Liverpool could finally solve their midfield dilemma, according to reports, as Jurgen Klopp potentially welcomes a new defensive midfielder.

The Reds missed out on Moises Caicedo in incredibly public fashion after initially reportedly reaching an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion, before the new Chelsea man rejected them.

What's the latest on Wataru Endo to Liverpool?

As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are set to sign Stuttgart captain Wataru Endo for €18m (£15m) after a fast breakthrough in negotiations, with the midfielder's medical even booked already for this coming Thursday.

Endo's arrival follows the Premier League giants' failed pursuit of Caicedo, and potentially Romeo Lavia, who is also reportedly set to complete a move to Chelsea this summer, with the Japan star agreeing personal terms in a matter of hours.

Whether or not Endo is available for Jurgen Klopp's side in their clash against Bournemouth on Saturday remains to be seen, but they have, at least, got themselves an option in defensive midfield going forward.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Last time out against Chelsea, of course, it was Alexis Mac Allister who covered the role, playing out of position in the process. With Endo arriving, however, the Argentine can return to his far more natural advanced position.

Should Liverpool sign Wataru Endo?

On paper, going from Caicedo, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder who helped Brighton into the Europa League last season, to Endo, Stuttgart's 30-year-old captain, can seem a tad underwhelming. But, the Japan international is potentially one to keep an eye on.

Following the news of his reportedly imminent Reds move, Bundesliga experts were quick to praise the midfielder, including The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Boor, who said: "Endo is a good player. Great competitor and professional, too. He might not be the player Liverpool fans want, but he’s worth a chance. I’d actually be excited to see what he can achieve among that group of players."

Going onto describe the Stuttgart captain's strengths, Stafford-Boor said: "He is a ball-winner, but he’ll do a fine job protecting the defence. He can play too, though."

Meanwhile, Romano was also quick to have a positive opinion, saying after reporting the news: "And he’s an extremely underrated player, ask Stuttgart fans."

So, everything is pointing in a positive direction when it comes to the Japan midfielder, giving Liverpool fans plenty of hope that this arrival will play a major part in fixing their issues in the middle of the park.

The statistics only make for more encouraging reading, too. When compared to former Liverpool defensive midfielder Fabinho last season, according to FBref, Endo made more progressive carries, more blocks, and more clearances, whilst also making just 0.16 fewer progressive passes. For a reported €18m (£15m), numbers like that are a bargain.

Even better news for Klopp is the fact that the Stuttgart star can also play centre-back, therefore providing cover in that area of the German's squad, as well as in midfield.

After the difficulties of their Caicedo pursuit, Liverpool have emerged to sign an unlikely, but perhaps suitable, midfield option. The Reds will hope to get the deal wrapped up in time for the Bournemouth game, where Anfield could see its first glimpse of Endo in a Liverpool shirt.

The New Zealand fast bowler, who took a career-best 7 for 34, said he was close to the form he showed in the 2015 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2017Trent Boult said he didn’t feel like it was one of those days when the ball “comes out of the hand well” but that didn’t stop him from wrecking West Indies with a career-best 7 for 34 to set up a 204-run win in Christchurch and clinch the series.Boult narrowly missed out on the best ODI figures by a New Zealand bowler but reached the landmark of 100 wickets – the fifth-fastest to the mark. “It wasn’t one of those days,” he said after delivering one of his most destructive spells. “There are some days when you feel like you can turn the batsman in half, swing the ball around and kind of beat them. “It felt a bit slow but I somehow got the damage done, I guess. The wicket was two-paced and a bit slower as well.”It was nice to get the new ball swinging. If I had to pin it down to something, I know that when I am swinging the ball, I wouldn’t say I am a different bowler, but I almost grow another limb in a way, so it was nice to knock over a few.”The accuracy and control he showed on Saturday drew comparisons with his performance in the 2015 World Cup. At that event, he finished as the joint highest wicket-taker, alongside Australia’s Mitchell Starc, and was one of the driving forces behind New Zealand’s run to the final.”I was getting in the click, swinging the ball well,” Boult said. “The World Cup is still one of my fondest memories where I was bowing quick and keeping quick in a way but very happy with where it is at the moment.”Boult reduced West Indies to 52 for 4 and their hopes of a fightback were effectively put to rest when fast bowler Lockie Ferguson picked up a further three wickets in two overs.”We’ve heard that he’s done well in domestic cricket but to see him come and train and perform like he has at the moment is impressive. He’s a really hurrying guy so you can see why he’s been doing well,” Boult said.”Everyone loves playing in these conditions, in conditions we know well and the home summers are exciting. With guys moving in and out of the squad and a few bowlers being moved around it’s great to see so much competition for spots and guys coming in and filling holes.”Boult has been rested for the first two T20Is, which start from December 29. The third ODI will be played on Boxing Day at Hagley Oval.

