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An update has emerged on Rangers and their plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

The Heart & Hand podcast’s Twitter account, who are an official media partner of the club, has revealed one player the Light Blues are not plotting a deal to sign.

They Tweeted: “Amad Diallo not on Rangers radar currently.”

The Manchester United man spent the second half of last season on loan at Ibrox and does not appear set for a second stint in Scotland.

Gio van Bronckhorst will be gutted

This update will leave the head coach gutted as he would surely be keen for Ross Wilson to target a swoop for the attacker again.

Amad endured a difficult start to his career at Ibrox but came into his own in the final weeks of the campaign and offered a glimpse of what he could do with a full season – and a pre-season – to showcase his talent.

The wizard, who cost the Red Devils £19m in 2021, only managed one goal – with zero assists to his name – in his first seven Premiership outings after scoring on his debut against Ross County. He struggled to make his mark early on after joining midway through the season and then burst into life towards the end of his loan.

In his last three Scottish top-flight matches, he scored two goals and caught the eye with SofaScore ratings of 6.9 or higher in all of them. He found his feet in a Light Blues shirt and showed that he does have the quality to make a big impact in the final third.

Former United man Dan James previously hailed his ability, saying:

Amad has come in and, as a young lad, he’s been unbelievable in training. 

I mean his professionalism [is very good] and he’s settled in straight away, I’d say, do you know what I mean? 

We see his quality in training, he has unbelievable feet, but we’ve seen he also presses well and wins the ball back, which is exactly what we want.

The 19-year-old, therefore, could have been an influential player for Rangers next season after six months to get settled in in Scotland.

Instead, he will either be staying at Old Trafford or moving elsewhere, leaving van Bronckhorst fuming that he will be unable to work with Diallo again in the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, Gvb can find his dream Ramsey replacement in “unplayable” 16 G/A Rangers “talent”…

Everton have now made an approach for in-demand Chelsea striker Armando Broja, as per Sky Sports News.

The Lowdown: Huge interest in Broja

The 20-year-old has been at the centre of much transfer speculation this summer after enjoying a strong breakthrough season on loan with Southampton.

The Albania international made 32 Premier League appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, with six goals to his name.

Upon returning to Stamford Bridge, West Ham have regularly been reported with interest in signing Broja this summer, with Sky Sports previously claiming that the Irons are set to bid £30m for the forward.

The Latest: Everton make Broja approach

Sky Sports News have now shared a live-on-air transfer update surrounding Broja’s interest.

As shared by Football Daily on Twitter, the caption to the clip read: “Everton are another club to have approached Chelsea about signing striker Armando Broja.”

As transcribed, Sky Sports reported: “Some breaking news – Everton are another of the clubs that have approached Chelsea in terms of signing the striker Armando Broja with Frank Lampard looking for new additions following the departure of Richarlson in a deal that could be worth £60m. He joined Tottenham towards the end of last week.

“Reported yesterday, Chelsea want to assess Broja in pre-season before making a decision on his future. West Ham are one club that approached Chelsea last month; they remain interested, as do Newcastle.

“We told you yesterday that Newcastle were only looking at a loan at that stage, and Southampton also interested and of course that was where Broja was on loan last season.”

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The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

Southampton legend Francis Benali hailed Broja as ‘sensational’ whilst the youngster was on loan at the south coast club, and when looking at his underlying figures, it is easy to see why he has earned such praise.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 20-year-old ranks in the 86th percentile for aerial duels won, the 82nd percentile for pressures and the 81st percentile for dribbles completed (via FBRef).

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring just five Premier League goals last season during an injury-hit campaign, the arrival of Broja would provide Lampard with an alternative option up top, creating competition in the Toffees’ attack.

Therefore, this could be a great signing for Everton if their reported approach leads to something more concrete.

Leeds United are reportedly ready to pay €40m (£34.4m) for Club Brugge star Charles De Ketelaere.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere links

De Ketelaere, described as ‘complete’ by legendary Club Brugge midfielder Gert Verheyen, has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent days.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Leeds are monitoring the 21-year-old as a possible replacement for Raphinha, who could leave for £65m.

The Belgium international is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play as a centre-forward or on the wing, and it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises are willing to spend big on his services.

The Latest: €40m fee?

According to a Calcio In Pillole reporter, who covers transfers for outlets in Italy and Spain, Leeds are ‘ready’ to pay Club Brugge €40m (£34.4m) for De Ketelaere.

