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Glasgow Rangers forward Scott Wright is being targeted by Steven Gerrard after the former Gers boss was appointed manager of Al Ettifaq, according to reports.

When did Scott Wright join Rangers?

The Light Blues’ right-sided winger first arrived at Ibrox from Aberdeen back in February 2021 and he’s since gone on to make a total of 84 appearances to date, but last season, he fell significantly out of favour under both Giovanni Van Bronckhorst and Michael Beale.

In the Scottish Premiership, the 25-year-old was handed just five starts so he clearly isn’t displaying enough quality on the training ground to force his way into the manager’s first-team plans, therefore making his future beyond the ongoing window extremely uncertain.

Since leaving Glasgow, Gerrard has been out of work following his departure from Aston Villa after admitting that he turned down a job offer from an unnamed club in the Middle East, but having recently been set on as the new boss of Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, he’s eyeing a reunion with some of his former stars.

Reliable journalist Graeme Bailey has already revealed that the Scouser is targeting a swoop for captain James Tavernier, though it appears he’s not the only one that he wants to try and prise away from the outfit north of the border in the weeks ahead.

Is Wright leaving Rangers?

According to Football Insider, Al Ettifaq have already "made a concrete move" for Wright ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Gerrard is "keen" to re-sign his ex-dynamo, who is reportedly "seeking more regular game time" after falling down the pecking order.

The Rangers attacker is represented by the same company as Jota from Old Firm rivals Celtic who recently secured his move to Al Ittihad, and it's stated that they are also "working on finding a solution" for the player in question who could be following in his footsteps.

Should Beale keep or sell Wright?

Rangers and Beale will know that they didn’t give Wright enough regular opportunities to show what he was capable of last season, but equally, he failed to prove them wrong when he was handed the rare opportunity to showcase his talents, so the hierarchy should cash in and sanction the winger’s sale this summer.

The Champions League participant, who pockets £5.6k-per-week, during the previous term ranked as the manager’s 33rd best-performing offensive player out of 34 squad members, averaging just 0.5 shots per game, ranking 28th overall, via WhoScored, which is nowhere near good enough for an attack-minded player.

The Scotsman also managed to record just one league assist throughout the whole of the previous campaign, with this lack of goal threat or prolific form seeing him slammed as a player who “needs to do more” by BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

Should Rangers lose Tavernier to Gerrard and Al Ettifaq, it would most certainly be a huge blow for the Teddy Bears to be without their skipper, but the same can't be said for Wright, so the board should do everything within their powers to try and keep hold of the former and green-light the exit of the latter.

For all the talk regarding incomings at Manchester United this summer, a further priority for manager Erik ten Hag will be to move players on, as the Dutchman seeks to continue putting his stamp on proceedings at Old Trafford.

As The Guardian reported back in April, as many as 15 players could well be under threat despite what was a largely positive 2022/23 campaign, with the Red Devils needing to generate funds with player sales in order to bolster their transfer kitty.

Among those who could well be heading for pastures new is Brazilian international, Fred, with Manchester Evening News also outlining that the 30-year-old is attracting interest from fellow Premier League side Fulham.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk man – who is now in the final year of his contract – did enjoy a profitable season last time out after scoring six goals and providing six assists in all competitions, albeit with doubts remaining over his lack of quality, having been described as "not good enough" by club legend, Roy Keane.

The diminutive machine notably started just two of the final 13 league games of the season following the abject 7-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool at Anfield, with that lack of action perhaps a sign of his declining status under Ten Hag.

The former Ajax boss could then help to hasten Fred's summer exit by acquiring a dream replacement for the 5 foot 7 dud over the coming weeks, with the 53-year-old potentially already eyeing up one option in the form of Benfica's teenage sensation, Joao Neves.

Who is Joao Neves?

As per Gianluca Di Marzio, United are 'interested' in signing the 18-year-old midfielder this summer, with the youngster – who could soon have a €100m (£86m) release clause – having enjoyed a real breakthrough 2022/23 campaign after making 20 first-team appearances for the Lisbon outfit.

The Portuguese starlet may only be in the infancy of his senior career although he has already caught the eye thus far, with youth scout Jacek Kulig naming him among a group of "highly talented" emerging Benfica stars.

