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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has offered transfer advice to Newcastle’s new owners…

What’s the talk?

The ex-England international believes that the Magpies should swoop for Norwich City right-back Max Aarons to bolster their defensive options.

Ferdinand has urged PIF to target talented English youngsters, naming Aarons and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher as examples.

Speaking on Vibe with Five, via the Gazette, he said:

“I’d be going mad for young, English talent. The best young, English talent.

“Max Aarons, the right-back at Norwich, Under-21 player. Conor Gallagher, straight in there. Get him in there. They’re two names, straight away, young kids who I’d say they’re coming into Newcastle. I want young, English talent.”

Long-standing problem

PIF could solve a long-standing problem at St. James’ Park by taking Ferdinand’s advice and snapping up the £19.8m-rated Aarons up from Carrow Road in January.

Newcastle have struggled in the right-back position for a number of years now, with the likes of Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth failing to impress under Steve Bruce.

Manquillo has played in four full Premier League seasons for the Magpies and never averaged a WhoScored rating higher than 6.59, which shows how uninspiring the Spaniard’s time at the club has been.

Krafth, meanwhile, averaged a rating of 6.47 last season after managing 6.30 in his debut campaign for the club, as he has managed to perform to a lower standard than Manquillo. The last time a Newcastle right-back achieved a higher score than 6.59 over the course of a season was DeAndre Yedlin all the way back in the 2017/18 campaign, as he hit a rating of 6.75.

Yedlin earned a 7.05 during the 2016/17 campaign but that was back in the Championship, hardly a fair barometer. As for Daryl Janmaat, he earned a 6.85 in 2015/16 which has to be considered fairly average.

Therefore, bringing in Aarons could help to fix that problem. The England U21 international has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.70 in the top-flight this season, despite his side still searching for their first win. However, most importantly, he has the potential to improve at the age of 21, which could make him a better option than both Manquillo and Krafth.

Last season, Canaries boss Daniel Farke hailed that Aarons whilst acknowledging that he is performing in the present at the same time. The review typified why he could become their most eye-catching right-back for the best part of six years. He said: 

“In my eyes he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future. I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.

“When you are close to 100 appearances you are already an experienced lad. He is so young and he has to improve, and he will, but what he has done in the past two years is amazing. I cannot praise him enough.”

This suggests that his average performance rating of 6.70 could rise significantly in the future if he is able to fulfil the potential his current manager believes he has. Therefore, he could end up being Newcastle’s first-choice right-back for a number of years, given his young age and scope for development, and solve their issue in that area of the pitch.

It is now down to PIF to listen to Ferdinand’s advice and make a move for the gem in the January window or next summer.

AND in other news, Deal offered: PIF making moves to seal first NUFC transfer, fans must be buzzing…

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the country’s government met with Glasgow Rangers officials and a host of other clubs north of the border after what happened with vaccine checks this past weekend.

The Lowdown: Vaccine passports question

It has previously been suggested that vaccine passports would be required for all games in Scotland from October 1st (Rangers News).

However, it now appears the passports will be required from October 21st for Rangers’ clash with Brondby, with checks taking place this past weekend to a much lesser degree.

The Latest: Sturgeon confirms talks

Speaking on Tuesday, Sturgeon discussed the the meeting with Rangers and other Scottish clubs, following Ibrox officials’ efforts to check about 20 per cent of fans on Sunday against Hibernian. She said (via The Scottish Sun):

“In relation to football fixtures over the weekend just past, while they had agreed that no fan would be turned away if they were unable to provide evidence of their vaccination status, both Hearts and Rangers tested their certification arrangements and managed to check around 20 per cent of their crowds.

“Scottish Government officials met yesterday with those clubs, together with Aberdeen, Celtic, Hibs and the managers of Hampden, to consider and learn any lessons from the weekend experiences.”

The Verdict: Controversial

These new plans are unlikely to please Gers supporters. Not only is Sturgeon not particularly popular amongst the supporters, the vaccine passports have been widely panned across Scotland (via The Scotsman). While it is a boost that the plans have been delayed, it is likely to be implemented at some point.

Rangers were at least able to check whether 20 per cent of the fans were doubly vaccinated. But they will need to increase that number quickly to comply with the country’s laws. Supporters getting on board will only help the process.

In other news, this Premier League striker reveals he almost moved to Rangers.

Fulham have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Matt Grimes to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that Marco Silva’s side have seen a second bid, believed to be in the region of £2.5m, for the Swansea City central midfielder rejected.

