Rangers Eye Ideal Hagi Partner In £2.3k-p/w "Menace"

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has given the squad a much-needed overhaul, signing eight players while eight have left the club in what has been the busiest transfer window for the Ibrox side in years.

With just over a month until the window shuts, it appears Beale could be nearly finished with his business, with perhaps another one or two more players to arrive.

Are Rangers interested in Ross Stewart?

According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland are facing a battle to keep their star striker Ross Stewart at the club after news that he has rejected numerous contract offers.

The Scot has entered the final year of his current deal with the Championship side, yet their efforts to secure him down for the next few years haven’t worked out.

Rangers have shown interest due to this development, however they could face competition, with other Championship sides such as Southampton, Stoke City and Middlesbrough all said to be keeping tabs on the 27-year-old ahead of a potential swoop.

What could Ross Stewart offer Rangers?

Having recently signed Danilo from Feyenoord, Beale has padded out his attacking options ahead of the 2023/24 season, also adding Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers to his squad.

A move for Stewart may come too soon at the moment, considering he is recovering from a serious injury that he suffered in January, however, Beale should be keeping his eyes on him heading into the new year, especially with his contract running down.

During his spell in the northeast, the 27-year-old has scored 40 goals and grabbed eight assists in just 80 matches, a solid strike rate which suggests he could offer the Gers plenty of goals.

The £2.3k-per-week striker was even lauded as being an “absolute menace” by writer Phillip West back in 2021 and should he make the move to the Light Blues, Beale could form a dream duo with him and Ianis Hagi.

The Romanian has had to get over his own injury issues, missing nearly a year of action following his knee injury during a Scottish Cup tie in January 2022, and he showed flickers of his talents during the end of last term.

Despite making only three Premiership starts and averaging 34 minutes per game, Hagi scored once, succeeded with 86% of his dribble attempts and won 1.9 duels per game – a success rate of 56% – suggesting that if given more game time next season, he could further demonstrate his creative talents.

Sunderland striker Ross Stewart.

During the title-winning 2020/21 season, the 24-year-old created five big chances and averaged one key pass per game, playing an integral part in their success.

With Stewart ahead of him, Hagi could generate plenty of scoring opportunities for the Scottish hitman and given he enjoyed a goal conversion rate of 22% last season, he would stick away quite a few chances.

Despite his injury ruling him out of the second half of the season, Stewart ranked as Sunderland’s best performer via his overall Sofascore rating (7.4), while ranking first for scoring frequency (goal every 104 minutes) and shots on target per game (1.6), indicating he is a true penalty box striker.

With Hagi returning to full fitness, Beale will have plenty of selection headaches, but a future duo of him and Stewart would certainly cause chaos for defenders.

PSG’s £259m Star Issues Transfer Response To Saudi Links

The Kylian Mbappe transfer saga, which seems to take place every summer in the transfer window’s version of Christmas, has taken yet more twists and turns in recent days, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal blowing things more open than ever.The Frenchman, frozen out at Paris Saint-Germain and left out of their pre-season tour of Japan, has found himself in somewhat of a standoff with the Ligue 1 club. Either he leaves now, or he signs a new contract, is the reported stance of the club. There is no option to simply see out his contract, and leave in amicable fashion on a free deal next summer, according to reports.So, here we are. Two stubborn parties, both with hands at the ready, waiting to fire the first, and deciding shot in a saga that continues to drag.It seems as though even record-breaking money won’t change Mbappe’s position on the matter, too, speaking out for the first time since the Al-Hilal reports.

Kylian Mbappe issues first transfer response

Taking to Twitter to speak for the first time since the transfer rumours, Mbappe responded to a Tweet from basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo, which read: “Al Hilal you can take me. I look like Kylian Mbappe.”

The star striker couldn’t help but respond to Antetokounmpo, Tweeting out a number of laughing emojis.

The response almost highlights the elephant in the room, as Mbappe somewhat acknowledges the rumours, without, of course, providing his answer.

