John Lundstram issues confident Rangers prediction as he plays down Champions League leap

Manchester United defender has dropped way down the pecking order since Ralf Rangnick became interim manager, and is struggling to get any first-team action.And that situation has alerted Spanish outfit Barcelona as they continue to scour Europe for unsettled players.Since Xavi assumed the Nou Camp managerial reins, the cash-strapped Catalans, with debts of more than a billion pounds, have secured a number of high-profile names who had become outcasts at their clubs.Spain striker Ferran Torres arrived from Manchester City for £50million, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a free from Arsenal while Wolves winger Adama Traore is on loan with a view to a permanent £30m switch.Now they are aiming to make it a quadruple of Premier League misfits on the books with a move for Bailly.The Ivory Coast international, 27, joined United from Spanish side Villarreal back in 2017 for a £30m fee.Barcelona may have to pay something similar in June to persuade United to do business with two years remaining on the player’s current contract.The Reds’ bargaining position is further strengthened by their option to extend his stay by a further year.Should Man Utd sell Eric Bailly this summer? Join the debate in the comments section.Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox - don't miss a thing.It only takes a matter of seconds.Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.And that's it, job done.

Tottenham are desperate to beat Newcastle to the signature of Lille defender Sven Botman - in order to satisfy Antonio Conte. The Italian coach is still to be convinced that the club’s hierarchy will back him, as promised, in the transfer market after a mixed January window.And that makes the North Londoners’ pursuit of a left-footed, left-sided centre-half - as Conte is demanding they get him - an absolute priority this summer.Dutchman Botman, 22, fits the criteria perfectly - and the Tottenham boss has already given his seal of approval to targeting him.Which is cranking up the pressure on his chairman Daniel Levy to strike a £30million deal with the French club before Newcastle do.Most assume the Magpies, who narrowly failed to bring Botman to St James' Park last month, are favourites to succeed next time round - as long as they stay in the Premier League.Spurs, though, are in no mood to step aside as they fight to persuade Conte they do mean business when it comes to being an authentic top-four contender.The ex-Chelsea manager’s constant conflicting messages about the state of the Spurs squad is causing huge concern within the boardroom that they may lose one of the game’s elite coaches.Will Conte still be at Spurs next summer? Tell us your prediction in the comments section.Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox - don't miss a thing.It only takes a matter of seconds.Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.And that's it, job done.

Lorraine Kelly wasn’t holding back during a guest appearance on The Last Leg, as she took a savage swipe at Russian president Vladimir Putin.The host compared the politician’s face to a "melted candle" while chatting to host Adam Hills, joined by comedians Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker on the programme on Friday (February 25). And the conversation soon turned to the current crisis in Ukraine, with the nation under heavy attack from Putin’s Russia - with troops pouring into the sovereign nation and explosions heard across several cities.

Fans of BBC's Casualty were left rather squeamish on Saturday night as a large proportion of blood was shown on screen.During the long-running medical drama, horror struck when a prison van had a major accident injuring the driver and two passengers.But although the scene was intense and in parts entertaining, some fans were clearly horrified by the amount of blood that was to follow.Taking to Twitter, Casualty viewers shared their thoughts.One person wrote: "Eww hate the sight of blood."Another said: "Sorry but that is disgusting."A third joked: "#casualty is on a double and I'm already annoyed by the Doctor who keeps zoning out - he's operating in what looks like a sardine can in tomato sauce."While someone else was more concerned with another aspect of hygiene, writing: "Touching a dirty glove from the floor during #covid!"During the first double episode of Casualty registrar Matthew Afolami appeared to be having quite a tough time.Although he managed to save the casualties from the crashed police vehicle, Matthew consistently zoned out while he was on shift, leaving viewers at home concerned for his welfare.Jumping back onto Twitter, one fan penned: "Matthew you need a break."This is a live TV story and is constantly being updated.Please refresh the page regularly to get the latest TV updates.TV & Showbiz reporters are working to source the latest information, reaction, pictures and video related to this story.You can also follow us on Twitter @DailyStar, or follow us on Instagram @dailystar to get the latest TV and celeb gossip 24 hours a day.Or like our Daily Star Showbiz Facebook page to get the day's biggest stories, and have your say on them.Why not also subscribe to receive our regular Daily Star showbiz

Rangers fans as Arsenal come calling in a high-profile friendly match. Supporters have been locked out of Ibrox since the Europa League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in March 2020.It's been a long time coming and it's a homecoming of sorts for Mikel Arteta too, the Gunners boss having spent two seasons at Rangers during his playing career.