Like Fred, Neves is arguably not the most dominant presence due to his 5 foot 9 frame, although he is still able to make a real nuisance of himself in the centre of the park, with writer Zach Lowy having stated back in May:

"One thing that I like about Neves is despite his short stature, he’s a very good header of the ball and never shies away from going up in an aerial or ground duel. Skilled at protecting the ball and weaving passes forward & holding his own in physicality."

That impressive work ethic has ensured that the Tavira native has averaged 3.83 tackles and 2.06 aerial duels won per 90 across the last 365 days, with that putting him ahead of the current United man in both of those metrics, as the Brazilian averages 3.50 and 0.76, respectively.

The youngster's quality on the ball is what truly sets him apart from the man he could potentially replace at the Theatre of Dreams as he averages 7.37 progressive passes per 90 as a marker of his ball-playing brilliance and front-foot approach, while Fred averages 5.22 in that same metric – ranking him in just the top 43% among his European peers.

With Neves' youth also making him an asset that Ten Hag can build around for the next decade or so, it appears to be a no-brainer to replace Fred with the precocious teen – provided the funds are available.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s proposed takeover of Manchester United is still up in the air, with the Glazers stalling due to family drama, according to reports.

What’s the latest Man United takeover news?

Jassim has made five separate bids to take 100% control at Old Trafford from the Glazers, with the most recent offer coming earlier this month. It has been relatively quiet in recent weeks in regards to a takeover, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe another who is keen and waiting to see if his bid has been successful.

Reports on Wednesday did claim that Jassim was growing increasingly confident he has won the bidding war, but a new report has thrown doubt into a deal, with the Glazers at odds.

According to Global Finance, Man United was about to get sold to Jassim, however, drama among the Glazers is stalling the sale. An M&A source close to talks at Old Trafford described the process as being a “shambles”, also saying:

“It’s getting the kids to agree. Not all five (Avram Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Bryan Glazer, Joel Glazer and Edward Glazer) want to do the deal.”

Is a takeover impacting Man United’s transfer plans?

As we know, the ongoing takeover saga has coincided with a slow start to the transfer window, with no major incomings or outgoings at Old Trafford and frustrations growing amongst supporters.

There were previous concerns at Old Trafford that the takeover process could derail Erik ten Hag’s summer plans, but Sky Sports have said the money is available to the Red Devils regardless of the outcome, which is at least some good news.

That is a boost for Ten Hag and United, and it looks as if the club are working on potential deals. Moises Caicedo appears to be the latest midfielder on the wishlist, with an approach expected to be made to Brighton over the coming days. As we know, a £55m bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is also still on the table.

However, should Jassim eventually get a takeover finalised, he could look to make an immediate statement signing to win over supporters. Recent reports claimed the Qatar group were planning a sensational move to sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, who will soon be entering the final 12 months of his PSG deal.

A lot needs to happen before supporters can think of Mbappe playing at Old Trafford under the ownership of Jassim, though, with the first being the Glazers coming to a final agreement over whether to sell or stay.

Tottenham Hotspur talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba will take place in these next few days, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Spurs are set to bolster their squad this summer as chairman Daniel Levy, buoyed by the incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou, looks to this transfer window for upgrades.

A major overhaul is possible too with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier and Ben Davies’ futures all hanging in the balance. Meanwwhile, Spurs could also attempt to sell Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is another player who could make way and free up space for Postecoglou signings before the start of 2023/2024.

In terms of who they could be, Spurs are reliably believed to be closing in on Lloris’ successor, with Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario set to undergo a medical this weekend ahead of his proposed move.

Tottenham are also chasing a central defender, with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo among the targets. However, Tapsoba appears to be taking centre stage, as some reports suggest he is likely to join if an official approach is made.

If that is indeed the case, reliable reporter Romano may have good news for Spurs supporters, as it is now expected that the north Londoners will imminently open formal talks.

The Burkina Faso international is apparently top of their transfer list, and in the next few days, negotiations over his signing will commence.

What’s been said about Edmond Tapsoba?

Commentator Mark Lovell is among Tapsoba’s biggest fans, calling him “top quality” all the way back in 2020, and it’s safe to say the defender has maintained that form as a consistent starter for Leverkusen right now.

