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Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey may have played his last game for the Ibrox club, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

The Lowdown: January loan move

The 31-year-old arrived at Ibrox in January after making a short-term loan switch during the winter transfer window.

Disappointingly, various injuries and moments to forget saw the Welshman limited to just nine starts in all competitions for the Gers,  only five of which were in the Premiership.

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The Latest: Ramsey touted for Rangers exit

The Juventus midfielder’s arrival at Rangers looked a real coup at the time for the Light Blues, with Ibrox chief Ross Wilson hailing Ramsey’s “wonderful character” upon coming to Glasgow, but the loan deal ultimately proved to be underwhelming for the Wales international.

As a result, O’Rourke thinks that the 31-year-old may have played his last game for the club, telling GiveMeSport: “I’m sure Aaron Ramsey looked like he enjoyed his time at Rangers.

“But a deal would have to be subsidised because of his wages at Juventus if Rangers were to bring him back. As it stands right now, it looks like he might have played his last game for the club.”

The Verdict: What went wrong?

Ramsey’s lucrative move to Serie A side Juventus shares similarities to that of his short-term loan switch to Rangers, as the Welshman’s struggles to keep himself fit overshadowed his performances on the pitch. Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst even acknowledged the 31-year-old’s “quality”, but also admitted that the midfield wizard occasionally had a “difficult” time of it in Glasgow.

In fact, the midfielder was ranked just 14th out of the entire Rangers squad for his performances in the Premiership (via SofaScore), while his last (and telltale) contribution in blue may well have been the agonising penalty miss in the shoot-out defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final.

Therefore, it indeed seems unlikely that we will see Ramsey in a Blues shirt again next season.

In other news: One Rangers man is reportedly close to signing a new contract

Roberto De Fanti, a renowned football super agent, has now made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving target Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter talks…

The Lilywhites have allegedly entered discussions over signing Inter Milan’s star defender this summer, coming after they confirmed the signings of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals.

Bastoni is believed to a be serious target for manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici with both of them ‘keen’ to get a deal done early before Premier League pre-season (Dharmesh Sheth).

The Italy international will apparently be allowed to leave for around €70 million (£60m), and according to De Fanti, the transfer is very possible.

The Latest: De Fanti makes Bastoni claim…

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The football agent believes this is a deal that could certainly happen and ‘materialise’, even if Spurs may have to significantly invest to get it over the line.

He explained to CaughtOffside:

“This deal might happen. I wouldn’t be surprised, at all, if it did.

“He wouldn’t come cheap, we’re talking the same kind of sums that Manchester United paid Leicester City for Harry Maguire, but it is definitely a transfer that could materialise.

“When it comes to signing Bastoni, clubs, especially Tottenham Hotspur, know that although he is only 23-years-old, they would be signing a guaranteed superstar – he really is that good.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Earning rave reviews from De Fanti, as well as being a ‘guaranteed superstar’, Bastoni has also been called a ‘defensive genius’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy.

The £122,000-per-week centre-half comes with a glowing reputation, real sell-on value and bags of potential – surely making this an absolute priority deal for Tottenham.

In other news: ‘Recently…’ – Journalist now makes ‘sensational’ striker claim involving Tottenham, find out more here.

Manchester United are interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard, according to reports in Belgium (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: A new dawn

Following the official appointment of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, United have been linked with a plethora of players in the ensuing weeks.

Most notable are the links with a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, however, the Dutch manager is expected to take a close look at every department of the squad.

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In order to bolster the attack, the 52-year-old could be about to make a surprise attempt to prize a bring a rather under-the-radar Premier League star to Manchester…

The latest: United ‘interested’

As per a late-night report from Voetbalkrant, translated by SW, the Red Devils are believed to be keen on the 27-year-old attacker.

It’s claimed that Ten Hag is ‘interested’ in signing Trossard – who was described as an ‘underrated player’ by journalist Alessandro Schiavone this week in the wake of a brace against Poland in what was a stunning 8.4/10 rated display with a 100 per cent pass success rate (Sofascore).

The report makes no mention of a fee but having been signed for £15million (Sky Sports), Brighton would likely demand a profit on their ace despite the Belgian international’s admission of a desire to take the ‘next step’ in his career.

The verdict: Worth the gamble

Capped on 17 occasions by Belgium at the senior level, Trossard certainly appears to be entering the peak of his career right now.

Last season, the supremely versatile forward scored eight times and provided three assists in 32 Premier League outings for a side that struggled to score for the most part. He was also man of the match, per Whoscored, destroying his new suitors in the Seagulls’ 4-0 thumping of Ralf Rangnick’s United.

