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A report emerged earlier this week that claimed that Celtic were set to complete a deal to sign Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg in the January transfer window.

It was said that the Hoops were on course to tie up a £6m move for the former Liverpool starlet, who is currently on loan at Derby County in England.

However, CeltsAreHere have since reported that there has not been any contact over a deal for Clark, which suggests that the Scottish Premiership giants are not on the verge of securing his signature.

Why Celtic should not sign Bobby Clark

Celtic should avoid a deal to sign Bobby Clark for £6m in January, as they appear to be doing with CeltsAreHere’s latest update, because he has struggled for form since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024.

Clark joined Salzburg for £10m from the Premier League giants and was sent out on loan to Derby this summer after a disappointing debut campaign in Austria.

Appearances

17

8

Starts

7

5

Goals

1

0

Key passes per game

0.6

0.4

Assists

0

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

0.8

1.1

Duel success rate

35%

35%

As you can see in the table above, the 20-year-old midfielder has scored one goal and failed to provide any assists at league level since the start of last season, losing 65% of his defensive duels in that time too.

These statistics suggest that he would not add any immediate quality to the Celtic squad, offensively or defensively, which is why the club should not pay £6m to sign him in January.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

On top of concerns over his form, Celtic should not sign Clark from Salzburg because they already have their own version of him in Arne Engels.

Why Arne Engels is a Bobby Clark-type player

Per FBref, Clark was the fourth-most statistically comparable central midfielder to Engels in the 2024/25 campaign in the Champions League.

The chart above shows that they both excelled in similar areas of the game, hence the comparison, but the Belgium international was significantly more effective as a creative force for his team, with more assists and xAG per 90.

Engels, who was signed from Augsburg for a club-record £11m fee, is also similar to Clark in terms of the kind of signing he was, as a young player who was brought in to develop and improve in value, as Salzburg attempted to do with the Englishman.

The 22-year-old starlet enjoyed a strong first season with the Scottish giants. He scored ten goals and provided 13 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, although eight of those goals came from the penalty spot.

U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed that Engels is “going to thrive” at Parkhead, but his form has taken a turn for the worse in the 2025/26 campaign.

The Belgian whiz has no goals and one assist in 12 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which shows that his form in front of goal has suffered a dip, much like Clark’s since his move to Salzburg.

This is another reason why the Hoops do not need to sign the Derby County loanee in January, because they already have a young and promising central midfielder who is in need of a turnaround in form to get his career back on track.

Celtic paid £11m to sign Engels, which is £5m more than they may have to pay to sign Clark, and Brendan Rodgers should currently be looking at ways to get the midfield talent back to his very best at Parkhead so that £11m does not become a wasted investment.

Celtic dud who should be in "bottom end of League One" is on borrowed time

This Celtic attacker is now on borrowed time at Parkhead ahead of the January window.

ByDan Emery Oct 16, 2025

Therefore, the Premiership champions should focus on reviving the Belgian star’s career at Parkhead instead of splashing £6m on another underperforming young midfielder.

West Ham United officially confirmed that Graham Potter had been relieved of his duties at the London Stadium on Saturday, less than 24 hours after his pre-match press conference ahead of the Everton match.

The Hammers did not waste much time in finding a replacement for the English head coach, though, as Nuno Espirito Santo was unveiled later on in the day.

Sacked by Nottingham Forest earlier this season, after a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis, the Portuguese boss steps straight in for the game against the Toffees on Monday night.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Forest boss will be hoping to instantly win the supporters over in his first game, and he should drop Max Kilman from the side in order to do that.

Why Max Kilman should be dropped

West Ham splashed a whopping £40m fee to sign the English central defender from Premier League rivals Wolves in the summer of 2024, hoping to improve their backline.

Unfortunately, the Hammers ended the season with 62 goals conceded in 38 league games. Kilman, per Sofascore, ended the campaign with a worrying four errors that led to shots and two errors that led to goals for the opposition, which shows that he was prone to making mistakes at the back.

So far this season, Kilman has started all five games in the league and West Ham had conceded the most goals in the division (13) before Saturday’s matches.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The left-footed defender has lost 56% of his ground duels in the top-flight this season, per Sofascore, and has not looked assured at all in the heart of the defence, which is why Nuno must drop him from the XI for the trip to the Hill Dickinson.

