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Rangers have made some high-profile signings over the years, with the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup going on to becoming Ibrox legends after heading to Glasgow.

Mikel Arteta, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ronald de Boer were just some other big names who decided to move to Scotland, but there could have been a lot more if the Gers got their way.

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Rangers have had plenty of natural goalscorers at Ibrox over the last 150 years.

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From Lionel Messi to Ronaldo, Rangers nearly signed some legends of the game.

10 star players Rangers almost signed 10 Lionel Messi

Shortly before Lionel Messi made his Barcelona debut, Rangers and manager at the time Alex McLeish were alerted to the Argentine talent.

McLeish’s son, Jon, found Messi on Football Manager, with the Gers trying but failing to sign him on loan back in 2003.

9 Andres Iniesta

At the same time Rangers were trying to sign Messi, they also almost brought midfield maestro Andres Iniesta to Ibrox.

The Spaniard was a teenager at the time and nearly headed to Scotland on loan for regular game time as Rangers looked for their Barry Ferguson replacement. Unfortunately, Iniesta would get his chance in the Barca first-team shortly after and wouldn’t look back.

8 Ronaldo

Brazilian striker Ronaldo is arguably the biggest what if case when it comes to near transfer misses for Rangers.

The forward was wanted by the Gers, Lazio and Inter Milan in 1997 when he was still a Barcelona player. Ronaldo even had an offer from Rangers and former owner David Murray, but headed to Inter Milan instead.

7 Alan Shearer

Before becoming a goalscoring machine for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, Alan Shearer was a Southampton player.

The Premier League’s all-time record scorer caught the eye of Rangers boss Walter Smith in the early 1990s, however, those at Ibrox couldn’t persuade Shearer to head to Scotland.

6 Dennis Bergkamp

Smith certainly had an eye for a future attacking star, as, along with Shearer, also wanted to bring Dennis Bergkamp to Rangers in the 1990s.

Bergkamp was an Inter Milan player at the time, and after Rangers failed to put a proposal together, the skilful Dutch forward signed for Arsenal in a £7.5m deal and would go on to become a Gunners legend.

Bergkamp’s Arsenal stats

Games

422

Goals

120

Assists

116

Trophies

10

5 Samuel Eto'o

After struggling to break through into Real Madrid’s first team from their academy, Samuel Eto’o found a home with Mallorca, securing a permanent move to the Spanish side in 2000.

The Cameroon striker would star for his new side and was wanted by McLeish in 2002. Rangers missed out on Eto’o, who, two years later, would sign for Barcelona, where he won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.

4 Jaap Stam

It wasn’t just attacking stars who nearly signed for Rangers, with central defender Jaap Stam targeted by Dick Advocaat after he took over as Ibrox manager in 1998.

Stam was a PSV Eindhoven regular under Advocaat, but he couldn’t bring the towering centre-back with him to Scotland, with Sir Alex Ferguson and Man Utd winning the race.

3 Robin van Persie

A Rangers move for Robin van Persie was extremely close in 2003, with a deal even agreed with Feyenoord for the Dutch forward to move to Ibrox for just £3m.

Van Persie was persuaded to head to Ibrox by Advocaat, however, Rangers failed to raise the funds and the striker would sign for Arsenal a year later.

2 Emmanuel Petit

Rangers found themselves in a bidding war with Arsenal for Emmanuel Petit back in 1997, and if it wasn’t for the Gunners, the French midfielder could have easily been a major signing for the Gers.

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Former owner Murray once lifted the lid on how close Rangers were to bringing Petit to Ibrox.

1 Luka Modric

Rangers could have signed Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric in the early stages of his career for just £3.5m, however, those at Ibrox didn’t have the funds.

Former Rangers assistant Ally McCoist was actually sent to watch Dinamo Zagreb right-back Vedran Corluka but was stunned at what he saw from Modric and urged the club to get a deal done.

Whilst their Champions League hopes hang in the balance, Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on signing a Real Madrid player who will be allowed to leave for the right price this summer.

Aston Villa face important summer after win over Fulham

It’s been a mixed season for the Villans as they head into the closing stages of the campaign. Although Unai Emery’s side have enjoyed some incredible moments against the likes of Bayern Munich and very nearly against Paris Saint-Germain, they’ve also found themselves frustrated in the Champions League race and dumped out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage.

