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Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has signed a new contract at the club, committing until 2025.

The 24-year-old’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current season but Giovanni van Bronckhorst has managed to secure his long-term future at Ibrox.

With Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin, the two senior goalkeepers ahead of McCrorie in the Rangers pecking order this season, signing an extended contract appears to be a show of faith from the Dutchman.

It could well be a wise move from the club, especially with his talent and the player could certainly net the Light Blues a fortune in the near future.

McCrorie can be Rangers’ new number one

The Scot is another product of the academy and enjoyed loan spells at Livingston and Queen of the South before eventually making his Rangers debut last season.

Steven Gerrard’s side were ravaged by Covid-19 ahead of their Europa League playoff tie against Alashkert last August, with McGregor and McLaughlin both absent. McCrorie came in and kept a clean sheet to ensure Rangers qualified for the group stages.

The depleted Ibrox side faced Celtic at Ibrox just three days later and McCrorie kept yet another clean sheet, making a handful of important saves and keeping Rangers in the match as they eventually prevailed 1-0.

These were his only two appearances for the club last season, but he did enough to display his talent, and hopefully learning under McGregor will be a massive benefit to him going forward.

There were hopes that the Dutchman would sign another goalkeeper in the summer transfer window as a new long-term option at number one, but with this decision to award McCrorie a new deal, he has the perfect opportunity to fight for it.

Gerrard dubbed McCrorie and his brother as “model professionals” a couple of years ago and his patience has now been rewarded.

Once he stakes a claim for a regular spot between the posts, the goalkeeper could make Rangers a fortune in the coming years.

Gianluca di Marzio has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Kim Min-jae.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on his website, the Italian journalist revealed that the centre-back’s contract with SSC Napoli contains a release clause of €50m (£44m), however, despite reports to the contrary, Di Marzio claims that this clause cannot be activated until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The news of this clause is sure to come as a boost to Fabio Paratici, as, despite the 25-year-old defender having been a long-term target of Tottenham’s, the north London side ultimately missed out on the South Korean’s signing this summer – with Napoli paying Fenerbahce €18m (£16m) in order to bring the centre-back to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Indeed, further reports following the defender’s move to Italy have suggested that Spurs have not forgotten about the 6 foot 3 giant, with the Premier League side still believed to be interested in a move for Kim should the opportunity arise – something the centre-back’s newly revealed transfer clause certainly represents.

Paratici must move

Considering just how impressive Kim has been over his short spell in Naples, Paratici’s decision not to sanction a move for the centre-back this summer already appears to have been something of a mistake by the Italian sporting director.

Indeed, over his six Serie A appearances so far this season, the £12.6m-rated talent has been imperious in the heart of Luciano Spalletti’s backline, helping Gli Azzurri keep two clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 2.0 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 5.3 clearances and winning 6.3 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

The €2.5m-per-year – roughly £42k-per-week – defender has also impressed with the ball at his feet, completing an average of 64.2 passes – at a success rate of 88% – finding his man with 3.3 long balls and making 0.5 key passes per fixture, as well as having already found the back of the net on two occasions this term.

These returns have seen the player who Spalletti dubbed “exceptional” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.43, not only ranking him as Napoli’s fourth-best performer in the league but also as the joint sixth-best player in the top flight of Italian football as a whole – playing a key role in the club’s current top of the table standing.

As such, while it was undoubtedly an error not to pay £16m to bring Kim to north London this summer, Paratici could still spare his blushes on the centre-back by launching a £44m bid for the South Korea international at the end of the current campaign – something that, considering his remarkable returns this season, would appear extremely advisable for the 50-year-old.

Tottenham Hotspur have an admiration for James Maddison but may have to wait to sign him…

What’s the word?

The English playmaker has been linked with a move to Spurs throughout the summer transfer window.

Journalist Dean Jones claimed that the north Londoners had “touched base” over potentially signing him and also suggested that the Leicester City star was keen to join them over Newcastle United.

But since then, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that talks were underway over a new deal, though that won’t stop the 25-year-old from leaving in the future, should the Lilywhites revisit their interest.

“I think that Maddison sees himself in the next year or two, playing regular European football,” claimed CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs to GIVEMESPORT.

“That might be Newcastle, so there’s an element of persuasion there of joining the project from the ground up and help us get there.

“But there’s a sort of vague admiration from Spurs. They’ve not done anything with it, but I think it’s that type of club, if they come in for Maddison in a future window that may make him wait.”

Future Erisken heir

Spurs have long lacked someone in the no.10 mould that is capable of not only providing goals and assists from midfield but also has an immense ability on set-pieces.

Indeed, since the departure of Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan back in January 2020, no one has really stepped up to fill his void.