Such has been the nature of his poor performances, West Ham Transfers – a fan account with over 77k followers – posted on X that Kilman is “worse than Roger Johnson”, which led to many supporters replying in agreement, illustrating how a section of the fanbase feel about the defender.

The West Ham player who should replace Max Kilman

In order to keep the balance of the team, the new West Ham boss should bring Igor Julio into the starting line-up for his debut for the club in the left-sided centre-back role.

Whether Nuno goes with a back three or a back four, a left-footed centre-back will be needed for balance when playing out from the back, which is why the Brighton loanee could slot in as a replacement for Kilman.

The Brazilian star, who was hailed as an “animal” by former coach Inigo Calderón, played for Brighton in the League Cup against Oxford earlier this season and showcased his aggressive defending.

Minutes

90

Clearances

6

Blocks

1

Tackles won

4

Dribbled past

0x

Ground duels won

6/7

Aerial duels won

1/2

As you can see in the table above, Igor won seven of his nine duels, including six of his seven ground duels, and this suggests that he could be much stronger than Kilman, who has been dominated on the deck this season, at the back for the Hammers.

The left-footed defender was also unbeaten in all three of the Premier League matches that he featured in for Brighton in the second half of last season, including a win against Spurs and draws with Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Igor, who started ten times in the top-flight last term, is a dominant defender who has Premier League experience under his belt, which is why Nuno should not have any concerns about throwing him straight into the action against West Ham.

Given how bad the defence has been this season, and how some supporters have viewed Kilman’s performances, bringing the Brazilian titan into the team to lead the Hammers to a defensive masterclass against Everton could instantly get fans onside for Nuno.

Liverpool are anxiously awaiting scan results to determine the severity of Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury after the Brazilian goalkeeper limped off during the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. Head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, sparking fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

• Alisson suffers hamstring injury against Galatasaray

  Alisson was forced off in the 56th minute of Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray after pulling up while sprinting back to make a save from Victor Osimhen. The 32-year-old immediately signalled to the bench before being replaced by summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Brazilian is now set to undergo a scan on Thursday to assess the extent of the problem, as per The Athletic.

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• AFP
  

  Slot confirms Alisson will miss Chelsea clash

  Speaking after the game, Liverpool boss Slot confirmed that Alisson would miss the upcoming trip to Chelsea and expressed concern over the injury. “If one of our players is on the floor nine times out of 10, I fear the worst and with the worst, I mean he cannot continue, and that is what happened with Alisson,” Slot said. “He will not be able to play Saturday, that is 99.9 per cent (certain), although I think it is 100 per cent.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Alisson could miss crucial run of fixtures for Liverpool

  Alisson’s setback is a major blow for Liverpool, who face a crucial run of fixtures in both the Premier League and Europe. The Brazilian has already missed time in recent seasons due to similar hamstring problems, raising concerns about a potential recurrence. His absence places added pressure on Mamardashvili, who could now be handed a run of starts during a decisive period.

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• AFP
  

  Mamardashvili to deputise for Alisson against Chelsea

  Liverpool will travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday before hosting Manchester United on October 19 in what could be a key early test of their title credentials. The Reds are expected to receive Alisson’s scan results within the next 24 hours to determine the severity of the injury. Should the problem prove significant, Slot may have to rely on Mamardashvili for those games and potentially also games against Crystal Palace and Real Madrid.

ECB NOC policy also high on the agenda as Oliver Hannon-Dalby prepares to take up role

Vithushan Ehantharajah13-Feb-2025

Olly Hannon-Dalby will have plenty on his plate as PCA chair•Getty Images

Incoming PCA chair Oliver Hannon-Dalby has welcomed the sudden influx of cash into English cricket brought about through the Hundred sale, and urged the ECB to spend it wisely to address a number of issues, including closing the gender pay gap in the flagship competition.The veteran Warwickshire seamer, who has been elected as the PCA’s new chair in place of the outgoing James Harris, was speaking on the day the last of the eight Hundred teams, Southern Brave, were sold to GMR group. The co-owners of Delhi Capitals, a majority shareholder in host county Hampshire, valued Brave at £98 million, taking the overall valuation close to £1 billion. In the immediate term, more than £450m has been raised to be spread throughout the professional and recreational game.The scale of this significant windfall exceeded the ECB expectations, and reinforces the hope of governing body chief executive Richard Gould that the sale will “recapitalise the county game for the next 20 to 25 years”.Related