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Now, with a handful of games remaining, it will be their race to finish inside the top five which defines the narrative of Villa’s season. Emery recently had his say on what is set to be a frantic battle, telling reporters before his side’s win against Fulham: “2nd May today, and we are very, very excited.

“Our motivation is so, so high, motivation to finish the season, really feeling it’s our moment to play, showing as well our capacity through the most important way to get our objective, Premier League. And, of course, Villa Park is very, very important. We will need tomorrow our supporters, our fans to be with us.”

Meanwhile, off the pitch, a place among Europe’s elite would also have a significant impact on the Villans’ transfer plans. Recent reports have suggested that they’ve already got some PSR concerns and missing out on a place in the top five would hardly ease those concerns.

On that front, player sales have already been mooted too. The likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have already found themselves on Chelsea and Liverpool’s radars, but whether Villa are desperate enough on the PSR front to sell two of their biggest stars remains to be seen.

Aston Villa prioritising Lunin move

Away from potential departures, those in the Midlands are also already setting their sights on potential incomings. According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are now prioritising a move to sign Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid, who will allow their second-choice goalkeeper to leave for the right price this summer.

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The shot-stopper has played a larger role than in previous seasons thanks to Thibaut Courtois’ injury, but has found himself once again benched since the Belgian’s return. As a result, an exit could now be pending and an opportunity to land a replacement for 32-year-old Emiliano Martinez.

Dubbed a “fantastic” goalkeeper by scout/writer Jacek Kulig last season, Lunin may well be ready to step into a No.1 role and out of the Courtois shadow at Real Madrid. At 26 years old, the shot-stopper is at the peak of his powers and could yet find himself on his way to Villa Park this summer.

As the January transfer window swings open, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on signing a new fullback who has a release clause worth just £29m this month.

Liverpool transfer news

Of course, away from incomings, it’s another fullback in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold who’s been stealing the headlines this week with Real Madrid seemingly making their intentions clear. At this moment in time, it looks as though Liverpool will be able to fend off any interest from the Spanish giants regarding any January sale, but whether Alexander-Arnold signs a pre-contract agreement that will see him complete a summer move is now out of their hands.

Whilst it looks as though Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could yet stay put and sign fresh Anfield deals, all signs are pointing to Madrid for Alexander-Arnold in what would be a major blow for Arne Slot’s side.

As one fullback prepares to leave, however, another could arrive this month. According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now willing to make a strategic move to sign Miguel Gutierrez, who has a release clause of just €35m (£29m) at La Liga side Girona.

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Liverpool could be in for a tough battle to land this star.

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Although the left-back would not solve Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold problem, he would put an end to their struggles down the opposite flank which have seen Andrew Robertson begin to fall away from his best form. Just 23 years old, Gutierrez would instantly make that role his own for years to come and solve what remains the only major issue in Slot’s side.

"Phenomenal" Gutierrez would replace Robertson

With Real Madrid and Manchester United also reportedly interested in Gutierrez, there’s no doubt that Liverpool will have to act fast if they want to secure the fullback’s signature as early as this month. Dubbed “phenomenal” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the Girona star very much looks like a player destined for the top of European football, which could yet end in a winter switch to Anfield.

Replacing Robertson at this stage should be among Liverpool’s priorities too. The last thing that either party should want is for the Scot’s struggles to become further exposed in similar fashion to Kyle Walker’s at Manchester City.

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Phasing an ageing player out of the side for the fresher Gutierrez should be the way forward for the Reds. With January underway, the Girona man will certainly be one to watch.

A £42 million forward who Tottenham chiefs have held internal discussions over signing is "one to watch" in the final days of the window, with Fabrizio Romano sharing a significant update on his future.

Spurs planning one more signing for the summer window

After sealing a quartet of summer deals for senior additions in Timo Werner, Archie Gray, Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert, who all cost a total of around £113 million, it is believed that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy could look to bring in one more fresh face for manager Ange Postecoglou.

