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Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that Rangers are set to complete the signing of John Lundstram on a free transfer and he could be an excellent addition to Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox ahead of next season.

Nixon teased that a signing was imminent on Twitter before replying to a Rangers fan’s enquiry as to whether it might be the former Sheffield United man, who is without a club after leaving the Blades earlier this summer with three words; “it will be”.

Rangers were heavily linked with the former Oxford United man back in January and it now seems as if a deal is close to completion for the 27-year-old Englishman.

The midfielder was one of several Sheffield United players to catch the eye during the 2019/20 Premier League season, as he contributed five goals and three assists in 34 appearances in the top-flight as the Blades comfortably avoided relegation.

However, last season was a disaster for the Bramall Lane outfit as they finished rock bottom of the Premier League, with Lundstram unable to replicate his performances from the previous season, as he managed no goals and two assists in 28 top-flight appearances, averaging a shocking 6.23 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

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It can be argued that Sheffield United were so poor last season that most players would have struggled to perform there, and Rangers fans will be hoping to see the 19/20 version of Lundstram should he complete a move to Ibrox this summer.

Gerrard will certainly be looking to strengthen his side as they prepare to defend their Premiership title next season, whilst they will also be hoping to give a good account of themselves in the Champions League, so adding some more depth in midfield can only be a good thing for the 41-year-old manager.

With little news on the transfer front since the signing of Fashion Sakala from Oostende earlier in the summer, Rangers fans will surely be delighted that a new signing is imminent, and will be hoping that Lundstram proves to be a worthwhile addition to Gerrard’s squad.

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And, in other news… Rangers dealt blow with 24 y/o who “ticks all the boxes”, he could’ve replaced Kamara

Dele Alli’s time at Tottenham Hotspur could soon be coming to an end after the club were linked with a move for a new attacking midfielder…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), Spurs will battle their north London rivals Arsenal to sign the Juventus outcast during the January transfer window.

It was the Lilywhites’ sporting director Fabio Paratici who signed him for the Serie A giants, so they could well be leading the race to seal his signature, in which Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also keen.

The Bianconeri appear to be willing to sell the 20-cap Sweden international for a minimum of €35m (£30m) to €40m (£34m) next month.

Bye-bye Alli?

The 21-year-old dynamo, who is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline, has dropped down the pecking order at the Allianz Stadium under Massimiliano Allegri this season.

Just four of his 21 appearances this term have been starts, whilst he has provided one goal and four assists from just 724 minutes of action, per Transfermarkt.

Last season, he enjoyed a lot of success as he delivered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches. What made that even more impressive was the fact that he did so whilst playing in at least seven different roles. A very versatile talent, indeed.

If that isn’t enough to suggest that he’s a perfect fit for Antonio Conte and his system, then perhaps praise from others in and around the game is.

“Kulusevski is an explosive player who likes to challenge his direct opponent,” once claimed ex-Sweden striker Marcus Allback to The Sun. “He likes to dribble with the ball, play the short passes and he is very good on the through balls. He’s quick and would cause a lot of trouble for most of the teams he plays.”

Whilst experienced Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli believes there are shades of Mohamed Salah about him “He has incredible physical strength. He reminds me of a young Salah for the way he shakes off opponents in the first ten metres,” he said.

On the above evidence, the fact that he is versatile and hugely dynamic, Kulusevski could well be a better fit for Conte at Spurs than Alli, whose best position is still undetermined.

Furthermore, there have been reports suggesting that Tottenham could finally be open to selling the 25-year-old amid his long-term struggles on the pitch.

Once dubbed a “freak of a talent” by former Lilywhites star Darren Anderton, Alli has failed to hit the heights of his past glory, managing only one goal and one assist this season.

Therefore, the £27m-rated dynamo could offer Conte and co a lot more than the Englishman, so if they are able to secure a move for him in January, then the club absolutely must do all they can to pull it over the line.

Spurs’ new boss could finally bin Alli with a move for the exciting Swedish sensation.

AND in other news, “Serious chance”: Romano drops teasing Spurs transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing…

This forms part of our Transfer Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse whether a club should sign a transfer target based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: Newcastle lurking for Osimhen

It has been widely reported that Newcastle will now look to battle a number of big European clubs to try and sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli in the summer.

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However, St James’ Park is not thought to be his preferred destination in the Premier League, and with the likes of top-four chasers Tottenham Hotspur reportedly joining the race, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) may face an uphill battle to try and bring the Nigeria striker to Tyneside.

