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An update has emerged on Glasgow giants Rangers’ interest in bringing John Souttar to Ibrox next month…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has taken over from where Steven Gerrard left off and may yet make a move for the defender in January.

However, the report does claim that English Championship side Blackburn Rovers have opened pre-contract talks with the 25-year-old, whose deal is up at the end of the season.

Ibrox could be rocking

Van Bronckhorst must ensure that Rangers can get a deal over the line for Souttar in January, as he could get Ibrox rocking by bringing him to the Scottish champions.

He is a proven Premiership performer who also has time on his side and he could be a phenomenal addition to the Gers’ squad. Supporters would surely love to see him playing for the Light Blues in the second half of the campaign and for many more seasons to come, and the announcement of his name on his debut could get fans excited if he does arrive at Ibrox to bolster the squad.

This season, he has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.43 for Hearts across 18 starts. He has made 4.4 clearances per game and won a whopping 71% of his duels overall, showing that he has been consistently brilliant in his defending.

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein previously lauded the Scot, saying: “I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

“Just for the fact that he can do wonderful things. His passing of the ball Saturday was fantastic, but he is also now capable physically of competing with any centre forward. His pace is very, very good and he’s strong, focused and aggressive.”

Along with his statistics from 2021/22, this shows why Souttar could be a fantastic player for Rangers, whilst he still has room to grow and improve at the age of 25. He could be the club’s first-choice centre-back for years to come and signing him in January could be a masterclass by Van Bronckhorst.

However, it will take some effort now to avoid losing out to Blackburn in the transfer race as they have already entered talks, which means that Ross Wilson and the Dutchman must get to work immediately to give themselves a chance of landing the Hearts defender.

AND in other news, GvB can finally axe the new “Alex Rae” from Rangers by signing £4m “conductor” in Jan…

Tottenham Hotspur could yet move for a centre-back on deadline day…

What’s the word?

The north London outfit are closing in on the double swoop for Juventus duo Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski but it appears they may not be done just yet with hours left to go in the window.

That’s according to reliable Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, who delivered an exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT today. He said:

“At centre-back, I believe – effectively – we could see a rabbit out of the hat. But that could hinge on outgoings.”

Much-needed addition

Spurs manager Antonio Conte is adding some solid depth to his Spurs squad in the aforementioned signings  – the Uruguay international adds a better option in the engine room with club-record flop Tanguy Ndombele on his way out, whilst the Swede offers a hugely versatile presence in the attack.

However, that isn’t enough if he’s to truly get the north London outfit back in the top four. The Italian head coach has already worked his magic, losing only one league game since his arrival in November, so just imagine what he could do with a couple more additions.

It’s thought that he requested signings in three priority positions, whilst there has always been suggestions of a desire to bolster his backline, where the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga have struggled to look the part in recent months.

Spurs have been linked to a number of options in the role, including Conte’s ex-Inter beast Stefan de Vrij, Milan’s arch-rival captain Alessio Romagnoli and sensationally, Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, who sporting director Fabio Paratici has signed before.

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All three would be outstanding additions to Spurs’ squad but time is running out if they are to secure any one of them, if not any other central defender.

If the Lilywhites can land Conte a new colossus late on in the January transfer window, then both he and the fanbase will surely be absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, Spurs eye club-record swoop BEFORE deadline, it’s Conte’s dream signing…

West Ham United could revisit one of their reported January targets this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Sport1, the Irons are set to battle Premier League rivals Everton for the signature of RB Leipzig forward Hwang Hee-chan ahead of next season.

It’s claimed that both teams were keen on signing him during the winter but the 25-year-old remained at the Bundesliga outfit at the request of manager Julian Nagelsmann, whilst it is thought he could be available for just €15m (£13m).

That’s around how much Leipzig paid Salzburg for him in the summer.

Bargain solution?

The South Korean international has not enjoyed a very good season whatsoever, scoring two goals in just 514 minutes of action, but his campaign has been hampered since he contracted coronavirus in late November.

But this is why the Hammers should pounce as one stop-start season won’t have made him poor overnight and evidently, they will be able to get him for bargain price.

