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Rangers are seemingly closing in on their next summer signing as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to strengthen his attacking options at Ibrox ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

It was reported recently that the Teddy Bears had agreed a fee for striker Antonio Colak, who played a key role in knocking the Gers out of the Champions League last season.

The current PAOK striker hit a brace for ten-man Malmo during his loan spell with the Swedish giants.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke provided the latest on the potential signing, saying: “It looks like he’s got a decent goalscoring record in Greece and he is a Croatia international as well.

“Obviously, it’s a deal Rangers are working very hard to get over the line. They are just trying to conclude a deal with the Greek side.”

Supporters will be buzzing

There has been a lack of transfer business at Rangers so far this summer and supporters will no doubt be glad to hear that they are closing in on their second official signing, with John Souttar having already joined on a free transfer after agreeing a pre-contract deal to swap Hearts for Ibrox in January.

With Alfredo Morelos’ future at Ibrox still in doubt, signing a new striker should have been a priority for Van Bronckhorst this summer.

Considering Colak’s previous form in the Champions League, he could be the ideal man to bring in ahead of Rangers’ qualifying fixtures in that competition later this month.

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The Croatia international has enjoyed fairly prolific spells with the likes of HNK Rijeka (51 goals in 90 games) and Malmo (19 goals in 40 games) in the past. He clearly knows where the back of the net is and would likely fil his boots on a regular basis next season given the amount of chances that Rangers are likely to create.

Therefore, Gers fans will be hoping that their club can complete a deal for Colak as soon as possible, so that he can arrive promptly and have a pre-season at Ibrox before the new campaign starts.

In other news… Imagine him & Jack: Rangers could seal dream duo in deal for “diamond” £2m “enforcer”

Liverpool have started off the summer transfer window with some excellent acquisitions which will add both quality and depth to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The deals for Fabio Carvalho, Calvin Ramsay and a club-record £85m move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez have represented an outlay of close to £100m and has seemingly put the Reds in a good place ahead of next season.

With the disappointment of missing out on both the Premier League and Champions League titles still lingering, Klopp might want to delve back into the market and add another one or two faces to the squad.

One area which could do with a bit of a makeover is the midfield. The likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner are all in their 30s now, and adding some youth into the mix could be a wise move.

One player that Klopp should be going after is Renato Sanches. The Portugal international was linked heavily with the Reds in January, and with one of Liverpool’s previous transfer targets Aurelien Tchouameni making the move to Real Madrid in the meantime, the door could be open for the 24-year-old.

Lille have reportedly set the asking price at €30m (£26m) as Paris Saint-Germain appear interested in the player, who has had a career resurgence at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy after a period of stagnation at Bayern Munich following his breakthrough at Euro 2016.

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He could be Klopp’s own Luka Modric, with the two being statistically similar according to the comparable player model on FBRef.

Both players have near-identical goal involvement figures, with Sanches scoring twice and grabbing five assists last season in Ligue 1 compared to Modric’s two goals and eight assists in La Liga.

With 1.9 shots per match for both players and average shot-creating actions of 4.36 per game for Sanches and 3.23 for Modric, it’s clear that their attacking attributes are key strengths which have enabled their respective teams to achieve success.

Both players go about their business without much fanfare and contribute going forward and also defensively.

Dubbed the “complete athlete” by Lille president Oliver Letang, Sanches could add an extra dimension to Liverpool’s midfield if the Reds and FSG revive their apparent transfer interest in the 24-year-old.

AND in other news, Klopp now plotting LFC bid for “unpredictable” £33m target, just imagine him & Diaz

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard could reportedly be willing to cash in on midfielder John McGinn this summer, amid reports linking the player with a departure.

What’s the word?

As per Football Insider, the Midlands side are said to be open to listening to offers for the Scotland international, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur having been heavily linked with a move in recent months.

The report suggests that the 27-year-old is not considered an ‘untouchable’ at Villa Park despite his regular starting role over the past few years, with Gerrard said to be ‘not totally convinced’ by the 48-cap maestro.

The suggestion is that the former Hibernian man – who made the move to England on a reported £2.75m deal in 2018 during Steve Bruce’s tenure – is somewhat difficult to manage behind the scenes, as per the report, hence the potential desire to move him on.

Gerrard’s biggest mistake

It has been proven a hugely impressive transfer window for the Villans thus far, with four major signings having already been confirmed and further deals potentially in the works.