Capable of operating as a centre-forward, number ten and on either wing, adding the former Genk man would be a smart move from Ten Hag, particularly following the departure of Juan Mata, who was equally useful at carrying out numerous roles.

Heading towards the final 12 months of a deal on the south coast and sharing stylistic similarities with Jonathan Ikone, Said Benrahma and United’s own Jadon Sancho (Fbref), making a genuine move the diminutive forward would be an affordable and worthwhile venture.

In other news, Erik ten Hag could be key in luring this star to Old Trafford

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is believed to be keen on a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon, having previously worked with the Welshman at Swansea City.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has suggested joining the newly-promoted side could be an ideal fit for the 24-year-old, amid reports that Cooper is interested in a reunion with the centre-back.

The transfer insider stated: “You can’t play more minutes for your country than club, so he either needs to leave on loan or go permanently. Not a Championship loan, a Premier League loan, and in the team.

“Forest could be a really good option and that would be a good move from Cooper and of course he would know him from Swansea, so I would put my thumbs up at that one.”

The 27-cap gem remains a regular at international level despite having struggled for game time since joining Spurs in an £11m deal back in October 2020, making just eight Premier League starts in that time.

Dawson 2.0

That lack of action – which saw the £24k-per-week colossus fail to make a single league start in the 2021/22 campaign – may be a point of concern for Forest fans, although the belief will be that the 6 foot 4 ace can rediscover his form under the tutelage of a familiar face.

While he had been handed his Swansea debut under current Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter during the 2018/19 season, Rodon kicked on again following Cooper’s appointment the following year, starting all of the first 13 league games of the 2019/20 campaign, with only a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury halting that run.

He would return to eventually make 21 Championship appearances in total that season, averaging an impressive 5.4 clearances, 1.6 interceptions and one tackle per game, with such form ultimately leading to his move to north London.

Having hit a wall in his career under Antonio Conte, however, a fresh change is needed this summer, with his continued impressive form for his country showcasing that he remains an undoubted talent, having previously been dubbed “flawless” by journalist Ian Mitchelmore.

A vital part of the Wales side that has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, the £7.2m-rated gem will seemingly be in need of regular game time in the coming months to ensure he is in prime condition for the winter tournament.

As for the Forest perspective, such a signing could prove to be something of a masterstroke, with the City Ground outfit potentially set to secure the arrival of a player in a similar mould to that of former skipper Michael Dawson.

A product of the club’s youth academy, the Englishman began his senior career in Nottingham, featuring for the club in the second and third-tier before joining Spurs in 2005, eventually spending nine years at White Hart Lane and emerging as a Premier League regular.

After a brief stint at Hull City, Dawson returned to his first club in 2018, assuming the club captaincy until his eventual release and subsequent retirement in 2021, with supporters showing their admiration for his services to the club upon his departure.

Like Rodon, the 38-year-old was an uncompromising, old-school defender willing to put his body on the line for the team, with the current crop perhaps in need of a reliable, defensive rock as they navigate their way through life back in the top tier.

Signing the one-time Cheltenham Town loanee could also prove a case of revenge for those at Forest, as they can poach the central defender from the Lilywhites – the same club who had plucked Dawson 17 years ago.

AND in other news: Cooper eyeing Forest swoop for “prolific” £34m phenomenon, he’s a big Taylor upgrade

Nottingham Forest are advancing on a deal to sign Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate this summer, journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Defensive additions needed?

As Steve Cooper gets his team ready for life in the Premier League, there is no denying that new signings are required to strengthen the squad.

Taiwo Awoniyi looks likely to be summer signing number one in a £17.5m deal from Union Berlin, with attention now turning to other positions.

While Forest were impressive defensively last season, conceding 40 times in 46 Championship matches, they are about to come up against a different level of attacking talent.

And it looks as though Cooper is focusing on acquiring a new centre-back, following a fresh transfer update.

The Latest: Forest eye up Niakhate move

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Romano claimed that Forest are working on a deal to bring Niakhate to the City Ground this summer:

“Nottingham Forest are also working to sign Moussa Niakhaté from Mainz – negotiations are advanced.”

The Verdict: Strong summer signing

Niakhate could be a perfect summer signing for Forest, bringing with him the type of defensive dominance that is required in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old started 29 Bundesliga games for Mainz last season, averaging 2.2 clearances and 1.9 aerial duel wins per game. He also scored four goals for good measure, which is an extra string to his bow at 6 foot 3.

The fact that Niakhate’s current Mainz deal expires next year means they may be willing to sell now, in order to receive a fee for him, making it an ideal situation for Cooper and Co to swoop in.

In other news, Romano has also dropped another key Forest transfer update. Read more here.

