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Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Rangers could soon lose both Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos from Ibrox, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Aribo sold, Bassey set to go…

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is gearing up for his first full season in charge of the Premiership giants and has made five signings so far.

However, he will be without midfielder Joe Aribo, who has joined Southampton, and Rangers also look set to lose defender Calvin Bassey.

Ajax are closing in on the 22-year-old’s services in a deal worth €22m (£18.7m) plus €5m (£4.25m) in add-ons, and Agbonlahor has voiced his belief that more exits from Ibrox could be around the corner.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s comments

Talking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor – who contributes for talkSPORT – was asked if Rangers can persuade Kent and Morelos to sign new contracts at Ibrox, amid recent reports that talks are underway to that effect.

He believes that will be ‘very difficult’ and doesn’t think that the Gers can match wages from clubs in England’s top two tiers.

Agbonlahor claimed:

“It’s very difficult. Players talk, agents talk. They will know what the top Championship clubs and Premier League clubs can pay.

“I don’t think Rangers can match those wages. Maybe that’s why these players won’t sign new contracts.

“It’s very difficult to match the £50,000-a-week, £60,000-a-week, £70,000-a-week that some of these players are getting.

“Kent and Morelos will want similar money to what Aribo is now getting [at Southampton]. Rangers can’t get anywhere near that. Maybe they can keep them for another year and then let them go on a free.

“They can’t afford to lose Aribo and Kent in the same summer. It will make it harder for them to get closer to Celtic.

“Tom Lawrence is a great signing, I really like him so he’ll be a top player for them as well.”

The Verdict: Decision needed

Both Kent and Morelos have been heavily linked with moves away from Ibrox over the last few years and are into their final 12 months of their respective deals.

Therefore, Rangers could do with making a decision on whether or not to cash in on them this summer if progress is not made in contract negotiations.

The latter scenario could result in the two forwards being able to secure pre-contract agreements elsewhere in the New Year, which wouldn’t be ideal for players who are valued at a combined £27.45m by Transfermarkt.

West Ham United remain interested in signing Andrea Belotti this summer, according to a report from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: Long-standing target

The Hammers have had Belotti on their radar for some time now having initially been linked in May 2021, but any move has failed to materialise and the dangerous frontman has since become a free agent following the expiry of a contract at Torino.

Mega-rich Premier League rivals Newcastle United have also recently been indexed to the 28-year-old Italy international, who directly contributed to 141 goals in 251 outings whilst at Torino, where he was club captain.

Now, despite the stepping up of the pursuit for Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, it appears as though the Irons could still harbour ambitions of bringing Belotti to the London Stadium…

The latest: Outlet shares Belotti update…

As per TuttoMercatoWeb, translated by SW, West Ham ‘remain at the window’ to sign the 44-cap hitman.

It’s claimed that Belotti is also a target for Borussia Dortmund as the Bundesliga giants have been left ‘scrambling’ for a new striker after ex-Hammer Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with a testicular tumour last week.

The report also states that Turkish quartet Galatasaray, Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor are all in the mix to sign the man who was heralded as ‘unstoppable’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2020.

The verdict: No brainer

Still holding a perceived market value of £18million despite being without a club (Transfermarkt), signing Belotti for nothing would be a sensational piece of business from the West Ham hierarchy regardless of whether or not the Scamacca deal can be completed.

In fact, linking up the two compatriots in east London would give David Moyes the wealth of options required to maintain a serious push at the business end of each and every competition, whilst also allowing Michail Antonio to get much-needed rest having previously been heavily relied upon.

Last season, Belotti endured a challenging campaign with injuries and subsequently only managed eight goals and one assist in 23 appearances across all competitions as a result.

Despite the fitness woes and drop off in goal output compared to his usual levels however, the bull-like combative Italian frontman still managed to earn a superb 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst taking 2.6 shots and winning 5.8 duels per game – outperforming defenders Angelo Ogbonna (3.5) and Craig Dawson (4.1) in terms of duels.

Those battling qualities, physical presence and imposing stature, combined with a clinical eye for goal, make Belotti a no-risk option for GSB with just wages to worry about and it would be remiss of recruitment chief Rob Newman to not make an offer at this stage.

A source close to Leeds United target Julian Quinones has rubbished rumours that the forward is heading to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Journalist’s claim

The Whites are on the hunt for a new forward this summer and have been credited with an interest in Atlas man Quinones after missing out on Charles De Ketelaere.

