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Rangers have not been reluctant when it comes to bringing players to Ibrox from clubs across the border, either on permanent or loan deals.

In recent transfer windows, Rangers have brought in the likes of Amad Diallo, Juninho Bacuna, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey, among many others, from their neighbours.

One other player with whom the Ibrox outfit have been linked previously and who could continue the club’s track record of signing players from England is Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

In 93 appearances for the Etihad Stadium club across their senior and youth teams, the midfielder has scored 44 goals and delivered 27 assists.

This highlights the impressive attacking prowess that he has at such a young age and shows why he’d be an exciting signing for the Gers if they are able to secure a deal for him this summer.

In fact, a move to Ibrox could see Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side pick up what could be their own version of former Man City midfielder David Silva.

In addition to being nicknamed ‘the Salford Silva’, the 19-year-old’s clear knack for scoring and creating goals shows just how similar he is to the Spaniard, who racked up 118 goals and 186 assists in 706 appearances for the Premier League champions.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville even suggested that the teenager, who is currently valued at £2.7m by Transfermarkt, is a clone of the former Etihad star.

Labelled a “massive talent” by Goal journalist Jonathan Smith on Twitter, McAtee only played 18 minutes of Premier League action for Pep Guardiola’s side last season.

This suggests that he is not towards the top of the Man City pecking order at the moment, which could make his chances of getting regular senior minutes next season appear slim unless he goes elsewhere.

With that in mind, a move to Rangers (either on a loan or permanently), where he’d presumably get the chance to play quite regularly, could be the ideal next step for the player and his development.

If the Citizens would be willing to negotiate a deal which would see their young midfield talent leave the Etihad this summer, the Gers should put themselves at the front of the queue to sign him.

AND in other news: Wilson can seal big Roofe upgrade as Rangers eye offer for “exceptional” £5m machine

Manchester United have made an ‘official proposal’ to sign Ajax star Lisandro Martinez ahead of Arsenal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Malacia medical

The Red Devils appear to be closing in on Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia. United have reportedly agreed on a £13m fee for the 22-year-old, who is set to undergo the first part of his medical today.

A move appeared to be under potential threat due to an issue with the player’s representation, but it seems as if Malacia will become Erik ten Hag’s first signing as manager at Old Trafford, and United are already working on landing another star from the Eredivisie.

The Latest: Martinez proposal

Romano took to Twitter on Saturday, revealing that United have made an ‘official proposal’ to Martinez, which the reporter deemed to be ‘better than Arsenal’s’.

The Red Devils are now ‘pushing to agree on personal terms’, with Romano adding that Ten Hag is the ‘key factor’ in the possibility of the Argentine following his former manager to Old Trafford, with the player set to ask Ajax to grant him his desired move to the Premier League.

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The Verdict: He’d be ideal

Martinez appears to be viewed as a quicker centre-back who Ten Hag can use in a high line alongside Raphael Varane.

Described as an “excellent player” by none other than the new United manager, the 24-year-old would also provide an option at full-back and as a holding midfielder, something which could come in useful.

The Red Devils would also be getting one over on their Premier League rivals, should the Argentine choose Old Trafford over the Emirates Stadium, so everything seems to be pointing towards Martinez being an excellent potential signing.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Sasa Kalajdzic to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Ryan Taylor, with the Express journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that David Moyes has held talks with the VfB Stuttgart centre-forward’s agent, Sascha Empacher, regarding a move for the 25-year-old in the summer transfer window.

Taylor goes on to state that Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton and Ajax are also interested in a deal for the Austria international – for whom the Bundesliga side are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of £20m in order to part with ahead of the 2022/23 campaign – this summer.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “In addition to Manchester United; West Ham, Brighton, Southampton & Ajax are among the clubs tracking Sasa Kalajdzic. Stuttgart looking for £16m-£20m. There have been loose discussions with his agent Sascha Empacher but no concrete proposals at this stage.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Kalajdzic has been for Stuttgart over the past two years, Taylor’s claim that Moyes is actively pursuing a deal for the forward this summer is sure to be news that will have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 33 Bundesliga appearances in 2020/21, the £22.5m-rated talent was in breathtaking form, scoring 16 goals, registering six assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots – 0.9 of which hit the target – making 0.8 key passes and winning 5.0 duels per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week striker average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Stuttgart’s third-best performer in the German top-flight – playing a key role in his club’s extremely respectable ninth-place finish in the league.

Furthermore, despite a 15 league fixtures, scoring six goals, providing two assists and creating six big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.5 key passes and winning 6.7 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per outing.

These returns saw the player who Victoria Lopyreva dubbed “unbelievable” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Pellegrino Matarazzo’s fourth-best player in the league last term.

As such, while it would appear as if Chelsea’s Armando Broja is Moyes’ first-choice attacking target this summer, should a deal for the Albanian fall through, Kalajdzic would very much look to be an excellent backup option to the 20-year-old – especially considering his extremely reasonable £20m asking price.

AND in other news: Moyes closing in on “top target” as 4th West Ham summer signing, he’s a “scary” talent

Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking at signing Real Betis’ Alex Moreno.