A surprise transfer target has emerged for Liverpool this week, with manager Jurgen Klopp looking to end the transfer window on a high and complete his side's midfield rebuild.

The Reds missed out on signing both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia this month after selling Fabinho to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad Club for £40m in July, and have since opted to delve down the shrewder road and sealed an unlikely £16m move for Stuttgart's Wataru Endo.

Klopp could now be set to seek another astute option, with dynamic Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer attracting the Merseyside outfit's attention, per reports.

What's the latest on Mats Wieffer to Liverpool?

According to FootballTransfers, Liverpool are interested in signing Wieffer to add depth and quality to their midfield before the transfer window closes in one week.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Alongside Endo, the Premier League side have completed deals for engine room duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wieffer could add the multi-faceted sheen to close the door on the central signings this summer.

Who is Mats Wieffer?

The 23-year-old Dutchman played 37 times across all competitions last season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists, and was instrumental in Feyenoord's emphatic Eredivisie triumph.

While Wieffer can thrive across a range of midfield roles, he occupied the deep-lying role on 33 occasions last year, and could be the dream fit to compete against Endo – more of a traditional No. 6 – for the holding midfield role under Klopp.

Indeed, the midfield machine ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Men's Next Eight divisions for assists, the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes, the top 14% for successful take-ons, the top 20% for tackles, the top 18% for blocks, the top 8% for clearances and the top 1% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

This exhaustive list underscores the kind of all-encompassing ace Liverpool would get their hands on if they are to forge ahead with a move during the business end of the transfer window, and given the likeness to Newcastle United's star man Bruno Guimaraes, it might be the move to make.

Hailed as "world-class" by teammate Dan Burn, Guimaraes has been the centrepiece of the Magpies' momentous exploits over the past two years, having chalked up after completing a £40m transfer from French side Lyon in January 2022.

A deep-lying midfielder, Guimaraes ranks among the top 18% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 14% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

He also made 2.4 tackles per game in the Premier League last season and won 57% of his ground duels, remarkably composed and emblematic of Newcastle's ascent of late.

Similarities can be drawn from the Brazilian's skill set and Wieffer's, with the latter man being described as an "elite" midfielder "controller" by data analyst Ben Mattinson.

If Klopp can utilise Wieffer's ball-playing skills and tenacity in the tackle, he could wield a star capable of matching Guimaraes' influence on English soil, and given that Liverpool have actually registered an interest in the 25-year-old machine earlier this year, he evidently offers a profile that is capable of slotting into the Reds' team.

Sharjeel Khan, currently banned from playing cricket by the board, is set to challenge the move with a writ petition later this month

