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Everton have recently been tipped to make a move for Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, but the statistics suggest that he would be no better than Michael Keane in Frank Lampard’s side next season.

According to Mirror journalist Rich Jones, the Toffees are considering a move for the Brazilian centre-back this summer as they look to amend some of their defensive frailties ahead of next season.

Lampard’s side shipped 66 goals in the top-flight last term, the fifth-worst of any team in the Premier League, so defensive improvements must be made if the Toffees are to avoid another relegation battle next time around.

However, they might be better off looking elsewhere for new defensive options, as Becao’s form in recent seasons does little to support any claims that he would be a success in the Premier League.

Last season saw the Brazilian make 35 appearances in Serie A, in which he contributed two goals and one assist, averaging a disappointing 6.65 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Despite some horrible displays from Keane last term, with the red card against West Ham and his own-goal-stained performance in the 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur springing to mind, he still managed more goals and assists and a better WhoScored rating in the Premier League than Becao in Serie A.

Keane also contributed more interceptions, blocks, clearances and successful headers per game than Becao, so it seems strange that Everton are reportedly keen on signing the 26-year-old.

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Considering that the Toffees have reportedly secured the signing of James Tarkowski on a free transfer from Burnley, they would surely be better off strengthening in other positions, rather than arguably wasting money on the £5.4m-rated Becao.

It is difficult to see what the Udinese man, who has been labelled “insurmountable” in the past by Brazilian journalist Bruno Queiroz, would offer Lampard next season if the Everton boss wants to make improvements in defence, as all the statistics suggest that the 43-year-old would be better off persevering with Keane.

In other news… Dele Alli 2.0: Everton plotting swoop for “average” £20m dud, supporters will be fuming

A big claim has emerged on Rangers and their plans for the summer transfer window at Ibrox. 

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has tipped Rangers to add up to two new shot-stoppers to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad in the coming weeks.

Allan McGregor has now signed a one-year extension at Ibrox but the reporter claims that they will be assessing targets in that area of the pitch.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They let another goalkeeper leave after releasing Andy Firth at the end of the season.

“I think Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be looking to bring in, if not one, maybe two new goalkeepers this summer. They’ll be looking at all goalkeeping options to try and improve the squad.”

Supporters will be delighted

Light Blues supporters will be delighted with this news as their troubles in the goalkeeping department let them down at times in the Premiership last term.

McGregor left a lot to be desired in the Scottish top-flight in the second half of the campaign as he allowed mistakes to creep into his game – making four errors leading to shots and goals in total.

He made two errors directly leading to goals in the 3-3 draw with Ross County and had numerous instances where, whilst they did not go down on the statistics as ‘errors’, he could have done better with crosses and shots.

These clangers may cast doubt over his ability to be the number one for another gruelling season in all competitions and that is why fans will be buzzing to read that one or two new goalkeepers may be coming in to challenge McGregor and Jon McLaughlin.

One shot-stopper the club have been linked with a move for is Crystal Palace gem Jack Butland and he is the calibre of player supporters will surely want to see come through the door.

The England international played nine times in the Premier League for the Eagles last term and did not make a single error leading to a shot or goal. He also saved the only penalty that he faced and completed 91% of his passes in his own half, showing that he is reliable with his hands and his feet.

At the age of 29, he should be in his prime years as a goalkeeper and can come in to challenge McGregor for the number one shirt.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not Butland will join the club this summer, he is an example of a goalkeeper the club have looked at and that is why fans will now be buzzing with O’Rourke’s claim that they will press ahead and look to add at least one to their squad.

AND in other news, “The edge..”: Transfer insider drops big Rangers claim that’ll delight supporters…

Aston Villa are reportedly set to make a €30m offer for FC Porto forward Otavio in the coming days.

The Lowdown: Otavio profiled

Otavio is primarily a winger who can play anywhere in attack or even in a deeper midfield role. The 27-year-old has made 237 appearances for Porto after joining in 2014, contributing to 86 goals during that time.

The Portugal international has netted 38 goals during his entire club career so far and is valued at a career-high £27m by Transfermarkt, the highest number of any player at Porto, a club renowned for cashing in on top talents.

The Latest: Villa bid

According to journalist Sergio Pires of Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol, Villa will make a €30m (£25.8m) offer for Otavio in the coming days.

Villa’s pending bid will also include €5m in add-ons for the player, who has a €40m release clause that expires on July 15.

