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Glasgow Rangers are “among the admirers” to sign a highly-rated player this summer, according to an update from reliable journalist Alex Miller.

Rangers pushing for late-summer business

The Gers’ opening weekend 1-1 draw away to Motherwell was far from an ideal start to their Scottish Premiership season, with Russell Martin’s side immediately losing ground on rivals Celtic.

It is essential that more transfer business is done between now and the end of the window, in order for Martin to have a squad that is capable of both winning the title and holding its own in Europe, and players continue to be linked with moves to Ibrox.

One report has claimed that Rangers have joined the race to sign young Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein this summer, with a season-long loan move potentially on the cards. The 23-year-old is going to struggle for minutes at the Emirates in 2025/26, so a year in Scotland could be ideal for his development.

Elsewhere, the Gers are said to have held talks with Real Betis centre-back Nobel Mendy about a move to the club, and are happy to pay more than £1.7m for his signature. Now, a new update has dropped regarding another summer transfer target.

Rangers admire "excellent" Championship player; Chansiri to decide

According to Miller on X, Rangers are “among the admirers” in the battle to sign Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with the decision left up to controversial Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri.

“Any decision on whether Sheffield Wednesday cash-in on Pierce Charles will ultimately be made by Dejphon Chansiri, Henrik Pedersen has admitted. West Ham and Rangers among the admirers.”

Charles has been linked with Rangers already this summer, with the 20-year-old’s future at Wednesday in doubt, amid their dire financial situation and doubts over whether Chansiri is genuinely working towards a sale.

Sheffield Wednesday

15

19

1

Northern Ireland

8

5

4

It is easy to see why the Gers are eyeing him up as a top-quality young option between the sticks, with the stopper already an eight-cap Northern Ireland international, also racking up 15 appearances for the Owls. He has admirers everywhere, including his international manager, Michael O’Neill, who has lauded him in the recent past.

The lure of the Premier League is clear for any player, so West Ham will be a threat to Rangers’ chance of signing Charles this summer, but the Scottish giants can offer him European football, which the Hammers cannot.

Wednesday’s aforementioned financial situation also means they may be forced to sell one of the best young players, and he has the ability to mature into a key man for the Gers for years to come, should they strike a deal for him.

David Moyes didn’t return to Everton to make up the numbers.

With the club in need of smart squad-building, his second spell promises a more ambitious approach. That outlook has already shaped Everton’s summer.

The permanent signings of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo and Thierno Barry from Villarreal, along with Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, suggest a clear shift towards technical, mobile players who can play through pressure.

But Moyes still wants one more key addition – a player with the composure to dictate rhythm in attack, and the tactical awareness to protect the defence.

Someone who can carry the creative burden left behind by the likes of Abdoulaye Doucouré, who departed the club alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ashley Young this summer.

That figure could soon arrive. And while he’s not yet an established name in Italy, he’s no stranger to the Premier League.

Everton's priority midfield target emerges

According to GIVEMESPORT, Douglas Luiz, who once thrived at Aston Villa, is firmly on Everton’s radar as Juventus prepare for a late-window departure.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Old Lady, for their part, are holding out for a £39m fee but are open to loan arrangements if no permanent buyers emerge before deadline day.

Everton are monitoring developments closely and the club is prepared to move in the final weeks of the window – particularly if Luiz remains on the market – having already made a loan enquiry.

A deal would likely be structured around an initial loan with an option to buy, given the financial limits imposed by Everton’s ongoing compliance with FFP regulations.

Such interest has been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, who stated that three Premier League clubs are in direct contact with Luiz’s camp – Everton and Nottingham Forest among them.

Luiz’s time in Italy has been underwhelming.

Since making a £42m move from Aston Villa, he has struggled to impose himself under either Thiago Motta or Igor Tudor, making just six starts in Serie A last season and featuring for only 45 minutes at the Club World Cup.

Still, his technical quality remains undisputed – It’s no surprise that Luiz continues to attract admirers. In 2024, ESPN Brazil’s Leonardo Bertozzi described him as world-class.

“On the national team level, he will be one of the leading names for the 2026 World Cup.”

For Everton, the prospect of acquiring Luiz on loan, with a view to a permanent move, would represent an astute piece of business.

He wants to return to England, and Goodison Park could give him the platform to rediscover his best form.