Manchester United have recently been linked with Hoffenheim left-back David Raum and the Germany international could be Erik ten Hag’s version of Andrew Robertson should he make the move to Old Trafford this summer.

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, United are keen on signing the 24-year-old after his superb performances in the Bundesliga last season.

After joining Hoffenheim on a free transfer from Greuther Fuerth in the summer of 2021, Raum would go on to enjoy a spectacular debut season in Sebastian Hoeness’ side, contributing three goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga, averaging a superb 7.16 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Only four players in Germany’s top flight would provide more assists than the wing-back, which goes to show the creativity he could add in ten Hag’s side next season.

While the Dutch manager currently has Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in his squad for next season, neither player could nail down a starting spot under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Ragnick last season, and both were comfortably outperformed by Raum.

If United were able to bring the German defender to Old Trafford, he could prove to be similar to Liverpool’s flying Scottish defender – Andrew Robertson.

According to FBref, the Scotland captain is the sixth-most similar player to Raum in terms of style of play, with the duo receiving extremely similar scores for expected goals, goal-creating actions and dribble success rates last season.

In fact, despite Robertson’s superb season for Liverpool, Raum outperforms him in a lot of defensive and attacking statistics, so it seems clear that he would be an upgrade on the current options in United’s squad.

WhoScored suggests that both Raum and Robertson excel at crossing, passing, holding onto the ball and set-pieces, so they clearly both have very similar attacking styles of play.

German football journalist Adam Khan was full of praise for Raum’s performances last season, writing:

“Like most modern fullbacks drawing attention around Europe, David Raum is an exceptional attacking threat. Whether through a lung-bursting run, or a well-placed delivery, the 23-year-old has one of the most devastating creative arsenals in the top-flight this season.”

Therefore, if United can bring the €35m (£30m) defender to Old Trafford this summer then he would surely prove to be a quality acquisition, and if he performs to the same level as Robertson has for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, then he will surely prove to be a bargain.

And, in other news: Man United could unearth their own Mahrez as ten Hag nears “unreal” £40m signing

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez could leave Anfield this summer in order to be a key player elsewhere, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Gomez fourth-choice for Reds

The centre-back endured a frustrating 2021/22 season on a personal level, finding himself fourth-choice behind Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate.

It meant that Gomez started just four times in the Premier League overall, with only six appearances in all competitions coming in his preferred central role.

This has subsequently led to the 25-year-old being linked with a summer move away from Liverpool, with Aston Villa among those eyeing him up, while The Mirror reported last week that he is becoming frustrated with the sparsity of game-time he has received in recent months.

The Latest: Pundit talks up summer exit

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that Gomez could move on from Anfield this summer.

The former England goalkeeper said of the defender’s future:

“It all depends on how Gomez feels at the club. He will be very aware of the opportunities or lack of opportunities he has going into next season. You only have one career.

“Joe Gomez will be frustrated by the amount of game time he had last season. It is up to him and the type of person he is to see if he can continue that. He might seek a move elsewhere.

“We have already seen huge upheaval at Liverpool this year with Sadio Mane going. If Gomez was to go, I think they would have to replace him.

“It will all come down to the player. Jurgen Klopp will certainly not be looking to move him on. He’s a great player to have in your squad. He isn’t going to play every week though.”

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The Verdict: Need to keep him

While it would be wholly understandable if Gomez chooses to leave the Reds before next season – he may want to start regularly before the World Cup later this year – it would still be preferable for the club to keep hold of him for another while yet.

He remains a relatively young player and it looks as though serious injury problems haven’t affected him too much, meaning that he can still be a long-term figure at Anfield. Indeed, Jurgen Klopp has called him ‘sensational’ in the past, so the manager clearly realises the 25-year-old’s worth as a player.

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Granted, Gomez will find it hard to forge a regular starting role any time soon, given the brilliance of the other three centre-backs, but Van Dijk and Matip turn 31 this year and injuries could always present an opportunity to fringe players.

Also, you only have to go back to 2020/21 to see how a spate of injuries in defence can dramatically alter the course of Liverpool’s fortunes…

Nottingham Forest are getting stuck into the summer transfer window ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s next steps.

What’s the latest?

According to the senior writer for The Athletic Daniel Taylor, Nottingham Forest will make a bid for Lewis O’Brien with the midfield becoming a priority for the club.

Taylor tweeted:

“Midfield now priority for NFFC (and wing-backs). Forest will go in for Lewis O’Brien at #HTAFC as well as Harry Toffolo. Others also targeted.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited to see Forest making so many moves in the transfer market to bolster and improve their team ahead of a difficult challenge upon their return to the Premier League next month, as they can put themselves in a great position to compete with the right signings.

