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Rangers are among several clubs taking an interest in a Wales international winger, and he could be an excellent addition to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

The player in question is Tom Lawrence, who is now available on a free transfer.

That’s because he has left Derby County following the expiry of his contract at Pride Park; and the Gers – along with West Brom, Sheffield United and Watford – are all said to be keen on signing him.

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke spoke about Rangers’ interest in the 28-year-old, saying: “I think he would be an exciting signing for Rangers, especially on a free transfer.

“There’s not many better free transfers around if you’re looking at the players available. Tom Lawrence is a skilful player.”

Van Bronckhorst would love him

Lawrence was one of the shining lights in Derby’s relegation from the English Championship last season, although the Rams would have stayed up comfortably if it were not for their points deduction.

The midfielder, who reportedly earned £27k-p/w at the Midlands club, finished as Derby’s top scorer with 11 and their leading assists provider with five, which emphasises just how important he was to Wayne Rooney’s side last term.

He is clearly too good for League One and it seems unlikely that he will agree to a new deal at Pride Park, so Rangers could be the club to benefit by picking him up on a free transfer.

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While Van Bronckhorst isn’t short of attacking options at Ibrox, the Welshman offers a lot of versatility in midfield and attack, and he would represent a superb option on a free transfer.

The Gers have had a lot of success with free transfers from England in recent seasons, with John Lundstram, Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo prime examples, and Lawrence could be the latest triumph in Ross Wilson’s transfer history.

Many of Rangers’ goals in recent seasons have come from out wide, as emphasised by the assist numbers of James Tavernier and Ryan Kent last season, and Lawrence could offer Van Bronckhorst some real quality and creativity through the middle next term.

Therefore, the club should do everything they can to convince the Welshman to make the move to Ibrox this summer.

In other news… “Working very hard” – Rangers closing in on next signing, supporters will be buzzing

Celtic saw a significant overhaul of their squad take place during the previous summer transfer window as Ange Postecoglou brought in a host of new players to Parkhead.

One figure, in particular, that enjoyed a rather impressive debut season with the Bhoys is Liel Abada.

Signed from Maccabi Petah Tikva on a five-year deal, the winger ended the previous campaign with 15 goals and 11 assists to his name in 54 appearances across all competitions.

In fact, not only did the attacker make more appearances in the league (36) than any other Celtic player, but he also racked up more shots (81) than any of his teammates, showing just how reliable he was for Postecoglou and how dangerous he was on the pitch in terms of his attacking play.

This shows just how impressive he was throughout the season and why the club and the manager made the right call in bringing him to Celtic Park in the first place.

With some time left before the current summer transfer window ends, the next few weeks could see the Hoops boss bring in what could be seen as his next version of the Israeli winger.

Back in January, Celtic reportedly had a transfer bid rejected for Shabab Dubai winger Mehdi Ghayedi.

Having made 166 club appearances throughout his career, the 23-year-old has found the net 40 times and supplied 28 assists for his teammates.

This shows just how similar he is to the current Hoops attacker in terms of being able to score goals and provide assists on a fairly regular basis.

Labelled as a “little magician” by journalist Navid Molaaghaei on Twitter, Ghayedi’s goalscoring talent has also been described as “extraordinary” by ADSportsTV.

Moving forward, if Postecoglou wants to recreate his masterclass from last summer with Abada and bring in a young winger, like Ghayedi, from the Middle East, securing a deal for the Iranian could be the best way to do it.

Bearing in mind how the Parkhead club will be looking to not only regain their SPFL title but also be as successful as they can in Europe, having as much strength and depth in his squad as possible will be a high priority for the 56-year-old, making a move for the 23-year-old a potentially smart move.

AND in other news: Imagine him & Gia: Ange can form “wonderful” Celtic duo by signing “massive” £2m gem

Liverpool have made three new signings this summer and are now on their pre-season tour in Thailand, but the club could be about to make their fourth signing of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, the Merseyside club are interested in signing Matheus Nunes this summer and have made contact with the player’s representatives.

As per the report, Liverpool are ready to rival their Premier League title competitor Manchester City for the signing of the Portuguese midfielder, who could be available for €40m (£33.8m).

Imagine him & Thiago

Liverpool are reportedly making their midfield a priority area to strengthen after the club’s record-breaking signing of Darwin Nunez this summer, and Nunes could be the perfect option for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they continue their pursuit of more trophies.

The Sporting CP star scored three goals, delivered two assists, created six big chances and was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles (70%) during a productive attacking campaign.

He was also effective in a defensive capacity, making 1.3 tackles and 0.9 interceptions on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (55%)  over 33 league appearances.