Leaving football on the biggest cliffhanger of the transfer window so far, Mbappe certainly has a big decision to make.

In a potential clue over the striker’s future, sources told Relevo that Al-Hilal’s bid and PSG’s stance doesn’t change things for Mbappe, saying: “These things do nothing but reinforce the determination of the player, who has a year on his contract that cannot be ignored.

“If he has to stay on the bench, he will stay, we’ll see how long because the Champions League arrives right away… If they are winning, then everything is fine, but how do you have a player like that in the stands if things are not going well.”

How much did Al-Hilal bid for Kylian Mbappe?

According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have accepted a bid of €300m (£258.27m) from Al-Hilal to sign their want-away forward. Meanwhile, as per James Benge of CBS, the Saudi Arabian club have offered Mbappe €700m (£602.63m) over the course of the season, in what is an eye-watering amount.

It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman accepts the deal or not, but if he does, the breakdown of his wages will be truly staggering.

As per TalkSport, Mbappe would earn €58.33m (£50.22m) a month, €13.3m (£11.45m) a week, and €1.9m (£1.64m) per day.

That also works out to be €79.9k (£68.79) an hour.

It will speak volumes if Mbappe rejects such an offer to stay at PSG, who will be left in the frustrating position of facing the prospect of losing their star man for free next summer.

In the battle between the two parties, it’s hard to see right now just who will come out on top at the end of it all.

Man United Hold Discussions Over Transfer For 24-Year-Old Striker

Manchester United's search for a striker has seen them speak to two strikers at once, with The Athletic reporting that the Red Devils have held talks with Randal Kolo Muani alongside Rasmus Hojlund.

What is the latest Manchester United transfer news?

The Premier League side have once more claimed a spot in the Champions League for next season, having climbed into the top four in 2022/23. They also reached the FA Cup final, where they suffered a defeat to rivals Man City. Erik ten Hag though will be looking to build on those achievements in the next campaign – and that has already involved doing plenty of transfer business to ensure the squad is up to standard.

One of the more recent names that appears to be on United's radar is that of Federico Chiesa. The Juventus winger could be available for sale this summer, with the Serie A outfit looking to sell on some of their current stars to free up funds. The Italy international is one of the names that could be shown the door and previously it had only been Newcastle and Liverpool with an interest in the 25-year-old. Now though, it looks as though the Red Devils have also put him on their own transfer radar.

In terms of deals that are advancing more, Rasmus Hojlund is the big name at the moment. The Atalanta striker has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford for most of the transfer window, but United look finally set to make a concrete bid for his services. It appears as though terms with the youngster are already agreed but the fee is the only stumbling block. United have tried to offer Fred to the Italian outfit but they would prefer just a cash deal instead.

Randal Kolo Muani

Are Manchester United signing Randal Kolo Muani?

Now, in a report on Hojlund from The Athletic, it has been revealed that the Red Devils are not only speaking to the Atalanta man. It transpires that the Premier League outfit have other potential striking targets on their radar and that Randal Kolo Muani is one of them. It suggests that the side have already spoken to the attacker, with "parallel" discussions underway alongside their current ones with Hojlund.

It means that, should a deal for the young forward fall through, they may already have a contingency in place with the Eintracht Frankfurt ace, or the pair could even be signed to play up front together, such was the glaring lack of a proper goalscorer last season.

Kolo Muani seems as though he would be a real force in attack for the Red Devils if they did end up signing him. His former coach Vincent Santos has stated the 24-year-old already had "explosiveness" back when he coached the striker in his youth days and that he loved "dribbling" with the ball and was always "decisive" in crucial moments on the pitch, which sounds reminiscent of a young Anthony Martial.

With United in need of someone to bolster their forward line and find the back of the net on a more regular basis, the Frenchman – who had 15 league goals in 2022/23 – looks like he could fit the bill perfectly if he moved to Old Trafford.

