Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly waiting for a green-light from the Kroenkes to seal his first major signing at the club, with an agreement for the player described as “done”.
Arsenal transfer plans as Mikel Arteta prepares for PSG
With their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace done and dusted on Wednesday evening, Mikel Arteta can now put full focus into their far more important Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG next Tuesday.
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal "really" want £50m player, talks already held
The north Londoners are very keen.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025
The Gunners face France’s champions in a mouthwatering European encounter which has the power to make or break Arsenal’s season, and Arteta’s side now have six days to prepare for their most crucial match of the season so far.
Arsenal’s final Premier League games of 2024/2025
Date
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Arteta’s mind will only be on how to ge the better of Luis Enrique’s high-flying PSG side, who’ve seriously impressed both domestically and in Europe, but he’ll take comfort from the fact Aston Villa very nearly upset them in the last round.
Off the field, Berta and co are already making transfer plans for next season.
Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport). It was also reported that they could bring in two midfielders, with Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes linked.
However, it has since come to light that the north Londoners could extend Thomas Partey’s contract instead, following an impressive end to the campaign.
It is unclear how this will impact their ongoing attempts to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, but given Jorginho is still likely to leave the Emirates, Arteta will still be in need of reinforcements for the engine room.
Arsenal have been in talks to sign Zubimendi for months, and there is confidence that the Spain international will eventually arrive and depart his boyhood club for the Premier League, one year after he rejected a switch to Liverpool.
Arsenal agree Martin Zubimendi deal as Berta awaits green-light
According to journalist Juan Castro, writing in a column for Marca (via Sport Witness), Arsenal’s deal for Zubimendi actually seems to be “done”.
However, there are a few things holding up despite the alleged agreement, with one of them being Arsenal’s owners – Josh and Stan Kroenke. Berta is believed to be waiting on the club’s board members to sanction Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause payment, while Real Madrid could still come in to mount a late hijack.
If the Kroenkes refuse to green-light a move, it could collapse, with Los Blancos also posing some threat in the background, even if it is still unlikely Real pose a threat at this stage, with a deal very far down the line.
Zubimendi would be a stellar capture for Arteta, and has been described as the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal, so supporters will be hoping the Kroenkes eventually give the go ahead.
Tottenham Hotspur are now seen as favourites to appoint an “exciting” manager ahead of a significant Bundesliga side, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy allegedly making plans to potentially replace Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham identify new managers amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty
Postecoglou could lead the Lilywhites to their first European final since 2019, if they manage to get past Bodo/Glimt at their freezing-cold ground in Norway on Thursday.
Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager who Levy wants is tempted to replace Ange
He’s now open to joining Spurs.
ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025
The prospect of a first major trophy since 2008 is also very much alive for Tottenham, but domestically, it’s been a season to forget. The north Londoners could still break their record for most Premier League losses in a single campaign, with Postecoglou’s side tasting defeat on 19 separate occasions already this term.
Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures
Date
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
A succession of injuries to key players throughout 2024/2025 have severely handicapped Spurs’ chances of success, but only the three relegated sides (Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton) have lost more games overall, which simply isn’t good enough for a ‘big six’ side.
As a result, Postecoglou has been under the microscope, and there are reports the Australian could part ways with Tottenham regardless of their possible success in the Europa League (The Telegraph).
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been mentioned as managerial candidates to replace Postecoglou in the last few weeks, alongside more high-profile names like Carlo Ancelotti, Jürgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso (GiveMeSport).
Another name who’s reportedly attracting interest from N17 is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.
Last month, German media sources indicated that Tottenham have already made contact with Glasner over a potential move (Sport Bild), but the Austrian is also a top target for RB Leipzig amid their hunt for a new manager.
Tottenham ahead of RB Leipzig in race to appoint Oliver Glasner
The Austrian is turning heads after an excellent campaign at Palace, where he’s guided the Eagles to an FA Cup final at Wembley.
The south Londoners have a chance to win their first ever major trophy under Glasner’s watch, after coming very close in 2016, when they lost the FA Cup final to Man Utd under Alan Pardew.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with media outlet Bild now reporting that Spurs are seen as the likelier destination for Glasner ahead of Leipzig, despite the Bundesliga side’s “concrete” talks.