Umar Farooq05-Dec-2017

The PCB edited their anti-corruption code in an attempt to prevent players from appealing their punishments in Pakistani courts, even as a tribunal was sitting on a number of spot-fixing cases. The lawyer of Sharjeel Khan, who was banned from all cricket for five years earlier this year, will file a writ petition against what he considers to be the PCB’s male fide intentions.”During the proceedings [of Sharjeel Khan’s case], the PCB edited their anti-corruption code, which is obviously not in good faith,” Shaighan Ejaz, Sharjeel’s lawyer, said. “They had made a change in their code on 18 July 2017. Just a month and two days later, a verdict was announced and neither the tribunal nor the independent adjudicator was informed about it. This is questionable behaviour.”The relevant new clause – 7.5.4 of the PCB’s anti-corruption code – reads: “An appeal against the decision of the Independent Adjudicator shall lie exclusively before the CAS.” The CAS is the Court of Arbitration (Sports), based in Lausanne, Switzerland.The edited clause at the centre of the row effectively rules out Sharjeel’s ability to take his case to the Court of Appeals in Lausanne. “The parties may, if they so desire, file an appeal under Article 7, read with Article 7.4 of the PCB’s of the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code for Participant, 2015, within 14 days of the receipt of the detailed decision, before the Court of Appeals in Lausanne, Switzerland, or an Independent Adjudicator in terms of the Constitution of the PCB.”Given that an independent adjudicator has already heard Sharjeel’s case, this clause would appear to rule out an appeal in Switzerland. And previously the clause did not make an appeal exclusive to the CAS.”The attempt they made is to oust the Pakistan judicial system and made sure that we will only be left with the option to go into the court of arbitration in Switzerland – which is obviously not feasible,” Ejaz said. “But I understand that you cannot rule out the jurisdiction of Pakistan’s courts and this will not happen. This is uncalled for. We will approach the high court soon; in fact, we will file a writ petition this month.”The PCB’s legal advisor Taffazul Rizvi told reporters that the modification was a routine change, and not one specifically designed to be applied to Sharjeel’s case. “In modern day sports, no code or regulation can remain stagnant,” he said. “Efforts to curb corrupt conduct in sports are updated regularly. Similarly, the PCB anti-corruption code also undergoes periodic reviews and amendments. Such amendments are never person-specific, and are applicable to all cricketers.”Pakistani courts have been involved in several PCB cases over the years, and haven’t been afraid to overturn board decisions on, to take one example, player bans and punishments.Sharjeel appeared for the first time in front of the media since his provisional suspension on February 10, continuing to proclaim his innocence. His ban, a suspended sentence, is effectively for two and a half years, meaning he cannot plot a return before the second half of 2019 at the earliest. He was representing Islamabad United at the PSL and was charged with five major breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code. He was found guilty on all five counts by a three-man tribunal.”My lawyer and I have fully cooperated throughout proceedings and I was expecting justice,” Sharjeel said, reading a prepared statement in Lahore. “But regretfully, at the end all I face is injustice. The PCB anti-corruption unit forcefully inducted me into a case which is beyond my understanding. Maybe there is another story hidden behind this which may be revealed with time. I swear to my nation and my fans that I am innocent.”If Sharjeel does not show public remorse and undergo the PCB’s rehabilitation program, he could end up serving the full five-year sentence.”Cricket is in my blood and it’s my passion and the punishment is severely painful for me and my family,” he said. “But what is more distressing is that I am being labelled a spot-fixer. So I have decided to clear my name and I will take this matter as far as possible.”The case against Sharjeel was centred on him playing pre-determined dot balls agreed with a bookmaker. According to Ijaz, that is merely based on assumptions, with the PCB failing to present any solid evidence.”During the entire process, we understood that the anti-corruption officials are not accountable,” Ijaz said. “They have all the discretion to do any kind of discrimination against any player and can trap any player and make any kind of case against anyone.”During the proceedings, PCB officials claimed Sharjeel had confessed to wrongdoing in Dubai and in Lahore on video. Sharjeel denies that is the case. “There were two interviews recorded, one in Dubai and the other in Lahore. On both occasions, I never confessed anything.”Ijaz said: “They had claimed that there was a lot of information from the ICC, and the PCB had prior knowledge of everything which was allegedly going to happen. This is an afterthought. If they knew anything, then there should be proof of it. Then why is that not presented at all? Where are they?”The most important thing is the statement by the PSL chairman (Najam Sethi). He said they had concrete evidence and a lot of things which a chairman should not have said. It seriously prejudiced proceedings and made the whole case a matter of ego, and Sharjeel’s exoneration would have proved personally embarrassing for Sethi.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Titular nas últimas duas vitórias do Londrina, o meia Matheus Bianqui aproveitou a semana livre de treinos para focar na preparação no duelo contra o São José pelo Brasileirão da Série C.

O jovem de 22 anos que iniciou entre os onze inicias contra o Boa Esporte e São Bento busca se firmar na equipe titular do Tubarão.

– O professor Alemão sempre pede para gente trabalhar independentemente de estar jogando ou não. O campeonato é longo e todos vão ter oportunidade, e foi isso que eu fiz, busquei meu espaço respeitando quem estava jogando e graças a Deus pude entrar na equipe. Espero ajudar da melhor forma possível e se firmar como titular – afirmou Matheus.

Após o triunfo por 1 a 0 contra o São Bento e emplacar a segunda vitória seguida na Série C, o Londrina teve a semana cheia para trabalhar. Bianqui exalta o tempo livre de preparação para que a equipe acerte alguns detalhes e possa embalar de vez na competição nacional:

– Foi importante esse tempo de treinamento para trabalhar e consertar alguns erros que cometemos nos outros jogos. Entrosar ainda mais a equipe e recuperar aqueles que estavam no departamento médico para chegarmos forte nesse jogo contra o São José na quinta-feira.