Former teammate, Goncalo Santos gave Liverpool Echo a review of Nunes’ qualities and talent:

“It’s unbelievable when he has the ball at his feet. Nobody can catch him; it’s impossible because he’s too fast.

“If you are in the defensive phase and he gets the ball, he can run with it and fire the team 30 yards up the pitch because he is so good in possession.”

According to SofaScore, Nunes’ main strengths are his long balls and ball control, with a 92% pass accuracy in his own half during his appearances in Liga Portugal, which would make him the perfect player to form a formidable midfield partnership with Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara if he joined the Reds.

The 23-year-old dynamo who was hailed “very promising” by journalist Zach Lowry has been attracting interest from not only the Champions League finalists but the Premier League champions too, so if FSG are serious about signing the player they will need to work fast to stop Nunes from going to their league rivals.

With that being said, FSG could not only bolster their midfield by signing Nunes this summer but could also steal him away from Manchester City to stop them from adding more strength to their team ahead of next season.

AND in other news: Bad news: Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool transfer update that’ll frustrate supporters

Everton have been linked with a move for Maxwel Cornet this summer, and a reliable source has now given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Ed Aarons, the Toffees are in a two-horse race with Nottingham Forest to sign the Burnley winger.

The Guardian journalist tweeted: “Understand it is between Everton and Forest to sign Maxwell Cornet from Burnley. Everton had loan bid rejected last week.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering Everton’s disastrous 2021/22 Premier League campaign, it is a surprise that the club haven’t been more active in the transfer window, with just one summer signing secured so far.

However, supporters will be buzzing to hear that it now seems like the club are getting stuck into identifying players who can come in and make a difference at Goodison Park next season, especially after losing Richarlison in a £60m move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

Despite being relegated with Burnley last term, Cornet was a standout performer in the team and is duly  being tracked by Premier League clubs who clearly believe that he possesses the quality to remain in top-flight football.

Over 26 league appearances, the 25-year-old scored nine goals, delivered one assist and created two big chances, winning 2.8 duels and taking 1.8 shots per game, ranking sixth in the entire Premier League for successful dribbles last season.

However, it’s not just Cornet’s statistics and goal contributions which will have caught Frank Lampard’s eye. The player’s versatility in positioning could also be a valuable asset to the Toffees manager next season as he searches for the solution to find Everton’s most effective style of play.

The Ivorian has played in a number of positions throughout his career, with lots of experience in several roles including left wing, right wing, centre forward, left-back and midfield.

Cornet has even drawn high praise from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who claimed that he was “impressed” by the player’s “talent” after facing his Lyon team in 2018.

The signing of Cornet would be a major coup for Everton and the player would be a valuable addition to the squad in Lampard’s pursuit to improve the Toffees’ performances next season in the Premier League.

AND in other news: Everton can land “real bargain” in deal for “terrific” £25m gem, Lampard will love him

Midlands football journalist Josh Holland has talked up the quality of rumoured Wolves transfer target Edin Dzeko, saying he would be a ‘class signing’ at Molineux this summer.

The Lowdown: Dzeko linked with move

Bruno Lage is still looking to make attacking reinforcements to his squad this summer, following a season that saw them struggle in the final third in the Premier League, scoring just 38 times.

One player who Wolves have been linked with signing is Dzeko, who has enjoyed a glittering career with the likes of Manchester City, Roma and Inter Milan.

The Bosnian’s current Inter deal expires next summer and Wanderers could look to swoop as the Milan giants weigh up the risk of losing him for free.

The Latest: Journalist excited by claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Holland talked up the idea of Dzeko moving to Molineux, such is his quality, but also admitted it is unlikely:

“It would be a class signing, but a lot of the business Wolves do is more of a long-term idea, and would bringing Dzeko in for how much he’s going to want wages wise, would it be worth it on a business side? I doubt it.

“Football side, maybe, but I can’t see them spending that much money on someone like Dzeko when there are other positions that need improving.”

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The Verdict: Still a top player

At 36, Dzeko’s very best days are admittedly behind him but he remains a footballer of huge quality, having once been hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by ex-Roma manager Eusebio Di Francesco.

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His tally of 63 goals in 124 caps for Bosnia sums up his incredible pedigree, not to mention the fact that he already has 50 Premier League goals to his name from his City days.

Dzeko may not be able to start every week given his age but if Wolves managed to get a deal over the line it would lift the players and represent a high-profile piece of business. It is understandable why a deal may not work out, given the money involved, but it is exciting, nonetheless.

Celtic appear to be ready to let academy graduate Mikey Johnston leave the club this summer, amid interest from a former Hoops boss in the 23-year-old…

What’s the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, the young Scotsman is set to leave Parkhead on loan in the current window, with Ronny Deila’s Standard Liege believed to be one of the clubs who are interested in securing a temporary deal.

