Rangers: Beale Can Brutally Replace Barisic With £2.5m Signing At Ibrox

An update has emerged on Michael Beale's plans to reshape his Glasgow Rangers playing squad during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

According to journalist David McCarthy in the Daily Record [10/07/2023 – Page 45], Borna Barisic is one of four players on the chopping block ahead of the 2023/24 campaign (as relayed by Ibrox News).

The reporter has claimed that Ianis Hagi, Glen Kamara, and Ben Davies – who only joined the club from Liverpool last year – are also on the market, as the Light Blues are prepared to sell them all for the right price.

This comes after The Scottish Sun reported that Beale will need to sell at least three members of his first team before being able to splash out more cash on fresh arrivals before the deadline, with Croatian international Antonio Colak added to the list of possible departures as Werder Bremen eye his signature.

Football Scotland recently reported that Rangers remain interested in signing left-sided defender Jonathan Panzo, who is valued at £2.5m, from Nottingham Forest, although a deal is not advanced at this point in time.

How good is Jonathan Panzo?

The 22-year-old titan, who is capable of being deployed as a centre-back or left-back, enjoyed a strong season on loan with Coventry City in the English Championship last term and his performances suggest that he could be a good addition to Beale's squad.

Panzo could come in as Barisic's replacement due to his ability to play on the left, although the manager would seemingly need to wait until the sales are completed before officially securing the English tank's services.

Coventry loanee Jonathan Panzo.

The Forest prospect could provide an upgrade on the defensive side of the game.

He made 3.3 tackles and interceptions along with 2.9 clearances per game across 29 league starts last season, which is more than any Rangers full-back managed throughout the Scottish Premiership campaign.

Barisic made 2.8 tackles and interceptions alongside 1.1 clearances per outing for the Light Blues, whilst he also only won 0.9 aerial battles per clash – 1.1 fewer than Panzo.

These statistics suggest that the former Monaco titan, who was once lauded as being "outstanding" by his former Sky Blues boss Mark Robins, has the defensive skill set to outperform the Croatia international, by winning possession back for his side with a greater frequency and being more dominant in the air.

Barisic did, however, offer creativity from left-back as the 30-year-old dynamo assisted nine goals in 27 league starts for the Scottish giants.

Ridvan Yilmaz could fill some of that void, though, given the Turkey international assisted two goals in a run of five starts at the end of last season. That's after the young defender produced four assists in 23 league starts for Besiktas during the previous campaign.

The English boss would then have two different left-back options depending on what is needed in the next match.

Yilmaz would be the attacking, front-foot option, whilst Panzo could come in for difficult matches where his terrific defensive qualities will be required to keep the opposition out – such as in Europe.

Therefore, Beale must brutally ditch Barisic and sanction his exit in tandem with a swoop to sign the versatile Premier League defender before the deadline.

Wolves Could Replace Traore By Signing £7.5m ‘Talent’ At Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers may revisit a target from the past, as Chilean winger Daniel Osorio could become available this summer.

The teenager was linked to Wolves during last summer’s window, with Sport Witness relaying news that suggested the teenager was all but a player at Molineux.

Fast forward to this transfer window, and the 19-year-old is once again circulating in news regarding the Midlands club, with the Express and Star linking the teen with a move back in May.

The saga doesn’t quite end there, with Molineux News relaying reports from Chile that the youngster is likely to be sold this summer, due to a dip in form at Universidad de Chile.

With a reported price tag of £7.5m and West Ham United also circling the winger, it could be now or never to finally bring the Chilean to Molineux.

What could Dario Osorio offer to Wolves?

Having sold Nathan Collins to Brentford and Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal, Wolves will be eyeing signings to balance the departure and arrival ratio, with Joao Moutinho, Diego Costa and Adama Traore departing at the expiration of their contracts.

In Traore's departure, Julen Lopetegui will lose some firepower in his attack, with the Spaniard averaging in the top 5% of wingers in the Premier League last season in terms of successful take-ons, averaging 2.95 per 90, via FBref.