Tottenham are viewed as such favourites to appoint the 50-year-old that Leipzig are already considering other targets, which makes for promising reading if you wish to see Glasner make the move across London.
The tactician also guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory before his switch to England, with pundit John Wenham adamant Glasner would be an “exciting” appointment.
“He was flying with Palace last season. I know they made a slow start this season, but they lost some key players. However, since then, he has rebuilt well,” said Wenham to Tottenham News.
“He is far more exciting than most names that have been linked. Therefore, he is someone I would be happy for Tottenham to appoint. I think with better players he would excel, and I find him more exciting than Marco Silva or Thomas Frank, to be honest.”
West Ham United have struggled in front of goal this season, which has surely been a reason why they have been unable to find consistency in the Premier League. There have been just four teams who have found the back of the net less than the Hammers in 2024/25, with three of those the relegated trio.
Worryingly, the Hammers’ 40 goals in the top flight are far below where they are expected to be. As the stats on Understat show, they have an expected goals tally of 46.61xG, an underachievement of just over six goals.
West Ham United's Niclas Fullkrug celebrates scoring their first goal with West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen
The Hammers seem to know this is an issue to address in the summer, given they are linked with a new striker from within the Premier League.
West Ham target Premier League striker
Perhaps the most sought-after player in the top flight this season is Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town triker has impressed despite his side’s woes this term, and is now linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, according to a recent report from GiveMeSport, one of those clubs interested in Delap is West Ham. He seems to be a player on their radar, as they look to improve their fortunes in front of goal next season. For just £30m, the value of his release clause, it seems a bargain.
However, they will not be the only club in the race. The Hammers will be ‘facing competition’ from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as the North West pair Manchester United and Everton.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
It is not clear who will win the race, but West Ham are certainly interested.
Why Delap would be a good signing
It has been a hugely disappointing season for Ipswich in 2024/25. They were the final side to be relegated from the Premier League, the latest club to fall victim to the unforgivable nature of the English top flight for a newly promoted side.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match
However, Delap was a real standout. In 34 appearances so far this term, he has managed to find the back of the net 12 times, and with an expected goals of 11.29xG, he is pretty consistent, which the Hammers certainly need in their side.
Delap has proven to be a man who can score in the biggest of games. This season, he has found the back of the net against Aston Villa in two games, Spurs, and grabbed a goal and an assist against Chelsea. He also scored against the Hammers, in a 4-1 win for the East Londoners.
One of Delap’s best traits is the way he can hold the ball up and then fashion chances for himself, often carrying past opposition defenders to create space. That was perfectly summed up by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, who described him as a “wrecking ball” earlier in the season.
Delap’s underlying numbers via Sofascore also show just how well-rounded his game is, with Statman Dave describing it as “unique”. For example, the Englishman has completed 39 dribbles and won 56 aerial duels for the Tractor Boys this term.
Delap key stats in 2024/25 PL season
Stat
Per 90
Total
Shots on target
1.1
31
Key passes
0.8
21
Dribbles completed
1.4
39
Aerial duels won
2
56
Expected goal involvement
0.38xGI
10.67xGI
Stats from Sofascore
Should Delap make the move to the London Stadium, he could make Hammers talisman Jarrod Bowen even more unplayable. This season, the England international has ten goals and nine assists in 31 top flight games.
Not only would his directness in behind work well with Delap’s hold-up play ability and the way he fashions chances, but Bowen can also become even more creative with the former Manchester City man in their side.
This season for the Hammers, Bowen has created the most big chances with ten, the only player to reach double figures. He also plays the most key passes per game, with 1.6, as per Sofascore. Given he has only managed nine assists, Delap could certainly help raise those numbers.
This really could become a dream duo for West Ham. Bowen is a creative machine. On top of that, with the threat he poses on the last line, he can hurt opposing sides in partnership with Delap, with his hold-up and ball-carrying ability.
For a fee of around £30m, this seems like a deal West Ham must do, to really bring more goals into their side.
Not Soucek: Potter must axe West Ham dud who Rice once called "outstanding"
The West Ham star has struggled to get into the team this season
Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for an “amazing” Premier League defender, having taken concrete action to secure his signature, according to a report.
