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Rangers are thought to be leading the race to sign an in-demand player, who could even end his holiday early to complete an Ibrox move.

Rangers secure three summer signings

The Gers, manager Philippe Clement and director of recruitment Nils Koppen have already sealed summer deals for Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Clinton Nsiala, with the latter of the three the latest to sign, penning a pre-contract agreement from AC Milan.

Koppen said after securing a move for the young defender: “We are excited to add a talented young player in Clinton to the squad. He joins as an exciting talent who we believe can develop and take his next steps under our manager, Philippe Clement, and his staff. We look forward to welcoming Clinton to Glasgow as we continue to shape the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.”

Rangers plotting cut-price move to sign Euro 2024 forward ahead of Celtic

He was linked back in January.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 12, 2024

The three new arrivals could be just the start of a busy summer in Glasgow, with Rangers also thought to be at the front of the queue to sign 20-year-old forward Yusuf Kabadayi from Bayern Munich in a deal that could be worth between £1m-£1.5m. That would be four new additions, and by the looks of things, Rangers are working on a fifth signing and are also in pole position just like they are with Kabadayi.

Rangers leading race to sign Connor Barron from Aberdeen

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are ready to step up their interest in Connor Barron, who is out of contract this summer from Aberdeen.

The central midfielder is also wanted in England and Italy, with Cagliari specifically named, but it is Rangers who are leading the race as it stands. In fact, it is added that ‘Barron has been on a short break in Portugal but could fly back for a medical and contract talks’. Should Rangers win the race for the Scot, they will need to agree on a compensation fee with Aberdeen, or otherwise it could go to a tribunal.

Barron has come through the academy at Pittodrie and has made senior 76 appearances for the club, 42 of which came during the 2023/24 season. Scotland U21 manager Scot Gemmill praised Barron late last year, calling him “impressive”.

"Connor is very impressive on and off the pitch the way he conducts himself. Put yourself in the shoes of this young player, he had a really tough year in terms of injury.

"I think it is another example of how the U21 team can help these young players. Connor played for us when we last played Belgium in Belgium, he was excellent and playing against a player that I believe signed for a club in the Bundesliga for around €10m. These are the opportunities where our young players can go face-to-face with the very best in Europe. Connor has shown in his performances for the U21s that he can do that and I give him big credit for that.”

Arsenal sporting director Edu is personally pushing for the club to sign a £70 million player, with the help of his close advisor and chief scout Paulo Xavier.

Edu identifies Arsenal targets for summer transfer window

The Brazilian, who works in tandem with manager Mikel Arteta, has long identified their possible signings for this looming summer window – which is set to open on June 14, the same day Euro 2024 kicks off.

Arsenal starlet now set to leave as Bayern Munich enter advanced talks

He was “on fire” last season.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 12, 2024

Friday is set to be a very significant day in the footballing calendar as a result, and it's a date which Edu has firmly had in mind since January.

The transfer chief admitted to TNT Sports that he's been working on Arsenal's summer plans for that length of time, and also claimed in a later interview with Estadao (via football.london) that he often works his way through 180-page reports on potential targets.

"You can’t sign players for the sake of signing," said Edu.

"This has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. There on my desk, I have reports with more than 180 pages on a player.

"It’s really detailed stuff. Physical, technical, mental profile, if you have Premier League experience, if you will be able to adapt. It has everything. We analyse our weaknesses, where we can improve, where we can invest and then we go in search of that new name. What I am going to do now, we have been discussing since January. It’s not my decision or Mikel’s alone. It belongs to a whole group."

A significant member of Edu's recruitment staff is Xavier, who formerly worked at Real Madrid. He joined Arsenal last year, arriving in north London with a glowing reputation, and has already recommended some interesting players.

Xavier is one of Edu's closest advisors at Arsenal, and even told the club to make a potential move for young Brazil full-back Yan Couto following an excellent campaign at Girona. Now, it appears both Edu and Xavier have another Brazilian on their radar, in the form of Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

Edu pushing to sign Murillo for Arsenal

That is according to Football Transfers, who claim Edu is pushing to sign Murillo for Arsenal, with the 21-year-old thought to be on Xavier's radar for a long time. That bodes well for the Gunners, considering Real's ex-scout was responsible for bringing in the likes of Vinicius Jr and Endrick to the Bernabeu.

Murillo, who could cost as much as £70 million to prise away from the City Ground, was a key player under both Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo last season – starting 32 Premier League games and helping to steer Forest away from the drop zone.

"You can just see the quality that he possesses. He’s going to be a real fan favourite," said Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“He possesses a lot of weapons in his armoury – he’s got a lovely left foot which I think gives you a massive advantage."

Christian Pulisic has been criticised for leaving the USMNT squad ahead of a clash with Mexico, as Alexi Lalas says "load management can kiss my ass".