Why Luiz could be Moyes' new Arteta

If Everton do get their man, comparisons to a certain former blue won’t be far behind. In his pomp under Moyes, Mikel Arteta was the heartbeat of Everton’s midfield.

A graceful and intelligent operator, he could switch tempo, pick out a pass, and arrive late in the box to score.

His 2006/07 campaign, marked by nine goals and nine assists in 35 games, remains a benchmark for midfielders in blue. Douglas Luiz offers similar potential.

Despite limited minutes, according to data from FBref, Luiz ranked fifth last season in the Juventus squad for both passing accuracy (89.5%) and successful dribbles (72.2%), while also contributing three big chances created and a solid 0.69 key passes per game.

Those numbers, while not elite, reflect a player capable of impacting games even when on the fringes.

Like Arteta, he came through under Guardiola’s influence, albeit at Manchester City rather than Barcelona, and shares a similar mix of technique and tactical intelligence.

During his peak at Aston Villa, Luiz was an all-action midfielder.

He pressed high, recycled possession with ease, and regularly contributed in the final third, with nine goals and five assists in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Statistically, Luiz offers a slightly different skillset to Arteta, with a greater emphasis on carrying and dribbling through midfield rather than serving purely as a distributor.

But his ability to dictate games from deep, maintain high pass accuracy, and play through pressure makes him an ideal fit for Moyes’ system.

He may not tackle with the frequency of Idrissa Gueye, but his intelligent positioning and ability to escape tight spaces provide a more rounded midfield profile.

Perhaps more importantly, Luiz is a player with something to prove. At 27, he’s entering his prime years and eager to re-establish himself as a key figure for Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Everton, with a stable role and clearly defined structure under Moyes, could provide the perfect stage.

While the financials may be tight – Luiz still has four years left on a contract worth over £150k per week – a well-structured loan move could make the deal viable.

Juventus want to offload him, Luiz wants to play, and Everton need a man in midfield.

Back in 2005, Moyes signed a young Spanish midfielder who would go on to define his Everton side for the next five years. In 2025, history may be about to repeat itself.

He's better than Fofana: Everton make contact for £51m "offensive menace"

Everton are pushing to sign a new right-sided forward this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 31, 2025

While the last few seasons haven’t exactly gone to plan for West Ham United, there is still plenty of talent in their squad.

However, it would be fair to say that we all know just who the Hammers’ most important player is: Jarrod Bowen.

The England international is undoubtedly one of the most underrated players in the entire Premier League, and has a sensational tally of 125 goal involvements in 238 games to prove it.

So, even though this window hasn’t been the most exciting, fans should be excited about reports linking the Irons to an up-and-coming talent who could be Graham Potter’s new Bowen.

West Ham target their new Bowen

It’s been an interesting summer window for West Ham so far, as while the signing of Callum Wilson is more than a little underwhelming, and the links to Raheem Sterling concerning, the club have made a few smart additions.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, Kyle Walker-Peters on a free will undoubtedly strengthen Potter’s defensive unit, while there is plenty of upside for the combative El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Moreover, the East Londoners don’t appear done just yet, as they’re now honing in on a young attacker who could be the next Bowen.

At least that is according to a recent report from journalist David Lynch, who claims West Ham are one of several sides interested in Ben Doak.

Lynch has revealed that Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen to sign the Liverpool youngster, and that offers of £20m were rejected from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town in the winter window.

It appears as if the Reds will also reject such offers this summer, as according to Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph, they value the 19-year-old at around £30m.

It could be a complicated and somewhat costly transfer to get over the line, but Doak could well be worth it, especially as he could become Potter’s new Bowen.

Why Doak could be the new Bowen

So, the first thing to say is that we are not claiming that Doak is as good as Bowen at the moment, or that he is even likely to get close in the next season or two.

That would be absurd and far too much pressure to place on a teenager, as the Irons star is currently one of the best attackers in the league and will likely remain so for some time.

However, some undeniable aspects of this potential deal suggest the Liverpool gem could potentially develop into someone who could take over from the Englishman at some point in the future.

The first is the fact that the Irons would be signing the Dalry-born gem after an impressive spell in the Championship.

For example, the Reds sent the Scottish gem on loan to Middlesbrough last season, and when he wasn’t out with a hamstring injury, he looked every part the future star.

In 24 appearances, totalling 1789 minutes, the “explosive” ace, as dubbed by Danny Murphy, scored three goals and provided seven assists.

