Rangers will have the ‘perfect replacement’ lined up for Alfredo Morelos, according to one talkSPORT pundit.

The Lowdown: Morelos exit links

According to a report by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, one La Liga club are said to have submitted an €8m (£7m) bid for the Colombian attacker.

With less than a year left on his Ibrox contract, Rangers could end up seeing the 26-year-old departing on a free transfer next summer. As a result, the Premiership outfit may be forced into accepting a bid lower than his £11.7m Transfermarkt value.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim

Gabriel Agbonlahor, who works as a pundit for talkSPORT, has now weighed in on Morelos’ future with Rangers.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker claimed: “I think Alfredo Morelos will want to go, he’ll want to test himself in another league.

“He’s a very exciting player. I think teams will love the aggressiveness about him. The naughtiness about him is what I like and he will show his passion on the pitch.

“He’s been a good servant to Rangers and I think if they can get they money they deserve and feel that they want for him it’s something that they will let happen.

“And Rangers are going to be OK. They’re a team that attracts a lot of good players. They’ve got a good setup there with Giovanni van Bronckhorst and they’ve got a lot of players in there with experience of the Europa League so Rangers will be fine even if Morelos goes.

“I’m sure van Bronckhorst will have his eye on a perfect replacement.”

The Verdict: He’d be a big loss

Regardless of who the Light Blues bring in as his replacement, Morelos’ departure would come as a big loss to Rangers.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s major leagues over the past year, it is easy to see why this will be the case. As per FBRef, the Colombian ranks in the 96th percentile for dribbles completed, the 90th percentile for passes attempted and the 89th percentile for shots and assists.

Former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard was clearly a huge fan of the 26-year-old, having previously hailed him as an ‘outstanding’ player, a claim which is backed up by the aforementioned figures and the striker’s fine record of 113 goals in 224 Gers appearances.

Therefore, if Rangers do accept a bid for Morelos this summer, he will be seriously missed at Ibrox this season.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared the latest news on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Leeds winger Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Busy window

Spurs have wasted no time in the transfer market this window, with Lilywhites chief Fabio Paratici having already secured the North London club’s first three signings of the summer.

The first two arrivals at Hotspur Way came in the shape of free transfers, with Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic and Southampton’s Fraser Forster joining the club upon the expiry of their current contracts.

Paratici’s latest purchase was Brighton star Yves Bissouma, who joined Antonio Conte’s side after the two clubs came to an agreement on a £25m fee plus £10m worth of add-ons.

However, Tottenham are expected to pursue a total of six new signings, with a number of star arrivals still looking likely ahead of next season.

The Latest: Romano’s news

Romano has now shared the latest transfer news regarding Raphinha, who has heavily been linked with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.

Taking to Twitter in the last 48 hours, the journalist said: “Raphinha situation. Barcelona agreed personal terms with Raphinha, but no agreement on fee with Leeds.

“Arsenal are in direct negotiations with Leeds, interested since March. Both Chelsea & Tottenham have been in contact too.

“Fee could be around 65/75m.”

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The Verdict: Great signing

While we all know about his incredible ability on the ball – BBC’s Garth Crooks said he’s ‘a throwback to the Rivaldos and Ronaldinhos of yesteryear’ and ‘elegant and delightful’  – the 25-year-old’s underlying statistics also suggest he has a variety of qualities that would suit Conte’s play-style.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Brazil international ranks in the 90th percentile for progressive passes, as expected, whereas he also surprisingly ranks in the 91st percentile for blocks made (via FB Ref), suggesting he has the tenacity required to fulfil Conte’s expectations.

With the manager’s direct set-up down the flanks, the Brazilian’s athletic qualities would suit Tottenham’s style of football – he even played right-wing-back under Jesse Marsch at times last season.

We feel this would be an excellent move if Conte can convince the tricky winger to choose N17 over their London counterparts.