The report goes on to state that, at present, it appears unclear whether the Cottagers will return with a third offer for the 26-year-old in the coming days, while also suggesting that Fulham will be aware the Swans are in a difficult position regarding the former England U21 international, as he has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Liberty Stadium.

Silva will be gutted

Following Fabrizio Romano’s claim that Andre Zambo Anguissa looks set to join Napoli in the coming hours, the fact that Fulham have seen their offer rejected for a player who could well be Silva’s replacement for the Cameroon international is sure to have left the Portuguese manager gutted.

It is easy to see why Silva seems to be so keen on the Swansea City captain, as the 26-year-old would very much appear to make a fantastic addition to his Fulham side, something his form from last season illustrates perfectly.

Indeed, over his 45 Championship appearances for the Swans last term, the £6.3m-rated man scored two goals, provided three assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of one shot and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The man Steve Cooper dubbed an “excellent” player also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 5.3 duels in each league fixture.

These returns saw the £10k-per-week midfielder earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as his side’s fifth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, it is clear to see that a deal for Grimes would be a fantastic transfer for Fulham to get over the line this summer, particularly following the news that Anguissa could be on his way out of west London by the end of the day.

However, with Swansea standing firm on their demands for the 26-year-old at present, Silva will have to weigh up whether or not he can afford to go back with an improved offer for the central midfielder in the coming days.

In other news: Get him gone: Silva must ruthlessly axe Fulham’s “valuable” £24k-p/w Jokanovic flop

Rangers could potentially look to sign Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman after Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s arrival, according to journalist Stuart Hodge.

The Lowdown: Van Bronckhorst takes charge

A new era at Ibrox is now in full swing, with Van Bronckhorst replacing Steven Gerrard as Gers manager following the latter’s switch to Aston Villa.

The Dutchman won his first Premiership match in charge on Sunday, with his side picking up a 3-1 victory away to Livingston.

It is a promising start to life as Rangers boss for Van Bronckhorst, who will be hoping to achieve similar success to his playing career at Ibrox, when he won two league titles.

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The Latest: Veerman linked with Rangers move

He will be no doubt be eyeing up a few signings in order to further stamp his blueprint on the team and one player who could move to Rangers is Veerman, who has been linked with the Scottish champions in recent months.

That’s according to Hodge, who told GIVEMESPORT that he could see a transfer materialising. He said: “That one, yeah, potentially. But I think more so, that’s a market that van Bronckhorst will know well, that’s a market that’s affordable for Scottish clubs.”

The Verdict: Strong creative addition

Veerman is a midfielder with great potential, with Dutch coach Robert Molenaar once hailing him for having ‘extremely good’ technical ability.

Still only 23, he has already registered six assists in just 13 Eredivisie starts this season, highlighting the creativity he could bring to Van Bronckhorst’s team. Only James Tavernier (13) has accrued a higher assists tally for the Gers in 2021/22 across all competitions, with Ryan Kent (five) the next closest.

Veerman’s average of 2.4 key passes per game is also only bettered by Tavernier (3.9) at Rangers, so he is someone who could be an exciting and productive signing.

In other news, some Rangers fans have blasted one player after an incident against Livingston. Read more here.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting transfer claim about Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t given up hope of signing the Norway international, who of course joined the Gunners on a loan deal back in the January transfer window.

Now, Romano has delivered an update on the situation, and it makes for exciting news for Arsenal fans.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Arsenal always had clear position regarding Martin Ødegaard. He’s always been considered the main target as number 10 – also if ‘complicated’. #AFC …but if Real Madrid decide to let Ødegaard leave, Arsenal will be ready to make a proposal to sign Martin on permanent deal.”

And then, in response to a fan who asked whether Odegaard would want to come to the Emirates if Madrid didn’t want him, Romano simply replied with a “yes”.

Fans will be buzzing

While Odegaard may not have exploded onto the scene at the Emirates, he did show flashes of brilliance –  both with his creativity and off-the-ball work – to suggest that he could become a real star over a longer period for the Gunners.

As per WhoScored, the Norwegian averaged 1.4 key passes per game in the top-flight, which was the joint-highest of any Arsenal player last season along with Emile Smith Rowe.

Add to that, his 0.9 dribbles per match put him in the top five, while his impressive 90.9% pass accuracy was good enough to place him second in the Gunners’ entire squad.