The Verdict: One in one out?

Steven Gerrard has a number of wingers on the books at Villa Park but is set to lose one in Trezeguet. The 27-year-old appears to be on the verge of joining Trabzonspor after a £4.25m fee was agreed between the two clubs.

Otavio, labelled as an ‘exciting’ forward by ESPN commentator Marc Lewis, could well be the man to come in to bolster Villa’s attacking ranks, and he’d certainly bring plenty of creativity after scoring five times and registering 14 assists in 2021/22.

He can also play anywhere in attack or in midfield, so his versatility could also be a big asset, especially with Gerrard tinkering with numerous formations last season.

Manchester United are looking to hijack Arsenal’s bid for versatile Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

What’s the word?

That’s according to John Cross, who writes in The Mirror that Arsenal have been working on a move for the Argentina international over the course of the last two months.

The Dutch giants have slapped a £50m price tag on the centre-back – whom Manchester United are also said to be keen on – with Cross claiming that Arsenal are having to “fend off competition” for the 24-year-old.

However, with Mikel Arteta’s side now reported to have made a new offer for the Ajax star, United will have to move quickly if they wish to have any chance of bringing Martinez to Old Trafford this summer.

Could bring back old Bruno

Last season Bruno Fernandes did not perform as well as everyone knows he can, although admittedly nobody did for this underperforming United side.

Still managing a respectable 16 goal contributions in the league last term, this is a far cry from the astounding 29 goal contributions during the 2020/21 season.

Under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, and protected by the workmanlike pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred behind him, he thrived.

Perhaps if Erik ten Hag can tempt his former colossus from Ajax to Old Trafford, it could allow Fernandes the creative freedom to recapture his previously world-class form.

Indeed, while it is true that Martinez is predominantly a central defender, his underlying stats outline him as a progressive stopper who can also function in central midfield, and his profile suggests he could even replace the outgoing Nemanja Matic.

He sits in the 99th percentile for progressive passes and the 96th percentile for progressive carries in comparison to centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues over the course of the last 365 days, while he also averages 1.88 interceptions and 3.13 tackles per 90.

He is a combative player with the impetus to go forward: exactly what the Red Devils have been lacking in recent years.

It is therefore no surprise to Ten Hag has already sung his praises, labelling him an “excellent player” back in 2021.

Having clearly been enamoured with him in the past, it would make perfect sense to bring the Argentina international to Old Trafford and balance what has been an unstable midfield for years now.

If this could in turn benefit the Portuguese midfielder and help catapult him back to his old self, then it truly is a no-brainer, no matter the cost.

AND in other news: “New contact..”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge MUFC transfer update, imagine him & Sancho

West Ham United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Mohamed Bayo to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Foot Mercato, who claim that, following a number of reports linking David Moyes with a move for the Clermont Foot centre-forward in recent weeks, the Ligue 1 side are now willing to green light a move for a figure in the region of €14m (£12m) in the summer transfer window.

However, the report goes on to state that the Hammers are not alone in their pursuit of the Guinea international’s signature, with LOSC Lille, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hertha Berlin, Valencia, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton also believed to be tracking the forward ahead of a potential move of their own.

Huge coup

Considering just how exciting a prospect Bayo quite clearly appears to be, should Moyes manage to beat the likes of Spurs, Everton, Eintracht and Valencia to a deal for the 24-year-old this summer, it would undoubtedly represent a huge coup for West Ham.

Indeed, over his 32 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £10.8m-rated talent was in electric form for Clermont, scoring 14 goals, registering five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots, making 1.0 key pass and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £10k-per-week forward who Jacek Kulig dubbed “indispensable” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Pascal Gastien’s third-best performer in the league – a quite remarkable feat considering Clermont’s 17th place finish in the French top-flight last time out.

As such, with Moyes in desperate need of both backup to and competition for West Ham’s sole centre-forward, Michail Antonio, next season, it would very much appear as if Bayo could be something of a perfect fit for the 59-year-old Scot – especially considering the fact the Guinean now looks to be available for an extremely reasonable fee this summer.

AND in other news: ExWHUemployee drops huge one-word transfer update, West Ham supporters will be buzzing

Wolves have been heavily linked with Vitoria de Guimaraes midfielder Andre Almeida in recent days, and he could be the ideal heir to Joao Moutinho in Bruno Lage’s side.