Had he continued his goalscoring exploits from Austria this term, then he would certainly be commanding a far more excessive fee. At Salzburg, Hwang was hugely prolific, providing 16 goals and 22 assists, via Transfermarkt.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-transfer-rumours-gossip-latest-moyes-gsb-london-stadium” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

During his time there, he earned glowing praise from former teammate and now global superstar, Erling Haaland, who dubbed him “absolutely crazy,” “brilliant” and “so important” to the side following a goal against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Coincidentally, his playing style has been compared to that of the Reds’ Roberto Firmino, as well as the obvious likeness to Heung-min Son at Spurs.

‘Happy leading the line as part of either a duo or a front three, Leipzig’s first summer signing likes to get on the ball and has a trick or two up his sleeve to shake off a defender. Comfortable with both feet, with the strength to hold off an opponent and the pace to exploit space,’ wrote Bundesliga.com.

Furthermore, his former head coach Peter Zeidler once claimed Hwang was “exceptional” and had “brutal dynamism”.

Hwang has scored 62 goals throughout his short career and it would be on Moyes to get that lucrative form back out of him, if he were to move to the London Stadium.

Given the desperate need for a striker and their likely place in Europe next season, the Leipzig man could offer the side some much-needed experience on the big stage.

He may be finding life tough in the German top-flight this season but for just £13m, West Ham could land themselves a bargain in the Leipzig speed demon.

AND in other news, Moyes could find his next Yakubu in 20 y/o “revelation”…

This forms part of our Loan Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse how one club’s player is doing on loan based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: January loan

Ellis Simms was sent out on loan to Hearts by Everton in the January transfer window and has since scored six goals in 16 games across all competitions for the Scottish Premiership outfit (Transfermarkt).

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It has been reported that Farhad Moshiri is now plotting a ‘major’ overhaul of the squad in the summer, including potentially selling both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, so the majority owner at Goodison Park will now have to decide what to do with Simms once he comes back from his loan spell in Edinburgh.

The Latest: Simms scores

After coming off of the bench in the 72nd minute, Simms ended up scoring the winner for Hearts just 11 minutes later as they beat Dundee United 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in their first game after the late-season Premiership split.

The striker, who also achieved a 100% pass success rate in his short cameo, made an instant impact, and looks to be blossoming into a fine player at just 21 years of age.

The Verdict: Keep him!

If Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are sold, and Everton find themselves relegated from the Premier League, Frank Lampard’s team must be looking to keep Simms in the senior squad for next season.

The youngster made his plenty of goals already at youth level, so he has already shown his credentials to play more regularly for the club.

Nonetheless, his performances and goals for Hearts are surely giving Moshiri a headache as he weighs up whether to sell Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, which in turn would then potentially open up a pathway for Simms.

In other news, find out which Toffees duo were deemed ’embarrassing’ against Liverpool

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to the news that Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela will not travel with the Czech squad to play Wales amidst the ongoing storm surrounding his altercation with Glen Kamara.

The Gers faced the Czech champions in the Europa League round of 16, and were beaten 3-1 on aggregate after losing 2-0 at Ibrox. However, the match was marred by allegations of racial abuse, and the fall-out continues to rumble on.

Kudela and Slavia (slavia.cz) have released a statement denying the claims, while Kamara has also moved to back up his claims. The 34-year-old Slavia defender was set to be a part of his country’s squad to travel to Wales for their 2022 World Cup qualifying clash, but it has been decided that he will stay in his homeland amidst fears of a backlash.

The news was shared on Twitter by The Daily Record, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Kudela news below

“Big man i gaurentee he now regrets his actions and i bet he never thought this reaction would happen”

Credit: @aris_donald

“Coward”

Credit: @joe_black1509

“Coward, surely that proves his guilt”

Credit: @JayTeeFife

“Wonder why??”

Credit: @stevoboyle

“Hopefully UEFA step in now and deal with this vile player”

Credit: @andy_brennan72

“That says it all”

Credit: @PaulCampbell97

In other news, Rangers fans react to this latest injury news.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith could revive England and Spurs star Dele Alli’s career amid Dean Windass’ transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Alli has endured a difficult spell in north London over the past 12 to 18 months, with former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho sidelining him from the starting line-up and even the matchday squad on occasion – he played just 15 times in the Premier League last term, and even that only amounted to 617 minutes of football.

Windass has now suggested that the 25-year-old should make the move to Villa Park, and he even claimed that it wouldn’t necessarily have to be in place of Jack Grealish either.

The 52-year-old told Football FanCast: “I think that would suit Dele Alli, he would be a big player for Villa. I know he’s a different type of player to Jack, but with him being young and English.

