Rangers Could Sign Big Matondo Upgrade At Ibrox

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has been a busy man in the summer transfer window as he has wrapped up a host of deals with the aim of improving his playing squad.

Sam Lammers, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland, and Kieran Dowell have all arrived at Ibrox on a permanent basis, while Abdallah Sima has joined on loan until the end of the season.

These fresh additions to the side have opened the door for the club to move on some of the fringe players from the team, including Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo.

Journalist Darren Witcoop revealed that the Light Blues are prepared to cash in on the former FC Schalke prospect, with a move south of the border seemingly on the cards.

The reporter recently Tweeted: "Wales international Rabbi Matondo is free to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer. Matondo spent a loan spell with Stoke in 2021 and could return to English football after being made available by the Scottish club."

Beale could now replace the ex-Manchester City man by landing Swansea forward Morgan Whittaker, who would be a big upgrade on the 22-year-old livewire.

What's the latest on Morgan Whittaker to Rangers?

Towards the end of last month, the Daily Record reported that the Gers are looking to move on some players and that they will then eye further signings, with the club said to still be interested in a deal to sign the Championship attacker.

This comes after the Light Blues failed to snap him up from the Welsh outfit during the January transfer window, after his loan spell with Plymouth Argyle.

Beale must now complete a swoop for the 22-year-old as his statistics for Plymouth last season suggest that the potential is there for him to offer more than Matondo.

Whittaker averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 across 25 League One appearances and contributed with an impressive nine goals to go along with seven assists. This is a deadly asset simply chomping at the bit to play at a higher level.

To put those numbers into context, Malik Tillman (ten) was the only Gers midfielder or winger with more than six league strikes while Ryan Kent (nine) was the only forward with over seven assists in the Scottish Premiership last season.

Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo.

These statistics suggest that Whittaker could be one of Beale's most productive attackers if the talented dynamo is able to translate his impressive form in England over to Scotland.

He would also come in as a big upgrade on Matondo after the former Schalke man struggled badly in his debut season with the Glasgow giants.

The £28k-per-week wide man averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 over 19 Premiership outings as he failed to find the back of the net and produced just four assists for his teammates.

Whittaker, who talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "flamboyant", could be an upgrade on the current Gers winger both in terms of the threat he can pose as a scorer of goals as well as being a creator, while his average performance level may also be far greater.

This is why Beale must push for the club to cash in on Matondo in order to open the door for the Swansea man to come in ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Tottenham: Levy Trying To Find Solution To Sign £25k-Per-Week Star

Tottenham Hotspur will feel that Brenford 'have to cave in at some point' regarding their valuation of goalkeeper David Raya, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving David Raya?

According to 90min, Spurs have communicated to Raya that they may be willing to walk away from a deal to sign him if Brentford don't lower their asking price for the Spain international.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is said to want around £40 million before he considers sanctioning Raya's departure, which has led Tottenham to evaluate potential alternatives in their hunt for a new goalkeeper, including Guglielmo Vicario, Robert Sanchez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Gregor Kobel.

Football Insider claim that Manchester United could be ready to hijack Tottenham's attempt to bring Raya to north London this summer amid uncertainty over the future of David De Gea.

Red Devils' boss Erik Ten Hag is believed to be a big fan of Raya's ability to play out with the ball at his feet and is keen to offer him the opportunity to swap the Gtech Community Stadium for Old Trafford.

Capology understand that Raya earns around £25,000 per week at his current employers on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Tottenham will expect Brentford to 'cave in' over Raya's valuation at some point during the window.

Jones told FFC: "I think that they feel that Brentford have to cave in at some point and actually negotiate. Brentford can't be left with Raya on the bench next season. It's not helpful to anyone, and his value will drop anyway, so if he's not in the team, you might as well have sold him because he's not going to be £40 million at any point in the future. He's been quite diplomatic about it, to be fair to him."

Would David Raya be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

Raya would be an intelligent pickup from Ange Postecoglou this summer as he looks to get his ducks in a row in the transfer market ahead of the new season.

In 2022/23, the 27-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions for Brentford, managing to keep 12 clean sheets in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

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As shown on WhoScored, Raya also features among Brentford's top five performers for his performances during the campaign, having achieved an average match rating of 6.97/10.

