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A claim has been made on Glasgow Rangers and how impressive bringing one of their targets to Ibrox would be… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that James McAtee, who Gio van Bronckhorst reportedly wants on loan, would be a superb signing for Rangers.

He told Football FanCast: “McAtee, he’s very highly rated by Manchester City on the fringes of the first team right now. But they have got high hopes for the future.

“So you’ve got a player possibly coming into your club for Rangers. I think it will be a big signing and definitely would improve the squad for van Bronckhorst this coming season.”

Football Insider recently reported that Pep Guardiola has given the green light to send him out on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.

Big signing

As O’Rourke said, the arrival of McAtee would be big for the Gers as he would add more quality to van Bronckhorst’s attacking options.

The £3.1k-per-week magician is a talented prospect and has shown great potential at the age of 19, which has led to Guardiola handing him six first-team appearances – including two in the Premier League.

His involvement in their senior squad highlights his quality as he was competing with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, and Jack Grealish for a spot in the team. It shows that Guardiola rates him highly and believes that he has the ability to make an impact at the top level, with a loan now being prepared to speed up his development.

McAtee can now spend a season out on loan at Ibrox playing week-in-week-out and making a huge impact in the final third if he can translate his form from youth level into the Premiership.

The teenager has scored 27 goals and provided 19 assists in 52 U23 matches for City, after managing 14 goals and eight assists in 33 outings for the U18s. These statistics suggest that he has the potential to be a major player for Rangers by regularly contributing in the final third, providing he can make the step up.

Van Bronckhorst must now push to land him on loan and add him to his squad. He would surely enjoy coaching such a talented, young, prospect and helping him to fulfil his potential, particularly when it could result in his team having a player capable of scoring and assisting goals at an impressive rate.

AND in other news, “We agreed…”: GvB reveals big transfer update, Rangers supporters will be buzzing…

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that Allan Saint-Maximin could leave Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Winger wanted

The St James’ Park club have been linked with moves for the likes of Harvey Barnes and Jack Harrison this summer, so it seems clear that Eddie Howe wants to sign a new winger before the transer window closes.

Saint-Maximin has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, so his potential sale could help the Magpies to raise funds to strengthen in attack.

The Latest: Jones’ claim on Saint-Maximin

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has claimed that Saint-Maximin’s long-term future at Newcastle is ‘probably bleak’, as the Tynesiders are ‘looking’ to bring in a new wide forward and striker.

He stated: “The information I’ve had is that all summer, Newcastle have been looking for a wide forward as well as a centre forward. That means that the long-term future for Saint-Maximin at Newcastle is probably bleak. But he’s had flashes of good moments in preseason that will give him hope, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Eddie Howe’s team really need to be trying to keep hold of Saint-Maximin if they can, so Jones’ claim that the 25-year-old could leave to pave way for other signings is worrying.

The Frenchman showed what he can do in the 2-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, winning five of his duels, while also recording four shots, two successful dribbles and one key pass (SofaScore).

In 2021/22, he was the Magpies’ second-best performer in the Premier League, scoring five goals and supplying a team-high five assists, while none of his team-mates could match his six man-of-the-match awards (WhoScored).

Saint-Maximin remains a crucial player at St James’ Park, so Newcastle would be silly to sell him now.

West Ham United are believed to be monitoring Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners, as manager David Moyes seeks to bolster his midfield ranks.

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the 24-year-old is a player who the Hammers are keeping tabs on this summer, albeit with it seemingly unlikely that they will be able to secure his signature.

He stated: “I mean, he is definitely on the radar. I just think that it might be a bit too ambitious. He’s such a good player, and some of the genuinely top clubs across Europe have been looking at this guy.

“It’s going to be tough, if I’m totally honest, I just don’t see him joining.”

This follows a recent report from Italy that claimed the east Londoners had made an enquiry regarding the Dutchman, albeit with a move said to be ‘complicated’ with just a few weeks remaining in the window and with the midfielder having three years remaining on his existing deal in Bergamo – plus the option for a further year.

