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Glasgow Rangers have been forced to disband their legal action as they looked to recuperate £2,840,236 that they believed they were owed by Mike Ashley.

The Lowdown: Sports Direct dispute

The Gers had announced legal proceedings against Ashley and Sports Direct as they looked to recuperate £2,840,236 plus interest and expenses.

They believed they were owed the money through their merchandise deal with Hummel, in what is the latest and hopefully last of several battles against Ashley.

The Latest: Gers miss out

Unfortunately for the Ibrox outfit, it appears they will miss out on the money (via The Glasgow Times).

The Court of Appeal’s Civil division has sided with Ashley in this case, backing Sports Direct’s bid to block the claim and thus the Ibrox outfit can no longer pursue the case and will come out empty-handed.

The Verdict: Is it finally over?

Ashley continues to be a thorn in the Gers’ side. In October 2014, he purchased an 8.92% stake in the club, and he was an enemy for the supporters from pretty much that day forward. He had problems with the fans, and he even tried to us Ibrox as security in his attempts to secure a £10m loan.

Although the tycoon has now sold his shares, his Sports Direct company was, until last summer, still linked to the club.

So, even though the Gers will miss out on a decent amount of money in this case – money which could have perhaps contributed to transfers ahead of a Champions League campaign – perhaps now they can put the whole sorry saga behind them and no longer deal with the infamous Newcastle United owner.

In other news, Rangers are interested in this striker.

In a fresh twist, it seems Tottenham Hotspur do still have a chance at reappointing Mauricio Pochettino…

What’s the word?

According to Le10 Sport, Paris Saint-Germain have already lined up a replacement for the 49-year-old in the event he leaves Les Parcs des Princes before the 2021/22 campaign in the from of Zinedine Zidane.

A little over a week ago, reports linked the Argentine with a sensational return to North London, with The Athletic claiming that both parties had held talks and were very keen for a reunion.

However, the Ligue 1 giants have held firm in their stance of keeping the former Spurs boss but this latest development throws further shade on the situation.

It’s thought that interest from the Lilywhites has led to tensions rising between Pochettino and sporting director Leonardo, and the French outfit are now dreaming of the recently-departed Real Madrid head coach.

A door opens?

Spurs’ manager search has gone down many different paths since the sacking of Jose Mourinho nearly two months ago, with the latest being a major setback over Antonio Conte.

The North London hierarchy turned their attention to the nine-time trophy-winning Italian after the blow to Pochettino but after reported ‘positive talks,’ both sides decided to walk away over concerns, as per the Telegraph.

What Spurs do next very much remains to be seen because, on the face of it, they appear to be back at square one – though this latest twist could open the door for another run at Pochettino.

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Zidane is available for free right now having left the Bernabeu at the end of the season, so it’s an easy and quick fix for PSG if the 49-year-old were to leave.

This news will leave many in North London absolutely buzzing because plenty of fans are desperate to see their former favourite back in the dugout, and when a move for him was effectively dead and buried, they were gutted beyond belief.

As relayed by This is Futbol, some supporters were hugely excited, with one suggesting it was “like Christmas Eve” whilst another claimed he was “salivating uncontrollably.”

But this quickly turned sour as a further member of the Spurs faithful described the blow in their bid to secure the Argentine as “embarrassing and pathetic” and again, some wanted the board and the chairman out, just weeks after many protested against the club’s hierarchy.

As described by reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold, Pochettino really is Tottenham’s “ideal candidate.” Therefore, if PSG are already planning to find Pochettino’s successor, then there’s every chance that Spurs have a clear shot at bringing him home.

On the above evidence, that’ll surely leave many delighted.

AND in other news, Spurs could wave goodbye to Kane if Levy hires “stubborn” 62 y/o flop with “no plan B”…

Mark Douglas has shared some enticing insight into the Premier League and what they may do with Newcastle United’s anti-competition case.

The Lowdown: Ashley against the Premier League

Mike Ashley has launched an anti-competition lawsuit against the top flight with regards to their decision-making process in the failed takeover at St. James’ Park by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

This is a separate case to arbitration, which is set to take place between the two parties in July.

If the North East club are successful in the arbitration hearing, then the anti-competition lawsuit would no longer need to be launched, but it does provide a safety blanket for Ashley if the results do not go his way.

The Latest: Premier League insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has shared that it is expected that the division will apply to have the anti-competition case either thrown out or delayed, because it duplicates a lot of aspects of the separate arbitration claim.