Despite being a threat 1v1, Traore has lacked in the final third in situations where ultimately Wolves were crying out for him to deliver.

The Old Gold ended the campaign scoring just 31 goals in 38 games, cementing themselves as the league’s lowest-scorers.

In a total of 157 appearances in the Premier League for Wolves, the Spaniard netted just ten goals, via Transfermarkt, highlighting that his threat can indeed be replenished on the flank following his exit.

Lopetegui could find himself with an adequate heir to the former Barcelona man in Osorio, who shone last season in Chile.

Hailed as a “talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Osorio has shown glimpses of the player he could be, hence interest from the English top tier.

Adama Traore for Wolves

Last campaign in the Primera Division, the "flamboyant" teenager – as dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig – scored seven goals in just 16 starts for Universidad de Chile, deployed as a left-footed right-winger.

The youngster's energy in the final third is something that Lopetegui could benefit greatly from, as well as signifying that he could add more in front of goal than the player he could replace in Traore.

While his seven goals were impressive for a player of just 18 at the time, the Hijuelas-born gem acted as a live wire whenever in possession, as supported by his numbers.

As per Sofascore, the teenager averaged one successful dribble per game, as well as 1.4 shots, despite averaging just 58 minutes per game.

Another element that the Chilean could bring to Lopetegui’s attack in addition to his threat on the ball, is his distribution and eye for a creative pass, as highlighted through his average of 1.1 key passes per game last season, with Traore averaging 0.7 this term.

With West Ham also circling the teenager, Wolves must act fast if they are to finally end the saga between Osorio and Molineux.

West Ham: Rumoured Duo Would "Do Good Things"

Leicester City's Harvey Barnes and Leeds United's Jack Harrison would "do good things" at West Ham United, believes journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers, fresh from winning the Europa Conference League, could target the relegated stars this summer.

West Ham transfer news – Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes

According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, West Ham are in pole position to sign Leicester City winger Barnes this summer.

The London club will have plenty of money to spend with the reportedly incoming sale of Declan Rice, and will use some of that budget on bringing in Barnes, as per Law.

Meanwhile, according to TalkSport, West Ham are also in the race to secure the services of Leeds United's Harrison this summer, with Aston Villa also interested in the winger.

What did Paul Brown say about West Ham, Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes?

Speaking to Football FanCast when asked about Harrison and Barnes' potential moves to West Ham this summer, Brown said: "I would like to see West Ham buy another winger. Harrison is one of the guys they’ve looked at, Harvey Barnes is another.

"I think either of those two players would do good things at West Ham. They have Jarrod Bowen there, it’s always felt to me like they need one more really playing on the other side, and then they’d have a fully functioning squad.

"So, I like that they’re looking at that kind of player. They clearly struggled to score goals at times this season and be creative enough, and I do think either Harrison or Barnes would be an upgrade on what they have and give them something a little bit different. So, yes, I think they’d do well at West Ham."

Are West Ham signing Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes

Leicester City's Harvey Barnes

Although reports have seemingly cooled when it comes to Harrison and West Ham, Barnes reportedly remains a firm target for the Hammers.

Given the fact that Bowen is still front and centre as one of the main men at the London Stadium, too, it would be a surprise if David Moyes wanted to welcome two more players in a similar position.

With the Europa League to contend with next season, West Ham will need depth. But, perhaps their budget is better spent across the pitch rather than two players of the same ilk in Harrison and Barnes.

As the summer goes on, the deals will only continue to unfold.

Wolves could sign £200k-p/w "world class" gem

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been offered the chance to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, if reports are to be believed.

What's the latest on Harry Maguire's future?

The 30-year-old has been the subject of talk surrounding his future this transfer window, with a number of clubs named to be circling the centre-back.

Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed whilst talking to the United Stand’s YouTube channel (41:03) that Wolves could be a “dark horse” in the race to lure the Englishman away from Old Trafford.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer expert Dean Jones revealed that to his belief the idea of signing Maguire has been “put to” the Midlands club, who could add defensive reinforcements this summer.