FBRef show that Raya was a reliable presence between the sticks for the Bees and racked up an impressive save percentage rate of 77.7%.

Despite this, it remains unclear whether Raya will end up at Tottenham this window as their pursuit of the stopper threatens to turn into a long-winded saga at Hotspur Way.

Newcastle Ask About Another Italian Alongside Sandro Tonali

Newcastle United have already spoken to Juventus about Federico Chiesa, according to a report from Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, via his website.

How many goals has Federico Chiesa scored this season?

Juventus have struggled this season in Serie A and will miss out on Champions League football in the 2023/24 campaign due points deductions.

The Turin outfit finished in seventh – much further down the table than one would expect considering their domestic dominance in the 21st century – and it means we could see some stars depart this summer.

Chiesa was able to contribute on a regular basis despite more struggles with injury, and played on 21 occasions for the outfit. However, the winger was only able to actually start six games throughout the season – his worst ever total.

In spite of this, the forward was still able to produce the goods when he was called upon. He bagged himself two goals and five assists along the way and that was a better tally than his efforts last season, despite the fact he both started and featured in more Serie A games for Juventus during that campaign.

It also meant that the player had a goal contribution rate of 0.74 per 90 – which is his best ever total barring a short spell with Fiorentina before his Juve move.

federico-chiesa-premier-league-liverpool-transfers

Do Newcastle United have an interest in Chiesa?

It was recently reported that Liverpool were lining up a cut-price £34m bid for him and were prepared to splash the cash, despite no official offer having been lodged yet. Now, according to a report from Sky Sports' Di Marzio, via his website, the player could indeed be about to try his luck in the Premier League with yet another team throwing their hat into the ring for him.

That's because it appears Newcastle have also asked about Chiesa. No formal bid has yet been made for the £150,000-a-week star however.

After all of his injury issues, it appears as though Chiesa might finally be refinding the kind of form that thrust him into the spotlight. Football journalist Josh Bunting for example stated back in June that Chiesa performed as the player that "we've missed" during a game, adding that he still has "drive" and scores "beautiful" goals.

The player could be back at his best now then – and with Juve perhaps prepared to sell, Newcastle appear to be prepared to capitalise.

Fulham: Whites Attempt Imminent Move For World Cup Star

Fulham are "trying to sign" Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka alongside Premier League rivals and "an agreement could be reached in the coming days", according to reports.

Who will join Fulham this summer?

The Whites, after a successful first full campaign back in the top flight, are reportedly looking to back manager Marco Silva with fresh faces and won't be letting their star players go for nothing.

Indeed, reports in the last few days have even suggested that Fulham are set to demand a lofty £90 million for star midfielder Joao Palhinha, coming as the likes of Man United, Liverpool and West Ham take interest.

The Portugal international was sensational under Silva last season, prompting his stock to rise dramatically, so Fulham chiefs certainly won't be letting him go on the cheap.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Fulham are after United midfielder Fred, with manager Erik ten Hag apparently willing to sanction his sale. The Brazilian, who has just over a year remaining on his current deal, is open to joining the west Londoners.

Elsewhere, but staying in midfield, Silva's side are attempting a move for Japan international Tanaka this summer but face a battle with West Ham.

That is according to German newspaper Rheinische Post, who claim both Fulham and the Hammers are "trying to sign" Tanaka and "an agreement could be reached in the coming days".

They also relay comments from Dusseldorf sporting director Klaus Allofs, who states that the 24-year-old could be eyeing a new opportunity.

"It was clear from the start which path Ao would like to go," said Allofs.

"The second division was not what he was looking for. But he didn't come to me either and said he really wanted to leave.

"If there's a situation that makes sense for both of you, then that's totally fine. If that doesn't work, he'll remain our player and do a good job."

Who is Ao Tanaka?

Over his 22 German second tier appearances for Dusselforf last season, Tanaka averaged their second-highest rate of tackles per 90 (WhoScored).

The defensive midfielder also featured at last year's 2022 World Cup, where he faced off against the likes of Germany and Spain in Group E of the tournament.