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• Forward allowed to return to Europe
• Missed friendly date with El Tri
• Questions asked of decision to depart

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite filling the role of ‘Captain America’ for his country, Pulisic accepted the offer to leave Mauricio Pochettino’s ranks early and return to club side AC Milan instead of lining up in a friendly date with El Tri. The United States’ coaching team have spoken of Pulisic needing a rest amid a hectic schedule.

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  Lalas, though, is struggling to understand why the 26-year-old forward would want to pass up the chance to turn out in a historic grudge match. He would still have had time to recover from a long trip back to Europe before Milan are next in Serie A action.

• WHAT LALAS SAID

  USMNT legend Lalas has told his podcast: "Load management can kiss my ass! It should hurt you as a player. You should want to have been on this field to play Mexico, whether it's in Guadalajara, whether it's in Los Angeles, whether it's in Columbus, whether it's on the freaking moon, you should want to move heaven and earth to be involved in a game as a U.S. men's national team player against El Tri. Anywhere, anytime. Bring it. One leg, I don't care – you want to be involved. And if you don't want to be involved and if you just brush it off, there is something wrong. There is something wrong with you, and there is something wrong with the program.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The United States suffered a 2-0 defeat against Mexico, with Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta among the goals. They opened the Pochettino era with a 2-0 win over Panama and will return to action in mid-November when facing Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals.

Ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is working tirelessly to improve his squad to try and bolster the Magpies’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League once again.

His side were plagued with injuries during the previous season, missing out on European football altogether after Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago.

However, it will give the Magpies a great opportunity to return to their best with a more manageable fixture congestion that could prevent a repeat of any injury problems the club were ruined by over the last 12 months.

The fitness problems have highlighted the club’s lack of depth in certain areas, with the Magpies’ forward line in need of attention despite Alexander Isak registering 21 goals in the Premier League during 2023/24.

Anthony Gordon has also excelled achieving double figures in goals and assists in the league for the first time in his professional career. However, despite the duo’s impact at St James’ Park, they need desperately to add one more player to the squad if they are to complete their already impressive attacking trio.

Newcastle interested in signing sought-after £43m star

According to The Athletic, Newcastle remain interested in signing Athlétic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams, but face competition from fellow Premier League side Liverpool for his signature this summer.

The 21-year-old right winger has caught the eye in La Liga in recent seasons, however, he enjoyed his best campaign to date in 2023/24, scoring five and assisting 12 as the youngster demonstrated his qualities in the final third.

Williams has a £43m release clause in his current deal in Spain – a deal that would represent excellent business by the Magpies, especially considering the huge increase in player prices over the last few years.

Miguel Almiron is widely linked with a move away from Tyneside this summer, raising funds for a potential new addition, with Williams the perfect player to complete Howe’s attack, producing very similar stats to one current Newcastle forward.

Why Nico Williams could be Gordon 2.0 for Newcastle

When comparing the winger’s stats from the season just gone, the pair have produced very similar stats – as noted by FBref – with Williams the perfect player to feature on the right-hand side for the Magpies.

Whilst Gordon has played slightly more games and contributed with more combined goals and assists, the Spaniard has averaged more assists per 90 based on his number of league appearances in 2023/24.

The youngster has also averaged more successful take-ons and progressive carries – highlighting his ability to run with the ball and create danger in the final third.

The “dazzling” forward, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has demonstrated excellent qualities during his relatively short professional career at Bilbao, now deserving of an opportunity to feature in arguably the best league in the world.

He may cost a cheaper fee than expected for a player of his quality, but he does earn a reported £172k-per-week – a figure that is £12k-per-week more than Newcastle’s top earner Bruno Guimaraes, who earns £160k-per-week, which could make the youngster the club’s highest-paid player.

The Magpies will certainly have to convince the youngster to move to St James’ this summer, but if they can repeat a deal they conducted for Guimaraes a couple of years ago, they would be signing a top-quality forward and one that may be able to feature for the club for the next decade.

Newcastle eyeing Bellingham 2.0 who's "destined for elite football"

He’s been touted to reach the very top despite his tender age.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 4, 2024

Marc Cucurella has lavished praise on Cole Palmer, but insists that his Chelsea team-mate has one problem that he cannot fix.

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• Cucurella impressed with Palmer's superb form
• Claims he has one major issue
• Pair have been central to Enzo Maresca's side

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer has been in incredible form so far this season for Chelsea, scoring six goals and registering five assists in seven Premier League games. Within that haul, he made history by scoring four times in one half against Brighton.

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  Cucurella has now lauded his "special" team-mate, but maintains that he simply does not look like a footballer because of his hair. The left-back also made reference to the Euro 2024 final, insisting that the England star almost "messed it up for us" by netting England's equaliser in their 2-1 defeat.