The journalist also adds that they now have less than a week to respond to the anti-competition claim, which is seen as an explicit pressure tactic by the chief executive of Sports Direct in order to push the PL into a compromise on the takeover bid.

The Verdict: Anti-competition a nice safety blanket

If the results of the arbitration case do not go in the favour of the Tyneside club, then the separate anti-competition lawsuit is certainly a nice card to have up Ashley’s sleeve, and would still give him hope of a sale.

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However, the ideal scenario for the businessman would surely be that he wins the arbitration hearing, and so the anti-competition claim would no longer be needed.

Nonetheless, arbitration will paint a much clearer picture over the direction of where the takeover is heading, and a positive result for the Magpies would surely bring its potential revival one step closer.

In other news, find out what insight Mark Douglas has dropped from sources close to the potential takeover here!

As Tottenham Hotspur are set to hand a big role to sporting director Fabio Paratici, journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Athletic has dropped an exciting behind the scenes claim involving the 48-year-old (Twitter).

The Lowdown: Paratici and Spurs…

Reports last week heavily linked the Italian with a role on Tottenham’s board amid all the noise surrounding talks with former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte.

Both men have worked together closely in the past at Juventus, and while Spurs couldn’t get Conte through the door, Paratici is set to land a big role at the Lilywhites.

The Latest: Athletic journalist drops exciting Paratici claim

Indeed, Pitt-Brooke has explained on social media that Paratici will oversee all footballing decisions and ‘especially’ Spurs’ search for a new manager.

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As well as this, there is apparently huge confidence behind the scenes at Spurs in the chief’s ability to run and operate an efficient football club.

“Fabio Paratici on his way in to Spurs. Will be handed a big role overseeing all football decisions, especially the new head coach,” said Pitt-Brooke (via Twitter).

“Expectations are high inside Tottenham that Paratici’s networking and negotiating skills will help the club, that he will add more football expertise to the ‘Football Board’, and that he will drive up standards (which have slipped) across the board. Big job to step into!”

The Verdict: Interesting times ahead…

News that Paratici will be overseeing more of the footballing decision-making as an alternative to chairman Daniel Levy must surely come as exciting for Spurs fans.

Tottenham will now revert back to the sporting director model and the most interesting aspect of this development could be that Paratici will now be heavily involved in the manager hunt, something that has been hectic to say the least under Levy’s leadership.

Pitt-Brooke’s claim that there is much optimism inside the club could at least fill Spurs fans with confidence that he may make an informed and educated decision, rather than the scattergun approach which has seen countless names linked in the media over the last few weeks.

In other news: Paratici has his eyes on this ‘top class’ player for Spurs, find out more here.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak after an impressive 2020/21 campaign.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), Jurgen Klopp’s charges have joined the race for the 21-year-old’s signature, with fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea also credited with an interest.

Isak’s contract is thought to contain a £60m buyout clause, and his standout display against Spain in Euro 2020 has apparently reinforced the interest of the English trio.

The new Torres

After struggling to make an impact in a two-and-a-half-year spell at Borussia Dortmund, the youngster left the Signal Iduna Park in the summer of 2019.

Isak scored just one goal in 13 appearances for BVB but has transformed his fortunes since arriving in Spanish football.

The 6 ft 2 forward has gone from strength to strength during his time at Sociedad, bagging 17 goals and providing two assists in 34 La Liga appearances last season.

His impressive displays have attracted the attention of some of the continent’s biggest clubs as they search for the sport’s next superstar.

While Liverpool’s underwhelming 2020/21 campaign was largely down to their injury crisis at the back, their misfiring attackers were also of major concern.

The form of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and their back-ups has led to Klopp scouring the market for reinforcements in the final third this summer.

Several names such as Patson Daka, Raphinha and Adama Traore have been linked, but Isak is perhaps the most intriguing of them all.

After his one-man show in Sweden’s opening Group E encounter, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the young star.

“He was a nuisance,” Ferdinand stated. “He showed today why he’s got Young Player of the Year in La Liga. He was the outlet.”

Liverpool have had a good history when it comes to purchasing young, dynamic strikers from the Spanish top-flight.

Fernando Torres became an instant fans favourite following his arrival from Atletico Madrid back in 2007, and there’s no reason why Isak can’t follow in his footsteps.

Every team’s supporters love a top-class goalscorer, although few sides are more synonymous with them than the Anfield outfit.