Moyes’ own Tielemans

While it’s been a largely impressive window for West Ham boss David Moyes thus far – securing five major deals in total – one area of concern remains the centre of the park, even with boyhood fan Flynn Downes having joined from Swansea City.

The retirement of long-serving skipper Mark Noble – and the exit of loanee Alex Kral – has left the former Everton boss with little depth in his midfield department, with an injury or absence to one of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek likely to prove catastrophic.

With a new recruit needed, turning to Koopmeiners could well be the ideal solution, with the £22.5m-rated man having shone since his move to Italy last year, having provided eight goal contributions in 44 games for the Serie A side thus far.

Prior to that, the £31k-per-week ace had scored an impressive 43 goals and chipped in with 17 assists in 153 games for Eredivise side AZ Alkmaar, having also notched up nine caps thus far at international level.

That goalscoring record is all the more remarkable considering the 6-foot menace typically lines up in a defensive midfield berth, showcasing his ability to impact the game in the final third even from a deep-lying position.

While a player perhaps unfamiliar to some supporters, it is telling to note that he can be compared to Leicester City gem Youri Tielemans, with the pair sharing a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, as per FBref.

The two men are both seemingly masters at kickstarting attacks with an incisive forward pass, with Koopmeiners averaging 3.51 for progressive passes received per 90 as well as 5.15 for progressive passes, while Tielemans compares similarly with an average of 3.06 and 5.83 for the same two metrics, respectively.

Furthermore, they are both goal-scoring midfielders, with the latter bagging 16 times in the past two campaigns to the Dutchman’s 21 strikes.

That will pique the interest of those at the London Stadium such has been the form of the Belgian maestro in recent seasons, with the 25-year-old’s stunning displays having seen him repeatedly linked with a move to Arsenal.

Should Moyes and co get Koopmeiners through the door, the hope will be that he can make a similar impact as to that of the Foxes sensation.

The Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark has dropped an update on Glasgow Rangers’ reported interest in Darius Olaru.

The Lowdown: Rangers name-checked

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team were name-checked as potentially making an offer to Romanian club Steaua Bucharest for Olaru by their owner Gigi Becali, as he told Digi Sport:

“Who wants to give this money? Rangers? I’m not talking about Olaru now. He can also come today from Real Madrid, from Barcelona and propose anything to me. I’m not talking. Olaru is not for sale now.”

They have been linked with a move for the attacking midfielder in this transfer window, but it is unclear whether they will actively pursue a deal before the deadline.

The Latest: Olaru update

Taking to Twitter, Clark has shared that there is currently no interest in Olaru from the Light Blues:

“Reliably informed there is no Rangers interest in Darius Olaru.”

The Verdict: Shame

It would be a shame if the Teddy Bears were to miss out on a deal for Olaru before the window shuts.

Hailed as an ‘exciting’ talent by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the 24-year-old has even been likened to Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne for the way he plays total football, covers huge areas of the pitch, and excels in passing and shooting.

Olaru boasts 17 goals and 18 assists over four seasons for Steaua, and has been capped six times by Romania (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, were he to move to Ibrox, he would be able to link up with fellow Romanian Ianis Hagi, but it looks as if any deal is currently off of the table.

Newcastle United are reportedly weighing up an improved offer to sign Leeds United winger Jack Harrison.

The Lowdown: Bids rejected

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park outfit have had two bids rejected for Harrison in this transfer window, as they aim to bring in a new winger before it shuts.

Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie has claimed that they could ‘revisit’ a deal for Harrison over the next few days, and now it looks like they could submit another offer.

The Latest: New offer considered

As per Football Insider, the Tynesiders have stepped up their interest in Harrison ‘in recent days’, and are now ‘weighing up’ a new and improved third offer for the Englishman.

Leeds have put a price tag of £35m on him, while the Magpies have only gone up to £25m so far.

The Verdict: Get it done

Considering that he is English and just 25 years of age, £35m could look like a bargain for Harrison in the long run.

