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Transfer insider Dean Jones has now dropped some big news with regards to summer plans at Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Targets lined up

The Ibrox faithful are reportedly now considering moves for both Ross Stewart and Gareth Bale in the summer, so they are clearly already eyeing up ways to strengthen with the current season drawing closer to an end.

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They find themselves six points behind leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, but are in the UEFA Europa League semi-final after they knocked out Braga over two legs – if they can win the competition and secure Champions League football, new quality and depth in the market will be a necessity.

The Latest: Planning already

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has shared that the hierarchy at the Teddy Bears have ‘already been speaking’ about possible transfer targets for the summer, while other clubs have not got that far yet:

“I know they’ve already been speaking about potential targets for the window, which is quite interesting given we’re still only halfway through April.

“A lot of clubs aren’t that far down the road in terms of defining where they want to head.”

The Verdict: Big

The fact that the Light Blues are planning ahead already is big for their ambitions for next season.

It looks as if they are going to miss out on the SPFL title, but should they end up winning the Europa League, then they would automatically qualify for the Champions League group stages.

Thus, they could potentially attract big names like Bale to the football club, and so deals will need to be in place in order to fight off the likely competition.

Nonetheless, it is always better to get your business done early in the window, so that everything is prepared in time for the start of the new campaign.

In other news, find out who Gers’ three worst performers were against Braga here!

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has reacted to a West Ham United transfer claim involving Rangers star Connor Goldson.

The Lowdown: West Ham source drops Goldson claim…

As per a West Ham source, speaking to FI, it appears GSB could now make a move to sign the Gers favourite amid his contract situation.

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The 28-year-old, who was a regular in Steven Gerrard’s side during their SPFL title-winning campaign last year, has been linked with a move away from Ibrox with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2022.

As such, he is free to negotiate pre-contract moves in January with West Ham closely monitoring the situation.

Now, Phillips has reacted with his take and it’s safe to say he approves.

The Latest: Phillips reacts to Goldson news…

Speaking to FI, the former Sunderland striker has claimed that Goldson would be a ‘great signing’ for West Ham and potential ‘bargain’ on a free next summer.

However, he warns that the Irons won’t be the only ones weighing a swoop.

“What a bargain he would be on a pre-contract,” Phillips explained.

“But if he is to leave Rangers in such a way I’m sure there would be plenty of club sniffing around him.

“There will be people in the background now talking to his representatives so if I’m West Ham I would try and get a handshake agreement sorted as soon as possible. Something along the lines of, ‘Don’t talk to anyone else. We’ll get a pre-contract over to you in January.’

“If they could pull that one off it would be a great signing for them.”

The Verdict: Get it done West Ham…

As it stands, current defensive mainstay Angelo Ogbonna is yet to agree terms on an extension with his own deal at West Ham expiring next year as well.

Goldson could come as the perfect replacement considering his consistency for Ranger last season.

According to WhoScored, he averaged the second-most aerial duels won per 90 (4.2) out of their entire squad in the Scottish top flight, not to mention the second-most clearances (3).

His injury record was also flawless as the only Gers player to start every single SPFL game for Gerrard over 2020/2021, so even if he did not arrive as an immediate starter for David Moyes, his impressive fitness levels would be hugely beneficial to the depth at the manager’s disposal.

In other news: Official update confirmed involving 130-goal ‘king’, Moyes told West Ham chiefs to sign him…find out more here.

Duje Caleta-Car is reportedly on Southampton’s shortlist to replace Jannik Vestergaard this summer and he could be the next Dejan Lovren at St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach, Caleta-Car, alongside Ozan Kabak and Gary Cahill, is a candidate to replace Vestergaard in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side following his £15m move to Leicester City earlier this month.

After conceding the second-most goals in the Premier League last season and collapsing in the second half against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, it seems clear that the Saints need to add some quality to their backline, or they risk being dragged into a relegation battle this season.

Caleta-Car has established himself as a regular at Marseille in the past three seasons, making 91 appearances, in which he has contributed three goals and two assists.

Last season saw the Croatia international make 33 appearances in Ligue 1, averaging a solid 6.72 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Southampton’s next Lovren?

The similarities between Caleta-Car and Lovren are clear to see, as both are Croatian centre-backs who have made a name for themselves in Ligue 1, with the latter featuring regularly for Lyon before his move to St Mary’s in 2013.