The young Swedish sensation has been likened to legendary talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic and despite being 6 foot 4, he remains cunningly quick on the ground, whilst BVB sporting director Michael Zorc dubbed him a “great talent” to Bundesliga.com.

Director of football Michael Edwards must, therefore, swoop for Isak over the coming months and supply Klopp with the resources he needs to regain Liverpool’s Premier League crown.

And, in other news…Liverpool must swoop for “sensational” Firmino heir after huge update emerges 

An exciting claim has emerged on Arsenal’s pursuit of Ben White this week…

What’s the word?

According to Goal.com reporter Charles Watts, the Gunners’ interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back is very much genuine, as he recently revealed during a fan Q&A session on his YouTube channel.

He said:

“Arsenal are certainly very interested in Ben White, they’re very serious when it comes to trying to sign him.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they get it over the line but they’ve got to meet Brighton’s demands, and Brighton are in a very strong position when it comes to selling Ben White. He’s got a long-term contract, he’s young, he’s an England International, they’re not going to let him go on the cheap.

“So if Arsenal really want to get this done, then they’re going to have to come to some sort of compromise or just pay the asking price.”

Exciting news

Arsenal were first linked to the 23-year-old England international a week ago, when The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed the North London outfit had a £40m bid knocked back by the Seagulls.

But the fact that the club is actively pursuing the centre-back is hugely encouraging and should delight much of the Emirates faithful, who are very eager to see him make the move from the south coast.

Understandably so, too.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has lost the services of David Luiz this off-season, so there’s certainly a position that needs filling and White is a strong candidate after an impressive breakthrough campaign in the Premier League.

He is able to slot in anywhere along the backline and even in defensive midfield due to his astute composure on the ball, something which has seen him rated as the second-best ball-playing defender under Graham Potter, having averaged a passing accuracy of 83.2% throughout the 2020/21 season.

Furthermore, averages of 1.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.4 aerial duels won per game, via WhoScored, prove that he’s not just an orchestrator at the back but rather an all-round beast.

It’s no wonder he’s been lauded as a “warrior” and a “special talent” and of course, it makes it clear to see why so many, including Arteta, wants him at the club.

Arsenal only have to stump up another £10m to land him, so it could only be a matter of time before the Gunners cave into the demands, especially with several Premier League rivals also keen on him.

To add further encouragement over a potential deal, football.london have claimed that the North London giants remain in talks with Brighton as they ‘close in on him.’

This all will come as very pleasing news to those in N7.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Saka: Arsenal can strike gold in bargain swoop for “remarkable” beast…

Crystal Palace are considering talking to Paulo Fonseca regarding the Selhurst Pak vacancy.

And those links have had a number of Eagles fans talking on social media.

According to 90min, Palace are weighing up whether to talk with Fonseca, who almost joined Tottenham.

The report adds that, should Palace want to discuss a move with Fonseca, they’ll have to be quick, as he is in negotiations with Italian side Fiorentina.

Steve Parish is still looking for Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor and has come close twice already with moves for Nuno Espirito Santo and Lucien Favre.

Deals for both available bosses collapsed in the end and it seems as if Fonseca and Swansea City’s Steve Cooper are on the club’s radar.

Cooper’s £3m fee to take him from the Liberty Stadium remains an issue, according to 90min.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Fonseca on Twitter on Friday. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with many fed up at the ongoing process.

“Oh?”

Credit: @cpfcaustin

“please please please”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

“Fool me twice. Not a single Portuguese flag in any profile. Promise? No way this happens.”

Credit: @CHSCPFC

“Not getting excited again are we”

Credit: @Jordan18721653

“Wake me up when we have signed a new manager”

Credit: @rickyj555

“don’t fall for it people, we can’t get excited any more”

Credit: @Matchday365

In other news: Many CPFC fans fume at club’s official post after Fave deal collapsed, find out more here. 

Ashley Preece has dropped a major transfer update on Aston Villa target Oriol Romeu.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Spaniard has emerged as a potential option for Dean Smith’s side this summer, and the Birmingham Mail’s Preece has delivered an insight into where things stand right now.

He said: “Yes, to a central defender, one who will be happy to play second-fiddle to Konsa. I’ve seen that Romeu report, he’s one that Smith likes. Personally, I think he’s exactly what Villa need. No talks re him, though, sadly.”

Villa need him

The 1.83m (6 foot) ace is a dominant holding midfielder who would represent a major upgrade on Marvelous Nakamba in that anchorman role – in fact, as per Whoscored, the 29-year-old’s average of 3.3 tackles per game in the Premier League last season ranked him joint-third in the entire top flight.