GMR agree deal for Southern Brave to conclude Hundred sell-off

James Vince: Why I quit red-ball cricket – and others will follow

Richard Gould: Hundred equity sale can future-proof county cricket for '20-25 years'

PCA criticises ECB for lack of consultation on Hundred pay increases

One area which Hannon-Dalby believes needs to be address promptly is the pay disparity between the country’s male and female cricketers, which has now widened in the Hundred following 25% rises across the board.This summer, the top bracket in the men’s competition has risen by 60% to £200,000, while the top women’s salaries have gone up just 30%, to £65,000. A difference of £75,000 last year has now increased to £135,000.In the lowest band, men will be paid £31,000 (previously £30,000) and the women £10,000 (£8,000). One of the recommendations of 2023’s Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report was for equal salaries and bonuses in the competition by 2025.”It’s definitely something we need to address,” Hannon-Dalby said of the pay gap. “By this stage, gender pay was meant to be equal and certainly in the conversations that we’ve had with the ECB in previous years, they said they were going to improve it. And it’s actually probably got wider, hasn’t it? The pay gap’s actually got wider, which is not great.”It’s simply just not fair is it? It’s not right. And certainly, if the ECB have promised that it’s going to get better and it hasn’t, that’s not right.”All we can do is ask and all we can do is try. The women’s game in this country is absolutely exploding and its brilliant to see. Certainly, the women’s Hundred has been an absolute success.”It’s a conversation we need to have and it’s something we need to try. It’s something that I put in my manifesto, it’s something that’s important to our members and something we definitely want to improve.”Hannon-Dalby is also keen to push for more clarity on the ECB’s new No-Objection Certificates (NOC) policy, which will deny players on red-ball contracts with their counties from taking part in other competitions that clash with the English summer.The notable exception to the rule is the IPL, which this season will run from March 21 to May 25, encroaching on the start of the English summer. But the main contention over the new stance comes from the fact the PSL is not afforded the same exception, despite concluding more than two weeks earlier, on May 9.Despite constant back and forth with the PCA and individuals, the ECB has not relented on its stance of treating the IPL differently. After James Vince unofficially retired from first-class cricket to take up a deal with Karahci Kings for the upcoming PSL, Hannon-Dalby sees it as his job to protect the movement of the players he has been elected to represent.”James Vince, as I understand it, has gone into a white-ball-only deal. And that’s not great, is it? He’s one of the players of his generation, a brilliant, brilliant cricketer. He’s whacked me around Edgbaston plenty of times, so actually not bowling at him next year, as much as it might help my bowling figures… for the health of the county game, we want James Vince playing red-ball cricket.”[There is] also a bit of disparity between the people able to go to the IPL but then not the PSL. Just on the face of it doesn’t seem very fair. It seems, ‘one rule for one, one rule for the other’.”I understand there has been a lot of open communication and collaboration with ECB. Getting in the room and talking about how we protect players’ movement moving forward is going to be very important.”It’s probably more the movement in the winter and the bit of disparity around different competitions having different rules. I think it’s probably the main bone of contention.”Hannon-Dalby will officially begin his PCA duties at the start of next month, after being ratified at the PCA annual general meeting on March 4. The 35-year-old, who started out at Yorkshire before moving to Warwickshire in 2013, will be the 16th chair of the association, having spent more than 10 years as a PCA representative.

قام فابيو كابيلو، المدرب الإيطالي السابق، بالحديث عن نادي ريال مدريد اليوم الخميس، حيث توقع أولى صفقات الفريق الملكي في الموسم المقبل.

ويرى كابيلو في تصريحات لصحيفة “لاجازيتا ديلو سبورت”، أن الموهبة الشابة نيكو باز سوف يكون أولى صفقات نادي ريال مدريد للموسم المقبل، حيث يلعب الآن مع نادي كومو.

باز يعتبر من أبناء نادي ريال مدريد وتدرج اللاعب في الفئات السنية بالكاستيا، قبل أن يتم تصعيده للفريق الأول مع العملاق الإسباني خلال موسم 2024.

لكن نيكو باز قرر مغادرة ريال مدريد خلال صيف نفس العام لينضم إلى كومو، وذلك من أجل البحث عن فرصة اللعب بشكل أساسي.

وانفجر باز مع كومو وأصبح من بين أهم اللاعبين في بطولة الدوري الإيطالي، وكذلك خلال الموسم الماضي حصل الدولي الأرجنتيني على جائزة أفضل لاعب شاب في المسابقة المحلية.

