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Former Glasgow Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha has revealed that both he and the club were aware of Carlos Pena’s drinking problem when he arrived at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Pena’s short spell at Ibrox

Pena made the move to Ibrox from Club Leon in 2017 for a fee of £2.2m (The Daily Mail) after impressing in his home country of Mexico.

However, the now-31-year-old managed just 14 matches in all competitions – although he did score five goals (Transfermarkt) – before his drinking issues became too much of a problem. The Gers duly cancelled his contract 18 months after his arrival in Glasgow.

The Latest: Caixinha makes admission

Speaking to The Rangers Review, Caixinha has admitted that he was aware of Pena’s problems. The former Gers manager said:

“When I arrived in Mexico (between 2012 and 2014), Carlos was the most incredible midfielder.

“He was really, really incredible. Goalscorer, up and down, defending, attacking, he was really incredible. Massive player, a lot of technique, a lot of physicality.

“After that, he passed through some problems and he could not deal with what he achieved.

“He passed at one stage he was having drinking problems, it was totally known.

“And when we contacted the previous teams and previous coaches in Mexico, they told me he still had a little bit of the problem but he’s much better.

“And he’s much better with a will to change.

“I’m not going to lie to you, he didn’t arrive totally clean. But we clean him up.

“If you remember one of the last games we played against St Johnstone – which we win 3-0 and he scored twice – that was the Carlos.”

The Verdict: Risk which didn’t pay off

You must appreciate Caixinha’s honesty. He himself had a terrible spell at Rangers, lasting less than a year as he became the shortest-serving permanent manager in the club’s history, being associated with a 5-1 home drubbing by Celtic and the ignominious Europa League qualifying exit to Progres Niederkorn (BBC).

Clearly, in regards to Pena, he took a risk which just didn’t pay off – the decision was perhaps emblematic of his time in Scotland.

With those five goals, Pena did show glimpses of his capabilities. However, in the long run, less than total dedication to his craft was always going to be a major obstacle. In the end, it is probably a time all involved with the Gers would rather wish to forget.

In other news, many Rangers fans were fuming over this club tweet.

West Ham are keen on signing Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause this month.

That’s according to reliable Hammers source ExWHUemployee, with the rumours receiving plenty of attention from a number of Villa supporters on social media.

Steven Gerrard has already lost one centre-back this month after Axel Tuanzebe cut short his season-long loan to join Napoli. That has left Tyrone Mings, Hause and Ezri Konsa as their only senior options in that position, with the latter of the three going off injured against Manchester United on Saturday.

According to ExWHUemployee, West Ham are looking at a move for the 26-year-old, who fits the wage structure at the London Stadium.

Described as a player with pace by journalist Pat Rowe, Hause has made eight appearances this season, with talks over a move to West Ham at a ‘primary stage’.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the links regarding Hause and West Ham on Twitter. Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with the majority against the move due to the shortage of centre-back options at Villa Park.

“Lol as if this would happen when we currently only him & Mings fit”

Credit: @Villaste1

“No chance until we’ve signed a couple of replacements, which is unlikely in this window”

Credit: @K_ribensis

“Not happening, Konsa injured, option to extend contract”

Credit: @DeadlyDoug

“£25m”

Credit: @JoshLocke23

“No, we need to buy another centre back let alone go down to just 2 senior options”

Credit: @ajbyrne_avfc

“I like Hause a lot so no thanks”

Credit: @ZM_AVFC

In other news: Shares agent with Gerrard – Villa now after midfield ace ‘like’ Gascoigne.  

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has dropped a transfer claim linking Benfica striker Darwin Nunez with a move to a whole host of Premier League clubs, including West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Failed January move

The Uruguay international was at the centre of numerous transfer rumours in the January transfer window, one of the most prominent of which came with West Ham making a move towards the end of the month.

Whilst it was said that the transfer attempt was in the pipeline for weeks, Jack Rosser of the Evening Standard has claimed that the Irons submitted a club-record £60m bid for the 22-year-old on deadline day.

Nunez reportedly said that he preferred a move to a Champions League side, so Benfica rejected the east London club’s bid.

