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Liverpool were linked with the potential re-signing of Georginio Wijnaldum on a season-long loan this summer, and now a reliable source has given an update on the speculated move.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the rumours that Liverpool may look to loan former midfielder Wijnaldum this summer.

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However, it’s not ideal news for supporters who wanted him back. Romano tweeted:

“Liverpool are not in talks to sign Gini Wijnaldum from Paris Saint-Germain as of today. Rumours are described as ‘fake’ by sources.”

Supporters will be worried

Liverpool supporters might not be concerned by the news that Wijnaldum won’t be returning this summer, but they will surely be worried that there is no new progress in signing a new midfielder ahead of next season.

It is clear that the club are interested in adding a new face to the centre of their squad as they were reportedly in close pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni before he signed with Real Madrid earlier this month, and the signing of a new midfielder seems to be an option not yet confirmed.

James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are all in their 30s which would suggest they are in their final years with the club so it would make sense for the powers at Anfield to be looking for their next generation of midfielders to succeed the talented crop of players in the middle of the pitch.

The Reds have been linked with numerous midfielders already following Tchouameni’s move to Los Blancos, with Jude Bellingham and Nicolo Barella both speculated to make a move to Merseyside, however, no official bids have been made at this point.

Although it was a very unlikely turn of events for Wijnaldum to return to Anfield this summer, it would have been a sensible choice from FSG in terms of bolstering their midfield in the short term.

The PSG star is very familiar, prolific and experienced in playing to the style Jurgen Klopp deploys in his team after playing under the manager for five years, and would’ve easily been able to slot in to make an instant impact on the side next term.

With that being said, it is clearly not meant to be for the Dutchman to reignite his career back in the Premier League via the Merseyside giants but it will be interesting to see if Liverpool do make that desired midfield signing this summer.

AND in other news: FSG plotting LFC bid to sign “top class” £77.2m machine, he can be Klopp’s De Bruyne

Wolves are edging closer towards signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with a new report claiming that an agreement has been reached and that he wants to join Bruno Lage’s side.

The Lowdown: Palhinha linked with Wolves

There has been no shortage of speculation in recent days and weeks linking the Portugal international with a move to Molineux.

The 26-year-old appears to have been earmarked as the perfect replacement for Ruben Neves, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the Black Country.

It now looks as though Wolves are closer to getting their man, following a new update.

The Latest: Palhinha closer to Wolves move

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Wolves have an ‘agreement in principle’ to sign Palhinha, with a fee of approximately €20m (£17.1m) expected to be agreed, with the possibility of bonuses on top of that figure.

It is stated that the transfer won’t happen until Neves departs, but the Sporting player has told his manager Ruben Amorim that he wants the move to happen.

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The Verdict: Get it done

To miss out on Palhinha now would be a big blow for Wolves, especially with Palhinha seemingly so keen on coming to Molineux, so it is vital that they get this deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Replacing Neves is going to be a difficult task, considering the influence he has enjoyed at Wolves. The 25-year-old was the highest-ranked midfielder in Lage’s squad last season as per WhoScored, while only centre-forward Raul Jimenez posted a greater shots-per-game average than his 1.3.

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However Palhinha is similarly metronomic in the middle of the park, keeping the ball ticking over (he had an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga last term) while offering a strong off-the-ball presence. He averaged three tackles per game in the league in 2021/22, which was more than any other Sporting player (or Wolves, for that matter).

Therefore, he seems the ideal candidate to pick up where Neves seems set to leave off.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in pole position to sign one player. Find out who it is here

Former Glasgow Rangers defender and Rangers TV pundit Alan Hutton has now given his reaction to some transfer news from Ibrox regarding Rory Wilson.

The Lowdown: Tribunal set

It has been widely reported that Wilson will move to the English Premier League next month, but a dispute over compensation has duly arisen.

Aston Villa have agreed to sign the 16-year-old, although the case is set to go before a FIFA tribunal, as per The Sun.

The Premier League club were reportedly willing to pay £300,000 for the starlet, but they could now shell out as little as £110,000 in compensation, if FIFA side with them. The Gers are looking for more than £500,000 to let Wilson go, after he turned down a new long-term deal at Ibrox.

The Latest: Hutton reacts to Wilson latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that it is easy to ‘understand’ why it has ‘upset’ Rangers.

The former Ibrox right-back said: “You can understand why Rangers and all the different teams will be upset. The fees are very small when you look at what they could get in the future.