What’s the word?

That’s according to David Ornstein, who claims that the club are working to sign the defender.

He notes that whilst negotiations are in the early stages the Spaniard is open to the move.

Forest are actively looking for additional wing-back cover.

He revealed in full: “Nottingham Forest working on deal to sign Alex Moreno from Real Betis. Negotiations at relatively early stage & 29yo Spaniard believed to be open to possibility but no agreement as yet. NFFC looking for cover in wing-back positions.”

A deal for Huddersfield left wing-back Harry Toffolo was supposedly in place, but financial disputes seem to have scuppered it late in the day.

Could spell the end for Colback

Although he has deputised well at left wing-back, Colback has only ever been a round peg in a square hole for Forest.

With their influx of Premier League cash, it appears that Steve Cooper is wasting no time in replacing him with this high-scoring, bombarding defender who could do all of what Djed Spence did last season and more.

Moreno currently holds the record for most goals scored by a defender since 2005 for his current club, having bagged five last season.

Having featured 30 times across La Liga for the Spanish outfit, the 29-year-old managed nine goal contributions. This exceptional return could certainly be improved upon further, as he reaches the prime years of his career.

Available for £10m per reports in Spain, this represents great value in today’s market for a newly-promoted side.

Dubbed “quality” by journalist Ethan Lamb, he certainly provides that in spades. He helped Real Betis to a remarkable fifth-place finish.

His 6.85 average SofaScore rating will have aided this, and although Colback boasts a slightly higher 6.94, at the age of 32 his powers will certainly start to decline.

There’s no way he’d be able to go on the marauding runs that Moreno does, and with Spence gone Forest will need a new injection of dynamism.

The Spaniard actually ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals whilst also recording 6.27 progressive carries per 90.

That’s not to say that he’s not a capable defender, as he still ranks in the 88th percentile for blocks, 87th percentile for clearances and 84th percentile for tackles.

He truly is a wing-back that can do it all, and he would represent a huge coup in the market for Cooper. His arrival would definitely spell the end for the £7.1k-per-week defender.

AND, in other news: Romano: Forest get green light to sign “fantastic” £5k-p/w target, he’s John Terry 2.0.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Alex Moreno 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 The Athletic’s Nottingham Forest reporter Paul Taylor, the club remain interested in signing the Real Betis left-back this summer.

The report stated that, following the acquisition of Jesse Lingard, the Reds are now moving on to their next transfer target, and Moreno has been named as one of the players Steve Cooper that would like to add to his squad.

Cooper can land his own Azpilicueta

Forest have been getting stuck into the transfer window this summer ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, making 11 signings already, and they are not showing any signs of slowing down if Taylor’s report is to be believed.

The Reds signed young left-back Omar Richards from Bayern Munich only a few weeks ago, but clearly Cooper wants to add depth to his left-hand side – justifiably so with Richards suffering from a hairline fracture in pre-season.

Moreno has been impressing in his performances for his current club, and if his statistics from last season are anything to go by, he would be a major coup for Forest as Cooper continues to strengthen his squad.

Over 30 league appearances in 2021/22, the 29-year-old scored five goals and delivered three assists. He made 2.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.3 clearances and took 62.4 touches per game, along with winning the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (52%).

The talented £17m-valued Spaniard – who was dubbed “quality” by journalist Ethan Lamb – could even become Cooper’s very own Cesar Azpilicueta, as the Chelsea defender was one of the most comparable players to Moreno according to FBRef.

Despite the Stamford Bridge star making more touches (1,958) and completing more dribbles (75%), Moreno outperforms him in several different areas, with more goal contributions (eight), a better success rate for pressures (30.4%) , completed more tackles (79) and offered more shot creating actions (55), as per FBRef.

With that in mind, the signing of Moreno would be a great piece of business for Forest as Cooper puts together his squad as they prepare for their Premier League return.

AND in other news – After Lingard: Forest plot bid for “very talented” £27k-p/w gem, imagine him & Johnson

Burnley have demanded that Nottingham Forest pay Maxwel Cornet’s full £17.5m release clause this summer, or spend more on the winger.

The Lowdown: Cornet linked with Forest

Steve Cooper still appears to be eyeing up summer reinforcements ahead of Forest’s return to the Premier League as he aims to build the strongest squad possible to tackle the top flight.

Cornet has emerged as a transfer target in recent days, with the Ivorian relegated with Burnley last season and highly unlikely to stay put with them in the Championship.

The winger has a £17.5m release clause which can be triggered this summer, and a key update has emerged in that respect.

The Latest: Burnley’s demands

According to The Daily Mail, Burnley want Forest to pay the clause in one lump sum or accept that they will have to pay even more for the 25-year-old.

Everton and Fulham are also mentioned in the report, with it claimed that they want a loan move with an option to purchase Cornet for £20m next summer.

The Verdict: Worth the money

Cornet was one of the few positives to come out of a dismal 2021/22 season for Burnley, scoring nine goals in the league and netting 61 goals in his club career to date, along with registering 31 assists.

