Rangers: Morelos shares recovery update

Rangers have been handed a big boost as a behind-the-scenes update has emerged on Alfredo Morelos…

What’s the latest?

The Daily Record have reported on the striker’s recovery and shared an image of him working out at the Gers training ground, taken from footage posted by the player himself on his Instagram story on Tuesday.

Instead of going away on holiday or spending downtime with his family after the end of the 2021/22 campaign last month, Morelos is continuing to work hard to make sure he is fit in time for the start of next season.

He has been out of action since March with a thigh injury, with a Rangers statement at the time of the news reading:

“Our medical team are pleased with the outcome of the operation and his rehabilitation programme is underway.

“He will return to training with the First Team squad during pre-season.”

Supporters will be excited

The Ibrox supporters will surely be excited by the image, and the footage from his account, as it shows that he is willing to put in the hard work over the summer break to put himself in the best possible condition for the 2022/23 campaign.

He could have jetted away to a sunny location and eased up on his recovery for a few weeks. Instead, he is at the training ground and putting the hours in to make sure that he is back on schedule and available for selection come the start of pre-season – as initially mapped out by the club.

The fans will love this decision from the Colombian and it will hopefully be a big boost to the club by speeding up his comeback. Morelos is a crucial player for the Light Blues and having him fit for competitive action in July is an exciting prospect.

In the 2021/22 campaign, he caught the eye domestically and in Europe as he consistently delivered at the top end of the pitch.

In the Premiership, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.32 as he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists for Steven Gerrard and van Bronckhorst combined. He also scored four goals in eight Europa League starts as he averaged a rating of 7.12.

He has proven that he can have a significant impact on games with his ability to score and create goals and this is why the supporters will be excited for his return, which may be sped up by his willingness to work during the off-season.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Weston: Rangers can form deadly future duo in deal for highly-rated teen…

Liverpool ‘leading the race’ for Ramsay

Liverpool look set to secure the signing of highly-rated Scottish youngster Calvin Ramsay, according to Sky Sports News.

The Lowdown: Ramsay linked with move

The 18-year-old has caught the eye hugely for Aberdeen in the last 12 months or so, already making 39 appearances for the first team despite only turning 18 last summer.

Ramsay has been continually linked with a summer move to Liverpool, with the Reds seeing him as an exciting young prospect, as do Leeds United.

It looks as though the right-back’s future is going to be resolved very soon, following a fresh update from Sky early on Tuesday morning.

The Latest: Reds set to win race

‘We love a bit of transfer news,’ said Sky Sports News presenters live on air, before confirming Liverpool are the favourites to sign Ramsay ahead of competition from Italy, Germany and England.

They say that ‘personal terms won’t be an issue’ and it is just up to the Reds and Aberdeen to ‘agree a fee’.

No official approach has been made yet, but Sky Sports say the Dons will sell the Scot for ‘well above’ their club-record sale of £3million.

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The Verdict: Special prospect

Liverpool’s work in the transfer market has been magnificent in recent years, with Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards working wonders in bringing in seemingly mid-level signings who develop into superstars, whether it be Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah or Andy Robertson, to name just a few.

Ramsay is another who could be a great long-term prospect, having already impressed so much in his teens, registering nine assists in an Aberdeen shirt. The lure of the Reds is seemingly too great to turn down for the youngster, despite the chance of more playing time at Leeds.

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His attacking style from right-back draws comparisons with Trent Alexander-Arnold, so it looks like Liverpool could be signing a gem of a player to learn and develop from their Scouse star, assuming a fee is now agreed in the coming days.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Manchester City plot bid for David Raum

Manchester City are reportedly lining up a move for Hoffenheim defender David Raum.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Graeme Bailey of 90min who claims that Guardiola’s side have enquired about the availability of the defender and are in talks over a potential move.

It is said that Raum is on the list of possibilities in case a deal for Brighton’s Marc Cucurella cannot be struck.

