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After previous reports revealed that Liverpool have an interest in signing Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer, it seems as though the Merseyside club could be getting their hands on the defender for a fairly low price in the near future.

What’s the latest?

It has recently been reported by Italian media outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) that Bremer could be available to sign for a fee of around €8-10m (£6.7m-£8.4m).

Since joining Torino back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, has made 86 appearances for the Serie A club across all competitions. In that time, he has scored 11 goals and provided four assists, which is a decent return for a defender.

So far this season, Bremer has played in all but one of Torino’s Serie A games, showing how important he is to their side. Furthermore, the Brazilian has racked up an average of 3.9 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game in the league so far this season, proving himself a vital defensive unit for the club.

His latest appearance saw him make three clearances, seven interceptions and two tackles in Torino’s recent 1-0 defeat against AC Milan, ultimately earning himself an overall match rating of 7/10. That made him their highest-rated defender on the day according to SofaScore as he showcased his defensive talents.

Taking all this into account, we feel that a potential transfer swoop for the defender is something that Liverpool should definitely be considering, especially if they can get him for the fairly low price range being mentioned in this latest report.

Potential Van Dijk partnership?

If Bremer were to move to Anfield, we feel that he could have a very exciting partnership with current Reds defender Virgil van Dijk, who proven himself to be an attacking threat from the defence in the same way Bremer has at Torino, with 13 goals and seven assists under his belt at Liverpool.

Also, with Van Dijk signing a new contract extension at Anfield over the summer, we feel that if Bremer plays with the Dutchman, he could probably learn a lot from the 30-year-old and develop his own game based on how much playing experience Van Dijk has, making him a potential dream signing for the Reds if they pull it off.

In other news: Possession lost 21x: “Dangerous” Liverpool lightweight badly let Klopp down against Preston

Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun sent a strong message to sporting director Ross Wilson on Sunday as he put in a sublime performance against St Mirren.

Steven Gerrard admitted that the centre-back was a doubt heading into the game after he suffered an injury against Brondby last Thursday.

He told The Herald: “We are hoping we have got to it before there is a tweak or any muscle damage.

“We are hoping it is a little bit of tightness and we will know in the next 24 hours. I will certainly be praying tonight. He felt something in his hamstring. That’s what he came off with, but he wasn’t sure if he felt something or whether it was a bit of tightness.

“We will work that out in the next 24 hours and hopefully he will pull through because he is important for us. I thought his performance was top tonight as well.”

The Nigeria international was able to pull through and produce an excellent display at the back alongside Connor Goldson to ensure the Gers won 2-1 and it should serve as a reminder to Wilson that he has a big decision to make.

Balogun is out of contract at the end of the season and the club hold an option to extend it by one year. Firstly, Wilson must trigger this extension and ensure that he stays for another season at least. Secondly, the Gers chief must negotiate a longer-term deal and keep him at Ibrox in the long-run.

At the age of 33, he is still going strong and producing consistently impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership. This suggests that he is not slowing down, despite his age, and could have more than one year left in the tank.

The defender recorded a SofaScore rating of 7.0 against St Mirren and was a rock at the back in front of Jon McLaughlin. Per SofaScore, he won nine of his 14 duels, whilst making two tackles and four clearances throughout the game as no opposition player managed to dribble past him. He also completed 89% of his passes, highlighting the quality he provides in possession as well as out of it.

This was not a one-off performance from the experienced battler. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 in the Premiership this term, winning 62% of his duels and completing 86% of his passes over the course of the campaign so far.

He is proving that age is merely a number and Wilson must act now to ensure that he does not end up leaving Rangers and weakening Gerrard’s squad. His departure would be a huge blow for the club, given the nature of his performances on the pitch, and that is why they must act now to secure his future in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Forget Roofe & Morelos: Rangers beast with 82% duels won was immense vs St Mirren…

Many West Ham United fans have been reacting to the news that have been exploring the market for France-based defenders and forwards.

The Hammers have enjoyed a stupendous start to the campaign, winning both of their matches in the Premier League so far this term (whufc.com). That follows on from the previous campaign, when they finished sixth in the top flight to qualify for the Europa League.

However, they have only signed one new player so far this summer in goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. They have been heavily linked with Kurt Zouma (The Athletic), and it now seems they are exploring the market in his home country – reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that the club are looking at a number of Ligue 1 players as they look to get their squad ready for the rest of the campaign.