In other words, he was able to average a goal involvement every 2.4 games, or every 178.9 minutes, which is made more impressive considering it was his first full season of senior football.

Appearances

24

Minutes

1789′

Goals

3

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

Minutes per Goal Involvement

178.9′

On top of his ability in the second tier, the 5 foot 9 dynamo is also primarily a right-winger, but has shown an ability to occasionally play off the left or up top.

Finally, as well as his output, the promising youngster put up some seriously impressive underlying numbers in the Championship last season.

According to FBref, he was in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the next best 14 competitions for carries into the penalty area, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 5% for non-penalty expected goals per shot.

Those numbers paint the picture of a player capable of getting the ball into dangerous areas and then making the most of the moment – sound like anyone familiar?

Ultimately, fans shouldn’t expect Doak to be a regular starter next season, but just as Bowen developed into a superstar over time, we see no reason why the young Scotsman couldn’t do the same at West Ham.

Finally replace Rice: West Ham make formal move for "exceptional" talent

West Ham require signings if they’re going to enjoy a successful season, now targeting an “exceptional” midfielder to finally replace Declan Rice

ByBen Gray Aug 6, 2025

Manchester United are making progress in their mission to strengthen under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to move forward in their pursuit of a high-pedigree defender, according to a report.

Manchester United urged to break the bank for quality additions

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha would fit the definition of breaking the bank for elite talent, but Premier League giants Manchester United are aware that more signings are needed to match the output of their domestic rivals on the market.

Reports suggest Manchester United would be willing to offer £22 million for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, which would be another signal of intent, though Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils should go all out for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba to bolster the spine of their team.

He stated: “Who would you go and get?”, and there’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, who I think fits the bill for what we need.

“He’s an Amorim-type player as well. Physically, he’s great. He can drive with the ball, he can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, central midfield… Baleba.”

Without putting too fine a point on it, Manchester United’s lack of solidity in the Premier League last term was evident for all to see, hence why Amorim is also targeting defensive reinforcements in the form of Lucas Beraldo.

Manchester United’s defensive frailties in 2024/25

Goals conceded

54

Defeats

18

Clean sheet percentage across 38 league matches

26%

Ultimately, a failure to secure the back door is a recipe for chaos, leading to a growing appetite for an overhaul within the Red Devils’ backline.

After months of searching, Manchester United could now have found one part of a solution to remedy the well-documented faults within their rearguard.

Manchester United make contact for Inter defender Benjamin Pavard

According to Transferfeed, Manchester United have made contact by enquiring about Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, who may be allowed to leave San Siro this summer for a fee between £26.1 million and £30.5 million.

Despite the Nerazzurri not officially listing the France international for sale, they are looking into potential replacements for the ex-Bayern Munich star, including Genoa’s Koni De Winter.

Better than Sesko: Man Utd in talks to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"

Manchester United could be about to forget about Benjamin Sesko with another move elsewhere.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Labelled “brilliant” by Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps, Pavard, who is outfitted by Adidas, registered one goal and a solitary assist in 37 appearances last campaign, operating almost entirely in central defence.

The 29-year-old also won 78 duels in Serie A, cementing himself as an important factor behind Inter’s ability to go deep both in domestic competitions and the Champions League.

Now, it appears he could be set for a new challenge in the prime of his career, which has piqued Manchester United’s interest as they look to seal a marquee deal to strengthen their backline.

Manchester United have identified a “terrific” Premier League player as a top target this summer, according to a promising new transfer claim.

Man Utd continue to eye attacking stars with Cunha

The Red Devils are expecting an exodus of attacking players before the new season gets underway, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho all moving on.

While Matheus Cunha has joined from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo remains a strong target from Brentford, United know the importance of bringing in a new centre forward, amid Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles. Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, and would be an exciting addition who has proven himself at the top level. A swap deal involving the out-of-favour Sancho has also been mooted.

Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike has been talked about as an option for many top Premier League clubs this summer, including Liverpool, and he could be an alternative option to Vlahovic for the Red Devils.

United are also said to have made contact over the signing of highly-rated Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, who is arguably seen as one of the brightest young English attacking talents around. Now, another name has been thrown into the mix.

Man Utd make Premier League striker top target

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are “considering” making a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer window, with the forward also in Arsenal’s thinking ahead of the new campaign, however, ‘United consider him more of a top target’.

