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      Man Utd’s Amad Diallo joins Rangers until end of the season in loan transfer after Anthony Elanga takes first-team spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S AMAD DIALLO has joined Scottish Premiership champions Rangers until the end of the season.The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger has made only nine first-team appearances since joining the Red Devils in a £37million switch from Italian side Atalanta a year ago.
      Amad Diallo has joined Rangers on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Rangers
      The winger has struggled for match action since his arrival at Old Trafford a year agoCredit: Getty
      And Anthony Elanga’s recent run of games out wide has further limited his chances of getting minutes for United.
      Diallo said: “I am delighted to join Rangers until the end of the season.
      “It is fantastic for me at this stage of my career to have the opportunity to come to such a big club that is challenging on a number of fronts and will give me some excellent opportunities to test myself in many environments.
      “I look forward to training with my team-mates for the first-time tomorrow and to meeting the fans for the first time at Ross County on Saturday.”
      Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst currently has Rangers top of the league and is delighted to complete the move for the teenager who still only has 17 first-team appearances in his career for Atalanta, United and Ivory Coast combined.
      Van Bronckhorst said: “I am really pleased to add Amad to our squad for the rest of the season.
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      “He is a player who I have been aware of for some time, and when the opportunity to sign him came up, we were very keen to make it happen. He will add a lot to our squad and provide even more competition for the players in the forward areas.”
      There is no option for the player to be bought at the end of the loan term with United still seeing the winger as one for the future.
      He has made only one first team appearance this season in United’s final Champions League group game when the team had already qualified for the knockout stages.
      By contrast, Elanga is up to eight appearances for the season and grabbed his first goal against Brentford last week.
      United have already let Anthony Martial head to Sevilla on loan this month but still have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford in the squad.
      English clubs have until 11pm on Monday to get all their January business done, while those in Scotland have an extra hour until midnight.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      Man Utd whiz ‘Amad Diallo on the brink of joining Rangers in loan transfer’ after Anthony Elanga takes first-team spot

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      AMAD DIALLO is in Scotland on the brink of joining Rangers on loan, according to reports.The Manchester United winger, 19, has seen opportunities limited at Old Trafford since his £37million transfer from Atalanta a year ago.
      Amad Diallo is set to join Rangers on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      And Anthony Elanga’s recent run of games out wide has further limited his chances of getting minutes.
      According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the final details are being sorted on his temporary transfer to Ibrox where he will play under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
      It is understood the deal will be for six months.
      Rangers do not have an option to make the switch permanent in the summer because his parent clubs have big plans for his future at Old Trafford.
      Romano adds interim Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick agreed to let the youngster go and Gers could even announce the signing within the next few hours.
      United will be hoping Diallo grasps the chance to gain first-team experience north of the border.
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      Despite his hefty transfer fee, the teenager still has just 17 senior appearances under his belt for Atalanta, United and Ivory Coast combined.
      Of those, nine are for the English giants, with three starts and one goal in 12 months.
      Diallo’s only appearance for the Red Devils this season has been in the Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys when a number of youngsters were given chances.
      By contrast, Elanga is up to eight run-outs for the 2021-22 season and grabbed his first goal against Brentford last week.
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      United have already let Anthony Martial head to Sevilla on loan this month but still have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford in the squad.
      English clubs have until 11pm on Monday to get all their January business done, while those in Scotland have an extra hour until midnight.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      Former England and Tottenham star Defoe leaves Rangers after three years at Ibrox and set to become TV pundit

