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Rangers face a vast array of competitors in the quest to bring striker target Ross Stewart to Ibrox, according to Rangers Review. 

The lowdown

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reported on Monday that Giovanni van Bronckhorst had identified Stewart as his ‘number one’ replacement in the event that Alfredo Morelos leaves Ibrox.

The £450,000-rated Stewart was instrumental in Sunderland’s return to the Championship, scoring the winner in the playoff semifinal first leg against Sheffield Wednesday and netting against Wycombe Wanderers in the Wembley final.

But it’s possible that much of the interest stems from his contract situation, with the 25-year-old now approaching the final year of his deal at The Stadium of Light.

The latest

Journalist Jonny McFarlane shared ‘the latest on Ross Stewart’ in a report for Rangers Review on Monday.

He writes that as many as ten English clubs are battling with Rangers for his signature.

Sunderland have yet to receive a concrete offer, but there are plenty of sides in the Championship eyeing up the striker.

The verdict

Stewart, formerly of Ross County, St Mirren and Alloa Athletic, was prolific in 21/22, bagging 26 goals in 53 appearances.

It was inevitable that this kind of form would catch the eye of a number of clubs.

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, who will be under no illusions about Stewart’s ability, has dubbed him an ‘excellent prospect’.

Rangers may have a crucial edge in the race, with van Bronckhorst’s side set for a place in the Champions League group stage if they can come through their qualifies.

That could make them a far more attractive proposition than clubs in the Championship.

In other news, this Rangers gem could be about to work under a Celtic legend.

West Bromwich Albion are set to target a right-back this summer as manager Steve Bruce wants to offer competition to Darnell Furlong next season, reports the Express & Star (via Birmingham Live).

The Lowdown: The right-back position

Bruce has previously claimed that defender Dara O’Shea can operate well in the right-back position when called upon.

However, it is believed that West Brom view O’Shea’s long-term future at the club as a centre-back.

Therefore, this leaves Albion short on the right-hand side, meaning they would be vulnerable if Furlong were to suffer any form of serious injury over the course of next season, with the defender having been hailed as “exceptional going both ways”.

The Latest: Bruce picks four targets

According to the Express & Star (via Birmingham Live), Bruce is said to be keen on signing an additional right-back this summer as he looks to add depth to the role and to provide Darnell Furlong with competition for the starting role.

With West Brom’s acknowledgement that O’Shea will be utilised as a central defender, this has pushed the Midlands club into dipping into the transfer market for a full-back this summer.

It is reported that former Aston Villa right-back James Bree, who was signed by Bruce at Villa Park, is one option within the free agent market, while Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn Rovers, Derby County’s Nathan Byrne and Moses Odubajo of Queens Park Rangers could also be possible options.

The Verdict: Need cover

Bruce has shared his desire to exploit the free transfer market even more this summer, following the arrival of John Swift and potentially Jed Wallace at The Hawthorns.

With the lack of depth in the defence, it is imperative that the Baggies bring in some cover ahead of next season.

Otherwise, fatigue and injuries could become a real issue for Bruce’s squad after a disappointing campaign this time around.

In other news: Baggies eye up Tom Lawrence signing

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has backed Tottenham Hotspur to sign Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, believing he would be the ‘perfect’ replacement for Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Spurs interested in Saint-Maximin

The Frenchman first made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Magpies in an initial £16.5m move from Nice three years ago, where he’s gone on to become a fan favourite at St. James’ Park having made 93 appearances for the northeast outfit to date.

According to the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel, the Lilywhites are interested in securing the 25-year-old’s signature during the upcoming transfer window. However, it won’t be an easy task to prise him away from Eddie Howe’s side given the fact that he’s still got four years remaining on his contract.

The Latest: Robinson’s ‘perfect’ replacement claim

Speaking during an interview with Football Insider, Robinson suggested that Saint-Maximin would be a ‘great’ addition for Spurs, but doesn’t think that he would entertain making the move to north London. He told correspondent Dylan Childs:

“Saint-Maximin is the type of player Spurs should sign if they lose Bergwijn. He’d be perfect.

“Listen, they have got [Lucas] Moura, [Dejan] Kulusevski and Son [Heung-min] to play out wide but I’d still expect another to come in.