“But Rangers and Celtic do it as well. We can’t kid ourselves on and say they don’t do the same thing. They did it with the likes of Joe Aribo and guys like that.

“You can’t really complain when it happens to you. The only thing I would say is you want a fair price for a player that you’ve brought through. Obviously, Rangers have invested a lot in Rory since he’s been a young boy.

“They just want a fee that see that’s suitable. I think Aston Villa, were talking that they could get him for £110,000. This is a guy who scored just under 50 goals in a season.

“I know he’s only 16 but the potential’s there to develop and get even better. You understand why it has upset Rangers. I would be. If you look at the likes of Billy Gilmour, he went in 2017 for half a million.

“You look at Billy Gilmour and what he has gone on to do. I know he had a difficult season with Norwich but we know he’s a star. Those are the sort of players you want to see come through at Ibrox.

“There need to be stipulations, I think, within this structured move, if you want, that are happy for both teams.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that Rangers are set to receive a minimal fee for Wilson, given how much potential he has.

As Hutton pointed out, he scored just under 50 goals for the club at youth level last season; and at just 16 years of age, he appears to have such a bright future ahead of him.

The call of the Premier League can be too much to turn down at times, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst and co would have at least hoped to get their money’s worth for one of the biggest talents in the Ibrox youth ranks.

In other news, find out what ‘exciting’ Rangers transfer update has now emerged

Glasgow Rangers reportedly now hold an ‘interest’ in bringing Cameron Archer to Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: England heroics

Archer recently made an instant impact off the bench for England’s U21s as he scored the goal that secured the win for them against Albania in their Euros qualification campaign.

Upon scoring with his first touch, renowned Aston Villa YouTuber Ty Bracey hailed him as ‘unstoppable’, and even went as far as to claim that he is ‘different gravy’.

The Latest: ‘Interest’

Taking to Twitter, talkSPORT journalist and transfer insider Alex Crook has revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team are one of three clubs that now hold an ‘interest’ in signing Archer, as well as both Middlesbrough and Watford from the English Championship:

“There is a lot of interest in #AVFC striker Cameron Archer including #RangersFC #Boro and #WatfordFC.”

The Verdict: Sign

Given that both Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe suffered from injury problems last season, Archer would be a smart signing by the Gers.

Crook does not specify whether it would be a loan move or a permanent deal for the young striker, but either would work for a 20-year-old who scored 11 senior goals combined for Villa and on loan at Preston North End last term.

Of course, former Light Blues manager Steven Gerrard is now the manager at Villa Park, and so those contacts could perhaps help get a deal over the line for the Teddy Bears.

In other news, find out how much RFC will have to pay for Josh Tymon here!

Manchester City have seen numerous players move in and out of the club since Pep Guardiola was appointed as manager back in 2016.

The Citizens have also created a track record when it comes to signing players from other Premier League clubs.

One player that was brought in from another top-flight side that has gone on to be very successful at the Etihad Stadium is Kyle Walker.

Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2017 in a deal worth a reported fee of £50m in total, the right-back has gone on to make a total of 215 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Englishman has scored six goals and delivered 17 assists along the way, winning four Premier League trophies, four Carabao Cup trophies and one FA Cup.

Once Fernandinho’s current contract officially runs out at the end of June, Walker will then be City’s oldest outfield player at the age of 32.

With that in mind, it could be worth Guardiola and the City hierarchy making plans to sign a potential long-term replacement for the England international.

One figure that could fit the bill that has been mentioned with a move to the Manchester club is Chelsea full-back Reece James.

In 123 senior appearances for the west London club, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals and delivered 18 assists in the process.

Back in September 2020, one of the youngster’s goals for his side was described as “sensational” by Gary Lineker on Twitter.

In terms of his goal contributions in the Premier League this season, James found the net five times and supplied nine assists in 26 appearances, which is significantly more than the two assists Walker contributed to his side.

From a defensive point of view, the £49.5m-rated Chelsea star made more tackles, blocks and pressures than the former Spurs defender.

This shows how impressive James is up and down the pitch and why he’d be a solid replacement for Walker in the future.

While the Chelsea youth academy graduate may even be a ready-made replacement for the City star now, it may be difficult for the Manchester club to sign him this summer as his current deal at Stamford Bridge isn’t set to expire until 2025, in addition to the fact that Thomas Tuchel may be reluctant to see one of his assets make a move to a league rival.

In other news: Pep can seal dream Sterling heir as MCFC eye “outrageously talented” £102m-rated star

West Ham United are eyeing a summer move for Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd from Ligue 1 side Rennes this summer according to recent reports.

