had taken place and when play did begin, Filer struggled to keep her footing from the Scoreboard End and slipped four times before rain took the players off again.On resumption, Filer did not complete her opening over with Nat Sciver-Brunt bowling the final delivery. Filer later returned from the Fig Tree End but again kept slipping over in her delivery stride and finished with figures of 2.5-0-33-0.However, England coach Jon Lewis was not overly concerned by Filer’s difficulties saying it was something she often did at training as she powered through the crease and that the damp conditions made it additionally challenging.”It’s a very similar thing to what Mark Wood does,” Lewis said. “When your front foot lands, you are trying to get your front leg and to do that you pull your leg back…so if there’s nothing for you to grip against when you pull your leg then you tumble. It was little bit greasy out there so wasn’t ideal for her, but we hope the wicket on Sunday will be a little less grassy and a bit drier.”Lauren Filer lost her footing a number of times in her delivery stride•Getty Images

While groundstaff were working on the take-off area during Filer’s opening over there was a lengthy chat between the England players at the umpires and Lewis conceded conditions had not been ideal.”There’s always a risk when it’s a little bit wet,” he said. “Was I uncomfortable, probably not, was I comfortable probably somewhere in the middle between the two things. Again, it was important to try and get some overs into our bowlers in this game.”Lewis was confident Filer wouldn’t be affected by the struggles of her first bowl in the middle on a tour where her pace had been viewed as providing a cutting edge to England’s attack”She’s pretty confident with where she’s at,” Lewis said. “She bowled well down pace there for what she would normally bowl because it was quite hard to stand up. When you are a bowler and it’s hard to stand up it’s not easy to put the ball where you want it because you are running in at 20kph an hour and trying to land a ball in a really small space.”Whether Filer plays the opening ODI may come down to the fitness of Kate Cross, who didn’t featured in the warm-up game and instead bowled out at Cricket Central, following the back spasms that curtailed her tour of South Africa. Lewis said they would have a clearer picture of her availability in the next couple of days and also played down the significance of the warm-up match being truncated.”We’d have liked to have played more cricket, [but] we can’t control the weather,” he said. “We’ll front up on Sunday, the players are ready, we’ve played a lot of cricket over the last four or five months since the World Cup, through South Africa…so they’ve come here and it feels like they’ve hit the ground running so we feel like we’re in a pretty good space.”The forecast for the next couple of days in Sydney is for further showers which may impact the preparations of both sides.