Reports have suggested that the Colombian is ‘very popular’ with Jesse Marsch, with journalist Gerardo Melin even going as far as saying that the 25-year-old ‘is going to Leeds United’.

However, it doesn’t appear as if a transfer is as far down the line as Melin believes, with LUFCFANZONE talking to ‘a source close to Julian Quinones’.

The Latest: No deal agreed

The source in question, who is close to the player, is aware of the rumours regarding a move to Yorkshire for Quinones, but they say that no contact has been made as of yet.

LUFCFANZONE posted the comments on Twitter on Saturday lunchtime, with the source adding that the two clubs ‘definitely haven’t agreed a transfer’.

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The Verdict: Time is ticking

The new Premier League season is just a few days away, and you could argue that Leeds are yet to bolster a problem area following last season’s struggles.

Patrick Bamford made just seven league starts due to a spate of injuries, with the tally of Whites’ goals scored in the top flight dropping by 20 from the previous campaign.

Bringing in a new forward could be the difference between another year of frustration in front of goal or a more comfortable season for Leeds and Jesse Marsch, so hopefully one more will come in this month.

Bruno Lage has issued a transfer warning regarding one of his Wolverhampton Wanderers stars…

 What’s the word?

As per The Independent, the 46-year-old stated that he would be willing to sell Adama Traore, but only for the right price.

The Wolves manager claimed: “I want to keep these players because they are special players and they give me different solutions.

“But in the end we need to understand there is a price for every player and if the price comes in and is good for the player and good for the club, then it’s ok, we need to accept.”

Traore has “gone backwards” for Wolves

Although Lage cannot outright tout Traore’s services in the media, it can be assumed that he would not feel too aggrieved to see the winger shipped out of the club.

While the Spain winger is a constant threat to every full-back he faces due to his searing pace, his lack of end product has stunted his growth as a player. He cannot offer much more to Wolves unless he can improve this facet of his game, but whether it is a lack of ability or application, his statistics do not paint a pretty picture.

Even a loan move back to where it all began for him at Barcelona could not spark any mass spurts of creativity, only offering up two assists and no goals in his ten La Liga appearances earlier this year.

In his entire Wolves career, amassing 154 appearances, the 26-year-old has only managed 11 goals and a further 18 assists. These numbers from a winger who has all the physicality to dominate any match make for incredibly disappointing reading, with the 26-year-old having “gone backwards” at Molineux according to talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino.

Having grabbed more goals and assists in the 2019/20 Premier League than in the subsequent two seasons combined, the ex-Chelsea’s strikers observation on Traore is a fair one.

For further comparison, last season whilst on loan at Sheffield United, Wolves youngster Morgan Gibbs-White racked up 18 goal contributions.

A much more effective player at 22 years of age, he could more than make up for the absence of Traore if the latter is sold, although the two possess rather different skillsets.

With Lage having already binned off five players this summer, the Spain winger could be the sixth player out the door, putting an end to a Wolves career which promised much but has produced very little.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has had his say on the recent transfer rumours linking Celtic with a move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

What’s the latest?

On Twitter, the journalist was asked by another user if there was any truth in the rumours linking the Englishman with a move to Parkhead. In response, Joseph replied by saying that he doesn’t believe there is anything in it as things stand.

With 319 senior appearances under his belt throughout his career, the 28-year-old has netted 46 times and delivered 41 assists in the process, which shows how useful he can be in front of goal.

Despite his talent, the midfielder has not been able to make himself a regular first-team figure under Thomas Tuchel, starting just four of the 14 games in which he appeared across all competitions last season.

Postecoglou should be gutted

Bearing in mind how the Hoops have seen midfielders such as Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton, Ismaila Soro and Luca Connell exiting the club this summer, it’s safe to say that this is an area of the squad which could do with being strengthened before the end of the summer transfer window.

Therefore, adding a player like Barkley, who has plenty of experience of playing in the Premier League, could be a smart move for the Hoops.

To further highlight what he’d be able to offer the Bhoys, in his six Premier League games last season, the midfielder took nine shots at goal in total, with four of those being on target, leaving him with the highest rate for shots (4.53) and shots on target (2.01) per 90 minutes in the Chelsea squad.