ويعتقد كابيلو أن ريال مدريد لن يسمح لباز بالذهاب إلى نادي آخر بأي حال من الأحوال وسوف يستعيده.

أقرأ أيضًا.. هويسن يعلن عن “نادي مفاجئ” يريد الاعتزال فيه

وقارن كابيلو بين نيكو باز وجناح يوفنتوس، كينان يلدز، وقال: “نيكو باز لاعب أكثر مباشرة على المرمى مقارنة بيلدز وربما أكثر فعالية، كلاهما يتمتعان بإمكانيات هائلة، على سبيل المثال ريال مدريد بالتأكيد لن يسمح لنيكو باز بالرحيل”.

وأضاف كابيلو في مقارنته بين الثنائي: “مقارنةً به، يتمتع التركي بقدرة أكبر على المراوغة فهو خطير في المواقف الفردية ويتمتع برؤية ممتازة ومهارات إنهاء الهجمات بشكل صحيح في الشباك، إنه يرى اللعب والمرمى بشكل جيد ويؤدي بشكل أفضل كجناح قادر على الاختراق إلى منتصف الملعب”.

ريال مدريد يمتلك أحقية إعادة شراء نيكو باز من جديد، وذلك مقابل حوالي 6 ملايين يورو فقط سوف ترتفع إلى 9 ملايين يورو مع نهاية هذا الموسم.

وكان نادي توتنهام هوتسبير يرغب في التعاقد مع نيكو باز خلال صيف العام الحالي مقابل 70 مليون يورو، لكن ريال مدريد أوقف حدوث هذه الصفقة.

Liverpool came into their pre-season clash with Milan full of optimism.

They’ve arguably had the best transfer window of any team this summer, namely signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Arne Slot’s team looks set to pack a firmer punch even than they did during their Premier League-winning campaign and things could get even better.

Indeed, the Reds are favourites to land Alexander Isak after the Swede made the hierarchy at Newcastle know that he’d like to explore an exit this summer.

That positivity, however, was not enough to carry them to a win over Milan who defeated Slot’s side 4-2.

Work to do then, largely at the back where options look sparse centrally for Liverpool. Still, they seem intent to taking steps to add more to the forward line.

Who could replace Nunez and Diaz at Liverpool

Any moves Liverpool complete between now and the end of the summer are likely to depend on what happens to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

It’s largely been expected that the former takes his leave but where he ends up feels a little uncertain right now. As for Diaz, his future will be in Munich with Bayern having agreed to sign the Colombian winger for a fee of around £65m.

Should Nunez leave alongside Diaz, then the Reds could turn their attention to a record-breaking bid for Isak.

Yet, with Ekitike already through the door, signing an out-and-out replacement for Diaz would make a great deal more sense.

That’s where Liverpool’s wide options come into the equation. Another Toon star in the form of Anthony Gordon has been linked but that feels unlikely.

What’s more likely is concluding a deal for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. That’s according to reports in Spain.

Reports a few weeks ago noted that Liverpool had begun talks to sign the Brazilian and now they are said to be leading the race to sign him.

It’s alleged that Arsenal are now out of the race for the Madrid star, making the Reds firm favourites. That being said, they will have to sell in order to find a move for a player being valued at around £87m.

That’s certainly a lot of money, but for a player compared to Wirtz, it’s easy to see why they’ve cast their eyes in the direction of the 24-year-old.

How Rodrygo compares to Florian Wirtz

Described as the “best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, it was some coup to get Wirtz to Anfield this summer.

Many think the classic number 10 has died out but in Wirtz, you sense Liverpool have signed the heir to Kevin De Bruyne’s throne.

He’s a creative machine, having assisted 15 goals last season, but he’s also more than competent in front of goal, netting 16 times in all competitions.

Not just capable of playing through the middle, Wirtz has also found a home in wide areas, just like Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t much of a number 10, however, like Wirtz, he’s played as a false 9 and out wide. His statistical data is also very similar.

Indeed, according to FBref, the German is the seventh-most similar attacking midfielder and winger to Rodrygo in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year. Here’s why.

Goals

0.28

0.38

Assists

0.23

0.46

Shots

2.52

2.84

Pass success %

85.9%

78.3%

Shot-creating actions

4.95

5.66

Key passes

2.29

2.18

Progressive passes

5.05

6.74

Successful take-ons

2.29

3.14

Progressive carries

5.28

5.02

Progressive passes received

11.8

11.8

While Wirtz’s output is supremely better – Rodrygo scored 14 and assisted 11 in all completions – their data was comparable in other areas.

