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Scottish football journalist Barry Anderson has now revealed some exciting Glasgow Rangers transfer news on one young British striker who could be a target for the Ibrox giants.

The Lowdown: Loan spell

In recent days, Gers insider The 4th Official – who first broke news of Govanni van Bronckhorsts’s move to Ibrox last November, – was “informed by a reliable source” that the Light Blues are considering Ellis Simms as a possible transfer target.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan in the Premiership, where he managed to score seven goals and supply one assist in 21 games across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

During his loan spell, the Everton striker helped Hearts to finish in a respectable third place in the Scottish top flight, only behind the top two from Glasgow.

The Latest: Rangers interest

Taking to Twitter, Anderson has revealed that Rangers are ‘aware’ that Simms could become available again, although Hearts are ‘pushing’ to get the 21-year-old back for next season.

The reporter tweeted: “Hearts pushing to get Simms back. Rangers are aware he could become available. Both clubs also looking at other forwards. Loan would seem most likely but Everton may consider a permanent. Richarlison’s exit to Spurs leaves them a striker short so that could delay Simms moving.”

The Verdict: Sign him

If Simms is available on loan again, then Giovanni van Bronckhorst should be seriously considering signing him up for Rangers.

Dubbed an ‘outstanding’ player by former Everton under-23s manager David Unsworth, his record at youth level for the Toffees is impeccable, as he once scored a mammoth 32 goals in just 21 matches in the Under-18 Premier League in the 2018/19 campaign (Transfermarkt).

Rangers were rocked by injuries to their two main strikers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe last season, so therefore Simms – who now has the experience of playing and indeed thriving in the Premiership – would be the perfect player to come in at Ibrox if the worst-case scenario happens again.

Everton have already lost Richarlison this summer so they will be unlikely to be willing to part ways with another key player, and now a new update from a reliable source has emerged after interest in Anthony Gordon has been ramping up.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Correspondent for The Athletic David Ornstein, Everton are not interested in selling Gordon this summer.

Ornstein tweeted:

“Everton have no intention of selling Anthony Gordon amid enquiries from other PL clubs. Interest expressed during conversations but #EFC unwilling to consider 21yo’s exit. Likely new deal will be offered but not result of rival admiration.”

The update comes as Newcastle United are reported to have expressed an interest in signing the player.

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt that supporters of Everton will be both delighted and relieved that the club are not interested in entertaining any offers for Gordon this summer, especially after Richarlison left the club to join Tottenham Hotspur last week.

The 21-year-old has become a key player in the Toffees’ squad after breaking through to the first team when Carlo Ancelotti gave the youngster his Premier League debut against West Ham United in January 2020. He is a boyhood Evertonian which makes the Goodison Park faithful even more protective over the future of their very own young talent.

Despite a disappointing season for Everton that saw the side tangled in a bottom-of-the-table relegation scrap, Gordon had been a consistent performer scoring four goals, delivering two assists and creating four big chances over 35 appearances.

The Everton winger made one key pass, 1.5 tackles and took 1.3 shots on average per game as well as winning the majority of his ground duels (53%).

Frank Lampard has given the young forward a lot of praise following his appointment as manager back in January, claiming that Gordon is a “leader” in the team in an interview with Sky Sports:

“He’s becoming more of a man, more of a leader with every game, with every day. His dedication and talent is huge.”

With that being said, it is really important for Everton right now to retain as many key players as they possibly can to ensure that they don’t find themselves suffering a worse outcome than the previous season and further risk losing their top-flight status.

AND in other news: Everton plot bid to sign 36-goal “handful” this summer, Lampard needs him badly

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be closing in on their fifth signing of the summer transfer window after they announced the arrival of Richarlison on Friday morning…

What’s the word?

The Brazilian forward has signed a contract until 2027 following his £50m move from Premier League rivals Everton, and now it appears that Clement Lenglet could be the next to be officially unveiled.

That’s according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, who delivered his thoughts to GIVEMESPORT this week.

He said: “Lenglet is looking the most likely, especially because Barcelona want to move him on very quickly so they can make space for [Andreas] Christensen.

“At the moment, I think Lenglet is very, very close and Tottenham are very confident of announcing that one soon.”

Fifth summer signing?

Finding a new central defender, in particular a left-sided one, has been something of a priority for the Lilywhites this off-season.