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Spurs sealed their first Premier League win of the season last Saturday with an impressive 4-0 victory over Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with goals from Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min (2) and Cristian Romero rounding off a superb display.

It is perhaps a sign of things to come from Postecoglou's men, who are looking to build upon their fifth-placed finish of last season by going one better and qualifying for the Champions League, and perhaps even competing for major silverware.

Tottenham's next five games of the 2024/2025 Premier League season

Date

Newcastle United (away)

September 1

Arsenal (home)

September 15

Brentford (home)

September 21

Man United (away)

September 29

Brighton (away)

October 6

However, they face different challenges in 2024/2025, namely their increasingly congested fixture calender due to their involvement in the new Europa League format – which is set to kick off next month.

Tottenham are believed to be plotting to move for a new midfielder before the transfer cut-off on August 31, with Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Gray and Bissouma standing out as their only available options.

Gray predominantly starred at right-back for Leeds United last term, prompting speculation as to how Postecoglou will utilise the English sensation, with Emerson Royal joining AC Milan earlier this window and there being no natural senior cover for Pedro Porro in that position.

Meanwhile, there have been other suggestions that Spurs are also prioritising a new centre-back signing before the window closes, so it appears that the Lilywhites may not be done with their most recent acquisition of Odobert from Burnley.

It remains to be seen exactly which position will be strengthened before the window shuts later this week, but another player on their radar is apparently Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman.

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport recently claimed that Spurs chiefs have discussed making a late swoop for Coman, who would cost around £42 million to prise away from the Bundesliga.

Coman could make surprise late Bayern exit as Tottenham eye move

The £276,000-per-week winger is subject to intense interest from numerous Premier League clubs, according to Romano, who explained on his YouTube channel that Coman could make a surprise late Bayern exit as Tottenham allegedly consider him.

“A player to watch in the final 24 hours, 48 hours, 56 hours or whatever. In the final days is Kingsley Coman because interest in Coman is still there," said the reporter.

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“It’s a strong interest from Premier League clubs, from Barcelona. Barca are considering Coman and Federico Chiesa.

“Kingsley Coman has several possibilities also in England. So he’s going to be one to watch for the final days because there is still an expectation for Coman to leave Bayern. There could be a surprise with Coman.”

The Frenchman has played just 16 league minutes for Bayern this season, coming after his six total goal contributions for Bayern in 17 appearances last season.

Glasgow Rangers return to action in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night in their third attempt to face Dundee away from home at Dens Park.

The Light Blues need to bounce back from their disappointing defeat away to Ross County last time out with all three points in this match ahead of their cup tie with Hearts.

Philippe Clement's side can close the gap between themselves and Celtic to just one point in the Premiership table if they pick up the win on Wednesday.

The Belgian head coach could look make changes and alter his starting XI from the 3-1 loss to Ross County, and here is FFC's predicted Gers lineup for the clash with Dundee.

1 Jack Butland

Former England international Jack Butland, who was signed on a free transfer from Crystal Palace last summer, did not enjoy his best afternoon last time out, as two of his saves were followed up by finishes from opposition forwards.

However, the towering colossus, who has started all 32 games in the league for the Light Blues, seems likely to retain his place as the first choice.

2 James Tavernier

At right-back, James Tavernier could start again after he netted his 17th league goal of the season from the penalty spot against Ross County.

The Rangers captain has scored in six of his last seven league games for the club, scoring seven goals in that time, and could look to add to his tally against Dundee.

3 Connor Goldson

At the heart of the defence, Connor Goldson could retain his position at centre-back for the Scottish giants despite the team conceding three goals.

He won all eight of his individual duels but will be hoping to organise his defence better to stop soft goals being given away on Wednesday night.

4 John Souttar

Alongside Goldson, John Souttar could start once again after a solid performance in spite of the team's poor display and defensive showing last time out.

The Scotland international made multiple last-ditch blocks and clearances – with two blocks and five clearances in total – to stop the scoreline being even worse than it was.

5 Dujon Sterling

The first alteration to the starting XI could come at left-back as Borna Barisic could be ditched from the team to make away for Dujon Sterling.

Against Ross County, the Croatian lightweight only completed 67% of his attempted passes and won just one ground duel in 54 minutes on the pitch.