The 29-year-old is described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim, who is no doubt desperate to bolster the attacking options at his disposal and has Watkins, Cunha and Mbeumo at the heart of his vision.

The report itself further goes on to state: “Amorim wants to reshape the squad by focusing on players with Premier League experience. Watkins is at the heart of this vision, along with names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim’s target is clear: Ready-made stars who will contribute immediately.”

The £130,000-a-week Watkins has the potential to be an excellent signing for United, having been such a consistent performer for Villa down the years.

He has scored 87 goals in 223 appearances for the Midlands outfit, not to mention netting a memorable winner for England against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 last summer, and he has also been lauded by Danny Murphy.

“He just looks like a player that is completely comfortable in his own skin and what he is good at. Every aspect of his game has improved under Unai Emery and he is also being pushed for a place by Jhon Duran, so that always helps you raise your game. He is a terrific player.”

The one negative that jumps out with Watkins is that he turns 30 later this year, however, so there is a risk that United could spend big on a player whose peak is about to drift by.

England

18

5

Aston Villa

223

87

Brentford

143

49

Exeter City

78

26

For that reason, Amorim would arguably be wise to look at a younger option to come in and lead the line, even though United signing him likely wouldn’t be a bad thing over the next two or three years.

The transfer window is really heating up at Rangers.

On Wednesday, the Light Blues signed not one but two new players, with Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez both arriving, the latter for a reported fee of £3.5m.

So, with the start of Champions League qualifying now less than three weeks away, Russell Martin’s mass overhaul of the squad he has inherited continues, with more new signings seemingly set to follow soon.

Rangers looking to bolster their back line

This Rangers squad requires a lot of surgery this summer, and this is no more so the case than in defence.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Leon Balogun has departed, joining Aris Limassol on a free transfer, while Robin Pröpper appears set to return to FC Twente too.

Meanwhile, Max Aarons has arrived on loan from Bournemouth, with Fernandez now signing too, but Martin is certainly still seeking to improve his defensive options.

Well, as reported by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports News, Rangers are “in talks” with Wolverhampton Wanderers as they aim to sign Nasser Djiga on a season-long loan.

This would be a straight loan, with no option or obligation to buy, for the Burkina Faso international, who only joined Wolves from Crvena zvezda for a reported fee of £10m as recently as February.

The 22 year old made just six appearances in old gold following his arrival, his sole Premier League start coming at Crystal Palace in May, when Vítor Pereira made wholesale changes, with David Irvine of the Glasgow Times noting that Wolves are keen on this loan move to Ibrox so that he can ‘gain experience’ of British football.

Thus, could Djiga be a transformational addition for Rangers?

How Nasser Djiga will improve Rangers

The young defender is certainly highly-rated, described by Serbian Football Scout as a “duel monster” who reads the game well, but is also capable of a “last-ditch tackle” when required.

Nasser Djiga

Meantime, writer Kai Watson believes he is the “ideal” centre-back for Martin’s possession-oriented style, labelling him a “strong passer” who possesses a “good understanding” of defensive play.

Before moving to Wolves, he caught the eye representing Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, helping them dump out Bodø/Glimt in the play-off round, before also enjoying league phase victories over Stuttgart and Young Boys, so let’s take a look at his statistics.

Minutes

720

1st

Completed passes

322

1st

Progressive passes

33

4th

Pass completion %

89.4%

3rd

Tackles

10

5th

% of dribblers tackled

100%

1st

Interceptions

4

5th

Blocks

7

4th

Clearances

27

2nd

Ball recoveries

28

4th

Touches

433

3rd

As the table outlines, Djiga ranks very highly in the Champions League for all statistics included, when compared to his former teammates, doing so at a very high level, considering Crvena zvezda came up against Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Benfica, PSV, Monaco and others during the league phase.

The centre-back’s defensive metrics are universally impressive but, more notably, so are his in-possession statistics, which will make him the perfect fit for a Martin team.

So, why will he be a more impactful signing than Aarons?

Well, in short, it’s due to what Rangers really need.

Aarons has presumably joined Rangers to play regularly, having seen just 338 minutes of action last season at Bournemouth and then Valencia, which raises serious question marks over current right-back and captain James Tavernier’s future.

Meantime, the Light Blues are desperate for central defensive reinforcements, with John Souttar and new arrival Fernandez currently the only options available to face Panathinaikos in a pivotal Champions League qualifier in just 19 days’ time.

