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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now set to offer Calvin Bassey a ‘massive’ new deal.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

As per Football Insider, there are numerous suitors from the English Premier League eyeing a swoop for the 22-year-old.

They reported that the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham United and Fulham have all shown interest in signing Bassey in the summer, after impressing with some recent performances.

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The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell hailed him as an ‘incredible’ athlete after their 2-0 win against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final this weekend, while Giovanni van Bronckhorst has lauded the player’s ‘tremendous’ development.

The Latest: Deal lined up

According to Football Insider, the Teddy Bears are now preparing to offer Bassey a new contract in order to try and keep him at the club.

A source from inside Ibrox has revealed that they are lining up talks over a new deal, and will be offered a ‘massive’ pay rise.

He would duly become one of the highest earners at the club in a deal which would help to fend off transfer interest this summer.

The Verdict: Big boost

It will certainly be a big boost for the Light Blues faithful to hear that Bassey has been lined up for a new deal amid interest from the Premier League.

He has ranked highly among his team-mates in terms of average tackles, blocks, passes and crosses per game this season (WhoScored), and his ability to play at both left-back and as a central defender has really helped the team, especially considering that they got to the final of both the Scottish Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

Bassey is a key player for the team, so the Gers will surely want to keep him at all costs.

In other news, find out which other RFC star is now attracting Premier League interest here!

BBC journalist Tom English has insisted that Rangers will be without Connor Goldson and Allan McGregor next season as a number of big changes are expected at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Busy season

The Glasgow outfit have been extraordinarily busy this season, having made it all the way to the UEFA Europa League final, in addition to winning the Scottish Cup.

With the Gers missing out on the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic by a meagre four points, van Bronckhorst will be assessing his squad ahead of next season, weighing up any departures after the players enjoy a well-earned rest.

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The Latest: Major exodus

Writing in his BBC Sport column, English has made a number of assumptions about the Rangers squad ahead of next season.

Firstly, the journalist said he expects 40-year-old Allan McGregor will retire in the coming months.

English also claims that Connor Goldson is looking certain to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

With a number of stellar names now in the final year of their deals, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see some big players being sold ahead of next season.

As a result, it is expected that there will be numerous incomings and outgoings this summer.

The Verdict: Clubs will be interested

With such an impressive campaign showcased on the European stage, a whole host of clubs will be sniffing around the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, who all excelled in the Europa League this year.

Whilst it may be the time to offload some of the deadwood, it is imperative that Rangers hold on to their best players – especially if they are to replicate their stunning European run.

Therefore, this will be a big transfer window for the Gers, and fans may be particularly concerned over the future of Bassey after his incredible display in Seville.

In other news: Rangers: Jonny McFarlane stunned by Cinch news

Aston Villa are believed to be edging closer towards a deal for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, as Steven Gerrard steps up his bid to reunite with the player.

What’s the word?

As per the Times, the Midlands outfit are reportedly ‘closing in’ on a deal for the 22-year-old, following his impressive displays at Ibrox in recent seasons, including in both the Europa League final and the Scottish Cup final that took place last week – the Glasgow outfit winning the latter.

The Nigeria international had been part of Leicester City’s academy before being plucked by the Old Firm giants in the summer of 2020, going on to make his debut under Gerrard that season, before truly cementing his place in the side during the 2021/22 campaign.

A reunion between the duo is now on the cards at Villa Park, although it is as yet unclear as to just how much the Italy-born gem will cost, albeit with former Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas suggesting a fee of around £25m.

The news comes with the club confirming they have reached an agreement to bring Diego Carlos to the Midlands.

Bye-Bye Mings

The youngster’s displays both domestically and in Europe in the most recent campaign have seemingly caught the eye of his former manager, with Bassey having been a standout force for the Gers in recent months.

In the Europa League, in particular, the £900k-rated machine had been quite remarkable, averaging 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game in his 14 outings, while in the showpiece defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt he was also impressive, with pundit Owen Hargreaves describing him as “astonishing” for his relentless work ethic, even deep into extra-time.

Comfortable both in the centre of defence and at left-back, it is no real surprise to see why the £6.4k-per-week starlet has been so highly-coveted, with Villa set to have a really exciting prospect on their hands should a deal go through.

As one door opens, however, another closes, with current skipper Tyrone Mings potentially the man to make way, with recent reports suggesting that the Premier League side are keen to cash in on the 29-year-old this summer.

