Scottish side Rangers have earmarked Davide Ancelotti as a potential replacement if current manager Russell Martin is dismissed. Ancelotti, however, is also under pressure at his current club Botafogo after failing to protect a three-goal lead in his side's latest slip up in the Brazilian top-flight.

Rangers searching for Martins replacement despite backing

According to the , Rangers’ hierarchy have publicly backed Russell Martin but are exploring alternatives if results don’t improve. Among the potential candidates is the son of Carlo Ancelotti, who was previously linked with the Ibrox job before the club opted for Martin. The current Botafogo coach is also under mounting pressure in Brazil, winless in three matches and having failed to defend a 3-0 lead against Mirassol, which could cost him his position.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRangers struggling amid poor start to the season

Under Martin, Rangers are still without a league win this season, drawing four of their five matches, including the Old Firm derby against Celtic. Pressure mounted further after a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers. Their upcoming League Cup clash with Hibernian could prove decisive for Martin’s future at Ibrox.

Ancelotti's status at Botafogo

Ancelotti is also facing mounting criticism at Botafogo after being knocked out of the Copa do Brasil by Vasco and exiting the Copa Libertadores just a month earlier. In their most recent outing against Mirassol, his side collapsed defensively, conceding three goals in 17 minutes to squander a three-goal lead.

Ancelotti after the game believes that he needs time to analyze the defeat and improve on their mistakes: “It's difficult to make an analysis. There's not much to explain right now. We need time to analyze what happened in the second half. A very good first half in which we played our best football. A second half in which we disappeared.”

Ancelotti later questioned the mentality of his players “Swinging so much is a matter of mentality. We haven't reacted well to adversity. Today we didn't react well to the first setback. In the last game against São Paulo, we played very poorly. The image we need to maintain is certainly the image we had in the first half. We have to try to maintain this level of play for longer and know how to prioritize within the game, know how to read the game, and when it's time to defend well – this team knows how to defend well. But we mustn't lose our heads in difficult times. So, with this problem we have, we lack continuity, we need to react well to adversity.”

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Getty Images SportWhat the future holds for Rangers, Martin and Ancelotti

Rangers will hope results turn around under Martin, even as they quietly assess potential replacements, having opted for him over other candidates in the summer. On the other hand, Ancelotti will be focused on steadying Botafogo’s form despite the links to Ibrox, with the role in Brazil being his first major head coaching job after years working as assistant to his father, Carlo Ancelotti, at Real Madrid.

Russell Martin has been warned that there is an "obvious" replacement for him at Rangers: Sean Dyche. The SPFL giants have yet to win this season, recording four draws and one defeat from five games, and speculation continues to rage about a potential change in the Ibrox dugout. Kris Boyd believes Dyche is the ideal candidate.

• A dismal start for Martin

  Despite traditionally being one of the two most dominant sides in Scottish football, alongside Celtic, Rangers have yet to win a game in the top-flight this season, drawing four and losing one of their first five games. They are already nine points behind Celtic and Hearts at the top of the league, and it feels like Martin may not be long for Ibrox. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Boyd calls for replacement

  Boyd, a Rangers legend who played for the club between 2006 and 2010, and in 2014-15, believes that Dyche is the "obvious" candidate, given his links with the club's sporting director Kevin Thelwell. 

• A legend's recommendation

  Boyd wrote in his Sky Sports column: "The obvious one for me would be Sean Dyche. Kevin Thelwell worked with him in the past, and he seems to have a lot of say in the players that are coming in.

  "So if that relationship with Dyche is still there, he would be someone that I would maybe look to because he's shown that he can build football clubs up. And right now, Rangers need a strong character that's going to build it not only on the pitch, but off the pitch at the training centre.

  "It just seems to be so broken, disjointed, and they're going to have to find a way to fix it."

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  Martin's last stand?

  Rangers play Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final this weekend and then face Genk in their first Europa League game; two wins are required. 

Chelsea are on the verge of letting another player leave the club permanently after their recent fire-sale, according to a new report, and it’s poised to take their total income to the near-£250 million mark.

Chelsea now pushing to seal £100m double signing with talks ongoing

They’re actively pursuing both men.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 5, 2025

Enzo Maresca’s side have essentially been ordered by UEFA to register a ‘positive transfer balance’ this summer, or risk not being able to register new signings for the Champions League next season.

This comes after the Blues were charged with breaching FFP rules early last month, with Chelsea needing to cancel out their £277 million spent on transfers by shipping out a host of unwanted squad members.

Earlier this summer, Chelsea agreed permanent exit deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic and João Félix, but four more are set to follow.

In the last few days, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu have joined Burnley, with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also signing for Everton just one year after he joined Chelsea from Leicester City.

Dewsbury-Hall underwent his medical at Everton yesterday, and his sale has been described as vital in terms of Chelsea’s quest to appease UEFA (BBC).

After the Englishman, Ugochukwu and Broja, it is now believed that “clinical” midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is closing in on a return to Borussia Dortmund after fresh talks with the Bundesliga giants.