A fee in that region would make the attacker the most expensive signing in Elland Road history, however, AC Milan were also name-checked with interest in the Twitter post.

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The Verdict: Big few weeks

The Whites have already secured three summer signings in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca. However, it appears as if the club will need to be busy once again, with Kalvin Phillips on the verge of joining Manchester City in a deal worth an initial £42m.

Raphinha could also depart, meaning Leeds may need to replace two of their best players ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge in what would be crucial deals.

Their replacements will need to hit the ground running in Yorkshire, and it looks as if they could look to spend the money they receive for Phillips on De Ketelaere, who seems to be a firm target.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be showing an interest in Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, amid growing uncertainty over the Frenchman’s future at St James’ Park.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are said to have both Spurs and Chelsea on alert having been willing to cash in on the 25-year-old this summer, with the northeast side said to value their prized asset at around £40m.

That valuation was deemed too high by the two London rivals, although it is said that the fleet-footed forward’s head has now been turned by the potential higher salaries on offer elsewhere, amid frustration regarding his current contract with the Tynesiders.

The report suggests that Eddie Howe’s side are not able to break their existing wage structure to hand a bumper a new deal for the former Nice man, while the need to abide by Financial Fair Play regulations could force them into player sales, with Saint-Maximin arguably one of their most sellable assets.

Unplayable trio

Newcastle’s loss could well prove to be Antonio Conte’s gain, with the serial-winning Italian potentially set to form a devastating attacking trio consisting of the “unplayable” gem – as he has been described by Rob Lee – alongside the talismanic pair of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

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The two figureheads of the current Tottenham side, the duo have formed a simply telepathic relationship over the years, dovetailing beautifully to form arguably one of the most lethal attacking partnerships in Premier League history.

The leading pair in the competition’s history with the most goal combinations, the two men have been simply unstoppable for the Lilywhites over the last seven years, with no signs of their remarkable influence fading any time soon.

In 385 games for the club so far in all competitions for academy graduate Kane, the England skipper has netted a simply staggering tally of 247 goals and provided a further 59 assists, while teammate Son has netted 131 goals and registered 73 assists in 324 games since his switch from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

The South Korean international notably provided 30 league goal contributions last term in a standout individual campaign, while his club colleague chipped in with 26 goal involvements of his own, rubberstamping their undeniable importance to the club.

Continuing to shoulder that goalscoring burden moving forward may weigh heavy on the pair, however, particularly ahead of a campaign that will see a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2019/2020 season.

The addition of a new forward star could well be needed, with Saint-Maximin seemingly the man to add increased firepower to Conte’s side, the unpredictable maverick potentially adding that extra sprinkling of magic to the north London outfit.

While the Kane-Son relationship continues to inflict misery on opposition defences and while their attacking formula remains so deadly, bringing a third party who can offer something a little different may well be what is needed.

In the former France U21 international, Spurs would be able to secure a simply “breathtaking” new recruit – as described by Gary Neville – with Saint-Maximin providing an explosive, attacking threat down either flank.

Dubbed a “genius” by one journalist, the £28.8m-rated man’s goalscoring record may not be overly impressive, with just 11 goals and 13 assists to his name in his Premier League career thus far, although under the guidance of the right coach he could well be fashioned into a real weapon in his own right.

The £93k-per-week gem alongside Kane and Son, now that is a simply mouthwatering trio.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “very advanced” talks, Spurs supporters will be gutted

A claim has emerged on the future of Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor at Ibrox heading into next season…

What’s the talk?

Rangers journalist Joshua Barrie has revealed that the veteran has not signed a new contract with a view to joining the coaching staff alongside Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The 40-year-old has put pen to paper on a fresh one-year deal with the Premiership side and will only be taking on the role of being a player for the 2022/23 campaign.

Barrie Tweeted ahead of the official announcement: “Don’t believe a player/coaching role is in the pipeline at present.”

Van Bronckhorst will be gutted

The Gers head coach will be gutted with this news as he would surely benefit from having the former Scotland international as a part of his coaching set-up.

Van Bronckhorst praised the shot-stopper’s pedigree this week, saying: “Allan brings us invaluable experience and leadership both on and off the pitch, and I am really pleased he has chosen to stay with us for another year.

