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Rangers Make Enquiry For "Complete" Striker

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to add to their forward options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Matija Frigan to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have enquired to Croatian side HNK Rijeka as they plot a potential deal to sign striker Matija Frigan ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the young centre-forward is one of a number of players on the club's shortlist as they attempt to replace Alfredo Morelos, who is leaving on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.

It is stated that Dinamo Zagreb have offered £3m for the number nine and it remains to be seen whether that is enough to tempt Rijeka into cashing in on their starlet.

What is Matija Frigan's style of play?

The 20-year-old is a centre-forward who is capable of scoring a variety of goals and he could develop into Michael Beale's own version of Lazio and Italy star Ciro Immobile, who stands at 6 foot 1.

Lazio centre-forward Ciro Immobile

In the top tier of Croatian football, Frigan has plundered 14 goals and three assists in 26 appearances and, despite turning 20 in February, is proving himself to be a lethal marksman at first-team level.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig, earlier this year, compared the youngster to Immobile and dubbed him as a similar player. He also hailed the Rijeka star as a "complete" striker.

Kulig also listed "finishing, instinct, movement, heading, ambidexterity" as Frigan's main strengths and this is backed up by his performances.

During his short senior career to date, the 6-foot marksman has scored five goals with his right foot, eight with his left foot, and four with his head.

This shows that the Croatian U21 international is a multifaceted no.9, who is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, which makes him a threat in any position in the box as the ace can find the back of the net with both feet and his head.

Immobile is a similar type of player as the Italian international has scored at least 32 goals with his left foot, head, and right foot throughout his career, which means that he can score in a variety of ways, rather than being restricted to one foot – for example.

Frigan may not end up scoring over 300 career goals in just 548 appearances, like the Lazio star, but his form for Rijeka and his complete style of play indicates that the ace has the potential to be Beale's own version of Immobile – scoring goals on a regular basis from a multitude of positions in the box – for Rangers in the years to come.

There is no guarantee that the prospect will be able to adapt to Scottish football, but it is a gamble worth taking for the Light Blues when you consider the huge impact the dynamo could make for the club if he hits the ground running.

Tottenham Hotspur’s New Manager Will Face "Big Problem"

Tottenham Hotspur's new manager will face an immediate "big problem", due to the uncertainty surrounding Harry Kane's future, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

After parting ways with Antonio Conte near the end of March, Tottenham finally appear to be making some progress towards appointing a new manager, with a report from De Telegraaf detailing that Arne Slot has agreed to take over.

Talks are currently ongoing regarding the appointment of the Dutchman, with Spurs needing to pay the £6m release clause included in his contract with Feyenoord, and it appears as though a deal could now be close.

However, in an interview with Football Insider, Agbonlahor has recently queried why any top manager would want to take over at N17 at the moment, given that they will face immediate issues.

The pundit said: “It is very odd to go into that club at the moment it seems as though you would be setting yourself up for failure.

I think the big problem at Spurs for potential managers is that they do not know the future of Harry Kane, they do not know the amount of money they have got to spend in the summer.

They can’t choose their own sporting director because that is what Nagelsmann wanted and maybe Daniel Levy said no.

“As much as managers want to manage, they want to right job and that is why Spurs will struggle to get a top manager.

Will Kane leave Tottenham?

Any new manager will undoubtedly be keen to keep hold of Kane, given that he has been a shining light for the Lilywhites in a very poor season, scoring a remarkable 28 Premier League goals, while he has also picked up seven assists.

That said, it would not be a surprise if the England captain does want to seek pastures new this summer, given that Spurs are now unlikely to qualify for European competition of any description, currently sitting in eighth place.

harry-kane-transfer-luciano-spalletti-victor-osimhen-levy-manager

Manchester United have identified the 29-year-old as a top target, while Paris Saint-Germain have also met with his representatives, and the allure of Champions League football could mean the striker is keen to join either club.

Given Tottenham's very poor 2022-23 campaign, it is likely the best thing any new manager can hope for is that Kane is willing to run down his contract, and The Telegraph have previously reported he may be willing to do so.

West Ham closing in on Nayef Aguerd signing

West Ham United are reportedly edging ever closer to confirmation of the signing of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, in what would be their first arrival of the summer window.

What’s the word?

According to 90min’s Toby Cudworth, the Morocco international is now all but set to make the move to the London Stadium, with the journalist writing on Twitter about the current situation that: “You never know with #WHUFC…but Nayef Aguerd deal close to completion. Should be the first major signing of what David Moyes hopes will be a busy transfer window.”

As per the attached article, the Hammers are now ‘putting the finishing touches’ on the deal to bring the 26-year-old to the Premier League, with the centre-back having been a ‘long-term target’ for David Moyes and co.