In other news: Paul Robinson urges Spurs to sign another striker…

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid winger Yannik Carrasco recently, and the Belgian could be a big upgrade in Erik ten Hag’s side next season.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish news outlet AS, the Red Devils, plus Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, are all keen on signing the 28-year-old this summer after his impressive performances in Diego Simeone’s side last season.

They claim that the Atletico manager sees Carrasco as a big part of his plans at the Wanda Metropolitano and won’t budge on the €60m (£51.5m) release clause in the former Monaco attacker’s contract.

Better than Rashford?

If United were to meet the winger’s release clause, they would be signing a player who has just enjoyed two of his best seasons in an Atletico shirt.

Last term saw him contribute six goals and six assists in 34 La Liga appearances for Los Colchoneros, with WhoScored awarding him an impressive 7.08 average rating for his performances in Spain’s top flight, including five man-of-the-match displays.

For comparison, Rashford managed just four goals and two assists in 25 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, averaging a shocking 6.35 WhoScored rating for his performances.

The United academy graduate also averaged just 0.9 shots, 0.4 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the top flight last term, whereas Carrasco managed 1.5 shots, 1.6 key passes and 2.6 dribbles per match in La Liga, so it seems clear that he would be an upgrade on the 24-year-old.

Given the England international’s sharp decline in form last season, Ten Hag may well be looking for more consistent options out wide, as United were far too reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo for goals in 2021/22.

Carrasco would almost certainly provide an attacking output that the majority of United’s wide players have failed to consistently produce, as he has 80 goals and 80 assists in his club career thus far.

After hitting a hat-trick against Granada in 2016, Simeone was full of praise for Carrasco, saying: “He is a very complete player, with a bright future ahead of him.”

Although the 28-year-old would be an expensive option for the Glazers, it seems as if United are definitely interested in bringing him in; and if his statistics last season are anything to go by, he would surely be an upgrade to Ten Hag’s current options out wide.

In other news… United can land Ten Hag his own Robertson with bid for “exceptional” £30m target

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to the club’s reported interest in Ben Foster.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Foster

The Whites are looking at bringing in an experienced goalkeeper this summer to provide backup to Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson. The former will remain first-choice heading into Jesse Marsch’s first full season at Elland Road.

Leeds have reportedly held in-house talks about signing Foster, who will officially become a free agent in a matter of days when his Watford contract expires.

The Latest: Robinson reacts

Robinson, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Leeds’ goalkeeping situation.

He once again urged the club to land an experienced shot-stopper and said that he has ‘heard’ the links with Foster, saying that it would be an ‘outstanding signing’.

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The former Whites netminder stated:

“I said 18 months ago about Joe Hart and we’ve seen how well he’s done at Celtic. They should have signed someone of that quality.

“Illan Meslier has been excellent and I think he’s the out-and-out number one simply because he’s got no competition.

“Next season, if he gets injured or suspended, they’ve got no quality number two. And if he has a dip in form – which will happen at some point – the manager’s got no choice to stick with him and ride it out because he hasn’t got a good enough number two to put in.

“They have to go for a quality one.

“If you look around the Premier League, the other teams have quality goalkeepers. Everyone carries a top-quality number two who can do the job.

“I heard a link with Ben Foster and I think that would be an outstanding signing if they were able to pull it off.

“He’s somebody with experience who Meslier can learn from.

“But he’s also equally as good to step in and play should Meslier not be able to or wasn’t in form. It’s an area they have to address this window.”

The Verdict: Smart signing?

If Leeds want someone with plenty of experience and knowledge of the Premier League, then Foster is their man. The 39-year-old made 29 league appearances for Watford last season, taking his top-flight tally to 390.

Foster has the record for the most saves of any goalkeeper in Premier League history, so he looks like the ideal backup option who’s available to sign.

It also wouldn’t cost Leeds a penny when it comes to a transfer fee, potentially making this move even more appealing for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises.

Leeds United’s hopes of securing the signing of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino have been shattered, following a recent update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

The transfer guru revealed on Twitter that the Japan international is set to secure a move to Ligue 1 outfit As Monaco this summer, despite having been heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road in recent months.