Whereas, Sterling won ten of his 12 ground duels and completed 74% of his attempted passes in 90 minutes against Celtic in the Old Firm clash at left-back, and could provide a more combative presence at the back for the Light Blues if selected over Barisic.

This is why Clement could unleash the "powerful" – as described by former boss Alex Neil at Stoke City – battler from the start at left-back against Dundee.

6 John Lundstram

John Lundstram could keep his place at the base of the midfield, despite falling asleep for the second Ross County goal to allow his man to score a rebound from Butland's save.

He did, however, complete 90% of his attempted passes and win four of his six physical duels throughout the game, which shows that it was not a completely poor display from the former Sheffield United man.

7 Nicolas Raskin

The second alteration to the starting XI could come next to Lundstram in the middle of the park, with Nicolas Raskin replacing Kieran Dowell.

Against Ross County, the former Norwich man failed to create any chances or register a single effort on goal, whilst being dribbled past twice by opposition players.

Raskin, who has only been dribbled past 0.6 times per game and won 55% of his duels in the Premiership this season, could be given an opportunity to shine in his place.

8 Todd Cantwell

In the attacking midfield position, Todd Cantwell should start again after an energetic and unfortunate performance against Ross County on Sunday.

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The English whiz forced a terrific save out of Ross Laidlaw during the first half and then hit the crossbar with a fierce effort in the second half, which suggests that the talented attacker was unlucky not to score on the day.

He also created two chances for his teammates and won ten duels throughout the game, and should now be given another chance to showcase his quality.

9 Abdallah Sima

On the right of the attacking trio, Abdallah Sima should retain his position in the starting XI to offer a goalscoring threat in the final third for Rangers.

The Senegal international, who is on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, has scored 11 goals in 16 Premiership starts this season, and could fire the team to the three points if provided with the right chances in front of goal.

10 Fabio Silva

In the number nine position, Clement could finally ditch Cyriel Dessers from the lineup, as he has not been on the bench in the league since the 28th of February against Kilmarnock, after he produced a horrorshow against Ross County.

The Nigerian marksman missed two 'big chances' and lost 80% of his duels throughout the game, as he proved himself to be a liability out of possession and in front of goal.

Fabio Silva, who usually plays on the left flank, should now be handed an opportunity to show what he can do as the central striker, which is a position he has played in for Rangers earlier this term.

Chelsea are one of the clubs who are firmly in the running to sign an exciting teenage forward in the near future, according to a fresh report that has emerged this week.

Chelsea's summer arrivals

The Blues recruited 12 fresh faces in total during the previous transfer window, with some of the biggest names to walk through the doors being the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, with all 12 of the new arrival joining permanently. And while Mauricio Pochettino will be assessing his options in the market as to who he could sign to immediately throw straight into his starting line-up, the manager is clearly keen to start securing some up-and-coming talents to build a squad for his long-term project.

The Stamford Bridge manager appears to have highlighted Palmeiras’ right-winger Estevao Willian as an ideal candidate, with the 16-year-old currently being a regular feature of his club’s academy side, having failed to make a single appearance yet at senior level (Transfermarkt – Willian statistics).

Brazil’s youth international still has another three years remaining on his deal because he only committed to fresh terms back in April, but regardless, that hasn’t stopped several high-profile clubs from wanting to secure his services, albeit he likely wouldn’t join until he reaches the age of 18.

Todd Boehly interested in Estevao Willian

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are keen on Willian, but they are set to face stiff competition from plenty of other teams who are also keeping close tabs on his situation, some of them being in the Premier League.

“Manchester United have joined Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in the race for Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian, TEAMtalk can reveal. He has a £47m release clause in his current deal but it is unlikely clubs will have to meet the full clause to prise him away from his homeland.”

Chelsea could land "world-class" talent in Willian

Whilst Willian is still at a very young age, Chelsea will be aware of the bags of potential that he has to offer, so if they want to get a deal over the line for the forward in the near future, they will need to act fast should they want to beat their fellow competitors to his signature.

The Franca native has clocked up six involvements (three goals and the same number of assists), in just five appearances for Brazil’s U17s, showing how prolific he can be in the final third, not to mention how well he performs under pressure when representing his country.