Crucially, Arteta himself hailed the kind of quality Odegaard brought to the table, saying: “Well, he’s showing that I think from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

“I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”

With Arsenal having no Champions League or European football to offer whatsoever, news that Odegaard would be interested in making his return to the Emirates, and that the Gunners would look to sign him on a permanent deal however much money that costs, is news that’ll have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have made an approach for this South American star…

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as a transfer update emerged on Matthew Hoppe.

As per American journalist Grant Wahl, the Schalke striker is drawing interest from the Goodison Park faithful as well as Arsenal, after impressing in the Gold Cup with the USA.

He claims that it is ‘looking likely’ that he will leave the Bundesliga club after the tournament finishes.

Described as a player with ‘real quality’ by manager Dimitrios Grammozis back in March, Hoppe scored six goals and made one assist in 22 matches in the German top flight in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt).

He has also been likened to Robert Lewandowski with regards to his playing style, and at just 20 years of age, has a lot of potential that could be fulfilled at the Toffees, should they end up following up their reported interest.

Everton fans on Hoppe transfer update

These Blues supporters were left buzzing as the transfer update on Hoppe was shared across Twitter:

“Please @Everton pleeeeease”

Credit: @ParrettGost

“Yes please”

Credit: @NealEmbry

“Is a decent young player. I know it’s Germany but I think he could be a star in the Premier League given time swear.”

Credit: @sipatto1982

“Cool”

Credit: @joshwilbert1

“I would take Hoppe at Everton any day”

Credit: @whoisparadox

“Up the Toffees”

Credit: @DerekDevereaux

In other news, find out what club update has Evertonians buzzing here!

An update has emerged regarding Sunderland’s interest in Rotherham midfielder Matt Crooks.

What’s the talk?

According to the East Anglian Daily Times, the Black Cats are set to challenge Ipswich for the signing of Crooks, who is heading into the final 12 months of his contract with the Yorkshire club, and the Suffolk club are said to have identified him as a key target.

The report claims that Lee Johnson is also keen on the 27-year-old, whilst Championship duo Peterborough and Derby are looking at him as well.

Fans would love him

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman must act swiftly to get a deal done for Crooks following this update.

With Ipswich in pole position for his signature, the Wearsiders are currently lagging behind in the race for his services and need to get a move on or they will face missing out on the player. However, if the Black Cats make their approach now and work with urgency to strike a deal with Rotherham, then they could swoop in for him ahead of Ipswich.

Crooks could be an excellent addition to Johnson’s side after his impressive displays for Rotherham in the Championship last season. Back in November 2020, Millers boss Paul Warne called the midfielder “influential”, although he admitted that speculation over his future was potentially affecting some of his performances.

He told The Star: “I don’t know how many of my players are absolutely 100 per cent but I think Crooksy sticks out because he was so influential over the last couple of years.

“If (Mohamed) Salah doesn’t play well for Liverpool everyone notices. With Crooksy, he is getting more like the player we want him to be.

“Has the transfer rumour and anything else that has gone on in his life affected him? Maybe. But that is just an excuse. It might not have.”

The £1,900-per-week beast produced an impressive tally of six goals and three assists for Rotherham in the Championship despite their relegation last term. He was able to chip in with a respectable amount of goals whilst his team struggled at the wrong end of the table, which suggests that he is good enough to compete in the second tier and that he could thrive for Sunderland in League One.

This is why Black Cats fans would surely be all over this deal as the club could be signing a proven player who can come in and have an instant impact on the team with his goals from midfield. Instead of taking a gamble on a player from a lower league or overseas club, the Wearsiders would be gaining someone who has already shown his class at a higher standard of football in this country.

AND in other news, Speakman could strike gold for Sunderland as 6ft 1 beast agrees to join The Black Cats…

Alan Hutton has given his reaction as Glasgow Rangers managed to keep hold of their best players in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Players linked with moves

A number of players were linked with moves away from the Light Blues during the window.

The Daily Mail had reported that Everton had made a late £8m bid to try and sign Nathan Patterson, while Marcelo Bielsa wanted to sign Ryan Kent for Leeds United and Alfredo Morelos apparently agreed personal terms with Porto at one point.

The Latest: Hutton on transfers

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who is now a pundit after playing as a right-back for the Gers, has been left applauding Steven Gerrard’s team for managing to keep their best players at Ibrox after the window shut:

“I am surprised.

“I think Steven Gerrard will sleep a lot easier tonight knowing he’s kept hold of all his big-name players.

“If you sell two or three of those players to balance the books for the Champions League situation, you’re making it more difficult to retain the title. You’re getting rid of your big stars.