Meanwhile, at international level, Tapsoba has been described as “fundamental” in past seasons by journalist Bruno Alemany.

Tottenham Hotspur announced their first signing of the Ange Postecoglou era last week, as they made Dejan Kulusevski's loan move a permanent one.

Although the second season of his stint in north London had not impressed as much as his first, scoring just twice, he remained an important cog of this side, and a fine option to have within the squad.

However, the Australian will be far from content to allow that to be his sole purchase of the summer, given the vast scale of the revolution that is required in north London.

He will likely look to other teams around him, akin to Manchester United and Arsenal, and hope to replicate how they have improved to steadily climb the Premier League table. This means that his transfer dealings must be shrewd and focused on a brighter future, likely relinquishing any chance of instant success to get to that level.

Investment in a younger type of player is a must, rather than those just entering their prime.

Whilst a war wages on with Newcastle United to sign James Maddison from Leicester City, another star resides within the King Power Stadium which they also seem to be working on tempting. That man is Harvey Barnes.

In acquiring this wide man, Postecoglou could copy Erik ten Hag even more than he could have imagined, by securing his very own version of Marcus Rashford to terrorise full-backs down the wing.

Would Harvey Barnes be able to emulate Marcus Rashford?

Whilst both Barnes and the England international are right-footed left-wingers, their direct play style and decisive pace and power further draw comparisons. Pundit Alan Hutton even suggested that the former was a true "livewire", to emphasise these claims.

FBref seeks to outline these similarities too, as the 25-year-old is included in the former's similar players model.

It is not just their play style that is shared though, as both boast a penchant for goalscoring from the flank.

It is likely just the comparative quality of their respective squads that led to the gulf in actual goals, as Barnes' tally of 13 is not a far cry from the 17 league goals Rashford notched, whilst one finished third and the other got relegated.

The 24-year-old shone in a lacklustre Leicester side that fell to the drop, just like Maddison, and it seems like Postecoglou has developed an interest in these downtrodden stars who have already overcome hardship in their short careers.

The £35m-rated speedster has seen both the highs and lows of English football, having been lauded in the past by Jurgen Klopp whilst his side was in form: "Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents, I’m not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be, he is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product."

Opta's analyst tool serves to showcase the foremost assets of such a star, with a clear emphasis on his outstanding figures for dribbles completed, shots taken and all-around goalscoring. He is a constant threat, never afraid to shoot or take on his man. Defenders will never feel comfortable around this sparkling gem, just as they never do around a certain Rashford.

With the Manchester club having finished third in their most recent term, it seems the platform is there for future success of which Rashford will be an imperative cog.

Postecoglou will hope that he too can make steady progress with each year he is in charge, using Barnes as his dynamic left-sided star to emulate an already-successful formula.

Leeds United could be set to make a move to fill their managerial vacancy, with a key name having emerged…

What's the latest on Carlos Corberan to Leeds United?

That's according to Phil Hay, who, writing for The Athletic, offered an update on the 49ers' search for their new head coach.

Whilst Brendan Rodgers has since been ruled out of the running, with the Celtic job seemingly a far more preferable role, Carlos Corberan remains an option despite the Spaniard having signed a new contract at West Bromwich Albion in February.

Final interviews are planned with the man who has occupied a spot in the Elland Road dugout before, and the new owners will hope to have come to a conclusion as soon as possible.

Would Carlos Corberan fix Leeds United?

The one big issue that Jesse Marsch faced, alongside Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce who followed him, was at the back.

No matter how free-flowing their attack may have been, Marcelo Bielsa had seemingly irreparably shifted the mindset of the club in that defending was a second thought. Whilst this worked wonders during that first term back in the Premier League as they finished ninth, it quickly grew stagnant as injuries seeped in and a lack of top-flight quality became ever apparent.

The Argentine's dismissal became a foregone conclusion, and his American successor underwent similar issues without the attacking finesse or legendary status his predecessor commanded in west Yorkshire.

Across 37 games in charge, he would lose 16 and ship 60 goals. In the most recent campaign, of which he was sacked midway through, Leeds conceded a mammoth 78 times, the most in the entire division.

Meanwhile in the second tier, having taken over from a struggling Steve Bruce, Corberan caught the eye by propelling the Baggies from a relegation battle into the playoff picture, having shored up their defence and made them a true threat on the counter.