The Latest: Great individual performance from Osimhen

Even though Napoli lost 3-2 at home to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, Osimhen put in a great individual performance, scoring one goal and supplying an assist as he ranked as their best player on SofaScore.

The Nigeria international won five of his individual duels, bettered only by two of his team-mates, while he also completed one successful dribble and a team-high three key passes (SofaScore).

The Verdict: Sign him

Given Callum Wilson’s injury problems this season, and the fact that Chris Wood has only managed two goals since arriving from Burnley in the January transfer window, the Magpies should be looking to bring in an elite forward to complete their attack for next term.

Described as a ‘perfect’ striker by journalist Aaron West after Sunday’s display, Osimhen would bring Newcastle’s attack to another level. After all, he has now scored 16 goals and provided five assists in total so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Also, he is still only 23 years of age, so he coukd spearhead Eddie Howe’s side for many years to come.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing this shock transfer

Everton could be about to add another exciting option to their attacking talents after it was revealed they are currently monitoring the situation of Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.

What’s the story?

According to Football League World, the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs hoping to capitalise on the 20-year-old’s ongoing contract dispute.

Johnson’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, but Forest boss Steve Cooper is now believed to be taking on an active role in the negotiations in an attempt to convince the youngster to commit his long-term future to the club.

However, with Johnson still undecided over his next step, an extensive list of potential suitors are keeping a close eye over proceedings.

The report states that: “There is Premier League interest still in the forward, though, after Brentford’s failed attempts to sign him in the summer. Everton, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion are keeping close tabs on him.”

Imagine him and Dominic Calvert-Lewin

New manager Rafa Benitez already boasts a talented first-choice forward line at Goodison Park, but the Spanish tactician has found the strength in depth lacking in recent weeks.

With injuries to key men Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the opening weeks of the current campaign, the likes of Alex Iwobi and Salomon Rondon have filled in with little success.

Therefore, director of football Marcel Brands must seal a move for Johnson ahead of his domestic rivals over the coming months, adding another exciting, talented, young English forward to Everton’s squad alongside the likes of Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray.

During his season-long loan spell with Lincoln City throughout 2020/21, Johnson played a crucial role as Michael Appleton’s Imps reached the League One play-off final, bagging 13 goals and providing a further 14 assists in 48 appearances.

And the youngster has carried that eye-catching form into the Championship this term. In 16 outings for Steve Cooper’s charges, he’s notched up three goals and three assists, impressing former striker Glenn Murray along the way.

“For me, Brennan, he just looks special. He just looks a cut above, and he’s destined for the top,” Murray told Sky Sports (as relayed by Nottingham Forest News).

“Yes, he’s not getting everything right at the moment, but he looks at the top-level easily. I expect a really big future from him.”

Therefore, a move for Johnson over the winter window could made sense for Everton for several reasons. His price tag is unlikely to break the bank, and the potential for him to form a formidable partnership with the club’s existing attacking options, particularly star man Calvert-Lewin, is a mouth-watering prospect.

It remains to be seen whether the Merseyside outfit follow up their interest with a concrete offer, but he’s certainly someone who would bring some excitement back to Goodison Park.

And, in other news…Heir to Mina: Everton plot £20m move for 6ft7 “quality footballer”, fans will love him 

If Leeds United fans were keeping an eye on the academy during the mid 2000s, then seeing James Tavernier’s name on the books may not be too much of a shock to the system reading it now.

The full-back was a part of the club’s youth system from the age of nine after being picked up from local side Farsley Celtic.

The Bradford-born ace would then spend six seasons at Leeds, predominantly playing in a central midfield role, before eventually making the switch to Tyneside to join Newcastle for nothing.

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While Tavernier has since gone to be a star north of the border at Rangers, he admitted that growing up, his biggest Leeds icon was a certain Lucas Radebe.

He revealed: “My idol would be Lucas Radebe. The captain of Leeds, ‘The chief’ as he is known at Leeds. He was a great leader back in the glory days of Leeds and I just remembered him being such a figure at the club.”

But while Radebe may be his inspiration, Tavernier has carved out a real reputation as being one of the most productive full-backs in Europe, boasting an impressive goal record that even puts to shame someone like Trent Alexander-Arnold.

As per Transfermarkt, the Englishman has bagged himself a career total of 86 goals at senior level, with 77 of them coming with the Gers.