“As we sat here today and he’s kept them all, it’s absolutely brilliant. All Rangers fans will be breathing a sigh of relief after that.

“It’s good to see they’re heading in the right direction of the people. The people they have brought in have done well, along with the people that are already there which is excellent.

“The one main thing I’m happy about is Nathan Patterson staying.

“When that was really ramping up and the bids were coming in, I thought it might be enough for Rangers to sell.

“I’m glad to see him stay and hopefully he can kick on now.”

The Verdict: Great news

It is certainly great news that the Gers were able to keep hold of the likes of Patterson and Kent among a number of their best players.

When clubs from the Premier League come calling especially, it can be difficult for Scottish Premiership sides to turn down their advances, as Celtic have found out recently by selling Odsonne Edouard to Crystal Palace.

However, Gerrard will now have the best possible chance to win the title once more with the current squad, and also have a good crack at the UEFA Europa League, potentially increasing the values of the aforementioned players if they do eventually move on.

In other news, find out whose wages were a problem in him not leaving Rangers here!

Reading have been dealt a blow to their chances of keeping Michael Olise at the Madejski Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claimed that French champions Lille have joined the race for the £10.8m-rated attacking midfielder ahead of a potential move in the upcoming transfer window.

The 19-year-old looks set to be one of the transfer stories of the summer, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Leeds also reported to be keen on a move for the former France under-18 international.

It has been reported that the Reading star could be available for a fee of around £8m due to a release clause in his contract, although this claim is disputed.

Paunovic will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Olise has been for the Royals this season, the news of yet more interest in the midfielder is likely to come as a blow to both Veljko Paunovic and fans of the club alike.

Over his 44 Championship appearances this season, the 19-year-old scored seven goals, registered 12 assists and created 10 big chances for his team-mates, as well as averaging 1.6 shots and 1.9 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the player Sam Baldock dubbed as “fearless” earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.21, ranking him as Reading’s best performer in the league by a considerable distance.

As such, it would very much appear that the winger will be an important part of Paunovic’s plans for the Royals going forward, as the 43-year-old manager looks to build a side capable of going one further than his team managed in the Championship this season and secure a play-off position next term.

However, with such a great deal of interest in the £2,200-per-week youngster, and from clubs who will be playing Champions League football next season, the possibility of Reading keeping hold of the midfielder appears to be rather slim, something which will undoubtedly be a big blow for Paunovic.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore must clinch a bargain deal for St Johnstone left-back Scott Tanser this summer and forget about Adam Reach.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Wednesday are one of the clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old this summer. The full-back is set to become a free agent at the end of the month as his contract with the Scottish Premiership side is due to expire.

Doncaster and Shrewsbury are also said to be keen on him, whilst St Johnstone are still holding out hope that the defender will commit to staying at the club by signing a contract extension. However, the report does not state whether Tanser is considering a new deal with the Saints, and he appears set to leave the club on July 1st.

Earlier this year, St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson called Tanser “tremendous” and praised his attitude after a game. He told FourFourTwo: “Scott Tanser, who I thought was tremendous, again could be disappointed (to be left out at Hampden) but what an attitude he showed.”

Forget Reach

Reach is out of contract at the end of the month and looks poised to depart from Hillsborough on a free transfer after playing in 44 of Sheffield Wednesday’s 46 Championship matches.

Tanser could prove to be an upgrade on the versatile defender and prove a bargain addition to Moore’s Sheffield Wednesday squad ahead of the 2021/22 League One campaign.

The manager primarily deployed a system featuring three central defenders and two wing-backs, with Reach operating as the left wing-back in his Championship side. In 10 starts as a left wing-back, he averaged a respectable WhoScored rating of 6.78, failing to score a goal or provide an assist in those matches.

Tanser started 17 games in the same wing-back role for St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership this season, averaging an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.08 and scoring twice.

This suggests that he could be a discernible upgrade on Reach. The £360,000-rated St Johnstone full-back is also two years younger than the Owls defender, which could mean that he has the potential to get even better and surpass the departing Sheffield Wednesday man by a greater margin.

Moore could have the chance to coach him into becoming an even better defender and make him a crucial part of his squad as they attempt to secure promotion back to the Championship, whilst signing him for nothing. Therefore, the Wednesday boss could improve his starting XI without spending a single penny on transfer fees, which is all the more significant given reports of cost-cutting measures at the club.

AND in other news, Moore must ruthlessly axe £22k-p/w SWFC beast, Chansiri will be relieved