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Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has told the Daily Echo that young defender Jack Simpson is unlikely to leave on loan this season despite the Daily Mail reporting earlier this month that a deal with Rangers had been agreed.

What’s the word?

Steven Gerrard made an early impression in the transfer market following his appointment as Rangers manager.

The former Liverpool captain recruited 11 new players, but it seems as though he is not ready to stop there.

It is believed that Gerrard wants to boost his defensive options, and earlier this month it was claimed by the Daily Mail that Bournemouth youngster Simpson had agreed to move to Ibrox on a temporary basis.

The 21-year-old has come through the ranks on the South Coast, and in total has made three appearances for the Cherries.

This week, Bournemouth manager Howe seemed to pour cold water on the deal, though, telling the Daily Echo that he does not envisage Simpson leaving in this window.

Why should Rangers persist?

Gerrard’s work with Liverpool’s Under-18s prior to getting the job at Rangers indicates that he knows how to spot a young talent.

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Even though Simpson’s career is in its infancy, he could do with taking that next step up, and spending a season at Ibrox would certainly allow him to do exactly that.

The defender would have to compete with new signings Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic for a first-team spot, but he is more likely to get some minutes at Rangers than at Bournemouth this season.

If Howe can come round to the idea, then it could be a deal that will benefit everyone involved.

Aston Villa supporters in the Transfer Tavern are reasonably satisfied at present having seen their side make a great start to the 2018/19 Championship season.

Financial woes gripped Steve Bruce’s side during the summer only for new investment and thus a cash injection to take place late on in the window, allowing the Villans chief to lure John McGinn to Villa Park, at the same time keeping hold of star assets like Jack Grealish. And the Midlands giants have made a fine start to the new season in winning both of their opening two league games, at the same time reaching the second round of the Carabao Cup.

As such, there are many upbeat Villa supporters up and down the country, yet some feel that further improvement between now and the end of the loan window is needed to seriously enhance their promotion credentials.

And they could do a lot worse than seek to lure £5.4 million-rated Ciaran Clark (as per Transfermarkt) back to Villa Park.

The 28-year-old left the Midlands outfit back in 2016 after a 16-year association with Villa, in which time he came up through the youth ranks to go on and play 159 times for the club, 134 appearances of which coming in the Premier League.

Yet the Republic of Ireland international left Villa Park following their relegation from the top-flight two years ago, and although the defender played a part in helping Newcastle return to the Premier League in 2017, and indeed featured 20 times last term, the arrival of Fabian Schar could push the centre back down Rafa Benitez’s pecking order.

And were that to happen in the coming weeks, Bruce’s men must seek to bring him back to Villa Park, especially given fellow centre back John Terry left the club during the summer at the expiration of his contract.

The former Chelsea man was influential in helping the Villans reach the top six last term, yet his departure has left Bruce slightly short in the centre back ranks, with just James Chester, Tommy Elphick, and Axel Tuanzebe available in that department – Clark’s arrival would somewhat bolster those ranks.

The 28-year-old may not have played much Championship football in his career, but his 34 appearances for Newcastle in the 2016/17 campaign underlined just how strong and influential he can be at second tier level, helping Benitez’s side win the title.

And having that experience and know-how of getting the job done in winning promotion, alongside the fact that he is a supremely adept centre back, should be of interest to Bruce as his side seek to make that extra step this term.

As such, although Clark started the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, Schar’s arrival could push him down the pecking order, which is why Bruce should seek to lure the defender back to Villa Park before the end of the month.

Villa fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Loads of Liverpool fans have been giving their verdict on the upcoming clash at Crystal Palace, and they really don’t want Jordan Henderson to start.

Liverpool travel to Selhurst Park on Monday night, and fans are already fearing the worst about the barrage of balls into the box.

The Reds have improved those typical rocky away performances in the last 18 months or so, but there is still a feeling in the air when you travel to places like Crystal Palace for a Monday night game.

Fans were calling for Fabinho to start last week, hoping the Brazilian’s height and intelligence could help youngsters Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold deal with the colossal Christian Benteke.

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There are now rumours that captain Henderson could be the man to replace Georginio Wijnaldum, who often struggles in away games.

The England international has certainly upped his game in recent months, but he is still a player who splits opinion on Merseyside.

Fans on Twitter think it will be a huge error from Jürgen Klopp to put him in instead of their £40m summer signing, and you can find some of the best reactions down below…

According to a recent report from Marca, Reece Oxford could be set for a move away this summer. The 19-year-old currently plays his football at Premier League outfit West Ham having come up through the ranks at the East London club, although with only 17 senior appearances to his name so far, it doesn’t look as though the versatile youngster is likely to command regular football at the London Stadium anytime soon.