What perhaps makes that record all the more impressive in Tavernier’s case, is that he has also stepped up with a whopping 105 assists for the Ibrox side, while it has only come in 335 games – essentially, even as just a full-back, Tavernier averages more than one goal contribution every other game.

It’s been no surprise then that the defender has earned some high praise, including from former Gers boss and current Aston Villa Steven Gerrard who spoke glowingly about his consistency levels.

He said: “When we turned up we knew we had the best right back in the league, and that’s stayed the same. His consistency has been outrageous really. He’s gotten stronger and stronger as the games go on.

“He’s led his team to three European runs in succession, so he deserves a lot of credit. The good thing is he’s available all the time, he puts himself out there, and the numbers for a full-back, no matter what league or what level you’re playing at, are outstanding.”

All in all, the man with a whopping 204 career goal contributions to his name despite predominantly playing at right-back has surely got Leeds wondering what could have been.

AND in other news – Sold for under £1m, now a PL winner: Leeds suffered embarrassment with “special” star

Lots of Everton fans have been left gushing over some news that has emerged involving Andros Townsend.

As per the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, his stunning strike from outside of the box at home to Burnley has now been nominated for September’s Goal of the Month (GOTM) award.

Supporters of the Merseyside club can now vote for Townsend’s goal on the Premier League’s website, as he is nominated alongside Bruno Fernandes, Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku, Naby Keita, Matty Cash and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The goal encapsulates a great start to life at the Toffees for Townsend, who has scored four goals in total and made a further three assists in eight games over all competitions since his arrival (Transfermarkt), and will no doubt be hoping to bag more screamers as the campaign progresses.

Everton fans on Townsend news

These Blues fans gushed as the news of Townsend’s nomination was shared on Twitter:

“Never fails to make me grin from ear to ear”

Credit: @ellieq

“We cannot understate how good @andros_townsend has been for us so far this season! Whether starting or not, he has a big role to play in the next couple of years”

Credit: @DaAlexJohnson

“Cracking goal that really should win”

Credit: @Adamefc95

“Booooooooooooom”

Credit: @Georgie_Redman

“Belter”

Credit: @Bigpoppa1878

“Was an absolutely sensational 10 minutes I thought Gwladys Street Stand was gonna collapse loved absolutely every second”

Credit: @RDW_Engineering

In other news, find out what contract talks have Evertonians buzzing here!

Tottenham Hotspur face rival interest from Atletico Madrid in the race for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer [Gianluca Di Marzio].

The Lowdown: Tottenham search for reinforcements amid Kane uncertainty

With Spurs set to kick off their 2021/22 season at home to Manchester City on Sunday, speculation about star man Harry Kane continues to rumble on amid links to the Premier League holders.

Even despite this, depth up front has been a concern of Lilywhites supporters for a number of years now.

Could more worry now be induced in regard to the problem position following recent developments?

The Latest: Atletico Madrid close to submitting Vlahovic offer

Atletico Madrid are said to have a firm interest in the 6 foot 3 goalscorer, and could offer around €60 million plus centre-back Nehuen Perez in exchange for the clinical Vlahovic [Gianluca Di Marzio].

A formalised offer is said to be imminent, with a tabled effort to acquire the Serbian colossus from the Spanish giants looking likely to be submitted within the next 48 hours.

London rivals Arsenal are also believed to be ready to join the race for his signature [Guardian].

The Verdict: Losing out on Vlahovic would be a bitter blow for Spurs

In the interest of bringing in quality to contribute this campaign, the rival attention being thrust upon a reported target will come as a bitter blow to the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy.

In 2020/21, the Serie A frontman enjoyed a fantastic 2020/21, registering 23 goal contributions in 40 appearances; 21 goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, his constant appetite to get involved in attacking play was a menace to opposition defences, notching an average of 2.3 shots per game across the piece [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘incredible’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy, Spurs should look to close a deal before more sides like Atletico take notice [This is Futbol].

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur table a bid for a Sky Bet Championship star.

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been blasting Connor Goldson despite their 3-1 win at Livingston in the Premiership at Sunday lunchtime.

The defender was outdone by a simple long ball over the top as Bruce Anderson tucked the ball away for the hosts to make the score 2-1, after Scott Arfield and Joe Aribo had given Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team an early two-goal lead.