This shows that, even as a midfielder, the £100k-per-week Englishman could be a real nuisance for opposition goalkeepers in the Premiership.

Taking into account how Ange Postecoglou’s team ended their previous league campaign with the highest number of goals scored in the division (92) and more shots at goal (757) than any other top-flight side, adding an extra goal threat to the squad such as Barkley would surely boost the Hoops’ chances of not only retaining the league title but being successful in other competitions too.

With all that in mind, it will surely be disappointing for Postecoglou to not see his club launch themselves at a potential opportunity to sign the Chelsea outcast, knowing what he’d be able to offer Celtic on the pitch.

Also, with 81% of voters in a recent poll ran by Football FanCast saying that they think Barkley would be a good signing for the Bhoys, it would also make it a disappointment for the fans to hear Joseph’s update on the matter.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of James Maddison…

What’s the word?

It’s believed that the Leicester City midfielder has been a target for manager Antonio Conte.

Transfer insider Dean Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT last month that Spurs had “touched base over Maddison” whilst CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs also suggested that “Conte likes the player a lot” to the same outlet.

There were even claims that the Foxes playmaker wanted to join Tottenham after a bid came in from Newcastle United but now, both the Magpies and Spurs have been dealt a gutting transfer setback.

Despite being the only club to not announce a new signing this summer, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers told reporters that the England international was “not for sale.”

“We need to move players out but it’s not getting rid of everyone and certainly not our best assets. It’s something the club are very strong on,” he added.

Big blow to Conte

It’s no secret that Spurs are looking for a creative influence in midfield and Maddison was someone who fit the bill immensely.

Last season, the English maestro was in fine form as he provided the Midlands outfit with 18 goals and 12 assists from 53 matches across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

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Lauded as “one of the Premier League’s chief creators” by The Athletic’s Rob Tanner, Maddison could well have been the final piece of the puzzle for Conte at Hotspur Way.

The likes of Tanguy Ndombele (ten goals and nine assists from 91 games) and Giovani Lo Celso (eight goals and six assists from 84 appearances) have failed to step up to fill the void left behind by Christian Erisken.

Maddison has far exceeded the disastrous Spurs duo in the space of just one season, whereas they have struggled to deliver across a whopping three years.

The “special talent”, as hailed by The Times’ Henry Winter, was thought to be available for around £50m, according to The Times, so Conte will surely be gutted by this big transfer blow.

His attention will need to turn to another target with less than a month to go until deadline day.

AND in other news, Spurs could seal “unstoppable” 7th signing in £10m “animal” with Paratici “a huge fan”…

Celtic have submitted an offer for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Celtic linked with Barkley move

The Hoops’ transfer business may not be done just yet, with Ange Postecoglou thought to be chasing one more midfielder and one more attacking option.

Barkley is a player who has been linked with an audacious switch to Parkhead, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.

The 28-year-old only made one start in the Premier League for the Blues last season, and although some members of the media have claimed a move to Glasgow won’t happen, a fresh report suggests it could truly be on.

The Latest: ‘Shock’ offer

According to Football Insider, Celtic have ‘submitted an offer’ for Barkley and ‘Postecoglou has given the green light to a shock swoop’.

A season-long loan deal for the 33-time capped England international is mooted, and while the Hoops cannot afford his £120,000 per week wages in full, they have offered to ‘pay a significant portion’ of his salary.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting news

Barkley could be an outstanding signing for Celtic, possessing the technical quality and unpredictability to light up Parkhead with an injection of end product into the attacking midfield ranks.

The former Everton prodigy himself has said in the past that he wants to be considered ‘world-class’, while Joe Cole has described him as ‘fantastic’ and a ‘top, top’ player in the recent past, and although it hasn’t worked out at Stamford Bridge there is certainly talent ready to be unleashed.

Barkley has 60 goal contributions to his name in the Premier League and 77 in total for club and country, which is a testament to his class, and at 28, there is no reason why he can’t perform at his peak for Celtic this season.

Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Brereton Diaz profiled

Brereton Diaz, hailed as a ‘beast’ by former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray, is primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing.

The 23-year-old has scored 46 senior goals for club and country – 22 of which came in the Championship last season.

