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An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to improve their squad in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Joel Piroe to Rangers?

According to Football League World, the Light Blues are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in signing Swansea centre-forward Joel Piroe.

The report claims that Burnley, Middlesbrough, and Norwich, from the English Championship, are all keeping tabs on the Dutch attacker, whose price tag remains unknown – after being valued at £20m last summer.

It is stated that the Gers have been sending scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action for the Swans this season, as they eye up the gem ahead of a potential swoop.

Does Kemar Roofe have a future at Rangers?

The signing of Piroe, if Michael Beale and Ross Wilson can secure a deal, could allow the club to part ways with current striker Kemar Roofe as his fitness record suggests that he may not have a long future at Ibrox.

Since the start of last season, the Jamaica international has missed a whopping 64 competitive matches due to injury and is currently dealing with an issue with his knee, with his last appearance for the club coming on the 18th of February.

Although the 30-year-old has an impressive goal return of 36 strikes in 78 outings since arriving in Glasgow, Roofe's consistent unavailability makes him a liability for Beale as the manager is unable to rely on the forward over the course of a campaign.

Piroe, meanwhile, has played in 34 of Swansea's 37 Championship matches this season and featured in 45 of their 46 league games in 2021/22. This suggests the young dynamo is a durable athlete who does not pick up constant knocks and issues throughout the year.

Along with his availability, the Dutchman has also proven himself to be a reliable performer in the final third with 35 goals and seven assists in his 79 league outings for the Swans.

In 2021/22, Piroe, who journalist Josh Bunting dubbed a "danger man", scored 22 times and provided six assists in 40 Championship starts, which highlights the immense threat he can provide at the top end of the pitch.

Bunting stated that the striker will "punish" teams who make errors and that is backed up by his terrific goalscoring record in the English second tier since moving to Swansea.

Piroe could, therefore, be a lethal addition to the Rangers squad, someone who could demolish Premiership defences with his ability to find the back of the net, while also being a reliable option for Beale with his injury record.

His arrival would then allow the Light Blues head coach to part ways with Roofe in the summer transfer window with the ex-Anderlecht forward having become a liability with his worrying fitness issues in the last 18 months.

Tottenham Hotspur could potentially look to make Clement Lenglet their starting central centre-back instead of Eric Dier over the coming weeks.

Why do Spurs still start Eric Dier?

The England international has played a big part in Antonio Conte’s defence since the Italian made the move to north London having racked up 62 appearances in all competitions.

However, on Saturday, the 29-year-old was reduced to a spot on the bench as the French defender took his spot in the heart of the back three.

But it was not an afternoon to remember for the Barcelona loanee with Lenglet playing a part in the decisive goal which saw Spurs leave Molineux with nothing.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Alasdair Gold has suggested some within the club have even suggested Lenglet could be a better option for Conte in the middle of the back three:

(1:03:50) “You know, there’s some people in the club that believe that Clement Lenglet could actually be the best option in the centre of that back three with his passing range.”

Will Spurs make Lenglet’s deal permanent in the summer?

There have been conflicting reports on the matter, but there is a suggestion the deal between Barcelona and Tottenham does not include the option to buy at the end of the season.

However, this does not mean Spurs would be unable to strike a deal with the La Liga giants over the summer if they wanted to bring the Frenchman back to north London.

But on the basis of what he has shown so far in a Spurs shirt, it is difficult to put forward a solid argument in his defence.

Lenglet has made 16 appearances in the Premier League for Spurs this season but in only three of those games have the Lilywhites been able to keep a clean sheet (via Transfermarkt).

In contradiction to the belief from the club suggested by Gold, Dier has actually recorded more long passes per 90 minutes and has offered a higher success rate in doing so this season (via Fbref).

But it is also important to point out that Lenglet has offered Spurs more tackles (1.36) per 90 minutes than Dier (0.94) has so far.

Regardless of who may be the better option at the moment, it does feel as if this Spurs defence needs a major overhaul in the summer and the central spot could be one which is addressed.

Spurs have only been able to keep nine Premier League clean sheets this season and with a belief Fabio Paratici is looking to bring in two new centre-backs over the summer, both Dier and Lenglet could find themselves surplus to requirements soon.

Arsenal are monitoring their former youth player Yunus Musah ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Did Yunus Musah previously play for Arsenal?

The American did previously play for the Gunners, however, it was at youth level with the 20-year-old not making it past the club’s U18 level before leaving in 2019.

Musah departed north London a few years ago for the Spanish side on a free transfer where he has developed himself into a first-team option for Valencia.