The Daily Mail recently revealed that The Hammers were looking to add depth to their squad after an impressive season that has seen them qualify for Europe and reach the semi-final of the Europa League.

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One their list of targets is defender Nayef Aguerd, with The Evening Standard recently reporting that talks between Rennes and West Ham over Aguerd were progressing.

Any move is expected to cost £15m with the player contracted until 2025. Moyes is searching for a defender who is fast and can provide balance on the left.

If he sings then one of the players he will be competing with for a spot in the starting line-up is Craig Dawson. Despite Dawson being Premier League proven, Aguerd would be an upgrade and an option for the long term.

When you compare both players this season, the 26-year-old excels in a number of areas and offers attributes different to Dawson. He has recorded a higher number of combined tackles and interceptions at 84 compared to the Englishman’s 63.

It’s in possession where he is the most impressive, completing 26 more progressive carries of the ball than Dawson this season and 401 more touches in the defensive third, despite playing fewer games.

The Morrocan international is even good in the air, having won 108 aerial duels this season compared to 103 won by West Ham’s 32-year-old.

Ultimately he offers a lot more than Dawson, and even though he has played a massive part in The Hammers’ successes this season, if they want to push on for a Champions League place it’s about time they upgraded him.

Aguerd would be a complete bargain and offers all round skill as well as experience on the international stage with 19 caps for his country.

He’s even been described as a “cerebral person” by former Rennes manager Julien Stephen.

It’s set to be an exciting summer ahead for manager David Moyes and it’s important that they spend the money they are given wisely.

They’ll struggle to compete with the bigger clubs in the league for the top players, so their best bet is to buy smart, and Aguerd should certainly be one of the first on the list – at £15m, he’s an absolute bargain.

AND in other news: “Said to fancy…”: Ex drop teasing West Ham transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing…

BBC journalist Tom English has insisted that Rangers will be without Connor Goldson and Allan McGregor next season as a number of big changes are expected at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Busy season

The Glasgow outfit have been extraordinarily busy this season, having made it all the way to the UEFA Europa League final, in addition to winning the Scottish Cup.

With the Gers missing out on the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic by a meagre four points, van Bronckhorst will be assessing his squad ahead of next season, weighing up any departures after the players enjoy a well-earned rest.

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The Latest: Major exodus

Writing in his BBC Sport column, English has made a number of assumptions about the Rangers squad ahead of next season.

Firstly, the journalist said he expects 40-year-old Allan McGregor will retire in the coming months.

English also claims that Connor Goldson is looking certain to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

With a number of stellar names now in the final year of their deals, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see some big players being sold ahead of next season.

As a result, it is expected that there will be numerous incomings and outgoings this summer.

The Verdict: Clubs will be interested

With such an impressive campaign showcased on the European stage, a whole host of clubs will be sniffing around the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, who all excelled in the Europa League this year.

Whilst it may be the time to offload some of the deadwood, it is imperative that Rangers hold on to their best players – especially if they are to replicate their stunning European run.

Therefore, this will be a big transfer window for the Gers, and fans may be particularly concerned over the future of Bassey after his incredible display in Seville.

In other news: Rangers: Jonny McFarlane stunned by Cinch news

Wolves are showing an interest in signing Vitoria Guimaraes youngster Andre Almeida this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Summer incomings expected

The Old Gold have enjoyed a good season in the Premier League overall, finishing in the top halfo of the table and narrowly missing out on European football.

The important thing now is for Bruno Lage to further improve his squad in order to take them up another level next season, with summer arrivals expected at Molineux.

Midfield could be an area where the manager looks to strengthen, and an intriguing transfer update has emerged in that respect as Wolves line up their first new signing of the summer.

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The Latest: Almeida linked with Wolves

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], Wolves ‘may advance’ in their efforts to sign Almeida, with an €8m (£6.7m) offer potentially coming his way as a move is ‘being discussed’.

The 21-year-old’s current deal with Vitoria Guimaraes expires at the end of next season, and the Old Gold are hopeful of taking advantage of that situation.

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

While Almeida wouldn’t necessarily come to Molineux as a guaranteed starter, he is someone who would add some welcome squad depth in the middle of the park, especially if Ruben Neves leaves this summer amid strong links with Barcelona.

The 21-year-old has made 31 Primeira Liga appearances this season, enjoying an 86.3% pass completion rate, which suggests that he could thrive in Lage’s ball-playing system.