Magpies set sights on new centre-back
With current centre-back options Fabian Schar and Dan Burn now in their 30s, bringing in a new defender is expected to be a major focus for Newcastle this summer, and there has been a positive development in their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Wilfried Singo.
Paul Mitchell is now increasingly confident that a deal for Singo will be possible this summer, having previously sent scouts to watch the Ivorian defender in action, and there is a feeling the 24-year-old would be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Singo is not the only option on the shortlist, however, with it recently being revealed the Magpies have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to leave the German club on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.
Newcastle could now keep Tonali and still sign £135,000-p/w Juventus star
The Magpies are making some smart moves…
BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025
Newcastle are also weighing up defenders who have already proven themselves in the Premier League, and TEAMtalk have now provided a positive update on their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been a long-term target.
According to the report, Eddie Howe’s side have now moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for Guehi, and his price tag has now been drastically reduced, with the Eagles now willing to sanction a departure for a fee of just £46m.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
The Tynesiders have now taken concrete action to sign the England international, placing them in the driving seat, as the Blues have not taken any steps towards securing his signature, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest could also provide competition.
"Amazing" Guehi could be ideal signing for Newcastle
Schar and Burn have played a major role in transforming Newcastle into major contenders for trophies, with the latter even scoring in the EFL Cup final, but with both players now approaching their mid-thirties, a younger option may be required at centre-back.
At 24-years-old, the £50,000-a-week Palace captain fits the bill in that regard, and the defender’s vast Premier League experience could make him an ideal option, having now made 132 top-flight appearances.
During that time, the Englishman has caught the eye of compatriot Harry Maguire, who described the Palace star as “amazing”, which is underlined by the fact he is among the Eagles’ most consistent performers in the Premier League this season.
Guehi could be the perfect addition to the Newcastle squad this summer, and the fact that he is now set to be available for just £46m is an added bonus for the Magpies, given that the Ivory Coast-born star has previously been valued at around the £75m mark.
It’s been another quiet week at Ibrox for Rangers, although is that about to change?
So far, the most noteworthy Rangers event of the past few days was Cyriel Dessers’ goal for Nigeria, on target on Wednesday in a friendly tournament against West African rivals Ghana.
Elsewhere, on Tuesday, Rangers confirmed they will face Club Brugge and Middlesbrough in pre-season friendlies at Ibrox in July but, for now at least, there’s still no news as to who will be in charge for those games, or indeed, more importantly, the start of Champions League qualification either.
Well, 95 days on from Philippe Clement’s sacking, could the 49ers finally be about to land their new manager?
Rangers ramping up managerial hunt
A whole host of names have been linked with a move to the Ibrox dugout in recent months, with fierce speculation suggesting Steven Gerrard could be on his way back to Scotland after a failed stint in Saudi Arabia.
Also of interest to the Rangers hierarchy are the likes of Russell Martin and Brian Priske. Yet, there’s another name who looks like he may be edging closer to filling the vacancy.
Manager Focus
Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.
According to a report by Guillem Balague for BBC Sport, the Rangers hierarchy have ‘held fresh talks’ with Davide Ancelotti this week, adding that ‘further discussions’ are scheduled to take place ‘over the next few days’.
Davide has been a long-time assistant to his father Carlo, working at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid.
This month, Carlo left los Blancos by mutual consent to become the new Brazil manager and, at his unveiling, he confirmed “Davide is currently in negotiations with a European team… if he goes to a club, I wish him the best, and if not, he can come back to us.”
Now, it appears increasingly likely that Ancelotti will become the new Rangers head coach, with former Rangers manager Mark Warburton saying that, should he take the job, it would be a “huge step up”, going from being an assistant to occupying the “number one role”.
Davide Ancelotti
Well, speaking to STV, Guillem Balague believes Davide to be one of the “most sought-after assistants” in world football, firmly believing he will be a success at Ibrox, so would his arrival be great news for a certain Rangers stalwart?
Why Ancelotti can reignite Tavernier's Rangers career
When James Tavernier joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic for a reported £200k in 2015, the Light Blues were still an SPFL Championship club.
Fair to say, a lot has changed in the subsequent decades, and this has proved to be, inarguably, one of the bargains of the century.