Looking at the numbers, it was actually the Real winger who bettered Wirtz for key passes per 90 minutes, although only marginally.

In the dribbling department, their ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and advance beyond the defence is uncanny.

They’re dazzling with possession at their feet, something that’s backed up by the fact that they both average over five progressive carries per 90.

Teammates clearly recognise that too, as they receive an identical number of progressive passes, underlining their ability to be given the ball between the lines where they can impact proceedings in the final third.

While Rodrygo did go 17 games without a goal at one stage in 2024/25, his ability is obvious and if you’re a player earning comparisons to Wirtz, it’s clear you’re a very talented footballer. After all, he is a “world-class superstar” in the words of Luka Modric.

For Liverpool, this would be a great move if Diaz departs.

New Fabinho: Liverpool prepare bid for "one of the best DMs on the planet"

Liverpool are looking at signing a new defensive midfielder this summer.

4 ByMatt Dawson Jul 20, 2025

Kamran Ghulam has never made any attempt to hide his desperation. All he wanted to do was play international cricket, and he would wait as long as it took. On Tuesday, 11 years on from his first-class debut, as he sat in front of the media after becoming the 13th Pakistani to score a hundred on Test debut, it is that burning desire he repeatedly recalled.”I’d been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up,” Ghulam, 29, said. “I had been waiting for my chance. That’s all I thought about. I kept being selected and then omitted from squads, and all I used to think about was how to take the chance I’d been given.”That thinking has paid off well. Ghulam came into the side under huge pressure as he replaced Babar Azam. The stakes were further raised by the situation he walke out to – Pakistan were 19 for 2, having lost Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique cheaply as the England spinners threatened to run riot.”When I came to the wicket we’d lost two wickets. But I wanted to play with a positive mind like I do in first-class cricket. That was at the back of my mind, and I wanted to play my natural game.”And Ghulam’s domestic oeuvre is particularly hefty. Only 12 players have scored more runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy since he made his debut in 2013, with his average, a smidge under 50, placing him behind only Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel and Usman Salahuddin.It was what he drew on as he negotiated a tricky opening session, banking his aggressive shots before lunch, and setting the platform for a 149-run partnership with Saim Ayub that gently eased England’s grip on the game. He hung around when Ayub fell, building up another 65-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan, one in which he brought up his century with a slap over midwicket off Joe Root. By the time he fell, missing a drive off Shoaib Bashir who cleaned him up, he’d scored 118: his 17th first-class hundred.”I’ve scored a lot of first-class runs,” Ghulam said. “I didn’t care about the venue or the team, I just needed to make my debut. I knew I had a lot of hard work behind me, and thankfully that work has paid off for me.”He also acknowledged the circumstances in which he’d made his debut, paying tribute to the man he replaced in the side. “Babar is a very good player and at the back of my mind I was thinking he’s a legend, a very good player. But I thought I’d give 110% and play with a positive mindset. I knew I had to take my opportunity.””And,” he says in his vulnerable, soft spoken tone with characteristic understatement, “when it came, I did well.”

Newcastle United may have signed Anthony Elanga this summer, but that is the only highlight for Eddie Howe thus far.

Moves for no.1 target Joao Pedro and striking sensation Hugo Ekitike failed in recent weeks while Howe was also keen on signing Bryan Mbeumo, but it appears as though Manchester United have snatched him away from the Magpies.

The Cameroon international would have been an excellent versatile option for Howe next season, as he can play across the front three.

As such, he will have to explore other options ahead of the new season.

Newcastle's forward search

Benjamin Sesko and Julian Alvarez have both been linked with moves to Newcastle in recent days. Either one would make for a magnificent signing, no doubt about that.

With everything, the transfer fees could be the biggest problem regarding either deal. This could mean Howe might have to turn elsewhere to sign another forward.

According to Africa Foot, Newcastle have entered the race to sign Evann Guessand, now set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

It’s claimed that the Toon have recently opened talks with the player’s entourage as they now explore whether to formalise their interest in the player.

He would only cost a reported £22m, which could enable Howe to move for other targets while simultaneously improving his attacking options.