Avid watchers of the World Cup will remember him as the player who scored an historic winner in their 2-1 group stage win over Spain.

Indeed, Tanaka sealed all three points for his country and one of the shock results of Qatar midway through the second half.

Newcastle: PIF expected to make some big signings

Newcastle United are expected to make some statement signings this summer as Eddie Howe eyes quality reinforcements, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Newcastle United?

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United are in discussions with Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella in an ambitious swoop to try and bring the Italy international to St James' Park this summer.

Any deal for the 26-year-old could cost in the region of £50 million and Magpies boss Howe is said to be a big admirer of the midfielder as he tries to lure him to the Premier League.

Newcastle United are also keen on Leicester City playmaker James Maddison, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur in his services this off-season, according to The Evening Standard.

Despite Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou's willingness to land the Coventry-born playmaker, Newcastle United are believed to be in pole position to acquire the England international.

Telegraph Sport understand that Newcastle United may not be able to fund a squad overhaul this window due to Financial Fair Play obligations and may only be able to bring in two players in the summer.

The Daily Mail report that Newcastle United will have around £75 million to spend, though that figure could reach the £100 million mark depending on player sales.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones still expects Newcastle United to be active in the market for marquee additions over the next few months.

Jones said: "Newcastle are trying to play things down and I don’t blame them but if they are genuinely aiming to sign five players that can get into the starting XI they are not going to do that with a budget of £75million.

"I’m still expecting them to go big, they just leapfrogged Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs and have a chance to cement a status among the top four – this is an opportunity that very rarely comes along, so I’m predicting a massive summer haul."

Who else could join Newcastle United this summer?

Football Insider report that Leicester City man Harvey Barnes has been shortlisted by Newcastle United and would be open to a move to St James' Park this window.

The same outlet also claim that Arsenal man Kieran Tierney is a serious target for the Magpies as they look to add another quality left-back to the ranks ahead of next term amid interest from Manchester City.

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams may secure a quickfire return to the Premier League with Newcastle United, who are said to be keen on the 24-year-old enforcer, according to Telegraph Sport.

Newcastle United look set for a busy summer in the market; nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see how far their budget stretches in light of Financial Fair Play obligations.

Celtic May Consider Appointing Manager Who Plays "Liquid" Football

Celtic could now consider appointing Red Bull Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle as their new manager, according to a recent report from 90min.

What's the latest Celtic manager news?

Celtic chiefs are compiling a shortlist of manager targets, with Manchester City's Enzo Maresca at the top, however there are a number of other potential successors to Ange Postecoglou, including Jesse Marsch and Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen.

West Ham United boss David Moyes is the Hoops' "priority" target, according to journalist Santi Aouna, with reports indicating the Scot could leave his current role, regardless of whether his side wins the Europa Conference League final tonight.

Alternatively, former player Kris Commons has urged the board to make a "box-office" appointment by going for someone like Graham Potter, as his attacking play-style is "everything you would want" in a modern manager.

Another manager in this mould is Jaissle, with BBC journalist Raj Chohan previously claiming that he plays "liquid footy", and there are now reports that Celtic could consider the RB Salzburg boss as an heir to Postecoglou.

According to a report from 90min, the Hoops could turn to the 35-year-old manager, however a number of other potential options are named, including Marsch, Moyes and Brendan Rodgers.

It appears as though Celtic's interest is tentative at this stage, but the German will certainly be considered.

Who is Matthias Jaissle?

The young manager has started to make a name for himself in the Austrian league, leading RB Salzburg to two league titles and an Austrian Cup, and what is equally impressive is the style of play he has implemented at the Red Bull Arena.

Journalist Raphael Honigstein believes the Nurtingen-born coach could be the "next big thing", and the man himself has spoken of his desire to play "brave and bold" football, even when his side faced tough very tough competition in Chelsea.

Red Bull Salzburg managerMatthias Jaissle.

BBC's Chohan has also indicated the former FC Liefering manager could be a better appointment than Marsch, given that he evolved Marsch's Salsburg side in possession when the American left to join RB Leipzig.

Despite his age, the Salzburg boss already has ample experience competing for silverware, and he became the youngest-ever manager to successfully defend the Austrian Bundesliga title this season.