The report suggests that the deal could be worth as much as £30m plus add-ons to prise the 19-cap, left-footed gem from France, despite previous rumours that the fee was closer to just £13m.

Moyes delighted

After weeks of speculation, it would appear that the east London outfit have finally got their man, with manager Moyes no doubt delighted to have got up and running in what could prove to be a vital window for the club.

While there remains a number of areas in need of bolstering – particularly central midfield – securing the signing of a new central defender will seemingly solve one problem position, with the defensive ranks having been severely stretched last term.

The long-term absence of veteran Italian Angelo Ogbonna through injury left the former Everton boss with little depth at the heart of the defence, essentially relying on Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma to perform both domestically and in Europe.

With Issa Diop also falling out of favour under the Scot – having made just ten league starts last term – there were few chances for the Hammers boss to rotate his side, with injuries and suspension at times forcing full-back Aaron Cresswell to feature in a centre-back role.

The addition of Aguerd then will go some way to easing the burden on both Dawson and Zouma, with the former Dijon man likely to provide quality competition to that pair, having shone in Ligue 1 in recent seasons.

The 2021/22 campaign proved particularly impressive for the £10.8m-rated gem as he managed ten clean sheets in his 31 league outings, averaging four clearances, 0.9 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, while also winning a solid 62% of his total duels.

Not just a reliable rock at the back, the £8.9k-per-week colossus – who joined his current side for as little as €4m (£3.4m) two years ago – is also comfortable playing out from the back, ranking in the top 16% for pass completion and the top 10% for attempted passes among those in his position across Europe’s big five leagues.

That all-round quality will seemingly be well suited to the rigours of life in English football, with Moyes undoubtedly delighted to have managed to snap him up so early in the window.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Spurs: Romano drops Spence update

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Djed Spence.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that Antonio Conte’s side are still interested in a move for the right-back this summer, despite Nottingham Forest confirming their promotion to the Premier League on Sunday.

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In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “Djed Spence: ‘Nottingham Forest means everything to me. Playing for Forest next season? Hopefully.’ Bayern [Munich] left the race after signing [Noussair] Mazraoui while Tottenham are still interested, but there’s no official bid yet.”

Supporters will love Romano’s update

Considering just how promising a talent Spence clearly is, Romano’s update revealing that Fabio Paratici is still pursuing a deal for the Middlesbrough full-back – despite Forest’s promotion and subsequent move to sign the 21-year-old permanently – is sure to be news that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, over his 42 Championship appearances for Steve Cooper’s side this season, the £7.2m-rated talent played a crucial role in the Reds’ promotion to the top flight, scoring two goals, registering five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.0 key passes, taking 0.6 shots and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The £4.4k-per-week defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.8 duels per fixture.

These metrics saw the England U21 international average an extremely impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.05, ranking him as the Garibaldi’s sixth-best player in the second tier.

As such, it is clear to see that Spence would be an excellent replacement for the potentially outbound Emerson Royal this summer, leading us to believe that Romano’s update concerning Tottenham’s continued interest in the former Fulham starlet is fantastic news for everyone involved with the club.

AND in other news: “I understand…”: Gold reveals huge Spurs transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Wolves can sign their own Luis Suarez

Wolves are plotting a move for Venezia striker Thomas Henry ahead of what could be a busy summer transfer window for Bruno Lage and co at Molineux.

What’s the word?

According to reports, via BBC Sport, Wolves are interested in working out a deal to bring Henry to Molineux in the summer transfer window.

The French striker has only been at the Italian side for a year but has already made a solid impression which has gathered Premier League interest.

The 27-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire for another two years and his impressive performances will surely have ramped up the fee Venezia will be able to command.

Wolves can unearth their own Luis Suarez

Bruno Lage has made a solid start in life at Molineux, he has guided the side to their third top half finish in four seasons since their promotion from the Championship in 2018 and will have high hopes ahead of next season.

Henry has scored nine times in Serie A for relegated Venezia, and this is a more than respectable return and he could bolster the Wolves frontline.

The club could unearth their own Suarez in the Frenchman with the pair stated as similar in style and statistics by FB Ref this season.

Henry has managed 2.4 shots on target per 90 minutes, whereas the Uruguayan sits at 2.5, and both players have scored over ten goals in all competitions.

In terms of shot-creating actions, Henry has 38 for the season compared to 36 for Suarez and shows that they still pose an attacking threat, despite being in teams that have struggled at points over the course of the season. With that in mind, it’s clear to see why an assessment from Lokeren boss Karel Fraeye suggested he’s a player who can “cause havoc” for defenders.

Wolves might have to pay slightly more than the striker’s £4.5m valuation, but with “powerful” praise being lavished upon the 6 foot 4 colossus earlier this season, they may just have found themselves a bargain.

