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Former Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino endured a turbulent time during his little over three years at the club and his work in the transfer market could be questioned.

One sale, in particular, that supporters could question the Italian over was Scottish forward Ross McCormack, who left to join Fulham in 2014 and saw his market value soar over his spell in London.

How much did Leeds sign Ross McCormack for?

The Whites reportedly paid a modest fee of £350k to sign the exciting attacker from Cardiff City to bolster their squad in the summer of 2010.

He had produced 30 goals and five assists in 88 competitive matches for the Welsh side and that prompted Leeds to swoop for his services.

How many goals did McCormack score for Leeds?

The former Bluebirds star went on to plunder 58 goals in 157 games for the Yorkshire-based outfit over the course of four years at Elland Road.

McCormack struggled at the top end of the pitch in his first season at the club as he finished the 2010/11 campaign with two goals and one assist in 20 Championship appearances.

However, the Scotland international found the back of the net a whopping 51 times over the next three league seasons combined, along with 29 assists, for the Whites.

His best year in a Leeds shirt, arguably, came during the 2013/14 term as the former Cardiff ace enjoyed a phenomenal year in front of goal for the club.

McCormack was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year for his outstanding performances as he produced a stunning 28 goals and ten assists in 46 league outings. He was directly involved in a goal every 1.21 matches on average, which shows that the talented gem was a constant threat in the final third.

How much was McCormack worth at Leeds?

The prolific forward was valued at €2.6m (£2.2m) by Transfermarkt at the end of that season and Cellino opted to cash in on the attacker as the Italian sold him to Championship rivals Fulham.

Shortly before the deal to sell him to the Cottagers, the ex-Leeds owner put out a club statement that confirmed that he wanted to keep hold of McCormack and that the Whites did not have to accept any offers for his services.

Despite that, the Scottish whiz ended up signing for the London-based outfit for a reported fee within the region of £9m later that summer.

How much was McCormack worth at Fulham?

The "lethal" – as he was dubbed by reporter Andrew Slaven – magician saw his value soar to €8m (£6.9m) via Transfermarkt by the end of his two-year spell with Fulham.

This means that his market value rocketed up by 208% within the space of two years after leaving Elland Road, which also resulted in a staggering £14m transfer to Aston Villa from Craven Cottage in the summer of 2016.

McCormack was a consistent performer for the Cottagers in London as he racked up 42 goals and 22 assists in 100 appearances in all competitions.

The now-37-year-old scored 21 goals and assisted ten in 45 Championship games during his final campaign with the club in the 2015/16 season as he continued to prove himself to be an outstanding forward at that level after his time with Leeds.

Therefore, Cellino and Leeds had a mare with the sale of McCormack in 2014 as they could have cashed in for more money if they stuck to their statement and resisted the temptation to sell him that year.

They could have received a higher fee as his market value continued to soar through his excellent performances on the pitch, which is why the club may look back on this deal with regret.

Harry Kane believes his pass to set up Jamal Musiala was "one of the best assists" of his career after Bayern Munich thrashed Mainz 8-1.

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• Bayern thrash Mainz 8-1
• Kane scores a hat-trick
• Musiala assist 'one of his best'

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England captain scored a hat-trick as Bayern reduced Bayer Leverkusen's lead at the top of the Bundesliga to seven points. After the contest, where the 30-year-old became the first man to score four hat-tricks in his debut Bundesliga season, the former Tottenham striker spoke about the importance of the victory and his stunning cross-field pass for Germany winger Musiala on Saturday.

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  WHAT HARRY KANE SAID

  He said: "Hopefully this game will be a bit of a restart for the rest of the season. We used the momentum today (Saturday), it was a great performance from start to finish. We took advantage of our chances against a difficult opponent. Now we have to build on this performance in the coming weeks. I feel good at the moment and we are creating a lot of chances as a team. There are still a few games left, so I want to add more goals. Of course I'm also happy about my assist for Jamal [Musiala], I saw him in the corner of my eye. That was perhaps one of my best assists in my career. It’s nice that Jamal made it worthwhile."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bayern picked up a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Lazio in the Champions League in midweek to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition and this rout of Mainz may give them belief they can claw back Leverkusen's hefty advantage. However, there is a real possibility the Bavarians fail to pick up a major trophy in a season for the first time since 2011/12.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Leverkusen, who are unbeaten this campaign, could go 10 points clear at the top of the table again when they host Wolfsburg on Sunday evening, with Bayern next in action away to relegation-threatened Darmstadt on Saturday.