To date, Tavernier has made 513 appearances for the club, only ten men have accumulated more in a Rangers jersey, as the table below outlines.
Rangers players with the most appearances
Players
Career
Appearances
John Greig
1961-78
755
Sandy Jardine
1964-82
674
Ally McCoist
1983-98
581
Sandy Archibald
1917-34
580
David Meiklejohn
1919-36
563
Dougie Gray
1925-46
555
Derek Johnstone
1970-86
546
Davie Cooper
1977-89
540
Peter McCloy
1970-85
535
Ian McColl
1945-60
526
James Tavernier
2015-present
513
All information courtesy of Fitba Stats
Tavernier captained Rangers to the Premiership title in 2020/21, subsequently lifting the League Cup and Scottish Cup too, as well as being the talismanic figure en route to the Europa League Final three seasons ago, scoring seven times during the knockout phase.
However, he has come in for some criticism this season, with Nick McPheat of BBC Sport questioning if he is ‘no longer first choice’, while interim manager Barry Ferguson trialled him as both a centre-back, as part of a back three, as well as at wing-back.
Nevertheless, if Davide’s playing style is at all akin to that of his father, a fluid approach that encourages maximum creativity, this appointment could reinvigorate Tavernier.
Right-back Dani Carvajal was such a prominent attacking figure for Real Madrid, so let’s asses how he compares to Tavernier, with the caveat that the Spanish international has not featured since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Villarreal in early-October.
James Tavernier vs Dani Carvajal
Statistics
Tavernier
Carvajal
2024/25 season
Goals
5
1
Assists
13
1
Big chances created
20
0
2023/24 season
Goals
24
6
Assists
12
5
Big chances created
19
4
2022/23 season
Goals
18
0
Assists
10
5
Big chances created
14
4
2021/22 season
Goals
18
1
Assists
17
4
Big chances created
18
7
Stats courtesy of Transfermarkt and Sofascore
As the table outlines, Tavernier’s attacking output has been absolutely off the scale, notably registering 52 assists since the 2021/22 campaign. Taking you back to that point about an Ancelotti side favouring creativity and you can begin to see why he could take quite a liking to the Gers captain.
While Carvajal’s’s numbers are not quite so astronomical, Tobi Peter of Breaking the Lines documents that his ‘attacking contributions are crucial’ for Real Madrid.
So, with the incoming Ancelotti likely to want his full-back to operate high and wide, this could be exactly the appointment 33-year-old Tavernier needs to reinvigorate his career in Govan.
Same agent as Gerrard: Rangers want cheap deal to sign £1m int'l defender
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has sacked Ange Postecoglou. After supposedly a week of deliberation, it was determined the Aussie coach’s Europa League triumph was not enough to save him.
There’s no question this has been one of the most dramatic years in the club’s modern history, certainly one of the most chaotic and turbulent seasons across Europe’s myriad clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloucelebrates after winning the Europa League
All have been watching, though. Watching with glee or compassion, but with eyes riveted on the drama as it unfolded.
Postecoglou made a promise, and that promise was delivered in the most resounding fashion as Spurs won the Europa League in their manager’s second season, salvaging a wretched domestic campaign that has seen the club finish 17th in the Premier League.
Sadly, there will be no season three in this series. There could, however, be an exciting new face in the dugout.
Spurs hold talks for Ange replacement
According to TBR Football, Levy has held talks with a number of candidates for the Tottenham manager’s position, and while Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading contender, there’s another Premier League boss who could make the move.
That’s Oliver Glasner, who led Crystal Palace to glory in the FA Cup this term. Earmarked as a potential option, Glasner stated he was “100% committed” to Selhurst Park after the Wembley win against Manchester City, but Tottenham present a compelling long-term project.
The Austrian coach, 50, is even thought to be leading the race to succeed Postecoglou, alongside Frank.
What Oliver Glasner would bring to Spurs
Making the move from a divisional rival below the league’s ‘big six’, Glasner could prove to be Tottenham’s next Mauricio Pochettino, especially since both bosses employ expansive attacking games.
Oliver Glasner lifts FA CUp.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Glasner took the Eagles reins in February 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson after ten defeats from 17 matches. Palace were 15th but lacked inspiration and direction.
