Our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern has watched as Rangers’ season very closely and has witnessed them going from a side that were pushing their rivals Celtic, to a team struggling to win and struggling to keep second spot.

There was the bizarre situation that led to Mark Warburton’s exit from the club that left the punters here not even knowing if he resigned from the club or not! He’s no longer here and, since his departure, the Gers just simply haven’t been as good as they should be.

Defeats in their last two games to Dundee and Inverness, it’s a very important game this weekend against Hamilton that they kick on in the cup and at least give their fans something to cheer about this season.

Hamilton themselves have a lot play for in this quarter-final game, so Rangers will be hoping that they can ignore their league form and go all out in this cup fixture.

With that, if Murty picks this Rangers XI, they will surely beat Hamilton…

GK: JAK ALNWICK

It’s likely that the former Newcastle keeper will be featuring in this cup match and he could relish this opportunity with Foderingham not in the best of form as he tries to the lay claim for the number one spot at Ibrox.

RB: JAMES TAVERNIER

Another former Newcastle man in the Rangers ranks, Tavernier has really taken to life in Scotland and has been a vital player in their rise back to the SPFL.

He’s a full-back that loves to get forward and he can cause Hamilton all kinds of problems this weekend.

CB: DANNY WILSON

The one-time Liverpool defender has been solid at the back for Rangers since arriving from Hearts last season.

The Scotland international has had a point to prove in his second stint at Ibrox and he’s proven to be key this time around.

CB: PHILIPPE SENDEROS

The Swiss desperately needs to improve his performances to fight for his future and the Gers need a big performance in general, with Rob Kiernan likely to miss the game.

LB: LEE WALLACE

This lad stuck with Rangers all the way back to the top and even sacrificed his international career, but now they are both back on track, he looks to be playing his best football.

The captain will need to show his best leadership qualities to ensure that the Gers get through in this fixture.

CM: JON TORAL

The on-loan Arsenal midfielder hasn’t made quite the impact many at the club were hoping he would.

However, the Spanish midfielder has for sure got the quality in his locker to be able to produce and come good for the Ibrox club. He’s only at the club for a short time and he needs to show the fans he was worth the punt.

CDM: ANDY HALLIDAY

Halliday, formerly of Middlesbrough was a cog in the heart of midfield for Rangers as they claimed a spot back in the SPFL; he has however struggled to recreate that form!

Halliday has to prove his worth and prove he deserves to be in the side this weekend.

LW: BARRIE MCKAY

The highly talented Scottish winger has been tipped for big things and even linked with a move to the high-flying RB Leipzig in Germany.

However, he must be fully focused on the job in hand as his team need to get back to winning ways this weekend and try and push on the cup to having something to play for this season!

CAM: EMERSON HYNDMAN

The USA international who joined in January on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth has made a bit of an impact to the side and has proven to be an asset for the club thus far.

Still needs to keep going and keep putting in 100% for his team, each and every game from now on!

RW: JOSH WINDASS

What a signing this guy was by former gaffer Mark Warburton! Not to mention the fact they paid nothing for the former Accrington Stanley man.

Windass has been vital when he’s been fit and playing for the club. Like his father, he loves to make impact in big games and this game is big for Rangers and how much of a success this season has been for them.

ST: KENNY MILLER

You simply cannot have a Rangers side without this man at the top of it, spearheading the attack. The veteran striker just keeps getting better with age; like a fine wine.

He scores vital goals at vital times for his beloved Rangers and this game they’ll need a goal or two to progress to the semi-finals!

Wayne Rooney’s agent Paul Stretford has flown to China amid rumours that the Manchester United captain could move to the Far East before Tuesday’s deadline, reports ESPN.

What’s the latest?

It seems not a day goes by when Rooney is not dominating the transfer gossip pages, particularly as the transfer window in China does not close until next week.

Numerous reports in the British media have claimed that the 31-year-old has received a number of lucrative offers from clubs in the Chinese Super League.

After falling down the pecking order under manager Jose Mourinho, it is believed that Rooney is considering his future.

ESPN claim that the footballer’s representative jetted to China on Wednesday, but no reason was given for the trip.

BBC Sport reports that Stretford is in the country to discuss potential transfer options for his client, with Jiangsu Suning and Beijing Guoan eligible to bring in one more overseas player.

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How likely is this move?

The timing of Stretford’s presence in China obviously raises some questions, but it is worth noting that the businessman’s company Red Lantern has an office in Beijing.

The amount of news outlets reporting that a transfer could happen suggests that there is movement, but it is not yet definitive.

There are conflicting reports, though, with The Independent recently claiming that Rooney does not want to uproot and would rather move to another Premier League club if he departs Old Trafford.

Five days remain before the transfer window slams shut in China, so there is still a possibility that a move could happen.

Although, it would not be a huge surprise if Rooney was still a United player by the end of next week.

