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The summer transfer window is officially underway and Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst may be looking to add to his squad in the coming months.

John Souttar has already arrived on a free transfer and he could be the first of many arriving at Ibrox as Ross Wilson and the Dutch head coach plot moves to improve the team.

Gers legend Ally McCoist has had his say on who he wants the Premiership outfit to sign as he has tipped the Light Blues to pursue a player who was once the most expensive signing in history.

He recently urged the club to go and make a move for out-of-contract winger Gareth Bale, saying: “If I was Rangers, I’d go offer him something as well.

“Listen, he’s at a stage in his life he wants to enjoy himself. We all know he’s a big golf fan, we’ve got the best golf courses. I’d bring him up here and say: ‘Look, have a year up here’. The fans will love him, absolutely love him.”

“I know the argument would be there was disappointment with Aaron Ramsey, he wasn’t 100 per cent fit, I get that.”

Paul Gascoigne 2.0

In completing a deal to sign Bale, Rangers can land their new Gascoigne at Ibrox as he is a player who has proven himself at the very top level and can now enjoy a spell playing in Glasgow as he heads towards the end of his career.

After playing in the English top-flight for Tottenham and Newcastle, Gascoigne signed for the Gers in 1995 and scored 30 goals in 64 league starts as he impressed for the Light Blues.

Rangers can now get Ibrox rocking by signing Bale as he can come in and have a similar impact to the former England international.

He has enjoyed a stellar career at the top level with 221 senior goals for club and country throughout his time playing for Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Wales. The attacker left Real Madrid after scoring 106  times in 258 appearances, winning the Champions League on four occassions.

Bale has been labelled as an “unstoppable” player by journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke and his career statistics back that up as he has been able to plunder goals for one of the biggest teams in Europe – Real – on a regular basis. 

Therefore, he can get the ground rocking with his ability to make a significant impact in the final third, much like Gascoigne did during his time in Scotland. This is why Rangers must take McCoist’s advice and swoop for the Wales international.

AND in other news, “Was told..”: Journo makes big Rangers transfer claim that’ll leave supporters excited…

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Lewis O’Brien.

What’s the talk?

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that, despite a number of reports linking the Whites with a £10m move for the Huddersfield Town starlet this summer, at present, Victor Orta is pursuing other options in his attempts to sign a new central midfielder in the transfer market.

In response to a question asking how likely the 23-year-old’s signing appears to be, Hay revealed the following twist: “The club do want a central midfielder but from what we’re hearing, they’re focusing on other targets. It’s not that they don’t like O’Brien but, when push comes to shove, his window of opportunity for moving to Elland Road was probably last summer.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how exciting a prospect O’Brien quite clearly is, Hay’s rather surprising update that the Whites’ sporting director is not currently planning a move for the Terriers’ talent is sure to be news that will have left the Elland Road faithful gutted.

Indeed, over his 43 Championship fixtures this season – not including his three play-off appearances – the £3.15m-rated midfielder highly impressed for Carlos Corberan’s side, scoring three goals, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.1 shots, making 1.0 key passes and completing 2.0 dribbles per game.

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The £5k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, enjoying 56.7 touches of the ball, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 29.5 passes and winning 7.5 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per outing.

These returns saw the player who Jonathan Hogg dubbed “sensational” and Jobi McAnuff claimed has “a bit of everything” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.00 – playing a crucial role in Town’s widely unexpected run to the play-off final.

As such, it is clear to see that O’Brien would make an exceptional addition to Jesse Marsch’s current options in the middle of the park, an opinion that many Leeds supporters agreed with in a recent poll ran on Football FanCast – with the vast majority stating that they believe the 23-year-old would be a fantastic signing for a £10m fee.

However, following Hay’s latest update, it would not appear as if the Whites are currently in the running for the midfielder’s signature this summer, something that will undoubtedly be disappointing news to many involved with the club.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals “well-advanced talks” underway, Leeds supporters surely gutted

West Ham United will look into signing Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Dennis delivers despite Watford relegation

Whilst the Hornets endured a tough season in the Premier League, having won just six games all season, the Nigeria international can hold his head high, given he achieved a double-figure goal tally for a team which was relegated.

The Daily Mirror have reported in recent weeks that the Irons are looking at a move for the 24-year-old and that the east London club could secure the player’s services for £20m.