Hoffenheim are said to be keeping tabs on Manchester City’s Japanese defender Ko Itakura, who spent last season on loan with Schalke. As per the report, it is mentioned that City asked about the availability of their German left-back with the possibility of a swap deal surely a tempting factor for the efficient Citizens.

Imagine him and Haaland

In what was his debut campaign in top-flight football, let alone in the Bundesliga, £18m-rated Raum has completely shattered all expectations, conjuring up a staggering 14 attacking returns in the form of three goals and 11 assists in 32 appearances for Hoffenheim, fluctuating between the position of left-back and wing-back depending on a three or four-at-the-back system.

As a left-footed full-back, it’s his ability to cross the ball which has seen him thrive over the last two seasons, having racked up a combined 24 assists over the last two campaigns.

With an average of 5.94 crosses per 90, it’s easy to see why he has been racking up the assists and why the chances that he has created have guaranteed him a minimum 12.2 xA.

With his gift of direct attacking threat from deep and ability to whip the ball into the danger zone, imagine the partnership between the “marauding” Raum and Haaland. With the Norwegian’s presence as a target man, Guardiola is expected to tweak his tactics slightly to achieve a more direct and faster approach.

The biggest change in achieving this will come from his full-backs – more specifically, the left full-back, which will allow City to deploy a different asymmetrical set-up to the one we have seen between the partnership of Cancelo and Walker.

Although the partnership between a left-back and a centre-forward is not obvious, if the move is to come to fruition, Haaland will be gifted an easy introduction to life in the Premier League.

In other news: Man City submit formal bid to sign “superb” £60m titan, Pep will be buzzing 

Everton eye Burnley winger McNeil

Everton have reportedly now asked about the possibility of signing Dwight McNeil this summer.

The Lowdown: Relegated

McNeil was relegated with Burnley on the final day of the Premier League season, meaning that he will play in the Championship next term unless the Clarets can find a suitable buyer.

Dubbed a ‘sensational player‘ by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones, there is no doubt that he is still capable of performing in the top flight, having racked up over 100 appearances in the division over five consecutive seasons, scoring seven goals and making a further 17 assists (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Enquiry

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Goodison Park outfit have now ‘asked’ about the potential to sign McNeil, although they face heavy competition for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Brentford, West Ham United and Fulham are also thought to be eyeing up the Englishman following his relegation.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Given his experience in the Premier League, and the fact that he could now be available at a cut price after relegation, it is surely a no-brainer for the Merseyside club to go and sign McNeil.

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They already look set to sign his teammate James Tarkowski, and so it should not take long for him to settle in and adapt to life under Frank Lampard.

The 22-year-old actually shares the same agent as both Anthony Gordon and Andros Townsend, and so this is a deal that shouldn’t be too difficult to negotiate if the Toffees want it.

In other news, find out what ‘amazing’ Blues update has now emerged here!

Everton plotting move for Chancel Mbemba

Everton are interested in sealing a swoop for FC Porto defender Chancel Mbemba as Frank Lampard aims to rebuild his squad at Goodison Park.

What’s the news?

That’s according to newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness) which stated that the Toffees are among the most recent competitors to secure his signature, along with Fiorentina and Trabzonspor.

Mbemba had a three-year spell at Newcastle United between 2015 and 2018, and he would reportedly be keen on a return to England, making Everton one of the favourites to sign him upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month.

Lampard will love him

Everton had the fifth-worst defence in the Premier League last season, conceding a woeful 66 goals in 38 matches, and it’s clear what area Lampard should be looking at prioritising in terms of improvement.

With the signing of former Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski all but confirmed, the 43-year-old isn’t wasting time on trying to shore up the defence, and Mbemba could be another excellent addition at the heart of the Everton backline.

He featured 47 times in all competitions last term, helping Porto to win yet another league title, adding in two goals for good measure.