Hailed as a ‘perfect’ signing for Eddie Howe’s team by pundit Kevin Campbell, Harrison has created as many chances as Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League so far this season, and is also level with the Belgian at the top of the assists chart (FotMob).

Nonetheless, to take one of their top-flight rivals’ best players towards the end of the window would certainly be a statement from the Toon, and the fact he’s a homegrown talent just about to enter his prime is the cherry on the cake.

Everton could be getting their hands on £60m by selling Anthony Gordon this summer.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Chelsea are willing to pay a mega-money fee of £60m to sign the winger, after initially having a bid of £40m-£45m rejected by the Toffees.

With the report also claiming that the Merseyside club’s stance on Gordon throughout the summer window has been that he’s not for sale, this persistence from Chelsea will surely be a frustration for Frank Lampard and everyone else at Goodison Park.

David Ornstein added to the story later in the morning, saying: “Anthony Gordon has told Everton + Frank Lampard he wants to join Chelsea. 21yo keen to play CL & boost WC chances.”

A product of Everton’s youth system, the 21-year-old has made 122 appearances for the club across their senior and youth teams. In that time, the winger has scored 28 goals and delivered 18 assists in the process.

Lampard would be gutted

This season has seen the attacker play every minute of Premier League action, making him one of the five outfield players at Everton to do so, which highlights just how important he is to Lampard.

Indeed, he also made more appearances (35) in the league last season than any other outfield player in the squad.

To further highlight how significant he is for the team on and off the ball, Gordon has had more shots at goal (ten) than any other Everton player so far this term, also making more pressures (60) than any of his team-mates.

This shows how industrious he is for the team and why he’d be such a big loss for them and Lampard if the 21-year-old were to depart the club before the summer transfer window ends.

In February, the Toffees manager made no bones about sharing his admiration for the youngster and what he offers to the team as he said: “I’ve been watching Anthony this season as an outsider, a neutral, and I love things about his game.

“When you come to see someone you try not to make too many judgments but I’ve seen him first-hand and he loves this club and he has a great attitude and all the attributes to do what he wants in this game.”

Taking all this into account, regardless of the hefty transfer fee that Chelsea are reportedly willing to splash out to sign Gordon, Everton should stand their ground and do everything that they can to keep hold of him and let him continue developing his game on Merseyside.

Erik ten Hag has asked Manchester United officials to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans in January.

The Lowdown: Scored on Saturday

Labelled ‘outstanding’ by his manager Brendan Rodgers, the 25-year-old made his seventh successive Premier League appearance of the season on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder netted his first goal of the campaign from the penalty spot against Tottenham, although the Belgian couldn’t prevent a sixth league defeat in a row for the Foxes, who were eventually thumped 6-2.

Tielemans was linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer, and speculation has already returned ahead of the January transfer window.

The Latest: Ten Hag wants Tielemans

According to one Spanish outlet, Ten Hag has personally ‘requested’ Tielemans’ services in January.

The report claims that the United manager also wants a right-back and a new forward in the winter transfer window.

The Verdict: Cut-price move?

The 25-year-old will be into the final six months of his Leicester contract in 2023 should his situation remain the same, so you’d expect that a cut-price deal could be on the cards for the £40.5m-rated Belgian.

Tielemans can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder and has also been described as ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’ by Rodgers, so he could be the next important piece in Ten Hag’s Old Trafford jigsaw if United can persuade him to join.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has raved over unseen youngster Luca Gunter following some ‘terrific’ exploits for the club’s Under-19s.

The Lowdown: Spurs academy flourishing

The Premier League side’s first team have been backed to succeed this season under trophy-laden boss Antonio Conte but the N17 academy is also, arguably, one of country’s most promising.

Hotspur Way has birthed some major talents in recent years with midfielder Oliver Skipp even tipped to one day become captain of the north Londoners.

Meanwhile, forward Dane Scarlett is setting the south coast alight on loan at Portsmouth – having scored three goals in five League One starts whilst also grabbing an assist (WhoScored).