It’s expected to be a busy window for Julen Lopetegui, who will be operating proceedings on a budget, with one major talking point regarding the potential interest in the United captain being his £35m price tag, as reported by FootballTransfers.

Despite the hefty fee, Wolves may be open to negotiating a deal for the Englishman, especially considering their outgoings including once trusted centre-back Conor Coady, who is rumoured to imminently join Leicester City.

After nearly eight years at Molineux, involving a recent loan spell at Everton, the 30-year-old will depart after making fond memories in the Midlands, however, his presence at Wolves could be filled by a player of the experience of Maguire.

What could Harry Maguire offer to Wolves?

While the past few years have been cruel to the Red Devils captain, displaying poor form hindered by lack of confidence, the 30-year-old could seek new beginnings at Molineux, and rediscover his quality of the past in Lopetegui’s side.

Hailed as “world-class” by former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, Maguire was regarded as one of the league’s best central defenders after being snatched by United for £80m in 2019.

In his first season at Old Trafford, the former Sheffield United gem averaged impressive numbers in the Premier League, asserting his dominance as both his club and country’s number one centre-back.

harry-maguire-man-united-everton-transfers

As per WhoScored, in the 2019/20 campaign, the Sheffield-born defender averaged 1.9 interceptions, one tackle and a monstrous 4.1 clearances per game representing United, all while committing 0.9 fouls on average per game.

The Englishman’s professionalism and reading of the game has seen him lauded as “dominating and dictating” by manager Erik ten Hag, making him a potentially attractive addition to Wolves considering Coady’s departure.

As former captain at Molineux, the Liverpool-born defender was also a commanding figure on the pitch, however, could see his permanent absence mourned less should Lopetegui consider Maguire.

In his final season in the Midlands, Coady operated as a commander of the back line, but as told by the statistics, failed to hit the heights that Maguire did in his first campaign at Untied.

As per WhoScored, the 30-year-old averaged 0.8 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 3.7 clearances in the 2021/22 season.

The transfer saga regarding the £200k-per-week defender will twist and turn, however, Lopetegui may consider the experienced Englishman to reinstate the dominance left by Coady at Molineux should the price be right.

West Ham Could Replace Ings With £51m Phenomenon

Fresh from their magical Europa Conference League triumph, West Ham can look to next season with a huge sense of optimism.

The club is set for a busy summer as they attempt to combat yet another year of European football and reinforcements are needed.

Therefore, the Irons have been linked with a sensational transfer for Lille’s Jonathan David.

What’s the latest on Jonathan David to West Ham?

According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, the Ligue 1 club “expect to sell” the striker, and he will soon start to “seriously explore” his options.

The Canadian would reportedly “love” a move to the Premier League.

As well as the Hammers, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Napoli, and Paris Saint-Germain have been listed as other possible destinations for the 23-year-old.

Jacobs details that it could take offers of around €60m (£51m) for Lille to sanction his departure.

Who could Jonathan David replace at West Ham?

Since joining Lille in 2020, the 40-cap international has scored 52 goals in 112 Ligue 1 outings, with 24 of those coming this campaign.

The attacker was an integral component of a Lille side that won the French top-flight title in 2021, netting on 13 occasions.

Danny Ings

From David Moyes’ perspective, adding a man of this pedigree and potency could be crucial for his sides’ progression, especially when considering how his current crop of strikers performed domestically.

Between Gianluca Scamacca, Michail Antonio, and Danny Ings, this trio only scored ten times, with the latter bagging just twice.

Across 22 appearances in all competitions for the East Londoners, he has only started eight games and seems to lack the dynamism or predatory nature that is required.

Indeed, David has demonstrated himself to be a far more threatening force, meaning this signing would no doubt be bad news for the former Aston Villa striker.