O’Brien has had an impressive season at Huddersfield Town, with his performance helping the side get to the Championship play-off final at Wembley only losing out to, ironically, Nottingham Forest at the last hurdle to crush their dreams of promotion back into the top-flight.

The 23-year-old scored three goals, delivered three assists and created four big chances as he showed off his immense attacking skills.

He also made one key pass, 2.2 tackles and took 1.1 shots on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (51%) while he was successful in completing the vast majority of his dribble attempts (70%).

This output over his 43 Championship appearances proves that the young midfielder is capable of being a consistent nuisance for his opponents in both attacking and defensive play, something Steve Cooper would highly value in his Forest team next season.

Former Huddersfield manager Carlos Corberan even branded the player “special” in a press conference last season, praising O’Brien’s versatility and effectiveness in positioning.

Corberan claimed (via Yorkshire Live):

“It’s not only the fact that Lewis O’Brien can compete at a top-level every single time he plays whatever position he is on the football pitch, it’s how he reacts to how you make him play in different positions.

“There is what makes him a special player and that is the fact that means I don’t see limits in his career and I don’t see limits in his potential.”

With that being said, the signing of O’Brien would be a major coup for Nottingham Forest as he is not only clearly very talented but can offer Cooper the depth in a number of roles, which could see him become a very valuable asset to the manager in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: David Ornstein drops huge NFFC transfer development that’ll excite supporters

Wolves have been heavily linked with Vitoria de Guimaraes midfielder Andre Almeida in recent days, and he could be the ideal heir to Joao Moutinho in Bruno Lage’s side.

Recent reports have suggested that the Old Gold are very keen on signing the €50m (£42.2m) gem, who looks set to leave the Primeira Liga club this summer ahead of his contract expiring next year.

While Wolves were able to convince Moutinho to stay put for another year, the former Porto magician will turn 36 in September and cannot be relied upon to play at the top level for much longer, so the Old Gold should be on the lookout for a younger replacement.

Almeida made 31 appearances in the Portuguese top flight last season, and while he failed to contribute a single goal or assist, he clearly possesses ability on the ball as he averaged an impressive 86.3% passing accuracy rate.

Moutinho is regarded as something of a pass master, and in the Premier League last season he averaged an 86.7% passing accuracy rate, which was only slightly better than Almeida.

The 22-year-old also averaged more shots and dribbles per game than Moutinho, which suggests that he is more capable of getting forward and influencing the attack, whereas the Wolves veteran arguably no longer possesses the athleticism to play in both penalty boxes.

Wolves are yet to sign anyone so far this summer, and they look very low on central midfield options.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Connor Ronan could easily still leave Molineux, which would leave Lage’s squad looking extremely thin in the middle of the park.

Therefore, signing the £4.5m-rated Almeida would make a lot of sense for the Old Gold this summer; and considering his obvious ability on the ball, he could be the ideal candidate to take over from Moutinho when the 35-year-old leaves the Black Country.

AND, in other news: The Athletic journalist shares “huge blow” for Wolves, supporters will be gutted

Journalist Andrew Dickson has hailed a ‘terrific’ piece of business from Rangers as they prepare to sell Calvin Bassey.

The lowdown

The Nigerian defender is set to depart Ibrox, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Monday morning that the 22-year-old will put pen to paper on a four-year deal with Dutch giants Ajax.

Rangers accepted an offer of an initial €22m (£18.7m) with a further €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons (€27m/£22.9m) in total), and they will also bank ‘around 10%’ of the proceeds from any future sale.

Two years ago, Rangers signed Bassey on a free transfer after he left Premier League outfit Leicester City. He now looks set to follow Joe Aribo, who joined Southampton for £6.4m, out of Ibrox this month.

The latest

Taking to Twitter, Dickson applauded Rangers for generating a ‘massive’ profit on Bassey, and he was also happy to see the Nigerian signing for Ajax ahead of fellow suitors Brighton.

The reporter tweeted: “Delighted for Bassey that he’s going to Ajax over Brighton, it’s a much better move for him in my opinion. Terrific deal for RFC again off the back of Aribo joining Southampton. Transfer fees totalling half a million combined for massive profit each time. Doing it the right way.”

The verdict

Rangers didn’t pay a penny for Bassey but he gave them so much last season.

He played 50 games in all competitions, starting every knockout match on the Gers’ run to the Europa League final, and his heroic displays on the continent were recognised when he was named in UEFA’s Team of the Season for the tournament.

Rangers are already £3.44m in the black for the current transfer window, and that margin is about to skyrocket once the Nigeria defender’s impending sale goes through.

They may reap further rewards a few years down the line if Bassey, who is only 22 years old, makes yet another step up during his time in Amsterdam.