After a superb debut season in Mauricio Pochettino’s side, he would go on to join Liverpool, where he would help them win the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp, so if Caleta-Car proved to be anywhere near as good as his Croatian compatriot, then he could be a very good signing indeed.

Lovren has also sung the praises of the Marseille man in the past and has recommended him for a Premier League move, saying:

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl can amend key 20/21 issue with swoop for “exceptionally good” free agent

West Ham boss David Moyes has received a huge transfer boost ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

Back in July, it was revealed by Football Insider that the Irons had managed to steal Rob Newman from defending champions Manchester City to become their new head of recruitment at the London Stadium.

However, the former Norwich City defender, who had been the head of international scouting and recruitment at the Etihad, had to work a notice period before being allowed to leave.

The Hammers had hoped to have him in place for the summer window but those plans were quickly shelved, with majority shareholder David Sullivan leading the negotiations for what should be the final time.

It has now been confirmed exactly when Newman will be starting.

According to Football Insider, the 57-year-old will take charge on September 22nd, becoming the first person in a role like this since Mario Husillos in 2019.

January boost

This development is hugely encouraging, even if it wasn’t completed in time to make an impact in the summer, though he’ll be able to make his presence known in time for when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

There is a belief around east London that West Ham have relied too heavily on Sullivan’s favoured agents, such as Will Salthouse who represents no fewer than five first-team stars, ahead of genuine talent-spotters.

But during the off-season, Moyes reportedly made it clear during his own contract negotiations that he wanted to revamp the Hammers’ recruitment system and this move represents a major change in direction.

Newman, who is fluent in French and Spanish, will represent a major boost to the Scotsman and the club heading into January, where they will undoubtedly be targeting a new striker after failing to secure one this time around.

Michail Antonio remains the only senior centre-forward at the London Stadium and that’s certainly playing with fire given his injury record. That is likely to be Newman’s first priority as he looks to make his mark at West Ham.

After finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, this off-the-pitch masterstroke could be exactly what the club needs to keep them at this sort of level for the foreseeable future.

Newman is said to have a proven track record and was one of City’s key scouts across Europe – in recent times, signings like Ruben Dias, Rodri and Joao Cancelo have made major impacts.

This latest update should leave the Irons faithful absolutely excited heading into the rest of the month.

AND in other news, West Ham insider drops PAI Capital claim, fans won’t be impressed…

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says events such as Anthony Joshua’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk could help Tottenham sell the naming rights to their stadium for the £250,000,000 they are looking for.

The Lowdown: Spurs host huge bout

Recently, Joshua’s heavyweight boxing bout with Usyk took place in front a full capacity crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Joshua lost the fight, but the glamour of the event can only be good news for Tottenham as a brand.

The Latest: Maguire impressed

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire discussed Tottenham’s ability to attract naming rights offers for their stadium. He said:

“I think it helps Spurs from a negotiation perspective.

“It was a spectacular event, with the exception of the result. That can only enhance the club’s ability to broaden the global scope of what they can offer.

“That therefore makes it more attractive to a sponsor. But it seems a lot of money, however, £25m.

“Man City got more than that, but that was on the back of the stadium that people were looking for a name for.

“But they are calling it the Tottenham stadium deliberately. As soon as people start calling it White Hart Lane, it becomes much harder to get a deal.

“That’s because people will not refer to it by its new name. That means the sponsor doesn’t get as much publicity.

“If you can’t persuade people to use the corporate name, that is to the detriment of their negotiating position.”

The Verdict: Financial boost

It was recently revealed Tottenham are looking for £25m per year over 10 years, which would end up seeing Tottenham receive a fee of £250m. As per 90min.com, that would make Spurs’ ground the most lucrative in terms of sponsorship.

Of course, that is a huge amount. However, given the stadium is already luring in massive corporations like the NFL (nfl.com), it is clear it can be used for more than just football matches, which makes it an interesting proposition for plenty of companies. For Daniel Levy and co, therefore, a financial boost could be just around the corner.

In other news, this man has been urged to leave Tottenham.

Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly becoming frustrated with the failure to bring Lewis O’Brien to the club in time for the season opener [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United prepare for second successive top-flight campaign

Ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign this weekend, the Argentinian will be keen to add quality to his ranks to ensure a second successful top-flight season in the English top-flight.