And he has certainly become a regular feature in the Valencia side having already racked up 19 appearances in La Liga this season alone.

Speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested the north London club are among the most interested clubs in Musah ahead of the summer window:

(15:30) “I think whatever happens with Valencia’s situation I see him leaving in the summer. In the Premier League, there is strong interest because for example, during the World Cup Chelsea were following the player. Arsenal, of course, they know the player very well he was there and so he’s a player they are monitoring.”

“What I understand is that Chelsea, Arsenal and Inter are the most interested clubs, but it will take time, it will take time to see where he’s really going at the end of the season. But my feeling is that Musah will leave Valencia and will try something new.”

What do Arsenal need in the summer?

There was a clear belief from the north London side in January that midfield was an area where they were looking to improve with Jorginho coming through the doors.

However, he was not necessarily their first-choice option with the likes of Moises Caicedo heavily linked with a potential move to Arsenal.

And there have even been reports suggesting Arsenal could look at the likes of Declan Rice in the summer to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle.

With this in mind, it will be interesting to see if the Gunners are also targeting a younger option in the mould of Musah – hailed the “real deal” – who only turned 20 back in November.

For a player of his age and lack of experience, he has certainly impressed during his time in Spain with 94 appearances for the first team already under his belt.

And his ability to provide his side with progressive receptions and dribbles from the middle of the park having recorded returns in the top eighth percentile for both (via Fbref).

But what role he could potentially player in Arteta’s squad could be a major question in the mind of the young American.

This is a player who played a big role in the USMNT during the 2022 World Cup, however, Arteta does have an established midfield already which could be further added to over the summer with the likes of Rice.

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Forest targeting defender

Nottingham Forest appear to be keen to bring in a new defender in the summer transfer window, with it recently reported that Jamaal Lascelles is being targeted for a summer transfer swoop.

The Tricky Trees also made an approach to bring Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah to the City Ground in the January transfer window, but they were unable to strike a deal, and could now turn their attentions to his teammate.

The Latest: Kossounou eyed

According to a report from The Sun, Forest are keeping an eye on Kossounou ahead of a potential move this summer, with his current club currently valuing him at £25m.

However, there will be competition for the centre-back’s signature, given that fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Leicester City are also interested.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the 6 foot 3 titan as having a ‘crazy amount of talent’, and he has displayed that in his performances over the past year.

The 22-year-old is dominant in the air, ranking in the 88th percentile compared to other defenders for aerials won per 90, while he also ranks in the 99th for clearances and 87th for blocks, highlighting his defensive acumen.

Forest signed Felipe at the back end of the January window, and Steve Cooper also has the likes of Willy Boly and Joe Worrall to choose from at centre-back, so he is well-stocked in that area of the pitch.

However, Kossounou would still be an excellent addition after multiple of Cooper’s options were struck down with injuries in recent weeks, and at 22 he is at the right age to be a dominant force in Forest’s backline for years to come.

West Ham United have kept moving after sealing a deal for Morocco international Nayef Aguerd with news emerging on Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Irons set for busy summer…

According to Sky Sports and reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the east Londoners could be set for a ‘very busy’ summer as manager David Moyes allegedly sets his sights on ‘at least’ six new signings before starting the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

This comes after the arrival of Aguerd from Rennes with West Ham seemingly determined to strengthen and back Moyes this summer.

The Hammers narrowly missed out on qualification for the Europa League at the end of 21/22, falling just short of Man United on the final day, with Moyes meaning business this time round.

The Latest: Phillips bid made…

Now, as per Football Insider, it appears West Ham have made another offer as news emerges on Leeds star Phillips.

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The England international, heavily courted by league champions Man City, is also attracting Moyes’ interest with the report claiming both Villa and West Ham ‘submitted bids’.

However, as per their information, Phillips is still highly likely to make a switch to the Etihad Stadium and Moyes looks ‘set to miss out’.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

While it is unlikely they can capture Leeds’ star with City in the picture, this alleged offer perhaps sums up the ambition being displayed at the London Stadium.

The marquee England star, said to be valued at around £50 million, has performed brilliantly when fit and available for the Whites.

Teammate Liam Cooper even called him one of the best midfielders in world football last year and ex-Leeds star Andrew Hughes also branding Phillips a ‘very special’ player (The Athletic).

His comparisons to Andrea Pirlo have been well documented and this is the level of player West Ham should be moving for.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to break the bank in order to land RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Independent, the Bundesliga side have set an asking price of around £100m for the exciting Frenchman, with the Gunners – as well as Paris Saint-Germain – believed to be ‘willing’ to match that figure.

