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Rangers have already been active this summer transfer window, bringing in six new players to Ibrox, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will surely be dipping back into the market following the exit of Calvin Bassey this week.

What’s the word?

The full-back enjoyed an outstanding 2021/22 campaign at Rangers and earned a move to Ajax, in what was a record sale for the Ibrox outfit, and it seems as if they will reinvest some of that new money in a new left-back to compete with Borna Barisic.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Pete O’Rourke suggested that left-back is a priority area for Rangers.

He said: “That is a position that Rangers will be looking to strengthen in with Bassey leaving for Ajax and still doubts surrounding the long-term future of Barisic as well.”

Supporters will be delighted

As things stand, Barisic is the only natural left-back option in Van Bronckhorst’s squad.

As O’Rourke alludes to, he has also been linked with a potential move away from Ibrox, which leaves Rangers in a very precarious position, especially when you consider that their Champions League qualifying game against Union Saint-Gilloise is less than two weeks away.

The Teddy Bears have also lost promising young left-back James Maxwell, so supporters will be delighted to hear that a new left-sided defender is likely to arrive at Ibrox before the new season begins.

While Bassey’s best performances arguably came as a centre-back last term, particularly in the Europa League, he was still important cover for the Croatian on the left-hand side and more depth is needed there ahead of the new campaign.

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Considering that Rangers have received significant transfer fees for Bassey and Joe Aribo, and have only spent money on Ben Davies, Rabbi Matondo and Antonio Colak so far this summer, there should be plenty of funds in the bank for a new left-back to be signed in time for 2022/23 getting underway.

AND, in other news: “On Rangers’ radar” – Journalist claims GvB is looking at signing £6m Bassey replacement…

Leeds United want to sign another midfielder on top of a move for Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere.

The Lowdown: Four in

The Whites have already bolstered their midfield ranks this summer after selling Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City.

Jesse Marsch, Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta have brought in two defensive midfielders in Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, Darko Gyabi, a young central midfielder, and attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson. [Transfermarkt]

There could well be more to come, though, with Leeds on course to spend more than £100m in a transfer window for the first time in their history.

The Latest: Another wanted?

The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones shared a story in the early hours of Monday morning, looking at Leeds’ pursuit of Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere.

Intriguingly, the reliable journalist added that as well as the Belgian attacker, the Whites ‘want to sign another midfielder, a left-back and an experienced goalkeeper’.

While the left-back pursuit was already well-known, it appears Orta has quietly been making moves for a fifth midfielder too.

The Verdict: Orta in overdrive

The new season is just around the corner, but Orta is showing no signs of stopping in the market and still has plenty of time to make further additions happen.

It seems as if the club’s priority at this moment in time is a new forward, specifically De Ketelaere, and once an attacking addition is made, three more areas could be bolstered.

That may end up taking Leeds’ summer signings into double digits and the spending miles above their record outlay, so August could be just as busy for Orta and co as June and July.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly ‘made progress’ in pursuit of AS Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov, according to La Repubblica (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed for £16.2million from fellow Serie A outfit Genoa, Shomurodov has directly contributed to 11 goals in 40 outings for Roma since arriving in the Italian capital.

The 27-year-old Uzbekistan frontman was part of Jose Mourinho’s side that lifted the inaugural UEFA Conference League last term, appearing as a substitute in the final victory over Feyenoord.

Despite remaining part of the plans in Rome in 2021/22, Shomurodov is seemingly up for grabs this summer and Wolves could be set to benefit from the availability…

The latest: ‘Made progress’

As per La Repubblica (via Pagine Romaniste, translated by SW), Wolves have ‘made progress’ in signing the 56-cap, 30-goal international star.

It’s claimed that Bologna are also keen on Shomurodov, whilst there is also a ‘call from abroad’ with the Old Gold understood to have enquired about the Uzbek hitman.

The report also states that Roma are open to ‘either’ a loan exit with an option to buy or an immediate permanent sale of the man hailed for his ‘superb’ dribbling and assist for a Gianluca Scamacca strike back in November 2020.

The lowdown: Striker essential

Having allowed Fabio Silva to join Anderlecht on loan this summer and following the injury suffered to Raul Jimenez, adding firepower to Bruno Lage’s squad is imperative.

Capable of playing across the frontline and in deeper roles, Mourinho predominantly utilised Shomurodov as an out-and-out centre-forward last season, yielding five goals and six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions from his 6 foot 3 hitman.

Sharing a close stylistic likeness to such renowned attackers as Luis Muriel, Edin Dzeko and ex-Wanderers favourite turned Liverpool sensation Diogo Jota (Fbref), Shomurodov would appear to be a smart choice for Lage in order to add much-needed strength to the forward options.