The Latest: Jones’ claim on Dennis

Following Watford’s relegation to the Championship, Jones expects the Hammers to look into the possibility of bringing Dennis to the London Stadium this summer.

Speaking with GiveMeSport on Sunday night, he claimed: “It’ll be interesting. There are loads of names that West Ham are looking at at the moment. People like Emmanuel Dennis, I’m sure that they’ll be looking into situations like that because they always explore good opportunities, but we’ll have to wait.”

The Verdict: Good competition for Antonio

With Michail Antonio being West Ham’s only senior striker, the arrival of Dennis would provide the Jamaica international with much-needed competition for the number nine role in David Moyes’ starting XI.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 32-year-old ranks in the 40th percentile for non-penalty goals, whereas Dennis ranks in the 81st percentile (via FB Ref).

According to WhoScored, the Nigerian forward was the Hornets’ best player this season, with an average match rating of 6.89 across the campaign. That would put him fifth among the Irons’ squad, indicating that he’d probably be well able to make an impression for Moyes’ team.

This shows how the 24-year-old has proven himself to be Premier League quality, so a move to the London Stadium could prove to be a shrewd one from GSB if they can lure him from Vicarage Road.

In other news: Paddy Kenny makes Jarrod Bowen transfer claim

Ross Wilson could be onto another Rangers masterclass with shades of the Gers’ 2019 swoop for Joe Aribo.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is looking at bringing in his own signings to Ibrox during the summer transfer window, as there will almost certainly be some outgoings.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported Rangers’ interest in Bolton winger Oladapo Afolayan earlier this month, and it’s certainly a transfer which could work out quite well if the Light Blues secure his signature.

The £3.4k-p/w forward has been impressive in League One this season with the Trotters, scoring 12 goals and registering three assists as the club finished ninth.

Valued at just £1.5m, it seems likely that Bolton would want a bigger fee than that, but it is a move that Wilson should be strongly considering, and he could well land his next £20m talent in the winger.

Aribo, who was signed from Charlton Athletic in the same division three seasons ago for a paltry £300,000, has been touted as a £20m player; and if Wilson manages to pull off a move for the Bolton gem, then it could be another shrewd signing from the Ibrox chief.

Rangers rely heavily on Ryan Kent on the left wing, with the ex-Liverpool man posting 20 assists this season, so another player in this position would be a big boost for the squad.

Afolayan possesses the goalscoring ability to make him a threat to the opposition, and his versatility is also a key strength. He can play anywhere across the front three, a trait which will likely impress Van Bronckhorst.

Journalist Derek Clark recently hailed the 24-year-old’s “top notch” mentality, and the winger certainly seems to have a bright future.

Rangers will ideally be looking to get the majority of their transfer business done as early as possible in order to allow new players to bed into the squad well before the 2022/23 season starts.

Wilson should be acting fast on a move for Afolayan, who could be another transfer masterclass just like Aribo.

AND in other news, Huge transfer twist emerges on Rangers summer target, supporters will be gutted

Celtic gave their fans lots to shout about throughout the 2021/22 SPFL season in terms of the number of goals Ange Postecoglou’s side scored.

Throughout their 38 league games, the Bhoys found the net on 92 occasions, leaving them with the best-attacking record in the top flight.

To further highlight how much of an attacking force Celtic were this season, 18 different players all managed to score at league one goal, with four scoring at least ten.

One of those 18 players that was not as prominent as others was striker Albian Ajeti.

With only seven league appearances to his name in this campaign, the 25-year-old provided two of Celtic’s 92 league goals.

Since arriving at the club back in August 2020 from West Ham United in a deal worth £4.5m, Ajeti has scored just nine goals in 48 league appearances across all competitions.

With Frank McAvennie claiming that it’s “unbelievable” that Celtic are still paying the 25-year-old’s wages, Ajeti’s position at the club could be in danger this summer.

Should the former Hammers man find himself out the door at Parkhead in the coming weeks, one figure that the Hoops have been linked with that could be an excellent replacement for him is Antoine Semenyo.

Having delivered 20 goal contributions in 31 Championship appearances for Bristol City this season with eight goals and 12 assists to his name, the 22-year-old certainly has enough attacking talent in him to be a suitable addition to Postecoglou’s side.

Bristol Live fan columnist Math Withers previously described one of Semenyo’s shots at goal as a “piledriver,” which highlights the sort of danger he carries going forward.

