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Rangers defender Calvin Bassey has reportedly been in talks over a potential summer move away from Ibrox.

What’s the news?

In a recent post on Twitter, Rangers journalist Derek Clark relayed an article from Dutch publication De Telegraaf, which claims that Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder has spoken to the Nigeria international on the phone.

The Gers defender has been linked with several clubs throughout the current transfer window.

After making 89 appearances for Leicester City across their youth teams, the 22-year-old joined the Light Blues in the summer 2020 transfer window. Since then, the Nigerian has gone on to make 65 appearances for the Gers across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and six assists along the way.

Rangers fans would be gutted

Last season saw the defender make 50 appearances for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side whilst playing either as a left-back or centre-back, which shows just how important he is to the team.

It also suggests that it would be a big blow for Rangers should the ex-Leicester gem find himself waving goodbye to Ibrox this summer.

With 29 Premiership games under his belt last term, the defender ended the campaign with 20 interceptions, 28 successful tackles and an average of 1.2 clearances per game.

Bassey also showed just how capable he is of playing on the big European stage, as his performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final was dubbed “astonishing” by BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves.

This shows why he has attracted such interest this summer and why a club like Ajax have him on their radar. It also makes it safe to assume that, should the versatile defender exit Rangers this summer, it would surely leave a lot of supporters gutted give what he’s able to offer Van Bronckhorst’s side at the back.

Now that Clark has relayed this claim that the Ajax boss has been in talks with Bassey, the best thing that Rangers fans can hope for is that the player’s head doesn’t get turned by any club who may have an interest in him.

With that in mind and his current contract at Ibrox is set to expire in the summer of 2024, it could be worth the club’s hierarchy making a move to see if the defender would be open to signing a new deal in Glasgow.

AND in other news: Ross Wilson plotting Rangers bid for six-figure “teen talent”, imagine him & Matondo

Everton would face ‘massive fan backlash’ if the club decide to re-sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has claimed.

The Lowdown: Lampard’s transfer window

After enduring a difficult 2021/22 season, the Toffees are yet to fully capitalise on the transfer market, as Frank Lampard’s side have made just one addition with the free signing of centre-back James Tarkowski.

Since Richarlison’s £60m departure, Everton have been on the hunt for attacking replacements to add to their squad. As a result, rumours have emerged linking them with a swoop for Barkley, who left the club in 2018.

According to The Mirror, the Toffees and Aston Villa have both been offered the opportunity to re-sign Barkley this summer.

The Latest: Brown’s claim

Brown understands that Everton have previously been interested in making a return swoop for Barkley, although he believes that the transfer would not go down well with the Goodison Park fan base, considering the acrimonious manner in which he departed for Chelsea in 2018.

Taking to an interview with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: “Everton definitely entertained bringing Barkley back at one point, but I think they know there’d be a massive fan backlash against that.

“At the moment, the only people pushing that are Chelsea because it’s clear that Barkley has no future there and they’re listening to offers.

“I think that is why the link has resurfaced but I don’t think Everton, right now, will make a serious move for Ross Barkley.”

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The Verdict: Could it revive Barkley’s career?

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge four-and-a-half years ago, the 28-year-old has failed to secure himself a spot in Chelsea’s starting XI.

The midfielder has amassed 99 games for the West London club in total, but regular appearances have recently become scarce, with just six in the Premier League last season.

Whilst in charge at Chelsea, Lampard was very complimentary of Barkley. After a period of fine form from the former England international, the current Everton boss claimed: “He has got great quality and I knew that. I think what he is doing is he is playing a very complete role. Obviously, he always has that goal threat with his technical qualities: right and left foot, great strikes.”

With the Toffees manager being a big fan of the 28-year-old, a move to Goodison Park could revive Barkley’s career, also providing the team with more options going forward, potentially making this a sensible move for all parties involved.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Nikola Milenkovic this week…

What’s the word?

According to Florence newspaper La Nazione (via Sport Witness), Spurs are thought to be one of three teams in the mix to sign the Fiorentina centre-back.

Serie A rivals Inter Milan and Juventus are the other teams interested in the 24-year-old.

It’s believed that the north London outfit have already made contact for the Serbian in recent weeks and the outlet rates his chances of leaving at 50%.

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Dream for Conte

Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici may have already sealed manager Antonio Conte some strength in depth in the form of Clement Lenglet, who has joined on a loan deal from Barcelona, but it isn’t enough.

Spurs will be competing in the Champions League this campaign, so midweek matches and rotation could be key to potential success this season. And in Milenkovic, the Italian head coach would be getting another ruthless colossus who would take no prisoners, very much like Cristian Romero.