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He stated:

“Takumi Minamino deal, completed. He’s joining AS Monaco, permanent move from Liverpool now confirmed by Philippe Clement: ‘We’re really happy, he was our priority.’

“Liverpool will receive €15m plus €3m in add-ons.”

The 27-year-old – who joined the Reds on a £7.25m deal back in January 2020 – had previously worked under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, albeit with that connection seemingly not proving enough to get a deal over the line.

Supporters gutted

That news will come as a real blow to those of a Leeds persuasion, with supporters having no doubt been hopeful that Marsch would be able to tempt his former asset into staying in the Premier League, following what’s been a mixed spell on Merseyside.

While the £10.8m-rated gem has failed to gain a regular role in Jurgen Klopp’s side – making just five league starts under the German in total over the past two-and-a-half years – Minamino had proved vital in the Reds’ recent domestic cup double, notably netting seven goals in just eight games in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, combined.

Equally, even with his lack of top-flight action, the £72k-per-week gem still managed to net three league goals in just 11 appearances last term, showcasing that he can be a real asset if handed the chance to be a first-team regular.

Marsch, in particular, is fully aware of the 42-cap gem’s talents, with the versatile speedster having scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in just 22 appearances under the American coach during their spell in Austria, notably providing five goal contributions in just six games under the 48-year-old in the Champions League.

Although that may have been a brief relationship, the former RB Leipzig boss would undoubtedly have been keen to rekindle it in Yorkshire, with the club seemingly in need of new attacking additions amid rampant speculation regarding the future of talisman, Raphinha.

While another former Salzburg man in Brenden Aaronson has also arrived through the door, the youthful playmaker is yet to taste Premier League football, hence the need to bolster the forward line with a player such as Minamino, who has experience of the English game.

Alas, sporting director Victor Orta and co will now have to prioritise alternative targets, with supporters left gutted that the 5 foot 9 menace won’t be trading Liverpool for Leeds this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “crucial” transfer development, it’s great news for Leeds

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Cody Gakpo to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, Voetbal International journalist Marco Timmer revealed that, despite the PSV Eindhoven winger having previously held talks with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City regarding a summer move, the 23-year-old is now becoming increasingly open to the idea of a move to Leeds – with Victor Orta said to be in talks with the player’s representatives.

Timmer goes on to state that the Eredivisie side are demanding a figure of around €40m (£35m) in order to part with the Netherlands international – who is now said to be considering taking a similar route to that of Georginio Wijnaldum in order to secure a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs further down the line.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “The management of Cody Gakpo speaks with Leeds United as it has previously spoken with, among others, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. PSV want about €40m for Gakpo. He now also sees a route a la Wijnaldum via the foreign sub-top to the top.”

Massive coup

Considering the sheer level of interest in Gakpo’s services this summer, in addition to the fact that the 23-year-old very much looks to be one of the most exciting prospects in European football, should Orta manage to convince the Dutchman of a move to Elland Road in the coming weeks, it would undoubtedly represent a massive coup for the Spanish sporting director.

Indeed, over his 27 Eredivisie appearances in 2021/22, the £27m-rated forward was one of the stories of the season, scoring 12 goals, providing 13 assists and creating 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.0 shots, making 2.6 key passes and completing 2.9 dribbles per game.

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These metrics saw the £7.4k-per-week talent average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.51, not only ranking him as Roger Schmidt’s best performer in the division but also as the fourth-best player in the league as a whole.

The winger who Pain in the Arsenal dubbed a “supreme talent” also caught the eye over his four Europa League fixtures, bagging two goals and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.0 shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing 4.0 dribbles per outing – with his average SofaScore match rating of 7.47 ranking him as the fourth-best player to feature in the competition.

Further still, Gakpo also played a key role in PSV’s run to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, scoring three goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance over his five appearances in the tournament – with his average SofaScore match rating of 7.42 ranking him as the joint 10th-best player in the competition.

As such, it is clear for all to see just how exciting a prospect the 23-year-old is, leading us to believe that, should Orta indeed manage to get a deal over the line for the flying Dutchman ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City this summer, it would certainly be one of the most impressive signings of the window.