• WHAT CUCURELLA SAID

  Cucurella said: “If you see him not in his kit you would never in your life say he was a footballer, but then on the pitch … he shoots and it doesn’t seem like he is hitting it hard but he scores them all.

  “He’s very different. I don’t know how to explain it: he’s special. We’re very lucky we have him. We’re lucky he didn’t play much in the Euros either because he came on and almost messed it up for us [scoring in the final].

  “If he carries on like this, he’ll be among the best. There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After the international break, Chelsea play Liverpool at Anfield. Cucurella, though, will be suspended after accruing five yellow cards in the league already.

Liverpool are interested in signing a "dazzling" attacking star in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds are about to experience a summer of huge change, with Jurgen Klopp departing as manager after nine seasons and being replaced by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot. Michael Edwards is back at the club as CEO of Football, while Richard Hughes will make the move from Bournemouth as sporting director.

Klopp will leave his successor with a hugely talented squad – one that was still in contention to win the quadruple heading into the latter part of the season, but that's not to say that some new signings aren't needed, in order to be even more of a force next season.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is seen as an ambitious option for Liverpool this summer, with the Brazilian potentially seeing his minutes limited by the expected arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. He is seen as an upgrade on Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona.

In terms of a less high-profile addition, Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has emerged as a target for the Reds, being looked at as an ideal deputy to Alisson if Caoimhin Kelleher moves on to pastures new.

Liverpool want "dazzling" attacking ace

Speaking to Rousing the Kop, Bailey said that Liverpool are huge fans of Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams, but the Barca target is eyeing huge wages.

"The won’t pay him what he’s looking for at the moment. He’d be Liverpool’s highest paid player, as he would if he went to any club in England. He’s been asking for £250,000 per week plus appearance money. The English clubs who like him, and they all like him a lot, they think he’s a terrific player, but it seems as if he’s edging towards Barcelona. So, I think that’s what they’re putting it down to really.

"Will the situation change? Possibly. But at this moment in time it doesn’t look as if he’s pushing to come to England which is part of the reason for his demands. Liverpool very much like him, he’s a top winger, top performer. Liverpool were one of the ones who have done their homework on him."

The £170,000-a-week Williams could be a brilliant signing by Liverpool, considering the impact he has already made during his time at Bilbao, despite still only being 21 years of age. He has made 120 appearances for his current side, registering 42 goal contributions (19 goals and 23 assists) in that time, as well as winning 14 caps for Spain.

The wide man has also been hailed as a "dazzling" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he is seen as one of the fastest players in the world, having featured in a report focusing on the quickest footballers at the 2022 World Cup.

Doubters to believers: A tribute to Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp

Anfield will say goodbye to its esteemed manager after nine years of every emotion imaginable.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 19, 2024

Williams could even be looked at as a long-term replacement for the likes of Diaz and Mohamed Salah, with the Spain international capable of thriving on either flank, even if a left-sided attacking role has been his position of choice this season.

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is set to make his return from injury against Lille in the Champions League this week.

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• Mbappe limped off against Alaves
• Missed Atletico Madrid clash
• Set to return for Lille match

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Frenchman limped off in the 3-2 win against Alaves in La Liga last week and the expectation was that he could miss around three weeks with a thigh injury. But Real Madrid have included him in the squad for their Champions League trip to Lille on Wednesday and he is expected to train ahead of the match as he has "good feelings", according to The Athletic.

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  After Los Blancos were stung by rivals Atletico Madrid in an explosive derby on Sunday night, Mbappe's return will provide a welcome boost for his team-mates as they look to continue their winning start in Europe. The 25-year-old scored in the 3-1 win against Stuttgart in the opening week but will be tested on his return to France.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mbappe is returning to France for the first time since leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join Real Madrid. The World Cup winner remains popular for his exploits with the national team but left a sour taste behind in the capital after threatening to run down his contract.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  Although Mbappe is travelling with the squad to Lille, there is no guarantee he will start in the Champions League after recovering from injury. Carlo Ancelotti opted to play an extra midfielder instead during the 1-1 draw with Atletico and may choose to do so again on Wednesday.

It's been a long season full of ups and downs for Tottenham Hotspur this year, and while they are facing the prospect of a fifth straight defeat this weekend, new boss Ange Postecoglou has done a reasonably good job given the circumstances.

The Lilywhites have had pretty severe injury problems for much of the Premier League season, and considering it's their first campaign without Harry Kane, clinching Europa League qualification would be a success.

That said, if the north Londoners want to progress under the Australian next season, they'll need to bring in some new faces in the summer and potentially upgrade on some old ones, with Richarlison's position looking particularly vulnerable.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are one of several clubs interested in Genoa's talented Icelandic attacker, Albert Gudmundsson, ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report has revealed that, alongside the north Londoners, Manchester United and Aston Villa, are just some of the Premier League sides keen on landing the 26-year-old's signature this year. Still, the Lilywhites have one key advantage: a pre-established relationship with the Serie A outfit.