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Monaco may be chasing a two-goal deficit to one of the Premier League’s most talented sides but closing such a margin certainly isn’t beyond Leonardo Jardim’s boys.

Since taking over in summer 2014, the Frenchman has forged an incredibly talented, young team with a unique fearlessness in attack – scoring the most goals of any side involved in Europe’s five leading top flights this season.

The average age of the starting XI that took part in an eight-goal thriller with Manchester City at the Eithad Stadium last month was just 25 and Jardim looks set to select a similar side for the return leg in the Champions League’s Round of 16 on Wednesday evening.

Monaco’s rapid transformation into one of Europe’s most eye-catching sides has inevitably gained plenty of admirers from the Premier League, as supporters look ahead to the summer transfer window.

So, United fans, who should your fellow Red Devils supporters be keeping an eye out for when Monaco host the noisy neighbours later this week? Let us know by voting below!

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Arsenal will join the race for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley if he is available this summer, reports The Mirror.

What’s the word?

Barkley’s future at Goodison Park has been a talking point this season given that he will have one year left on his contract come the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been one club linked to the England international, but now it appears that their North London rivals will also enter the fray.

The Mirror claims that the Gunners will consider a bid for Barkley if he does not sign a new deal, despite the growing uncertainty over Arsene Wenger’s future as Arsenal boss.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman recently suggested to the media that the 23-year-old will be sold if he does not agree a new contract at the end of the season.

Is Barkley right for Arsenal?

For some time the Gunners have been lacking a pulse of power in the middle of the park.

Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge faltered once again this season, leading to suggestions that they need a bit of inspiration and grit.

Barkley may not be well renowned on the world stage, but his presence in midfield causes problems for opponents.

He is rarely muscled off the ball and he can create goalscoring opportunities as well as find the back of the net himself, particularly from distance.

Barkley, who has scored four goals and produced seven assists for Everton so far this season, also has the ability to maraud forward.

The midfielder could be an ideal addition for Arsenal, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available come the summer.

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When Pep Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium last summer, many tipped an instantaneous Premier League title for his new-look Manchester City side.

With just eight games to go, that goal looks a little beyond the Citizens, but there’s no question they’ve played some of the most eye-catching football in the top flight this term as they’ve attempted the transition towards becoming a genuine Guardiola outfit.

Wins over Barcelona, West Ham and Arsenal particularly come to mind, but amid some exceptional team performances, we’ve also seen some brilliant individual displays.

Indeed, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva have pulled the strings in midfield, whilst Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane have provided explosive pace in attack and Sergio Aguero has netted 26 times across all competitions.

So who deserves this year’s Player of the Season award? Has De Bruyne done enough to make it two in a row? Should Aguero be taking it home for a third time? Or is someone else due the honour? Let us know who you think deserves the 2016/17 crown by voting below…

The crown jewel of the Scottish football calendar, the Celtic vs Rangers derby is one of the most iconic in world football, always attracting attention from fans around the world. If you thought the previous fixtures this season between the two sides meant a lot, then you haven’t seen anything yet.

This Sunday’s match at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final has more at stake than usual. The Hoops are going for a famous treble of trophies and also an unbeaten domestic season. The Gers are aiming to stop their great rivals from achieving that feat and also to take a first step towards success in the Pedro Caixinha era at Ibrox.

Celtic have won three of the four fixtures so far this season, starting with a 5-1 thumping at Celtic Park. Since then the Gers have gradually fought their way back, first to a 1-0 defeat, then actually scoring against them in a 2-1 defeat at Ibrox before eventually holding them to a draw last month.

Is it Rangers’ time to finally pick up a massive derby victory against Brendan Rodgers’ team?

Celtic are still the favourites but here are three reasons why the Hoops can’t underestimate their city neighbours…

Unbeaten under Caixinha

Since Pedro Caixinha came into the Ibrox hot-seat there has definitely been a lift in optimism surrounding the Light Blues. Initially beating Hamilton before poor draws against Kilmarnock and Motherwell, the Gers are going into the game at Hampden off the back of two consecutive wins over Aberdeen and Partick Thistle.

In fact, their form over the last six matches in the Scottish Premiership is the same as Celtic’s with three wins and three draws each.

The Hoops have taken their foot off the pedal a little since wrapping up the title and although still undefeated, draws against Partick Thistle and Ross County have rung a few alarm bells ahead of the semi-final showdown.

Has the edge come off their game? Can the Gers replicate the draws of both those teams and force the game to the lottery of extra-time and penalties?

The draw at Celtic Park

Without a doubt, Rangers’ draw at Celtic Park will have been a massive confidence boost to the Gers squad who at some points this season must have wondered if they could ever best the Hoops.

It will have shaken the Celtic support a little too. Ultimately the game meant nothing but if the match at Hampden follows the same pattern as March’s fixture then progression to the final may be a little too close for comfort.