The news was shared on Twitter by @central_louis, and it attracted plenty of attention from Irons supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts,

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the update from Ex

“Got more chance exploring Romford Market…”

Credit: @ADAMArchitectUK

“I wonder where our one scout has been looking?”

Credit: @tannerman1uk

“Explored Fc”

Credit: @Callumharvey92

“Shame as I feel we are going to miss out on #Belotti due to Moyes & GSB looking at cheaper options in Ligue 1 or loan options possibly. Trust Moyes but can’t help to imagine what might have been with #Belotti up front in the years to come”

Credit: @DJTiale

“Literally because of the financial scenario, we’ll never progress with this lot in charge.”

Credit: @funkycoolers

“This could have been done months ago, they know exactly when the transfer window opens and shuts. It’ll be easier to say we’re not signing anyone. It’s the disappointment that kills you”

Credit: @gsbout2

In other news, many West Ham fans want the club to sign this winger.

Real Madrid do not intend to allow young forward Rodrygo to join Liverpool in the January transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Liverpool linked with Rodrygo move

According to a recent report, the Reds are eyeing up a transfer for the Brazilian next month as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 20-year-old has had to make do with a squad role in Madrid so far this season, making just five La Liga starts and 10 substitute appearances in the Spanish top flight.

However, if Romano is to be believed, it doesn’t appear as though Liverpool have much chance of getting their man.

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The Latest: Romano downplays transfer

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Romano claimed that Real Madrid have no intention of selling Rodrygo any time soon, with a new deal potentially on the cards instead. He tweeted:

“Real Madrid have no plan to offload or sell Rodrygo in January, as things stand. There’s no negotiation with Liverpool or any other club.

“His contract will be discussed soon, with a possible extension to be negotiated in the next months.”

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The Verdict: One for the future

Rodrygo is a hugely exciting talent with 11 goals and 14 assists to his name for the Spanish giants, while his manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed the youngster’s “cool-headed” nature in front of goal earlier this year.

The Brazilian could potentially be a long-term successor to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, both of whom are due to partake in AFCON next month. He possesses the same electric pace and directness in wide areas, and at 20, he should become more polished in the coming years. Neither Salah nor Mane were well-known world stars at Basel and RB Salzburg respectively at the same age, after all.

It looks as though Real Madrid will keep hold of him for the time being, but if the Reds had the chance of signing him further down the line, it could be an inspired piece of business, not least with Liverpool’s African duo both turning 30 next year.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted to a separate transfer rumour. Read more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged on Okay Yokuslu.

As per The Express & Star journalist Liam Keen, reports linking the Celta Vigo midfield player with the Midlands club are ‘wide of the mark’.

It was reported last week that both the Molineux faithful as well as Watford are interested in signing Yokuslu before the summer window ends, and that he would cost a fee in the region of £5m.

While on loan at West Brom in the 2020/21 season, he ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles (2.4), interceptions (2.2), dribbles (1.2), passes (33.1) and pass success (82.5%) per match in the Premier League (Whoscored), and so could prove to be a very handy player to have in Bruno Lage’s current squad.

However, it looks as if the Wanderers are not close to his potential signing.

Wolves fans on Yokuslu transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘ridiculous’:

“Jesus Christ. We are really going to end up not signing anyone. I’m getting worried”

Credit: @ChriWoodward

“This is getting ridiculous now. We need players, even Dendoncker has come out and said that! I’m not one for ‘pant wetting’ as some on here call it, but even the most positive of Wolves fan must be thinking the same?”

Credit: @app588

“Our transfer windows get worse. It’s a bit embarrassing now after Jeff said trust him as far as strengthening first team. Feel for Bruno”

Credit: @Ianph61

“Got to be the worst window surely?”

Credit: @Alexwwfc_

“Relegation”

Credit: @lewis__wwfc7

“We’re going down”

Credit: @JackRaybould_

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers buzzing here!

An update has emerged on Leicester winger Rachid Ghezzal, regarding Besiktas’ pursuit of the forward.

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Besiktas are in talks with Leicester over a permanent deal for Rachid Ghezzal and are attempting to haggle down his price tag. The winger spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan to the Turkish giants and is now being lined up for a second spell with the club after impressing in the Super Lig.