And reports suggest that La Liga side Eibar are keen on sealing a deal for the defender, which should alert Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis, and indeed prompt the Boro chief into making a move which would further strengthen his team’s backline.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the Teessiders have started the new Championship season well with four wins and a draw from their opening five matches, in which time they have only shipped two goals.

As such, it may appear that manager Pulis doesn’t need to add a great deal to his defensive unit given how strong and solid they have been so far this term, but by playing three at the back, as he did in the 1-0 win over West Brom, one is immediately going to need more options to call upon to play in the heart of his defence.

Daniel Ayala, Aden Flint, and Dael Fry were the three selected at the Riverside Stadium on Friday night to help defeat the Baggies, but Paddy McNair was the only other option that can play in that position on the bench for the Boro boss – thus, one more addition in that area of the field could be needed to deal with the long, hard slog that is a Championship campaign.

And 19-year-old Oxford could be the ideal man given he has all the attributes needed to be a top-quality modern day centre back, be it strength aerially and in the tackle, or indeed the ability to play out from the back with composure on the ball, and then being able to pick a pass.

Yes, his previous loan spells at Reading and Borussia Monchengladbach haven’t gone to plan, but there is little doubting that the West Ham youngster has huge talent and potential just waiting to be fulfilled – there’s a reason Manchester United were keen on him a matter of years ago.

Add in his ability to play in a more defensive-minded midfield role, thus providing Pulis with another option, and it’s clear that Oxford could be a huge asset to the Boro boss, most notably in helping him further strengthen the Middlesbrough backline.

Boro fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Manchester City continue to rack up the points in the Premier League after seeing off Newcastle United 2-1 at the Etihad yesterday.

Despite dropping points at Wolves last week, the Cityzens still look good value to defend their title come May, and manager Pep Guardiola will be confident of wrapping up another league title if his team can maintain their level of performance.

The summer window was a quiet one for City really, with only Riyad Mahrez coming in as a big name signing to join an already talented squad of players.

However, with the winter window the next time clubs can buy players, we at the Tavern think that the club could add some more attacking talent to the ranks in the form of Italian striker Lorenzo Insigne.

The £60m-rated forward has been in sensational form for Napoli over the course of a number of seasons now and he has the ability to really make an impact in the Premier League for a club like City.

Quick, tricky, and excellent in front of goal, 26-year-old is one of the top talents in the Italian league, and might well turn out to be a superb addition to the Premier League if a move could be engineered.

City do have a wealth of attacking talent, but in terms of forwards, if Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus was to get an injury, then they could well look lightweight come Champions League time.

Insigne would be a tremendous signing for the club, and someone who could immediately improve an already talented squad at the Etihad.

City fans, what do you think? Would you take Insigne? Let us know in the comments!

Luke Shaw, who is recovering after being knocked unconscious in a clash with Dani Carvajal in England’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Spain, is out of contract at the end of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign, with many teams likely to be interest in acquiring the Manchester United defender.

What’s the story?

According to reports in The Sun, the England and Manchester United left-back is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

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Following a lengthy spell out injured, the 23-year-old has rediscovered his past form, and looks set to maintain his place in the left-back position at Old Trafford.

However, with less than a year left on his contract, Mauricio Pochettino, who managed Shaw when in charge of Southampton, is said to be keen on reuniting with him in North London.

Good move for Luke Shaw?

Whilst fellow Englishman Ashley Young impressed at left-back throughout last season, Shaw has started all four of the Red Devils’ Premier League matches this campaign, with Young demoted to the bench.

Now back in the starting lineup week in, week out at Old Trafford, it would seem an odd time for the youngster to make the move to North London.

Although playing under former head coach Pochettino would certainly be appealing for Shaw, the England international would face stiff competition from the likes of Danny Rose and Ben Davies.

With both Spurs players battling it out to become the starting left-back at the club, Shaw would certainly have a tougher time getting first team football at Tottenham.

Shaw has come into his own under Jose Mourinho this season and with the right guidance and belief could prosper further as a player, making any move in the future, especially to a side with such strong contenders in his position like Spurs, a bad career choice.

Manchester City kept it relatively low key during the summer transfer window, with only Riyad Mahrez being their only big money capture of a quiet summer for Pep Guardiola’s men.

The Cityzens have gotten off to an excellent start though once more in the top flight, with an unbeaten run so far bringing three wins and a draw heading into the international break.