A draw across the 90 minutes would be enough to force the fixture into ‘anything can happen’ territory, as we saw last season when a dramatic extra-time culminated in a penalty shoot-out that Rangers fans will never forget.

The thumping of Aberdeen

Perhaps the biggest indicator Rangers are making progress under Pedro Caixinha was their recent thumping of Aberdeen at Pittodrie, a match that Derek McInnes’ side went into as hot favourites.

The Dons dominated most of the match but failed to take their chances and in the closing 20 minutes, the Gers showed a ruthless edge that has been missing for the majority of their season.

If Celtic turn up to Hampden slightly below par then Caixinha’s side could be well placed to rise above expectations again and turn the semi-final into quite the battle. The Light Blues are arguably at their best when they are underdogs and that’s certainly the case this weekend.

The hero of Pittodrie, Kenny Miller, always loves these occasions too and if he’s in the mood this Sunday then, frankly, anything can happen.

A number of Chelsea supporters have urged the club to make a summer swoop for Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe following his impressive performance against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

At just 18 years old, the Frenchman has become a prolific goalscorer for the Ligue 1 club, netting 21 times and providing five assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.

What is even more impressive is that he has managed to scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 and has only started 11 times in the division, with a further 11 appearances coming off the bench.

In Wednesday’s quarter-final first leg, which was rearranged for that day due to bomb explosions hitting Dortmund’s team bus the night before, Mbappe scored twice.

The teenager put in a man-of-the-match display as Monaco nabbed three away goals in a 3-2 triumph at the Westfalenstadion.

As expected, Mbappe has been linked to numerous big clubs, including Arsenal after manager Arsene Wenger likened him to Gunners great Thierry Henry.

After witnessing his performance in Germany, plenty of Chelsea fans believe that they should be making a move for the youngster.

Brighton have achieved promotion to the Premier League with time to spare, allowing Chris Hughton a few extra weeks to consider what his plans will be for the summer transfer window.

And according to The Telegraph, the Seagulls gaffer is already eyeing up one potential target in Liverpool youngster Kevin Stewart – who is currently sidelined through injury but has made 20 first-team appearances since Jurgen Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers as Anfield gaffer.

The German is seemingly keen on the industrious midfielder and The Telegraph claim he’s in no rush to sell. But already 23 years of age and having hardly excelled during his nine outings earlier this season, would he be a massive loss to the Merseyside outfit?

It’s claimed Liverpool value the former Tottenham Hotpsur youngster at £10million – a reflection of the £15million fee Bournemouth paid for Jordon Ibe. So, Reds fans, would you sell Stewart to Brighton  for £10million, should the club hold onto him or demand more? Let us know by voting below…

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Leeds United fans decided to rub salt into the wound after Fulham were beaten by Reading in the Championship playoff semi-finals.

The Whites failed to secure a spot in the top six in the regular season, and their place was taken by Fulham.

Plenty of Cottagers poked fun at Leeds for missing out on a playoff spot, but now the tables have turned.

Tom Cairney kept Fulham in the tie against Reading by scoring a 65th-minute equaliser in the first leg at Craven Cottage, but nor he nor any of his teammates could find the back of the net on Tuesday night.

Yann Kermorgant’s penalty was the only thing to separate the two sides on the night, and it was enough to send Reading into the playoff final.

As expected, the Leeds following flocked to Twitter to mock their rivals and add to their misery.

Either Jaap Stam’s side, Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield Town will join Newcastle United and Brighton in the Premier League.

As reported by The Express, Celtic striker Moussa Dembele remains a player chased by some of the biggest clubs in Europe with Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and AC Milan all interested in signing him this summer.

What’s the story?

Moussa Dembele has been injured for most of the tail-end to Celtic’s season, but that doesn’t mean his profile has lowered, far from it.

The Express say that the likes of Chelsea still hold an interest in the striker, who is rated at £40m. However Italian giants AC Milan have also joined the fray, perhaps driving his potential transfer fee up even further.

After rebuffing interest from the Blues in January, it seems the Hoops will have deal with strong interest from Serie A this summer.

Plenty of improving to do

Moussa Dembele, who has just secured an unbeaten domestic treble with the Hoops, may have scored 32 goals this season but even the most die hard of Celtic fans would admit is he still not the finished product. Consistency can be a problem for the young Frenchman with a couple of fairly lengthy spells without a goal from open play throughout the season.

Key to his development is regular first team football and it’s perhaps something that Celtic are in a unique position to offer, at UEFA Champions League level.

A move to an elite side like Chelsea or Arsenal too soon could set him back, even if the short term gains financially would be massive.

Dembele has his eye on being one of the greatest strikers in Europe and at 20 years of age, he has plenty time to do that. Right now, Celtic is the best place for him to be.