Gerrard and co are seemingly eyeing a new left-sided centre-back – hence the interest in Bassey – with a plan to help improve the club’s defensive displays, having shipped 54 league goals during the 2021/22 season.

The England international has been a large source of blame for many, with pundit Danny Mills suggesting that there is “a mistake in his game somewhere”, with the club needing a top-level replacement in order to kick on.

The aforementioned Nicholas has suggested that the younger man is “already a better player” than Mings, with the 17-cap giant seemingly tipped for the axe from all corners.

Should NSWE manage to get the Bassey deal over the line in the coming days or weeks, it could well prove to be the end of the road for the Villa captain.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has suggested that Newcastle United should forget about trying to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer after a Magpies source revealed Eddie Howe’s interest.

The Lowdown: Magpies given Calvert-Lewin encouragement

The 25-year-old first joined the Toffees in a £1.5m deal from Sheffield United six years ago, where he has since gone on to make 191 senior appearances in the Premier League during that time.

Despite still having three years remaining on his current contract at Goodison Park, the striker has recently been linked with a move away from Merseyside due to the club’s financial problems, with Everton believed to have recorded losses of approximately £250m over the past two seasons.

The Magpies are thought to be heading into the upcoming transfer window looking for a new centre-forward, and a Newcastle source told Football Insider just last week that Howe’s side have been encouraged to pursue the 11-cap international.

The Latest: Robinson’s transfer ‘risk’ claim

Robinson however, after hearing that news, thinks the St. James’ outfit should be targeting Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus instead, who only has 12 months left on his deal at the Etihad. He told Football Insider:

“Callum Wilson is a top player.

“We saw at the end of the season just how important he is for them.

“He is injury prone though. He has had an unfortunate time with injuries.

“They play with one up top right now with two players out wide. Is Calvert-Lewin versatile enough to play as one of the wide players, probably not. I also question whether he is better than Wilson.

“He has had a hit and miss season. He scored an important goal late on but other than that he struggled.

“I think signing him would be a risk when you take into account how much Everton would want for him.

“I think they should go for someone like Jesus instead. He is the type of player Newcastle should be going after.”

The Verdict: If the price is right…

Even though Calvert-Lewin has only clocked up 17 top-flight appearances this season after being ruled out of action for the first four months of the campaign with injury, he has still managed to make an impact in the final third, scoring five goals and registering two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As a result of Frank Lampard’s blues narrowly surviving relegation, if the 6 foot 1 talisman was to depart, Everton would probably be expected to ask for a significant sum of money which they could put towards some much-needed transfer funds to buy a better profile of player if they want to stay clear of the drop zone.

So, we feel this deal all depends on the price demands from Merseyside, as Calvert-Lewin could provide some serious competition upfront and help Newcastle aim for a top ten finish next term, but perhaps not for his £37.8m valuation given by Transfermarkt.

In other news… a journalist has dropped a huge ‘£40m’ Newcastle transfer claim involving one of their summer targets.

Nottingham Forest will be looking to the transfer window to bolster their squad ahead of their long awaited return to the Premier League next season, and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Germán García Grova (via TNT Sports), Nottingham Forest have begun negotiations to sign New York City’s Valentin Castellanos.

As per the report, the newly-promoted club can reach an agreement for the player with Forest looking for reinforcements to remain in the Premier League.

Cooper’s Tevez

There is no doubt that Steve Cooper will be looking for options to add depth and strength to his team ahead of their season in the Premier League, as the club will be desperate to stay in the top flight for many years to come following a 23-year absence.

Castellanos has been proving himself to be a prolific goal-scorer and attacking threat in the MLS winning the golden boot by scoring 22 goals during the 2021 season, which is more goals scored than any of the current Nottingham Forest players this season with Brennan Johnson finishing on 19.

However, goal-scoring isn’t the only prolific attribute that the £12.8m dynamo, who was hailed “exceptional” by Conor McGilligan, has displayed over his last full season in the American top-tier.

The Argentine also contributed eight assists, created eight big chances, made 1.1 key passes, won 6.7 duels and took 4.1 shots on average per game, proving that he is a solid attacking threat on all fronts and not afraid to get stuck into challenges due to his high numbers of duels won in-game.

Castellanos could even be Cooper’s very own Tevez as the 23-year-old has drawn comparisons to the former Manchester City striker due to his powerful and pacey approach to his game, which could have a massive influence on Forest’s chances of remaining in the Premier League at the end of next season.