Sunderland: Mowbray Could Land Dream Diallo Alternative In £1.7m Gem

Tony Mowbray has declared himself pleased with Sunderland's transfer activity to date, but the Black Cats boss is eager to add at least one more centre-forward to his squad before the new Championship season gets underway.

What players have Sunderland signed?

The northeast outfit have been one of the busier clubs in the division in terms of their summer signings up to this point, with four new players – all aged 20 or younger – arriving at the Stadium of Light.

The signings of Nectarios Triantis, Jenson Seelt, Jobe Bellingham and Luis "Hemir" Semedo have helped to freshen up a side that fell just short of earning promotion via the play-offs last season.

However, Mowbray saw key loan star Amad Diallo return to parent club Manchester United last month at the end of his loan spell, whilst Ross Stewart will miss the start of the season through injury, and Jack Clarke remains a target for numerous Premier League sides.

Mowbray said at the weekend that Sunderland "could probably do with some help at the top end of the pitch over the next few weeks", and Ukrainian outlet TaToTake suggests Zorya Luhansk forward Nazariy Rusyn is one of those being eyed up by the Black Cats.

Who is Nazariy Rusyn?

Rusyn started his career at Dynamo Kyiv prior to joining Zorya in 2019, initially on loan, while he has also had spells at Dnipro-1 and Legia Warsaw.

Now aged 24, it is claimed the Ukrainian is ready to test himself in English football.

Whilst Rusyn's time at Legia did not go entirely to plan, he has shown plenty of promise at both Dynamo and Luhansk, with Dynamo Abroad podcast co-host 'Dima' previously describing him as an "excellent" potential signing for any interested club.

Valued at just €2m (£1.7m), according to Zorya Londonsk, the Novoyavorivsk native is coming off the back of an impressive campaign in which he scored 13 goals in 30 Ukrainian Premier League appearances, including 10 in 15 to see out the season.

amad-diallo-transfer-gossip-manchester-united-leeds-united-49ers-gnonto-championship

As a player who is capable of playing across the forward line, there are many similarities between Rusyn and Diallo – the man he would effectively be replacing should he arrive on Wearside.

For example, both players scored 13 regular-season goals in their respective divisions last season.

Whereas Rusyn scored at a rate of 0.54 goals per 90 in the Ukrainian top flight, Diallo netted 0.45 goals per 90 in the Championship, as per FBref.

The Luhansk ace also just about edged things in terms of assists – he set up five goals to Diallo's three – though the quality of the two divisions must also be factored in.

Both players like to get on the ball and go for goal, while there are also strong similarities right down to their disciplinary records, with each picking up three yellow cards last season.

Mowbray has already accepted that Diallo will not be returning to the Stadium of Light next season. In relative unknown star Rusyn, he may just have the ideal alternative.

Arsenal: Petit Raves Over "Bargain" Signing For Arteta

Emmanuel Petit has raved over the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United, calling him a "bargain" Arsenal addition this summer.

Who are Arsenal signing?

The north Londoners, after reaching an agreement to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million, have now also put pen to paper on the signing of Rice after weeks of talks.

Arsenal and West Ham agreed a total £105 million fee for 24-year-old some time ago, according to reports, but negotiations over payment structure were ongoing for a while after that.

Agreeing to pay an initial £100 million, plus £5 million in add-ons, Mikel Arteta's side eventually compromised on terms of the deal and will give West Ham the £100m over a 24-month period.

Reported to be Arteta's top summer target, Rice's arrival at Arsenal marks a very significant coup, with the player having his medical yesterday.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who also underwent his medical tests on Friday, will follow Rice through the door in what has been a very busy last few days for the club.

declan-rice-west-ham

Speaking to SportsJoe, Petit has praised Arsenal for the signing of Rice, calling the move a "bargain" despite it being a record for any British player.

The £105 million paid for Rice means he will eclipse both Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham as the most expensive English player in history, yet according to Petit, he's worth every penny.