“I have been really impressed with the positive influence he has on our players, and also the dedication he has shown to still be a valuable asset for us in a playing-sense at the age of 40.”

These comments illustrate how important he is to the squad because of what he can offer to his teammates in matches and in the dressing room.

The Gers boss clearly appreciates what McGregor brings to the table and believes that he is a positive influence around the group, indicating that he is a good character to keep around.

He has played a whopping 446 games for the Light Blues to date, having also featured in over 150 matches in England for Cardiff and Hull combined. This shows how much experience he has accumulated throughout his career in the United Kingdom.

McGregor would, therefore, be a big addition to the coaching team as he has a wealth of knowledge to impart to the younger goalkeepers moving forward. He knows exactly how to perform at the top level for Rangers and can use his know-how to help the up-and-coming gems make their own way at the club.

Van Bronckhorst will be gutted that a coaching role is not in the offing and he will be hoping that the veteran changes his mind before the end of the 2022/23 campaign as he considers hanging up the gloves.

AND in other news, Contact made: Rangers in big transfer talks that’ll now leave Wilson scrambling…

West Brom are in advanced talks to sign Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury this summer, according to a fresh transfer report.

The Lowdown: Choudhury linked with West Brom

The Baggies had a disappointing 2021/22 season, failing to get out of the Championship, and new signings are needed this summer in order to ensure that improvements are made under Steve Bruce.

West Brom have been linked with a move for Choudhury, who is set to leave Leicester ahead of his contract expiring next summer.

The 24-year-old appears to be surplus to requirements under Brendan Rodgers, having only started four Premier League matches last season.

The Latest: Move edging closer

According to The Northern Echo, the Baggies are now in ‘advanced talks’ with Choudhury over a summer move to The Hawthorns.

Middlesbrough are also hoping to acquire the services of the Englishman, who has been hailed as a ‘great player’ by Leicester colleague Harvey Barnes.

The Verdict: Great summer addition

Choudhury may have fallen out of favour with the Foxes but he has some excellent competition in midfield at the King Power Stadium, from Wilfred Ndidi to Youri Tielemans (both ranked in Leicester’s top six players of 2021/22 by WhoScored), so it would be unfair to judge him too harshly on his lack of game-time.

He could be a fantastic player in the Championship for West Brom, using his physicality to good use and indeed his ball distribution, having enjoyed an 82.6% pass completion rate in the top flight last season.

Such players can be crucial to West Brom mounting a genuine promotion push in 2022/23 – if they could bring in Choudhury and Conor Hourihane, with John Swift already signed, Bruce’s midfield could look to be in stellar shape by the time the new season starts.

In other news, West Brom have been boosted in their efforts to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are interested in signing Schalke winger Rabbi Matondo during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Attacking reinforcements needed

The Hoops may be the newly-crowned Scottish Premiership champions but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels this summer, ahead of a gruelling 2022/23 campaign with four major competitions.

Celtic’s individual front-men weren’t always the most prolific in attack last season, with Liel Abada the only player to reach double figures in the league, according to WhoScored, and they may well need more potency up front with Europe’s elite set to come to Parkhead.

It could be that at least one attacking option comes in as well as the permanent capture of Jota, and an exciting rumour is now doing the rounds.

The Latest: Matondo on Celtic’s radar

According to 90min, Celtic are one of the clubs tracking Matondo, who spent last season on loan at Cercle Brugge from Schalke. Rivals Rangers are also reportedly monitoring the situation, however, so it may not be easy to get a deal done.

The 21-year-old Welshman’s current deal expires next summer.

The Verdict: Exciting potential capture

Matondo has the potential to be a really exciting signing by Celtic, with Pep Guardiola once hailing him as ‘incredibly fast’ during his Manchester City youth team days, saying ‘I know how good he is’.

He already has 10 caps to his name for Wales and will hope to feature prominently at the World Cup in Qatar later this year, further outlining his potential.

Matondo’s speed, directness and end product could all be a great asset for Celtic – he scored nine goals in the Jupiler Pro League last season – and he would also be seen as a long-term capture, rather than a quick fix.

In other news, Celtic are believed to be eyeing up a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Journalist Graeme Bailey of 90min has a fresh update for Tottenham Hotspur supporters as their club and manager Antonio Conte re-join the race to sign Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye return?

Reports have suggested that a third attempt to sign Wolves’ star, who spent the second half of 2021/2022 on loan at Barcelona, may well be on the cards.

