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Noel Whelan has dropped a worrying Rangers transfer claim involving Borna Barisic.

The Lowdown: Premier League race for Barisic

As per Football Insider, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Wolves are in a Premier League race to sign Barisic in the summer window.

A recruitment source has told the news outlet that talent spotters from some clubs in the top flight are hoping to watch the Rangers ace play in Euro 2020 for Croatia, and if he performs well, bids are likely to come in for him.

The Latest: Whelan on Barisic

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who is now a pundit after playing as a striker for the likes of Leeds and Coventry City, has claimed that he is not surprised that so many teams from the Premier League are interested in signing Barisic, and warns that loads more will be, especially Marcelo Bielsa’s side:

“He’s an established player who has played very well for his club side.

“You look at successful teams like Rangers and about players being noticed. When you win titles as emphatically as Rangers did, you get looked at. 

“There will be loads of teams interested in him I’m sure. It doesn’t surprise me to hear Arsenal and Villa are looking at him.

“He’s just had a fantastic season, scoring goals, getting assists and keeping clean sheets.

“He ticks every single box. He gets up, he can defend, he’s a threat and he fits the style of play at Leeds United.”

The Verdict: Worrying for Rangers

It is certainly worrying for the Ibrox faithful that so many clubs from the English top flight are keeping tabs on Barisic, as a move to the perhaps the world’s most prestigious league may be simply too much to turn down.

The 28-year-old was a very important player for the Gers both in their SPFL title win and in general throughout the 2020/21 season, playing in no fewer than 50 matches in total in all competitions, scoring five goals and making a remarkable 14 assists from left-back (Transfermarkt).

Barisic would certainly not be easy to replace for Steven Gerrard’s team, as an exit would leave Gerrard without a quality defender and primary playmaker, and so they must look to try and keep him at all costs.

In other news, find out the latest Police Scotland have done amid the 55 celebrations saga here!

Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion are front-runners to lure Liverpool defender Nat Phillips away from Anfield this summer [GOAL].

The Lowdown: Liverpool re-shape their squad ahead of 2021/22

Liverpool will be looking to be back amongst the honours once again in 2021/22, following their third placed finish last term.

the Reds have already seen the high-profile departure of Gini Wijnaldum to PSG [BBC], whilst loanee Ozan Kabak has returned to Schalke after his temporary stint on Merseyside [SB Nation], so a small reshuffle of the squad could be necessary.

Interestingly, there now could now be a third exit through the famous Anfield gates, in the form of the 24-year-old Phillips.

The Latest: Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion lead chase

Currently speaking, Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion are leading the chase for the 6ft 3in colossus [GOAL].

Though the Liverpool hierarchy would be hesitant to sell Phillips, they understand his desire to play regular first-team football and could relinquish his services for the right price [GOAL]. No mooted fee has been established as of yet regarding his potential asking price.

Of course, these developments come as something of a fresh twist in proceedings, as Newcastle United were thought to be the team interested in the centre-back in recent weeks [CaughtOffside].

The Verdict: Phillips should be allowed to depart

There is an agreeable nature to these rumours, signifying it could be the right decision for Liverpool and Phillips to amicably part ways this window.

On one hand, the Bolton-born stopper is unlikely to be an important first-team regular in 2021/22, owing to the recent signing of highly-rated defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig last month [Liverpool FC] and others returning from injury.

Conversely, Phillips has proven his worth as an established Premier League defender who is too good to sit fourth or fifth in the pecking order. In 2020/21, he made 20 appearances for Liverpool, registering one goal and a solitary assist [Transfermarkt].

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Conveying his dominant prowess within the Reds backline, he won an outstanding 5.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes across the Premier League year [WhoScored]. Put into context, that was by quite a margin the highest rate of the entire Liverpool squad [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘brilliant’ by manager Jurgen Klopp [Liverpool FC], Phillips simply has to get out and play as a first-choice defender – he is entering the prime years of his career. Should Liverpool elect to sell him for a considerable sum, that could be a happy ending for both parties as they look towards the new campaign.

In other news, Jurgen Klopp is said to have ‘cancelled’ a move for an international defender.

Sunderland are set to complete the signing of exciting West Brom youngster Tyrese Dyce, according to a fresh report which emerged on Tuesday.

The Lowdown: Johnson plans for promotion push

The Black Cats came agonisingly close to securing promotion to the Championship last season, falling short after a League One playoff defeat to Lincoln City.