Hailed for his “incredible” work in south London by AFTV’s James B, Glasner has led Palace to a 12th-placed finish, but with the highest points total in the club’s Premier League history.
Crystal Palace – Most Points in a PL Season
Season
Manager
Final Standing
Points
24/25
Glasner
12th
53
23/24
Hodgson/Glasner
10th
49
18/19
Hodgson
12th
49
14/15
Pardew
10th
48
21/22
Vieira
11th
48
Data via Transfermarkt
His high-intensity, hard-working tactical approach is something that could see him emulate Spurs’ one-time gaffer, who was actually criticised once for working his players too hard during Tottenham training.
Of course, Glasner’s FA Cup lift didn’t mark the first major trophy in his managerial career, having won the Europa League with Frankfurt, so he’d bring his own brand down N17, simply aligning with some of the principles that have convinced Spurs to make appointments in the past.
In that regard, he’s proven himself capable of outstripping Pochettino, making the move from a divisional rival but with the winning mentality already constructed.
The truth is, there’s a very solid argument behind Levy’s decision to dismiss the man who ended 17 endless years of searching for a major trophy.
And if he moves to appoint Glasner, whose football is entertaining and whose trophy-winning credentials have been illustrated through victory in the FA Cup last month, Tottenham might just go from strength to strength next term.
He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid
Chelsea have identified Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a top centre-back target for the summer transfer window, following yet another impressive campaign for the commanding centre-half.
£47m star has already agreed to join Chelsea with club talks "to follow"
Enzo Maresca’s side are busy behind-the-scenes amid their Club World Cup campaign.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025
This time last summer, much to the bemusement of fans and critics alike, Branthwaite was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 – but he’s since taken that rejection in his stride.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
The 22-year-old starred for Everton again last term, playing a key role as David Moyes’ side comfortably avoided the drop, and supporters will be hoping that Branthwaite will repeat those same feats at their new home on Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Five years after Carlo Ancelotti handed Branthwaite his senior top flight debut against Wolves, followed by a succession of productive loan spells at the likes of Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, the towering 6 foot 5 starlet is now a wanted man across the Premier League.
His growing list of admirers includes Chelsea, with the addition of a centre-back still on Enzo Maresca’s to-do list after the west Londoners missed out on a deal for Dean Huijsen, who eventually chose to join Real Madrid instead.
Chelsea made contract offers to Huijsen, but it wasn’t enough to convince the Spaniard to U-turn on his dream move to the Bernabeu, with Maresca’s side back on the hunt for exciting defensive options.
Jarrad Branthwaite's fresh stance on joining Chelsea
According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, writing via his Substack, Chelsea have been handed a boost in pursuit of Branthwaite as an alternative to Huijsen, as BlueCo set their sights on the Englishman despite rumours he’s set to command a seismic £80 million price tag.
It is believed that Branthwaite could now ask to join Chelsea, amid “frustration” that Everton have placed such a large asking price on his head.
“Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides,” said Phillips.
“The other further info we have received from SPTC sources is that there’s a feeling now that Branthwaite could actually leave Everton this window for a Champions League club – which puts Chelsea in a strong position.
“We’ve also heard that he is a little frustrated, on Everton putting such a big valuation on his head. We had initially heard that Branthwaite would not actively push for a move. But it has now transpired that he is keen on Chelsea and could end up asking for the move. He loves Everton and wants to respect them, but he is keen to advance now to the next stage of his career and play UCL football. I don’t foresee him kicking up a fuss as such, but he may privately ask for the move.”
His ball-playing ability and defensive intelligence would complement Chelsea’s possession-based system under Maresca, offering both quality for now and excellent long-term potential.
However, there is little denying that Chelsea will definitely want to re-negotiate the mooted fee Everton are demanding, and Branthwaite’s desire to join them could play a pivotal role in this.
A player trading model at Glasgow Rangers has been largely non-existent over the previous few years.
The club’s rivals at the other end of the city have sold some of their prized assets when the iron is hot, raking in massive profits in the process.
Indeed, the likes of Kieran Tierney, Jota and Matt O’Riley were all sold for just over £75m. Combine this with the financial rewards on offer in the Champions League, and it is clear to see why Celtic are light years ahead of the Gers, from a financial viewpoint at least.