Valued at £7.2million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), this would be a wholly affordable venture of the Molineux hierarchy and as such, one Jeff Shi should be pushing to make happen as soon as possible.

Former Premier League manager Alex McLeish has delivered his verdict on the Newcastle United pursuit of Leicester City midfielder James Maddison. 

The lowdown: Two bids rejected

The Magpies have seen two offers rejected by the Foxes for Maddison in recent days, one of £40million and one of £50million as Eddie Howe attempts to add creativity to the St James’ Park ranks.

Leicester are reportedly holding out for £60million for the 25-year-old England international who has directly contributed to 77 goals in 170 outings for the Midlands club.

Upon discovering the mooted asking price, one pundit has provided his reaction to what it will take to bring Maddison to the North East this summer…

The latest: ‘Gobsmacked’

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Aston Villa boss now Sky Sports pundit McLeish suggested that Newcastle should pay up for the one-cap star.

He said: “My reaction to that is, now we’re talking, Newcastle. Now you are talking, he is a superb player. I remember watching videos of him as a kid, him practising with his Dad in the garden.

“He’s a two-footed player and he has tremendous ability. For me, he is a well-rounded player and well worth the money Newcastle will have to pay for him. He would be one of the big signings of this new Newcastle era. I am gobsmacked by the prices you see for players these days.

“But James Maddison is up there with all of the best box-to-box midfielders you see in the game all over the world. I rate him very highly.”

The verdict: Pay up

Whilst the modus operandi from PIF to not spend what the club perceive as over the odds for targets has s far proven to be a smart one, paying extra to bring a player of Maddison’s proven class to Tyneside would be a significant statement of intent from the Toon.

Hailed as a ‘special talent’ by The Times’ chief football writer Henry Winter, this is a potential deal that has all the hallmarks of being a transformational capture for Newcastle as Howe looks to take the club to the next phase of its development having survived relegation last term.

Already boasting 133 Premier League outings, last season, Maddison scored 18 times and provided 12 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, earning a sensational 7.32 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.0 duels, making 1.4 key passes and taking 2.1 shots on average per league game.

That form, experience and overall level of quality see the attacker share similar qualities to the likes of Son Heung-min, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes (Fbref), all combining to make the Englishman a superb addition to Howe’s ranks.

Dan Ashworth and Co would be wise to sanction the additional funds to get this one over the line.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Thilo Kehrer to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Evening Standard, who claim that, with Issa Diop looking set to secure a £15m move to Fulham in the coming days, David Moyes’ side are now pushing ahead with their interest in the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back.

The report goes on to state that, although Conor Coady was the 59-year-old manager’s first-choice target in the heart of his defence, with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain now having joined Everton, the Scot is focusing solely on Kehrer – who is also believed to be a target of LaLiga side Sevilla.

A further report by the Daily Mail also claims that Rob Newman has made contact with the Ligue 1 outfit regarding a deal for the 25-year-old – with Luis Campos believed to have informed the Premier League side that the Germany international will cost around £17m.

Moyes would love him

With Diop moving onto pastures new and Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson all currently sidelined due to injury, it is not difficult to understand why Moyes is looking to add a new centre-back to his first-team squad before September’s fast-approaching transfer deadline.

And, considering just how talented a defender Kehrer is, coupled with the fact the 25-year-old can operate from anywhere across the backline, as well as in defensive midfield, it is also easy to see why Newman and Moyes have identified the Germany international as their primary target in the position.

Indeed, while it is true that the former FC Schalke 04 starlet is not exactly a bonafide starter at the Parc des Princes, the £19.8m-rated talent has nevertheless impressed over his four full domestic campaigns with the French champions, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 in 2018/19, 6.79 in 2019/20, 6.78 in 2020/21 and 6.80 in 2021/22.

Furthermore, the £78k-per-week defender also boasts a wealth of experience in the Champions League, having featured no less than 20 times in Europe’s most prestigious club competition – something that would prove incredibly useful in West Ham’s inaugural Europa Conference League campaign this season.

Further still, as previously mentioned, the 20-cap international can also operate from left, centre and right-back, as well as in defensive midfield – a trait that the former PSG and current Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel praised back in 2018.

Regarding Kehrer, the German coach told PSGTV: “Thilo is a very committed player, very professional. I like his personality, he already has a certain maturity as he’s captain of Germany’s U21 side. He’s quick, able to play in any of the four positions at the back, is two-footed, and can even play as a defensive midfielder. He’s the sort of player any coach would like to have.”

As such, should West Ham manage to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old in the coming days, it would very much appear as if the Hammers will have landed a talented, versatile and – for just £17m – cost-effective replacement for Diop in the heart of their defence, not to mention a player who Moyes would undoubtedly love to have in his squad this season.