It is now Lee Johnson’s job to mastermind another promotion push in 2020/21, with new signings potentially needed in order for that to happen.

The Latest: Black Cats to sign Dyce

According to Football Insider, Sunderland have ‘agreed a deal’ to sign Dyce, with the 20-year-old’s West Brom contract expiring on Wednesday.

A club source has confirmed that he is set to join on a free transfer when his Baggies deal expires, having scored two goals and registered three assists in 22 Under-23s appearances for the Baggies.

The Verdict: Long-term prospect

While Dyce may not immediately arrive as a key first-team player, he is a long-term prospect with lots of potential, rather than a quick fix who could end up leaving after one season.

The youngster could possibly end up being a strong backup for Callum McFadzean at left-back, assuming he makes impressive early strides at the Stadium of Light, and the fact that he would cost nothing makes it less of a risk.

In other news, a pundit has slammed Sunderland for one key reason. Read more here.

According to a report by Eurosport, Manchester United have been assured that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice would be open to playing for a club outside of London, but his personal terms won’t be cheap.

The Lowdown: Big Rice claim emerges…

The England international, currently shining for the Three Lions at Euro 2020, has been at the centre of big contract claims recently as West Ham look to tie down perhaps their biggest asset.

Indeed, a reliable report from The Telegraph broke the news that the 22-year-old has now rejected two new deal proposals. It is also believed that he wishes to be informed of any bids amid interest from the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and the Irons’ London rivals Chelsea.

The Latest: Report makes claim on Rice demands…

Eurosport have now detailed just what it may take for any interested party to snap up Rice this summer, and it’s safe to say that a deal won’t be easy to complete.

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Writing for the outlet, Dean Jones says that while the Red Devils have been informed of the 22-year-old’s openness to playing outside of the English capital, his personal terms are large. West Ham would apparently demand around £80m and the player himself would be looking for a salary in the region of £200,000 per week, plus signing-on fees.

As a result, if Rice is to leave Rush Green this summer, Chelsea is thought to be a likelier destination.

The Verdict: Get a new deal done…

The midfielder’s assured Euro 2020 performances so far will only make him even more in-demand this window and we believe that tying him down further is a necessity.

West Ham are looking toward a challenging 2021/22 season with their involvement in Europe and will want to build upon last season, when they defied expectations.

Rice is an integral part of David Moyes’ setup and has partnered Czech Republic star Tomas Soucek to great effect in front of the back four.

It is little wonder his personal terms are so high, but if he continues this form, an interested party may well end up taking the plunge.

In other news: ‘Concerning West Ham’…Italian journalist makes transfer claim involving ‘amazing’ ace, find out more here.

According to a report by Portuguese news outlet O Jogo, West Ham and Everton have ‘collected references’ in an approach to sign Benfica forward Haris Seferovic – with the possibility of making a bid for the player now ‘open’.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker chase…

Manager David Moyes is said to be keen on adding a new striker to his West Ham ranks with many links emerging over these past few weeks.

Gent striker Paul Onuachu is among the new names touted with a possible move (allnigeriasoccer.com), while Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah is said to be on the Hammers radar (Fabrizio Romano).

Ukraine international Roman Yaremchuk is allegedly another option (Eurosport), with O Jogo now lifting the lid on a West Ham approach to sign Seferovic.

The Latest: Irons make Seferovic approach…

As per the website, West Ham and Everton have both been in contact for the 29-year-old Switzerland star and it is possible that either club could make a bid this summer.

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Seferovic impressed at Euro 2020, scoring three goals in five matches for the Swiss, with the towering 6 foot 1 powerhouse now being eyed by the Irons and Moyes.

New Toffees boss Rafael Benitez, however, has taken the same stance for Everton and it seems West Ham could face competition from them and London rivals Tottenham – who also hold an interest.

The Verdict: Good option?

Benfica’s president apparently values Seferovic at around €25 million (£21.3m), but he is quite a mixed option with many aspects of his transfer to consider.

At 29, the forward’s sell-on-value will diminish in years ahead as he approaches the twilight phase of an impressive career.

West Ham may only get a couple of top seasons out of Seferovic before he potentially starts to tail off – so GSB and Moyes must consider the age factor despite his head-turning 26 goals in all competitions over 20/21 (Transfermarkt).

His quality is evident going by his haul of strikes in Portugal last term and the fact he has attracted plenty of praise – former Portugal international João Alves explained back in April how he has become a ‘fantastic player’ (Bancada), but how long this form will last could cause West Ham a headache.