The Spaniard also averaged 1.4 interceptions per game, numbers which are far better than any of Smith’s current options at Villa Park – Nakamba being the closest Villa player to the Saints man, managing just 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per match.

When asked about Romeu’s performance against West Brom in a 2-0 win earlier last season, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “When you see him as a professional, how he reacts when he is not first-choice, he’s one of the most professional guys I’ve ever seen.

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“Sometimes he is under the radar because he makes the work nobody wants to do – closing the gaps, closing the space, winning duels, being everywhere and when he is in the moment when he can score, it is unbelievable for him.”

Given his ability to win the ball back so well, and the fact that he’s Premier League proven in his time with both Chelsea and Southampton, Romeu is someone who Villa badly need to reinforce the holding midfield position this summer.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped a major Aston Villa transfer update…

Football Insider pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to Celtic’s interest in Sheffield United full-back George Baldock.

The Lowdown: Baldock links

Celtic were linked with a move for the Blades defender back in 2019 following Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League.

As we know, a deal never materialised, even though Baldock was thought to be keen on a Parkhead switch.

The 28-year-old has since gone on to make 70 Premier League appearances and has once again been linked with the Hoops.

According to The Daily Record, the right-back is again on Celtic’s radar and is high on the club’s wishlist when it comes to full-back additions.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts

Hutton was talking to Football Insider regarding Celtic’s interest in Baldock.

He described the defender as ‘very tough’ and believed both Celtic fans and Ange Postecoglou would like him.

“Technically, he’s very good. Great engine, gets up and down and great delivery.

“He’s got Premier League experience, Championship experience, he’s kind of got it all. I have played against him, I know him well and he is a very tough customer.

“I think someone like that coming in would be absolutely ideal. It’s a position where they need to strengthen. Obviously, Jonjoe Kenny came in and did okay.

“I don’t think it was ever going to be a permanent deal to begin with, he didn’t really set the heather alight. To bring in the likes of Baldock, he’s got that hard work mentality.

“I think that’s what Postecoglou likes within his team listening to his interviews.

“He is one I think the Celtic fans would like there. I think the manager would like him. It could be a top signing if they can get it done.”

The Verdict: A smart target

Celtic will need to add to their right-back ranks after losing both Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed this year.

Jonjoe Kenny has returned to Everton following his temporary stay, so Anthony Ralston is the club’s only senior right-back on the books at this moment in time.

Baldock is valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt but has just 12 months left on his Bramall Lane deal, and following Sheffield United’s relegation, could perhaps be open to a Glasgow switch once again.

He’ll certainly bring plenty of experience, should he move north, and you’d think he still has a lot to give at the age of 28.

Hutton is a fan, so it’ll be interesting to see who Celtic bring in at right-back over the coming months.

In other news: Report claims Brendan Rodgers recruit has now departed Celtic; Hoops didn’t even share news with fans, find out more here. 

Swansea City are plotting a move to bring Harry Wilson to the Liberty Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sunday People (via Football League World), who claim that Steve Cooper’s side have joined the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Brentford in the race to land the Liverpool winger in the summer transfer window.

According to an earlier report by Goal, Jurgen Klopp’s side are willing to part with the 24-year-old this summer, with it being thought a fee of around £12m should be enough to get a deal over the line.

Cooper would love him

Considering just how impressive Wilson was in the Championship last season, it is unsurprising to learn of Swansea’s interest in the forward this summer, particularly following the recent departure of Andre Ayew.

Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances while on loan at Cardiff City last term, the £15.3m-rated man scored seven goals, registered 11 assists and created 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns saw the man Marcelo Bielsa dubbed an “exceptional” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him Mick McCarthy’s second-best performer in the second tier of English football, playing a key role in the Bluebirds’ securing an eighth-place finish in the league.

And, with Cooper having already lost the Swans’ top league goalscorer in Ayew this summer, the 41-year-old will almost certainly be looking to bring in a player who can replace both the clinical finishing and creativity of the 31-year-old, with Wilson appearing to be a fantastic candidate to do so.

So, while £12m is undoubtedly a hefty transfer fee for Swansea to pay, should the club wish to go one step further than their play-off final appearance last time out and secure promotion to the Premier League next season, the addition of the Wales international would certainly appear to be a major step towards achieving this feat, as well as being a signing Cooper would absolutely love.

In other news: Major update drops about “outstanding” £25k-p/w Swansea target, fans will be gutted