Last season, the Serbia international finished the season as La Viola’s fifth-best performer in the Serie A, where he averaged a squad-high 2.9 aerial duels and 1.1 interceptions, as well as 1.6 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

This sort of playing style has earned plenty of comparisons to one of the Premier League’s best-ever centre-backs – Nemanja Vidic.

“Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet, and he is much calmer on the field,” Mozzart journalist Dejan Stankovic once claimed to ESPN. “He is the most talented centre-back Serbia have had since Vidic, and they definitely have one thing in common – [they are] both are fearless.”

Also lauded as a “beast” by former Partizan head coach Ivan Tomic, Milenkovic is equally adept with the ball at his feet, managing an 89.8% passing accuracy over the past year, as per FBref.

Reports in Italy suggest that he’s available for just €20m (£17m), so it would be wise for Paratici to launch a move for the 6 foot 5 titan as he could well secure Conte another dream defender.

AND in other news, Fabio Paratici can seal Spurs transfer masterclass in cunning swap deal…

Glasgow Rangers hold an ‘advantage’ in their attempt to bring midfielder Kartal Yilmaz to Ibrox this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The lowdown: Double swoop?

Following the completed capture of left-back Ridvan Yilmaz, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is seemingly eyeing up another raid in Turkey before the window closes.

As per Turkish outlet Ajanspor, the Gers are considering returning to Besiktas in an £800,000 attempt to sign 21-year-old Turkey youth international midfielder and namesake, Kartal.

However, it’s been suggested that the Super Lig giants are only willing to sanction a loan departure for their talented gem, seemingly putting Rangers in a difficult position in negotiations.

The latest: ‘Advantage’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke has claimed that the Light Blues in fact hold an ‘advantage’ when it comes to striking a deal for the seven-cap Under 21 starlet due to their preexisting relationship.

He said: “I think it definitely gives them an advantage. They’ve obviously worked with Besiktas to a great deal for the left-back Ridvan Yilmaz, so there’s clearly good relations between the clubs to get that deal over the line.

“So, I’m sure ongoing discussions, if they are after the midfielder Yilmaz, that it would make things slightly easier for Rangers.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Albeit only early days in the new campaign, it’s already apparent that Rangers need further reinforcements to the ranks if they’re going to compete both in Europe and domestically in 2022/23.

Having sold Joe Aribo and with uncertainty surrounding the future of Glen Kamara, there is yet to be a genuine central midfielder arrive and as such, a signing in that area should be considered imperative before the September 1 deadline.

Operating exclusively as a defensive midfielder last season, Yilmaz scored once and provided seven assists in league outings whilst on loan at the second-tier outfit Umraniyespor, picking up 11 yellow cards in the process.

Overall, the talented Turkish youngster earned an outstanding 7.22 Sofascore rating during 2021/22, winning 4.2 duels, making 2.0 interceptions and completing 2.0 key passes on average per appearance – outperforming potential positional rival Kamara in each facet, as the 26-year-old only managed 3.9 successful duels, 0.7 interceptions and 1.3 key passes in the Scottish Premiership.

Valued at £900,000 and under contract in his homeland until 2024 (Transfermarkt), this should be a wholly affordable move for the Gers and one that the hierarchy should be working hard to get over the line in order to suitably bolster Van Bronkhorst’s options.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly looking to sell Leeds United target Arnaud Kalimuendo as soon as possible.

The Lowdown: Leeds close to agreeing fee

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the 20-year-old for weeks in what has become one of the most drawn out sagas of the summer, with rumours intensifying after the club missed out on Charles De Ketelaere.

Leeds, in recent days, are thought to be close to agreeing on a fee after indicating a willingness to pay near to €25m (£21m) for the player.

Reports elsewhere have suggested that Jesse Marsch wants a transfer wrapped up this week, and Victor Orta has seemingly now been given the green light to fast-track a potential deal.

The Latest: PSG update

TEAMtalk reporter James Marshment relayed an update from French outlet GFFN regarding Kalimuendo on Tuesday evening.

They claimed that PSG have now decided to put the striker up for sale and are looking to offload the young forward as soon as possible to the highest bidder.

The Whites are apparently hopeful they can complete the deal, but Nice and Rennes are in the race too.

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The Verdict: Good news

This latest update is certainly a positive one for Leeds officials, but they’ll need to act fast to avoid a repeat of the De Ketelaere saga.

Andrea Radrizzani recently admitted he hesitated when it came to De Ketelaere and wished that he headed out to Belgium ten days earlier before he joined AC Milan.

