Rangers are said to be cosing in on a deal to bring in a familiar face this summer. The real recruitment work starts now for the Ibrox club, with Derek McInnes appointed as manager, allowing a more concentrated approach to be established.

The Glasgow giants did snap up Lawrence Shankland ahead of the striker jetting off to the World Cup, but they have since lost manager Danny Rohl, leading to a change in focus. Fortunately, McInnes managed and got the best out of Shankland during the pair’s time at Hearts, and so that is not a deal he is going to take exception to.

But from here on out, the transfer strategy will likely revolve around what McInnes wants and his vision of the squad.

Rangers eye former full-back

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

According to the Rangers View, the Gers are now eyeing former defender Ross McCrorie, who is in the final year of his contract at Bristol City, opening up the potential for a deal. McCrorie came through the Ibrox academy before going on to spend time at Portsmouth, Aberdeen and Bristol City.

He remains a big part of the Robins’ squad, playing in 39 of their 46 Championship games last season as they achieved a mid-table finish. But now in the last year of his deal, Michael Skubala at Ashton Gate is going to have to make a decision, especially with reported interest from Rangers.

If Bristol City are not planning to offer the 28-year-old a new contract ahead of next summer, now would likely be the best time to sell. Of course, the player will also have some sort of say in whether he moves on this summer, and a return to Rangers could be attractive to him.

McInnes a big fan of McCrorie

Interestingly, McInnes has already worked with McCrorie during the pair’s time at Aberdeen, and he praised the versatile full-back at the time.

The now Rangers boss said back in 2020: “Ross McCrorie is an absolute dream of a boy, he’s a Rolls-Royce.” Interest should come as no surprise based on those comments, and there have also been reports in Bristol this week that the Robins are actively seeking a new right-back due to the doubts over McCrorie’s future.

As far as McInnes is concerned, McCrorie is an ideal addition, given he would be available for an affordable fee, and he is able to play at right-back, left-back, holding midfield and even at centre-back.

Among the many talking points of the 2026 World Cup lies a controversial new ruling that has already claimed its first victim — covering your mouth during a confrontation with an opponent is now a red card offence.

Just ask Paraguay and former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almirón, who was dismissed against Turkey for doing exactly that. It has divided opinion between fans and pundits alike and has put every player on notice.

The one-match ban is now in effect for the forward and there is no possibility of appealing to overturn the decision.

With that in mind, we’re breaking down the new ruling, what it means, other potential incidents and all the key reactions from the fallout of the red card.

Red Card for Covering Mouth Rule Explained

The inception of this ruling dates back to early 2026. Following Benfica and Real Madrid‘s clash in the UEFA Champions League, it was said that a new law — dubbed the ‘Prestianni Law’—could be introduced after the incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Jr in February.

Whilst that situation was resolved with a six-match ban for the Benfica winger, the International Football Association Board’s attentions quickly turned to international football ahead of the World Cup and how best to implement a ruling to avoid such incidents.

IFAB, and FIFA’s plan developed into a proposal that would see players sanctioned if they deliberately cover their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent. They described it as closing ‘a disciplinary loophole that has complicated investigations in cases involving alleged verbal abuse’ and it was approved in late April.

The incident at the World Cup was the first time the rule had been enforced, which was confirmed following a VAR check.

Players Who Have Been Sent Off for Covering their Mouth

As it stands, Almirón is the only player to be punished by the rule. However, it doesn’t mean there haven’t been other incidents that fans have contested during the tournament.

Two star names that include Argentina‘s Lionel Messi and England‘s Jude Bellingham have both been subject to interest from fans; Messi against Algeria and Bellingham against Ghana.

Whereas Messi’s involved a fellow teammate, Bellingham toed the line more precariously. At halftime during England’s clash with Ghana, he was seen in an altercation with the Ghanaian bench and Jordan Ayew but a lack of reaction from the striker perhaps saved the Real Madrid midfielder from further punishment.

According to the statement released by FIFA following Almirón’s dismissal, a player will be dismissed in a ‘confrontational situation with an opponent’, hence why the calm reaction of Ayew, coupled with the halftime whistle, looks to have saved Bellingham from being the second victim of the rule.

Reaction

REUTERS/Henry Romero

FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, gave his reaction to SNTV following the dismissal of Almiron, saying: “If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you speak to somebody. The rules have been made very clear to everyone, everyone knows them, so this is an important element.”

The most emotional reaction thus far came from Paraguayan commentator, Jorge Vera. As a result, he has since officially had his accreditation removed from the tournament. Vera’s outburst live on air took aim at referee Ivan Barton, Infantino and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, claiming that FIFA had ‘killed football’ and that the president should be ‘ashamed’.

Ahead of their clash with Paraguay, Australian captain Jackson Irvine backed the decision, claiming that all the players were all well-informed about the ruling before the tournament began. “If you’re saying something to someone that you don’t want to be seen, then I think it’s safe to say that if you can’t be seen saying it, then it shouldn’t be said.”

England’s Dan Burn reflected on the situation and somewhat sympathised with his former teammate, stating that he believes this was something of a ‘habit’ for the attacker who managed 30 goals in 223 games at St. James Park. “Obviously, I know Miggy [Miguel] personally, so I’d like to think that…I think it’s more habit. I’ve seen him do that a lot over the years.

“It’s going to take a little while for some players to get used to that. We had a referees meeting, so everyone knew the rules, so it wasn’t a massive surprise. But it’s something that’s quite hard to get out of the habit of doing.”

Liverpool have opened talks in recent days over a summer deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, but they face stiff competition for his signature, according to TEAMtalk.

It is already looking like Liverpool could be one of the busiest Premier League clubs in this summer transfer window, with a squad refresh needed after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, not to mention that FSG will be keen to back new manager Andoni Iraola with the signings he wants.

They have already done that after quickly hijacking Newcastle United’s move to sign Spain international winger Victor Munoz, with the 22-year-old already confirmed as the first arrival of the Iraola era.

Having lost Mohamed Salah, along with Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, this summer, Reds chiefs are also currently working on a big-money move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

The Merseysiders see the 19-year-old as their number one target to be Salah’s long-term successor at Anfield, and while they are confident that the player would like to join them, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, agreeing a fee with Leipzig is proving more difficult with the German club demanding up to €130m to sell now.

Liverpool are also looking at their midfield situation too, with at least one new signing expected.

Liverpool Hold Talks With Bouaddi’s Agents

via Reuters

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Real Madrid have now made fresh enquiries over a deal to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in recent days.

The Reds have stepped up their interest in signing the ‘superstar in the making’, who has been one of the stars of the World Cup so far at just 18 years of age.

Liverpool officials have now held talks with the Morocco international’s camp to confirm their interest in signing him, but they aren’t the best placed team in the race to sign one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.

According to the report, Arsenal remain in the driving seat to sign Bouaddi, having tracked the teenager for years – something the player is aware of.

Lille are said to value the talented youngster at £60m which, after seeing his performances on the world stage and the fact he has made almost 100 senior appearances for the Ligue 1 club, could prove to be a future bargain.

Which Other Midfielders are Liverpool Targeting?

via Reuters

It isn’t just Bouaddi who Liverpool are considering signing in this summer transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Reds made contact earlier this month over a move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but the Portugal international currently looks more likely to join either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.

GIVEMESPORT sources have also revealed that the Merseysiders have a big appreciation for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who has just helped his club qualify for the Europa League by winning the Europa Conference League.

Wharton missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad and would be able to link up with the Reds at the beginning of pre-season, much like another target, according to GMS sources, in £80m-rated Bournemouth star Alex Scott.