Rampant, explosive and domineering are all three words associated with Leicester City's start to the Championship campaign and their eight wins from nine is the joint-best start in the competition's history.

Threatening to run away with the title, the Foxes' only defeat of the season came against Hull City with Enzo Maresca's troops responding to that loss in fine fashion by beating Southampton, Norwich City, Bristol City and Blackburn.

Standing in their way of making it a fifth consecutive victory tonight are Preston North End, who some would say are the surprise package so far this season, with the Lilywhites sitting pretty in third place.

Ryan Lowe's side began the campaign with six wins from seven but have been brought back down to earth in recent weeks, slumping to a 1-1 draw against Rotherham before West Brom handed them a 4-0 pasting last time out.

While Leicester are hot favourites to keep up their rapid pace at the top, a growing list of injury absentees have given Maresca some key decisions to make ahead of this contest.

What is the latest Leicester City team news?

As revealed by Maresca on Tuesday, Kasey McAteer will miss the clash against Preston with a hamstring injury and looks set to be sidelined for up to six weeks which means that teenage star Abdul Issahaku will keep his place on the right flank.

21-year-old McAteer has made a sharp rise onto the scene this season and is one of the Championship's hottest prospects, with the starlet chipping in with four goals in seven appearances.

Belgian midfielder Dennis Praet, meanwhile, remains out of contention but could return to action within the next month.

Leicester's most notable absentee is Jannik Vestegaard, who is suspended for this match after accumulating his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the 4-1 victory over Blackburn.

The Denmark international, labelled as a "monster" by Squawka on social media for his performances in Germany, has bounced back from a torrid campaign last term to become one of the most influential players under Maresca.

Buying into his managers possession-based style by impressing with the ball at his feet, the 31-year-old ranks in the 3% for pass completion when compared to his positional peers in the Championship, top 1% for passes attempted and top 3% for carries while also impressing with his ability to sniff out danger and win the physical challenges, placing within the top 5% for aerial duels won, top 19% for clearances and top 27% for interceptions, as per FBref.

Vestegaard's impact in the defensive realm has been colossus and will undoubtedly be a big miss, however, his absence offers another player the chance to put in a worthy audition for a spot in the starting XI.

Who should replace Jannik Vestegaard?

24-year-old Harry Souttar has shown promise when given the opportunity, but the likely replacement for the great Dane is summer signing Conor Coady.

Since arriving at the club for £7.5m, the Englishman has spent the majority of his time recovering from a fractured foot and has only featured for the Foxes on one occasion, playing a full ninety minutes in their 3-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool a week ago.

Now fully recovered from his excruciating injury, the 30-year-old is ready to step out of the shadows and command the Foxes back line, using his leadership qualities that were previously described by Gareth Southgate as "infectious" after he captained and scored a goal for England in a 3-0 friendly win against Wales in September 2020.

When Coady dropped to the Championship, he left many in a state of shock as they felt he could still do a solid job at Premier League level having played in 24 of Everton's 38 matches last term.

However, the £75k per-week brute felt dropping down to the second-tier was the best option for his career and was attracted by the project at Leicester, announcing his delight in an interview with Leicester's official website, saying: "I'm over the moon."

If Coady can replicate the performances that saw him lead Wolverhampton Wanderers into the Europa League, Foxes supporters will certainly be over the moon.

Xavi refused to compare Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi after the teenager scored a wonder goal against Mallorca.

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• Yamal compared to Messi after wonder goal
• Xavi refused to compare the youngster to the Argentine
• Barcelona beat Mallorca 1-0

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The youngster scored a brilliant goal in the 73rd minute to help Barcelona secure a narrow 1-0 win over Mallorca in La Liga on Friday. Yamal produced a moment of magic inside the Mallorca penalty box by cutting onto his left foot and then unleashing a Lionel Messi-esque shot which landed in the far corner.

  After the goal, the youngster was compared to the Argentine superstar by many including Mallorca boss Javier Aguirre but Xavi refuted those claims.

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• WHAT XAVI SAID

  At the post-match press conference, the Barcelona manager said, "Anyone will lose when compared to Messi. We're talking about the best player in the history of this sport, he should not be compared to others."

  He added, "Today he wasn't so good in the one-on-ones and he wasn't having his best day, but he cut the ball back and scored a great goal. Therefore he made the difference again with a goal that he invented."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 16-year-old winger has been a revelation for the Catalan giants this season having appeared in 37 matches across all competitions where he has scored six goals and provided seven assists.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  The Catalan club have moved up to second position in the league table after Friday's result as they now have 61 points from 28 matches. They will now shift focus to European football as they are all set to face Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture on Tuesday.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly planning to convince one "remarkable" player to join him in the north London.