In other news: Journalist makes 11-word West Ham transfer claim involving ‘phenomenal’ striker, find out more here.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Ekrem Konur has made a significant West Ham United transfer claim involving Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye new shot stoppers?

Despite current number one Lukasz Fabianski recently putting pen to paper on a one-year contract extension in east London, West Ham have been tipped by the press to target new goalkeepers in this transfer window (football.london).

The 36-year-old Poland international has entered the twilight phase of his career, so David Moyes and co may have to start contemplating who will be his eventual successor.

West Ham have been linked with a move for West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone (football.london), as well as Sweden international Robin Olsen (AS), but Konur has now dropped a major claim involving another target.

The Latest: Konur drops major Areola to West Ham claim…

Reports emerged yesterday of West Ham’s talks to finalise a loan move for PSG keeper Areola this summer (Foot Mercato).

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Konur has now dropped a big claim on the development, saying that the Irons are about to seal the 28-year-old’s temporary signing from France.

Taking to Twitter, the Turkish football reporter with more than 120,000 followers explained: “West Ham are about to complete the transfer of Alphonse Areola. Areola will be on loan from PSG for 1 year.”

The Verdict: Coup for the Hammers?

As a reinforcement for the goalkeeping department, we believe that potentially signing Areola on loan for the 2021/22 season comes a very worthwhile coup.

Starting 36 Premier League matches whilst on loan at Fulham last term, the 28-year-old proved himself capable between the sticks despite their eventual relegation. He kept nine clean sheets in that time for the Cottagers and pulled off some truly wonderful saves (Sky Sports), with former Fulham manager Scott Parker labelling Areola as one of his three ‘very experienced’ and ‘exceptional’ goalkeepers (Daily Mirror).

The three-cap France international could come as an astute acquisition if West Ham manage to pull off this deal.

In other news: ‘Superstar’, ‘What a player’…Many West Ham fans rave as ‘good news’ emerges, find out more here.

Rangers have been handed another boost in their hopes of signing Vitesse centre-back Danilho Doekhi this summer after he admitted he would consider joining Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

Rangers have regularly been linked with the 23-year-old defender throughout the summer and it seems as if a deal could happen before the window shuts, after Doekhi spoke out on the rumours linking him with a move away from Vitesse.

When asked about interest from the Glasgow club, he said:

“I can’t do anything with it now. All my business runs through my manager, but if something is serious, I will seriously think about it.”

The likes of Norwich City, Newcastle United, Fulham and Atalanta have also been linked with the Dutch defender, which led the club’s technical director, Johannes Spors, to suggest earlier this month that he could be sold, saying:

“We would like to keep Doekhi, but we also have to be realistic.

“If a top club can and want to meet his asking price, then it can be interesting.

“We don’t want Doekhi to go, but we also understand that we develop [players] at Vitesse.”

Should Rangers sign Doekhi?

Doekhi was in impressive form last season for Vitesse, making 32 appearances in the Eredivisie and averaging a solid 6.86 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The six-foot-three defender’s strengths are described as his aerial ability and his concentration, which suggests that he would fit in well in a Rangers defence that conceded just 13 goals in 38 league fixtures last season.

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This is backed up by his manager at Vitesse, Thomas Letsch, who was full of praise for Doekhi last season, saying:

“He already played fantastic last year and this season he has performed at the highest level in every game. Danilho makes almost no mistakes and is an absolute team player, a very calm player. flat developed. “

“He coaches other players very well. He is calmer than other players and perhaps that makes him less noticeable, but he is the reserve captain for a reason.”

This certainly sounds like the sort of player Gerrard would love to have in his squad next season as they look to retain their title and make an impact in the Champions League.

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Therefore, sporting director Ross Wilson should definitely act quickly to bring Doekhi to Ibrox after the news that he would seriously consider any interest shown in him this summer.

And, in other news… Rangers receive huge transfer boost with “really good” gem, Wilson must act

Head down Everton’s squad list and they tick plenty of boxes.

The Toffees possess a 20-goal per season striker in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, an elite playmaker in James Rodriguez and a ball-winning enforcer in Abdoulaye Doucoure.

They also have a flying wing-back in Lucas Digne but, if there’s one thing they miss, it’s a coveted world-class centre-back.

Carlo Ancelotti recognised that during his final few months at Goodison Park, noting Kalidou Koulibaly as the man to strengthen their ranks.