Adopting an approach of quality over quantity, the Whites hierarchy have sanctioned deals for Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison and Kristoffer Klaesson respectively [Transfermarkt].

However, they may have now run into difficulty regarding making a fourth summer signing.

The Latest: Bielsa growing frustrated in pursuit of O’Brien

As revealed by a recruitment source at Football Insider, Bielsa is said to be growing “exasperated” at his employers’ inability to offer a suitable financial package to the Terriers for O’Brien.

His disappointment stems from the fact he has not been able to bring in O’Brien with plenty time to bed him in during pre-season, whilst simultaneously expecting the club to make a bigger effort to get their man.

Huddersfield asked for a fee in advance of £10 million for the creative midfielder, far above Leeds’ opening offer of £2-3million.

The Verdict: Blow for Leeds

Looking to strengthen for the challenges that lie ahead, this news will come as a bitter disappointment to the Whites support.

In 2020/21, the 22-year-old ace registered six goal contributions in 42 games for his current employers; three goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

He has continued this form into 2021/22, putting in a man of the match performance in Huddersfield’s penalty victory after a 0-0 draw vs Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup first round [BBC].

Once labelled as ‘incredible’ by Yorkshire Live writer Steven Chicken, Leeds United should look to close out a deal as soon as possible for his signature [Lancashire Live].

In other news, a Leeds United ace has been tipped to recapture his best form in 2021/22.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update concerning Kyogo Furuhashi.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by The Athletic, the 56-year-old Celtic boss revealed that, despite the centre-forward being of the belief that he will be fit to play a part in the League Cup final against Hibernian on Sunday, the Bhoys medical team estimate the Japan international’s hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for between two and three weeks.

Speaking about Kyogo’s setback, Postecoglou said: “If you ask the physio team, they’ll say two to three weeks.”

Fans will be furious

Considering just how impressive Kyogo has been since his £4.6m move to Parkhead this summer, the 26-year-old striker looks as if he will miss the League Cup final because of an injury picked up in a game which was for all intents and purposes a dead rubber will have undoubtedly left Celtic fans furious.

Indeed, over his 13 Premiership appearances this term, the £1.8m-rated man has scored eight goals, registered two assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as making 1.2 key passes and taking 2.2 shots per game. These metrics have seen the £18k-per-week forward average a SofaScore match rating of 7.07.

The 26-year-old has also scored a further six goals and provided three assists over 11 outings in the Europa League group stage and qualifiers and the League Cup, taking his total to 14 goals and five assists in just 24 appearances for the Hoops.

As such, being without the striker’s services in the cup final this weekend will undoubtedly weaken Celtic’s chances of lifting the trophy at Hampden Park on Sunday, an outcome which would certainly leave both Postecoglou and fans of the club devastated.

In other news: Ange could repeat Jota masterclass with Celtic swoop for £1.08m-rated “Iranian Neymar”

Tottenham Hotspur have been monitoring Sam Johnstone ahead of a potential swoop in January or the summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who delivered a fresh claim on their pursuit to GIVEMESPORT earlier this week. He said: “If Spurs are looking at Sam Johnstone, I’m sure that’s a sensible option.

“I think Spurs have been watching him. He is homegrown, which is good.”

The England international was subject to interest from several top-flight clubs during the summer transfer window, including West Ham, who saw a £10m bid for him rejected, as per the BBC.

Spurs were also linked with a move for the 6 foot 4 shot-stopper several months ago after The Athletic’s Steve Madeley revealed that the north London outfit had ‘sent out feelers’ to the Baggies following relegation.

Lloris heir?

This latest development should leave much of the Lilywhites faithful absolutely buzzing as it seems as if the club’s hierarchy, notably sporting director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy, are planning for the future.

Hugo Lloris (34) is out of contract in the summer, so a change could well be required between the sticks, and the fact that Johnstone is being monitored suggests that he could be a possible successor – and a very worthy one, too.

Despite West Brom’s relegation, the 28-year-old colossus made Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2020 and he has since picked up three caps, even with Albion in the second tier.

That shows his quality, whilst previous praise from former managers show an insight into his work ethic, attitude and undoubted ability.

“He’s one of the best,” claimed ex-West Brom boss Sam Allardyce back in December, with Johnstone being dubbed a “diamond” to work with by Steve Bruce, his former boss at Villa.