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The Latest: Romano’s news on Nunez…

Fabrizio Romano has now shared the latest news regarding a potential £66.6m summer move for Nunez.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed: “Darwin Núñez will leave Benfica in the summer, fee around €80m. His new agent will now meet with many top clubs to explore opportunities. #transfers

“Man United already discussed his name internally – Arsenal wanted him last January as West Ham but Darwin was not for sale.”

Whilst the Irons aren’t explicitly said to be planning on making an imminent move, it is implied that Nunez’s agents will meet with the club over a potential sale.

The Verdict: Would be a fantastic signing

Former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has hailed the 22-year-old as one of the brightest prospects in world football, saying: “He was the most expensive player in the history of the Benfica and, with the pandemic I don’t know, but he could also be the most expensive player to leave the Benfica. This boy will be the best in the world and, unfortunately for me, I will lose him in no time.”

With such high praise, and with a return of 31 goals in 36 matches this season (including five in the Champions League), it is no wonder that a whole host of Premier League clubs are interested in the Uruguayan striker.

However, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United now reportedly interested, a move to West Ham seems far less likely to come to fruition, particularly if they miss out on qualification for Europe next term.

In other news: ExWHUemployee drops triple transfer claim

Leeds United have entered the race to sign Penarol striker Agustin Alvarez as the transfer competition hots up for the Uruguayan starlet.

What’s the story?

According to La República (via Sport Witness), Marcelo Bielsa’s side are battling Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg for the 20-year-old’s signature, although a number of clubs across Europe are also said to be in the running.

The report added that Leeds, as well as Serie A outfit Fiorentina, could make a bid for him during the January transfer window.

Would be an exciting signing for Leeds

With Patrick Bamford remaining Leeds’ only senior centre-forward, the Whites could desperately do with some strength in depth up front.

In a scouting report done by HUDL, they revealed of Alvarez: “El Canario is much more than purely a penalty box poacher. While he is clearly a striker who benefits from getting good service into the area, he can also fashion and finish chances for himself.

“Another of Alvarez’s best qualities is his heading. At 1.80m, he may not be the tallest but has shown himself to have a great aerial ability, timing and a fantastic leap. His strength and physicality also make him very adept with his back to goal, while his time at youth level as a midfielder means he is also good at dropping deep to link the play too.”

Indeed, North American football commentator Maximiliano Bretos even declared that Alvarez “has a little Luiz Suarez about him”.

Despite his youth, he has been in electric form for one of Uruguay’s biggest clubs and has been particularly impressive in the Copa Sudamericana, South American football’s second-most prestigious club competition. In that tournament, he has bagged ten goals and provided another two assists in just 14 games.

That kind of all-action energy makes the 20-year-old a perfect fit for Bielsa and Leeds.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa should give this academy starlet a chance…

Newcastle United are set to beat Celtic to the capture of Galway United youngster Alex Murphy. 

The lowdown: Celtic eyeing up young talent

Celtic signed Johnny Kenny from Sligo Rovers in January for a nominal fee, clearly looking to build up from the bottom, strengthening the squad of the future.

The Hoops were then linked with 17-year-old defender Murphy in February amidst interest from West Brom and Serie A outfit Torino.

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At that time, the seriousness of the interest from the Premier League club was apparent as an initial report from the Irish Examiner claimed a €100,000 (£83,000) offer had already been made.

Nowm it appears as though Celtic were ultimately unable to land their target, as another English side have swooped in…

The latest: Money talks

According to a report from RTE, newly mega-rich Newcastle have won the race to sign the talented teenager.

It’s claimed that Murphy will move to St James’ Park in the summer after turning 18 on June 25.

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Celtic are once again mentioned as being amongst the interest parties to miss out on the twice-capped Republic of Ireland Under 16 starlet as well as Brighton & Hove Albion.

The verdict: Big blow

After signing a first professional contract with Galway in August 2021, manager John Caulfield described the youngster’s career trajectory as ‘very good’ amidst growing speculation around his future.

Despite his tender years, the teenager has made seven senior appearances in the Irish first division already – completing 90 minutes on five occasions.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether Murphy can make the grade in the English top-flight, the Celtic hierarchy will no doubt be disappointed to miss out on a highly-rated youngster, although this type of attempted capture does show where the Hoops’ upcoming transfer targets may lie.