It's been claimed that the club has an 'inside track' with Genoa due to the signing of Ragù Dragusin in January and the fact that full-back Djed Spence is on loan with the Italians, and is a player they'd like to keep permanently.

Whether this relationship just helps to grease the wheels a bit or actually decreases the €30m – £26m – asking price remains to be seen, but if Spurs can get this deal done, they should, as they could have the perfect Richarlison upgrade on their hands.

How Gudmundsson compares to Richarlison

If Tottenham can get this deal over the line, Gudmundsson's positional versatility could see him threaten several players in the first team, from Heung-min Son and Kulusevski on the wings to James Maddison in attacking midfield.

However, considering his best form has come as a second striker, it would make sense to push him to the tip of the attack and, therefore, challenge the inconsistent Richarlison for a place in the XI.

So, with that in mind, how do the pair compare? Well, from a pure output perspective, which is really what matters most, it's the man from Genoa who comes out on top, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in just 34 games this season, to give him an average of a goal involvement every 1.7 games.

In comparison, the Spurs ace has 12 goals and four assists in 31 games so far this season, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.9 games, and unfortunately for the former Everton star, his argument gets even weaker when looking at the pair's output last season.

Last year, the "devastating" Icelandic ace, as described by teammate Kevin Strootman, scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 38 games. In contrast, the Brazilian international could only manage three goals and four assists in 35 games for the north Londoners.

Alongside a better output level, Postecoglou can also simply expect the former AZ Alkmaar star to be around to play more often.

Since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, he has missed just five games through injury, while his current number nine has missed a whopping 31 games in the same period.

Ultimately, while Richarlison is a talented forward who can offer more than just goals, Gudmundsson's positional versatility, availability, and better output make it clear that he would be an upgrade overall, so if Spurs have the opportunity to complete this deal, they should absolutely do so.

Spurs struck gold on "special" ace who's as valuable as Trossard & White

The incredibly talented attacker has a bright future ahead of him.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 9, 2024

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted to missing the dugout during "big games" while opening up on life after Manchester United.

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• Ferguson retired from coaching after the 2012-13 season
• Led United to 13 Premier League titles in 27 years
• Still yearns to manage a Champions League final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ferguson stepped down from his managerial role at the end of the 2012-13 season after leading United to their 13th Premier League title under his tenure, marking the end of a 27-year reign at the club. Since Ferguson's departure, the Red Devils have struggled to reclaim the consistent success they enjoyed under his leadership despite recruiting some of the best tacticians including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

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  United won the Champions League twice under Ferguson's management, first as part of their historic Treble in 1999 and then again in 2008. In addition to these triumphs, United reached the Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011 but were bested on both occasions by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

• WHAT FERGUSON SAID

  Even though the Red Devils have not reached a Champions League final since Ferguson’s retirement, he has continued to be a fixture at many finals, both as a supporter of the game and a former champion.

  During an interview with when he was asked if he misses management, Ferguson candidly responded, "Yeah, I miss it sometimes. I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy 'This is what I miss' – big games, the European games. So then I went to most of the European finals because I found something I could relate to, something I would like to have done every day. Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  As Ferguson enjoys his retirement, United continues to seek a way back to the top of English and European football. After a dreadful start to the new season, they are showing signs of recovery under manager Erik ten Hag. Their next test is against Crystal Palace away from home on Saturday.

Manchester City icon Sergio Aguero has revealed who gets his vote to win this year's Ballon d'Or – with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham snubbed.

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• Ballon d'Or nominees announced
• Rodri, Bellingham and Vinicius Jr shortlisted
• Aguero reveals who gets his vote

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The shortlist for world football's most prestigious individual award was announced this week, with the likes of Real Madrid duo Bellingham and Vinicius, City's Rodri, and more, among the nominees for the 2024 Golden Ball. Now, Argentina legend Aguero has given his backing to former City team-mate Rodri to claim this coveted accolade.

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• WHAT SERGIO AGUERO SAID

  In response to City tweeting about Rodri's Ballon d'Or nomination, Aguero tweeted: "A perfect year, you deserve it. Come on Rodri 😎😎🤟🏽."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rodri has had a remarkable year or so for both club and country. After leading City to a record fourth- straight Premier League title in May, he played a crucial role in guiding Spain to Euro 2024 glory. The dominant midfielder, however, faces stiff competition from Madrid duo Bellingham and Vinicius – who had outstanding campaigns for Los Blancos on their way to a Liga and Champions League double. This will be a tightly contested Ballon d'Or, of that there is no doubt.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  The winner of this sought-after gong – which was won for an eighth time by Lionel Messi in 2023 – will be revealed in Paris on October 28. Until then, Rodri and co will turn their attention to the current, jam-packed season for club and country.