"A bargain," said the France legend on Rice.

"You can see the quality he has already at such a young age and his experience. He's got leadership qualities too and that winning mentality".

"Leadership is something that has been missing for a lot of years at Arsenal… but I think that Declan Rice is a captain on and off the pitch".

"The way Declan wants to play, and the way Arteta wants his team to play, I think they will fit perfectly together".

The England international performed incredibly for West Ham under David Moyes last season, making more interceptions per 90 than any player in their squad whilst standing out as their best-perfomer per 90 (WhoScored).

What's been said about Declan Rice?

Due to his imperious form at the London Stadium, former Irons and England defender Matthew Upson is a huge fan, calling Rice a "quality" midfielder.

Upson also suggests that he is playing beyond his years, and having worked with Rice personally, believes the sky is the limit for Arsenal's new midfielder.

"I really enjoyed working with him," Upson told BBC Sport.

"He was so receptive. He had the ability to take criticism or feedback. It didn't deter him. He took it all in such a positive way and had the intelligence to absorb the information and add it to his game, which is a real skill.

"Declan was already at a super high level when I worked with him in terms of what he was capable of. You could see the ability he had in his character to be at the top of the game. That is him. Nobody has added that or given it to him. That is just Declan. That is his star quality."

Liverpool: Klopp tracking "dangerous" No.10

Liverpool "have tracked" Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop, however they are yet to make a "concrete proposal" for his services, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Which midfielder are Liverpool signing?

There has now been a fresh update on Liverpool's pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch, with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claiming they are "definitely" out of the race for the Dutchman, while also adding they have now chosen to prioritise a move for Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

Journalist David Lynch has now taken to Twiiter to confirm the Reds have also halted their pursuit of Nice's Khephren Thuram, saying: "Liverpool no longer pursuing a move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram. Talks were held with the player's representatives earlier in the window but Dominik Szoboszlai ultimately emerged as a preferred target."

Jurgen Klopp has started to narrow down his shortlist of midfield targets, and there are now indications the Reds could go in for Veiga, having recently been named as the club leading the race for the Celta Vigo star's signature.

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, Jacobs confirmed the Spaniard has a number of potential suitors waiting in the wings, and Liverpool are one of them, while he also claimed the youngster would be able to adjust quickly if he completed a move to England.

The journalist said: "I think everybody is looking at Veiga, if I'm perfectly honest with you. It's completely normal because he's just deemed to be a phenomenal talent with a very strong profile that fits the Premier League, and there is also a release clause at €40m (£34m). That is why many Premier League clubs are looking.

"There's no doubt that Liverpool have tracked the player and there's no doubt that Liverpool admire the player. At the time we're recording this, they've not made a concrete proposal."

What position does Gabri Veiga play?

The 21-year-old, who has been hailed as "dangerous", often features in an advanced midfield role, owing to his fantastic record in front of goal, weighing in with 11 goals and four assists for Celta Vigo in La Liga last season.

Not only that, the Spanish youngster is also particularly impressive at dribbling, ranking in the 88th percentile for successful take-ons and progressive carries per 90 over the course of the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has claimed the starlet is also capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder, given the range of qualities that he has at his disposal, including pace, passing, work rate, off-the-ball movement and bravery.

Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

The Celta Vigo star is said to be "highly talented" in that role, indicating that he could play slightly deeper for Liverpool, should they submit a concrete proposal at a latter stage in the transfer window.

Given his goal-scoring nature, coupled with his range of other strengths, Veiga could be a fantastic addition to Klopp's squad, and Liverpool should undoubtedly make a move for him this summer, particularly considering he will be available for the affordable price of £34m.

Pundit Drops "Worrying" Leeds Manager Update On Daniel Farke

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has called for Leeds United to name Lee Boywer as their new manager instead of Daniel Farke.

Is Daniel Farke joining Leeds?

The search for Sam Allardyce's successor is ongoing at Elland Road, with the next appointment absolutely vital, in terms of the Whites getting back into the Premier League as soon as possible.