In other news, pundit pinpoints key attribute that has been crucial for Celtic. Find out more here.

Celtic have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their upcoming Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Sky Sports, Ange Postecoglou revealed that, following the midfielder’s first-half substitution in the 3-1 win over Hibernian in midweek, Tom Rogic now looks set to miss the next two to three weeks of first team action after pulling his hamstring, starting with today’s visit of Livingston.

Speaking about the condition of the 28-year-old prior to the clash against the Lions, the Celtic manager said: “He had a scan on his hamstring. It’s going to put him out for at least two to three weeks.

“It’s not a major one but he definitely won’t be involved in these games. Then obviously we have the international window, and if everything goes to plan, he should be available once we get back from that.

“All injuries are frustrating, but the flip side of that is Tommy has probably played more football in the first couple of months of the season than he has for quite a while. He was probably due a spell anyway.

“Him and Dave Turnbull in particular, because Cal [McGregor] had a bit of time out with injury, have been carrying the burden of the midfield. To be honest, even if he had come through, I probably wouldn’t have played him [on Saturday] anyway.

“Hopefully, if nothing else, this freshens him up for another run at it. But he was outstanding, he has been all year, but in the first half against Hibs he was at the centre of all the good stuff we were doing.”

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Rogic has been for Celtic so far this season, the news that the midfielder looks set to miss up to three weeks of action is sure to have left fans of the club gutted.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has formed an impressive trio alongside David Turnbull and Callum McGregor over his 11 Premiership appearances this term, with the £1.35m-rated man bagging one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates. He has also taken 1.2 shots and made 1.5 key passes per game, with these returns having seen the Australia international average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, the news that Rogic will miss not only the Livingston clash, but also the Hoops’ Europa League crunch match against Ferencvaros as well as the trip to Dundee in November, is sure to come as a big blow to Postecoglou, who will undoubtedly be hoping that the £16k-per-week midfielder can pick up where he left off upon his return from injury.

In other news: Ange must unleash Celtic’s “top-class” £2.7m-rated ace on Saturday, he’s being wasted

Paul Robinson would like Mauricio Pochettino to replace Marcelo Bielsa when the latter eventually leaves Leeds United, although he has admitted how difficult it would be to lure the former Tottenham boss to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Bielsa future always uncertain

This is Bielsa’s fourth season as Leeds boss, and he is of course hugely popular amongst the club’s supporters.

However, his future at the club is constantly up for debate. After all, he is 66 years old and therefore does not have too long left in the game, and his current contract is set to run out at the end of the season (leedsunited.com) as he continues to pen one-year deals.

The Latest: Robinson eyes replacement

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former Whites star Robinson suggested Pochettino as Bielsa’s successor. He said:

“For me, Pochettino would be great.

“It’s a pipe dream at the moment because Leeds are nowhere near attracting a manager with the calibre of Pochettino to succeed Bielsa.

“If you look at where he is now at PSG and look at where Leeds are in the Premier League table, Leeds have to be higher to attract a manager of that calibre and at the moment, that’s nowhere near happening.

“It’s a pipe dream.”

The Verdict: Aiming too high

Bielsa is a legend of the game, with the likes of Pep Guardiola (Sky Sports) and Pochettino (via Give Me Sport) himself citing the Argentinian as an inspiration. As such, Leeds will need to replace with a top-quality manager when he does depart, but Pochettino is surely unattainable at this point.

As the manager of Paris Saint-Germain, he is in a privileged position as he is able to field a side including the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Even if the man hailed ‘a football genius’ by former Spurs player Heurelho Gomes were to be sacked by PSG before Bielsa departs, to then move to Leeds would be a substantial step down, with all due respect to the club.

Of course, the Yorkshire outfit would love to have him, but they may have to set their sights lower until they can compete for European competitions.

In other news, one former Premier League ace has made this Kalvin Phillips claim.

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes West Bromwich Albion should bolster their frontline by sealing Dwight Gayle’s return to the Hawthorns.