Over his seven seasons in north London, the £11m Dane provided Spurs with 69 goals and 90 assists across 305 appearances, averaging one direct contribution every 151 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

Dele Alli has since departed as his career hits the rocks, Tanguy Ndombele (one G/A every 272 minutes) has also moved on having joined Napoli on loan and Giovani Lo Celso (one G/A every 326 minutes) has left too.

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The trio really couldn’t fill the gap left behind by the 30-year-old, who Josh Wright dubbed a “wizard.”

But Maddison could well be that man, even if Tottenham have to wait until next summer.

The England international was impressive last campaign as he provided 18 goals and 12 assists across 53 appearances in all competitions – a rate of one contribution every 120 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

Those returns are instantly better than the aforementioned Spurs failures and not just that, his ability on free-kicks has been likened to one of the best to ever do it in David Beckham.

It’s why he has also been lauded as a “genius” and as a “special talent” in recent times.

At one stage this summer, it was believed that Maddison was available for £50m but if his form continues into this campaign, which looks to be the case after two goals and one assist in their opening three games, then the Liltwhites may have to pay up even more to seal his signature in the future.

Whether it be this week, in the winter, next summer or even beyond, the north Londoners must continue to keep tabs on the £110k-per-week maestro as he could well be the long-term Eriksen heir that they’ve been desperate for all this time.

Paratici shouldn’t give up on Maddison, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal “stunning” 8th signing as Spurs eye £17m “cannon” perfect for Conte…

Leeds United have seen an opening bid to bring George Hall to Elland Road rejected.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, following numerous reports linking Victor Orta with a move for the Birmingham City central midfielder this summer, the Spaniard has now submitted a £3m bid for the 18-year-old – an offer that the Championship side have knocked back.

The report goes on to state that the Whites recruitment team have identified the England U18 international as an outstanding young talent who is capable of developing into a Premier League-level player, although it is not stated as to whether Leeds will be returning with an improved offer for the teenager.

An “exceptional” move

Considering just how much talent Hall undoubtedly possesses, it is not hard to understand why Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the midfielder to Elland Road prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, after highly impressing for both Birmingham’s U18 and U23 sides last season – scoring three goals and registering two assists over eight U18 Premier League appearances for the former and bagging three goals and one assist over 12 Premier League 2 fixtures for the latter – the teenager went on to make two Championship appearances for the Blues first-team last time out.

This is a trend that has continued in the current campaign, with the England youth international having already featured in two league fixtures for John Eustace’s side, with the youngster catching the eye in the 1-1 draw with third-placed Watford on Tuesday evening.

Indeed, over the course of his 79 minutes on the pitch, the 18-year-old enjoyed 22 touches of the ball, won four of his seven duels, made one tackle, one clearance and attempted one cross, not to mention giving his side the lead with an extremely composed finish from 12 yards out just 19 minutes into the game.

These returns saw the versatile central midfielder – who is also comfortable operating on the left or right flank, as well as in attacking midfield and as a centre-forward – earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.1 – ranking him as the Blues’ best performer on the night.

Following the game, Eustace heaped praise on the playmaker, stating: “George Hall has been exceptional since I have been in, he is a top, top young player, he is going to have a massive future.

“I thought he took his goal really well. He was up against fantastic players out there tonight he stood up to the plate and I was very pleased for him. He has been brilliant since we have come in pre-season.”

As such, it is not difficult to see why Orta appears to be extremely keen to bring Hall to Thorp Arch, as the player who Martyn Olorenshaw dubbed “explosive” would certainly be an exceptional signing by the Whites, as it is clear that the 18-year-old is a talent who has the potential to develop into a Premier League star in the not too distant future.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a deal to bring Memphis Depay to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication AS, who claim that, after Fabio Paratici was given the green light by Barcelona to make a move for the centre-forward during the Italian’s negotiations for Clement Lenglet, the sporting director has now moved a step closer to signing him after informing the LaLiga side he is willing to pay €17m (£14.5m) for the 28-year-old – a figure just €3m (£2.5m) short of Barca’s €20m (£17.5m) asking price.

The report goes on to state that, while the Netherlands international would prefer to remain at the Camp Nou beyond the summer, he is willing to leave the club in the search of regular first-team football with a top European side – with it being said that a move to Sevilla does not interest him, while a number of interested Italian sides are not believed to be able to meet Barcelona’s demands for the striker.

An “unreal” coup

Considering just how impressive Depay was for Barcelona last season, in addition to the centre-forward currently possessing a market valuation of around £34m, should Paratici manage to seal a £14.5m deal for the 28-year-old as Tottenham’s seventh signing of the summer, it would undoubtedly represent an unbelievable coup for Antonio Conte’s side.