Who have Arsenal signed 2023?

Arteta's side, in their bid to challenge for the Premier League title once again, put pen to paper on deals for club-record signing Declan Rice, versatile Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber, forward Kai Havertz and goalkeeper David Raya for a total of around £200 million or more.

Going the other way, Arsenal shipped out Folarin Balogun, Granit Xhaka, Matt Turner, Auston Trusty, Pablo Mari, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Nuno Tavares, Marquinhos, Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Albert Sambi Lokonga on either loan or permanent deals.

These acquisitions have proved fruitful so far, even if Havertz has been subject to fierce criticism and Timber is out for most of the campaign with an ACL injury. Raya has gone on to usurp long-reigning number one goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale between Arteta's sticks, while Rice is slowly but surely justifying his mammoth £105 million price tag.

The Gunners are unbeaten over their first six league games, winning four of them, and next take on Bournemouth today as they seek to keep chase with the division's heavy-hitters.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Regardless of their lavish spending over the summer, it has been reported that Arsenal have one eye on January, and one player they've been heavily, heavily linked with is Brentford star Ivan Toney. The England striker, who is currently serving a ban till mid-January for alleged gambling breaches, is subject to intense interest across the Premier League.

Chelsea and Tottenham have been named as other suitors for Toney after his brilliant 20-goal league haul last season, form which resulted in high praise from his manager Thomas Frank.

“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank said earlier this year.

“The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing. He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable. I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group. He’s got that unique emotional intelligence to be aware of all the players, and every staff member."

The 27-year-old is said to be a personal favourite of Arteta's, according to reporter John Cross of The Daily Mirror, who has an update on Toney's potential move to the Emirates Stadium. According to his information, Arsenal's manager is personally planning to "convince" Toney to join Arsenal by making him a priority target.

Arteta will apparently be hopeful this can sway him to their part of north London over fellow interested sides (Chelsea and Spurs named again), but Arsenal may have to sell players first. Brentford will demand a minimum of £60 million for Toney, a figure which the Gunners could be wary of given Financial Fair Play. Any proposed makeweights will be a struggle to find, according to Cross, as options like Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe are both committed to making it at Arsenal.

Nevertheless, Arteta has a plan to tempt Toney, and it's by showing making the striker Arsenal's "outstanding choice" in the winter.

Football FanCast updates you with all the latest news surrounding EURO 2032.

As Germany prepares to host next year's European Championships, the focus will quickly turn to the following two tournaments and UEFA have today announced the winning hosts.

FFC will takes a detailed look at the 2032 host and their plans for the showpiece tournament.

Who is hosting EURO 2032?

Italy and Turkey will co-host EURO 2032, ending the Turkish Football Federation's five-time bid failure.

UEFA have rejected Turkey's last five attempts to host the European Championship, but with Italy joining forces, their sixth endeavour will finally bear fruit.

Italy, on the other hand, have hosted the showpiece event in recent times, staging four EURO 2020 fixtures, including the opening game between themselves and Turkey, ironically.

Interestingly, before the two federations teamed up to submit a joint bid, Turkey were thought to be leading the race to land the tournament.

Prior to the announcement, when speaking to Italian-based news outlet Gazzetta, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: “Türkiye is a big competitor for Euro 2032 and is currently the favourite over Italy."

The reason is unclear as to why both nations ditched their individual attempts, particularly Turkey, who looked in good stead to have their bid accepted. Nevertheless, doing it this way removes any risk of missing out, and allows fans to experience two cultures.

Who was bidding to host EURO 2032?

Initially, Italy and Turkey were two separate bidders hoping to host EURO 2032.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) was planning to bid for EURO 2028, but decided against doing so, instead opting to submit their dossier for the 2032 edition to allow more time to redevelop facilities.

TFF's bid was planned for either EURO 2028 or 2032, however, UEFA confirmed that the TFF and the FIGC requested for their bids to be merged, leaving the UK and Ireland's 2028 proposal unopposed for the former, with Turkey unable to host both events.

Russia's proposed bid was declared ineligible by UEFA.

Italy: Which stadiums are potential EURO 2032 venues?

As part of the requirements to host EURO 2028 (which presumably are the same as 2032), nations must have a minimum of one stadium with a net seating capacity of at least 60,000, one (preferably two) with at least 50,000, four stadiums with at least 40,000 and three stadiums with at least 30,000.