The Forest manager will be looking for ways to add more to his attacking third as Keinan Davis who currently occupies the number nine shirt will be returning to Aston Villa at the end of this month when his loan spell expires, so there is definitely a position Castellanos can slot into perfectly if the club can secure the signing.

AND in other news: “Could see that happening..”: Journo drops big Forest claim that’ll divide supporters

Celtic were particularly busy behind the scenes during the previous summer transfer window as they saw a lot of players move in and out of the club.

One figure the Hoops brought in during that period that has gone on to have a rather successful debut season at Parkhead is defender Carl Starfelt.

Signed on a four-year deal from Rubin Kazan for a fee of £4.5m back in July, the Sweden international went on to make 49 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions.

This shows just how quickly he became a crucial figure for Postecoglou in the team at the back.

To highlight his defensive output for the Bhoys, he ended the SPFL season with the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and tackles won (30) in the squad.

Now that the next summer transfer window has opened, this could give Postecoglou and the Celtic hierarchy to replicate a similar sort of masterclass they pulled off when signing Starfelt.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Celtic are one of the clubs eyeing a move for RKC Waalwijk defender Ahmed Touba.

After spending the majority of his career in Belgium, the 24-year-old joined the Dutch side back in August 2020 after leaving Club Brugge.

During his time with Waalwijk, the £900k-rated Algerian has made 62 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and two assists.

In terms of his defensive talent, he ended his latest domestic season in the Netherlands with the joint-highest number of interceptions (57) and highest number of tackles won at his club (32).

He also racked up the second-highest average of clearances per game (3.9) in the Eredivisie at Waalwijk. 

This highlights the similarities between him and Starfelt in terms of being a solid defensive unit for their teams.

Labelled as a “versatile” figure that “has all the assets to succeed” by journalist Chebli Ishaq on Twitter, Touba certainly has what it takes to be a solid addition to Celtic’s ranks and continue their track record of signing players from abroad and turning them into important club figures such as Starfelt.

If the Hoops see an opportunity to secure a deal for the centre-back this summer, then they should do all they can to get him to Parkhead and strengthen Postecoglou’s squad ahead of their new season.

In other news: “I was told..”: Anthony Joseph drops Celtic transfer claim that’ll worry Postecoglou

According to newspaper Il Messaggero, as relayed by Calcio News 24, there has been a big update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans involving Roma defender Roger Ibanez.

The Lowdown: Spurs set to be busy…

It’s no secret that Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is eyeing fresh additions to his backline, specifically at centre-half, with links emerging to a plethora of names.

GiveMeSport sum it up by revealing that Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Stefan De Vrij and Clement Lenglet have all been on the shortlist at various points.

Another central defensive target in Roma star Ibanez has also now been linked with Il Messaggero (via Calcio News 24) now sharing what could be a significant update.

The Latest: Tottenham table bid…

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According to the newspaper, Premier League sides Spurs and Newcastle United have both ‘proposed’ €30 million (£26m) to sign the player who is ‘very popular’ and in-demand.

However, it may take more to prise away Ibanez, who has a big release clause of €80m (£68m).

The Verdict: Press further?

We believe £68m may be too much to spend on Ibanez given Tottenham have other ‘world class’ targets like Torres of Villarreal available for less.

The Brazilian has been a brilliant player for Jose Mourinho at the Stadio Olimpico, making more interceptions per 90 than any Roma player whilst ranking in as their sixth-best performing player (WhoScored).

However, Torres has been just as effective under Unai Emery in La Liga and is available for much less with his £55m release clause.

As Fabio Paratici weighs his next move, all options must be considered carefully.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Tottenham expected to make move for ‘supremely underrated’ star! Find out more here.

Frank Lampard is looking for ways to improve his Everton squad this summer following a disappointing season in the Premier League, and now a new potential transfer target has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to Corriere Dello Sport newspaper, Everton are now plotting a move for Juventus left-back Luca Pellegrini.

As per the report, the hierarchy at the Serie A club have now told Pellegrini’s agent Vincenzo Raiola to offer the player to clubs who could potentially make a move from him this summer and Goodison Park has been named as a possible destination.

Lampard needs him

There is no doubt that Lampard will be wanting to bolster most of the positions in his squad after a season where Everton had one of the highest injury rates in the entire Premier League.

Jonjoe Kenny has left the club after rejecting a new contract, so Lampard needs a player like Pellegrini who can offer depth to the left side of the defence next season.