Having only overseen 33 games, the 40-year-old has conceded just 37 goals and has subsequently picked up a points-per-match average of 1.70 with his pleasing 4-2-3-1 system. To think that he has already proven himself in the Championship too, his appointment makes more and more sense.

This is without mentioning his work at Huddersfield Town, where against all the odds he nearly led the Terriers back to the top-flight, felled at the final playoff hurdle by Nottingham Forest.

It is no surprise to see Corberan so widely lauded, with former Leeds player Romario Vieira even claiming: "He's a great guy and so talented. When he told us how he wanted us to play, we thought he was crazy. Then it clicked and we were like, 'This guy's a genius.'"

With Marsch failing to make the defence solid enough for safety, perhaps appointing this experienced young coach could fix this key issue to allow them not just to escape the second division, but thrive in the Premier League too.

Everton are in the market for prolific attacking players this summer after struggling to score consistently in the Premier League this season and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Moussa Dembele?

According to The Mirror [June 7th 2023 13:14 pm], the Toffees are one of the clubs interested in signing the out-of-contract Lyon striker Moussa Dembele this summer.

The report comes as Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that Dembele has parted ways with the Ligue One club:

"Official: Moussa Dembélé leaves OL as free agent, confirmed. He’s set for new chapter this summer as many clubs are keen on signing him."

Would Moussa Dembele be a good signing for Everton?

There is no doubt that bolstering the forward line will be the highest priority at Goodison Park this summer and breaking the cycle of signing a centre-forward who can't offer important goal contributions throughout the campaign will be massively important for Sean Dyche.

Nobody in the entire Premier League scored fewer goals (34) than the Toffees this season, with Neal Maupay, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ellis Simms evidently failing to consistently perform when needed most, which ultimately led to a final-day relegation stand-off where they were spared relegation to the Championship by two points.

As a result, the signing of Dembele would be a great opportunity to add some experience to the forward line without running into further financial troubles during their efforts to improve the squad and would be a much better option than reported transfer target Wout Weghorst, who scored just twice in 31 games in all competitions while on loan at Manchester United.

Indeed, the 6-foot machine hasn't had his best season with three goals and one assist, but the 26-year-old has had limited game time over his 28 appearances in all competitions, averaging just 37 minutes per game.

Dembele has had a fantastic career so far playing at several clubs in Europe beyond his five-year spell in Ligue 1 – scoring 70 goals and registering 19 assists over 172 appearances – with stints at Fulham and Celtic where he earned high praise from former boss Brendan Rodgers following a clash with Sparta Prague in the Europa League:

"Moussa was everything with his power and pace. His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate."

Not only is the Frenchman younger than the 30-year-old, Weghorst, but the £52k-per-week man is also far more impressive at using his stature to knock opponents off the ball and win the ball high to win possession in dangerous areas of the pitch – ranking in the top 24% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for aerial duels won, whilst the Man United loanee ranks in just the bottom 36% for that same metric.

With that being said, if Dembele can get back to his goal-scoring ways with consistent first-team football at Goodison Park it would be a major coup for Everton and could be the key component in competing more comfortably in the Premier League next season.

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante would "love to stay" at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer transfer window but is about to receive a huge £86m salary offer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

When is Kante out of contract at Chelsea?

The Frenchman has been an incredible servant for the Blues, arriving back in 2016 and going on to make 269 appearances so far, as well as win the Champions League and Premier League once apiece.

Kante suffered a frustrating 2022/23 season for Chelsea, with injuries constantly curtailing his progress, ultimately limiting him to just six starts in the league and only seven appearances in the competition in total.

Worryingly, the 32-year-old's current contract expires at the end of this month, so the Blues are really running out of time to agree an extension with him. A move away has been mooted, but the hope is that an agreement is reached in the next few weeks.

Does a new deal for Kante look likely?

Taking to Twitter, Romano gave an update on Kante's situation, admitting that a new deal isn't close to being agreed, but that he wants to remain at the club:

"N’Golo Kante situation remains open as he’d love to stay at Chelsea but talks are not advancing to final stages after being close to full agreement in March.

"Understand Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are the two Saudi clubs who are ready to tempt Kante for new experience."