The Latest: Gold raves over unseen Gunter…

Now, going by the reaction of Spurs journalist Gold, there could be yet another bright youngster to watch out for.

Akin to Hugo Lloris in Tottenham’s senior 2-0 defeat to Sporting last night, Under-19s shot stopper Gunter appeared to enjoy a fine evening against the Portuguese youngsters in the UEFA Youth League but could do little about the result.

Gunter made some ‘terrific’ saves in the pouring rain, but much like Conte’s side, the Spurs starlets fell to a 2-0 loss – Gold stated:

“Luca Gunter having a terrific first half in goal so far for Spurs U19s in their UEFA Youth League match against Sporting. Some acrobatic saves in the constantly changing weather.”

The Verdict: One to watch?

Still yet to make his senior debut, Gunter is building quite the reputation.

Gold isn’t the only Spurs source to draw attention to the 17-year-old with Football Insider pundit John Wenham calling the teenager a ‘standout’ in the academy.

Wenham goes on to say he is ‘really excited’ about the Gunter, and going by his latest exploits, supporters may well want to keep an eye on him.

Chelsea have held internal discussions over a move for Leeds United director of football Victor Orta, according to a Tuesday evening report from The Telegraph’s Matt Law.

The Lowdown: Failed Freund move

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is on the hunt for a new sporting director and was looking to bring in RB Salzburg’s Christoph Freund.

However, Freund confirmed that he will remain with the Austrian side after interest from the Blues. That has led to Boehly and co identifying new targets, one of which appears to be Orta.

The Latest: Chelsea news

According to Law, Orta’s name has been discussed by Chelsea officials as they continue their search for a new sporting director.

Law added on Twitter that the Leeds chief is ‘in the mix’ alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Tim Steidten, who may be further up the list as he is ‘set to be spoken to’.

The Verdict: One to watch

It is ‘unclear’ if Orta will formal hold talks with Chelsea at this moment in time, so this could be one to look out for in the coming days. Orta has had a relatively successful time in Yorkshire, helping the Whites grow from a mid-table Championship side to a Premier League outfit.

The Spaniard has landed some shrewd signings during his time at Leeds, however, his long-term future could be in question should the 49ers Enterprises take full control.

Phil Hay has recently said that ‘changes of ownership tend to mean a changing of the guard at executive level’, so it will be interesting to see if he would be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Erik ten Hag faces his biggest test as Manchester United boss when his side travels to the Etihad to take on Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils have won each of their last four games in the Premier League but haven’t played in the Premier League for nearly a month, with a combination of the Queen’s death and the international break bringing an end to United’s momentum.

After suffering back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford in his two opening fixtures, Ten Hag looked doomed to be another failed United manager but his side have bounced back with impressive wins over Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester City and Arsenal.

While Scott McTominay has silenced critics with some eye-catching form in those games, earning above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored in three of his last four Premier League appearances, Manchester City presents a very different challenge for United.

Considering the huge threat posed by City’s creative players, perhaps most notably Kevin de Bruyne, Ten Hag should consider handing Casemiro his first Premier League start.

De Bruyne has six assists in his first six Premier League games of the season, so is clearly on top form at the moment, and must be nullified if United are going to take anything from the game.

The Brazilan joined United from Champions League winners Real Madrid during the summer, having become one of the most decorated players of all time during his time with Los Blancos.

When he joined, Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the 30-year-old, saying:

“First and foremost, the guy’s a real winner, he knows how to win, he’s been integral in everything positive about Real Madrid in recent years.”

The £300k-per-week midfielder is something of an expert when it comes to winning and has a CV filled with experience in big matches, so he could be the ideal man to stop De Bruyne on Sunday.

Last season saw Casemiro average more tackles, interceptions and blocks than McTominay would in the Premier League, which suggests that he holds the edge when it comes to defending his own goal.

Casemiro started when Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City in the Champions League last season so he knows what it takes to defeat Pep Guardiola’s side and his immense experience and ability mark him out as the ideal man to stop De Bruyne from running the show at the Etihad this weekend.