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      JERMAIN DEFOE is on his way out of Rangers – and is set to focus on his new career as a TV punditThe 39-year-old striker’s departure has been confirmed as manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst reshapes his attack for the second half of the season.
      Defoe is reportedly leaving Rangers after three years at the clubCredit: Willie Vass
      Rangers today issued a statement that said: “Everyone at the club would again like to thank Jermain for his contribution and wish him and his family every success for the future.”
      Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said: “Jermain has made a significant contribution to Rangers over the last number of seasons.
      “Even in the ‘twilight years’ of his career, he has shown the expert movement and finishing ability that took him to the very top in his career.
      “His contribution within the training centre was excellent, as he became a role model for his peers, showing professionalism on a daily basis.
      “I was particularly pleased that he leaves with a league championship winning medal. It has been a privilege to have an England international of his quality within our group and we wish him well for the future.”
      The former West Ham and Tottenham star – who took on a player-coach role in the summer – has made only two appearances for the Scottish champions this season.
      And after van Bronckhorst brought in his own backroom team with coaches Roy Makaay, former Ajax youth expert Dave Vos, Yori Bosschaart and Arno Phillps joining Rangers, Defoe was told to focus on his role as a player.
      He has scored 32 goals in 74 appearances since joining the Light Blues in 2019.
      But he has now called time on his career in Glasgow to pursue TV work.
      Defoe has appeared as a studio pundit on Sky’s coverage of the Premier League, even at the same time as Rangers have been playing.
      In October, he was part of the coverage when West Ham played Tottenham just hours after Rangers played at St Mirren. 
      Defoe scored 20 goals in 57 appearances for England between 2004 and 2017.
      Last year he got engaged to beauty therapist Donna Tierney after presenting her with a stunning diamond ring.
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      Jermain Defoe is set to focus on his TV pundit workCredit: Rex
      Last year he got engaged to beauty therapist Donna Tierney
      His departure comes as Swiss star Cedric Itten returns to Rangers.
      Itten joined Bundesliga new boys Greuther Furth on a season-long loan deal on deadline day last summer.
      But Rangers held the right to recall him in January and they have now triggered that option.
      The two moves are NOT linked, however, with Defoe’s exit strategy thrashed out last month by Ibrox bosses.
      In his five months in Germany, Itten bagged two goals for Greuther Furth  – including one against Bayern Munich.
      Jermain Defoe has 57 caps for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Speaking previously about Defoe, Rangers boss van Bronckhorst said: “He’s been really good. 
      “When I came here, of course he was part of the coaching staff, but also a player.
      “He’s also busy with his training badges, which is really good because we’ve already started thinking about team processes and tactical possibilities.
      “But, for now, Jermain is still a player and we’ll use him only as a player.” More

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      in Soccer

      Capacity crowds allowed back at major sport events in Scotland like football and rugby, says Nicola Sturgeon

      by

      SCOTLAND will welcome back capacity crowds to big football and rugby matches from Monday. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced she was lifting the rules that restricted crowds to just 500 supporters from December 26 due to the Omicron wave.
      Nicola Sturgeon has good news for sports fans
      Rangers are due to visit Celtic Park on February 2
      Scottish clubs had been considering playing matches in England in an attempt to get round the rules.
      But clubs in the north of England or the Midlands could charge sums north of £250,000 for the privilege of using their grounds.
      Ahead of Ms Sturgeon’s statement, SNP ministers agreed to lift the 500-person limit on outdoor gatherings as planned from Monday.
      However restrictions on indoor events and on hospitality venues – like mandatory table service and one-metre distancing between groups – have been extended for a further week until at least January 24.
      It also emerged Scots would now need to have had a booster to use vaccine passports – including for football grounds.
      On December 21, Ms Sturgeon announced measures “for a period of three weeks”, meaning more restrictions on large events, hospitality and indoor sports than in England.
      Despite the aim to keep them in place for three weeks from December 26 and 27, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs was “prudent to remain careful and cautious” despite “signs that we may be starting to turn a corner” in the Omicron wave.
      The change means crowds will be able to return to Premiership football games and for the Six Nations rugby tournament. 
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      Premiership clubs return from their early winter break next week – with Celtic playing host to Hibs on January 17.
      But there was no mention from the First Minister of whether restrictions on people participating on indoor sports would be lifted.
      Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “We will begin to lift the protective measures announced before Christmas from Monday but in a phased way that will allow us to form in the days ahead a clearer picture of the trends in infections and associated impacts.
      “As a quick reminder, the measures I am specifically referring to here are limits on attendances at live public events, the requirement for distancing between groups in public indoor places, and the requirement for table service in hospitality venues serving alcohol on the premises.
      “I expect to confirm further dates next week. However I can confirm today that the attendance limit of 500 at large-scale outdoor events will be lifted from Monday, 17 January.
      “That means, for example, that spectators will be permitted again at major outdoor sporting events, including football fixtures scheduled for early next week, and the forthcoming Six Nations rugby matches.”
      Revealing the changes to the Covid certification scheme, she said: “Firstly, our guidance will now stipulate that the organisers of large events of 1000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees, rather than the current 20%, or at least 1,000 people – whichever figure is higher.
      “And, second, from Monday the requirement to be ‘fully vaccinated’ for the purposes of Covid certification will include having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago.”
      A Rangers fan group staged a demonstration at the Scottish parliament about the Government’s handling of the Covid fan curbs. More

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      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson chose David O’Leary, Alan Curbishley and Martin O’Neill as possible Man Utd manager in 2000 if he quit