Therefore, Leeds should have Orta on a flight to Paris as soon as possible looking to strike a deal ahead of the Ligue 1 suitors, and it looks as if an agreement is edging closer.

Crystal Palace are one of several Premier League sides said to be interested in signing Marseille striker Bamba Dieng this summer and the young forward could prove to be Patrick Vieira’s own version of Sadio Mane at Selhurst Park.

According to the Daily Mail, Palace and a number of other Premier League sides are all interested in signing the Senegal international before the transfer window shuts.

Previous reports have suggested that he would be available for as little as €15m (£12.7m) this summer, so he could present a relatively cheap option for the Eagles as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Vieira does already have Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta available as natural strikers in his squad but following the recent exit of Christian Benteke, the Palace manager may well be keen to add another frontman to his ranks.

Dieng enjoyed a breakthrough season in the 2021/22 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions for Marseille, in which he contributed eight goals and three assists.

The 22-year-old primarily featured as a striker last season but is also capable of playing on the left-hand side, where he competes in his national side with Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane.

According to FbRef, Mane is the third-most similar player to Dieng in terms of style of play and it’s not just their nationality and position that supports that claim.

They both excelled tremendously in their attacking play last season, scoring above the 90th percentile in shots per game and progressive passes received, which emphasises that they are extremely adept at getting themselves into goalscoring situations.

WhoScored also suggests that both Mane and Dieng excel at finishing and playing key passes, while they also like to cut inside from the left onto their stronger right foot.

Furthermore, Mane is also a big fan of his international teammate, suggesting that he has the potential to become “one of the best strikers in the world” after a 4-1 win over Namibia last year.

Considering how effective Mane was in the Premier League during his time at Southampton and Liverpool, where he comfortably established himself as a “world-class” player on his way to scoring 111 times, Palace would be foolish not to consider bringing a potential heir to the Bayern Munich star to Selhurst Park.

West Brom will be looking to pick up their first three points of the season when they travel to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon.

The Baggies have drawn both of their opening Championship fixtures against Middlesbrough and Watford respectively, and are in for another tough game against Rovers, who boast the only 100% record in the second tier.

Bruce rang the changes in midweek as the Baggies bested Sheffield United at the Hawthorns, and therefore, as many as eight alterations are likely as they prepare for their trip to Lancashire.

Predicted XI: Button, Furlong, Ajayi, O’Shea, Townsend, Yokuslu, Livermore, Wallace, Swift, Robinson, Grant.

In goal, David Button is likely to return after saving a penalty in his last fixture, as Alex Palmer deputized for the number one against the Blades.

Despite the clean sheet in the cup, it would not be a surprise to see Bruce opt for a more experienced lineup in defence, with Semi Ajayi likely to return in place of Kyle Bartley to partner Dara O’Shea. The pair played against Watford in the last league fixtures so it makes sense to keep that continuity.

Darnell Furlong offers a serious threat with his long throw-ins and should replace Taylor Gardner-Hickman at right-back, as he also started against the Hornets over a week ago. Meanwhile, Conor Townsend is expected to return on the left.

Bruce will definitely be forced into midfield changes, as Alex Mowatt has joined Middlesbrough on loan after starting in midweek, but Okay Yokuslu should keep his place after finding fitness against the Blades.

He could partner the experienced skipper Jake Livermore in the middle of the park, while there is likely to be significant changes in the attacking areas.

Adam Reach, who was accused of lacking sharpness in front of goal against the Blades, will likely drop out in favour of the “fantastic” Jed Wallace, but Callum Robinson could keep his place after Grady Diangana failed to make the squad against Sheffield United. That said, the latter should now be fit enough after missing the clash through injury.

John Swift also looks likely to return after scoring the equaliser in West Brom’s last league fixture, with Matty Phillips dropping to the bench.

Finally, with Kenneth Zohore and Daryl Dike out injured, all eyes will be on Karlan Grant after Bruce revealed he would be touch and go for the trip to Ewood Park. However, with the lack of forward options available, the Baggies will desperately be hoping he can start and continue his impressive start to the season.

The 24-year-old has already scored twice this term and they will need him fit and firing if they are to build some early season momentum.

West Ham United have joined the mix to sign Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes keeping busy…

After signing the likes of Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and Thilo Kehrer, Irons manager David Moyes is reportedly keeping busy before September 1.

Bids have gone in for new targets such as Flamengo forward Lazaro, while it is believed that the east Londoners are closing in on a deal for Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri.

Other players from Stamford Bridge, like Armando Broja and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, are also of interest to the Hammers, who are also eyeing a raid on another Premier League club in their hunt for McTominay.