That being said, however, the Villa boss could risk overshadowing that strong early business by allowing the influential McGinn to depart prior to the start of next term, with it no doubt set to be a notable mistake were the ambitious club set to cash in on the £28.8m-rated playmaker.

Since making the switch four years ago, the £70k-per-week machine has proven an invaluable asset to the club, having scored 16 goals and provided 23 assists in 147 games across all competitions, including registering 21 goal contributions in 100 Premier League appearances over the last three seasons.

The most recent campaign saw the Glasgow-born ace chip in with three goals and four assists in the top-flight from his 35 league outings – all of which had come as starts – while also averaging an impressive three tackles and one interception per game.

That all-action approach has seen him come in for praise from pundit Joe Cole, with the former England international stating: “He’s one of them that if you speak to anyone around Aston Villa and they love him.

“He’s a character, a leader. I was chatting to him and he’s really excited about having Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister as well. Two midfielders he’s soaking up knowledge from. He’s an all round midfielder. Forget what he does off the ball, on the ball he does everything. He’s got tenacity, he wins the ball back and he brings that to the team.

“And when you couple that with the other side of his game, he’s got lovely close control. He’s as strong as an ox and he picks the right pass. He’s well drilled, he runs forward, sets up goals and to add on top of that and it’s something midfielders neglect these days, he knows where the goal is.”

Such a glowing assessment illustrates just how highly regarded the 5 foot 10 warrior is, with it something of a headscratcher that Gerrard and co would even contemplate a sale, even as they plot a new midfield addition.

The suggestion for most supporters would have been that any new arrivals – including recent signing Boubacar Kamara – would have been added to complement McGinn and to build an exciting midfield around him, yet this latest news would suggest that such deals could in fact be hastening his exit.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Leeds United could be set to see Kalvin Phillips wave goodbye to his boyhood club during the current summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

A recent report from The Athletic by Phil Hay, alongside Manchester City journalist Sam Lee, had this to say about the current situation regarding Phillips’ immediate future amid links to Pep Guardiola’s side.

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The report says: “Sources on both sides of the Pennines believe an offer for Phillips from City is coming.

“City visualise a closing agreement of between £45 million and £50 million and there is confidence in Manchester that Phillips would push to take up the opportunity to join them if it’s presented.”

“City would tick the right boxes. It’s a move Phillips would be open to, and a move Leeds would struggle to resist.”

Leeds fans will be gutted

Having only ever played for the Yorkshire club throughout his career, the 26-year-old has made 234 appearances for the Whites across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Englishman has scored 14 goals and delivered 13 assists along the way.

Taking into account just how much Phillips has done for the club and how he’s helped them get into the Premier League after a 16-year absence and helped them stay there over the past two seasons, it’ll surely be gutting for the Leeds fans to see him leave.

To highlight his importance to the team, particularly from a defensive point of view, in the 49 Premier League games he’s played, the 26-year-old has won 87 tackles, made 342 successful pressures, made 103 blocks, 83 interceptions and 89 clearances.

With that in mind, it’s safe to say that without Phillips in their ranks, Leeds could well have been back in the Championship by now.

If the England international were to make a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, earning the chance to play alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, Leeds may have to then rely on reported incoming signing Marc Roca to step into Phillips’s shoes.

While some Leeds fans may be accepting of the prospect that their youth graduate will leave the club to potentially be successful at one of Europe’s top sides, there will undeniably be others that would be heartbroken to not see him donning a Leeds shirt.

In other news: Orta now eyeing Leeds move for “electrifying” £11m starlet, he’s their next Dan James

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has hailed some Glasgow Rangers transfer news that he has now heard from Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Archer interest

As per talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the Gers are among a number of clubs who hold an ‘interest’ in signing Cameron Archer this summer.

Middlesbrough and Watford are also thought to be interested in signing the Aston Villa striker on loan for next season.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that it would be an ‘exciting’ move for both Archer and the Light Blues.

The 47-year-old said: “That could be a real step up for him. He could be playing in the Champions League and fighting for a league title as well. That’s the kind of stage he will want to be playing on.

“He’s a really bright talent as well, and someone I think Rangers would get a real benefit out of.

“He’s got pace, power, goalscoring ability – I think it would be a really beneficial move for a young player. It’s an exciting move.”

The Verdict: Get it done

There seems no doubt that Archer will have plenty of interest from other teams to take him on loan next term, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side need to get this deal done as soon as they can.

He has recently been hailed as ‘unstoppable‘ and ‘different gravy‘ by renowned Villa YouTuber Ty Bracey after scoring with his first touch for England under-21s in a win against Albania, which is high praise indeed for the 20-year-old.