And whilst the Barcelona man is not exactly a name as exciting as a Josko Gvardiol or an Alessandro Bastoni, he does fill a major gap in Antonio Conte’s first-team squad heading into a hectic 2022/23 campaign, where Spurs will surely be looking to compete on all fronts after qualifying for the Champions League.

It’s a competition in which the 27-year-old Frenchman has featured 44 times across his time at both the Nou Camp and Sevilla. That sort of experience is something that few at Hotspur Way possess, so he instantly adds something valuable to the squad.

Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the 15-time international was only able to play 814 competitive minutes in LaLiga last term, so there will certainly be question marks over whether or not he can make an instant impact in north London.

Despite his lack of game-time, Lenglet ranks amongst the top 1% of his positional peers across Europe’s top five divisions for progressive passes (6.86 per 90), passes attempted (87.89 per 90) and progressive carries (10.03 per 90), as per FBRef.

This makes him a sure-fire fit for Conte’s system, as he can evidently play out from the back and drive the ball forward to huge success. The statistical website also compare his style to Bastoni, who the Italian managed at Inter Milan on their way to the Serie A title in 2020/21.

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Therefore, it seems that the centre-back – who was dubbed a “special talent” by former journalist Andrew Gaffney – would be something of a shrewd addition, even on loan.

His aforementioned credentials will make Conte extremely happy, so he will surely be delighted as a move for Lenglet edges closer and closer.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops Christian Eriksen update…

Italian football expert Conor Clancy has made an interesting claim regarding Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. 

The lowdown: Martinez bid

This comes after Spurs were linked with a £60million move for Martinez last summer before Romelu Lukaku left the Italian giants and subsequently Inter opted to keep their Argentine frontman.

More recently, a report from The Times has claimed that the 24-year-old is a target for north London rivals Arsenal after Lukaku returned to Milan following an unsuccessful spell at Chelsea.

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Despite signing a new five-year contract in October 2021, Martinez remains a hot topic on the market. Journalist Paul Brown stated last week that Spurs ‘would love’ to sign him, while more recent reports even claim Daniel Levy is preparing a €77m (£66.5m) bid at Antonio Conte’s insistence.

The latest: Stamp of approval

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Clancy claimed that the 38-cap Argentina hotshot was at the peak of his powers whilst under the watchful eye of the current Spurs boss.

He said: “On his day, I don’t think there are many better and more complete forwards in Europe than him, but he’s just a little bit inconsistent.

“Like the way he falls off and disappears for a couple of months at a time can be frustrating, but he played his best football under Conte.”

The verdict: Match made in heaven

Whilst it would take an astronomical bid to lure Martinez out of Inter this summer, signing the prolific centre-forward to support the goalscoring exploits of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min would be a sensational coup for the Lilywhites.

Last season, the Argentine – who was branded a ‘big’ and ‘relentless’ player with a ‘very strong heart’ by football writer Arjun Pradeep – scored 25 times and provided four assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Under the guidance of Conte, the dynamic Martinez netted 40 goals and provided another 19 assists in 97 outings during their time together in Italy, an astonishing record that if extrapolated in the Premier League could see Tottenham develop from top four challengers to serious title contenders.

Manchester City have now submitted an official bid for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Michael Rincon.

The Lowdown: City rumours

The Premier League champions have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old over recent weeks, with those at the Etihad Stadium viewing the Leeds star as an ideal replacement for Fernandinho.

The Athletic claimed that City are visualising a final agreement between £45m and £50m and believe that Phillips would push for a move to the Etihad.

Phillips is entering the final two years of his Elland Road contract, and it looks as if City have made the next move when it comes to a proposed transfer.

The Latest: Rincon’s update

Rincon, who has more than 100,000 followers on Twitter, took to Twitter in the early hours of Sunday morning to provide some ‘breaking news’ on Phillips.

He revealed that ‘in the last few minutes’, City have ‘submitted a bid’ for Phillips, adding that it’s ‘100% confirmed’.

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The Verdict: Over to Leeds

It remains to be seen how much an opening offer is worth, but the ball is now in Leeds’ court to respond. The Whites have recently been linked with City youngsters Romeo Lavia and James McAtee, so they could always look to take one to Elland Road as part of a move for Phillips.