The Napoli defender has remained on their radar, and with Rafa Benitez now at the helm, that is hardly a surprise. The pair worked together when Benitez was head coach in Naples and he has now asked the Everton hierarchy to try and sign the 30-year-old.

Once valued at £100m, it may now take just £35m to lure the Senegal international to the Premier League.

An elite brute of a centre-half, he could replicate the type of qualities we saw from a certain Sylvain Distin in Merseyside. The Frenchman was never world-class but he was an animal when it came to stopping some of the best attacking players in the top flight.

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Distin featured on 210 occasions for Everton and brought with him a robust and physical presence.

In a piece put together by Will Rooney, he wrote: “Sylvain Distin had absolutely every attribute you’d wish for in a centre-half – rapid pace, power and the ability to snuff out any danger that came his way.”

Those words could quite easily describe Koulibaly, and an interview with former Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao supplements that viewpoint. The 2002 World Cup ace once told the BBC: “He’s got all the qualities to do well in the Premier League. He’s strong, can play hard when needed, can read the game very well and is not scared to get stuck in.”

In terms of their aerial dominance, the two defenders are very alike. Dubbed “extraordinary” by Pepe Reina, Koulibaly won 2.1 headers per match throughout the 2019/20 campaign. Distin averaged close to that throughout his time with Everton and Portsmouth, winning 2.7.

Their tackle rate is also similiar. The Napoli centre-back has won two challenges per game according to WhoScored’s data, while the former Toffees stalwart won 1.7 per match throughout his career.

Consequently, Benitez could well uncover a like-minded player by luring Koulibaly to Goodison Park.

AND in other news, Everton present offer to sign 6 ft 4 giant who’s “performed miracles”, Rafa needs him…

Manchester United could be set to lose star midfielder Paul Pogba this summer, with the 28-year-old looking ‘increasingly unlikely’ to sign a new contract.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, talks between the France international’s representatives and United failed to find a resolution after reports claimed a concrete offer had been rejected by Pogba.

The World Cup winner has attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, and the Red Devils must now make a decision on whether to sell him this summer or allow him to see out his contract.

Pogba’s current deal expires in 12 months’ time, meaning he can sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January. It’s thought he wants to assess all his options before deciding on what is likely to be the last big contract of his career.

Manchester United fans will be worried

Despite PSG’s reported interest in Pogba, the Ligue 1 giants have made no official bid as of yet, and there’s been no direct contact between the two clubs.

Nevertheless, large sections of United supporters will be left feeling worried at these latest revelations given the importance of the £290,000-per-week dynamo to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Although Pogba has been on the receiving end of much criticism since his arrival on English shores, he’s undoubtedly one of the Old Trafford outfit’s most talented players.

The 20-time English champions have made great strides under Solskjaer in recent years, achieving consecutive top-four finishes for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, and Pogba has been central to their success.

He made 42 appearances in all competitions for United last season, scoring six goals and providing nine assists, achieving a respectable 6.85 WhoScored rating in the process.

Therefore, Pogba’s potential departure would be a significant setback in the progress made by the Red Devils under their Norwegian tactician.

While several big names have been linked with replacing him in the red half of Manchester in recent days, such as Saul Niguez, Leon Goretzka and Eduardo Camavinga, Pogba’s exit would be a bitter blow and leave United reeling ahead of the upcoming campaign.

And, in other news…Journo drops exciting MUFC update on “incredible” £63m-rated gem, fans will be buzzing

Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Boubacar Kamara in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Kamara impresses

Kamara impressed while playing for Marseille in the 2020/21 season, helping them reach fifth spot in the Ligue 1 table.

He played in 35 matches in total in the division, winning 6.9 of his duels per game while also averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances and one interception per match (Sofascore).

The Latest: Cut-price move?

As per The Daily Mail, the St. James’ Park faithful are hoping that they can sign Kamara for a fee in the region of £12m, given that he only has a year left on his current deal in France.

This would certainly be a bargain for the North East club, given that he is currently valued at £33.3m by Transfermarkt.

The Verdict: Sign

If the Tyneside club can end up signing Kamara for £12m, then it would certainly be some shrewd business considering his age and market value.

Once dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by his former teammate Rolando back in May 2020, the 21-year-old clearly has a lot of potential, and has shown maturity at such a young age by being able to play in a number of different positions (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, he will be full of confidence coming off the back of such a good individual season, and is certainly a player that Steve Bruce should be finding room in his squad for.

In other news, find out what Mike Ashley has recently told the takeover consortium here!