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Indeed, over his 28 LaLiga appearances in 2021/22, the £158k-per-week talent was in scintillating form, scoring 12 goals, providing two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.2 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw former Olympique Lyon forward who Liam Canning dubbed “unreal” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.26, not only ranking him as Xavi’s fourth-best performer in the league but also as the joint 10th-best player in the Spanish top flight as a whole.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the Dutchman also ranks in the top 1% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 3% for progressive passes received, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 8% for dribbles completed over the past 12 months.

As such, while it is true that Paratici has already added the £60m Richarlison to Conte’s attacking options in north London this summer, should the Italian be able to add the further addition of Depay to Spurs’ squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the argument that Tottenham will be serious contenders for the Premier League title next season would become much easier to make.

AND in other news: “Definitely want..”: O’Keefe reveals huge Spurs transfer update, Conte will be buzzing

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has said that the club have ‘spoken’ about bringing in an experience second-choice goalkeeper.

The Lowdown: Adams, Sinisterra and CDK

The Whites have already made five signings this summer and have their eyes on making it seven with moves for Luis Sinisterra and Charles De Ketelaere.

RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams became the fifth confirmed arrival on Wednesday, whereas Feyenoord winger Sinisterra also appears to be closing in on a €25m (£21.4m) Elland Road move.

A deal for Club Brugge forward De Ketelaere appears to be more complicated, however, Leeds have reportedly made a bid for the 21-year-old who they see as an inside forward or a secondary forward to support Patrick Bamford.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Wednesday morning regarding Leeds’ transfer business, citing Adams, Sinisterra and De Ketelaere.

He said that those inside Elland Road have also ‘spoken about sourcing a more experienced second-choice goalkeeper’, however, the reliable reporter didn’t mention any possible targets.

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The Verdict: Who could it be?

The Whites have been linked with free-agent Ben Foster in recent weeks and also had a look at West Ham’s Darren Randolph back in January.

They could be two options for Leeds over the coming weeks, but there are plenty of other senior ‘keepers available who may well be happy to move to Yorkshire.

As well as Foster, the likes of David Ospina, Sergio Romero, Joel Robles and John Ruddy are also free agents who have Premier League experience, so it could be wise to potentially make a shot-stopper with top-flight knowledge their eighth and final summer signing to help Illan Meslier.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks and have seemingly been given the green light to do so.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from 90min, who claimed that Spurs are happy for the 26-year-old to to depart the club this summer, with a number of Premier League teams said to be interested in his services.

Brentford, Everton, Leicester City and Wolves are the clubs mentioned in the piece, in addition to Crystal Palace, with the report stating that “several” top-flight clubs “have been put on alert”.

Supporters surely buzzing

Following Yves Bissouma’s arrival at Spurs, Winks will have slid further down the midfield pecking order, and it looks as though a move to pastures new is exactly what he needs in order to rejuvenate his stalling career.

Despite making 19 league appearances for Antonio Conte’s side last season, he played just 905 minutes. At 26 years of age, he needs to be playing more regular first-team football.

As a player, Winks has seemingly gone under the radar due to his elegant and calculated style of play. He’s an asset who brings stability to the midfield and is capable of pulling the strings and dictating play with his wonderful range of passing.

With Conor Gallagher’s loan deal having expired, amidst uncertainty over a return to Selhurst Park, Patrick Vieira should be doing everything in his power to pull off a move for Winks, who can help the Eagles to build on their 2021/22 average of 51.2% possession.

Winks’ average of 56.55 passes completed per 90 as a registered defensive midfielder place him in the 88th percentile among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues according to FBRef, whilst his 74.61 touches per 90 demonstrate his ability as a stabiliser in the heart of the engine room.

His match average of 51.61 carries is also a very solid return, whilst his total carrying distance of 255.10 yards is a promising metric in terms of ball progression.

According to CIES, Palace should be able to capture the signing of Winks for no more than €15m (£12.9m) in what would prove to be a bargain for such a technically gifted player.

In other news – “Noises I’m getting..”: Big Palace transfer claim emerges that’ll leave Vieira gutted

Aston Villa are now open to offers for midfielder John McGinn following links to Tottenham, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Conte target

Reliable reports from The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath revealed last month that McGinn was one of six players wanted by Antonio Conte in north London this summer.

Spurs have been extremely busy early on in the summer window, already securing deals for Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma, so it looks as though they are about half way through their business.

The 27-year-old Villa star meanwhile missed just two Premier League games under Seven Gerrard last season, who hailed the midfielder as ‘unique’.

Gerrard was adamant that the Scot was an irreplaceable part of his plans at Villa Park, but it looks as if he has made a surprise U-turn when it comes to McGinn’s future.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI provided an update regarding McGinn on Monday morning after being informed by a ‘Villa source’.

They claimed that Villa are now willing to listen to ‘top-tier’ offers for the midfielder, with Gerrard ‘not totally convinced’.