The report claims that Leicester want a fee in the region of £5.1m (€6m) for Ghezzal and Besiktas are trying to land him for less. Besiktas are also working hard to reduce his £3m-per-season (€3.5m) wage demands to line up with their finances.

Fans would be fuming

Leicester fans will be gutted if Jon Rudkin ends up sanctioning a sale for Ghezzal for less than £5.1m. If he allows Besiktas to haggle down a fee of £3m or £4m, for example, it could represent a terrible piece of business by the club off the back of an excellent season from the winger in Turkey. Fans would be angry at the Foxes for not being able to profit off his performances by garnering more money for his services, not less.

The 28-year-old was directly involved in 25 goals in 30 starts for Besiktas in the league, with eight goals and 17 assists from out wide. This shows that he was able to find his form and Turkey and consistently produce quality at the top end of the pitch, with a sensational average WhoScored rating of 7.65, which is what he was seemingly expected to do in the Midlands.

Upon his arrival in England, Ghezzal was hailed an exciting signing for the club by former Leicester boss Claude Puel. The Frenchman said that he would add creativity to the ranks following his move from Ligue 1 side Monaco on a four-year contract.

He told Leicester’s official website:

“I’m very pleased to welcome Rachid to Leicester City Football Club. He’s an exciting addition to our group who will bring creativity and competition ahead of an important season for us.”

Therefore, Leicester should be trying to maximise their profit from his impressive form and cash in on the wing wizard whilst they can.

Rudkin must avoid making a grave error by lowering his demands and accepting any low-ball offers from Besiktas. Fans will not want to see the club getting fleeced by another side for one of their players, especially given how well he performed for the European side last season.

AND in other news, Rudkin must axe “excellent” Leicester £77k-p/w maestro, Rodgers doesn’t need him…

Leeds United take on Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night hoping to get back to winning ways after a tough run of results in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side head into tonight’s contest at Craven Cottage off the back of an enthralling 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last Friday, and the Whites boss will have to deal with some major injury issues against the Cottagers.

That could see a number of fringe players being given their chance to shine, while a couple of academy starlets will no doubt be banging on the door to make a rare appearance too.

And with that in mind, below is a look at how Leeds might line up when they make the trip down to London to face Fulham in the Carabao Cup.

In goal, Illan Meslier is likely to keep his place especially with there being numerous injuries to the defence in front of him.

The likes of Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Luke Ayling will all be missing through injury, while Pascal Struijk will serve the second of his three-game suspension for his challenge on Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott a couple of weeks ago.

That could see 19-year-old Charlie Cresswell come into the side to make only his second appearance for the seniors, partnering club captain Liam Cooper at the back.

Speaking after signing his new contract earlier in the summer, Crewsswell himself said: “I’m confident, I’m a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! There’s lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.”

Dubbed a “dying breed” for his leadership and communication skills at the back, Leeds U23’s boss Mark Jackson added: “Charlie’s got that, he understands how to lead and we’ve been working with him a long time, in the academy even, when he first broke through in the 18s as a 16-year-old, (working) on his leadership skills.

“Even on the bench in the second half, he’s still talking behind me so that’s a positive because you don’t find many of them these days and we’ve got to try and embrace that, he’s got to try embrace it and develop it as well – and that’s a real positive within his game.”

Further forward, the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Adam Forshaw could make rare appearances in the first-team, with the latter of course having only recently come back from a very long-term injury.

Crysencio Summerville could get the nod out wide with Dan James on the other side, while Tyler Roberts could come in up front to allow Patrick Bamford to sit out and recuperate.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Dallas, Cresswell, Cooper, Firpo; Forshaw, Shackleton, Klich; James, Summerville, Roberts.

Meanwhile, Bielsa must unleash this Leeds star tonight vs Fulham…

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this afternoon and Nuno Santo is dealing with several selection concerns.

His team head to Crystal Palace, who are led by former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, for the early kickoff, and they do so without several key players who have helped contribute to their perfect league start.

Indeed, Spurs are yet to lose a match or concede a single goal since the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

What sort of side could the Portuguese head coach opt for, considering the nightmare situation on his hands? Football FanCast takes a look ahead of kickoff…

There are serious doubts over the fitness of Steven Bergwijn and Heung-min Son, who both picked up injuries during the international break. Both have started all three league games under Nuno, so it’s certainly a cause for concern.