Nathan Patterson
Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Rangers sold Nathan Patterson for £16m in January 2022 to Everton.
A few months later, Joe Aribo was offloaded to Southampton for a fee in the region of £10m, while Calvin Bassey became the club’s record sale, moving to Ajax in a deal worth up to £23m.
Since then, the Ibrox side have allowed the contracts of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos to expire. At one time, they were considered the two most bankable stars in the team.
Rangers: Most expensive transfer sales
Rank
Player
Sold to
Date
Fee
1
Calvin Bassey
Ajax
Jul 2022
£19.6m
2
Nathan Patterson
Everton
Jan 2022
£11.5m
3
Alan Hutton
Tottenham
Jan 2008
£9m
4
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Arsenal
Jun 2001
£8.5m
5
Jean-Alain Boumsong
Newcastle
Jan 2005
£8m
6
Carlos Cuellar
Aston Villa
Aug 2008
£7.8m
7
Barry Ferguson
Blackburn
Aug 2003
£7.5m
8
Tore Andre Flo
Sunderland
Aug 2002
£6.75m
9
Joe Aribo
Southampton
Jul 2022
£6m
10
Nikica Jelavic
Everton
Feb 2012
£5.5m
Last summer, it was revealed that the club brought in just £800k, despite selling Sam Lammers, Connor Goldson, Todd Cantwell and Scott Wright.
Russell Martin must ensure the Gers are selling players at their peak in order to receive the highest possible fee.
Hamza Igamane and Mohamed Diomande have been linked with a move away from Glasgow this summer. It makes sense for Martin to try and hold onto them as long as possible, however.
The case might be different for Nico Raskin. The Belgian was arguably the club’s best player throughout 2024/25. As such, he should command a high fee this summer amid reported interest.
Why Rangers could sell Nico Raskin this summer
Not only did the midfielder take the captaincy at times last season when James Tavernier was injured, he also secured his maiden national team call-up.
Raskin made his debut for Belgium in March against Ukraine and was called up again for the World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Wales recently.
Last month, it was revealed that Aston Villa and Leeds United were showing interest in the former Standard Liege starlet.
Amid this growing interest from the Premier League, TEAMtalk stated that Rangers would expect at least £25m in order to sell Raskin this summer.
This type of money could go a long way, especially as Martin looks set to rebuild a squad that failed to win a trophy last season.
Rangers' Leon Balogun, James Tavernier and NicolasRaskincelebrate after the match
On the other hand, if Raskin stays and enjoys another good season, plus shines for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, he could potentially attract an even bigger bid.
Much for the new manager to ponder, that’s for sure. What he must do this summer is bring in another midfielder or two in case Raskin does leave the club.
With that in mind, it appears as though the Glasgow giants are after an English starlet who played in the Championship last term.
Rangers search for a midfielder
Martin has set his sights on Flynn Downes this summer in a bid to improve his midfield options. The Southampton star played under the Scot and would be a solid addition to the first team squad at Ibrox.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Another player who could make the move is Saints midfielder Shea Charles. He also played under Martin last term and journalist Graeme Bailey is backing the Light Blues to make a move for him this summer amid interest from Leeds United.
“He’s an interesting one. It is more likely that he joins Rangers. He’s not on huge wages and obviously he played under Russell Martin at Southampton.” said Bailey.
Northern Ireland'sSheaCharlesin action with Belarus' Valeriy Gromyko
The Northern Irishman spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, with the 21-year-old – who joined the Saints for £15m in 2023 – enjoying a productive season.
Bringing in or two temporary signings could mean Martin uses his funds elsewhere. Should Raskin depart in the summer, Charles would be an instant replacement for the Belgian dynamo at the heart of the Rangers midfield.
Why Rangers should sign Shea Charles
Charles played all but three league games for the Owls last term, notching one goal and five assists in the process.
He typically operated in a defensive midfield slot and exuded plenty of the qualities which made Raskin enjoy such a fine season.
When compared to his positional peers in the Championship throughout 2024/25, Charles ranked in the top 9% for interceptions (1.46) per 90, while also ranking in the top 19% for tackles (2.68) per 90 and 7% for percentage of dribblers challenged (63.9%) per 90.