A move to Manchester for the 26-year-old does seem to be gathering pace, though, so there could well be some more developments over the coming days.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now eyeing shock move for ‘waste of time’; he’s missed 217 games through injury

Liverpool have agreed personal terms with exciting youngster Calvin Ramsay over a move to Anfield, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Ramsay joining Liverpool?

The Aberdeen right-back has been strongly linked with a move to the Reds in recent months, as Jurgen Klopp eyes up summer reinforcements.

Ramsay has already registered nine assists in just 39 appearances for the Scottish club, highlighting his attacking pedigree from his defensive role.

It now looks as though the highly-rated Scot has edged ever closer to signing for Liverpool, following a fresh update from a reliable reporter.

The Latest: Romano makes Ramsay transfer claim

Taking to Twitter on Sunday morning, Romano claimed that personal terms are set to be agreed and that there is confidence that a €10m (£8.54m) move will go through. He revealed:

“Liverpool are set to reach an agreement with Calvin Ramsay on personal terms – they made an official bid to Aberdeen for the Scottish fullback.

“Club confident on agreement between clubs – but Aberdeen want around €10m with add ons included. Talks ongoing.”

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

While Ramsay won’t necessarily come to Anfield as part of Liverpool’s strongest XI – he surely won’t be replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold any time soon – he is undoubtedly a big prospect for the future.

For that reason, his imminent arrival is hugely exciting, allowing him to learn from arguably the world’s best right-back in the 23-year-old, not to mention being given chances to prove his worth by Jurgen Klopp in pre-season or domestic cup matches. At 18, time is very much on his side, too.

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It would also allow Neco Williams to move elsewhere permanently this summer, generating more transfer funds for new signings in the process in the knowledge that there is ample right-back cover in place.

In other news, another key Liverpool transfer update has emerged. Read more here.

Aston Villa still have a ‘decent chance’ of signing legendary striker Luis Suarez in the summer transfer window, according to transfer window expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Suarez a free agent

The 35-year-old is a free agent after his contract at Atletico Madrid expired, allowing him to join a new club on a free transfer in the next few months.

Villa are one of the clubs who have been linked with an audacious move for Suarez, with Steven Gerrard of course knowing him well from their time together at Liverpool.

There is sure to be competition for the Uruguayan this summer but a positive update has emerged from a Villa perspective.

The Latest: Villa have ‘decent chance’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Gerrard’s men remain right in the hunt to snap up Suarez:

“I think there is still a decent chance that they sign Suarez, and I think that Gerrard will be ideal for him, and I think that works vice versa too.

“It doesn’t mean that Suarez has to start every game, but having him as an option, having him as a game-changer, literally, is like something in your armoury that is amazing for the amount of pressure there’s going to be schedule-wise next season.”

The Verdict: Worth the gamble

Granted, Suarez’s best days are undoubtedly behind him but he remains an incredibly gifted footballer capable of creating moments of sheer genius. Gerrard once hailed him as ‘phenomenal’, and he’s racked up over 400 goals in his club career, with an equally impressive 240 assists.

The Uruguay legend could come in as a squad player, proving to be a great impact substitute in certain matches and also bringing a winning mentality to the squad.

The Gerrard factor certainly gives Villa a better chance than if he wasn’t the manager and it would be a signing that would cause excitement among the fanbase regardless of his minutes, given his status as one of the best players of his generation.

In other news, Aston Villa are interested in signing a former England international. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United are interested in Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, according to a report from RMC Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot prospect

Signed for £36.5million from Ligue 1 outfit St Etienne as a 19-year-old in 2020 (The Guardian), Fofana has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in the Premier League.

Now 21, the talented young centre-back made 28 English top-flight appearances in his debut campaign before suffering a horrific leg break during pre-season last summer, ruling the Frenchman out for six months.

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Having made a successful comeback against the Red Devils in February and ending the campaign by making three consecutive starts for Brendan Rodgers’ side, Fofana could be at the centre of a gigantic transfer tussle over the coming months.

The latest: PL giants keen

As per RMC Sport, translated by SW, Manchester United and Chelsea are both ‘closely interested’ in the France Under 21 starlet.

It’s claimed that Leicester are ‘counting’ on the three-cap ace but could be persuaded into sanctioning a sale should offers of ‘at least €80million (£68million)’ be forthcoming.