Described as the ‘face of Pepsi’ in Chile due to massive marketing campaigns following his international success, Brereton Diaz is into the final 12 months of his Blackburn deal and is unlikely to pen new terms, and it looks as if Villa are one side keen on his services.

The Latest: Villa interest

TEAMtalk provided a transfer update regarding Brereton Diaz on Tuesday morning. They claimed that Spanish side Sevilla are eyeing a move in the January window when the forward could sign a pre-contract agreement.

However, the report also said that Villa, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and West Ham are ‘checking’ on the player but have ‘baulked at the asking price’.

The Verdict: Sarr alternative?

It appears as if NSWE and Johan Lange are on the hunt for a new marquee attacker before the window closes, with a move for Ismaila Sarr recently falling through.

Villa agreed on a £25m deal for Sarr, and you’d expect that Brereton Diaz could be cheaper due to his contract situation and £14.4m Transfermarkt valuation.

He’s just come off his best season in front of goal and has already netted twice during the current campaign playing on the left, so he may prove to be a smart alternative despite initially baulking at the asking price.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of Edouard Michut in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Black Cats are in discussions over a deal to sign the 19-year-old before next week’s deadline.

He tweeted:

“Sunderland have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Édouard Michut. He’s their dream signing for the midfield. #PSG Talks will continue as there are many clubs interested in Michut since June.”

It remains to be seen whether the Championship club are looking to land him on a permanent deal or on loan from the French champions, although he was valued at £2m earlier this summer.

Imagine him & Alex Pritchard

Kristjaan Speakman could land Alex Neil a dream pairing in the middle of the park by signing Michut to play just behind Pritchard this season.

There is a lack of data on his performances for the French giants at youth level but it has been noted that the youngster is a press-resistant midfielder who excels at recycling and progressing the ball from a number eight or 10 position on the pitch.,

This suggests that he could excel whilst playing as an eight behind Pritchard as he would be able to break lines and progress the play to find the Englishman in space in the final third.

The ex-Norwich man has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign in the Championship. He has assisted two goals and created 2.4 chances per match – the second-most in the squad – in five outings in the second tier.

This comes after he managed nine assists and 2.0 key passes per game in 39 League One appearances for the Black Cats on their way to promotion in 2021/22.

These statistics show that he is a player capable of unlocking doors in the final third. Pritchard can create chances for his teammates on a regular basis and that is why Michut’s ability to progress the ball forwards could get the best out of him.

The Frenchman, who scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “extremely interesting”, could give the number 21 more opportunities to work his magic at the top end of the pitch by avoiding the opposition press and playing between the lines.

Michut has also already racked up eight appearances for PSG’s first-team, which is no easy feat with the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar ahead of him. Last season, he played 66 minutes of action in Ligue 1 and registered one assist – his only senior goal contribution to date.

This suggests that he is deemed ready to play at first-team level, despite being 19, and this another reason, along with his potential link-up with Pritchard – why he could be an excellent signing for the Black Cats.

Sky Sports have shared some ‘breaking news from West Ham’ involving Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker on deadline day.

The Lowdown: West Ham keeping busy…

Irons head coach David Moyes has not messed around in this summer’s transfer market, aiming to build upon his team’s European finish last season and perhaps better it over the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

It has been a record-breaking window for the east Londoners, having completed a marquee deal for Brazil international Lucas Paqueta alongside seven other major signings in Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer and Emerson.

Central defensive additions have been mooted, but according to Sky Sports, it appears that Dendocker could now also join West Ham.

The Latest: Sky make live-on-air Dendocker claim…

According to Sky Sports, it appears that West Ham are in for the 27-year-old midfielder as Moyes eyes both a new midfield addition and a central defensive signing today.

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They explained (via Football Daily):

“We’ve got some breaking news from West Ham, they are now interested in signing the Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker.

“They want to sign a central defender and central midfielder today.

“Everton have been in for Dendoncker as well so West Ham very much rivalling them.

“It looks like West Ham are in two players, we’ve mentioned one (Bednarek), this one’s come out of nowhere.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Aside from former Wolves captain Conor Coady, Dendoncker averaged a higher pass accuracy (86.9%) than any regular player in Bruno Lage’s squad last season – perhaps indicating that he could add a degree of composure in West Ham’s midfield.

The Belgium international is also highly versatile and can drop in at centre-back, potentially solving two problems for West Ham in one fell swoop.