“Dele wants to play, players want to play, they’re not happy when they’re not playing. Would be a good fit for Villa even if they keep Jack, to strengthen the team, he would be unbelievable.  They would probably want £50m-£60m for Dele Alli, but that’s the type of player Dean Smith would want to bring in if Jack left.”

Imagine him and Grealish

During the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, the £100,000-a-week earning Alli scored a whopping 18 goals from midfield and pocketed a second successive Young PFA Player of the Year award to crown off an outstanding season which displayed the potential and ability he has.

It’s no surprise that he’s earned some rave reviews, not least from former England international Darren Anderton, who said: “I’ve got to say that I loved Stevie G as a player and Scholesy but Dele Alli for his age is just a freak of a talent. I love his arrogance on the pitch, how clever he is in finding the positions that he does and his willingness to try everything. He is a real joy to watch.”

Eric Dier, Alli’s current teammate at Spurs, said (via The Independent): “Everyone knows his qualities, but I think he also has a lot of qualities which go unnoticed. The amount of second balls he wins, the amount he runs for the team and presses.

“He’s always attached to the game, it’s like he’s on a string to the ball. He is always attached to the game in every moment and that’s a great quality to have.”

While things may not have worked out for the 25-year-old at Tottenham in the past couple of years, Smith would surely feel confident of getting the £27m-rated Alli to rediscover his best form with a move to Villa Park, just like he’s turned Grealish into a superstar now.

The duo could form an incredible partnership going forward, with Grealish’s creativity and Alli’s ability to score goals from deep combining to great effect.

The ability is there; it’s just a question of getting the best out of him with the right manager. Smith could well be that man.

Meanwhile, Villa are closing in on this big-money signing…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who scored 11 times in 99 games for Manchester City, believes his former club will have no regrets over selling Kelechi Iheanacho, despite his form for Leicester City.

Iheanacho won March’s Premier League player of the month for his impressive form in front of goal, as he has carried the burden of the team during the absence of Harvey Barnes and James Maddison.

The former Man City striker scored 21 goals in 64 games before it was decided that his future lay away from the Etihad in 2017 after falling down the pecking order behind Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.

Speaking on how he’s been impressed with Iheanacho this season and why City won’t regret selling the striker, Howey told FFC:

“I think the lad has done quite well at Leicester and I think in Brendan Rodgers he’s got a very good manager. I just think the style of player that he is, it’s not what Pep wanted in his side.

“I think it’s only just recently that he’s come into form at Leicester so I don’t think Man City regret selling him.”

Jamie Vardy’s poor form in 2021 and the injuries to both Maddison and Barnes allowed the £60,000 per week striker a chance to prove himself which he has grasped with both hands.

Leicester City suffered a 3-2 defeat against West Ham which has cut their lead ahead of Chelsea in fifth to just four points with seven games remaining.

Speaking to Football Insider, a West Ham United source has allegedly explained that Fabian Balbuena has been told to find a new club this summer, with no contract extension in sight.

The Lowdown: Balbuena out?

Over the last few months, much has been made of the Paraguayan’s future in east London and whether or not the club will offer him a new deal.

His current contract expires at the end of next month and, as things stand, the 29-year-old will be allowed to leave on a free transfer (Football Insider).

Balbuena enjoyed a solid start to the campaign, often partnering the likes of Angelo Ogbonna to good effect. However, the return of Issa Diop and emergence of summer transfer window signing Craig Dawson limited his appearances thereafter, with the Paraguay centre-back starting just 13 games in total over 2020/21 (WhoScored).

The Latest: Balbuena told to get looking…

According to a West Ham source who was speaking to Football Insider, the Irons have now told Balbuena to find a new club and will not be extending his contract after all.

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Indeed, GSB and David Moyes have decided to let the 14-cap international leave London for pastures new nearly three years after he signed from Corinthians.

However, in a silver lining for Irons supporters, it is understood that the club are willing to splash the cash and bolster their centre-back options for the 2021/22 season.

The Verdict: Time to go…

The colossal defender enjoyed a fine beginning to 2020/21 and stepped in as a key figure, albeit briefly. West Ham journalist Sam Delaney, speaking on the U Irons podcast (via This is Futbol) back in October, heralded Balbuena for his run of form at the time and called him “brilliant”.