According to reliable journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are ‘considering’ a move to sign Celtic defender Josip Juranovic this window.

The Lowdown: Instant impact

The 26-year-old first arrived in the Scottish Premiership when he joined the Hoops from Legia Warsaw last summer, and after an outstanding debut season in Glasgow, he’s already attracted attention elsewhere.

Just weeks ago, the right-back was being linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, though the interest from the La Liga giants never developed into anything more.

Following a fresh update, it seems as if the exit rumours have been reignited, except this time it’s thanks to two huge English clubs.

The Latest: Chelsea ready to swoop for Juranovic

Taking to Twitter, Bailey confirmed that both Chelsea and Manchester United are plotting moves to sign Juranovic. He wrote:

“Chelsea considering move for Celtic’s Josip Juranovic, who is also on Man Utd’s radar.

“Despite new deal for Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea want another right-back.

“A new number 2 is also very high on Erik Ten Hag’s list of priorities.”

Expanding in his column for 90min, the reporter suggested that it’s the interest from the Blues which appears the more serious, with Thomas Tuchel’s side having already been doing ‘background work’ for ‘a number of weeks’.

The Verdict: Blow for Postecoglou

If Celtic were to lose Juranovic after just one year at Parkhead, it would be a massive loss for Ange Postecoglou given the difference he makes to the starting XI.

Last season, the Croatian, dubbed a ‘beautiful footballer’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, averaged 1.5 clearances, 1.4 shots and 1.3 key passes per league game, via WhoScored, highlighting the impact he makes at both ends of the pitch.

Juranovic was rewarded for his performances by being named in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Year, so the boss needs to do everything in his power to fend off interest and keep hold of his star man until the window closes.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told what it will take to sign Ruslan Malinovskyi as their eighth signing of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Tutto Atalanta, the Ukraine international has ‘said yes’ to a move to Spurs but the two clubs are far apart in the valuation at the moment.

It’s thought that the Serie A side Atalanta would like around €20m (£17m) if they are to sell him this month but the north Londoners are pushing to seal a loan-to-buy agreement.

If Atalanta cannot reach an agreement in that sense, then they could be open to letting him leave on loan if that contains an obligation – not an option – at the end of the temporary spell.

Pay up or miss out

With Spurs in the hunt for a creative piece to add to Antonio Conte’s engine room, as per Express journalist Ryan Taylor, it could be wise for chairman Daniel Levy to sanction a permanent transfer for the 30-year-old maestro.

Last campaign, Malinovskyi provided the Italian outfit with ten goals and seven assists across 41 appearances and he did so playing in a variety of midfield roles, notably as a no.10 or no.8, as per Transfermarkt.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-paratici-conte-levy-gossip-more” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and so much more!”]

That’s more than what any of Conte’s other central midfield options managed in the Premier League last season combined – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks provided nine goal contributions between them.

On that evidence alone, the Ukraine star could be an instant solution to the lack of creative juices at Hotspur Way.

But furthermore, Malinovskyi has been likened to the likes of Lucas Paqueta, James Maddison and Mason Mount in terms of statistical profile, so it’s easy to see why he would be a target for sporting director Fabio Paratici and co.

FBref also rank the experienced 30-year-old, who is thought to be on just £25k-per-week in Italy, inside the top 3% of his positional peers across Europe for total shots (3.46 per 90), the top 5% for progressive passes (5.79 per 90), and the top 7% for shot-creating actions (4.99 per 90).

This only highlights his ability to get forward and either get off an effort himself or generate a chance for one of his teammates.

Indeed, that’s exactly why he has been lauded as “decisive” by his manager Gian Piero Gasperini but with the likes of top-flight rivals Nottingham Forest and Ligue 1 side Marseille also keen on his signature, Spurs need to take matters into their own hands.

As such, it’s on Levy to pay up to land Tottenham’s eighth signing of the summer.

AND in other news, Conte “wants” £50m “lethal playmaker”, he’s a true heir to £150k-p/w “wizard” at Spurs…

West Ham United could be set to raid London rivals Chelsea once again to sign Conor Gallagher, having only recently wrapped up a deal for Emerson Palmieri.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who revealed that the 22-year-old is of “interest” to those at the London Stadium, with a move potentially in the offing before the September deadline.

The transfer insider stated:

“One potentially to look out for, even though he did start the game for Chelsea against Leeds on Sunday, is Conor Gallagher. And I know West Ham United have got an interest in him. Whether Chelsea will allow that deal to happen is another matter, but it’s maybe one to keep an eye on.”

Reports earlier this month suggested that the Hammers were one of the Premier League clubs to have enquired about the availability of the England international, albeit with the midfielder reportedly set to cost in the region of £50m.