The Ghanaian also has the highest average for shots (2.3) and dribbles per game (1.2) this season, along with the second highest average for key passes (1.1).

This highlights how much of a creative attacking figure he is as well as a clinical finisher in front of goal.

While the Hoops had no issues when it came to scoring goals in their title winning campaign, adding a player like Semenyo to their ranks as a potential replacement for Ajeti could be just what Celtic need to refresh their attack and get the right amount of strength and depth in that position.

In other news: Worth £293k in 2020, now worth £4.05m: Celtic hit the jackpot on Ange’s “superstar”

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr has been left stunned by some news that he has now hears from St. James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Ohio Cup cancelled

As per The Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan, the proposed Ohio Cup pre-season tournament in the US, which the Magpies were supposed to be taking part in, has now been cancelled ‘at short notice’.

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They are thought to be ‘furious’ over the decision to cancel it so suddenly, as they now have to scramble to make last-minute plans for their trip.

The Latest: Scurr stunned

Taking to Twitter, Scurr of The Shields Gazette was left stunned by the cancellation, claiming that it is a ‘disappointing blow’ for the North East club:

“Given Howe’s meticulous approach, this is a disappointing blow for NUFC with pre-season plans now uncertain. Matches against Wolves, Villarreal and Valencia would have been ideal. Now it’s a case of arranging a new schedule while most other clubs already have theirs in place.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that the Tyneside outfit will not be able to test themselves against the likes of Wolves, who will finish above them in the Premier League table, and UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal.

Eddie Howe would have had all of his plans nicely in place for pre-season in America, including what kind of squad he would want to take there, but now he will be rushed into making a compromise.

Nonetheless, one would have to question whether it is still worth going to the US without the friendly games in place, unless they can arrange for other matches at short notice.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

Aston Villa have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Phillips links

Phillips, who Andrea Pirlo described as a ‘rock’ last summer, has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Villa in recent months.

Reports in March suggested that Steven Gerrard’s side were leading the race for the England international and were willing to pay Leeds £60m and Phillips around £10m-a-year.

Leeds are now on the verge of relegation back to the Championship, which has led to a major update emerging on the star midfielder’s future and a possible Midlands move.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI shared a story regarding Phillips on Thursday lunchtime claiming he is now ready to quit Elland Road even if Jesse Marsch’s side stay up.

A Villa source informed the site that NSWE are now readying up an offer after being given such encouragement, with Phillips feeling now is the right time to move on.

The Verdict: Record deal?

Should Leeds go down in the next ten days, then you’d like to think that their £60m valuation for Phillips could drop slightly. However, Villa could still smash their club record for Phillips in a deal worth over £35m.

Gerrard wants midfield reinforcements and a ‘specialist No.6’ this summer, and with Phillips a big admirer of the Villa boss, it seems as if a move is a real possibility.

Villa chiefs may well be hoping that the Whites drop back down to the second tier, making this a transfer to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho.  

Leeds United are among the clubs interested in signing Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Lawrence’s career so far

A product of the youth academy at Manchester United, the 28-year-old joined the Rams in 2017 following spells at Leicester City, Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers among others.

Lawrence has been a star performer for the Midlands club since his arrival at Pride Park, directly contributing to 62 goals in 185 outings.

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However, following a troubled 2021/22 campaign off the field, Wayne Rooney’s side were relegated from the Championship and now look set to lose their captain and talismanic attacker.

The latest: Leeds linked with Lawrence

As per the Daily Mail, Lawrence has a long list of prospective suitors including Everton, Anderlecht, Burnley, Norwich City, Watford and newly promoted duo Fulham and Bournemouth.

Leeds are also said to be ‘admirers’ of the 23-cap Wales international, who is set to be out of contract at the end of June (Transfermarkt).

It’s claimed that the man once described as a ‘fabulous talent’ by Gary Bowyer has already ‘attracted a number of enquiries’ as a move away from Derby beckons this summer.

The verdict: No-brainer

Lawrence is largely unproven in the Premier League with only four top-flight appearances to his name, but as a free agent and with possible relegation contingency planning in mind, signing such a top-quality Championship operator for nothing would be a superb piece of business by Leeds.

The Wrexham-born winger is capable of playing in numerous attacking roles and possesses an array of attributes which would make him a worthwhile addition to the Elland Road ranks (WhoScored).

Despite the general plight at Derby this season, Lawrence still managed to score 11 times and register another five assists in the second tier, further evidence as to why Whites manager Jesse Marsch should be making a strong attempt to sign the Welshman.