Carney Chukwuemeka to Borussia Dortmund "done" as Chelsea raise £241 million

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, both Chelsea and Dortmund consider their deal for Chukwuemeka “done”, with Niko Kovac’s side ready to pay their reduced asking price of £22 million.

Thus far, Chelsea have raised an estimated £219 million through player sales, so once the midfielder completes his switch back to Germany, it will take this total to around £241 million, if all goes to plan.

Given Chelsea are in talks over selling Christopher Nkunku too, with Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell and Alfie Gilchrist also up for grabs (Ben Jacobs), Chukwuemeka is unlikely to be the last departure from Stamford Bridge.

As Chelsea also attempt to negotiate more deals for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, BlueCo simply have little choice but to find buyers for each of the aforementioned quartet, or face being weakened for their first season back in the Champions League for years.

Following a difficult start to life at Rangers, Russell Martin now reportedly faces the threat of losing one of his most influential players amid regular contact from an interested club.

Martin tells Rangers to "seize" Club Brugge chance

Martin would have been the most relieved man in Glasgow when his side got over the line against Scottish League One side Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League Cup. Despite securing a 4-2 victory, the Gers were once again forced into a frantic affair and were found wanting defensively as they allowed their underdog opponents back into the game on two occasions.

Now, arguably the toughest game of Rangers’ season so far awaits. Set to square off against Club Brugge in their latest Champions League qualifier, Martin urged his side to “seize” their opportunity against their Belgian opposition and to play “with a bit more joy” this evening.

Qualifying for the Champions League could be the major turning point that Martin so desperately needs in the early days of his tenure and it could also help keep hold of one star player.

AEK Athens in regular contact to sign Dessers

Despite reports emerging that a deal broke down between AEK Athens and Rangers to sign Cyriel Dessers earlier this summer, it now seems as though the Greek giants have reignited their interest. According to TeamTalk, AEK Athens have been in regular contact to sign Dessers, despite Martin being desperate to keep him in Glasgow.

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The forward’s exit would be the most frustrating twist of the summer for those at Ibrox and Dessers himself is reportedly open to the move before the transfer window slams shut.

Earning praise from Martin for the “brilliant” job that he did in a 3-0 win against Viktoria Plzen earlier this season, Dessers remains an important player at Ibrox despite previous criticism.

After scoring 29 goals and assisting seven more in all competitions last season, it should come as no surprise that Martin is keen to keep hold of Dessers in the remaining weeks of the window. Whether Rangers manage to do so may be another question entirely, however.

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Uma reunião entre dirigentes do São Paulo e pessoas do estafe do ponta Marinho, do Flamengo, nesta terça-feira (30), aproximou ainda mais o jogador do Morumbi. O LANCE! apurou que os representantes do atleta teriam ouvido dos cartolas tricolores que não haveria problemas dele se apresentar agora e ficar apenas treinando até que pudesse estrear, na reabertura da janela de transferências, em 3 de julho.

Diferente de Alexandre Pato, que foi apresentado oficialmente pelo clube paulista nesta terça e poderá ser inscrito imediatamente pelo Tricolor por estar desempregado, Marinho chegaria ao Morumbi em uma negociação com o rubro-negro carioca.

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Como o LANCE! antecipou em janeiro, o jogador era um pedido de Rogério Ceni – quando o treinador ainda estava no comando do Tricolor paulista. Na época, o Rubro-Negro não quis andar com o negócio. O clube do Morumbi tentava um empréstimo, mas os cariocas queriam algo em definitivo.

Agora, Marinho tem em Dorival Júnior, novo técnico são-paulino, um novo aliado para se transferir ao Tricolor. A dupla trabalhou junta na Gávea no último ano, nas campanhas vencedoras das copas Libertadores e do Brasil.

A ‘brecha’, digamos assim, para que Marinho supostamente se transfira mesmo faltando mais de um mês para o reinício das inscrições no futebol brasileiro agrada a todos os lados. O Tricolor aceita pagar um mês a mais de salário ao jogador para que ele não estoure o limite de partidas jogadas no Brasileirão caso seja reintegrado no período (Marinho foi afastado pela diretoria rubro-negra). E o jogador deixa enfim a Gávea, onde vem enfrentando problemas de relacionamento com os dirigentes.

Ao L!, duas fontes confidenciaram que o estafe de Marinho só aceitou abrir conversas com o São Paulo após descobrir que o clube carioca vinha forçando uma negociação dele com o Bahia. Acontece que o ponta se diz torcedor do Vitória. E deixou claro que não queria jogar no maior rival. Mesmo assim, segundo pessoas ouvidas pela reportagem, a negociação seguiu à revelia do jogador, que se rebelou. E começou o conflito com os cartolas.

– Houve um trabalho interno (no clube da Gávea) para forçar a saída dele – garantiu um dirigente são-paulino.

Na avaliação de seu estafe, Marinho seguiu treinando mesmo sem ser relacionado ou ter chances e mesmo assim teria seguido sendo tratado de forma diferente.