“Somebody like Saint-Maximin would be great. I cannot see Saint-Maximin leaving Newcastle though, in all honesty.

“That club is going in the right direction. They are going to bring in players and they can offer players what they want in terms of contracts.

“I find it difficult to believe that he would swap a starting role at Newcastle for a bit-part role at Spurs. Saint-Maximin would not start at Spurs. I’m not sure that role would be appealing to him as much as I’d like to see it.”

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The Verdict: Remain at Newcastle

Saint-Maximin has had a hugely positive impact on Newcastle’s starting XI this season, scoring five goals and registering five assists in the top-flight, as per Transfermarkt, and he surely wouldn’t consider leaving the Toon Army unless he was guaranteed regular playing elsewhere.

Once hailed as a “breathtaking” player by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, he has proven to be a real handful for opposition defenders in the final third this campaign, averaging 4.3 dribbles and 1.8 shots per league game, via WhoScored.

That being said, already with the likes of Son Heung-Min and Dejan Kulusevski in the building, Saint-Maximin would still probably be below them in the Italian’s pecking order, so Conte should perhaps shop for a younger player who will be happy to play a bit-part role as they develop from the ground up.

In other news… a Spurs insider has dropped an ‘exciting’ Harry Kane contract claim.

Liverpool have had a difficult few days after losing in the Champions League final against Real Madrid and now it has been reported that Sadio Mane will leave the club this summer, but FSG may be able to turn the latest disappointments into a positive as a new transfer target emerges.

What’s the latest?

According to Sport Witness, Liverpool will battle with Manchester United, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid to sign Darwin Nunez this summer.

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As per the report, it is claimed that the Uruguayan striker, his representatives and the interested clubs were waiting for the outcome of the Champions League final on Saturday evening before progressing with a potential move.

Klopp’s new Liverpool hero

The recently reported news of Mane’s departure will be massively disappointing for the club and supporters as the Senegalese winger has played a key part in Liverpool’s success since he was signed in 2016, but there could be a silver lining if FSG can secure the Nunez signing.

The £100m ace who was dubbed “tenacious” and a “predator” by football journalist James Dodd, has scored 34 goals and contributed four assists in all competitions, finding the back of the net 11 more times than Mane this season.

His phenomenal performances in the Champions League for Benfica this season against some of the biggest clubs in the competition are a huge contributor in propelling him into the spotlight and attracting attention from potential suitors ahead of the summer transfer window.

Nunez scored two against Barcelona and Liverpool as well as finding the back of the net against Bayern Munich and Ajax, with his contributions leading Benfica to their first quarter-finals of the prestigious European competition since 2017.

However, despite his goals scored in both legs of their tie with the Kopites, the club crashed out at Anfield, but the player could make his return to the Champions League next season with the current runners-up to help them get their seventh trophy in the competition.

With that being said, Nunez is a very hot prospect in the transfer market right now and FSG will need to offer the striker something very attractive to beat off the competition from other clubs who are pursuing the player.

AND in other news: Klopp can forget Liverpool’s UCL heartache with 45-goal “demon”, he can replace Origi

A twist in the tale has now come to light regarding Declan Rice’s future at West Ham United, as broken by 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Rice summer saga…

Reports concerning the 23-year-old’s London Stadium future have been in no short supply over the last few months, with Fabrizio Romano even lifting the lid on a rejected third contract offer from the Irons.

According to some, David Moyes’ star asset has pledged to remain in east London until at least 2023, as explained by insider Claret & Hugh. Meanwhile, there have been other suggestions that Rice is more open than ever to leaving the Premier League club this summer as the likes of Manchester United hover for his signing.

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In a bid to keep Rice at the club and extend his deal, in what has been described as a ‘big’ story, Cudworth has shared a twist out of West Ham.

The Latest: GSB pull U-turn?

According to the reporter, a ‘sizeable shift in stance’ is on the cards surrounding a new deal for the 23-year-old, with West Ham now ‘ready to consider’ inserting a release clause.

This would hand Rice a route out of Rush Green, a contractual clause thought to be never on GSB’s agenda, but it may now be a possibility to entice him to put pen to paper.