Sponsored by Nike, the left-footed rising star is also capable of operating out wide on both the left and right flanks, so his versatility to provide cover in another position outside of his own would make him a useful option to have in the building should any injuries occur.

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According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Willian is a “world-class” talent, and if he lives up to expectations and performs at the equally high standard just like the club’s former favourite with the same name did, he could go on to become an integral member of the squad in years to come.

Liverpool have tabled yet another fresh bid for highly-rated young Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, having seen a £46m offer rejected, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

How much does Romeo Lavia cost?

The Reds' interest in the 19-year-old has been one of this summer's biggest transfer sagas, as they look to make further midfield signings ahead of the new Premier League season.

While Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have come in as exciting-looking additions, no other signings have been made, despite losing Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the same time.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

It is Lavia who is seemingly considered Liverpool's No.1 option to come in and replace Fabinho in the defence midfield role, however, and on Monday they saw a third offer worth £46m turned down by Southampton, as the Championship side continue to hold firm.

Saints are demanding somewhere more in the region of £50m for the Belgian's services, and it looks as though the Reds may have finally bid that amount, following a new update.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?

Writing on Twitter on Monday night, Jacobs claimed that a fourth bid for Lavia has now been made by Liverpool almost immediately after the third, as they wait to hear Southampton's latest response:

"Understand Liverpool have already made another improved offer for Romeo Lavia after Southampton rejected their last £46m bid."

This whole situation has become rather painful at this point, with Liverpool making a mountain out of a molehill, in terms of continually bidding below the asking price when it is clear that Southampton aren't going to budge. The Reds must either stump up the £50m needed to get Lavia, or walk away from the deal and look at bringing in a different option in the No.6 role.

For Liverpool to be heading into their Premier League away to Chelsea on Sunday with no recognised defensive midfielder in their squad is a fairly ludicrous situation to be in, and even if Lavia does arrive before that game, it seems highly unlikely that he will feature, considering how late the Reds have left it.

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Should this latest bid be accepted, though, the Merseysiders would be acquiring the services of a hugely exciting young footballer with a very high ceiling – one who Pep Guardiola has described as "incredible" in the past, with journalist Jacob Tanswell hailing him as "ridiculous".

At 19, it would be unfair to expect too much from Lavia straight away, as he gets used to playing for such a massive club – another No.6 with a little more experience is needed, too, but it remains to be seen if that will happen – but he showed last season that he can excel in the Premier League, arguably outperforming every other Southampton player and doing his best to keep them in the top flight, prior to their relegation.

An average of 2.1 tackles per game across 29 league appearances highlights his off-the-ball quality, but he is also a class act in possession, proving to be good in tight spaces and receiving the ball on the half-turn, completing 86.4% of his passes in a struggling Saints team last term.

Jurgen Klopp is pushing the Liverpool hierarchy to complete three new signings by the end of June as the German targets a return to the top next season.

After coming ever so close to winning the quadruple in 2022, Liverpool fell off, finishing fifth in the Premier League and failing to win any silverware.

Injuries, fatigue and a lack of high-quality midfield personnel contributed to Liverpool's disappointing season but the transfer window provides an opportunity to develop and improve.

What are Liverpool's summer transfer window plans?

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Liverpool hope to complete three signings before players return from holiday for pre-season in order to prepare as well as possible for the 2023/24 season.

The priority this summer is to sign multiple midfielders with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all leaving the club. Their contracts are set to expire after the Reds elected not to extend their terms.

Additionally, Klopp wants a centre-back, a right-back and potentially a new backup goalkeeper should Caoimhin Kelleher leave the club as has been speculated.

Promisingly, Alexis Mac Allister is a "top target" and negotiations with Brighton are "at an advanced stage" with Liverpool said to be "increasingly confident" they can reach an agreement for the World Cup champion.

Klopp is pushing the club hierarchy to get deals done as quickly as possible so they can join early enough to be involved in the entirety of pre-season.

How much would signing Alexis Mac Allister cost Liverpool?

Sky Sports report that Brighton want more than £70m for Mac Allister. It's a steep price to pay but Liverpool's midfield options are limited now and there are still a few ageing midfielders at the club despite Milner's impending departure.