As such, the potential venues in Italy are:

The average capacity across the 10 stadiums stands at 44,458.

Turkey: Which stadiums are potential EURO 2032 venues?

The potential venues in Turkey are:

The average stadium capacity stands at 44,585, which is almost identical to that of Italy.

UEFA will select 10 stadiums, five per country, to stage EURO 2032. They have confirmed this process will conclude by October 2026.

What are the positives of Italy & Turkey hosting?

As previously mentioned, this was the Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) sixth consecutive attempt to host a European Championship.

That in itself shows the federation's continued hunger and desire to deliver a premier tournament. Additionally, the experience gained from each process will no doubt have been beneficial in their planning, with years of careful due diligence already conducted.

Sports Minister Muharrem Kasapoglu – prior to the announcement – said Turkey's facilities and infrastructure could add value to the tournament.

"The quality of our facilities, infrastructure, accommodation, young population.

"We have always prided ourselves on our modern stadiums and facilities, the passion for football in our country and our high level of organization," Kasapoglu said.

Turkey have also hosted multiple European finals, including last season's Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.

Whilst there were negative experiences faced by fans at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, it's worth considering that there will be key lessons learned from the organisers, which can be put in place ahead of 2032 to avoid a recurrence of any issues raised.

Meanwhile, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina believes Italy and Turkey's joint bid promotes the values of friendship.

"In addition to bringing two consolidated entities in the European football scene closer together, this project promotes the values of friendship and cooperation, involving two worlds characterised by deep historical roots and two cultures which, over the millennia, have mutually influenced each other, helping to shape the history of Mediterranean Europe in the process.

"Football aims to be a gateway for sharing the passions and emotions related to sport," Gravina said.

Having two host nations also presents fans with the opportunity to experience two different countries, along with their respective cultures and communities, further promoting a diverse tournament.

Both nations are rich in footballing history and have tremendously passionate fans, which will be beneficial in creating a captivating atmosphere.

What are the drawbacks of Italy & Turkey's hosting?

Last month's Champions League final in Istanbul exposed several flaws that will need addressing ahead of the European Championships in 2032.

The NGTC Group, who are experts in crowd management, released a report citing the many problems match goers faced leading up to, during and after the match.

Firstly, some of the supporters were reportedly left waiting for up to three hours in the midday sun for their transport to the stadium. When able to board the shuttle buses, they were overcrowded, with poor air conditioning and no available toilets.

The journey was initially expected to take an hour but stretched up to two and a half hours, to much of the fans' frustration.

Further, there were some complaints regarding the fan park, with issues relating to catering, toilets and seats for the less-able. The stadium also had sharp edges around the rim of the seating, which caused injury for some.

Following the match, many who were returning to the buses discovered unstable rubble walkways, lack of lighting and absent staff members, causing confusion and distress.

The NGTC closed their report with a few areas to focus on, ahead of the next major event held at the stadium:

"Ensuring adequate transport facilities, equipping fan parks with sufficient amenities, and maintaining ethical conduct among all staff members are some of the crucial areas to focus on. Perhaps most importantly, a dedicated and well-qualified security team."

Italy, on the other hand, have a great deal of renovating work to do on their stadia ahead of 2032, as most of their proposed venues fail to meet UEFA's criteria.

The governing bodies President Ceferin claims none of the stadiums are fit for purpose to even host the Champions League final.

Speaking to Italian-based news outlet Gazzetta, Ceferin said: "At the moment, there is not even a stadium in Italy that can host the Champions League final. This is something incredible. The UEFA needs more stadium guarantee."

It shouldn't, however, be an issue by the time the tournament comes around, as the FIGC do intend to redevelop much of the proposed venues. Across the 10 possible stadiums named, six are expected to undergo renovation.

The final drawback of the joint bid is travel. With two countries scheduled to host the event, it will mean fans will need to travel between countries, making it far more costly and inconvenient.

Further, the likely increase in flights between Turkey and Italy isn't exactly promoting an environmentally friendly tournament. The average flight time between the two nations is 3 hours and one minute, which is something worth noting.

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez could be set to miss three games after his second sending off this season in La Liga.

