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According to The Scottish Sun, Glasgow Rangers are set to receive £1m in add-ons from Billy Gilmour’s departure to Chelsea despite losing out on his loan signing to Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Gilmour closes in on Norwich

The Gers were said to be interested in taking Gilmour back to Ibrox on loan as Chelsea looked for him to spend the next year away from Stamford Bridge to continue his development (The Daily Record).

However, the Scotland international has now completed a move to the Canaries (Official), who were recently promoted to the Premier League.

The Latest: Gers set for windfall

For the Gers, though, there may be a silver lining.

Now, it has been said that Chelsea must pay Rangers £1m in add-ons after the 20-year-old met several targets thanks to his impressive performances for club and country.

A 7-figure fee could of course go a long way to boost Ross Wilson and co’s transfer dealings, with targets like Santos Borre soon to be a free agent so likely seeking a large signing bonus.

The Verdict: Clever

Of course, everyone at Rangers will have been gutted to lose Gilmour in 2017, when he was still just 15 years old. They only picked up £500,000 for selling him, which now looks like a bargain for Chelsea considering Gilmour has developed into a player who already has Premier League, Champions League and European Championships football under his belt.

However, they did at least guarantee they would receive some money should he prove to be a success. £1m could go a long way for the Gers. It remains to be seen whether the 55-time Scottish champions will receive any more funds on the back of Gilmour’s showings in the future.

In other news, one pundit is shocked at this Alfredo Morelos claim.

Rangers are monitoring Racing Santander’s Pablo Torre ahead of the January transfer window, according to The Daily Record. 

The lowdown

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has featured five times for Spain at under-19 level, along with scoring three goals and providing five assists in 15 appearances in the Spanish third tier this season.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has raved about the teenager, labelling him an ‘amazing talent’ and a ‘magician’; and he has already been compared to the likes of Euro 2020 winner Marco Verratti and Ballon D’Or recipient Luka Modric.

The latest

According to The Daily Record, Torre has apparently been recommended to Rangers’ scouts, who will now be watching him.

His contract, which runs until 2025, contains a £4m release clause, but Racing are said to be in financial trouble and could therefore possibly accept a lower offer.

The Gers aren’t the only club interested in the teenager, though, with Spanish giants Real Madrid also admirers of his, along with clubs in Italy.

The verdict

If Torre is to live up to his evident potential, £4m could end up looking like a massive bargain, and that’s assuming the club who sign him are forced to pay the full extent of his release clause.

Rangers could theoretically end up selling him on for a huge profit after a few years at Ibrox, which might factor into the club’s thinking.

Real Madrid represent daunting competition, but perhaps there’s a scenario where Los Blancos sign him and then loan him out, as they have done with a whole host of their Castilla players this season.

In other news, could this Gers forward be lured south of the border?

Moussa Niakhate is reportedly now ‘attracting interest’ from Newcastle United ahead of a potential move in the summer.

The Lowdown: Solid season

Niakhate is having a solid season at Mainz, where they currently hold the joint-third best defensive record in the Bundesliga.

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The captain and leader of his side, the six-foot-three colossus has been hailed as a ‘key player’ and a ‘role model’ by sporting director Christian Heidel and head coach Bo Svensson, and so may not be easily let go, valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

As per The Daily Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath, Niakhate is now ‘attracting interest’ from the St. James’ Park faithful, as well as both West Ham United and Everton.

However, the latter will only be in the running for him if they manage to stay in the Premier League for next season.

The Verdict: Upgrade

Niakhate would seemingly be an upgrade on Eddie Howe’s current centre-back options.

He is currently averaging more tackles and interceptions per game than Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles in their respective domestic leagues this season, and offensively, he has scored three goals and makes more key passes than the Magpies trio (WhoScored).

Clearly then, this is an up and coming defender with the ability on the ball to fit like a glove into Eddie Howe’s system, which relies far more on progressive build-up from the back than previous manager Steve Bruce.

Of course, the top flight is different gravy, but he has already shown his worth against Liverpool superstar Mo Salah, who ‘didn’t enjoy’ playing against Niakhate in pre-season.

A senior call-up to the France national team is surely in the pipeline, and at 26 years of age, the North East club would be signing him just as he enters his prime.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now in the ‘driving seat’ to sign here!