Romano later revealed however that Saudi emissaries have flown to London to offer the player a package worth "€100m (£86m) inclusive of the image rights & commercial deals".

Kante's future simply has to be sorted in a positive manner before the month reaches its conclusion, considering he still has so much to offer as a footballer. Granted, his injury issues have been problematic and he is now in his 30s, but he is a physical machine who can still cover ground at will, when fit. That is highlighted by an average of 2.3 tackles per game across his aforementioned seven Premier League appearances this season.

Kante has been hailed as "world-class" by former Chelsea teammate Cesc Fabregas in the recent past, so to suddenly lose him this month would be a massive blow, considering he still has some years left in him at the top level. He would have to accept that a long-term extension is not called for, of course, and the fact that he seems so desperate to stay is perhaps the only positive amidst the huge bid from the Saudi clubs.

The 53-cap France international can still be the perfect foil for younger midfielders like Enzo Fernandez next season, as well as hopefully some new signings, not necessarily starting every game but being managed carefully by Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension Fabio Paratici, could be ‘in the mix’ to sign a £51 million star for Antonio Conte this summer, hints Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites officials spotted…

According to a report from 90min, Lilywhites officials were recently sent on a mission as they were tasked with running the rule over certain transfer targets.

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Spurs scouts were allegedly in attendance for both of Villarreal’s clashes with Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals recently as the Premier League top four chasers eye both defender Pau Torres and winger Arnaut Danjuma.

The latter man has been in fine form under Unai Emery in Spain since joining from Bournemouth last summer as transfer chief Paratici is now linked with a potential swoop.

The Latest: Bridge drops Tottenham hint…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Bridge of Sky Sports now hints Spurs, and by extension Paratici, could be ‘in the mix’ for Danjuma if he becomes available – despite not hearing anything ‘concrete’ concerning them yet.

He explained:

“I do think he would be [an upgrade on Bergwijn]. He’s a real talent and another level to Bergwijn.

“But I don’t think there’s anything concrete on Tottenham, I’ve not heard anything, but would they be in the mix if he became available? Maybe.”

The Verdict: Hopefully…

Depending on developments, Spurs joining the race for Danjuma comes as an exciting proposition.

Villarreal have apparently slapped a €60 million (£51m) price tag on his head given the ex-Championship forward’s sensational form this season, a valuation which could arguably be worth it.

Branded ‘near enough unplayable’ earlier this season by pundit Owen Hargreaves, Danjuma has racked up the most goals and assists combined under Emery domestically whilst also attempting the most shots at goal per 90 (WhoScored).

His signing would be a major upgrade for Conte in the forward positions and supporters could be hoping their side do indeed enter the mix.

In other news: Conte green-lights Spurs move as he now gives ‘unbelievable signing’ absolute priority, find out more here.

Glasgow Rangers reportedly now face a ‘big fight’ to keep Ryan Kent this summer.

The Lowdown: Europa League hero

Kent was just one of many Europa League heroes for the Teddy Bears as they overcame RB Leipzig 3-1 at Ibrox on Thursday night to book themselves in the final against Frankfurt.

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The winger grabbed the assist for the opening goal of the game by James Tavernier, and also recorded a team-high two key passes, while he won three of his duels, made two tackles and one interception (SofaScore).

The Latest: ‘Big fight’

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team now face a ‘big fight’ to keep hold of Kent in the summer, as he is ‘attracting interest’ from a number of clubs in the Premier League.

Expanding in his latest piece for 90min, Bailey added that the Light Blues have accepted that they will not be able to match teams in the top flight in terms of contract offers, given that he only has a year left on his current deal.

Bailey’s sources have confirmed that the uncertainty over his contract is now attracting interest, with Leeds United, Everton, Wolves and Fulham named as possible destinations.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying for the supporters to hear of uncertainty over Kent’s long-term future, as they will no doubt find it difficult to pull him away from the attraction of the Premier League.

He has been one of their best performers in both the Europa League and the Scottish Premiership, and at 25 years of age, has not yet reached his full potential.

Nonetheless, if the Gers do decide to sell him, then they need to make sure that they get a sizeable fee in order to help find a suitable replacement.

In other news, find out which ‘absolute legend’ Andrew Dickson hailed against Leipzig here!