The report suggests that the forward would be willing to move abroad if required in search of regular game time, although he also has offers from a number of British clubs, with sides both in England and Scotland eyeing a potential swoop.

Although the Glasgow-born gem is said to be ‘highly rated’ by the Old Firm outfit, title-winning coach Ange Postecoglou is believed to be willing to sanction an exit for the player, as he attempts to rejuvenate his career.

Come back to bite him

Although it looks as if it will only be a long departure for the £720k-rated winger, the decision to allow Johnston to leave could well backfire for the Hoops boss, particularly ahead of another gruelling campaign in which the Scottish champions will be in need of adequate depth.

The £7.9k-per-week menace has undoubtedly struggled for form and fitness in recent seasons, although there is clearly still a real quality player in there somewhere, having been dubbed “incredibly talented” by teammate Joe Hart a few months ago.

There had been high hopes following the youngster’s debut back in 2017 during Brendan Rodgers’ time in charge, with Charlie Christie even likening the former Scotland U21 international to England legend Paul Gascoigne, due to his brilliance on the ball.

Although he has since gone on to make just 31 starts from 79 games in all competitions for the club, Johnston is no doubt a player who has the makings to be a real star, with a regular run in the side under Postecoglou perhaps all that is needed to unlock that magic.

While the 56-year-old has insisted that there is “real competition” for a starting berth on the flanks, the former Yokohama boss did admit that  “Mikey is one of those players, if he stays healthy, he has ability”, with it not beyond the realms of possibility that he could force his way into the side next term.

Alas, it looks as if the highly regarded prospect will have to go elsewhere to get his chance of a regular role, although it would be no real surprise to see him begin to flourish in new surroundings, with Postecoglou set to be left with egg on his face if Johnston does start to rip it up out on loan.

AND in other news, “Celtic were..”: Sky Sports journalist drops transfer claim that supporters will love…

Tottenham Hotspur target Nikola Milenkovic’s agent has now stepped up talks with Fabio Paratici as another promising report comes out of Italy.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites eye new defender?

Despite the arrival of centre-half Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona, it is reliably believed that the signing of yet another central defensive ace isn’t entirely ruled out this summer for manager Antonio Conte.

Indeed, as Spurs also remain in the market for an attacking midfield player and creative presence, The Evening Standard claim they could move for another centre-back before the closure of this summer window.

Milenkovic is one name linked with a move to the Premier League with a report out of Italy sharing a promising update.

The Latest: Agents steps up Milenkovic talks with Paratici…

Indeed, as per Tuttosport, there has been a development on the saga.

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They claim, via Sport Witness, that Spurs ‘like’ the defender ‘above all’ – which is explained as meaning they’re at ‘the front of the queue’ for his signature.

As well as this, Milenkovic’s agent, Fali Ramadani, is apparently ‘intensifying’ contacts with the Lilywhites hierarchy and specifically Paratici.

The Verdict: Get it done?

For a mooted fee of around €20 million (£17m), the Serbia international could actually prove to be a bargain if Spurs attempt to advance further.

As per WhoScored, no Fiorentina player made more clearances per 90 or won more aerial duels per match than Milenkovic with the 6 foot 4 defender coming as a colossal presence.

It’s hardly a surprise he’s been called ‘extraordinary’ by fellow defensive ace Pol Lirola and we believe he could be a shrewd option for Tottenham if Conte wishes to add another option at the back.

Liverpool return to Premier League action at Craven Cottage in the lunchtime kick-off this afternoon against Fulham, and it hasn’t been plain sailing for Jurgen Klopp so far this summer, with a number of injury issues already hindering the team.

In his pre-match press conference, the Reds manager shared some insight into the ongoing injury problems at the club ahead of their first league game of the season, with Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Caoimhin Kelleher, Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, Calvin Ramsey and Ibrahima Konate all ruled out of the squad for today.

One player who has been knocked back with injury issues in the past but is currently fit and ready to go ahead of the new season is Joe Gomez, who has also signed a new contract with the club this summer.

With Konate injured, it could be a great opportunity to give the 25-year-old the opportunity to take his place in the team again and re-establish his centre-back partnership with Virgil Van Dijk which contributed to Liverpool’s first Premier League title win in 2019/20.

Gomez and the Dutchman were the Reds’ most-used central defensive pairing as Klopp’s team romped to the title, winning a combined 7.5 headers per game as they presented a formidable two-pronged obstacle to opposition attackers.

The defensive duo could now be given the opportunity to spark that winning formula once more, especially now that Gomez is clearly in Klopp’s plans after having his future secured until 2027.