This comes after Spurs tried to bring in Traore on a temporary deal themselves before the Catalans swooped in.

Conte was eyeing a move for the Spaniard in a quick-fix to his right-wing-back issue, seeing Traore as a capable makeshift option and superior to both Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal at the time (The Athletic).

The Latest: Conte in the mix…

As now backed by 90min and transfer ‘insider’ Bailey, the Lilywhites and by extension Conte are back in the mix to sign him this summer alongside Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Despite Barca not taking up the option to sign him permanently, it is believed Traore is set to leave this summer as he enters the final year of his deal at Molineux.

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The Verdict: Make the move?

Failing to agree terms the first time, at least according to 90min, we believe a swoop should be considered once again but only if it can be wrapped up swiftly this time around.

Tottenham spent a large portion of January attempting to tie up the 26-year-old only to see Barca hijack a move in what was a very regrettable moment for club chiefs.

Lauded as a ‘world-beater’ when at his best, Traore has the quality to strengthen Spurs, with former manager Tim Sherwood once drawing attention to how ‘big’ and ‘powerful’ he is as a player.

Calciomercato also recently claimed that he ‘likes’ Tottenham, so given he’s allegedly open to joining Conte, perhaps a move may be easier this time round.

In other news: ‘Definitely’ – Alasdair Gold says ‘exciting’ Conte target is now eyeing a move to Tottenham! Find out more here.

Everton appear to be leading the race for James Tarkowski as Frank Lampard aims to bolster his defensive options ahead of next season.

What’s the news?

According to The Telegraph, the Toffees now lead the chase for the Burnley defender, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham.

The England international is a free agent this summer following the expiry of his contract at the end of June, and with the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship confirmed on the final day of the Premier League season, it seems unlikely that he will remain at Turf Moor.

Tarkowski could be Everton’s “rock”

Lampard has endured a difficult start to life at Everton, with the club narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship as they finished 16th in the top flight, and that won’t be enough to satiate the supporters.

The Toffees conceded 66 league goals last season – only four teams let in more – and the defence is in urgent need of improvement.

Tarkowski has been earning £70k-p/w at Burnley and would likely want that matched or improved if he comes to Goodison Park.

His former manager Sean Dyche dubbed him “outstanding”, with journalist Alex James previously describing the defender as a “rock”, and there seems little doubt that he would instantly improve Lampard’s leaky defence.

The 29-year-old has an average rating of 6.97 on WhoScored this season, the best of anyone in the Burnley squad, which shows that he was a vital presence at the back despite their relegation. Also, Tarkowski ranked in the top 1% out of positional peers in the big five leagues in both blocks (2.67 per 90) and aerials won (4.95) during 2021/22.

The Everton defence could look a lot different next season if Lampard can secure the signature of the Burnley colossus. It could prove to be the most important signing that the club make during the summer, if indeed it comes off.

AND in other news, Lampard could unearth the new Richarlison with Everton bid for “dangerous” £58m talent

Glasgow Rangers insider The 4th Official has now revealed some fresh exit news involving Calvin Bassey.

The Lowdown: Bassey a wanted man

As per The Times, there is strong interest from the Premier League in the 22-year-old.

The Daily Record reported that scouts from Aston Villa were sent to watch him play in the Gers’ Scottish Cup final win against Hearts last weekend.

As seen by the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard over the years, a move to the Premier League from the Scottish Premiership is hard to turn down, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side may find it difficult to keep Bassey this summer.

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The Latest: More clubs interested in Bassey

According to The 4th Official, a respected podcaster who regularly breaks Ibrox news and updates on their official Twitter page, Villa are one of more than six clubs who are reportedly ‘interested’ in signing Bassey.

They tweeted: ”According to my sources, Rangers have over 6 clubs interested in Bassey right now and Aston Villa are one of them.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Bassey is clearly a player who will be in high demand given his impressive performances on the big stage, as he was described as ‘astonishing’ by BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves in their Europa League final loss against Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

As per Football Insider, the Teddy Bears are lining up new contract talks with the 22-year-old and will offer him a ‘massive’ pay rise to try and convince him to stay at Ibrox. However, Premier League clubs should be able to offer him more money, and overall a more competitive level of football for Bassey.

Nonetheless, it looks likely that he will leave the Light Blues, providing that the price is right.

In other news, the Gers are now set for a ‘huge’ off-field boost