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• Xavi sent off against Atletico
• Could miss three games due to second red
• In danger of sitting out El Clasico

• Angel Martinez/Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Barcelona legend was sent off in the first half of his side's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid for dissent. Xavi was initially shown a yellow card for his protests but was handed his marching orders minutes later after by referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez after continuing to rage on the touchline.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In theory, Xavi will only receive a two-match ban for his straight sending-off. However, due to this being the second incidence where the former midfielder received a red card, he could be given an extra game ban by the league for being a repeat offender, according to . If he does miss three games, the World Cup-winning midfielder will have to take his place in the stands when Barcelona take on Real Madrid on April 21.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Xavi has now received 24 yellow cards in La Liga in his three years as Barcelona boss at the rate of one yellow card every 5.5 league games, as per Barca Noticias.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR XAVI?

  The legendary midfielder is enjoying his last few months as Barcelona coach and will look to be as present on the touchline as possible, However, a three-match ban would mean he would miss matches against Las Palmas, Cadiz and Real Madrid.

Chelsea have been at the centre of everyone's attention during the transfer windows since Todd Boehly took over at Stamford Bridge. And things don't look set to change anytime soon on that front, either, with the rumours already starting regarding the Blues, who have won just three of their first eight Premier League games this season.

The London club have started finding their feet under Mauricio Pochettino, though, with convincing wins over Fulham and Burnley highlighting that Chelsea are beginning to turn a vital corner under the Argentine. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss could yet be boosted by reinforcements next summer, too, which could include one particular Bundesliga star.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Chelsea's summer signings saw their spending in the window reach a reported €462m (£398m), in what is a sensational amount for a side who have got off to such a slow start this season. Only time will tell whether the arrivals of the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer help the Blues back into the Champions League, and back to winning silverware, but for now, their focus off the pitch seemingly remains on arrivals.

The latest Dani Olmo transfer news has seen reports claiming that Chelsea are among the clubs that want to secure the midfielder's signature. According to reports, via Sport Witness, the Blues, as well as Arsenal, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona are eyeing a move for the RB Leipzig star, who has a €60m (£52m) release clause.

Chelsea have more than proved their ability to spend big in the past, making their interest in Olmo all the more interesting. With plenty of competition for his signature, and the midfielder reportedly keen not to close any doors, next summer will certainly be an interesting one.

How has Dani Olmo performed this season?

When it comes to Olmo's goals and assists, to say that he has got off to a flying start in the Bundesliga this season would be an incredible understatement. The Spaniard has scored two goals in three games, and five in four games in all competitions, for an average of one goal every 68 minutes. When considering that this comes from midfield, too, Olmo becomes all the more impressive.

He has earned plenty of praise in the past for his performances, including from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who said, via Bleacher Report: "He's a top player—he has a bright future, of course.

"His performance today shows it. About the transfer and the money he deserves, that is not the point. The point is he is an incredible player and I am pretty sure he is able to play in the strong leagues in Europe. Hopefully if Dinamo wants and he wants, it can happen."

When compared to current Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, Olmo's stats once again stand out. According to FBref, the Leipzig man has made more progressive passes per 90, more progressive carries per 90, scored more goals, and completed more take-ons per 90. Everything is pointing towards a potential upgrade for the Blues if they pursue a deal next summer.

No longer just a 'retirement league', plenty of leading stars are considering moving to the U.S. at the peak of their powers

Lionel Messi's 2023 transfer to Inter Miami has changed the landscape of MLS forever; no longer viewed as a 'retirement league', clubs in the U.S. are now challenging for the signatures of some of the biggest names on the planet while they are still at the peak of their powers.

Saudi Arabia will provide stiff competition as the go-to, desirable destination outside of European football, but the effect of capturing the greatest player in the modern era – and arguably of all time – is already clear to see.

But who are the stars who could be next to follow Messi to MLS while still at the very top of the game? GOAL runs through the possibilities…

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  Antoine Griezmann

  Let's start with the obvious. Griezmann is a veritable Yankophile and has put on record on multiple occasions his desire to live and work in the United States in the future. An avid American sports fan, the Frenchman even hosts a Spanish-language YouTube show about American football – NFL's Grizi Huddle.

  Now 33, you'd think a move stateside wouldn't be too far away now, although Griezmann is in the form of his life in Spain with Atletico Madrid. Speaking in December, he said: "Beyond Europe, what I would like later is the MLS, I have always recognised that. But Atletico will be almost 100 percent my last club in Europe. It's where I want to be, where I see myself happiest and here I am at home."

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  Christian Pulisic

  Pulisic's homecoming would be a great thing for American soccer, although it's unclear exactly when the star of the U.S. men's national team will be willing to leave Europe behind to return to the States. Indeed, the 25-year-old clearly feels he has unfinished business across the Atlantic as he stars for AC Milan, suggesting last year that he will probably only head to MLS for his swansong.