AND in other news: “It’s done”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, Leeds supporters surely gutted

An update has emerged on Rangers’ chances of landing one of the strikers on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s wishlist in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a Gers target is now closing in on a move to Italy this week in a potential blow to Ross Wilson’s plans.

He Tweeted: “Erik Botheim joins Salernitana on a permanent deal from Krasnodar, four year contract in place. Medical later this week in Italy.”

Journalist Jonas Advan Giaevar previously reported that the Light Blues were keen on the attacker, Tweeting: “It’s true that Rangers at least have enquired about Erik Botheim. Remains to be seen whether that leads to an offer or not.”

Alfredo Morelos upgrade

Wilson must use this latest update as fuel to launch a renewed swoop for the free agent striker. The move to Italy is not rubber-stamped, yet, and the Gers must now attempt to hijack the deal as he would be a fantastic signing for the club.

He has the potential to be a big upgrade on Alfredo Morelos as he showcased his quality in front of goal last season. Before moving to Russia, and eventually ripping up his contract, the striker caught the eye playing for Bodo/Glimt in Norway. In the 2021 Eliteserien campaign, he scored 15 goals and managed three assists in 30 matches.

In the Europa Conference League, he averaged SofaScore rating of 7.57 as he produced four goals and four assists in six games as he burst onto the European scene, with Football scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him a “complete forward” as a result of his displays.

Botheim scored 19 goals and assisted seven in 36 starts and this means that he averaged a direct goal contribution every 1.38 matches.

Morelos, meanwhile, managed 11 goals and seven assists in 26 Premiership games and four strikes in nine Europa League outings. He averaged a goal contribution every 1.59 matches and missed 16 ‘big chances’ in total across the two competitions – compared to Botheim’s eight.

These statistics suggest that the Norweigan finisher has the potential to offer more than the Colombian at the top end of the pitch. His impressive form domestically and in Europe shows that he is a natural goalscorer, who can also set up his teammates, and that he is not as wasteful in front of goal as the Gers man.

The free agent is also four years younger than Morelos and has plenty of time on his side to grow and improve as a player. Therefore, Rangers can land an upgrade on their current number nine in the here and now and for many years to come by hijacking this deal and bringing in the talented 22-year-old phenomenon.

AND in other news, Gvb plotting Rangers swoop for £1.3k-p/w gem who “rarely misses”, imagine him & Kent…

A major update has emerged on Rangers and their pursuit of Rabbi Matondo in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger has revealed that the Gers will be finalising a deal to sign the forward imminently.

He Tweeted: “Glasgow Rangers set to sign Rabbi Matondo. The Scottish side agree fee with Schalke (around €3m). The player should fly to Glasgow within the next 24 hrs to complete medicals.”

The attacker will now go through the required tests before putting pen to paper on a contract to join the Light Blues for the 2022/23 campaign and beyond, although an announcement may not be within that timeframe due to the social content that will need to be put together first.

Supporters will be buzzing

This update will surely leave supporters buzzing for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be delighted with how quickly Ross Wilson is working in the transfer market after recently securing a deal to sign Antonio Colak.

After a slow start to the summer, Rangers are now on the verge of a second signing in quick succession and fans will be pleased with the progress being made in the window.

Secondly, they will be buzzing with the addition of Matondo as he has the potential to be an excellent player for Gio van Bronckhorst.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola previously hailed the youngster as he said: “They (Schalke) are interested in another young player. I know how good he is, incredibly fast winger, and a young talent. This club is working so good.”

These comments from the Spaniard suggest that he will be an exciting player for the fans to watch as he has the speed to skip past his marker and make things happen in the final third.

As you can see in the graphic above, the Welshman showed signs of promise in Belgium last term. In all competitions, the attacker produced ten goals and two assists on loan at Cercle Brugge from Schalke and these stats offer a glimpse of what he can provide Rangers with.