The Latest: talkSPORT make McTominay claim…

According to reports, the Scotland international has turned West Ham’s heads amid their search for a midfielder.

talkSPORT claim that the in-demand McTominay is wanted by Moyes, along with Everton, Leicester, Newcastle, who have all ‘registered an interest’ in the 25-year-old.

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The Verdict: Make the move?

With West Ham having failed to sign Amadou Onana from Lille, who eventually joined Everton, McTominay could be an alternative to potentially come in and provide a different option to Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

The latter has attracted criticism for a few of his performances over 2021/22, potentially motivating Moyes to turn to the transfer market.

The 59-year-old is allegedly a ‘known fan’ of McTominay, with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone even calling the Scotland midfielder one of ‘the best’ in world football when his team came up against the Red Devils in February.

The 6 foot 3 colossus, whilst being at the centre of recent criticism at Old Trafford himself, could benefit from a move away, and West Ham arguably need another option in front of the back four – could it be a match made in heaven?

Crystal Palace could now add a silky European talent to their midfield…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, the Eagles are considering Houssem Aouar as a target from Lyon, along with his compatriot Boubakar Soumare.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the latter, he stated: “I think that’s one Palace will look at alongside Houssem Aouar. I don’t know how realistic it is, but from what I understand, Palace are going to go for two or three signings.”

Earlier in the summer, Arsenal were quoted at a reported €25m (£21.2m) to secure Aouar’s services due to his rapidly expiring contract.

Final piece of the puzzle?

If he can add this silky attack-minded midfielder to his squad, Patrick Vieira could perform a transfer miracle to tempt the man who was once one of the hottest prospects in Europe to SE25.

Bringing him in would also offer added competition for Eberechi Eze, who would in turn challenge both wingers for their placed in the team. The domino effect of Aouar’s arrival would instantly increase depth and competition significantly at Selhurst Park.

The Frenchman featured 36 times for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season and also captained his team on occasion. Still at just 24 years old, it feels like his name has been on the radar of many top clubs for quite some time.

He returned a fine haul of eight goals and four assists in total across the campaign, and with the added defensive security of Cheick Doucoure, Aouar could be the final piece of Vieira’s puzzle by completing Palace’s fluid attack.

In addition to the tricky midfielder’s goal contributions, he is also something of a pass-master. Alongside Doucoure, who himself ranks in the top 8% for progressive passes and carries among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months, these two could pass opposition midfields to death – the Lyon ace ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for pass completion.

Once expected by The Guardian’s Andy Brassell to become “something special”, a move to the Premier League could finally see him realise this potential. Coached by his legendary compatriot, who knows a thing or two about dominating a midfield, Vieira could mould Aouar into the perfect midfielder.

Having added plenty of defensive-minded reinforcements this summer, to bring in this highly-rated attacking midfielder could be the final piece of the puzzle to unlocking the Eagles’ potential.

They could progress nicely up the table if Aouar comes to Selhurst Park takes well to the league, controlling games and threading key passes for the likes of Eze, Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise with his mastery.

West Bromwich Albion look set to sign a new midfielder…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic journalist Elias Burke, Josh Onomah seems poised to move to the club in a loan move.

He wrote on Twitter: “Josh Onomah looks set to join WBA. Undergoing a medical ahead of a loan move. Good business for a midfielder who has worked under Bruce previously. Adds a different pace to the midfield and has an eye for goal.”

 Could spark a play-off push

To sign a man Steve Bruce will know well could be the key to unlocking a Baggies side who have struggled to find the net early on in the season.

Just 11 goals this season in seven games, with five of them coming in one match, is indicative of a side struggling in front of goal. The injury to January signing Daryl Dike will certainly play a part in this.

However, to sign a creative midfielder who has played in the Premier League and the Champions League at the age of still only 25 marks a huge coup for Bruce.

Eight goals and 12 assists in 99 Championship appearances are suggestive of a consistent threat, however, in recent years, his form has dipped.

If he can recapture the form of the 2017/18 season, where he recorded his best SofaScore rating of 6.86 in the league across 20 starts, it could mark a massive signing. His attacking return of four goals and three assists outlined him as a young starlet, with his performances at the U17 World Cup earning him the title of “outstanding.”

Indeed he’s been used to acclaim during his career with one journalist hailing him for his “superb” runs in the final third.

He has struggled to live up to his immense potential, but the fact he suggested it was there at all gives credence to the claim that he could now be a success for West Brom.

If he can find any kind of form, he could be instrumental in realising Bruce’s dreams of a play-off push for his side.