This no-nonsense approach allows Charles to win the ball back once his team have lost it, where he is then able to move it on and start an attack.
The Irishman also won an impressive 6.5 total duels per game last term – a success rate of 59% – while recovering 5.7 balls per game in the second tier.
Amid the interest in the youngster, analyst Kai Watson heaped plenty of praise on the midfielder, saying that “he can do everything”, as a result of his “great physical and technical profile”.
It would be an interesting move to secure the services of the highly-rated player, especially as Leeds United are seemingly keen.
He would add defensive solidity to the midfield and, if Raskin is sold, the midfielder would be an ideal replacement. For that there is no doubt.
Will Martin act swiftly in a bid to bring his former player north of the border? As mentioned, a permanent move may be hard to pull off.
A loan deal, however, could work out perfectly for all parties involved. Charles gets the chance to play in Europe and challenge for trophies, while Rangers manage to utilise a talented young player who could add plenty to the squad.
It’s a no-brainer.
Martin on verge of first Rangers signing as "aggressive" gem takes medical
Bayern Munich are now believed to be open to selling a Manchester United-linked player in the summer transfer window for £30m, according to a new update.
Man Utd eyeing Gyokeres alternative
The Red Devils and Ruben Amorim are badly in need of a new striker ahead of next season, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both flattering to deceive leading the attack, particularly the former.
While Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has been a leading option to come in at United this summer, Juventus attacker Dusan Vlahovic has now been mentioned as an alternative option. The Serb has scored 56 goals in 143 appearances for his current club, and could add much-needed quality in the final third.
Dusan Vlahovic in action with Genoa'sKoniDeWinter
While a striker is important for the Red Devils, a new goalkeeper is arguably just as key, following some unconvincing performances from Andre Onana in 2024/25. Porto and Portugal ace Diogo Costa has been mentioned as an option, along with Emiliano Martinez.
On the flip side, there are plenty of current United players who could move on this summer, including Jadon Sancho, with the winger potentially heading to Juve, with the Premier League giants entering talks with the Serie A side.
Bayern Munich ready to sell "monster" Amorim target
According to a new report from Caught Offside, Bayern are now “open” to the idea of selling Manchester United target Joao Palhinha this summer. Amorim ‘is keen to include Palhinha in his wider squad plans’ as he will add ‘to add physicality and experience’ to the midfield.
The Bundesliga champions will demand just £30m for the Portuguese’s signature, following his first season there after joining from Fulham last summer in a deal worth more than £40m.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.
There are some positives to United signing Palhinha ahead of next season, even though he hasn’t exactly enhanced his reputation in a Bayern shirt.
Joao Palhinha’s 2024/25 Bundesliga stats
Total
Appearances
17
Starts
6
Minutes played
667
Tackles per game
1.2
Aerial duel wins per game
1.2
Fouls per game
0.8
Pass completion rate
92.9%
Goal
0
Assists
0
A dominant midfielder who is renowned for his tackling ability and has plenty of Premier League experience, he could represent a younger alternative to Casemiro, having been lauded as “monster” by analyst Marcus Bring in the past.
That said, Palhinha does turn 30 years of age next month, so he may not represent a long-term solution, which is arguably an approach that United need to put a stop to.
Too often in the past, the Red Devils have signed ageing players for big money, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Edinson Cavani, only to see them arguably fail to back up the hype. For that reason, United should possibly look for a younger option, despite his obvious qualities, in order to build for the future and sign players who can mature into a key starter.
Man Utd come blistering into race to hijack Arsenal deal to sign £20m star
They could get one over on their rivals.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025
That’s not to say that Palhinha couldn’t still be effective for a few years, however, and he could add important depth to Amorim’s squad.