The former Gent prodigy outperforms the Englishman over the last year for goals (94th percentile vs 70th percentile), touches in the box (91st percentile vs 71st percentile), chances created (70th percentile vs 20th percentile), and shots (73rd percentile vs 43rd percentile).

These stats show that David is more deadly in front of goal, but also has a more defining effervescence and intricacy which means he is a greater source of creativity.

At times, Ings has cut an isolated figure up top, but his lack of movement, pace, and attacking thrust hasn’t aided the situation and the thought of him starting next season will not fill any West Ham fans with great joy.

Described as a “phenomenon” by old Gent manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck, David would emphatically improve the Hammers and make them a far more fearful outfit.

With this sensation potentially leading the line in the Europa League, who knows what the club could achieve

Tottenham Plot Bid For "Oustanding" £26m Rock

There has been an update in Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Roma defender, Roger Ibanez…

What's the latest on Ibanez to Tottenham?

According to Italian outlet Roma Giallorossa, the Lilywhites are said to have 'intensified' their contacts with the Serie A side regarding a deal for the 24-year-old, with the report suggesting that a bid for the Brazilian could be imminent.

The piece goes on to add that while Jose Mourinho's side are looking to recoup a fee of around €35m (£30m) if they are to cash on the former Atalanta man this summer, an offer of around €30m (£26m) could well be enough to help reach an agreement.

The report also notes that while London rivals West Ham United are also keeping tabs on the centre-back, it is Spurs who are currently leading the race for his signature, with new boss Ange Postecoglou said to be an 'admirer' of the two-cap international.

Should Tottenham sign Roger Ibanez?

It does appear that defensive recruits are something of a necessity for the aforementioned Postecoglou ahead of next season, particularly with The Telegraph only recently reporting that the likes of Clement Lenglet, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez are all facing uncertain futures at N17.

That need for change has come following a rather disastrous campaign for the club which saw the north London outfit ship 63 goals in the top flight, ensuring they ended the season with the sixth-worst defensive record in the division.

Amid that desperate need to improve an evidently shaky backline, it does appear that long-serving skipper Hugo Lloris is likely to be on his way, with the 36-year-old Frenchman having notably made four errors leading to goals in the league in 2022/23 – the most of any player in the Premier League.

Brentford's David Raya

While the veteran asset is not yet out the door, the recent speculation is that Spurs are already closing in on a possible replacement, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that talks are "ongoing" regarding the bid to bring Brentford's David Raya to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Spaniard has warranted that interest after recording the most saves (154) in the division in the most recent campaign, ensuring he could be just the man that Postecoglou needs in the sticks to improve the club's defensive woes.

The ex-Celtic boss could improve the spine of the team even further with the addition of Ibanez, with the "outstanding" talent – as hailed by journalist Josh Bunting – having sparkled at the Stadio Olimpico of late after his part in Roma's surge to the Europa League final.

A player who is something of a rock at the back, the 6 foot 1 ace notably ranks in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for interceptions made, as well as in the top 18% for tackles made, showcasing his ball-winning prowess.

The one-time Fluminense man notably averaged four tackles and interceptions combined per game in 33 Serie A outings in 2022/23, with that a far superior record to the likes of Dier (2.0), Lenglet (2.2) and Sanchez (2.0).

That stellar statistical record would appear to indicate that Ibanez could be the centre-back upgrade that Postecoglou's side are desperately in need of, with it no doubt exciting to imagine the improvements that can be made with the Brazilian – and the aforementioned Raya – lining up in the defensive ranks next term.

Arsenal Could Make Sensational £180m Double Swoop

Arsenal are still potentially in the market to launch moves for both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo this summer as they aim to bolster their midfield.

How much is Declan Rice worth?

Although Mikel Arteta and his men may have narrowly missed out on landing the Premier League title, it seems they are not looking to dwell on what could have been.

It was a mightily impressive 2022/23 campaign for the north London side until the final stages of the season where their grip on the title faded.

However, looking ahead to the summer, it seems as if Arsenal are looking to make some significant upgrades to their starting XI to launch another title charge for next season.