Sharing a corresponding article for 90min, Cudworth explained on Twitter: “West Ham ready to consider including a release clause in improved Declan Rice contract. Would mark a sizeable shift in stance but increases agreement chances and preserves full value when the time comes to sell.”

The Verdict: Significant update?

The inclusion of a possible exit clause would relinquish West Ham and GSB’s control over stopping the 23-year-old from departing.

In this respect, Cudworth’s update comes as potentially significant, but much will depend on the size of the figure and whether any interested club will pay it.

In other news: Moyes now very likely to make major bid for ‘world class’ striker after claim that he ‘likes’ West Ham! Find out more here

Newcastle United journalist Jordan Cronin was left stunned by the injury suffered by Joelinton away at Burnley in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Revelation

Joelinton has been nothing short of a revelation for the St James’ Park faithful this season.

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Reborn as a central midfield player, he has only missed one game this campaign in where he has been available for selection, scoring four goals and supplying one assist in the top flight (Transfermarkt), and being a key part of the team that dug themselves out of relegation trouble under Eddie Howe.

The Latest: Injury

Joelinton was forced off injured in the opening few minutes of their 2-1 win away at Burnley this afternoon, and Cronin gave his instant reaction on Twitter.

He observed: “Joelinton departs on a stretcher. Jacob Murphy on. Horrible to see, especially after the season he’s had. All fingers crossed it isn’t serious.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is certainly a shame to see Joelinton go off in that manner, and Newcastle will now be sweating on his fitness ahead of their pre-season schedule.

It did look like a nasty one for the Brazilian, so he may not be able to recover as quickly as he would like.

Nonetheless, at least competitive football is over for a while now, which should help Joelinton in his recovery, as he will no doubt be a key player on Tyneside once again next term.

In other news, find out what ‘brilliant news’ has now emerged for Howe here!

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is believed to be eyeing a move for Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, according to a report from French outlet Jeunes Footeux.

The lowdown: Comparisons to Rio Ferdinand

A product of the youth system at French club Sochaux, the talented 22-year-old made the switch to Germany in 2020.

Since then, Lacroix has made 72 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit and has even been compared to former England star Rio Ferdinand, a one-time international team-mate of Gerrard.

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It appears that a move to the Premier League, where his defensive likeness made his name with West Ham, Leeds and Manchester United, could be on the cards in the near future…

The latest: Villa interested in Lacroix

As per Jeunes Footeux, Villa – alongside West Ham and Newcastle – are keen on signing the French youngster.

It is claimed that the English trio are all ‘attentive to the situation’ of Lacroix, who has been described as ‘very talented’ by Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels following a quick adaptation to life in the Bundesliga.

Furthermore, the report claimed that the former France youth international ‘will not be retained’ should Wolfsburg receive an ‘interesting offer’ for him this summer.

The verdict: Make it happen

Although the January capture of Calum Chambers went some way to resolving the defensive issues within the Midlanders’ squad, neither Tyrone Mings nor Ezri Konsa have covered themselves in glory this season, as Villa have conceded 50 goals in 36 Premier League games so far.

In 2021/22, the Frenchman has earned a 6.99 Sofascore rating in the Bundesliga, making an impressive 2.1 interceptions, two tackles and 4.8 clearances per game. The towering 6 foot 3 centre-back encapsulated his own rise when making an astonishing nine clearances, three tackles and three interceptions during a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich last Saturday.

Valued at £18m and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), signing Lacroix ahead of the reported competition would be a huge feather in the cap of NSWE as the Villa Park hierarchy attempt to back Gerrard in order to take the club to the next level.

In other news: Former Villa boss reacts to £50m+ plus price tag for ‘fantastic’ ace

A big Newcastle United claim has emerged on their potential interest in Kalvin Phillips heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has suggested that the Magpies might be looking at his situation as his team fight against the drop in the Premier League.

The Whites are currently 17th in the table and ahead of Burnley by one point with the Clarets having a game in hand over them.

When asked about a possible swoop for the England international, Downie told Football FanCast: “I just think Newcastle might be a really interesting move because he can be part of that project that I’ve mentioned before.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s one that Newcastle are really are kind of keeping a close eye on with Leeds’ perilous position at the moment.”