– A gente vem de duas vitórias importantes, precisamos manter o foco e a mesma intensidade de jogo. Pensamento é de vitória, sabemos que será uma partida difícil, respeitando sempre a equipe do São José, mas o objetivo é sair com os três pontos, pois nos vai dar uma condição muito boa na tabela de classificação – concluiu.

Com oito pontos ganhos, o Londrina ocupa a quinta colocação do Grupo B da terceira divisão. Algo que o coloca a somente quatro pontos de distância do ponteiro da chave, o Brusque.

RelacionadasCorinthiansAndrés Sanchez comenta protesto de torcedores no aeroporto: ‘Emboscada’Corinthians15/09/2020PalmeirasAlexandre Mattos reforça legado no Palmeiras: ‘Base forte nasceu na minha sala’Palmeiras15/09/2020BotafogoDesgaste faz Botafogo ‘jogar a toalha’ por renovação de MarcinhoBotafogo15/09/2020

كشف مصدر بـ منتخب مصر عن موقف اللاعبين المحترفين الذين سيتواجدون في معسكر يونيو استعداداً لمباراتي بوركينا فاسو وغينيا بيساو ضمن تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

منتخب مصر يعتلي صدارة ترتيب المجموعة الأولى التي تضم إلى جواره منتخبات بوركينا فاسو وغينيا بيساو وسيراليون وإثيوبيا وجيبوتي، برصيد 6 نقاط.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو في القاهرة يوم 6 يونيو، بينما تلعب مواجهة غينيا بيساو خارج القاهرة يوم 10 يونيو.

وقال المصدر في تصريحات خاصة لـ”بطولات”: “منتخب مصر تأكد من جاهزية محمود حسن تريزيجيه لمعسكر يونيو، في الوقت الذي سيغيب فيه عمر مرموش بسبب إجراءه عملية جراحية في إصبعه”.

وأكمل: “حسام حسن طلب من الجهاز الطبي حسم موقف أحمد حجازي من معسكر يونيو، بعدما أصيب منذ أسبوعين بالتواء في مفصل الركبة مع فريقه اتحاد جدة”.

وأردف: “لا ينوي حسام حسن ضم سام مرسي نجم وسط إيبسويتش تاون والمتأهل للبريميرليج، وأيضًا محمد النني لاعب وسط أرسنال، حيث يرى العميد بأنه ليس في حاجة فنية لـ سام مرسي، إلى جانب ابتعاد النني عن المشاركة في المباريات طوال الفترات الأخيرة مع فريقه”.

طالع.. خاص | اتحاد الكرة يتوجه بطلب هام للجهات الأمنية قبل مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو

واستطرد: “كما وضع حسام حسن، برنامج خاص لحمدي فتحي للحفاظ على لياقته بعدما أنهى مبارياته مع فريق الوكرة يوم 13 مايو الماضي، وسينتظم اللاعب في تدريبات الفراعنة مع بداية المعسكر”.

واختتم: “كما تأكد حسام حسن من وجود محمد صلاح في معسكر يونيو، والأمر نفسه لمصطفى محمد مهاجم نانت الفرنسي، ومحمد شريف لاعب الخليج السعودي”.

West Ham United are beginning to spend the £105m that was raised via the sale of homegrown hero Declan Rice as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad.

Edson Alvarez has already arrived in a £35.4m deal, while Moyes is eyeing up a move for Man United striker Antony Martial in a bid to improve his attacking options.

The Scot could even turn to Serie A before the end of the transfer window.

Who do West Ham want to sign?

According to reports in Italy, West Ham are keen on making a move for Lazar Samardzic before the window slams shut in just under two weeks.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Inter Milan are also keen on the Serbian starlet, as per the Calciomercato, and a move looked set to be completed, however, some extra demands were added at the 11th hour of negotiations and the move has stalled.

This could allow Moyes to swoop in and secure his signature in the coming days, beating the Italian giants to the youngster and it would represent a major statement of intent from the club.

Football Transfers currently value the player at £10m, making this move a potential bargain for the Londoners.

Who is Lazar Samardzic?

Although perhaps not as well known on these shores, the 21-year-old has been drawing plenty of praise during his spell at Udinese.