After three years back in the top flight, it would now be hugely disheartening to see Leeds languish in the second tier for longer than one season, but bringing in the right manager is essential when it comes to making that happen.

Farke has emerged as the clear front-runner to become the new Whites boss in recently days, with various reports stating that a deal is seemingly close to being agreed.

Birmingham City's former manager Lee Bowyer.

What about Bowyer to Leeds?

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie instead called for Bowyer to come in, with his past history at Leeds making him a better option than Farke:

"They should hire a profile similar to Lee Bowyer. He played for the club, he has them in his heart and a manager like that is what they would need to get back into the Premier League. Give someone like Bowyer a chance, and the fans would love one of their own to come in and they would show the passion needed on matchdays.

"Similar to Duncan Ferguson at Everton a couple years back, that helped them reignite the season.

"It is a worrying situation for Leeds as I would not like to see them go back into oblivion again as they are a Premier League club."

There is some logic to the 63-year-old McAvennie's comments, in terms of Bowyer knowing the club inside out, but ultimately, it is still his ability as a manager that is most important.

The Englishman has generally done well in his post-playing career to date, doing a solid job with both Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City, he has also yet to win any silverware as a manager, and remains inexperienced at a high level.

On the flip side, Farke has twice guided Norwich City from the Championship to the Premier League, winning the title both times, so he is far more proven than Bowyer, at a time when Leeds cannot afford to be taking risks with their appointment.

The former Whites midfielder could be a good choice further down the line, but for now, it is only right that Farke is the favourite to take charge.

21-y/o "Leader" On Man United Radar For Summer Transfer

Amadou Onana is an option Manchester United could explore in the summer transfer window, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.

Who could Man United sign in midfield?

Recent reports have revealed that Man United have submitted a final bid for Chelsea's Mason Mount, having agreed personal terms with the England international, but a deal is far from guaranteed as there is a reluctance to meet Chelsea's high asking price.

Erik ten Hag is targeting a midfielder to play alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, and Everton's Onana is a name believed to be on their list of targets.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ornstein revealed that Onana is on the list at United, but he is one of a number of players they could target this summer.

"You've got Manchester United as well, who want a midfielder, though as far as we know, they're focused on the more advanced one in Mason Mount at this point in time and the number nine," he stated.

"They are looking at the other positions and you'll have seen reports about Onana and Everton, I'm led to believe he's on the list, and like many, he's one of many options they're considering.

"But they've got their ownership situation which is complicating it all. So this market is just absolutely wild."

Should Man United sign Onana?

The 21-year-old has had an impressive debut season in the Premier League despite Everton's struggles, and has been a standout performer for the Toffees.

amadou-onana-everton-transfer-newcastle-premier-league

Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez described the midfielder as a "leader," and he could bring a lot of strength and dynamism to the United midfield.

His height could prove to be invaluable in the middle of the park, and he ranks in the top 7% of midfielders for aerial duels as per FBref.

It remains to be seen whether he offers enough on the ball for Erik ten Hag, given that he ranks poorly for progressive passes, but he could help glue together the midfield trio, and at just 21, there is massive potential for him to grow.

If United do sign Mount, then it seems unlikely that they will pursue another expensive midfield signing, but if they pull out of a deal for the Englishman, then Onana is a ready-made alternative they could explore.

Uncertainty over the ownership situation means that a deal may have to be completed later on in the window, but should Onana join, he would be an investment which could reap rewards in the long run.

Tottenham Want £61m "Monster" To Usurp Dier

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly identified one of their top targets for the summer…

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter earlier today to issue an update on Ange Postecoglou's progress in the transfer market.

With Edmond Tapsoba a highly-rated centre back across Europe, his name being touted with a move to north London is one which will have fans excited. The journalist wrote: "Understand Tottenham have started concrete contacts to be informed on Edmond Tapsoba as new CB.