Alfredo Morelos is seemingly high on the Porto wish list and Euro 2020 star Glen Kamara linked with a switch to the Premier League.Gerrard and Ross Wilson will still be looking to add and have secured the signing of John Lundstram from Sheffield United, are targeting the likes of Joey Veerman.Across Glasgow, the need is even more urgent. It's a little over a week until Celtic are in Champions League action and Ange Postecoglou has work to do ahead of Midtjylland.

Real Madrid at Ibrox. Celtic issue a toe-curling statement concerning a police and club investigation into allegations made against Leigh Griffiths.

Premiership success despite going down to his Tranmere side. The former Dundee United boss inflicted a 1-0 defeat to the Light Blues in a low-key friendly at Prenton Park which saw Steven Gerrard field two entirely different teams at the start of both halves.

Steven Gerrard’ s side fell to a stunning first half strike from Kieron Morris and despite laying siege to the English League Two side’s goal, somehow the hosts survived the onslaught. Jermaine Defoe and Kemar Roofe were the biggest sinners on an afternoon which saw new signing John Lundstram make his first start and there was also a return to action by Ryan Kent who played the entire second half as boss the manager rang the changes.

Premiership campaign but today attention turns south of the border as Rangers continue their preparations for the new season. Steven Gerrard has returned home to Merseyside but this is no holiday for the Ibrox boss as his team face Tranmere Rovers.

Rangers with midfielder John Lundstram becoming their third summer signing. He bolsters their midfield ranks and his three-year deal may prove especially valuable if Glen Kamara continues to play hardball over a new contract.But there's no doubt Ange Postecoglou and Celtic 's need is of greater urgency than most with their first Champions League qualifier now only 11 days away. Record Sport understands Tottenham defender Cameron Carter Vickers would be keen on a Parkhead switch and there is also interest in Carl Starfelt, Aaron Hickey and Kyle Edwards.But the futures of Kris Ajer, Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie remain uncertain.

Rangers, who recently added John Lundstram to their midfield ranks, But even as his current team sell a number of their key players, Yusuf is in no rush to force through a move.The 20-year-old is content just to wait and "see what happens", with his priority on playing football in Gothenburg for the time being. When asked about the links with a move by Swedish outlet GP, he said: “I know nothing about it because, now, the focus is only on my matches here, so we’ll see what happens.

Rangers have added John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala and Nnamdi Ofoborh but there is no doubt Steven Gerrard will be looking to add more. It could be even more vital for the Ibrox boss to keep his key men with Alfredo Morelos being linked with a move to Porto.Glen Kamara also looks to have caught the eye of suitors in the English Premier League including Watford and Brentford.

Rangers. The midfielder’s rejection of a lucrative contract at Brammall Lane was the final straw for the Blades who were then resigned to losing the 27-year-old.Former boss Chris Wilder described it as a “take or leave it offer” midway through last season as he admitted defeat in keeping one of his star men.

Ange Postecoglou wants more and Swedish defender Carl Starfelt is a target. So too is Bologna's Aaron Hickey but the Serie A side's asking price is proving to be a problem.

Ibrox for nothing. The prospect of the 27-year-old being available on a free transfer first arose back in January 2020 - midway through the Blades first season back in the top flight for 12 years.But it was a notion then boss Chris Wilder was keen to put to bed as he revealed the Yorkshire club had an option.“There’s an extension in it (his contract),” he told The Sheffield Star.

Rangers kicked off their pre-season friendly schedule last night - but not before signing John Lundstram. The midfielder joined on a free after leaving Sheffield United to boost Steven Gerrard's engine room options.Joey Veerman is another reported target as Glen Kamara continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League.Alfredo Morelos is never far from the headlines during transfer season and reported interest from Porto just won't go away.

John Lundstram reveals John Fleck told him to grab his Ibrox opportunity with both hands. The midfielder has joined the Premiership champions on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal on Monday.

Partick Thistle and Rangers to blow off those close season cobwebs. Steven Gerrard takes his Premiership champions on the short journey to Maryhill to face Ian McCall's League One winners.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard set Ibrox tongues wagging when he announced on Saturday that his side were "really close" to securing their third summer signing. And now reports suggest Sheffield United free agent John Lundstram could be the next man in the door at Ibrox this summer.Rangers star pair Alfredo Morelos and Glen Kamara have been linked with moves away with the Colombian wanted by Porto who may have to shell out £15m to land him.

Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson has the playmaker on their wishlist this summer ahead of the crucial Champions League qualifiers. However, TER report that Marseille are now leading the race for his signature this summer.