Appointing Jaissle would be a risk, as he does not have any experience managing outside of Austria, however he could be a shrewd appointment, given that he has already experienced some success and plays an exciting brand of football.

Leeds Radrizzani Development Could Accelerate Club Sale

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani and his firm Aser Holding Company being involved in a deal to buy a stake in Sampdoria may speed up a sale of the Whites to 49ers Enterprises, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Andrea Radrizzani?

As per BBC Sport, Radrizzani, as part of consortium Aser Holding Company has agreed a deal to buy Italian side Sampdoria and has also apologised to Leeds United fans due to their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

The 48-year-old said: "I am sincerely sorry for how this season has unfolded. We have made significant investments to try to keep Leeds United in the Premier League, but in working hard to improve the club, we have also obviously made some mistakes. We are reflecting on the decisions that we have taken to ensure we learn the lessons to improve our club and make progress in the future."

Sky Sports report that Leeds United owner Radrizzani remains in 'advanced negotiations' to sell the club to 49ers Enterprises and their takeover is still set to be completed regardless of the Whites' relegation to the English second-tier.

Leeds United are also in the hunt for a new manager following news that Sam Allardyce has ended his short spell at Elland Road, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Radrizzani's involvement in a deal to purchase Sampdoria may provide a clearer picture of when Leeds United may change hands at ownership level.

Jacobs said: "Sampdoria is an interesting one, that offer that's been accepted, or, let me rephrase, that agreement that is in place is the first step towards acquisition and I think that's really important to understand. So, what Radrizzani and Aser have done is fought off competition and agreed on something in principle to proceed, but now there has to be due diligence at Sampdoria, now there has to be talks with banks around debt refinancing and Radrizzani has to build a fuller consortium, of which I understand QSI, the owners of PSG are a part of as well. From there, probably by early July, something is likely to be completed and then in these months, it will become a lot clearer as to what the roadmap is for 49ers Enterprises to take over at Leeds United."

What now for Leeds United?

While the ownership situation will continue to dominate the landscape at Elland Road, there is also the matter of identifying who will be trusted to lead the club forward as manager of Leeds United next term.

The Guardian report that former Leicester City boss and ex-Chelsea coach Graham Potter have emerged as two candidates in the frame for the job; however, it is unclear whether they would be willing to drop into the Sky Bet Championship to manage Leeds United.

West Bromwich Albion managerCarlosCorberan

West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan is also a contender for the vacancy alongside Andoni Iraola as the search for Allardyce's replacement begins to take shape in Yorkshire, according to The Daily Mail.

Leeds United also want a new sporting director to replace Victor Orta, indicating that there could be a major sea change at the club this summer as they look to bounce back in 2023/24.

Leeds Eyeing "High Pressing" 48 y/o Manager At Elland Road

Leeds United could consider Graham Potter to be their next new permanent manager in the Championship, according to reports.

Is Sam Allardyce leaving Leeds?

The Whites had their relegation to the second tier confirmed last weekend following the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and question marks quickly arose surrounding the future of Sam Allardyce having failed to guide his team to safety during his four games in charge.

The Times have reported that the Yorkshire outfit are set to hold internal talks with the 68-year-old regarding staying in the job and rebuilding the project in a bid to jump back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking next season, but there has been a couple of names doing the rounds as to who could replace him should he leave.

Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola, Brendan Rodgers and West Bromwich’s Albion Carlos Corberan are just three of several candidates to have been linked so far, though Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers may now have set their sights on Potter.

Are Leeds appointing Potter?

According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea’s former manager Graham Potter has emerged as an “intriguing name” for the potential vacancy at Leeds. The Whites would “suit” the 48-year-old where he could transform the club “from the bottom up”, not to mention he would find “promising young players’ to work with, and it’s stated that there is “no shortage of interest” in the role.

Chelsea's former manager Graham Potter.

Is Potter the right candidate for Leeds?

Potter’s time at Chelsea didn’t go as well as hoped, but you can’t deny the sensational job that he did at Brighton where he was praised for his “high pressing” football by journalist Josh Bunting and called a "superb manager" by Sky journalist Melissa Reddy, so whilst this move could be a risk, it may be one worth taking for Leeds.