Journalist Bence Bocsak lauded him in April, saying: “7 out of Lazar Samardžić‘s last 10 goals were scored from outside the box.

“Blessed with an abundance of energy, excellent technique and great vision, he’s got the hallmarks of a top midfielder."

Further acclaim was given by Sacha Pisani, who said Samardzic had “ridiculous skill” and it appears, on the surface anyway, that he’d be an ideal signing for West Ham.

Indeed, the 6-foot livewire is also statistically similar to Arsenal talisman Martin Odegaard and judging by his recent form for the Gunners, turning them from European hopefuls to title challengers, it isn’t a bad comparison to have.

According to FBref, the Norwegian gem is the sixth-most similar player to Samardzic across Europe’s top leagues, suggesting he’d be an incredible addition to the West Ham side.

Last season saw the duo register similar statistics with regard to shots per 90 (2.44 to 2.68), pass success rate (80.1% to 80.3%), goal-creating actions per 90 (both 0.49) and tackles (33 to 36).

WhoScored also suggests that Samardzic and Odegaard excel at key passes and dribbling, as both pose a key threat from the midfield and aim to get forward as often as possible.

The Serbia international did register nine goal contributions last term, which was some way down on Odegaard’s total of 23 and suggests he still has work to do in order to become one of the very best, but it's a promising start nonetheless.

If given the freedom of the West Ham midfield, he could thrive in a similar vein to the Norwegian superstar and register double digits for goal contributions in the Premier League.

With Inter still in the hunt, Moyes will need to act swiftly to bring this deal over the line.

Ireland and Afghanistan’s desire to play consistent Test cricket is on the verge of fulfillment as both countries are scheduled to play a combined total of 29 Tests in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme (2019-23).Ireland will play 16 Tests while Afghanistan are scheduled to play 13, in a calendar which is due to get a final approval at the ICC annual conference in June 2018.It is a big shot in the arm for both Ireland and Afghanistan, who secured Full Membership in June. Even before the new FTP kicks in, both countries have secured opponents for their maiden Tests. Ireland will host Pakistan in May 2018 in Malahide while Afghanistan are set to travel to India next year with the itinerary likely to be finalised shortly.Ireland and Afghanistan, along with Zimbabwe, are not part of the Test Championship league, which will commence immediately after the 2019 World Cup. Nonetheless, the new FTP allows both to cut their teeth in Test cricket, albeit at a slower pace compared to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe – the last three entrants into the format. In their first five years Bangladesh played 40 Tests while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe played 24 Tests each.Ireland ‘s roster is somewhat richer in comparison to Afghanistan’s in that they play half of the top-nine countries. Ireland are scheduled to play a one-off Test against Australia (2019), Sri Lanka (2020), England (2021) and then host New Zealand and South Africa in 2022. In addition, Ireland will face Afghanistan (5 Tests), Zimbabwe (4 Tests) and Bangladesh (2 Tests).Both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will play nearly equal number of Tests at home and away. Ireland will play seven home Tests and nine away while Afghanistan seven at home and six away.Presently, Australia are the only upper-tier country to play against Afghanistan in the new FTP. Both countries will play a one-off Test in 2020 and 2022. Afghanistan’s other opponents will be: Ireland (5 Tests), Zimbabwe (4 Tests), Bangladesh (1 Test) and West Indies (1 Test).Zimbabwe are scheduled to play 17 Tests in the four-year cycle. Out of the 17, Zimbabwe will play Bangladesh in six Tests followed by four each against Ireland and Afghanistan, two against Sri Lanka and one against West Indies.Playing fewer Tests and focusing on limited-overs cricket is now part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s restructuring plans.Compared to 17 Tests (12 at home) Zimbabwe will play 40 ODIs and 31 T20s during the next FTP.

Southampton appear to be on course to secure a move for an in-demand player late in the window, according to an update from reliable reporter John Percy.

What’s the latest Southampton transfer news?

The Saints and Russell Martin have made a bright start to life in the Championship, scoring 10 goals in their opening four second-tier fixtures. The club have won three and drawn one of the four games and are preparing for a trip to Sunderland on Saturday.

However, before then, there is the small matter of the transfer deadline on Friday evening, and it looks as if there could be a few incomings at St Mary’s. So far this summer, the club have brought in six new players.