AND in other news, Closing in: WWFC plot bid for “impressive” £10m ace, he’s the future

West Ham: Irons make approach for Moise Kean

West Ham United have reportedly made ‘enquiries’ about the possibility of signing Everton forward Moise Kean this summer, according to an Italian source.

The Lowdown: Kean’s return to Italy

The Toffees first signed the 22-year-old from Juventus on a five-year deal back in 2019, but after frustration at a lack of game time at Goodison Park, the striker made the switch back to the Italian giants just two years later with the option to make it a permanent deal for £24m.

Kean might not have had a successful spell in the Premier League previously, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t thrive in a different environment – look at the likes of former Chelsea flops Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah – and it sounds as if there is a potential suitor for him in the form of the Irons.

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The Latest: West Ham make ‘enquiries’

In a new article published by Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that West Ham have made contact about the attacker ahead of the upcoming transfer window, and ‘certainly like’ his profile.

The source further states that Juventus are ‘trying to figure out’ whether Kean can be sold on for a ‘sufficient’ price after deciding that he is ‘not a firm part’ of their plans moving forward.

It’s reported that Massimiliano Allegri’s side are in need of a ‘particularly generous’ club to generate a big fee to make the deal worthwhile, and the Hammers could be just the team.

The Verdict: Competition for Antonio

The 12-cap international could be the perfect fit for David Moyes at the London Stadium, having scored 16 goals and registered three assists in the Serie A over the course of his career, as per Transfermarkt.

Kean, who was once hailed a “quality” player by Italy manager Roberto Mancini, could be an ideal candidate to provide some serious competition for Michail Antonio up front, with the club heavily reliant on their number nine without actually having an alternative option in the building.

West Ham are guaranteed a place in the Europa Conference League at the very least next year no matter what happens on the final day of the season against Brighton, but if they did manage to leapfrog Manchester United in the Premier League table, this could be a huge pulling factor for the talisman when deciding where his next destination will be.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has reacted to a major West Ham contract update.

Tottenham eyeing move for Carlos Alcaraz

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a move for Racing Club starlet Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz, according to reports in Spain.

What’s the word?

As per Marca, the Premier League outfit have been named as one of the clubs believed to be keeping an eye on the promising 19-year-old following his impressive displays for the Argentine club since his senior debut in January 2020.

The report suggests that, while the teenager has a $25m (£20.4m) release clause in his current contract, Spurs could well be able to secure his services for $20m (£16.3m) should they wish to bring him to England this summer.

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One of the most highly-rated prospects in South America, the report compares him to compatriot Lautaro Martinez for the potentially colossal fee that he could command in the future.

The next Ardiles?

A move for the teenager would no doubt stir memories of another great Argentine to have played for the Lilywhites, with the hope that he can go to replicate the success of the club’s legendary former player and one-time manager Ossie Ardiles.

The similarities don’t just exist in their country of birth, with Alcaraz also mirroring the Tottenham great in the attacking midfield role that he plays.

A star of English football in the 1970s and 80s, Ardiles scored 25 goals in 311 appearances in all competitions for the north London side in a glittering decade-long stint at White Hart Lane, notably winning the FA Cup in successive seasons in the early 1980s while also claiming the UEFA Cup in 1984.

Although it may well be an unwanted burden to compare the youngster with such an icon of the game, the £1.35m-rated gem has already shown glimpses of his talent in his embryonic career to date, netting four goals in just 13 Copa de la Liga games this season, while also developing something of a penchant for free kicks.

An all-round talent, the starlet also has a 51% dribble success rate and averages 1.2 tackles per game, while he has won an impressive 64% of his aerial duels this term – an illustration of his tenacious, hard-working nature.

Such qualities appear to indicate a player who would be at home under Antonio Conte, with Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici needing to get the deal over the line for the Ardiles-like Argentine talent Alcaraz.

In other news – Imagine him & Bentancur: Spurs can find perfect Conte gem in £49.5m-rated “phenomenon”

Bruno Lage to miss Chelsea clash

Wolves manager Bruno Lage will miss his side’s Premier League clash with Chelsea after testing positing for Covid-19, journalist Tim Spiers has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Wolves host Chelsea

Wanderers are back in league action on Saturday afternoon, as they welcome Thomas Tuchel’s reigning European Champions to Molineux.

Last weekend was a hugely disappointing one for Wolves, who lost 3-0 at home to Brighton, and a response is needed in their quest to qualify for Europe.

Lage’s side are eighth in the table currently and sit three points behind West Ham with a game in hand, highlighting what a tight end to the season it could be.

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The Latest: Lage not involved

Taking to Twitter, Spiers has confirmed that Lage will play no part in proceedings, however, having tested positive for Covid:

“Bruno Lage sidelined with covid and missing the Chelsea game. Keepers coach Tony Roberts sitting in the chair.”