The Solihull-born coach, whose preferred formation is a 3-4-2-1, has an excellent record in LS11, winning four, drawing three and losing just one of eight meetings, as per Transfermarkt, so imagine the magic he could work if he was the man in charge of the home side.

Finally, Potter shares the same agent, Wasserman, as Weston McKennie, Adam Forshaw, Brenden Aaronson, Sam Greenwood, Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville, so this existing representative connection could potentially give them a small advantage should they want to try and get a move for their managerial target over the line.

Man United eye move for Milinkovic-Savic

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for Lazio’s Serbian midfielder, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, if their proposed deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong falls through.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report via FootballTransfers.com, who claim that United will turn their attention to the 27-year-old who has been a target for the Old Trafford outfit for “many years”.

With Matic and Pogba set to leave at the end of the season, United will most certainly be in the market for at least one replacement midfielder.

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As per the report, Lazio president Claudio Lotito claimed that he had turned down a €140 million for the Serbian star, though it is said that this was a guise in a bid to raise his value for his almost inevitable departure this summer.

As such, a fee of around €70m (£59.2m) should be enough to seal the deal, with the report stating that it could even be less than that mark.

A McTominay upgrade

With Pogba and Matic set to depart, United’s midfield quality will decrease even further, which is why it is imperative that quality replacements are signed this summer, with United’s lack of defensive stability a direct issue caused by a poor midfield.

The fact that United have averaged 4.4 possession turnovers in the final third serves as evidence for what has been an extremely passive side under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick this season.

Milinkovic-Savic, known as “il Sergente” (Sergeant), can single-handedly bolster United’s midfield with his average of 4.07 pressures in the attacking third per 90 an already dramatic improvement on a lethargic midfield. For comparison, McTominay, who is one of the most hardworking players in a United shirt, averages around 2.07 pressures in the attacking third per game and does not offer much going forward in comparison to Milinkovic-Savic (apart from the odd screamer).

The Serbian’s average of 3.08 shot-creating actions per game explain his emphatic return of 22 goal contributions in 36 Serie A games, which are exactly halved at 11 goals and 11 assists.

McTominay of course falters in comparison, with just one goal and one assist from 29 games – which is to be expected, due to his more defensive position on the pitch.

Though, McTominay does not have the same impact in possession either, with the Serb’s average of 81.89 touches and 56.25 carries enough to elaborate on why he is known as “Il Sergente.”

In other news: Romano: Man United have “full agreement” for key summer arrival, ten Hag will love it – opinion

Celtic want to sell Vasilis Barkas

Celtic are keen on offloading unwanted goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas in the summer transfer window, according to a new report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Barkas struggling for minutes

The Hoops have enjoyed an excellent season to date, still being in pole position to seal Premiership glory, having already won the Scottish League Cup.

Barkas hasn’t played much of a part in proceedings, though, with the 27-year-old appearing just once in the league so far in 2021/22. Last summer, goalkeeping coach Derek Soutar branded some of the Greek’s mistakes as “inexplicable”.

A fresh report suggests that the £19k-per-week stopper’s time at Parkhead may be reaching its natural conclusion.

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The Latest: Summer exit expected for Barkas

According to Football Insider, Barkas is free to leave Celtic this summer, with his current contract expiring in 2024.

The Hoops are instead looking for a ‘new senior goalkeeper’ to come in and replace the Greek, with a Lennoxtown source saying they want to offload him permanently, even if it is at a significant loss on their initial £4.5m investment.

The Verdict: Shrewd decision by Hoops

This makes perfect sense for Celtic, with Barkas’ contract situation also meaning that they could receive a fee for him, rather than losing him on a free transfer.

He has only managed 24 appearances for the club in two years and has never been able to oust Joe Hart as first-choice between the sticks this season, so it does seem time for him to move on.

Bringing in a superior ‘keeper as competition for Hart, or maybe even a long-term replacement for the English veteran, would help to make competition for places even stronger in Ange Postecoglou’s squad moving forward.

In other news, another Celtic transfer claim has emerged. Read more here.