Manchester United and exciting young talent go hand in hand, and the next starlet could be about to come off their illustrious production line.

Alvaro Fernandez signed for the Red Devils as a free agent back in September 2020 after deciding to depart boyhood club Real Madrid, adding to an already exciting youth setup.

The left-back made an instant impression after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal, scoring a stunning strike on his debut for the U18s.

His eye-catching display in the 5-1 thrashing against Burnley earned him an immediate promotion to the U23s, and Fernandez went on to score a total of three goals and provide a further six assists in 30 appearances for the academy sides last term.

Following the 18-year-old’s decision to depart his homeland in search of regular football, Fernandez’s former coaches at Madrid were open about how the 6 foot 1 youngster would suit the English game.

One coaching source told Spanish outlet AS (via TribalFootball): “Álvaro is a footballer with a great future who has been hurt by having Miguel Gutiérrez in front of him.

“But the conditions for him to do well in England, he has them, his pace and his centres will be appreciated there.”

With Luke Shaw currently dominating the left-back spot at this moment in time, Ole Gunnar Solsjaer may be keen to acquire some extra competition for the England international over the next couple of years.

Alex Telles looks incapable of shifting the stocky defender, and therefore, Fernandez’s presence in the first-team could be the ideal solution.

An outstanding display from the teenager against Brighton and Hove Albion back in November 2020 led to former United trainee Paul McShane telling MUTV that he was quite taken by Fernandez’s showing.

“He looks very good, tidy with his feet. When he steps into midfield areas he stays there, he can act as the extra midfielder. He was very comfortable and very impressive,” McShane said.

As a result, Solskjaer may be tempted to bring Fernandez into one of his matchday squads as the season progresses, adding pressure for Shaw to improve his performances while giving the youngster a taste of the senior setup.

It’s surely only a matter of time, though, until the ex-Madrid ace gets his big break, and everyone associated with United will be eagerly anticipating that day.

And, in other news…Ole could save his job with £350k-p/w MUFC wizard whose “potential is off the charts” 

West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has dropped a triple transfer claim ahead of a suspectedly busy summer window for the Irons.

The Lowdown: Lack of January business

Whilst the east London club were linked with a myriad of transfers during the winter, the Hammers failed to sign a single player in January.

As a result, fatigue and injuries have been a prominent issue for David Moyes’s men this season, especially given the lack of options throughout the squad.

Therefore, West Ham will need to be active in the summer transfer window if they are to compete for the European places in the Premier League table next season.

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The Latest: Ex’s West Ham transfer claim…

Taking to an interview for his site The West Ham Way, inside source ExWHUemployee has shared the knowledge that the Irons are keen on dipping into the ‘free’ market this summer.

During the interview, he said:

“We will definitely be looking at that [free] market, no doubt about it. A lot of players who we have been interested in before and have even bid large sums for will be available on a free, so I can see us making moves. The obvious candidates will be Jesse Lingard, who loved his time at the club, James Tarkowski is of course someone we have been linked with many times. Also Diaz of Blackburn could be one we go back in for.

“Diaz although not technically out of contract as Blackburn has a year’s extension option on him, will still represent good value for money.

“Knowing how the club likes to operate and be cautious with not overspending, then it really is a given that if players we are keen on are out of contract then we will be looking to bring them in I am sure.

“Although it’s still early days as we don’t even know if we’ll be in Europe next season yet so that will of course play a part in who would want to join us.”

The Verdict: Need to spend money

Whilst a number of free transfers could prove to be lucrative bits of business – including the likes of Jesse Lingard, James Tarkowski and Ben Brereton-Diaz, who will all be out of contract over the summer as it stands – West Ham will surely need to put their hand in their pocket if they are to truly compete for a place in the top six of the Premier League next season.

The east London club were rumoured to have made a number of big-money moves in January, so if they could pull off a couple of these in the summer, West Ham may be a force to be reckoned with next season.

In other news: Finance guru drops major West Ham claim

A number of Liverpool supporters have been left stunned by a brilliant piece of skill by Naby Keita while on international duty with Guinea.

The Reds drew 2-2 at home to Manchester City last Sunday, before the international break got underway.

Jurgen Klopp’s men aren’t back in action until October 16th when they make a trip to Vicarage Road to take on newly-promoted Watford.

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One player who could feature in that game is Keita, with the 26-year-old falling out of favour a little lately, not coming on at all against City.