Supporters will be excited

The Toon supporters will surely be excited by this claim from Downie as the prospect of Newcastle making a swoop for Phillips if Leeds drop down to the Championship is a tantalising one.

He has proven himself in the Premier League and would be an excellent signing to add to Eddie Howe’s midfield options.

The England international is a combative midfield player who can get fans excited with his tackling in the middle of the park. He has the tenacity and ability to fly into tackles and set up attacks by winning the ball back off the opposition, which will surely get the fanbase off their seats in appreciation of his effort.

In the Premier League this season, he has made 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game for Leeds. This comes after he made 4.2 in 2020/21 – his first campaign in the top-flight – and he has won 4.8 duels or more per match across both seasons.

Ball-winning is not Phillips’ only attribute as he completed 4.7 long passes per game last term – creating 35 chances in 29 matches. He provided five ‘big chances’ and this form led to him being selected seven times for England at the European Championships last summer, illustrating how highly rated he is within the game.

This proves that he has quality in possession and can make an impact going forward to go along with his strong defending.

Therefore, fans will be excited by Downie’s comments and may now be rooting for relegation for Leeds if it means that the club can swoop for Phillips in the summer, with all due respect to the Yorkshire-based side.

AND in other news, “They expect..”: NUFC closing in on colossal summer signing, supporters will be elated…

Leeds United have been dealt a huge setback ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Arsenal on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Evening Standard), Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed that Ben White, who missed Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United last weekend due to a hamstring injury, is now back in contention for the clash against Leeds tomorrow afternoon.

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Regarding the current condition of the centre-back, the Spaniard said: “Ben White is still in contention. He needs to train [on Saturday] to make sure that he is available to play.”

Marsch will be gutted

Considering how just how important it is for Jesse Marsch and his side to pick up a positive result from their trip to north London on Sunday, coupled with how impressive White has been for the Gunners this season, the news that the England international is in contention to feature against Leeds is sure to have left the American gutted.

Indeed, over his 31 Premier League appearances this term, the £36m-rated defender has been extremely solid in the heart of the Arsenal backline, helping his side to keep 13 clean sheets, along with making 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances and winning 4.4 duels (at a success rate of 59%) per game.

These returns have seen the £120k-per-week talent average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Arteta’s joint 10th-best player in the top flight.

As such, it is clear  to see that the return of the former Leeds loanee would come as a huge blow to the Whites’ chances of leaving the Emirates Stadium will a decent result on Sunday afternoon – with a loss potentially seeing Marsch and his side fall into the relegation zone with just three matches left to play.

AND in other news: Leeds now plotting bid for “fabulous” £45k-p/w target, Orta should “take him all day”

Celtic are not interested in signing Caen attacker Alexandre Mendy in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Striker on Celtic’s radar

Ange Postecoglou is enjoying a superb first season as Hoops manager, building an impressive squad as they sit on the cusp of regaining the Premiership title.

Summer reinforcements are expected, though, and a recent claim suggests that the club could be in the market for a new striker at the end of the season.

One such player with whom they have been linked is Mendy, who has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances in French Ligue 2 for Caen in the current campaign and has been dubbed a “very strong” player in the past by his former coach Jocelyn Gourvennec.

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The Latest: Celtic not in contact with Mendy

However, taking to Twitter on Saturday with a fresh update on the matter, Joseph claimed that it is a move which won’t come to fruition, as Celtic have not been in touch over the 28-year-old:

“Understand there’s been no contact from Celtic for Caen striker Alexandre Mendy.”

The Verdict: Big summer ahead at Celtic

It will be interesting to see if a new striker does come in at Parkhead this summer, with Postecoglou sure to be weighing up whether or not his current options are strong enough.

Either way, it is imperative that Celtic’s squad is strengthened all over the pitch, especially with Premiership glory also set to bring automatic Champions League qualification with it.

It has been a long time since the Hoops made any kind of impact in Europe’s biggest club competition, and they will need a better squad if that is to change next season. Therefore, they should at least give stronger consideration to signing Mendy, particularly given his impressive scoring return in recent months.

In other news, Celtic have reportedly been handed a transfer blow. Read more here.