Indeed, the Gunners have been strongly linked with a potential move for West Ham United's captain with reports claiming they have their opening bid at the ready for the £100m-rated midfielder.

But it also seems as if the north London club could look to add more than just Rice to their midfield this summer with the Brighton & Hove Albion man also on their radar.

And speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has suggested this could be the case with Arsenal potentially launching what would be a huge double swoop this summer:

"Arsenal are still there. I wouldn't rule out Arsenal signing both Declan Rice and Caicedo because we know that Granit Xhaka is going to leave Arsenal. Midfield was an area where they looked a bit light at the end of the season anyway."

What is Arsenal's transfer budget?

According to reports, Arteta is set to be handed a £150m transfer kitty ahead of the summer window which would leave Arsenal seemingly needing to sell a number of players to fund a potential double swoop.

It has also been suggested that Brighton will be looking for a deal in the region of £80m for their Ecuadorian midfielder.

But there is the belief that Arsenal are already eyeing up a number of potential departures from the Emirates Stadium over the coming months.

moises-caicedo-brighton-arsenal-transfer-gossip-edu-arteta-jorginho

Indeed, the likes of Jorginho and Granit Xhaka are two midfielders who could soon be packing their bags to join a new club over the summer.

Although that may provide Arsenal some much-needed funds if they are to pursue these two Premier League midfielders, it may not quite be enough.

Neither West Ham nor Brighton will feel pressured into allowing their star talents to depart for a cheaper fee to accommodate Arsenal's transfer budget.

This will potentially leave Arsenal with a decision to make as to whether they need to spend in the region of £180m on two midfielders or whether the money could be better spent elsewhere.

£26m Spurs Man Could Resurrect Career Under Ange Postecoglou

Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that loaned-out midfielder Tanguy Ndombele could suit the style of football Ange Postecoglou wants to play at Tottenham Hotspur.

Will Tanguy Ndombele ever play for Spurs again?

It is now official that the Celtic manager will be taking charge in North London with the club revealing a four-year deal has already been agreed upon.

After Spurs' disappointing past season – where they finished eighth in the Premier League – Postecoglou will need to assess his squad carefully before deciding who he wants to put his faith in and who he wants to sell.

Of course, though, not all of Tottenham's players were part of the squad last term, with many being sent out on loan. Ndombele was one such individual as he spent the campaign out in Italy with Napoli – just so happening to be part of a team that won the Serie A title, playing 30 games.

Clearly then, the 26-year-old can still deliver the goods in the right environment and perhaps the changes at Spurs could suddenly suit him.

While talking about all this on his YouTube channel, Gold certainly seemed to think that Postecoglou could potentially get the best out of Ndombele.

He explained: "I am quite excited to see what he does for Spurs. I'm intrigued to see what some of the loan players he makes of coming back as well.

"Of course, there's a part of me that does love the Tanguy Ndombele renascence. He certainly, in terms of the way he plays and the bravery of what he wants to do, strikes me as a Postecoglou player.

"But I do think he's going to have to work incredibly hard, which is what's also asked of you in that three in the middle."

Will Ndombele join Napoli permanently?

Despite his success overseas, the French midfielder's future looks pretty uncertain. After all, this is the second time in a row he's been loaned out – having joined Lyon the season prior.

However, it doesn't look as though he'll be moving to Napoli at this moment in time, with Italian media outlet Il Mattino reporting (via Daily Mail) that "Tottenham's forgotten man" is heading back to London this summer because the Serie A Champions can't afford to pay the £26m option to make the deal a permanent transfer.

With this being the case, it looks likely that Ndombele will definitely head back to Spurs in the summer at the very least. From there, who knows? Maybe he'll stick around for preseason and just maybe he'll catch Postecoglou's eye and do enough to earn one last chance to succeed at Tottenham.

Newcastle Eyeing "Tenacious" £34m Machine This Summer

Newcastle United are interested in burgeoning OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, with the France international attracting mounting attention after his seasonal exploits.