  Speaking on Tim Ream’s 'The American Dream' podcast about playing in MLS and a potential timeline, the attacker said: "Absolutely, I’d love to. Not in the, you know, near-near future for sure, but yeah, I absolutely would love to. Towards the end of my career, I’d love to."

  Pulisic added in January: "Obviously, I’m not an old player. I hopefully have some great years in Europe ahead of me. I’m loving my time here, so of course MLS is not in my head at the moment."

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  Kevin De Bruyne

  Could one of the greatest attacking midfielders of all time one day grace MLS? Although he hasn't spoken publicly about it, a move to the U.S. is supposedly something De Bruyne is thinking about.

  According to , the Belgian has always considered finishing his career in MLS, and he would potentially prefer that over a touted move to Saudi Arabia for himself and his family, even if the money is worse.

  De Bruyne's future at Manchester City is uncertain, too, with his contract due to expire in 2025 and no talks over an extension, with the club reluctant to hand a multi-year deal to a player who will turn 33 in June. It is said City would sell if their £90 million ($114m) valuation is met, although that may be a little steep for MLS clubs.

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  Olivier Giroud

  Giroud feels almost nailed-on to become the next star of European football to make the switch to MLS – potentially joining long-time France team-mate Hugo Lloris at LAFC.

  When asked about a potential move stateside in January, the striker said: "MLS? There are other countries too. There will be more opportunities at the end of the season and I’ll decide. As a father and as a footballer."

  Since then, the Los Angeles club has made its move, engaging in negotiations with the Frenchman – who has supposedly chosen to live in either New York or LA – over a summer move. The 37-year-old is out of contract at AC Milan at the end of the season and would arrive as a free agent as talks progress. There is, however, still the possibility he could extend his stay at San Siro, as he enjoys another fine season in Italy.

New Rangers manager Philippe Clement is already putting his stamp on the Gers squad as he maps out a personal January transfer plan behind the scenes.

Rangers under Philippe Clement

The Belgian got off to a flying start in his debut game as new head coach, having come in to replace the departed Michael Beale. Clement oversaw a brilliant 4-0 win over Hibernian at Ibrox, with goals from summer signing Abdallah Sima (who bagged a brace), Nicolas Raskin and Cyriel Dessers sealing an all-important victory in Glasgow. The win also ended Nick Montgomery's unbeaten run in charge of Hibs, with Clement making a real statement.

It was a ninth loss on the bounce for Hibs on Rangers turf and Clement will be thrilled by the three points, even if it was aided by some real slapstick defending from the away side at times. The former Monaco boss, speaking after his side's triumph, particularly hailed the players' desire for "dominant" and "attacking" football.

"You see that, although it was only two days, the players want to do the things that we showed them," said Clement to the press on Saturday.

"You see the guys that understand it fast and the guys that need more time, but I saw what I wanted to see – to play dominant, attacking football with a good pressing game. The best teams in the world make mistakes – what is important is your reaction and our reaction was good."

Clement will now be preparing for his side's crunch Europa League clash against Sparta Prague on Thursday, coming just before Rangers take on another Edinburgh outfit in Hearts this weekend.

Will Rangers sign anyone in January?

The Gers spent big on a plethora of major signings over the summer transfer window, in an effort to back former boss Beale before he was eventually shown the door. As a result, it could well be financially difficult for the Glasgow giants to give Clement what he wants. However, that hasn't stopped their new boss "plotting" some moves behind the scenes.

That is according to journalist Pete O'Rourke, who provided a Rangers transfer update for Football Insider, claiming that Clement is mapping out a personal transfer plan. The 49-year-old is apparently planning to bring "familiar stars" to Scotland with him after joining.

"Rangers boss Philippe Clement is plotting to bring a number of familiar stars to Ibrox in the January transfer window," wrote O'Rourke.

"It is believed the Belgian, 49, is keen to put his own stamp on the Gers squad by dipping into the market. However, it is believed funds are tight at Ibrox following the summer splurge led by now-departed boss Michael Beale."

There has been little in the way of Gers transfer rumours, especially after a busy summer, but it will be pleasing to know Clement is, at the very least, showcasing some ambition behind the scenes. One player they have been linked with, though, is exciting teenager Mason Cotcher. Indeed, the former England Under-17 international is apparently being kept an eye on according to reports this week.