In other news: Leeds also want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Newcastle United will be looking to play their part in the Premier League title race as they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium today.

The Magpies lost 1-0 to Liverpool last time out and now come up against the reigning champions away from home. A win for the Toon will hand the Reds a major boost in their pursuit of the title and improve their own chances of finishing in the top half.

Eddie Howe’s men had won four consecutive games prior to their clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side and will be hoping to resurrect that form for this meeting with Pep Guardiola.

One player that the 44-year-old must brutally axe from the starting XI is Joe Willock after his disappointing display last week.

Howe must axe Willock

Freddie Ljungberg previously dubbed the midfielder as “passive”, and that is exactly what he was against Liverpool. As per SofaScore, the 22-year-old lost four of his seven duels and only completed seven passes in his 67 minutes on the pitch. He also had just 19 touches and failed in 100% of his attempted dribbles. 

In the Premier League this season, he has lost 60% of his aerial battles and 52% of his individual duels. This shows that he has been a lightweight throughout the campaign as he has failed to outmuscle the opposition on a regular basis.

His lack of strength in the middle of the park means that he can be a passenger in games, as he is unable to hold his own weight against teams who use their physique to their advantage. This is why the £80k-per-week dud must be dropped for today’s match, as he would likely be dominated by the Manchester City players.

Rodri has won 69% of his aerial battles and 56% of his duels overall in the top flight. This suggests that the Spaniard will be able to dominate Willock if it comes down to a physical confrontation between the two in the middle of the pitch.

The ex-Arsenal man has also not done enough in possession to make up for his weak play off the ball. He has scored two goals and failed to provide a single assist this season, which means that he has not made enough of an impact in the final third to warrant a start for this particular match-up when his lack of strength could be his downfall.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: Howe must land NUFC swoop for £17.1m gem who “radiates calmness”…

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with the Elland Road outfit believed to have named their price for the Englishman.

What’s the word?

According to the Mail, Steven Gerrard and co are ‘monitoring’ the situation regarding the player, with the 26-year-old potentially set to demand an improved contract, with just two years left to run on his existing deal.

The report suggests that the 19-cap international could command upwards of £100k-per-week due to his displays for both club and country, with Jesse Marsch’s side potentially set to cash in should they be unable to afford that figure – with a fee of around £60m possibly tempting them into a sale.

Villa have also received a boost as the report outlines that the Leeds academy graduate is set to reject a move to Manchester United, despite the Red Devils’ interest, owing to the intense rivalry between those two clubs making such a switch highly controversial.

Barry 2.0

Should the Midlands-based side manage to get their man this summer, he could well prove to be a particularly astute purchase, with the club currently crying out for more midfield additions.

While the likes of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey have impressed in the centre of the park, there is little depth beyond that trio, with former Marseille man Morgan Sanson having struggled to adjust to the rigours of English football.

Equally, while Luiz usually slots in as the deepest of the three, the Brazilian is perhaps not an ideal fit as a holding midfielder, with Phillips – who has been dubbed “immense” by compatriot Marcus Rashford – offering a more defensive-minded presence in front of the back four.

Despite missing a large portion of the campaign through injury, the 5 foot 10 gem has still managed to showcase his talents for the Yorkshire outfit, registering 1.2 interceptions and 2.6 tackles per game thus far, while he also ranks in the top 2% for blocks and the top 1% for pressures made among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

The £45m-rated midfield “destroyer” – as he was labelled by former Three Lions boss Steve McClaren – seemingly offers a neat comparison to former Villa and England star Gareth Barry, with the Premier League’s all-time appearance maker having forged a career as a defensive midfielder who could do a bit of everything, much like Phillips.

The 41-year-old spent the first 11 years of his senior career at Villa Park, making 436 appearances in all competitions and earning the club captaincy towards the latter end of his spell, before he was swept up among the wave of new signings during the early Sheik Mansour era at Manchester City.

As noted by his former teammate Ian Taylor, Barry was “Mr Reliable” both at Villa and throughout his playing career, with the current crop seemingly in need of a steady, calming presence at the base of the midfield.

That composed figure could well be that of the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, with sporting director Johan Lange needing to get his chequebook out to snap him up in the upcoming transfer window.

In other news, “Gerrard really keen..“: Preece drops exciting Villa transfer claim, Lange must pounce