However, with emergence of options like Dawson, who West Ham will now sign on a permanent deal, it could be time to wave goodbye to Balbuena.

At 29 years old, he isn’t getting any younger, with the only disappointment being that GSB couldn’t sell him on for profit.

Instead, it looks as if he will be leaving on a free transfer, but the hope is that West Ham will still have plenty of resources to fund the chase for a top centre-half this summer.

In other news: West Ham fans rave as Sky Sports share ‘absolutely huge’ news, find out more here.

Leicester City could save themselves millions this summer by gifting Kamal Sowah a chance in the first-team.

What’s the story?

The 21-year-old midfielder has spent the last three-and-a-half seasons with the Foxes’ sister club OH Leuven, impressing throughout 2020/21.

King Power-owned Leuven finished 11th on their return to the Belgian First Division, with Sowah catching the eye after bagging eight goals and providing six assists.

Rodgers could save millions

The versatile Ghanaian has been training with Leicester’s first team at their training base in Seagrave since the season’s conclusion, allowing Brendan Rodgers to assess the youngster first hand.

Sowah started all 34 top-flight fixtures for Leuven in 2020/21, playing a variety of different positions, including the No.10 role and as a winger on either flank.

His form earned the praise of ex-teammate Thomas Henry back in 2019, with the striker waxing lyrical over Sowah’s quality and potential.

“It is good that he is building up more and more confidence. He certainly has the right mentality,” Henry revealed.

“I am happy that I can play with him. His position is good, he can be decisive. He is a very complete player.”

With Leicester narrowly missing out on a place in the Premier League’s top four following a final day defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur, the Midlands outfit already appear to be making good progress in the transfer market.

Lille’s highly-rated box-to-box midfielder Boubakary Soumare is reportedly close to completing an £18 million move to the King Power Stadium, while Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard is also thought to be on the club’s radar.

Therefore, bringing Sowah into the fold could be beneficial to the Foxes in more ways than one.

Not only would he provide Rodgers with cover and competition for places in multiple positions, he would also allow the Northern Irish manager to focus Leicester’s relatively modest resources on their key transfer targets.

Players such as Dan James have previously been linked with the 2016 English champions as the former Liverpool boss looks to add strength-in-depth, but the answer to that particular problem may already be at the club in the shape of Sowah.

And, in other news…Huge LCFC transfer update emerges over “powerful” star, fans will surely be buzzing 

An injury prevention expert has slammed Leeds United’s professionalism after Diego Llorente picked up a fitness issue in the defeat to Liverpool over the weekend.

The Lowdown: Llorente out injured again

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were beaten 3-0 by the Reds on Sunday afternoon as their disappointing start to the Premier League season continues.

To compound the result, Llorente hobbled off with a hamstring problem in the first half after being unable to continue, in what is the latest injury setback for the Spanish defender, who has now gone off injured three times in his last 17 Premier League appearances.

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The Latest: Expert slams Whites

Speaking to Football Insider, an unnamed source who has worked with Premier League clubs in the past lambasted Leeds, claiming there are issues with the club’s conditioning of players. They said:

“That does not reflect well on Leeds or their staff. The job of the staff – the fitness, conditioning, sports science guys – is to get the players fit to play and keep them out there.

“There are some injuries you can’t legislate for, like the Harvey Elliott one today, but top athletes should not be breaking down with muscle injuries in the first half of matches.

“It means they are being overloaded in training, over-worked or not warming up and preparing properly. Something has gone wrong somewhere and Leeds will be embarrassed it has happened again to Llorente.

“Everyone will look from the outside and think he is ‘injury prone’ but it is more complex than that.

“Ultimately it is the manager’s decision on whether he thinks players are fit to play, and once they’re selected they should not be pulling hamstrings in the first half.”

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The Verdict: Slightly harsh?

It is hard to be critical of Leeds’ professionalism when you look at the incredible fitness levels Bielsa has his players reaching.

Granted, it is a high level of intensity which could potentially increase the risk of injury, but it may simply be the case that Llorente is an injury-prone player. After all, he endured multiple absences during his time in La Liga as well.

The hope is that 28-year-old makes a speedy recovery given his importance to the team, but these injury problems are starting to become a worry and Bielsa may have doubts about the defender’s long-term worth if such fitness woes persist.

In other news, a journalist has named three Leeds players who could move on in January. Read more here.