Aos cartolas tricolores, o estafe do jogador disse que Marinho explicou claramente que sentia dores, tinha um edema apontado por exames, mas que mesmo assim teriam o obrigado a viajar com o grupo.

– Mesmo machucado ao invés de trabalhar para recuperação mesmo sem chance de jogar e atrapalhando seu retorno aos treinos. Ele discutiu com um auxiliar de Sampaoli (Jorge, técnico do clube carioca) e por isso, mais a declaração de que quer sair, deixou a situação insustentável – apontou uma pessoa da cúpula são-paulina.

O São Paulo precisa resolver duas questões da equação Marinho. A primeira, mais difícil, é o lado financeira do atleta, que ganha acima do piso estabelecido pelo clube. Nesse ponto, Dorival vem ajudando, mantendo contato com o jogador e deixando claro as condições na qual viria ao Morumbi.

A segunda é o próprio time carioca, com quem o Tricolor tem que conseguir a liberação. Após acenar que liberaria Marinho de graça em julho (seu contrato só vai até o final do ano), agora a informação no Morumbi é que uma transferência para o futebol árabe vem sendo buscada pelo clube rubro-negro para receber uma compensação financeira maior.

Agora cabe acima de tudo ao torcedor esperar. O caminho, apesar de esperançoso, promete ser árduo…

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados da Copa do Brasil-23 na tabela do LANCE!

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a topsy-turvy transfer window in many ways, making shrewd additions, but also missing out on key targets at various stages of the summer.

Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel have all joined the Lilywhites during the off-season, with two of the trio cementing their place in Thomas Frank’s starting eleven.

However, an attacking midfielder has been a priority in recent weeks, but the club’s hunt for new talent in such an area has so far been to no avail.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have been two players the hierarchy have been in contact with in an attempt to land top-level talent for Frank in his first Premier League campaign at the helm.

His side have failed to complete deals for either of the aforementioned stars, with the latter joining North London rivals Arsenal – leading to other options being considered ahead of next week’s deadline.

Spurs’ hunt to land a new attacking midfielder this summer

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have reportedly made an offer for Como star Nico Paz, with the hierarchy evidently wanting to back the new manager in his quest.

The bid was in the region of £61m for the 20-year-old talent, but the Serie A side rejected the proposal, with the player himself expected to stay in Italy beyond the summer window.

However, their attempts in the market haven’t been deterred, subsequently turning their attention to Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, according to Football Insider.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have entered talks with Unai Emery’s men over a potential deal this summer, with negotiations so far being positive.

The article also states that his current employers don’t want to offload the England international this summer, valuing him at £100m, but may be forced to sell him to satisfy their PSR standing if a huge offer is made.

Why Spurs’ latest target is a bigger talent than Paz

Paz has emerged as a surprise target for Spurs as of late, but it’s understandable when delving into his numbers from the most recent campaign in Serie A.

Their interest in a new number ten is evident after James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski suffered fresh injury setbacks, with both set to be out until 2026 at the earliest.

However, the Argentine may have the tools to fill such a void, netting six goals and registering eight assists for Cesc Fàbregas’ side throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Paz has also made a stellar start to the new season, firing home a spectacular free-kick whilst netting an assist in the 2-0 win over Lazio last weekend.

There’s no denying he’d be a superb addition, but after just one year in Europe’s top-five leagues, it could also be a risk, spending big money on a star who may never reach such levels again.

A deal for Rogers would be an excellent pickup, with the Englishman thriving in England’s top-flight in recent years – having the experience in such a division that would make him an immediate hit with the fanbase.

He will likely be an expensive addition, costing around £80m, but possesses a better skill set than Paz – as seen when comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign.

Rogers, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by Lee Hendrie, registered a higher tally of combined goals and assists, whilst posting a better shot on target accuracy rate – offering Frank’s side an added threat in front of goal.

Should the 23-year-old replicate such figures in North London, he would add that further quality in the final third, the hierarchy have been hunting for – adding to the signing of Kudus in such an area.

Games played

37

35

Goals & assists

18

14

Shot on target accuracy

36%

33%

Passes into final third

1.6

1.2

Key passes made

1.9

1.8

Progressive carries

3.3

2.5

Carries into opposition box

1.1

0.5

Through balls completed

0.7

0.5

Fouls won

1.5

1.1

He also completed more key passes per 90, with more of his efforts being into the final third – offering a needed creative presence in the role behind the centre-forward.

Rogers’ ability to get the ball into dangerous areas is further highlighted by his higher tally of carries into the opposition box – having the end product to either go alone or pick out a teammate, as seen by his goal contributions last campaign.

There’s no denying that Rogers would be a huge addition to the side, but he has the potential to get even better in the years ahead in North London, given his tender age.

The hierarchy need to fork out the sum for his signature to avoid missing out on the Villa star, undoubtedly offering a more complete option than Paz in the immediate and long-term future.

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