The 25-year-old, who was dubbed “sensational” by his manager, suffered a long-term patella injury which left him sidelined for 231 days and 39 fixtures over the 2020/21 campaign, but last season he was eased back into the team, tallying 21 appearances.

Over seven Champions League appearances in 2021/22, Gomez was successful in 100% of his dribble attempts, along with winning 74% of his duels and delivering a 92% pass completion rate, but the Englishman only played an average of 37 minutes per game.

With that being said, Klopp must find opportunities to give the 25-year-old more game-time, with the new season the perfect time to offer that to the £75k-per-week defender following Konate’s injury blow.

The game against Fulham today presents a great opportunity to give Gomez a chance to prove that he is still worthy of his place in the team.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a transfer boost as reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano shares a major update on Udinese starlet Destiny Udogie.

The Lowdown: Spurs in talks…

Over the last week, Spurs have entered talks to sign the 19-year-old as sporting director Fabio Paratici attempts to bring him to north London and potentially loan him back to Italy for 2022/23.

Udogie has also attracted Premier League interest from the likes of Manchester City and Brighton, but as per Gianluca Di Marzio, the Lilywhites have been in pole position for his signing.

Seeking to back manager Antonio Conte, the north Londoners have already sealed deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence this summer.

The Latest: Romano shares Udogie transfer update…

Taking to social media, reliable reporter Romano has shared a major update on the north London club’s attempts to sign Udogie.

Indeed, the transfer journalist claims there is a ‘full agreement’ on the player’s side to join Tottenham.

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Romano explained: “Full agreement on personal terms between Destiny Udogie, his agents and Tottenham, five year contract. Deal expected to be completed next week with Udinese.”

The Verdict: Great news…

Udinese’s defender comes as a player with sky-high potential, and he could certainly be an asset to Spurs.

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As explained by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, Udogie possesses a ‘charismatic’ and ‘hard-working’ nature, not to mention that he has ‘superb technique’ and ‘footwork for a player of his size’ (Facebook).

Considering that both Paratici and Conte are apparently in agreement over the potential of Udogie, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a future star.

Everton have been linked with Armando Broja on several occasions over the summer transfer window, and Frank Lampard may finally get his target as the club is hit with a huge transfer dilemma.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that despite a bid for Anthony Gordon being rejected by Everton, there could still be a deal struck as Chelsea may include one of or some of the players Lampard is interested in this summer to sweeten the deal.

Romano tweeted: “Chelsea are discussing internally of new proposal for Anthony Gordon as opening bid worth £40m has been rejected by Everton today.

“Chelsea could try to include players in the deal as Frank Lampard wanted more than one CFC player this summer.”

The Athletic again today linked Everton with a move for Chelsea youngster Broja.

Lampard could finally sign Broja

The proposition that could be proposed to include some of the Chelsea players Lampard has been eyeing up will create a huge dilemma for the Everton boss when it comes to letting go of Gordon.

The Toffees winger is a very popular player with the Goodison Park faithful as he is a boyhood Evertonian, breaking through the club’s youth system to become a key player in the first team, however, they are in a position of desperation when it comes to goal-scoring forwards.

So far, Lampard’s side haven’t picked up a single point and have scored just one goal in their Premier League campaign and following a relegation scrap last term, the club know they’re in a situation that could repeat itself if they don’t get everything right.

Everton do boast enough wingers to cover the position of Gordon with Demarai Gray and new signing Dwight McNeil more than capable of stepping up in the wider areas of the front-line, however, when it comes to proper goal-scorers and strikers, the team is weaker than ever following Richarlison’s departure and Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems.

As a result, the opportunity to sign Broja could be enough to see Gordon head in the direction of Stamford Bridge this season as the club desperately tries to recoup the goal contributions lost without the Brazilian winger and their number nine.

The £30m-valued Albanian who was hailed as “dangerous” by Ralph Hasenhuttl had a successful loan spell over at St Mary’s with Southampton last season, scoring nine goals and delivering one assist over his time on the South coast.

Broja is now back with Chelsea and has featured in both of their Premier League games so far albeit making just 12 minutes worth of appearances, but will surely be hungry for a more permanent position in either the London-based team or he could make the move up to Merseyside to reunite with the manager that gave him his top-flight debut.

In terms of a like-for-like replacement, Broja plays solely in the centre-forward role compared to Gordon who has only been deployed in the role to cover for Calvert-Lewin at present.

Therefore, there is no doubt that Lampard would prefer to bring in somebody who is not only experienced in the position but knows the style of play he is keen to execute, something that their young prodigy cannot do from a central area.

With that being said, the signing of Broja would be a great piece of business for Everton, however, if it comes at the cost of Everton losing one of their most beloved players it would be a huge risk.