"He’s on the list since long time — and Spurs are now exploring conditions of the deal on both player and Bayer 04 side. Nothing advanced yet — Tapsoba, keen on the move".

It's been claimed by other reports that any such deal could cost an eye-watering £61m.

Would Edmond Tapsoba improve Tottenham Hotspur?

Whilst it is certain that the addition of such a defensively dominant titan would improve Spurs, the fact that it could spell bad news for Eric Dier might make this move even more worthy of the astronomical expected price tag.

After all, the England international struggled last term under the ever-changing leadership, proving himself underwhelming in a back three, and flat-out useless in a back four.

eric-dier-tottenham-hotspur

Cristian Stellini showcased this for all to see when he opted for the latter system in April only to see his side ship six goals to Newcastle United. Dier was, unsurprisingly, at the heart of this. For the rest of the term, he maintained an underwhelming 6.86 average rating.

Meanwhile, the Burkina Faso international has been ever-present at the heart of his team's back line, showcasing immense skill with the ball at his feet, and unparalleled power in his defensive work.

Whilst maintaining 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game in the Bundesliga is admirable, it is his 86% pass accuracy and astronomical 89% dribble success rate that truly makes him the perfect modern-day centre-back, via Sofascore.

This notion is only emphasised through Opta's player analysis tool, which showcases how the 24-year-old is a true standout in both touches and possession won. He snatches the ball back from the opposition with ease but then has the poise and skill to stride out from the back and kickstart an attack.

TAPSOBA

Standing at 6 foot 4 too, such an imposing figure that marries his power with fleet-footedness makes him a true physical marvel, and a certainty to thrive in English football. After all, he has been noted as something of a "monster" by scout and writer Antonio Mango.

His arrival to play as a right-sided centre-back would in turn make Dier obsolete, relegating him to the backup role that many would agree he suits. With 361 games for the club under his belt, the 29-year-old has been a loyal servant during his tenure.

However, as Postecoglou seeks to usher in a new, brighter era, this level of player must be removed and replaced with a higher quality. Tapsoba would mark just the start of this revolution.

Man Utd: Romano Issues Big Mason Mount Transfer Update

Manchester United are confident that they can agree personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount as Erik Ten Hag endeavours to bring the England international to Old Trafford.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have rejected an offer of £40 million from Manchester United for Mount as a gap in valuation still continues to linger between the two clubs.

The report states that Manchester United know the limit of what they would be willing to pay internally; however, they are also prepared to abandon negotiations if they are quoted a price above their valuation of the £80k-a-week ace.

As per The Evening Standard, the Red Devils are set to return with an improved offer for Mount at some point, though Chelsea are holding out for a fee in the region of £70 million.

Due to his contract expiring in 2024, Chelsea would be willing to let Mount go to avoid losing him on a free transfer following months of deadlock in negotiations over fresh terms between player and club.

talkSPORT claimed earlier this month that Mount had agreed personal terms with Manchester United; nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the proposed move will be affected by a difference of opinion in value between the two clubs.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has detailed that Mount is very keen to move to Manchester United this summer.

Romano said: "Man United want the player. Man United are convinced that the agreement with the player is something that'll be easy to reach because Mount wants this Manchester United move, so it's on the clubs now."

Will Manchester United be able to land Mason Mount?

Chelsea seem pretty insistent on recouping a significant fee for their academy product. However, they will also be aware of the reticence prospective suitors may have with regard to bidding over the odds for a player like Mount that only has one year left on his deal.

In 2022/23, Mount made 35 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

mason-mount-chelsea-premier-league-man-united-transfers

As per The Athletic, Liverpool did hold an interest in trying to sign Mount this summer earlier this year, though his excessive price tag put them off and they will now instead focus on alternative targets.

The Sun claim that Leicester City star James Maddison has been earmarked as a 'second option' if Mount proves to be unattainable this off-season, making it anyone's guess as to whether Manchester United will be able to land Mount this summer.

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