He made only 21 fouls in his 31 league matches, which went a long way in Porto conceding just 22 goals throughout the campaign. The defender was only dribbled past 0.1 times and made 2.5 clearances per match, while his 96% passing accuracy in his own half shows just how comfortable he is with the ball at his feet and showcases his ability to initiate attacks from the back.

Mbemba earns £22k-p/w at the moment, and although he may want slightly more than that to come to Everton, it could be worth every penny.

His former Anderlecht team-mate Steven Defour has described him as a “tough defender” in the past, and this is something that Everton are crying out for as they approach one of the most important seasons in recent memory.

AND in other news, “Full agreement”: Fabrizio Romano drops Everton transfer claim that’ll delight Lampard

Newcastle transfer news on Rabiot

Newcastle United have reportedly now ‘come forward’ to try and sign Adrien Rabiot.

The Lowdown: Ekitike snub

After it was reported that the St. James’ Park outfit have now pulled out of a deal to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, they will be desperate to get other targets through the door and fast.

Nick Pope is expected to join after having a medical in the North East, while Matt Targett has already signed on a permanent deal from Aston Villa.

Nonetheless, more arrivals will be expected as the Tynesiders look to push on with their long-term project.

The Latest: Rabiot approach

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Magpies have now ‘come forward’ to try and sign Rabiot.

Juventus value the central midfielder at €20m (£17.2m), but he could leave for even less due to his contract situation.

Rabiot has ‘declined’ the approach however as he wants to play in the UEFA Champions League, leaving Eddie Howe’s side to play the waiting game.

The Verdict: Shame

It will be a shame if the Toon miss out on signing Rabiot this summer, especially given his price tag.

The France international is multiple trophies with PSG as well as Juve.

Former teammate and footballing legend Gianluigi Buffon once said that the six-foot-two star is built ‘like a wardrobe’ in terms of physical strength in comparison to Paul Pogba, adding that he is an ‘incredible’ player Corriere dello Sport (via BeSoccer).

Nonetheless, to get Rabiot for potentially less than £17.2m in today’s market would be a bargain, but it looks as if NUFC may be dependent on the player not receiving offers from a UCL club.

Rangers transfer news on Gloukh

The Rangers Review journalist Jonny McFarlane has revealed a big transfer twist on Glasgow Rangers’ reported interest in Israeli starlet Oscar Gloukh.

The Lowdown: Scouts sent

Speaking on the Heart & Hand podcast’s The Transfer Show (via Rangers News), podcaster and Gers supporter Andy Barnett, who is based in Israel, claimed that scouts from the club were ‘looking’ at Gloukh play for Israel’s U19s in their 4-2 win over Austria a couple of weeks ago.

Gloukh also played in the UEFA Euro U19 final for Israel against England on Friday night, and scored a brilliant opening goal.

He plays his club football at Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he scored three goals in ten games over all competitions last season (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: ‘Non-starter’

Taking to Twitter, McFarlane has now revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team have ‘no interest whatsoever’ in brining Gloukh to Ibrox this summer.

He added: “I’m told of the thousands of potential targets Rangers have in their scouting database, the player hasn’t been considered. It’s a complete non-starter. Next!”

The Verdict: Shame

It would be a shame for the Light Blues to miss out on such an upcoming talent in Gloukh.

Respected outlet ESPN (via The Daily Record) claim that he is ‘technically brilliant’ and a ‘brilliant dribbler’ with an ‘exquisite touch’, even going as far as to say that he is ‘unplayable’ at times.

Journalist and podcaster Sam Tighe gets a ‘whiff of Ozil’ about his creative style, likening the 18-year-old to the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner and former German Player of the Year (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, it seems as if the Teddy Bears in fact do not hold an interest in Gloukh, although that is not to say that they could not come in for him later in the window.

Manchester United: Ben Jacobs shares Youri Tielemans update

Manchester United’s interest in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans ‘is growing’, according to CBS Sports Golazo journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: United linked with Tielemans

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old this year, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that the club have been ‘exploring’ a possible deal.