Archer also managed 11 first-team goals combined for Villa and on loan at Preston North End last term, and given that the Premier League outfit are now managed by former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, this is one which the Teddy Bears could get over the line given the 42-year-old’s connections with both clubs.

In other news, find out which Gers attacker could now leave this summer here

Crystal Palace have offered a new deal to secure £7.2m-valued Jeffrey Schlupp’s future, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Terrific servant

Signed for £9million from Leicester City (The Guardian), Schlupp has proven to be a superb servant to Palace since joining.

The 29-year-old Premier League winner has amassed 162 appearances for the Eagles and the Ghanian international remains an important part of Patrick Vieira’s plans in South East London.

As it was confirmed that the club were retaining the services of Jordan Ayew, Nathaniel Clyne, James McArthur and James Tomkins, now it seems as though Schlupp could well be set to earn fresh terms.

The latest: New deal offered

As per a ‘source’ from the club for Football Insider, Crystal Palace have made the 20-cap ace an offer of a new contract beyond 2023.

It’s claimed that ‘talks are underway’ with the versatile left-footer as Vieira makes plans to reshape the squad at Selhurst Park.

The report states that the club are ‘keen to tie down’ the man hailed for an ‘incredible’ performance in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United in 2020 by Roy Hodgson and the offer of an ‘extension’ has been made.

The verdict: Continuity required

As the previously ageing Palace ranks prepare for another summer overhaul, retaining a number of the tried and tested Premier League operators will be important moving forwards.

Therefore, keeping Schlupp in situ with his wide-ranging versatility and 205 English top-flight outings worth of experience to counter the youthful exuberance of the likes of Ebere Eze and Michael Olise is a smart move from Vieira.

Last season, the Ghanian international scored four times and provided two assists in 32 league appearances – predominantly operating in a new central midfield role – highlighting a continued key status in the squad and a potential reinvented career in a previously unfamiliar position.

In other news: ‘Very close’ – Journalist makes Crystal Palace transfer claim, read more here

Liverpool could offer Takumi Minamino to Leeds United in a deal which might take Raphinha to Anfield, according to The Mirror.

The Lowdown: Salzburg reunions

Jesse Marsch has already brought in attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who he coached at Red Bull Salzburg, and he looks set for another reunion with right-back Rasmus Kristensen.

The Whites appear to be closing in on a deal for the Danish defender, who Marsch signed for the Austrian giants from Ajax in 2019.

Minamino is another who worked under the Leeds head coach at Salzburg, contributing to 20 goals in 22 games under the American, and a move for the ‘exceptional’ Japanese forward could well be on the cards.

The Latest: Leeds move?

The Mirror’s Steve Bates shared an update late on Saturday night regarding Raphinha and Minamino.

The journalist said that Liverpool are ramping up their interest in the £60m-rated Leeds winger and could offer the 27-year-old Japan international to bring down the price for the Brazilian.

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The Verdict: Interesting…

Phil Hay has claimed that it is likely to take a bid in the region of £60m-£70m to get Raphinha out of Elland Road this summer, amid links of a move to Barcelona.

However, it looks as if Liverpool may look to replace Sadio Mane with Raphinha. Minamino is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, so the Reds may still have to cough up around £50m for Leeds to entertain any player-plus-cash deal.

Marsch could well be open to the possibility of reuniting with another of his former Salzburg stars, though, with the Japan international capable of playing anywhere across the front three and starring under the 48-year-old’s watch in the past.

In other news: ‘This one gets done…’ – Journalist now drops ‘imminent’ Phillips claim with Leeds exit ‘in motion’

Pundit Frank McAvennie has been reacting to Aston Villa’s reported interest in Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Villa closing in?

Steven Gerrard and NSWE have been extremely busy over recent weeks, getting a number of deals in place ahead of the summer transfer window.

Villa have secured permanent deals for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara and have also reached an agreement for centre-back Diego Carlos.

It looks as if another defender could be on the way, with The Times suggesting that Villa are also closing in on a move for Rangers colossus Bassey, who played under the 42-year-old at Ibrox.

The Latest: McAvennie slams Bassey

Scottish pundit McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding a potential reunion between Gerrard and Bassey.

He didn’t seem too impressed, though, believing that the 22-year-old isn’t good enough for the Premier League and would get ‘ripped apart’ by the likes of former Villa star Jack Grealish.

McAvennie said:

“Can he go in and play in the Premier League right now? No.