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Jordan Henderson (32), Thiago (32) and Fabinho (29) are all in the twilight of their careers so Liverpool need to plan their rebuild carefully so as to avoid needing to cull their ranks again in a couple of years.

Liverpool only have themselves to blame after failing to keep their midfield options refreshed. Klopp will be hoping that the club can deliver the talent he needs to return his side to the top of the table.

Not having Champions League football means the Reds will have a smaller budget than they would prefer as well as not having the draw of European nights to offer players.

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested Tottenham could make a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi with his summer transfer ‘very possible’.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new midfielder?

Over the January window, Spurs were linked with moves for new central midfielders, with one example being USA international Weston McKennie.

The former Schlake star eventually ended up joining Leeds United, leaving manager Antonio Conte without a new midfield signing last month.

Deals were instead completed for exciting right-wing-back Pedro Porro and winger Arnaut Danjuma, with the latter man joining on a temporary deal from Villarreal.

The Latest: Jacobs hints at Zubimendi move…

Writing on his CaughtOffside substack, CBS reporter Jacobs has urged supporters to ‘keep an eye’ on Spurs when it comes to Zubimendi.

The 23-year-old’s transfer away from Sociedad is ‘very possible’, according to the journalist, with Jacobs suggesting that Tottenham are now in the frame and could make a move.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The Spain international has a €60m (£53m) release clause in his Sociedad contract and, if Spurs decide to trigger it, they could end up getting a very promising player.

Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil heavily favours Zubimendi with only goalkeeper Alex Remiro playing more La Liga minutes than the defensive midfielder.

Zubimendi is a key cog in their system and heavily reliable in front of the back four – ranking among their very best for tackles won, interceptions and blocks made per 90 (WhoScored).

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Barcelona manager Xavi has also lavished the Spaniard as a ‘great player’ who is more ‘physical’ and ‘faster’ than Nou Camp legend Sergio Busquets.

Endorsements from such a legend point to Zubimendi potentially being a great investment on Spurs’ part with the only issue being their already-stacked midfield ranks.

Everton have not had the start to their Premier League campaign that Frank Lampard would have been hoping for after surviving relegation only in their penultimate game of last season.

The Toffees are currently 17th after losing four of their last five league games ahead of the World Cup break which has now left them one point clear of the relegation zone and the Everton manager will be scrambling for solutions to improve his side when they return to action after Christmas.

Everton suffered the worst injury record in the entire Premier League last season and the team is yet again struggling with a similar situation this time around with a number of key players picking up fitness problems over the campaign so far.

Currently, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Garner, Tom Davies, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andros Townsend are out of action, with not only the attacking threat weakened but a number of midfielders, in particular, picking up issues.

As a result, Lampard will be hoping that he can add quality depth to his squad in the January transfer window which will open just a few days after the Premier League resumes.

One midfielder who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park is Serbia and Torino ace Sasa Lukic and could be just the profile of player needed to inject some quality into the centre of the pitch.

Over 12 Serie A appearances, the 26-year-old ace has scored two goals and created two big chances, demonstrating his efficiency in the final third. He has tallied up an 89% pass completion rate, as well as averaging 1.4 tackles and winning 3.2 duels per game, proving that he is a solid all-round threat in his central role.

The midfielder, who could cost €15m (£12.8m), has been the recipient of high praise for his performances in the Italian side with former Torino team-mate Gleison Bremer commenting:

“I know some players from Serie A, such as Saša Lukić, I was with him in Turin, he’s an excellent midfielder.”

In fact, Lampard could land his very own Koke with the Atletico Madrid star named as the third most comparable positional peer to Lukic according to FBref.

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The Spanish and Serbian midfielders have shared many similarities in their output this season so far including goal contributions (2 v 2), pass completion (86.3% v 82.1%), tackles won (12 v 13) and clearances (9 v 9).

That shows that they are both aggressive central fixtures for their team with an element of composure sprinkled into their passing play.

Lukic is currently representing his national team at the World Cup in Qatar and the powers at Goodison Park will surely be keeping a close eye on the player’s progress during the prestigious international tournament with Serbia set to take on Cameroon this morning.