Guessand, given his positional flexibility, could even be Howe’s own answer to Mbeumo should he sign for the Toon this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Why Newcastle must sign Evann Guessand

While the signing of Elanga is a promising one, giving Howe some depth on the flanks, it is evident another centre-forward is required.

Callum Wilson left the club upon the expiration of his contract, leaving just Alexander Isak and William Osula as the only recognised strikers at the club.

Last season for Brentford, Mbeumo scored 20 goals and grabbed nine assists. He spent the season operating either as a main striker or on the right flank, showcasing his versatility.

Guessand may not have matched this tally of 29 goal contributions, but he still scored 13 goals and recorded ten assists in all competitions for Nice.

24/25

42

13

9

23/24

38

7

2

21/22

25

1

3

20/21

3

0

0

19/20

1

0

0

Like the Brentford star, the Ivorian played either as a striker or on either wing for the French club, and this sort of flexibility could give Howe a major boost.

Guessand’s performances in Europe last season will offer Howe more positives. Indeed, the attacker shone when compared to his peers in the Europa League.

According to FBref, not only did Guessand rank in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90 (2.67), but he also ranked in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area (7.21) per 90. That’s certainly an Mbeumo-esque set of traits.

He also ranked in the top 12% for aerials won and in the top 16% for tackles per 90, highlighting that he is solid off the ball and is always looking to win it back for his team. While Mbeumo may not be prolific in the air, his work-rate is also exemplary.

U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed the 24-year-old as “electric” earlier this season, and considering he could be available for £22m, it makes perfect sense for Howe to move ahead with a move.

Newcastle might have missed out on Mbuemo, but in Guessand, they could have the next best thing.

Even better than Sesko: Newcastle agree personal terms to sign £50m striker

Newcastle United would love to welcome in this £50m striker who is even better than Benjamin Sesko.

2 ByKelan Sarson Jul 20, 2025

Burnley are back in the promised land of the Premier League and could now look to swoop for two young stars to bolster their hopes for the long term at Turf Moor, according to a report.

Burnley sign Loum Tchaouna to complete fourth summer signing

Scott Parker has begun to make moves in Lancashire ahead of the Clarets’ return to the Premier League, with Axel Tuanzebe, Quilindschy Hartman and Max Weiss joining their fight to stay in the top-flight.

Now, Loum Tchaouna has joined Burnley from Lazio for a fee in the region of £13 million, further illustrating their commitment to strengthening ahead of an exciting campaign for all involved at Turf Moor.

Speaking after his arrival was confirmed, the French talent stated: “I spoke with the manager during the (Under-21) Euros this summer and we had a really good conversation, which made me realise I wanted to be here.”

Financially, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford’s seemingly inevitable move to Newcastle United could free up £40 million to be invested in further reinforcements, even if losing the England Under-21 international will come as a blow to those within the corridors of power.

With July now upon us, the transfer window never rests and Lee Hendrie believes Norwich City forward Josh Sargent would be a ‘great signing’ for the Clarets in light of links involving the United States international with a switch to the Premier League newcomers.

Related Burnley now plotting summer move for £90,000-a-week Premier League star

He has scored 36 goals in the top flight.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 28, 2025

Either way, it feels like several additions will be necessary to help Burnley stand a chance of avoiding the drop, which is becoming an increasingly difficult task year on year due to the financial disparity between newly-promoted sides and the established clubs.

Nevertheless, Parker could now be set to strengthen the ranks further if recent reports are to be believed.

Burnley make advances to land Salford City duo

According to EFL Analysis, Burnley have seen a bid rejected for Salford City forward Kyrell Malcolm and they are also reportedly interested in bringing his teammate Will Wright to Turf Moor.

Intriguingly, Malcolm, 18, is admired by Everton and Blackburn Rovers, while Wright has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Brentford.

Kyrell Malcolm at Salford City

Will Wright at Salford City

Appearances – 9

Appearances – 4

Goals – 0

Goals – 0

Assists – 1

Assists – 0

Both players are only in the infancy of their careers, but suitors are beginning to emerge for both strikers in light of their potential to develop into stars of the future.

Previously, Salford City co-owner Ryan Giggs described Malcolm as an “exciting player”, which is quite the compliment given his own standing as one of the Premier League’s finest ever performers at Manchester United.

Neither would be expected to become first-team assets straight away, but the fact Burnley want to add two rising talents to their ranks is an indication that the club are on the correct trajectory.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

The Gers are set to get their business underway.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 12, 2025