Moyes needs him

A move could also prove tricky with the former West Bromwich Albion loanee having only recently started in the Blues 3-0 defeat to Leeds United, with manager Thomas Tuchel seemingly keen for the youngster to have a place in his squad this season at Stamford Bridge.

With the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho to contend with for a starting berth, however, Gallagher could well find it difficult to nail down a regular role for the west London outfit, with that perhaps something of a concern with the World Cup fast approaching.

At West Ham, however, the £22.5m-rated ace would find a club and a manager who are in desperate need of him, with David Moyes seemingly lacking quality midfield depth at present beyond that of the first-choice pairing of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

In need of a new addition to freshen up the squad and provide genuine competition to the two men noted above, the former Everton boss appears to have his eyes set on adding the Epsom-born menace to his ranks before the window slams shut.

The £32k-per-week man has proven himself a relentless, all-action midfield presence of late, notably starring on loan at Crystal Palace last term under Patrick Vieira.

Dubbed a “manager’s dream” by the Frenchman, the 6 foot sensation scored eight goals and provided three assists during that spell at Selhurst Park, with such form also seeing him force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans at international level.

A true “box-to-box midfielder”, in the words of Zach Lowy, the one-time Swansea City man has impressed with his ability to surge forward from deep and his willingness to make an impact in the final third, notably ranking in the top 8% for dribbles completed and touches in the attacking penalty, among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Also labelled a “pressing machine” by Mark Duffy, the youngster also ranks in the top 7% for pressures made, with the aforementioned pair of Rice and Soucek ranking in just the bottom 9% and 11% respectively, in the same metric.

That solid foundation has been integral to the club’s rise in recent seasons, although it could well be time for a fresh face to set the cat amongst the pigeons, with the Irons badly in need of Gallagher’s arrival after three defeats from three in the league thus far.

Sunderland have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion central defender Jan Paul van Hecke on loan.

The Lowdown: Neil to Stoke

The big breaking news from the Stadium of Light today is that Alex Neil is set to become the new manager of fellow Championship rivals Stoke City.

It is unclear how this will affect their business in the transfer market, with a week still left to go before the window closes.

The Latest: Van Hecke deal agreed

As per Football Insider, the Wearside club have agreed to sign van Heck on loan, after being given the ‘green light’ by Brighton.

They have beaten a number of rival clubs for his signature, and the Netherlands U21 international will be free to join up with the rest of the squad in due course.

The Verdict: Big coup

To beat a number of rivals to a Premier League centre-back in Van Hecke is certainly a big coup for the Black Cats.

Having impressed while on loan at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship last season, manager at the time Tony Mowbray was full of praise for the six-foot-two colossus:

“He looks like Bobby Moore out there sometimes. It’s amazing to watch how composed, how calm he can be, yet he has the fire of a warrior in belly.”

Van Hecke has already shown his worth in England’s second division, and so SAFC should be confident that he can perform for them as well.

Given Neil’s imminent departure, this is at least some positive news for the club.

Everton have already had one bid rejected for a European talent, although they could be set to return again for him…

What’s the word?

According to O Jogo, via Sport Witness, the Toffees’ initial €12m (£10.3m) bid for Goncalo Borges was rejected by FC Porto. They face competition from Estoril for his signature, with Porto holding out for €15m (£13m).

Having signed a new contract back in July with a €50m release clause, it is clear he is highly rated by the Portuguese outfit.

He could be Everton’s own Gnabry

The 21-year-old has started the season in blistering fashion, which may be what has drawn the attention of Kevin Thelwell.

Borges’ early-season return of two goals in three games for FC Porto B suggests that he has a big campaign ahead of him, and Everton are keen to invest in the youngster now before he truly explodes onto the big stage.

Football Talent Scout have offered a report on him which supports the notion that he could make it right to the very top, claiming that the versatile attacker is most similar to Serge Gnabry.

When listing his strengths, Jacek Kulig noted Borges’ “pace, dribbling, technique, ball control, creativity”. Everton could do with more of these attributes, especially given the five-substitute rule and Frank Lampard’s reluctance to go to his threadbare bench – the 44-year-old didn’t make a single change in Tuesday night’s clash at Leeds.

He actually has 10 goals across his career so far, all coming in youth football. However, making two senior appearances in Liga Portugal would suggest that he is slowly making the transition.

If he could recreate Gnabry’s rise from being written off at Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion to stardom at Bayern Munich, then the £13m fee that Lampard would have to fork out could turn into an incredibly shrewd move.

Looking at Kulig’s scout report, Borges has the attributes necessary for success at a high level; and with time, patience and some maturity, there’s no reason not to believe that he won’t become a future star. It’s just a case of whether Everton are willing to take a calculated gamble to bring him to Goodison Park.