So, while Djiga is clearly a high-potential player, he is also one that Rangers desperately require, making him a welcome and much-needed addition for Martin.

Ibrox's dream Igamane replacement: Rangers working to sign £5m striker

Rangers are eyeing up a move to sign a striker who would be a dream replacement for Hamza Igamane.

ByDan Emery Jul 3, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge season ahead of them if they are to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, which saw them finish in a measly 17th place.

Ange Postecoglou may have ended their near-two-decade wait for a trophy, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to keep his job, with owner Daniel Levy handing the Aussie his marching orders.

The subsequent responsibility now falls into the hands of Thomas Frank, after the Dane moved to North London after spending nearly seven years in charge at Brentford.

Within his first interview since taking the reins, the 51-year-old stated the importance of building on their European success, aiming to transform the club into serial winners during his tenure.

However, if he is to achieve his ambitions, he will need backing from Levy in the transfer market, with key work already seemingly taking place behind the scenes.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

In recent days, it’s emerged that Spurs are preparing a £50m bid for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, as Frank evidently wants to improve the options within the final third.

He’s not the only Premier League talent currently on their radar this summer, with Brentford star Yoane Wissa also an option, potentially following the Dane in making the switch to North London.

However, another new name has been touted with a move to the club, in the form of OGC Nice star Evann Guessand, that’s according to TBR Football’s latest report.

They claim that the Lilywhites have made contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential move for the 23-year-old forward, who netted 13 goals across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Ivorian international is keen on a move to England this window, with Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Brighton all pursuing a move for his signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

As a result of Frank’s appointment, striker Wissa hasn’t been the only talent touted with a move to follow his former boss, with winger Bryan Mbeumo another Bees star on Spurs’ radar.

The 25-year-old has been a key player in 2024/25, often causing numerous sides endless trouble, as seen in his tally of 20 league goals – with one of his efforts coming against the Lilywhites.

However, such form hasn’t gone unnoticed, leading to Manchester United also making a beeline for his signature, currently leading the race for the Cameroonian’s signature.

His desire to move to Old Trafford this summer has seen other targets being considered, with Kudus appearing as the main alternative to Mbeumo this window.

Despite such interest in the Hammers star, Guessand has also emerged as a key target, with the forward’s versatility a huge factor in any potential deal.

He can operate off either flank, as a central striker or even slightly deeper in a number ten role, offering Frank a viable option in numerous areas – something which Mbeumo would be unable to provide.

He’s also managed to outperform the Brentford star in numerous key areas for an attacker, whilst likely to cost a hefty whack less in the process, subsequently making him a better addition.

Games played

33

38

Goals & assists

20

27

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

43%

Pass accuracy

73%

66%

Passes into final third

1.8

1.6

Take-on success

48%

46%

Aerials won

42%

31%

Guessand, who’s been labelled “one of the best young attackers” by one writer at The Athletic, may have registered fewer goals this campaign, but has matched the Bees star in goals per shots on target, showcasing he has the clinical nature needed in attacking areas.

He’s actually managed to direct more of his efforts on target than Frank’s former star boy, taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way, demonstrating his ability to find the net when needed.

However, the Nice ace has also managed to complete more passes into the final third and complete more take-ons, having the skillset to offer players around him the chance to better their own goalscoring tallies.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the 23-year-old would cost this summer, it’s clear that he would be a sensational option for Spurs this summer, likely being a cheaper option than Mbeumo.

Despite Guessand being a cheaper option, it doesn’t take away from the talent he possesses, having the opportunity to play a key role in the club’s revival should he move to North London this summer.

He's as exciting as Mbeumo: Spurs set to launch £50m bid to sign Son heir

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to pursue a move for a star who could end Heung-min Son’s time in North London.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 19, 2025

Celtic players are slowly starting to filter back in for pre-season, and they could be joined by yet another new addition sooner rather than later, according to reports.

Celtic's transfer state of play with pre-season already underway

Several Celtic stars were spotted being put through their paces at Lennoxtown earlier this week, and it is anticipated that the bulk of the main group will join before long, but who could accompany them from elsewhere over the coming weeks?

Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan and Benjamin Nygren have already been announced. Fulham youngster Callum Osmand is set to follow the trio to Celtic and has already been spotted at their training base before being officially confirmed as a new asset.