Under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2027 (Transfermarkt), the Old Trafford hierarchy would likely have to meet the demands in order to land the defender once hailed for a ‘phenomenal’ display in which he dominated Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The verdict: Second time lucky?

No strangers to paying big money for a centre-back from Leicester City, spending the mooted lofty asking price for Fofana would be a smart piece of business from Manchester United as Erik ten Hag attempts to fix what was a leaky backline at times during 2021/22.

Still not the finished article given his tender years, the talented Frenchman ended the recent season earning an impressive 6.97 Sofascore rating from just seven league outings, making 3.7 clearances, winning 6.0 duels and completing 67.0 accurate passes on average per game – highlighting both his defensive and ball-playing acumen.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with star compatriots Ibrahima Konate, Presnel Kimpembe and United’s own Raphael Varane (Fbref), Fofana certainly possesses all the attributes to become an elite defender and would be a welcome addition to the ranks this summer.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing ‘world class’ Serie A gem, read more here

Newcastle United could still recruit the best behind-the-scenes talent in football without having to worry about breaching Financial Fair Play rules, claims finance expert Dr Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Non-playing staff

On Saturday 28 May, The Times reported that the non-playing staff at Newcastle will be handed a pay rise for the first time in several years.

The current FFP system in the Premier League permits clubs a £105m loss over a rolling three-year period, with salary costs counting towards that total.

However, the Premier League is expected to adopt UEFA’s new profit and sustainability system imminently. This limits clubs to spending 70 per cent of turnover on wages and transfers, but it ultimately means only player and manager wages will be counted towards the quota.

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The Latest: Plumley’s claim

Plumley believes that Newcastle can utilise the new system to pay elite non-playing staff big wages to gain an advantage, without breaching FFP rules.

Speaking with Football Insider, Plumley claimed:

“This is potentially one way to get around FFP.

“If you look at the makeup of the backroom staff, Liverpool are the gold standard. They look at data, sports science, and psychology. The list is endless.

“In a sport where the margins are so fine, it can really pay off if you can get an edge in this area. If you have the best minds and the finest talent in football, you can make gains behind the scenes.

“Of course, everything needs to be streamlined and the culture needs to be right, and the commercial team and the finance team can grow too.”

The Verdict: May have already started

Just last night Newcastle announced the appointment of highly rated Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director.

The 51-year-old joined former club Brighton in 2018 with an impressive reputation after his spell with the FA, where he helped various England age groups triumph at three tournaments in 2017, and then proceeded to establish the south-coast side as a mainstay in the Premier League.

With such appointments already taking place, this will be a huge sign of things to come for Newcastle, who will be doing anything they can to make marginal gains in pursuit of European qualification.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies target Hugo Ekitike ‘told’ he can leave Reims

Everton are facing tough competition from a number of Premier League clubs in their pursuit of Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The Lowdown: Colwill’s season

The 19-year-old spent the season on loan at Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, helping the Terriers to reach the play-off final, which they lost to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The centre-back featured 31 times in the Yorkshire club’s promotion push from the second tier, averaging 1.7 tackles and 4.3 clearances per game and earning himself a strong overall rating of 7.10 for the season (via SofaScore).

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The Latest: Everton face competition for Colwill

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are now facing competition in the race to sign Colwill on loan for next season.

Having caught the eye during his time in the Championship, the defender has recently been linked with a move to Goodison Park.

However, according to Goal (via Liverpool Echo), scouts from ‘a host of Premier League clubs’ were at Wembley on Sunday to watch Colwill in action, so it may take something special to stand out from the multitude of prospective suitors.

The Verdict: Fantastic potential

With Everton narrowly avoiding relegation, Frank Lampard will now be able to offer first-hand Premier League experience to Colwill, who will likely be looking to make the step up from Championship football.

Dubbed the ‘new John Terry’ for his integral part in Huddersfield’s promotion push, the 19-year-old clearly has fantastic potential which is yet to be explored in the top flight by his parent club Chelsea.

Therefore, if there isn’t a place for him in Thomas Tuchel’s side next season, then a loan move elsewhere in the Premier League would be ideal for all parties involved, given the youngster’s ‘incredibly bright’ future (in the words of Chelsea reporter Nick Purewal).

In other news: Pete O’Rourke wowed by Everton transfer news involving another British starlet