The £8.1m-rated gem who was dubbed “technically gifted” by Zach Lowry, was named in UEFA’s ’50 players for the future’ back in 2019 but has struggled to gain consistent, regular game-time for Juventus.

Despite only making 18 appearances in the Serie A, the 23-year-old has shown glimpses of his potential and talent in Italy contributing one assist and creating two big chances, making 1.3 tackles and 0.9 clearances on average per game, whilst winning the majority of his duels combined (56%).

Everton signed Vitaliy Mykolenko back in January after selling Lucas Digne in a controversial transfer to Aston Villa after falling out with former manager Rafael Benitez, however, Lampard will now have the opportunity in his first full transfer window to add more depth and experience to his back-line.

With that being said, Everton and Farhad Moshiri are reportedly looking to rectify their reckless spending of the past so will be hoping that because Juventus are keen to get rid of Pellegrini this summer they will be able to strike a cheaper deal for the defender that will mutually benefit both clubs.

AND in other news: Contact made: Everton swoop in for “perfect” £20m star, he can be Lampard’s Iniesta

Reliable journalist Joseph Masi has dropped a significant update on West Brom’s links to Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence.

The Lowdown: Lawrence linked with Baggies move

According to recent reports, the Baggies have shown interest in acquiring Lawrence’s signature ahead of next season, following Derby’s relegation to League One.

The 28-year-old will be out of contract when his Rams deal expires later this week, meaning he will be a free agent and available to join whoever he wants on a Bosman deal.

However, it appears as though Lawrence’s next club won’t be West Brom, following a rather definitive update from Masi.

The Latest: Masi rules out signing

Taking to Twitter, The Express & Star‘s Masi claimed that there is no interest from Steve Bruce in bringing the 23-time capped Wales international to the Hawthorns this summer:

“Story also includes a line on Tom Lawrence who I understand Albion are NOT interested in signing despite reports to the contrary.”

The Verdict: One that got away?

In some ways, this is a disappointing update, considering Lawrence is someone with a wealth of Championship experience, having scored 50 goals and registered 40 assists in the competition down the years.

The winger was also once hailed as a ‘fabulous’ player by Gary Bowyer during his time at Blackburn Rovers and he will hope to star at the World Cup for Wales later this year, while his ability to play in a whopping seven different positions would have been useful for Bruce.

At 28, Lawrence is arguably in and around his peak years and he could have strengthened West Brom’s promotion push next season – as it is, the Baggies will now seemingly pursue other attacking options instead.

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘unlikely’ to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has claimed.

The Lowdown: On Paratici’s shortlist

The Athletic have previously reported that Spurs have drawn up a four-man shortlist of options as to who they could bring in as a left-sided centre-back this summer.

Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, recent Newcastle signing Sven Botman and fresh Borussia Dortmund arrival Nico Schlotterbeck all joined Gvardiol on Fabio Paratici’s wish list, but the Lilywhites could now be set to miss out on the entire quartet.

The two players who have undergone recent transfers are obviously now unattainable, while Bastoni’s agent has stated that his client will ‘certainly remain at Inter’. Also, German football expert Stefan Bienkowski has revealed that both Spurs and Chelsea have been informed by Leipzig that the Croatian is not for sale.

The Latest: Crook’s claim

Crook is doubtful that Tottenham will sign Gvardiol this summer and reckons that the Lilywhites are more likely to dip into the Serie A market, given Conte’s and Paratici’s experience of that league.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the talkSPORT reporter claimed: “I’d say unlikely. I think Leipzig are keen to keep hold of him for another season. I think there’ll be better value to be had in Italy.

“And this is still Tottenham and Daniel Levy, so they’re not going to pay over the odds for players. So, I think Serie A is a more likely destination.”

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The Verdict: Davies may remain

With all of Conte’s squad options in central defence being right-footed, the Italian had no choice but to use Ben Davies in that position, with the left-back proving to be a fantastic makeshift centre-half over the last few months.

The Wales international was utilised at centre-back 35 times last season, but it is understood that signing a left-sided centre-back remains a key objective for Conte this summer.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet is nearing a loan switch to north London. However, with this move lasting just a year, it would not be a surprise to see Paratici dip back into the market in search of a more permanent solution.

Gvardiol could be the long-term answer, with Croatia assistant coach Ivica Olic once having dubbed him “extraordinary”. Germania Sport assistant editor Izak Ante Sucic also heaped praise on the gem, saying: “Since he was a child, he’s been built like a tank.”

With such huge potential at 20 years of age, this could be a transfer worth waiting for.