That potential deal would eclipse the £72m, club-record fee that the north Londoners paid to prise Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019, with the Emirates outfit in need of new forward additions following the recent departure of Lyon-bound Alexandre Lacazette, having already allowed former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona in January.

Premier League rivals Manchester United are also named by the report as another potential suitor, although the Red Devils are ‘unlikely’ to cough up such a sizeable fee with other areas of the squad still to address.

Superstar signing

Having only brought in backup goalkeeper Matt Turner and promising Brazilian, Marquinhos, so far this summer, Gunners supporters will no doubt be impatient for more high-profile additions, with these latest links to Nkunku likely to set pulses racing.

Dubbed a “superstar” by journalist Robin Bairner earlier this season, the versatile 24-year-old would no doubt be able to make an instant impact in the Premier League, fresh off the back of an explosive, breakthrough campaign in Germany last time out.

In 50 games in all competitions in the 2021/22 season, the former PSG gem fired in a truly staggering 35 goals and 19 assists, notably netting a goal every 117 minutes in what was a simply breathtaking and relentless scoring spree.

That haul also included 20 league goals – the fourth-best record in the German top-flight – while he also fired in seven goals in just six games in the Champions League, despite Leipzig having crashed out in the group stage.

That tally – which included a devastating hat-trick in the matchday one defeat to Manchester City – ensured he was the joint-fifth highest scorer in the competition, while he also went on to add a further four goals after dropping into the Europa League.

Such a prolific nine months has come somewhat out of the blue, with the £72m-rated man only having scored 12 goals in all competitions across the last two seasons combined, yet that will do little to temper the excitement regarding a possible link-up with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal are undoubtedly in need of a new focal point in attack, with Nkunku seemingly the superstar attraction who can help fire them back into top-four contention.

IN other news, Arsenal now have “genuine interest” in signing £45m “baller”, it would be a huge coup 

Newcastle United are reportedly set to abandon their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Newcastle interest in Diaby

The French forward has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in Germany after moving from boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, directly contributing to 72 goals in 124 outings for the Bundesliga outfit.

Following a spectacular 2021/22 campaign for the 22-year-old, the Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for him in recent weeks, and it had appeared as though an offer would be forthcoming.

However, it now seems as though the Tyneside club might have been priced out of a move at this stage…

The latest: Newcastle now back away from Diaby

As per a ‘recruitment source’ for Football Insider, Newcastle will back away from the six-cap France international, having learned of a lofty price tag for him.

The report claimed that the Premier League club have been ‘put off’ by a £60m demand from Leverkusen and will now be ‘prioritising other attacking options’ in the market.

It’s stated that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe wants to add an attacker who can make an ‘instant first-team impact’ on the squad at St James’ Park, but that now seemingly won’t be Diaby, who was described as ‘electric’ by journalist Eduardo Hagn owing to his phenomenal pace.

The verdict: Worth the money

Walking away from this deal at £60m would be an interesting stance from the Tyneside club as a nod towards their spending powers, willingness to invest or indeed the limits to which they are restricted due to Financial Fair Play regulations this summer.

At just 22, under contract until 2025 and of the back of a season in which he racked up 17 goals and 14 assists, signing Diaby for the mooted fee would still be a sensational piece of business from Newcastle.

Equally comfortable on either wing, the Frenchman averaged a 7.07 rating in the Bundesliga this term, taking 1.7 shots, completing 1.8 dribbles and making 1.9 key passes per game in the process (Sofascore), highlighting gis all-around talent.

Sharing close stylistic traits with Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah and Manchester City duo Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden (FBRef), PIF should perhaps reconsider their reported view on Diaby.

In other news: Newcastle now in the mix to sign ‘clinical’ international, read more here

Rangers have suffered a blow in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to do his transfer business early at Ibrox this summer.

What’s the word?

According to The Scotsman, the Light Blues’ interest in Bosnian ‘keeper Vladan Kovacevic appears to be wide of the mark.

The 24-year-has two years left on his contract and is valued at £1.8m by Transfermarkt, so if Rangers were to make a move then it would involve a fee.

This particular transfer doesn’t look likely, however, as the Gers start to look at other targets for the goalkeeping position.

Supporters will be gutted

Van Bronckhorst has had a solid start to his managerial life at Rangers, winning the Scottish Cup and leading the team to a historic Europa League final which ended in heartbreak as Eintracht Frankfurt won on penalties.

There is an excellent base from which to build as the squad head into pre-season in a few weeks’ time, but the Dutchman could have a few conundrums to work out first.