Southampton completed summer signings

Player

Fee

Previous club

Mason Holgate

Loan

Everton

Ryan Fraser

Loan

Newcastle United

Joe Lumley

Free transfer

Queens Park Rangers

Shea Charles

£15 million

Manchester City

Ryan Manning

Free transfer

Swansea City

Flynn Downes

Loan

West Ham United

All transfer fees courtesy of Sky Sports News

Reports in recent days have suggested that Sunderland striker Ross Stewart is a target, with a second bid made worth around £6m plus £1.5m in add-ons. Alongside Stewart, Taylor Harwood-Bellis is another who has been linked with a move to the south coast, and it looks like a transfer is on the cards.

The Telegraph’s Percy shared an update regarding Harwood-Bellis in a story focusing Cole Palmer’s pending move to Chelsea. He stated that it is Southampton who are set to win the race to sign Harwood-Bellis on loan.

The Daily Echo have also claimed that progress was made over a transfer for the defender on Wednesday and may be concluded late on Thursday.

How good is Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

Harwood-Bellis spent last season on loan with Burnley and helped the Clarets win the Championship at the first time of asking.

Vincent Kompany praised the player's attitude at Turf Moor during the previous campaign, saying:

“I think Taylor has done exactly what I’ve expected him to do. I’ve known Taylor since he was a very young footballer before he was even a first-team player, and his one outstanding attribute is his attitude.

"He really has an outstanding attitude and he’s got good habits of high-level professionals. His level is for everyone to see. I had him when he was at Anderlecht, and he’s a better player now.

"The player he is now today, give him another year or two, he’s going to be a much-improved player again because he has the right attitude.”

He was labelled as the “real deal” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig during his time at Turf Moor, and statistically, Harwood-Bellis has impressed.

As per FBref, the centre-back has ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs for passes attempted and completed over the past 12 months and the top 5% for progressive passes, so could slot perfectly into Martin’s possession-based system.

Defensively, Harwood-Bellis also ranks in the 93rd percentile for interceptions and has averaged 2.91 aerials won per 90, and by the looks of things, a return to the second tier is on the cards.

Glasgow Rangers have enjoyed a productive transfer window thus far, signing nine players, although Michael Beale could perhaps have a trick or two up his sleeve heading into its final two weeks.

It’s clear the manager is aiming to bring another defender to the club, with Harry Souttar and Jake Cooper among those who have been linked recently.

The Ibrox side have conceded three times across their four matches in the Premiership and Champions League so far this term, and it was a mix-up in the box which led to Kilmarnock scoring the winner in the opening league match.

But Beale could yet make a surprise signing, as the Gers have recently shown interest in QPR midfielder Sam Field ahead of a potential swoop.

Could Rangers sign Sam Field?

Football Insider has claimed that the Light Blues are ‘admirers’ of the player and Beale knows all about his strengths, having coached him during his brief spell in charge of the Championship side last season.

Burnley are also keen on signing him and Field may have to make a choice between Premier League football or winning trophies and potentially getting a chance to experience the Champions League.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

The £7.3k-per-week brute is entering the final year of his contract, which could entice Beale to make a low bid in order to convince QPR to sell this summer.

Could Sam Field improve Rangers?

The Glasgow outfit have already bolstered their midfield options by signing Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes, and alongside Nicolas Raskin, the two players could form a key duo in the heart of the midfield.

Ryan Jack also signed a new one-year contract at the end of the season, and he still has plenty to offer.

Last season, the Scot had a pass completion percentage of 91%, which was the highest out of the Rangers squad in the league, while he also made 1.1 key passes per game and grabbed two assists – ranking in the top ten for both metrics, showing he could be an important part of the side.

However, this could be his final year at the club, and Field could be an ideal heir to the 31-year-old. The Englishman is more defensively minded, and compared to positional peers playing at a similar level, he ranks in the top 7% across the next eight leagues for interceptions, blocks, clearances, and aerials won per 90 over the previous 12 months (as per FBref).

These excellent defensive attributes would allow others in the midfield area to push further forward knowing that Field would cover well behind them, which could make him a wonderful signing.

Gareth Ainsworth, his current manager at QPR, lauded the 25-year-old for being “sensational” back in April, and he has continued to impress so far this campaign.

During his two Championship matches thus far, Field has already won 6.5 duels per game while averaging four interceptions per match, and it’s clear his strengths lie in gaining possession of the ball while showcasing an impressive physical presence.

Jack’s role at the Gers has reverted to more of a squad option, and by signing Field in the coming weeks, Beale could unearth a natural heir to the Scot.