While Bangladesh have assembled an attack of enviable depth and variety, their batters have rarely given them any sort of cushion
Shashank Kishore21-Jun-20241:21
Kumble: India unlikely to change Kohli-Rohit partnership
Big picture – India reap benefits of Hardik’s balancing actBangladesh will fight to stay alive in the T20 World Cup 2024 when they take on India in their second Super Eight clash in Antigua. The turnaround time from their loss on Thursday night to Australia is short, but at least they wouldn’t have had to hop islands, like India, who arrived hours after convincingly beating Afghanistan in Barbados.Twice in two games now, India have relied on Suryakumar Yadav to steer them out of a wobble. There’s growing pressure, even if not entirely from within the team, on Shivam Dube to come good as the spin enforcer. And against a quality spin attack, Saturday will possibly be another stern test.Related
SKY shows no limit with response to Afghanistan assignment
Diffident Bangladesh's night of horrors in Antigua
For long, Bangladesh have relied on their plethora of left-arm spinners to do the job on slow and low wickets. Now they have an attack with variety, and two trump cards in Mustafizur Rahman and the legspinner Rishad Hossain. Yet, they will be the first to admit the batters haven’t given their magicians enough of a cushion so far in the tournament.That task may get that much tougher against India as they’ll come up against Jasprit Bumrah and an in-form Arshdeep Singh. India are also deriving the joys of having a fully-fit Hardik Pandya giving them the flexibility needed to play either a third seamer or a third spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. So Bangladesh’s batters have their task cut out.Beyond the match-ups, there’s always the extra edge this rivalry has gained in recent times. It all began at the 2015 World Cup with a debatable no-ball call that had all of Bangladesh up in arms. Then Mustafizur-Dhoni happened. The drama spilled over into the 2016 T20 World Cup in Bengaluru and peaked during the Nidahas Trophy in 2018.1:08
Kumble: India would like Dube to take down Rishad
Since then, every meeting has had something riding on it, and as much as the players may say they’re insulated from the “noise”, the passionate fans from both sides have ensured this rivalry has assumed massive significance.Saturday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will be no different.Form guideIndia WWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first) Bangladesh LWWLWIn the spotlight – Jadeja and TanzidThe most Ravindra Jadeja has bowled in a single game so far at this World Cup is three overs against Afghanistan – when he took his only wicket of the tournament so far – and he wasn’t needed with the ball altogether in one of India’s four completed games. And he’s batted twice, for scores of 0 and 7 in his two outings. While there’s no imminent threat to his place, Jadeja will like one complete performance heading into the business end of the tournament.Since he struck an unbeaten 58 to help Bangladesh prevent a 3-0 whitewash against USA late last month, Tanzid Hasan has got into double digits just twice in six innings, and made ducks in his two most recent innings. Bangladesh’s top-order wobbles have often led them into wicket-preservation mode going into the death overs, reducing their potential for big totals. Can he come good against a gun attack?Team news – Soumya Sarkar an option for BangladeshIndia had an optional session on Friday morning. There’s little reason to tweak their combination, which includes three spinners. Mohammed Siraj is likely to remain on the bench.India: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Jasprit Bumrah3:38
Tamim – Shakib is Bangladesh’s best player, should bat at No. 3 or 4
Tanzid Hasan’s form is a concern, but Bangladesh’s only other batting option is Soumya Sarkar, whose form hasn’t been promising either.Bangladesh: 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Litton Das (wk), 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Tanzim Hasan, 11 Mustafizur RahmanStats and trivia – Rohit vs Mustafizur in focus Rohit Sharma has been dismissed nine times by left-arm quicks in all T20s in 2024. All his three dismissals at this T20 World Cup have come against this variety of bowler. Bangladesh could look to exploit that weakness through Mustafizur, but Rohit has a good record against him: 122 runs in 72 balls in all T20s at a strike rate of 169.44, while being dismissed three times. Shakib is one wicket away from becoming the first player to pick up 50 in T20 World Cups. He also needs just two more to become the second player, after Tim Southee, to reach 150 T20I wickets. Despite playing just 10 games at the T20 World Cup, Arshdeep Singh is already India’s joint-third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament behind R Ashwin and Jadeja and alongside Hardik, with 20 wickets at a strike rate of 10.8. Quotes”I don’t think anyone talks much about Bumrah’s bowling. He has an idea of what to do and what not to do.” “It is said to everyone that they should play with freedom. But they are trying to play according to their own plans. Why is it not happening? As I said earlier, I don’t know this personally. But if we play like this then it’s difficult for the bowlers to defend it.”