Following a summer of change which saw Valerien Ismael swap the Barnsley dugout for West Brom, the Baggies are looking to seal an immediate return to the Premier League after suffering relegation last term.

Ismael has been busy in the transfer market and strengthened his attacking options by completing the season-long loan signing of Norwich City striker Jordan Hugill earlier this week.

But, with the window not shutting until next week, Albion could still welcome more arrivals and Hatfield has advised Ismael to sign Newcastle United’s Gayle.

The 31-year-old frontman, who signed a new contract with the Magpies in the summer, scored 24 goals during a season-long loan spell with West Brom in the 2018/19 season.

With Gayle yet to make a Premier League appearance this term, Hatfield thinks the Baggies should pounce.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “Dwight Gayle is a fantastic Championship striker. Albion fans have seen that up close and personal before.

“As an opinion, I think it would be a fantastic signing for Albion. There is an issue with wages, which has always been there for Albion ever since he came on loan. They wanted to sign him on a permanent basis but they didn’t go up that season and wages wouldn’t really work out.

“He’d definitely be the type of striker that would work brilliantly for Albion. He knows where the back of the net is, has a brilliant ability of being in the right place at the right time and connecting with the fanbase, which was something that shone through during his time at Albion.

“For me, he would be a really good signing.”

Rangers are enjoying a sublime season in the Premiership this term as they sit top of the table with 42 points after 17 games.

They have won 13 of their 17 matches, drawing three and losing just once. In that time, they have scored 38 goals and conceded just 18 times, with Steven Gerrard starting the campaign in charge before Giovanni van Bronckhorst came in last month.

Forget Tavernier

Captain James Tavernier may get the bulk of the plaudits with his outstanding contributions in the final third this season, but his fellow full-back Borna Barisic has also been a standout for the Gers.

Tavernier tops the Rangers squad with an average SofaScore rating of 7.86, whilst Barisic is second in terms of outfield players with a score of 7.26. The former has three goals and ten assists – from 1.8 key passes per game – in 15 Premiership appearances and averages a whopping 97 touches per match.

This shows how the ex-Newcastle man is the main outlet for the Gers in possession as he takes almost 100 touches per game despite playing at right-back.

Barisic, meanwhile, averages 76.6 touches per game and has also averaged 1.8 key passes – racking up two assists. This suggests that he has been more effective in his creation of chances in relation to the number of touches he has compared to Tavernier.

Former Gers player Alex Rae once lauded the full-back’s ‘terrific’ ability on the ball, saying: “He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Mark Wilson added: “He’s the best left-back in the country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

Tavernier averages 2.3 tackles and interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game, whilst Barisic averages 2.3 and 3.0 in the same categories. The Croatian has also won a higher percentage (62%) of his duels – winning 51 in total –  in comparison to the right-back (52%) in the Premiership. This shows that the left-sided defender has been stronger in his defending this season, to go along with his efficient chance creation.

Therefore, Barisic has been a standout for Rangers and is deserving of immense credit for his performances in the top-flight, potentially more so than Tavernier based on the pair’s underlying statistics.

However, both have been outstanding and are key to how van Bronckhorst’s team operates with their quality from the full-back positions.

AND in other news, Body blow: Concerning Rangers injury update emerges that’ll leave fans gutted…

Wolves manager Bruno Lage wants to sign up to four more players before the transfer window closes, journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast.

The new Wolves boss has so far brought in the likes of Yerson Mosquera and Jose Sa, with the latter’s arrival particularly an important piece of business.

The 28-year-old, who joined from Olympiakos on a five-year deal, steps in for Rui Patricio following his move to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.

As for Mosquera, he joins to give Lage more defensive options. And if Lage gets his way, it seems more new signings could follow the Colombian youngster to Molineux.

“Lage definitely wants to strengthen Wolves,” the Express & Star’s Hatfield said. “He definitely wants three or four more signings. 

“But I think it will very much be a case of you’ll see a report and then two or three days down the line, it will be done and dusted. Wolves do tend to keep their transfer targets pretty quiet.”

As for outgoings, it will be interesting to see what happens with both Adama Traore and Ruben Neves.

Traore has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, including Leeds United, while Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in Neves, but nothing is yet to materialise.