Meanwhile, the Lilywhites’ South American trio of Giovani Lo Celso, Davinson Sanchez and Cristian Romero are definitely unavailable as they are still in Croatia and will not return until next week.

That means there will be at least one enforced change to the backline and we think it could be a simple one. Joe Rodon is the only senior centre-back available as an alternative to the aforementioned two, so he should come straight in for Sanchez, whilst Japhet Tanganga keeps his place despite the deadline day arrival of Emerson Royal from Barcelona.

They’ll be next to Eric Dier and Sergio Reguilon at the back, with Hugo Lloris between the sticks.

Nuno could be boosted by the fitness of Oliver Skipp, who also went off injured during the break but could be available today. If he is, the 20-year-old is likely to maintain his spot alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Dele Alli, just as the trio have done in all three league games so far.

Bryan Gil may be in line for his first Premier League start, with Son potentially out injured, whilst Lucas Moura is expected to start if the Dutchman is also out, in what would be the third and final change from their win over Watford two weeks ago.

Finally, Harry Kane should be up front for just the second time this season.

AND in other news, “I’d be stunned”: Alasdair Gold drops fresh claim on Harry Kane’s future…

Ange Postecoglou is already eyeing up his former players as Celtic have been linked with a move for Yokohama F. Marinos forward Ado Onaiwu, via Glasgow Live.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou to assess targets in quarantine

Postecoglou was confirmed as Celtic’s new manager on Thursday, 106 days following Neil Lennon’s resignation in February.

The 55-year-old left Yokohama F. Marinos to pen a 12-month rolling contract at Parkhead, and he’ll reportedly assess potential targets during his isolation period in Scotland.

It appears as if he may well already have his eyes on one of his former players if recent reports are to be believed.

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The Latest: Onaiwu links

According to the Daily Record, relayed by Glasgow Live, Postecoglou is ‘on alert’ regarding Onaiwu’s future.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 65 goals in his career to date, is out of contract in January 2022, so now is the time for his club to cash in if he is not going to sign a new deal.

Onaiwu, who is yet to turn out for his country, has impressed at club level and was actually called up to Japan’s senior squad recently.

The Verdict: New manager not wasting time

There’s no denying Postecoglou will need several summer signings, especially in the attacking areas, so a cut-price move for Onaiwu could be a solid starting point.

Odsonne Edouard has told friends he will be quitting Parkhead for Leicester City, Mohamed Elyounoussi has returned to Southampton and Leigh Griffiths’ future is up in the air.

Should Edouard and Griffiths depart, the Hoops would be left with Albian Ajeti as their only recognised centre-forward.

On that basis, bringing in a player who has scored goals for the new Celtic manager previously could be priceless in his first season in the Hoops hotseat.

In other news: Celtic to miss out on long-term target, find out more here. 

Manchester United have been boosted in their efforts to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer following a fresh transfer update.

The Lowdown: United linked with De Jong move

Erik ten Hag has been confirmed as the Red Devils’ new manager ahead of next season, with the Dutchman hopefully making numerous good signings in the summer as they look to improve drastically in the Premier League.

One player with whom United have been linked is De Jong, with the 24-year-old impressing for Barcelona this season, chipping in with three goals and three assists in La Liga.

A fresh update further suggests that Ten Hag could get his man, with the pair having worked together during a successful spell at Ajax.

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The Latest: Journalist provides De Jong update

Speaking on El Chiringuito [via Barca Universal],  journalist Jose Alvarez claimed that Barca would be happy to let De Jong leave if a €70m (£58.9m) offer were to arrive on their desk.

The Dutchman’s current deal at Camp Nou expires in the summer of 2026.

The Verdict: Sign him up, Erik

De Jong could be a perfect summer signing for United, with midfield an area which has often come in for criticism at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international would bring poise and control in the middle of the park, enjoying a 91.4% pass completion rate in La Liga this season, along with being hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by his manager Xavi.

De Jong joining United would feel like a statement signing, and the fact that he and Ten Hag know each other so well would further suggest that it would be a match made in heaven.

In other news, Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen on bringing a Premier League player to United. Read more here.