With Greg Taylor out of contract and set to depart, Djurgarden left-back Keita Kosugi is the latest name on the Bhoys’ radar as they plot a replacement for the Scotland international.

Despite some swift moves to bolster their pool of talent, Chris Sutton believes Celtic should be doing more in the transfer market with the Champions League qualifiers around the corner.

He explained: “Unless Celtic are going to start paying silly money, I’d imagine they may have to wait, perhaps even until the end of the window, for some of the key targets.

Celtic in talks to sell international defender for 7-figure loss

Is it the right time for him to leave?

1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 27, 2025

“But it still feels a little lacking to me at this precise point of proceedings and, at the very least, Rodgers will surely want the majority in his squad for the start of the domestic season.”

Managers will never be content with that they’ve got, there will always be an appetite for as many useful options as possible to offer cover across the pitch.

Either way, Sutton’s wish could now have been granted as Celtic are now on the brink of bringing in a talented central defender.

Celtic set to land Hayato Inamura with medical scheduled

According to Sponichi, Celtic are set to land defender Hayato Inamura from Albirex Niigata, and he will travel to Europe to undergo a medical before signing on the dotted line at Parkhead.

The 23-year-old took on his final fixture in current club colours against Machida Zelvia this weekend, and is set to become the ninth Japanese player to join the Hoops once his move is ratified.

Hayato Inamura’s record at Albirex Niigata

Appearances

35

Goals

1

Assists

2

Predominantly a central defender, Inamura is also capable of featuring at left-back and has two years left on his current deal at the Denka Big Swan Stadium. He is considered an impressive talent back home, evidenced by the fact he shares an agent with two of Japan’s top stars in Europe – £20m Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mainz star Kaishū Sano.

Enjoying a productive J League campaign, the Tokyo-born man has won 63 duels and 75% of his tackles and would likely arrive in Glasgow for a nominal fee, although the specifics on that front haven’t yet been confirmed.

Either way, Celtic appear primed to venture back into a market that has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, so there is every chance Inamura will become a shrewd addition with plenty of potential to develop.

Leeds United are now reportedly pushing to sign a midfield star after already announcing the arrival of Lukas Nmecha and reportedly agreeing a deal to sign Udinese’s Jaka Bijol.

Leeds set to sign Bijol after Nmecha

Following a quiet few weeks, Leeds’ summer transfer window has suddenly burst into life. First through the door has been Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg. The Manchester City graduate has returned to English football for the first time since leaving the Citizens and will be on the hunt to finally make his mark on Premier League football.

Set to join the forward at Elland Road is Bijol. The central defender enjoyed a solid season in Serie A with Udinese and is now reportedly set to join the Whites in a deal worth €22m (£19m).

The 49ers have wasted little time on the transfer front and they may just be getting started. Like Burnley and Sunderland, Leeds will be well aware of the importance of getting things right in the transfer window if they are to stand any chance of avoiding instant relegation back to the Championship.

All three sides will be desperate to end a worrying trend which has seen all of the last six promoted sides suffer instant relegation from the Premier League. Having so far backed Daniel Farke and his side, however, it seems as though the 49ers are particularly ready to interrupt that trend.

Big Aaronson upgrade: Leeds close to agreeing deal for £30m "magician"

Leeds are confident that they will sign this star, and he would be a big upgrade on Brenden Aaronson.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2025

Only adding to that belief, the American owners have already reportedly turned their attention towards another summer target after Nmecha and Bijol.

Leeds pushing to sign Noah Sadiki with £8.5m bid

Noah Sadiki has been a name at the centre of headlines this week. According to Sacha Tavolieri, Leeds have submitted an initial offer worth €10m (£8.5m) to sign Sadiki and have made contact with Union Saint-Gilloise about a potential deal.

In a contrasting report, however, reporter Joe Donnohue has claimed that a bid is yet to take place, but Sadiki is a name on Leeds’ radar this summer. Tavolieri, who reports for Sky Sports, has insisted that an offer has been made to only add to the headlines and belief that the 20-year-old midfielder could be on his way to Elland Road sooner or later.

Praised for an “excellent” performance against Ajax by U23 scout Antonio Mango last season, Sadiki is certainly one to watch this summer. Whether Leeds reported move is successful remains to be seen, however.

Glasgow Rangers appear to be closing in on their next head coach as Russell Martin is being heavily touted with a move to Ibrox ahead of next season.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Scottish manager has accepted the project in Glasgow and is ready to join the Light Blues this summer.