At the age of 21, he is still in the infancy of his career and is a player who can make an impact in the immediate future whilst also holding the potential to improve and grow in importance and value in the long term.

Fans will, therefore, be buzzing to see him come through the door and will be hoping that there are no last-minute stumbling blocks in the move.

AND in other news, Gvb can find his dream Ramsey replacement in “unplayable” 16 G/A Rangers “talent”…

Every transfer window throws up something of a left-field rumour, with Premier League outfit Aston Villa currently at the centre of the latest, surprise transfer claim, amid reports that the Midlands side are interested in Inter Milan forward, Alexis Sanchez.

According to La Tercera, Villa have been named as one of the clubs who are believed to be keen on signing the 33-year-old, with the Chilean ace set to be allowed to depart the Serie A side this summer despite having a year remaining on his existing deal.

Having already wrapped up four major deals in the current window, manager Steven Gerrard and owners NSWE could be set for their next marquee addition in the form of the former Arsenal man, with the veteran attacker potentially the solution in their quest to add an experienced forward this summer.

Although it may be a bold move to recruit an ageing, £175k-per-week asset, the one-time Barcelona man has seemingly done enough in his career previously to warrant the gamble – particularly if he is to be available on a free transfer.

Much like the recent capture of Philippe Coutinho – who has signed on a permanent deal after a six-month loan stint last term – Sanchez’s arrival could help rejuvenate a once-great figure who has perhaps fallen by the wayside in recent years.

The £3.15m-rated “maverick” – as described by one source – has previously set the Premier League alight during his time at the Emirates Stadium, having joined the club on a £35m deal from Catalonia in the summer of 2014.

Under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, he would go on to score 80 goals and provide 45 assists in 166 games in all competitions for the Gunners, proving a constant menace from his left-wing berth.

Once dubbed a “warrior” by Liam Canning, the 148-cap maestro was able to combine his devastating attacking output with a humble, hard-working approach, emerging as something of a talismanic figure in north London as a result.

With his subsequent move to Manchester United in January 2018 failing to work out – as he scored just five goals and laid on nine assists in 45 games in total – the fleet-footed forward was shipped off to Italy just 18 months later, although has again been reduced to just a bit-part role at the San Siro.

That being said, he has still chipped in with 20 strikes and 23 assists in all competitions for the Serie A side thus far, while he also ranks highly in a string of attacking and defensive metrics, as per FBref, most notably in the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 2% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Although his lack of game time is a factor in that favourable comparison, it perhaps illustrates that the diminutive gem can still provide lethal, brief cameos when required.

That may be all Villa are potentially in need of, a player to come on and impact the game in the closing stages, particularly when a figure is needed to create a moment of magic to unlock the door.

Coutinho has already shown early signs that he can do just that, perhaps Sanchez can follow suit.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Jesse Lingard.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the former Manchester United forward this summer, at present Spurs have not made an offer to the 29-year-old free agent.

In his tweet, Romano said: “No proposal on the table from Spurs to Jesse Lingard, as things stand.”

Supporters will be gutted

While it is true that Lingard had fallen down the pecking order at United prior to his departure from Old Trafford last month – starting just two Premier League matches in 2021/22 – the former England international nevertheless proved that he still has what it takes to be a key player for a top-six team during a loan spell at West Ham United in 2021.

Indeed, over his 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers in the season before last, the £16.2m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for the Irons. He scored nine goals, provided five assists and created three big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 2.6 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

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These returns saw the £75k-per-week attacking midfielder average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as David Moyes’ best player in the top flight in 2020/21 as he played an influential role in the Hammers sealing a sixth-place finish in the league that year, one ahead of Spurs in seventh.

As such, it is clear to see that, when given the opportunity, Lingard still has the ability to be a fantastic weapon in a top-six manager’s attacking arsenal.

Therefore, we believe that Romano’s suggestion that Spurs are yet to make a move for the 29-year-old is sure to have left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful gutted.

AND in other news – “I heard that..”: Sky Sports reporter drops Spurs transfer update, it would be a huge coup