Jordan Henderson is struggling for form, however, and the Guinean could be seen as a good option to come in.

On Thursday, an eye-catching clip of Keita producing a superb piece of skill emerged on Twitter [via Lewis Bower], with the midfielder nutmegging his opponent with a cheeky back-heel along the sideline.

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Liverpool fans laud Keita

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to hail Keita.

“The content I wanna see during the int’l break”

Credit: @Trentsque

“Nabyyyyy laa”

Credit: @Nabysback

“Filthy”

Credit: @LewYNWA

“Yes lad!”

Credit: @LeonUncle_

“Ridiculous technician”

Credit: @Bk8iP3

“YESSSSSSSSS LADDD”

Credit: @irishred306

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an update on Mohamed Salah’s future. Read more here.

Nuno Santo’s return to UEFA Europa Conference League action on Thursday evening as they welcome Slovenian champions NS Mura to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Things have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, having lost three straight heavy defeats in the Premier League after Sunday’s north London disappointment.

The Portuguese head coach blamed himself for his team selection at the Emirates Stadium and he will have plenty to ponder ahead of kickoff this evening.

One of Spurs’ biggest issues right now is in the final third – they look lacklustre in attack and have really struggled to score goals, even when they were winning, it was merely by a 1-0 margin.

After six league games, Spurs rank last for average number of shots per game (9.3) and sit second-bottom for expected goals (5.47 xG), which only goes to show just how severe the problem is at the club.

The likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli have consistently failed to step up to be the team’s main creator in attacking midfield. It’s been a massive, and underlying, issue ever since Christian Eriksen departed for Inter Milan in January 2020.

However, the difference is, Nuno could well have a solution right under his nose, thanks to the moves sporting director Fabio Paratici made in the transfer market this summer.

He managed to offload the injury-prone Erik Lamela and in return, secured a promising Spanish gem in Bryan Gil – a flair player capable of pulling the strings and linking the midfield to the attack.

The 20-year-old wizard simply has to start this evening if the Portuguese is to turn things around. He’s now under mounting pressure to deliver results and Gil would aid his chances substantially.

Valued at £27m, the Spain U21 international has already been likened to the Danish playmaker, as well as another former Spurs midfield dynamo, Luka Modric.

“I think they’ve just got to nail down that role for him. As soon as they nail down that role, I think we’re going to see a very talented young player coming to the fore. He’s kind of got a bit of everything: he can pass, he can dribble, he’s very creative, he has clever movement,” said football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

“They’ve just got to decide, is he a guy that can ultimately become the new Eriksen, because the more and more I watch him play, I think the ability’s there to do that. Some have even made a Modric comparison and said, maybe he could end up coming even deeper and becoming that kind of player.”

Gil averaged 1.7 crosses and 1.9 key passes per 90 in La Liga last season, as per WhoScored, which certainly suggests that he’s a player that looks to create chances frequently.

This season, Heung-min Son and Steven Bergwijn top the charts, managing 1.5 key passes per 90 but these are returns still below that of the young prodigy.

As a player that has been described as a “big talent”, “exciting” and one with “unbelievable amounts of technique”, it’s time for Nuno to unleash the rarely-seen gem a lot more often.

There’s only so long he can continue to count on his more senior figures, especially as they continue to let him down.

Gil must start against Mura this evening. It could be a game-changing call from a manager under intense scrutiny right now.

AND in other news, Nuno could finally axe Dele Alli if Spurs secure “explosive” £36m-rated “young Salah”…

Glasgow Rangers are now reportedly at risk of losing Alfredo Morelos on the cheap.

The Lowdown: Porto links drag on

Morelos has been heavily linked with a move to FC Porto before the summer transfer window ends, although it has recently been reported that the Ibrox faithful are not expecting an offer for him from the Portuguese club.

He has reportedly already agreed personal terms with them, but until a firm offer comes in, he will stay at the Light Blues for the foreseeable future.

The Latest: Another twist

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Morelos ‘could become cheaper’ now that Steven Gerrard’s men have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds by Swedish team Malmo.

Originally, he would not be sold for a fee of anything less than €15m (£12.8m), although going out of the Champions League now ‘opens the exit door’ for the Colombia international, potentially to Porto.