The goalkeeping position is one which could be a headscratcher. With first-choice Allan McGregor now 40 and his future up in the air, the hunt is on for a replacement.

News surrounding Kovacevic is a big blow to the supporters and Van Bronckhorst, mainly due to a similar playing style as McGregor, although the Bosnian appears to be much better with the ball at his feet.

The Ibrox club have been linked with a whole host of shot-stoppers since the turn of the year such as Benjamin Siegrist and Sam Johnstone, but whoever comes in will have a hard job replicating the standards that McGregor has set for the previous four seasons.

Unfortunately, everyone’s time to retire comes at some stage, and if he does end his career this summer, the 40-year-old can be happy that he went out on a high by lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park last week.

Van Bronckhorst will have confidence in Jon McLaughlin ahead of next season, as the backup ‘keeper has been excellent whenever he has featured for the club, but competition for places is never a bad thing.

AND in other news: GvB set for big Rangers contract lift that’ll leave supporters buzzing…

Manchester United’s interest in Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is “serious and concrete” according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

United are seriously interested in reuniting Timber with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, although Romano has stressed that any deal is still at an early stage.

His name has been discussed internally at The Theatre of Dreams alongside highly rated Villarreal defender Paul Torres, as the club look to strengthen their defensive options.

The Red Devils ended the Premier League season in sixth place, and with a final goal difference of zero, their task is to make sure they concede less next season.

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In full, the reporter said: “Manchester United interest in Jurrien Timber is concrete and serious, deal now still at early stages with Ajax. Timber name has been discussed internally with ten Hag alongside Pau Torres. Ajax have also offered Timber a new short term deal, in case he doesn’t leave.”

Supporters will be buzzing

As always with United, many names have been linked with the club heading into the summer, but with the arrival of Ten Hag, it’s no surprise that the club are interested in players from his former employers.

The Dutch manager had a lot of success in Amsterdam, with their squad containing several talented players with high potential. If Timber moves to England then it’s Ten Hag who will be able to get the best out of him.

He’s come through a famed academy that has produced recent stars such as Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.

Timber ranks in the top 2% for percentage of dribblers tackled, when compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.

However, it’s on the ball where he really impresses, ranking in the top 3% for progressive carries which proves that he is composed when playing out from the back.

As a result, he would massively improve United’s defence which has come under constant criticism this season with the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof underperforming.

44 of his tackles this term have resulted in his team winning back possession of the ball, which can prove vital in any game, that’s higher than all three of United’s defenders in the same period.

At just 20-years-old he can revolutionise their backline and be at the heart of Ten Hag’s spine, thus leaving supporters elated and overjoyed in the process.

IN other news: Man United eyeing swoop for “wonderful” £31.5m-rated gem, he’s even better than Sancho…

Newcastle United have a realistic chance of signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer, claims talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: DCL linked with Everton exit

According to 90min, Everton could be forced into selling one of Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison this summer, as the club face financial difficulties amid the beginning of a much needed rebuild.

It is believed that the Toffees are more willing to part ways with the England international.

As a result, a number of clubs have been linked with the Toffees man; the most prominent of which has been Arsenal, who are desperate to sign a striker this summer.

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The Latest: DCL could be open to it…

Football Insider recently reported that Newcastle have held preliminary talks with Calvert-Lewin ahead of a proposed summer switch.

TalkSPORT journalist Crook has weighed in on the situation, claiming that he can ‘see the attraction’ of signing for Newcastle.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“Yeah, I can see the attraction because I think they are a more upwardly mobile club than Everton at this stage.

“Obviously, it’s a World Cup year as well, so he needs to be playing at the best level he can. So, I could see that happening.”

The Verdict: Great signing

Valued at £37.8m by Transfermarkt, Calvert-Lewin apparently has a £60m price tag, but would be a great signing for an emerging Newcastle side if they can get that fee down closer to the neutral valuation.

Hailed by former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti as a “top striker”, it is easy to see why a number of Premier League teams are interested in securing his services – according to FB Ref, the 25-year-old ranks in the 95th percentile for aerial duels won across positional peers in the whole of Europe’s top five leagues.

This suggests that the Englishman would fit the Magpies’ current system, with Eddie Howe utilising Chris Wood as a singular centre-forward, while Wood has not exactly set the world alight.

With constant questions over the fitness of Callum Wilson, having Calvert-Lewin to call upon alongside Sunday’s match-winner would be superb for Howe.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies are already ‘looking’ at three ‘quality’ signings, claims pundit