Goldson did not have his best game in a Light Blues shirt in general, losing out on two of his duels, while he also failed to make any interceptions and lost possession of the ball on 15 different occasions in the match, the joint-third most of any of his teammates (SofaScore).

Rangers fans on Goldson

These Rangers fans blasted Goldson on Twitter after he made the mistake, with one Light Blues supporter going as far as to claim that the defender was ‘shocking’ today:

“Why Goldson allows that to drop to the man is shocking, show some effort to go and win it”

Credit: @gavincook_66

“When is Goldson going to learn? Caught out again, cannot defend a long ball, every game he’s getting caught now, schoolboy mistakes”

Credit: @Russell0716

“So bad from Goldson there”

Credit: @RSeymourWATP

“Goldson out”

Credit: @ChrisSpenceee

“Connor Goldson again, what a joke”

Credit: @rodneylaidlaw

“Had enough of Goldson. Hope he goes to Villa”

Credit: @RSPCA007

In other news, find out whose display against Livingston was also slammed by some Gers fans

Kevin Phillips has mixed feelings about Leeds United’s potential move for John Swift but has tipped Marcelo Bielsa to get the best out of him.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Swift move

The Whites are reportedly keen on signing the 26-year-old in the January transfer window in order to add squad depth in the middle of the park.

Swift is enjoying a fantastic season in the Championship with Reading, scoring eight goals and setting up another eight and arguably standing out as one of the best players in the division.

Bielsa has called the Reading maestro a ‘great player’ in the past, adding further fuel to the fire regarding a move to Elland Road.

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The Latest: Phillips has mixed feelings

Phillips is a bit unsure about the prospective transfer, telling Football Insider that he would love to see Swift succeed at Elland Road but feeling that it would be a “gamble” to take him to the Premier League. He said:

“I think it would be a slight gamble from Leeds. It’s a big jump, moving from the Championship to the Premier League.

“He is a player who has been around a while now. It makes you wonder why nobody has brought him up to the Premier League already.

“However, we know when Bielsa signs a player, he gets the best out of them. Swift might be one of those players who comes up to the Premier League and really surprises everyone. I would love to see him jump up and make an impression.

“If I’m honest though, I’m dubious as to whether he could do that. Bielsa’s man-management skills could bring out the best in him though. It’s certainly a position Leeds are light in.”

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The Verdict: Trust Bielsa?

The idea of signing a Championship player is naturally less enticing than bringing in someone from a top European league, but Bielsa has shown that he should be trusted with signings, given the success he has enjoyed at Leeds. The Argentine can also take credit for moulding the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford from being useful Championship operators to accomplished Premier League-standard footballers.

He may believe that Swift has exactly what it takes to be a key player in his system, most importantly providing him with more midfield options as well. The 26-year-old is averaging 2.8 key passes per game in the Championship this season, with Raphinha (2.2) Leeds’ strongest performer in that area.

With Adam Forshaw still only recently back from a two-year injury absence and Kalvin Phillips’ future up in the air, the need for more bodies in the middle of the park is evident.

In other news, Phil Hay has discussed Leeds’ possible January transfer business. Read more here.

Southampton fans are far from happy with an update on Mario Lemina, who is said to have travelled to complete his transfer to Nice without permission from the Saints hierarchy.

£9m-valued Lemina (Transfermarkt) recently completed a move to Nice after ending his time at St. Mary’s Stadium (ogcnice.com). He made the move initially to the south coast from Juventus in 2017, but he managed just 52 appearances for the Saints before moving out on loan to Galatasaray and then Fulham (Transfermarkt).

Unfortunately, his attitude appeared to be an issue at Southampton, and his problems in that department have once again reared their ugly head. As per The Athletic, the 27-year-old Gabon international flew to France to complete his transfer to Nice without seeking permission from the Saints higher ups.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Lemina update

“Lemina proving his attitude problems even on the way out… If only he dropped all of the shenanigans, he could be a seriously good player.”

Credit: @kierangallop00

“Unprofessional until the end”

Credit: @PixelKicker

“Good riddance”

Credit: @olliesaints7

“And that just shows why he could not stay with the club. A good move for all. Hopefully for OGC Nice too”

Credit: @AndrewLeakey57

“Big time Charlie! Exactly the reason why he won’t be a loss ………. no respect for the club or his team mates!”

Credit: @KevanBrown05

“just shows his attitude really they can have fun with that”

Credit: @sfctom_

In other news, Southampton fans were far from happy with these Martin Semmens comments.