The source added that McGinn is always ‘whinging’ behind the scenes at Bodymoor Heath and isn’t the easiest to manage.

The Verdict: Interesting

This is an extremely big claim made by FI regarding McGinn, given his status as a near untouchable in the XI last season, so his future is one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Villa have already bolstered their midfield ranks by signing Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer, but should McGinn leave, they would surely need another star addition.

Manchester United have also been linked with the Villa star this year, so it will be interesting to see if Villa receive any offers from north London or Manchester prior to the new season.

In other news: ‘Him and Coutinho…’ – Pundit excited by potential AVFC partnership amid interest in 103 G/A ace. 

A huge development has emerged in Manchester United’s ploy to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford this summer.

What’s the word?

De Jong has emerged as a target for new manager Erik ten Hag over the last few weeks as the former Ajax boss aims to reunite himself with the Dutch maestro.

No official bid has been submitted yet but the club are now in contact to sign the 25-year-old this summer.

Speaking on YouTube channel, Romano said:

“I have an update for you after a check I had in the last few hours. Frenkie de Jong spoke in public in the last 24 hours and said again that he has no intention to leave Barcelona. But what I can tell you is that after some checks, Barcelona and Manchester United are in direct contact for Frenkie de Jong.

“There is still no official bid from Manchester United. They are still discussing, speaking, there is no official proposal yet. It could happen in the coming hours or days. For sure, Manchester United have intention to act soon for Frenkie de Jong. They really want to complete this transfer this summer. The fee, from what I’m told is around €85m (72.4m). This could be the price tag to sign the Dutch midfielder.”

Exciting times for Man United

Manchester United now have the price they need to bring De Jong to the Premier League this summer.

Although not necessarily a breakthrough in proceedings, it should excite the Old Trafford faithful considerably that the two teams are now in talks regarding a potential deal.

With confirmation arriving on Wednesday that Paul Pogba is set to depart, bringing in a new central midfielder is simply of utmost importance.

A player as good as De Jong would be a fine way to replace him too.

A quick look at FB Ref’s similar player model puts the Dutch dynamo in fine company, with the player comparable in playstyle to the likes of Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

He is blessed with a wonderful range of passing, with de Jong registering a success rate of 91.3% for Barca in La Liga this season.

To compare that to the United squad throughout 2021/22, he ranks higher than any player to start a game for the Red Devils in the Premier League.

A safe pair of hands in the middle of the park is exactly what ten Hag needs to start his rebuild and it’s evident he’d be an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred.

He makes more key passes per match (1.3) than the pair of them – a statistic that would place him fourth in the United side – and he also completes 1.6 dribbles a game. Once more that’s a number that betters United’s midfield options and again places him fourth compared to ten Hag’s squad.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see that he’d offer a great deal more in the centre for the Premier League side, an eventuality that should leave fans excited at the prospect of him arriving in England this summer.

AND in other news, MUFC can sign their answer to Haaland in “magical” £222k-p/w gem who’s “like Maradona”…

Rangers have scored 77 goals in their 37 SPFL games this season, making Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men the second-highest scoring side in the top flight.

One player that has been a rather prominent attacking figure at Ibrox for the Gers is Ryan Kent.

In 24 league appearances, the winger has scored two goals and provided 11 assists along the way.

To further highlight how dangerous the Englishman has been in this campaign, no other Rangers player has averaged a higher number of dribbles per game than Kent (2).

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window, this could give the Ibrox outfit the chance to sign one player, in particular, that could go on to form a deadly attacking duo with the 25-year-old.

Back in April, it was reported that Rangers are one of the clubs interested in signing Sunderland striker Ross Stewart this summer.

After spending time with St. Mirren and Ross County, the striker joined the Wearside club in the 2021 January transfer window in a deal worth a reported fee of £300k.

Since then, the 25-year-old has scored 28 goals in 64 appearances for the Black Cats across all competitions.

To further highlight how much of a dangerous centre-forward he is, only three other players have racked up more shots on target than Stewart (56) in the entire league.

Labelled as a player “who never gives up” by Kevin Phillips, Stewart could be an ideal summer signing for Rangers as they will be aiming to take the SPFL title off their Old Firm rivals Celtic.

This would also give Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst the chance to create a scary attacking pair at the top of the pitch between the Sunderland hitman and Kent.

With the winger’s talent for creating goalscoring opportunities for his side and Stewart’s impressive ability to put the ball in the back of the net, this could be just what Rangers need to bolster their attack and launch another title charge.

Moving forward, with Sunderland in the mix to gain promotion to the Championship, should the Wearside club fail in their attempt this time around, Rangers should definitely make a move to bring their star striker back to Scotland for a chance to bring the SPFL title to Ibrox again.

In other news: Big worry: Rangers dealt huge injury setback ahead of UEL final, GvB will be sweating