Not only that, but Almeida would be a long-term acquisition who could mature into a formidable player over time. That has been the case with his compatriot Neves, who incidentally has an inferior pass completion rate in the Premier League this term (84.2%) compared to Almeida in Portugal.

If the 25-year-old leaves Molineux, as seems likely, the Old Gold may already be lining up his long-term successor to pull the strings in midfield.

In other news, Wolves have been boosted in their attempts to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have been dealt a fresh blow in their bid to secure Premier League survival this season.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Birmingham Live), Steven Gerrard revealed that Ezri Konsa – who was withdrawn with a knock in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend – will now be unavailable for Villa’s meeting with the Whites’ relegation rivals Burnley this evening, as the centre-back has sustained a knee injury that will rule him out of action for at least 12 weeks.

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Regarding the 24-year-old’s setback, the Aston Villa manager said: “Ezri, it’s been confirmed that he’s got a bad knee issue so he’ll be out for anything between 12 to 16 weeks, which isn’t great news. He should return, all being well, at the back-end of August, beginning of September.”

Marsch will be fuming

Considering the fact that Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also a doubt for tonight’s meeting with Burnley, the additional news that Konsa will now be unavailable to face the Clarets is sure to have left Jesse Marsch fuming.

With a Burnley victory at Villa Park seeing Leeds’ chances of securing survival on the final day of the season drastically decrease, the American will undoubtedly be hoping for a big Villa win this evening – something that is certainly dented by Konsa’s absence.

Indeed, over his 29 Premier League appearances this term, the £22.5m-rated talent has been a key part of Gerrard’s backline, helping his side keep eight clean sheets and scoring two goals, as well as making an average of 0.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 2.8 tackles and winning 4.3 duels – at a success rate of 64% – per game.

These returns have seen the £72k-per-week defender come in for significant praise from his manager, with Gerrard stating of the former England U21 international back in March:

“He’s been outstanding for me, obviously the red card [against Leeds] was frustrating for him and us because he is an important player. His level of consistency has been really high, whether that be on the training pitch or in a match situation.”

As such, it is clear for all to see that the loss of Konsa will come as a big boost to Burnley’s chances of leaving Villa Park with all three points – a result which would see the Clarets move two points clear of Leeds with just one game left to play.

And, with Burnley boasting a goal difference that is 20 better than the Whites, should Michael Jackson’s side indeed secure victory this evening, it would mean that Leeds must win and Burnley must lose on the final day if Marsch’s side wish to finish above the Clarets come the final whistle on Sunday.

AND in other news: Leeds can unearth Raphinha 2.0 in “unplayable” 11-goal “threat” who’s “such a danger”

An update has emerged regarding interest in Rangers tank Calvin Bassey heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the Ibrox defender is being eyed up by a club south of the border ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the Glasgow gem is a target for Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa, as the former Rangers boss looks to bolster his defensive options in the English Midlands.

Big disaster

Ross Wilson will be heading for a big Rangers disaster if he even entertains the idea of cashing in on Bassey in the next few months.

Gio van Bronckhorst needs the Nigeria international next season, as he has been a crucial player for the club throughout 2021/22.

Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun are both out of contract this summer, so Bassey may be the only fit senior central defensive option at Ibrox by the end of next month before John Souttar arrives. Losing him would therefore leave the club in a difficult situation with the centre-back position.

Selling the ex-Leicester man would also be a disaster because of what Rangers would lose on the pitch. The £6.4k-per-week tank has been outstanding in the Premiership this season, proving that he can deliver quality displays on a consistent basis by averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.97.

As you can see from the SofaScore statistics above, the left-back turned centre-back has been a pivotal member of Van Bronckhorst’s squad this season, and the Dutch head coach will surely be desperate to keep him at Ibrox for the foreseeable future.

Journalist Josh Bunting has described Bassey’s improvement as “ridiculous”, and his growth throughout the campaign suggests that he is a player with the potential to get even better. At the age of 22, he is still in the early part of his career and has plenty of time left on his hands to develop further and increase his value.

This is another reason why the Gers must fight to keep hold of Bassey. If they can continue to help the youngster fulfill his potential, then he may be worth even more to the club in a couple of years’ time, which would mean that Wilson can rake in a larger sum of money for his services.

Therefore, it would be a big disaster to sell him this summer, so Rangers’ sporting director must hold firm to rebuff any interest from Villa.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kent: Van Bronckhorst can form scary Rangers duo by signing gem “who never gives up”…