Martin, who had a loan spell at Ibrox in the second half of the 2017/18 campaign, has been out of work since he was relieved of his duties by Premier League side Southampton at the end of 2024.

Whilst supporters may be concerned by his sacking in the top-flight in England, the ex-Norwich City centre-back also did a lot of good work in the Championship with the Saints, and has been backed to be a success by a former teammate.

As you can see in the clip above, Steven Naismith believes that Martin would bring a clear style of play to Ibrox that has been lacking with recent managerial appointments.

The style of play Russell Martin could bring to Rangers

If you look at the way his Southampton team played in the Championship, as a team expected to challenge at the top of the table, you can get an idea of how his Rangers team could look in the Scottish Premiership.

He coached a ball-dominant team that constantly wanted to control the game whilst also being progressive and creative in possession, rather than just having possession for the sake of having possession.

Martin wants his side to play with a purpose – to create chances and score goals – and his Southampton team did that effectively in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

Pass accuracy

87.7%

1st

Passes into the penalty area

594

1st

Progressive passes

2556

1st

Shot-creating actions

1255

1st

xG

79.8

2nd

Points per game

1.89

4th

As you can see in the table above, the Saints ranked first in the league for progressive passes and passes into the penalty area, which shows how forward-thinking and incisive they were with the ball.

Southampton typically started matches in a 4-3-3 formation in that campaign, often with one winger who can drift infield to form a front two with the striker and one more traditional wide man on the other side.

This means that Rangers, should they go through with appointing Martin, should look to recruit players who would suit his ball-dominant and positionally flexible system in the summer transfer window.

With this in mind, the 49ers could land the Scottish head coach a dream first signing at Ibrox by swooping for a Leeds United star who has been linked with a move to Glasgow.

The Leeds star Rangers have been linked with

Earlier this month, TEAMtalk reported that Rangers have emerged as a potential suitor for Leeds forward Largie Ramazani ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The outlet claimed that the Premiership giants are ‘monitoring’ his situation at Elland Road, a year on from his £10m move from Almeria to England.

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It stated that Ramazani aligns with how the club want to recruit talent in the transfer market, as they are looking for young and dynamic players who can thrive in the Premiership and European competitions.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the £10m-rated forward will be available for a move this summer because Daniel Farke is yet to make a final decision on his future in West Yorkshire.

The 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell should, though, push hard to agree a deal for the Belgian forward because he would be a dream first signing for Martin at Ibrox, should he be appointed in the coming days or weeks.

Why Largie Ramazani would be a dream signing for Russell Martin

As aforementioned, the Scottish coach’s Southampton team typically had a traditional, direct, winger on the left and more of a central player on the right in the Championship.

Ramazani would be a perfect fit for Rangers on the left in Martin’s system as a natural wide player who likes to take players on and make things happen in the final third, using his dribbling and pace to cause opposition teams problems.

In fact, talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “mini Vinicius”, referring to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, because of his “electric” and “explosive” play style, and the fact that they are both nimble and dynamic right-footed left wingers.

Whilst he may not have racked up 21 goals and 15 assists like Vinicius Jr did for Real in the 2024/25 campaign, Ramazani’s form in limited minutes for Leeds suggests that the potential is there for him to be an exciting addition for the Gers.

Non-penalty xG

0.53

Top 1%

Non-penalty goals

0.68

Top 1%

Assists

0.23

Top 18%

Non-penalty xG + Expected Assisted Goals

0.69

Top 1%

Progressive passes

4.29

Top 18%

Progressive carries

4.63

Top 8%

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old attacker ranked highly among his positional peers in the league for scoring and creating goals, whilst also progressing the ball consistently through carries and passes.

This suggests that he would be an ideal fit for Martin’s system, which requires players to constantly progress the play, whilst also having the quality in the final third to be a difference-maker in matches.

Ramazani ended the season with six goals and two assists in the division, despite starting just seven of his 29 appearances, which shows that he can be productive in front of goal.

Now, imagine the Belgian winger in a Rangers team managed by Martin that could consistently create chances for him to score, whilst starting week-in-week-out.

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Ramazani would be a dream first signing for both Martin and the 49ers because of the potential he has to be a game-changing addition on the wing, whilst also suiting the potential new manager’s style of play perfectly.