It’s set to be a long hard season for the club, and with the likes of Liverpool, Watford, and Spurs all starting well, they could well face quite the battle to ensure they replicate last season’s success and bring the Premier League title back to the Etihad.

With this in mind, it could well be that City need to delve into the market come January, and we at the Transfer Tavern think only the best will do for City in terms of player quality.

One man we think fits the mould and would be an absolutely superb signing is former Liverpool and current Barcelona star Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan has turned into one of the world’s best strikers during his time with the Catalan club, but might well be open to a new challenge, with the lure of winning the Premier League title he so agonisingly missed out on at Anfield something which could entice him back to England.

Suarez is world class, and despite City having the likes of Aguero and Jesus up front, a player of Suarez’s quality is always going to improve a squad.

Deadly in front of goal and proven at the highest level, Suarez would be a stunning capture for City should they look to make a big January move.

City fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know your thoughts on Suarez in the comments!

Despite high praise from national boss Christian Panucci and journalists tipping him to be worth £20m one day, new Rangers signing Eros Grezda isn’t fazed at all by the hype ahead of his potential debut, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

What’s the story?

Grezda has yet to kick a ball in Rangers colours, having missed the majority of the summer due to injury, but the new signing from Croatian side Osijek is thought to have the potential to seriously help out the Gers’ attacking output.

Albania boss and AC Milan legend Panucci has previously hailed him as a key member of his squad and an Albanian journalist was recently in the Scottish press claiming he could be worth big sums of money in just a couple of years time.

The winger is taking all of that in his stride though, ahead of a potential cameo against Dundee later today.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Grezda said:

I wouldn’t say that’s a pressure because I know my potential. I believe in myself and once I get 100 per cent fit I think everything is possible.

What can the fans expect? A player who always gives 100 per cent and wants to win no matter who we play.

I play winger, so my job is to assist. I love being close to the goal. And I’m fast.

I am at 70 or 80 per cent so I could be ready for a couple of minutes.

That he is pretty close to making his Rangers bow is good news, with Gerrard needing to find a settled side that can rapidly pick up points and challenge at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Can Grezda make an impact?

Grezda scored eight goals last term for Osijek, also contributing three assists in 37 appearances.

That’s a solid attacking performance across a season but Rangers fans will be hoping he can add real creativity to the Gers’ final third and perhaps a bigger offer a bigger direct goal contribution.

With Jamie Murphy out for the season and Josh Windass moving elsewhere, the Ibrox side really need someone to step up and all eyes will be on the Albanian international when he does finally make his first start for the club.

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Chelsea’s Real Madrid loanee Mateo Kovacic limped off just five minutes into the second half of their 4-1 win over Cardiff on the weekend and although Maurizio Sarri said it was just a ‘little injury’, according to Metro, the Croatian did not travel to Greece for the Europa League opener with PAOK.

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This then could throw up a selection dilemma for Sarri on Sunday when the Blues make the short hop across London for their visit to West Ham in the Premier League.

Kovacic has been in excellent form since he was brought on after an hour of Chelsea’s second game of the season against Arsenal and has started every league game since. His understanding of Sarri’s fast-paced football has been evident and he has struck up a strong relationship with N’Golo Kante and fellow new signing Jorginho in midfield.

However, it may not be worth risking his injury against a West Ham side that only picked up their first points of the season against a poor Everton side last weekend. Sarri could then bring Englishman Ross Barkley back in after he performed well in the first two games of the season following a frustrating start to his Chelsea career after arriving from Everton in January this year. Barkley has 22 caps for England and certainly has the talent to fill in for Kovacic in Sarri’s side.

So, Chelsea fans, who do you think should start at the London Stadium on Sunday? Let us know by voting in the poll below.

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Queens Park Rangers bowed out of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night courtesy of a 2-0 defeat at Blackpool.

As expected, R’s boss Steve McClaren shuffled his pack for the cup match, and it was a very disappointing night for the Championship outfit.

Jordan Cousins lined up for QPR, but the 24-year-old did not finish the match after picking up a second yellow card 20 minutes from time.

Cousins has been a regular for the R’s this season, having seemingly overcome the injury problems that have plagued him since his arrival from Charlton Athletic.

The QPR fans have heavily criticised the midfielder, however, with many claiming that the 5ft 10in ace will not be missed in Saturday’s league game against Swansea City.

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QPR made a terrible start to the 2018-19 campaign, but appeared to turn a corner with a bright run of form earlier this month.

McClaren’s team have now lost their last two matches, however, and the QPR fans are seemingly another bad result away from launching another barrage of criticism.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the QPR supporters can be seen below:

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