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The Verdict: Must-win game

It will be a good chance for Tony Roberts to test himself in the Wolves hot seat, for what is undoubtedly an important game for Wanderers.

It would be a huge shame if their season ended up tailing off in the final weeks of the season, having worked so hard to get into the European picture.

Chelsea are not firing on all cylinders and lost at Everton last weekend, so Wolves must believe that they can pick up a precious three points at Molineux.

In other news, one Wolves player could leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham: Journalist makes Torres swap deal transfer claim

Cadena SER journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez has now shared an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Spurs confident?

The Premier League top-four chasers have allegedly ramped up their serious interest in Unai Emery’s mainstay centre-half recently as he allegedly sets his sights on leaving the Estadio de la Cerámica.

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As reported by The Daily Mail recently, transfer chief Fabio Paratici is firmly in the mix for Torres and there is belief that the north Londoners have been ‘given encouragement’ they can ‘strike a deal’ this summer.

The Spain international has apparently been on their wanted list for two years with manager Antonio Conte also eager to sign a central defender when the transfer window opens for business.

The Latest: Marquez makes swap deal claim…

Now, according to what Marquez has learned, a swap deal to sign Torres could be on the cards amid Villarreal’s interest in making midfielder Giovani Lo Celso’s loan a permanent one.

Speaking to South American outlet ‘All about Argentina’, the reporter claims Paratici and Spurs could offer the Argentine plus cash to seal a deal for their defensive target.

The Verdict: Go ahead?

Lo Celso has been in sublime form since joining the La Liga side, even hailed as a ‘giant’ by Spanish media, and his performances in the Champions League have really highlighted his quality.

As per WhoScored, over his six European starts before the end of Villarreal’s run, Spurs’ loanee ace averaged the second-most key passes and completed take-ons per 90 whilst also attracting the highest number of fouls – proving a real nightmare to play against.

Goalkeeper and compatriot Geronimo Rulli called Lo Celso a ‘top player in the world’ just after he signed for them in January and it appears the shot-stopper’s verdict has been vindicated judging by recent displays.

However, with Conte allegedly desperate for a world class defender, we believe letting Lo Celso leave permanently in a swap for Torres could be the way forward given he just hasn’t turned it on consistently enough back in England.

A mainstay and crucial player under Emery, Torres’ number of successful aerial duels and clearances per 90 domestically eclipse most in the Villarreal squad and back why Spurs are so keen to sign him.

Lauded as a ‘sensational’ defender, any way to whittle down the player’s asking price should definitely be considered as the club aim to back Conte.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could now lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s ‘expected to leave’! Find out more here.

Spurs urged to compete for Gnabry signing

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Tottenham Hotspur to battle it out for the signature of Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry, despite a winger not being a ‘priority’ in the summer.

The Lowdown: Impressive form

The 26-year-old, who first arrived at the Allianz Arena from Werder Bremen in 2017, has just one year remaining on his current contract and has been scintillating for the Bundesliga outfit this season, scoring 16 goals and registering ten assists across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form has seen him catch the eye of Antonio Conte, who – according to the Daily Star just last month – is pushing for the Lilywhites to pursue a cut-price deal for the German, but they are set to face serious competition from Real Madrid.

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The Latest: Kulusevski alternative

When asked for his thoughts on the possibility of Spurs pulling off a move for the 31-cap Germany international, Robinson told Football Insider:

“Gnabry is a world-class player. If he is to leave Bayern Munich you would like to think that Spurs are in the hunt for him.

“It is going to be a big summer for Spurs. A lot will depend on whether Harry Kane stays at the club, which I hope he does.

“I’d question whether Gnabry would get into the Tottenham team ahead of Son, Kane and Kulusevski right now. He’d be competition for Kulusevski but I don’t think that position is a priority at the moment.

“That level of player is what you want Spurs to be signing though.”

The Verdict: Would Gnabry have a place at Spurs?

The £63m-rated talisman has proven to be a brilliant attacking threat for Bayern this term, where he is currently averaging two shots, 1.9 dribbles, and 1.4 key passes per league game (via WhoScored), showing just how prolific he can be in the final third.

Once dubbed an “unbelievable” player by ex-Bayern midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Gnabry will already be used to life in the Premier League, having previously had a spell with Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal, so he could be tempted to make the transition back into English football should the right offer arise.

As Robinson stated, though, it might be tough for Gnabry to get into the Spurs team ahead of the likes of Kulusevski, who has become a pivotal player in recent weeks. There seems little doubt that the German will want to be in the starting XI consistently rather than occupying a place on the bench, so the best option for him could be to stay at Bayern if he desires plenty of game-time.

In other news… one journalist has reacted to recent behind-the-scenes ‘doubts’ at Tottenham

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