“I don’t think he is good enough for the Premier League. If Gerrard is buying him, it’s because he has done a job in Scotland.

“England is a whole different game. He’s muscle-bound but if he comes up against someone like Jack Grealish he will get ripped apart.

“I’m sorry to say Bassey but that’s the truth. Another year up with Rangers and maybe he might be ready.

“At this moment in time, the brutal truth is he’s good enough.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Bassey starred in both the Europa League final and Scottish Cup final this month and appears to have outgrown the Scottish Premiership, picking up Rangers’ Young Player of the Season award.

The Nigerian was a regular at Ibrox in the 2021/22 season, lining out as a centre-back and left-back and duly providing Gerrard with cover in two important areas.

His impressive displays over recent months seem to suggest that he is ready for the next step in his career, and that could well be at Villa Park, possibly alongside Carlos.

In other news: Villa may now move for another Rangers star after Bassey; Gerrard loves him – transfer insider. 

Liverpool have been in contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah for months, and now a reliable source has revealed an update on the Egyptian winger’s future at the club.

What’s the latest?

Journalist and Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce has revealed that Mo Salah will be staying at Anfield next season despite concerns that he could move on this summer.

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In an article for The Athletic, Pearce relays Salah’s comments ahead of Champions League Final on Saturday in Paris, with the Liverpool star saying;

“I’m staying next season for sure.

“I don’t focus on the contract at the moment. It’s about the team. It’s a really important week for us. I want to win the CL again.”

Supporters will love it

Salah has arguably been one of the best, if not the best player for Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at the club and has been hugely influential in his time on Merseyside so it would come as no surprise that supporters will love that he will be staying next season.

The 29-year-old goal machine has scored 156 goals and contributed 63 assists in 253 appearances and in terms of achievements has won a Champions League, Premier League title, FA Cup and Carabao Cup over the last five years, as well as winning three Premier League golden boots.

The popular winger’s contract with Liverpool ends this time next year and there has been speculation of a move to Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain this summer, which would have been a devastating blow for the supporters and the club, but it will be relieving that he has confirmed his immediate future is committed to Liverpool.

With that being said, it does mean that the Egyptian could leave on a free transfer next summer if he cannot reach an agreement with FSG and the powers at Anfield. It is reported that the club is not willing to break their strict wage structure to meet the demands of the player which could ultimately see the player depart without compensation for Liverpool in June 2023.

Ultimately, Liverpool supporters and Klopp will be pleased that in the short-term they have the opportunity to win more trophies with a player of Salah’s calibre in the side and keeping him at the club for the upcoming campaign puts them in a good position to compete.

AND in other news: Liverpool “will step up” chase to sign £60m “monster”, supporters surely buzzing

Graham Smyth has stated his belief that Leeds United should make a move for Sam Johnstone this summer.

What’s been said?

In a series of recent posts on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post chief football writer suggested that the goalkeeper – who is set to leave West Bromwich Albion upon the expiry of his current contract in June – would be an excellent signing for Victor Orta to get over the line this summer, as the England international would seriously push Illan Meslier for his starting spot in Jesse Marsch’s side.

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In his tweets, Smyth said: “What a free transfer Johnstone will be for someone this summer… I’d certainly take him [as] backup, but to genuinely push Meslier for the number one spot.”

Orta must move

Considering how impressive Johnstone was for West Brom during Albion’s last spell in the top flight back in 2020/21, it is easy to see why Smyth believes the 29-year-old would be a good target for Orta to pursue this summer.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League appearances that season, the £10.8m-rated stopper was one of the Baggies’ standout performers, keeping six clean sheets and making an average of an extraordinary 4.5 saves per game – the most in the league.

These returns saw the £32.5k-per-week goalkeeper who Gary Lineker dubbed “unbelievable” and Kieran Doody labelled “unreal” earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as the Albion’s second-best player in the league – an incredibly impressive feat considering West Brom’s ultimate relegation from the division.

For comparison, over Meslier’s 38 Premier League fixtures this season, the £18m-rated talent kept five clean sheets, conceded 79 goals and made an average of 3.8 saves per game, with these metrics seeing the France U21 international average a SofaScore match rating of 6.87.

As such, it would certainly appear as if Johnstone would make a fantastic addition to Marsch’s current options between the sticks, especially when considering he is available on a free – leading us to believe that Orta simply must make a move for the England shot-stopper this summer.

AND in other news: “Already spoken..”: YEP journo drops big summer update that Leeds supporters will love