United appear to be closing in on free agent Christian Eriksen after a verbal agreement was reached, while it seems that they haven’t given up on priority target Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, and it looks as if Tielemans could be another midfielder to make the move to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Jacobs provides Tielemans update

Jacobs took to Twitter on Thursday to provide an ‘update’ on Tielemans. He said that United’s ‘interest is growing’, and along with Arsenal, it could provoke a ‘formal offer’ from the Red Devils.

The reporter tweeted: “Youri Tielemans update. Told Tielemans is more likely than Sergej Milinković-Savić for Arsenal. No truth yet in any bid, though. Man United’s interest is growing and could finally provoke formal offers from both clubs. Tielemans wants Arsenal. But as yet nothing tabled to LCFC.”

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The Verdict: One to watch?

It could well be an extremely busy few weeks at Old Trafford ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge, with the United boss thought to be a big fan of Tielemans.

The 25-year-old has been hailed as ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’ by Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers and can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder.

The Belgium international has plenty of Premier League experience during his three-year stay at the King Power Stadium, and with Tielemans now into the final 12 months of his contract, a cut-price move could be a possibility for the £49.5m-rated midfielder.

Leeds: Arnaud Kalimuendo approach made

Leeds United have now made an approach for Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Striker wanted

The Whites are on the hunt for a new forward to complete their summer business ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

Six new players are already through the door at a cost of £95m, with winger Luis Sinisterra becoming the latest to pen terms in Yorkshire.

Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere has been heavily linked in recent weeks, but it looks as if he will move to AC Milan, and Leeds have now seemingly made their move for an alternative attacking target.

The Latest: Approach made

Jacobs took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to provide an update on Kalimuendo.

He revealed that Leeds, Newcastle, Ajax and Atalanta have all made enquiries to PSG about the striker. Jacobs then labelled Kalimuendo as ‘technically gifted’ and said that a deal around £20m ‘would be a bargain’.

This appears to be the second time Leeds have moved for the forward after The Independent reported a £17m attempt last month.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Kalimuendo certainly seems to have been on Leeds’ radar for some time now following the alleged offer last month, and he could be an ideal alternative to De Ketelaere.

The 20-year-old scored 12 Ligue 1 goals in 34 appearances on loan with Lens last season, mainly turning out as a centre-forward, but also used from the left and in a deeper role.

His Transfermarkt valuation has been on the rise over the last 12 months as a result of his impressive displays, and you’d like to think he’ll only get better over the coming years.

Hopefully, that will be at Elland Road with Leeds, but it looks as if Victor Orta has plenty of competition in a race to secure Kalimuendo’s services.

Diogo Jota could sign new Liverpool deal

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota could be set to sign a new-and-improved Reds contract in the near future, reports The Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst.

The Lowdown: Jota stars for Liverpool

The Portuguese goalscorer arrived from Wolves back in 2020 and has been a superb addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad, adding more firepower and versatility in the final third.

Jota has scored 34 goals in 85 appearances for Liverpool, winning both domestic cups last season and being described as ‘world class’ by Klopp himself.

It now looks as though the 25-year-old will be rewarded for his efforts, following a fresh update.

The Latest: New contract incoming?

According to The Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst, Jota’s performances have ‘encouraged’ Liverpool to potentially offer him a new deal – one that will see his £90,000 per week increased.

The attacker’s current contract expires in the summer of 2025 but the Reds clearly see him as a key figure beyond that date.

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The Verdict: No-brainer for Reds

This makes complete sense for Liverpool, with Jota such a potent addition to the team since joining, bringing a poachers’ instinct and popping up with big goals time and time again.

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Granted, the Portugal international’s form nosedived significantly towards the end of last season – his last goal came on April 10th, against Manchester City – but that looked largely to do with fatigue, having made 55 appearances overall.

While Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez could be Klopp’s go-to front-three now, Jota will continue to be a hugely important player for years to come, and rotation will mean he still features a large amount.

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