No goalkeeper in the Premier League has faced more shots on target (168) than Johnstone last season, nor did any goalkeeper make as many saves either (116). His four saves per 90 minutes was far above that of Lloris (2.77), as per FBRef.

The veteran glovesman, who captained France to UEFA Nations League glory earlier this month, has often come under criticism for his form in N17, in which he was once slammed for his “lettuce wrists” and dubbed a “weak link” in defence by talkSPORT pundits Jason Cundy and Trevor Sinclair.

Johnstone, who is valued at just £7.2m by Transfermarkt, could be a bargain replacement come next summer, particularly as he’s only on a reported £32.5k-per-week at the Hawthorns.

Spurs fans should be excited by Bridge’s suggestion that the club have been watching him ahead of a potential move. He’d be a very astute addition, even if Lloris remains.

AND in other news, £18m-rated Spurs passenger who lost the ball every 2.7 touches was a disaster against West Ham…

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the subject of interest from Arsenal for ‘years’ and the Gunners will ‘push’ to sign him this summer. 

That’s according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

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The lowdown

The Athletic revealed in January that Calvert-Lewin is one of Arsenal’s primary targets in the striker position.

The club’s coaching staff are apparently strong admirers and they see his personality ‘as a good fit for Arsenal’s current squad’.

The player himself would reportedly be open to moving to The Emirates as he looks to fulfil his career ambitions, which include featuring for England at the Qatar World Cup.

But Calvert-Lewin isn’t the only Everton attacker Arsenal are monitoring. Transfer insider Dean Jones has heard that they could make a move for Richarlison too.

The latest

Brown is confident that Calvert-Lewin will be a bigger priority than his team-mate given that Arsenal have tracked him for such a lengthy period.

“I know for a fact that Arsenal like and have liked Calvert-Lewin for quite a few years, even before he was scoring regularly in the Premier League,” he said.

“So, if I was to guess, I’m pretty sure they’ll make a bigger push for Calvert-Lewin than they will Richarlison in the summer.”

The verdict

How much could Everton get for the £72,000-per-week forward?

Well, the figure mooted by The Athletic in January was £60million, which would be the second largest sale in Everton’s history (behind Romelu Lukaku’s £76.2million switch to Manchester United in 2017).

Could The Toffees still command that in the summer off the back of a lean season for Calvert-Lewin, who’s scored one non-penalty goal in 13 appearances? Perhaps, given that the 25-year-old is still under contract for another three years and has shown he’s capable of far better.

Indeed, he hit a combined 29 goals across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Premier League seasons.

Everton supporters had ‘got it in for’ the striker against Manchester United last time out after he lost a couple of aerial battles in the first half, but some may still be sad to go in light of his previous goalscoring feats.

Indeed, in the words of former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, he’s a striker with ‘outstanding’ gifts, while the Royal Blue podcast have labelled him a ‘monster’.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has been disappointed by one Everton star in particular.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim regarding Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: First start since December today?

The 26-year-old made a welcome return from injury last weekend to feature under new Whites boss Jesse Marsch for the first time. He came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Southampton and is now in contention for a first start since December against Watford this afternoon.

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Phillips has been linked with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham over recent weeks and is currently in the process of changing agents.

Manchester United are also thought to be ‘working on a deal’, but Jones has now made a claim on the midfielder and his thoughts on Marsch.

The Latest: Jones’ comments on Phillips

Speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Phillips, Jones said that the midfielder has ‘been really impressed’ by Marsch, believing that he is now ‘becoming more and more convinced’ over staying at Elland Road as a result.

The journalist said of the 26-year-old:

“They’re starting to turn the corner. He’s been really impressed by what Jesse Marsch has done so far. I do think he’s becoming more and more convinced about staying but, of course, money does talk.”

The Verdict: Premier League status will be vital

To have any chance of keeping Phillips beyond the summer, you’d expect that the Whites need to guarantee a third successive season of Premier League football over the coming weeks.

This afternoon’s trip to Vicarage Road appears to be vital when it comes to Leeds looking to pull away from the relegation zone, with a win taking them 11 points clear of their 19th-placed opponents.

Phillips reportedly wants to sign a new deal at Elland Road, so he could play a key role in receiving one by helping the club to do the business on the pitch in the final seven games of this season.

In other news – 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move