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could have had Martin O’Neill, Alan Curbishley or David O’Leary as their manager in the year 2000.The trio were Sir Alex Ferguson’s picks if he had decided to leave Old Trafford at the turn of the century.
      Sir Alex Ferguson recommended three managers to take over from him at Man Utd in 2000Credit: PA
      Celtic chief Dermot Desmond revealed the trio had been eyed as replacements for the legend.
      At the time O’Leary, 63, was managing Premier League new boys Leeds while Curbishley and O’Neill were head coaches at Charlton and Leicester. 
      And Desmond told The Athletic he offered to increase Ferguson’s salary by 50 per cent with Scottish giants Celtic in 1997. 
      However the Red Devils boss’ wish to win the Champions League saw him remain with the Manchester giants. 
      And the Old Trafford side went on to capture the trophy two years later. 
      Desmond, 70, reportedly went back to Ferguson a few years later to enquire as to who the Glasgow-born manager would choose to replace him at United. 
      He said there were three people: Dave O’Leary, Alan Curbishley and Martin O’NeillDermot Desmond
      And Ferguson, 80, told the Irish tycoon he had identified O’Leary, Curbishley and O’Neill as potential bosses at Old Trafford.
      The latter would eventually land the Celtic manager’s job thanks to a meeting with the club’s then directors – Brian Quinn and Pat Sheehy – which came about through Ferguson’s input. 
      Desmond said: “In 2000, I went back and asked him if he was to pick his replacement at that time who would it be. 
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      Alan Curbishley was also eyed as a possible Manchester United coach and Ferguson replacementCredit: Back Page Images
      “He said there were three people: Dave O’Leary, Alan Curbishley and Martin O’Neill. 
      “I said the one I’m interested in is Martin O’Neill. 
      “I had previously asked a prominent broadcaster if Martin would be interested in the job and I got a response in the negative. 
      “I then asked Alex if he would speak with Martin, to see if he would meet with me, and the response was that he would be very interested in meeting. 
      “So I met Martin for dinner and we got on very well. I introduced him to Pat and Brian and they also felt he was a remarkable individual, so we hired Martin.” 
      Having captured two League Cups with Leicester in 1997 and 2000, O’Neill went on to win three trophies in just over 11 months following his arrival at Celtic.
      And the 69-year-old and his team won three Scottish Premiership titles with a team boasting stars including Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton. 
      David O’Leary led Leeds United to the Champions League semis after being eyed as a potential Old Trafford managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But neither he nor O’Leary or Curbishley, 64, were able to come close to Ferguson’s trophy-winning record. 
      However the Northern Irishman proved to be the most successful of the three. 
      He went on to manage Sunderland and Aston Villa as well as doing a five-year international management spell with the Republic of Ireland. 
      His most recent managerial post was with Nottingham Forest with the Championship club sacking the coach just five months into the job. 
      Elsewhere, O’Leary’s tenure with Leeds came to an end in 2002 with the former Gunners player helping the Elland Road club to reach the semis of the Champions League. 
      And Curbishley’s 15-year stint at Charlton finished 2006 after he helped the club secure promotion in 1998. 
      It’s reported the managerial trio were identified prior to the eventual succession plan put in place for Ferguson with David Moyes landing the job as his United replacement. 
      However the former Everton boss, 57, who is now in charge of West Ham, lasted just eight months in the Old Trafford hotseat before being sacked in 2014. 
      United finished seventh in the league in the 2013-14 season. More

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      Celtic lining up transfer swoop for Barnsley’s Callum Styles as Hoops hunt new long-term left-back

      by

      CELTIC think Barnsley star Callum Styles could finally solve their problem at left-back.The Hoops are still struggling to find a long-term successor to Kieran Tierney following his £25million move to Arsenal in August 2019.
      Styles has impressed at Barnsley since joining from Bury in 2018 and is now on Celtic’s radarCredit: Getty
      Celtic have struggled to replace Tierney since he left for Arsenal in 2019Credit: Getty
      Scotland star Tierney has been a hit at the Gunners but Celtic have yet to fill his boots despite trying several players on that side of their defence.
      Croatia right-back Josip Juranovic, 26, has been covering left-back for the Scottish giants but boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to get a long-term solution sorted.
      Styles, 21, has been a stand-out player in a Tykes side battling against relegation from the Championship this season.
      The Oakwell club have been struggling since former boss Valerien Ismael left to take over at West Brom in June.
      Former winger Styles joined Barnsley as a promising teenager from Bury in 2018 and established himself as a regular last season.
      He has been a fixture for the Tykes this campaign and has one goal and an assist to his name so far.
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      Another played linked with the left-back role at Celtic is Hibs starlet Josh Doig.
      Ex-Hoops striker Charlie Nicholas said last month the club should move for the 19-year-old as he fits the ‘Kieran Tierney mould’.
      Nicholas, 59, told The Scottish Sun: “Celtic can’t go out and buy the finished article.
      “They need to develop players and sell them on. That is the club’s model.” More