The Verdict: Keep

The Gers should not be going down any lower than their original asking price if they are to end up selling Morelos, even though they were knocked out of the Champions League.

Dubbed a ‘top class’ player by Gerrard after yet another impressive display for his side last season, the striker is such a key player for RFC, scoring no fewer than 17 goals and supplying a further 13 assists in 44 matches in total over all competitions across their 2020/21 title-winning season (Transfermarkt).

At 25 years of age as well, he has not hit his peak yet, and so Rangers could wait another year or two for his valuation to go up before getting him off of their books.

In other news, find out what the latest is on Rangers’ alleged interest in one of their former players here!

As per reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard, some news has emerged on West Ham and their hunt for a new striker.

The Lowdown: West Ham still in the market…

The Irons’ centre-forward pursuit can be stretched all the way back to January, when David Moyes confirmed that offers had been made for Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri.

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This is to solve the lack of cover for star striker Michail Antonio, especially taking into account his injury history, and despite the club’s efforts, they still haven’t managed to land an alternative to the Jamaica international.

The search is still on, however, as Rosser brings an update involving FC Copenhagen striker Jonas Wind.

The Latest: West Ham weigh bid…

As per The Evening Standard, West Ham – and by extension head of recruitment Rob Newman – are ‘weighing up a move’ for the prolific Dane, who has bagged a senior career total of 45 goals for his current club.

Indeed, a striker apparently ‘remains high’ on Moyes’ shopping list ahead of January as he looks to maintain the Hammers’ head-turning start to the 2021/22 campaign.

The Verdict: Good option…

Over his appearances for Copenhagen this season, Wind has showcased a real proficiency in front of goal with 10 across all competitions already, along with six assists (Transfermarkt).

He’s also a towering presence at 6 foot 2 and could possess a physicality suited to the tough nature of Premier League football.

In a further incentive for West Ham to move for him, it is believed that the 22-year-old could leave his current club for as little as £11m in January, as recently claimed by Ekstra Bladet (via Sport Witness).

Amid the Irons’ links to Andrea Belotti and Adam Hlozek, Wind could come as a shrewd alternative.

In other news: ‘I’m alive’, ‘We baaaccckkk’ – Many West Ham fans react as Irons set for striker swoop, find out more here.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed that Anwar El Ghazi’s long-term future at Aston Villa is uncertain, and even raised the possibility of the club looking to move him on.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Serie A giants AS Roma have made an approach to sign the winger, with Dean Smith now willing to let him go as he looks to try and revamp his attack ahead of the new Premier League season.

When asked about those reports linking the Dutchman with an exit from Villa Park, Preece replied: “He’s got less than two years left on his deal and there’s been no talk whatsoever about Villa wanting to extend it which tells you everything.

“It’s a big season for AEG who *could* be sold for a small profit. I am, though, expecting him to stay knowing Trezeguet’s out long term. AEG scored 10 last season; his Villa career is in the balance going into this one…”

Villa fans will be worried

While consistency is something which has affected El Ghazi badly in his time at Villa Park – last season score the bulk of his 10 Premier League goals in just two purple patches over the course of the campaign – there’s no questioning that he’s got the talent.

Speaking after his goal against Crystal Palace earlier this year, former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown said: “Dean Smith told me his training in how he executes those finishes is there for all to see. Craig Shakespeare then backed him straight up when I ran into him later, he just said ‘what a technician he is.’

“He’s practising in training, he has a bad week against Burnley: eight shots, great chances, can’t put one away. Then he scores against West Brom, then goes and puts one in the top bins like he did last night… Magnificent is the word we’re all looking for.”

The Dutchman was the club’s second highest scorer last season, behind only Ollie Watkins, while his underlying stats make for impressive reading.

As per WhoScored, he ranked second in the entire squad for shots per game, second in crosses, and in the top six for dribbles per match in the Premier League – that’s a real testament to how he’s always tried to make things happen whenever he’s been afforded the chance to play.

Potentially letting El Ghazi go, without first signing a top-quality replacement, would be bad business and could worry fans over the strength in depth in those wide positions.

At just 25, the Dutchman still has the peak years of his career ahead of him, and the fact he was only outscored by Watkins last season despite not always being a regular starter shows that he does have the ability to be a good player for Villa.

Preece’s latest update may worry fans.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing this Brazilian ace…