What's the latest on Khephren Thuram to Newcastle?

That's according to iNews, who claim that with the Magpies looking to sign a midfielder this summer, Thuram is being considered alongside the more attack-minded Leicester City star James Maddison.

United will have to wage transfer battle against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain if they want to capture the 22-year-old, who is valued at €40m (£34m), but boast a newfound stature among Europe's elite consolidated by qualifying for the Champions League this season.

An earlier report confirmed that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and technical director Dan Ashworth have been 'tracking' the ace, and time is now of the essence with the summer market mere moments away.

How would Khephren Thuram perform at Newcastle?

Thuram has been in fine fettle this season and played a central role in his team's Ligue 1 campaign, with the side sitting in ninth place with just one match to play.

As per Sofascore, he has started 30 games and recorded an impressive average rating of 7.04, scoring two goals, providing four assists, completing 87% of his passes, averaging 1.1 shots and key passes per outing, and averaging 1.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.

The one-cap France star has also succeeded with 60% of his dribbles this term, and certainly looks to wield the tools to be the progressive, all-encompassing force Howe desires to ensure this year's success remains intact.

He could thrive in the Magpies' centre, joining the robust fold and bringing his own distinctive aptitude as a "tenacious" machine, as remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Nice midfielderKhephren Thuram.

Imposing and dominant with the ball, Thuram ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He could be an incredible asset alongside Joelinton, with the striker-turned-conductor himself a destructive midfield presence, ranking among the top 11% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 5% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, also a formidable defensive star and ranking among the top 11% for interceptions and the top 9% for blocks per 90.

Once hailed as "exceptional" by reporter Jordan Cronin for one recent stellar showing, the £85k-per-week star would be enhanced by Thuram's bouncing aura on the alternate side of the centre, emboldened by the composure of Bruno Guimaraes in the middle.

Securing Thuram would be yet another diligent step toward prominence at a level unseen on Tyneside for a considerable amount of time, and he would only heighten the expanding talent at Howe's disposal.

Liverpool Ready To Trigger Clause For £16k-A-Week Ace

Liverpool are ready to trigger Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte's release clause in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Have Liverpool been linked with Ugarte?

Midfield is clearly the main area of the Reds' team that need improvements this summer, with that part of the pitch causing huge problems throughout this season. The likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have looked past their best, struggled to match their past performance levels, while Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have been unavailable too often through injury, with Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all set to leave when their contracts expire.

A number of new signings are needed in the middle of the park, with three midfield additions mooted, and Ugarte is one player who has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer, having shone for Sporting in 2022/23, standing out as arguably one of Europe's most promising young defensive midfielders.

The £16,000-a-week Uruguayan has started 28 Primeira Liga matches this season, also making 10 appearances in Europe – six in the Champions League and a further four in the Europa League – and proving to be one of his side's most important players.

Now, a fresh update has emerged over Liverpool's pursuit of him in the summer window, as they continue to track both him and Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister, with a move for the Argentine seemingly close.

Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Could Reds trigger Ugarte's release clause?

According to Le Parisien [via Sport Witness], the Reds are "ready" to pay the €60m (£52.1m) required to trigger Ugarte's release clause at the end of the season, with the 22-year-old preferring the idea of a move to the Premier League instead of Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte could be such a great signing for Liverpool if they get a deal over the line, with the eight-time capped Uruguay international described as a "machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig. His aforementioned bite in the tackle and ability to cover ground are both attributes that the Reds' midfield so badly needs, so he could be viewed as Fabinho's long-term replacement in the No.6 role.

He is also excellent in possession, however, rather than simply being a destroyer off the ball, enjoying a 91.8% pass completion rate in the league this season, as well as 85% and 89.3% in the Champions League and Europa League respectively. At 22, the Sporting man is also still so young, so he could develop into an even more formidable player at Anfield in the coming years, potentially even matching Fabinho's level of influence eventually.

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