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      Giovanni van Bronckhorst CONFIRMED as new Rangers manager to replace Steven Gerrard who quit to join Aston Villa

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      RANGERS have confirmed the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst as new boss to replace Steven Gerrard.The 46-year-old has been in talks with the Scottish side for the past week about returning to Ibrox 20 years after departing as a player.
      Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been appointed as the new manager of Rangers following Steven Gerrard’s departureCredit: Rex
      Dutchman Van Bronckhorst played for the Scottish side for three years between 1998-2001Credit: Getty
      Van Bronckhorst won the Scottish Premier League twice during his three-year spell before linking up with Arsenal in 2001.
      He had jetted into London to hold talks with the Gers earlier this week about becoming their manager.
      SunSport revealed on Wednesday night how the Dutchman was on the brink of succeeding Gerrard following positive discussions.
      And Van Bronckhorst has now revealed his joy at returning to management – almost a year after departing Chinese club Guangzhou City.
      Speaking to Rangers’ website, he said: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Rangers as the club’s new manager.
      “I feel so lucky to be going to work with a squad which is in a great position on all fronts and largely has that experience of being winners.

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      “I look forward to carrying on and enhancing the work that has been done already alongside Ross Wilson and the board of the club, and I’m grateful for the chance to work again at this huge football club.
      “I cannot wait to meet the club’s incredible supporters again and begin this new era for us all.”
      Van Bronckhorst spent just a year managing in China with Guangzhou coming 11th in his one season.
      Prior to that he managed Feyenoord, having been promoted from assistant boss.
      In his first season in the top job he won the KNVB Cup – the Dutch equivalent of the FA Cup.
      The following year he led the club to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years.
      Rangers chairman Douglas Park remarked: “I am delighted to welcome Giovanni as our manager to begin a new era and build further on what has already been achieved at the club.
      “The team is in a good position on the park and, as a board, we will support both Giovanni and Ross Wilson to continue to make Rangers a success.
      “I wish Giovanni all the very best in his role and look forward to working closely alongside him.”
      Van Bronckhorst takes over a side sitting top of the table after 13 games played, with the club four points ahead of rivals Celtic.
      Rangers, who could still qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, face Hibernian on Sunday for a place in the League Cup final.
      Rangers legend Lorenzo Amoruso appears on Italian Big Brother to surprise his partner with gushing declaration of love More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Giovanni van Bronckhorst on the brink of replacing Steven Gerrard as Rangers boss following Villa move

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      GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST is set to return to Ibrox to replace Steven Gerrard as Rangers’ new boss.The Dutchman, who featured for the Scottish side between 1998-2001 before joining Arsenal, has been the favourite to take charge of the club.
      Former Rangers left-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst is poised to become the club’s new managerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The ex-Feyenoord gaffer has been the favourite to succeed Steven Gerrard at IbroxCredit: Getty
      Van Bronckhorst, 46, recently jetted into London to hold talks with the Gers about becoming their manager after Gerrard left for Aston Villa.
      A delegation of Rangers chiefs then jetted to Amsterdam on Tuesday for further discussions.
      And SunSport understands negotiations between the club and the former Barcelona man were tonight nearing completion.
      The final detailed discussions centre around the appointment of Van Bronckhorst’s full backroom staff.
      It remains to be seen whether his right-hand man Jean-Paul van Gastel will join him at Rangers.
      Van Gastel – currently manager at Guangzhou City – had been Van Bronckhorst’s No2 at the Chinese club.

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      Despite the uncertainty of whether Gastel will arrive in Glasgow, sources close to the deal believe an agreement is close to being signed, sealed and delivered – barring any last minute hitches.
      Rangers Sporting Director Ross Wilson has been leading negotiations, with club chiefs pleased with the process so far.
      During his three-year spell at Rangers, Van Bronckhorst featured in 117 games in all competitions, while scoring an impressive 22 goals.
      One of those strikes came in the 2000 Scottish Cup final as he broke the deadlock in the 4-0 win against Aberdeen.
      In total, Van Bronckhorst won the Scottish Premier League twice, along with two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup.
      He will take over a side sitting top of the table after 13 games played, with the club four points ahead of rivals Celtic.
      Rangers, who could still qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, face Hibernian on Sunday for a place in the League Cup final.
      Mikel Arteta has finally brought ‘fear factor’ from the Highbury years back to Arsenal, says former Gunner Theo Walcott More