Recent reports have suggested that the Old Gold are very keen on signing the €50m (£42.2m) gem, who looks set to leave the Primeira Liga club this summer ahead of his contract expiring next year.

While Wolves were able to convince Moutinho to stay put for another year, the former Porto magician will turn 36 in September and cannot be relied upon to play at the top level for much longer, so the Old Gold should be on the lookout for a younger replacement.

Almeida made 31 appearances in the Portuguese top flight last season, and while he failed to contribute a single goal or assist, he clearly possesses ability on the ball as he averaged an impressive 86.3% passing accuracy rate.

Moutinho is regarded as something of a pass master, and in the Premier League last season he averaged an 86.7% passing accuracy rate, which was only slightly better than Almeida.

The 22-year-old also averaged more shots and dribbles per game than Moutinho, which suggests that he is more capable of getting forward and influencing the attack, whereas the Wolves veteran arguably no longer possesses the athleticism to play in both penalty boxes.

Wolves are yet to sign anyone so far this summer, and they look very low on central midfield options.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Connor Ronan could easily still leave Molineux, which would leave Lage’s squad looking extremely thin in the middle of the park.

Therefore, signing the £4.5m-rated Almeida would make a lot of sense for the Old Gold this summer; and considering his obvious ability on the ball, he could be the ideal candidate to take over from Moutinho when the 35-year-old leaves the Black Country.

AND, in other news: The Athletic journalist shares “huge blow” for Wolves, supporters will be gutted

Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking at signing Real Betis’ Alex Moreno.

What’s the word?

That’s according to David Ornstein, who claims that the club are working to sign the defender.

He notes that whilst negotiations are in the early stages the Spaniard is open to the move.

Forest are actively looking for additional wing-back cover.

He revealed in full: “Nottingham Forest working on deal to sign Alex Moreno from Real Betis. Negotiations at relatively early stage & 29yo Spaniard believed to be open to possibility but no agreement as yet. NFFC looking for cover in wing-back positions.”

A deal for Huddersfield left wing-back Harry Toffolo was supposedly in place, but financial disputes seem to have scuppered it late in the day.

Could spell the end for Colback

Although he has deputised well at left wing-back, Colback has only ever been a round peg in a square hole for Forest.

With their influx of Premier League cash, it appears that Steve Cooper is wasting no time in replacing him with this high-scoring, bombarding defender who could do all of what Djed Spence did last season and more.

Moreno currently holds the record for most goals scored by a defender since 2005 for his current club, having bagged five last season.

Having featured 30 times across La Liga for the Spanish outfit, the 29-year-old managed nine goal contributions. This exceptional return could certainly be improved upon further, as he reaches the prime years of his career.

Available for £10m per reports in Spain, this represents great value in today’s market for a newly-promoted side.

Dubbed “quality” by journalist Ethan Lamb, he certainly provides that in spades. He helped Real Betis to a remarkable fifth-place finish.

His 6.85 average SofaScore rating will have aided this, and although Colback boasts a slightly higher 6.94, at the age of 32 his powers will certainly start to decline.

There’s no way he’d be able to go on the marauding runs that Moreno does, and with Spence gone Forest will need a new injection of dynamism.

The Spaniard actually ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals whilst also recording 6.27 progressive carries per 90.

That’s not to say that he’s not a capable defender, as he still ranks in the 88th percentile for blocks, 87th percentile for clearances and 84th percentile for tackles.

He truly is a wing-back that can do it all, and he would represent a huge coup in the market for Cooper. His arrival would definitely spell the end for the £7.1k-per-week defender.

AND, in other news: Romano: Forest get green light to sign “fantastic” £5k-p/w target, he’s John Terry 2.0.

Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala, reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed.

The Lowdown: Mangala linked with Forest move

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to the Reds in recent times as Steve Cooper looks to bolster his midfield options ahead of his team’s return to the Premier League.

Mangala has grown into a key player for Stuttgart, making 28 Bundesliga appearances last season and chipping in with one goal and three assists in the German top flight.

He is known as primarily a defensive-minded midfielder, an area in which Forest could arguably do with strengthening, such is the importance of that role at Premier League level.

The Latest: Transfer looks close

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg claimed that Mangala’s proposed move to Forest is edging close, with a move possibly even being completed by the end of Monday.

The journalist tweeted:

“News #Mangala: Next one from the Bundesliga! Mangala is on verge to join Notts Forest. Last details have to be clarified. Negotiations since days. Transfer fee around €15m – bonus payments included. All parties hope for a total agreement in the next hours.”

The Verdict: Dominant midfield addition

Mangala is another exciting prospective addition for Forest, should the move be completed, in what has become an increasingly positive transfer window at the City Ground.

The Stuttgart midfielder has won one cap for Belgium and been described as a ‘real talent’ by their manager Roberto Martinez, enjoying an 83.6% pass completion rate and completing 1.5 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga last season.

Forest could do with players of Mangala’s ilk to come in and make the team more solid and dominant in the middle of the park, as they prepare to come up against some genuinely world-class midfielders in the Premier League this term.

Glasgow Rangers have had a busy month throughout July as they bought and sold multiple players in the summer transfer window.

Gio van Bronckhorst lost two of his stars from the 2021/22 campaign as Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo both departed Ibrox, with the former leaving for a club-record fee.

The Dutch head coach has also gained a number of new recruits. Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo, Antonio Colak, and Ben Davies have all come through the door to bolster the squad.

Another player who could be on his way out of Ibrox before the end of August is Jamaican forward Kemar Roofe. English League One outfit Derby County are reportedly keen on the attacker and are weighing up a potential loan swoop for his services.

This would leave Alfredo Morelos and Colak as van Bronckhorst’s only options up front, though, and this means that Ross Wilson would need to replace the ex-Leeds man before sanctioning an exit.

The Gers have been linked with a move for Sunderland attacker Ross Stewart this summer and signing him could allow the club to wave bye-bye to Roofe between now and the end of August.

It was reported last month that the Black Cats wanted to tie him down to an extended contract but they are yet to get a deal over the line, which means that he – as it stands – can leave for nothing next year.

Rangers could use this to their advantage as the window drags on and tempt the Championship team into cashing in on him, in order to avoid a Bosman transfer in 2023.

The Scotland international would be an excellent signing for van Bronckhorst’s side after he enjoyed a stellar campaign in League One.

Stewart, whose work rate was dubbed “exceptional” by James McFadden, scored 26 goals in 49 games as he showcased his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

He also showed off the creative side of his game as he produced nine ‘big chances’ and made 1.3 key passes per game – ending the campaign with three assists to his name.

The 26-year-old, who is three years younger than Roofe, has the quality to be a consistent goalscorer and this means that he has the potential to be a big addition to the Gers squad, if he can make the step up to playing in the Premiership.

Therefore, signing him would allow Rangers to part ways with the attacker they signed from Anderlecht as they would then have three capable strikers to rely upon next season.

AND in other news, GvB can land huge Arfield upgrade as Rangers eye move for “interesting” £8.5m gem…

Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici has held direct talks for AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo amid the rumours of a move this summer, reports Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Zaniolo links

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Spurs are set to go head-to-head with Serie A giants Juventus in the battle to sign the 23-year-old attacker.

Journalist Maurizio Russo has revealed the Lilywhites have had an opening £25m bid rejected for the player, with their offer also including defender Joe Rodon as part of the deal.

Zaniolo has entered the final two years of his £75,000-a-week deal with Jose Mourinho’s side and since last year Spurs have been keeping an eye on his situation as talks over a contract extension seemingly broke down.

The Latest: Taylor’s claim

Taylor believes that bringing in a creative attacking midfielder is Antonio Conte’s top priority for the remainder of the transfer window, though he is not convinced of the reports of an actual bid being made.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: “I think the key now is to sign a creative midfielder that gives Conte the chance to switch from the 3-4-3 to 3-5-2 with a central attacking midfielder.

“I’m not sure on the Maddison and Zaniolo links, but I know Zaniolo is very much appreciated by Paratici.

“He’s one of the players he held talks for, while in Italy, but I don’t know about a bid, as such.”

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The Verdict: Great signing

Praised for his ‘impressive quality and strength’ by former Roma boss Claudio Ranieri, it is easy to see why the Italian duo would be keen on bringing the 23-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer. Roma legend Daniele De Rossi has also hailed the youngster’s ‘incredible natural physique’, so there should be no questions over his readiness for the rough and tumble of England’s top flight.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Zaniolo ranks in the 93rd percentile for shots total, in the 90th percentile for progressive passes received and in the 83rd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area, providing an all round threat in behind a natural number nine, such as Harry Kane.

Having already made six signings this summer, an attacking midfielder could be the final piece of the puzzle for Conte’s side, who are looking to make a big push in the Premier League this season.