While he would clearly not come to Forest on the cheap – he could be the third-most expensive signing in the club’s history – he would be worth the risk judging by his performances last term and the fact that he should be in and around his peak years for the foreseeable future.

Cornet could add a sprinkling of magic on the left wing at the City Ground, bringing pace, trickery and end product to the team, not to mention six goals in 29 caps for the Ivory Coast.

Ross Wilson has been a busy man at Ibrox throughout the summer transfer window with a host of players coming in and out of Rangers.

He has sanctioned two significant sales in the form of Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, with both gems moving on to other clubs in Europe.

The money from those deals has allowed Rangers to bolster Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad, though, as Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence, Antonio Colak, Ben Davies, Malik Tillman, and John Souttar have all come through the door at Ibrox.

A few of them made their competitive debuts for the Light Blues in the 2-1 win over Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday.

Rangers had to come from behind to win the match and one of the new signings, in particular, struggled to make an impact – Colak. The Croatia international only touched the ball nine times in the match and completed three passes in that time, despite playing the full 90 minutes.

He only had one shot in the game – two if you include his goal that was ruled out by the linesman – as the Gers struggled to get service into him. Andrew Dickson dubbed the predator as being “anonymous” during the game but his deft header that was adjudged to have been offside offered a glimpse of what he is capable of.

The 28-year-old has a proven track record of finding the back of the net in his career. He scored 51 times in 90 games for HNK Rijeka and 19 goals in 41 outings on loan at Malmo from PAOK, which shows how good he can be with creativity around him.

Van Bronckhorst and Wilson can now unlock his full potential by snapping up a £6m (€7m) deal to sign Theo Bongonda, who is a reported target for the club.

The Genk winger is capable of being the creative threat Rangers need to provide Colak with opportunities to score in the Premiership this season, whilst he also offers a goal threat on his own.

In the Pro League last term, Bongonda created seven ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 23 starts. This came after he created ten – making 1.7 key passes per game – in 34 starts in 2020/21.

These statistics show that the 26-year-old has the ability to be the supply line to the Croatian predator, preventing the striker from becoming isolated and ineffective in games, by consistently creating chances from out wide.

He is also capable of being a reliable scorer for the Light Blues after scoring 28 goals in the past two league campaigns for Genk. This means that he can unlock Colak’s full potential whilst also adding more goals to the team with his own finishing, which is another reason why the phenomenon would be an exceptional signing.

Recent reports have seen Liverpool linked with a move for Santos starlet Marcos Leonardo, with the Brazilian striker making waves following his impressive form of late in his homeland.

The 19-year-old, who reportedly has a release clause of around €60m (£50m), has seemingly been on the radar of clubs in Europe over the past few years after catching the eye due to his sparkling form at youth level, having reported netted more than 100 goals after joining his current club as an 11-year-old.

The teenager has begun to translate that form over to senior level, having scored 15 goals and provided five assists in all competitions so far this season, taking his total haul to 28 goals and six assists in 102 games for the club – a respectable return for a player so young.

Likened to compatriot Romario for his lethal goalscoring touch, the 5 foot 9 menace has also been described as the “the greatest jewel of the Santos academy” by his former boss Jesualdo Ferreira, with Reds manager Jurgen Klopp seemingly set to have a real explosive talent on his hands if a deal can be struck.

Also labelled “the most exciting striker of his generation” by Andre Noruega a few years ago, all the signs point to the £6.3m-rated gem becoming a real standout figure in the game in the coming years, with a move to Europe likely to only enhance his already burgeoning reputation.

A prodigious, rare Brazilian talent coming out of Santos can only evoke memories of current Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, with Klopp and co potentially set to have an equally as gifted asset on their hands if they can land Leonardo.

The second-highest scorer in Brazil’s history with 74 goals in 118 caps, Neymar has undoubtedly been one of the finest talents in world football over the last decade or so, exploding onto the scene as a teenager with Santos before rubberstamping his quality during a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona.

While his subsequent £200m move to the Parcs des Princes in 2017 has at times been blighted by accusations of disinterest as well as injury occurrences, the 30-year-old still boasts an impressive record for the Ligue 1 champions, with 102 goals and 60 assists in just 142 games across all fronts.

His club career tally now stands at a truly staggering 277 goals and 171 assists in 465 games, with his recent delightful free-kick in the Trophee des Champions victory over Nantes seemingly indicating that he still has plenty more to give in the years to come.

Those on Merseyside will be hoping that, if he comes to Anfield, young Leonardo can replicate the success that his fellow Brazilian has enjoyed in Europe since arriving at Camp Nou nine years ago, with plenty of signs that he has the talent to make just as devastating an impact as the PSG star.

Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady is now ‘closing in’ on a move to Premier League rivals Everton, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Coady’s career

After joining the west Midlands club in 2015 for £2m, the England international has gone on to become a fantastic servant for the Old Gold.

During his seven-year tenure at the club, the 29-year-old has amassed an incredible 317 appearances for Wolves, with 152 of those coming in the English top flight.

The Liverpudlian led Wolves out for every single Premier League game last season, illustrating his reliability and consistency to perform at the highest level.

The Latest: Joyce’s news

Despite Coady having three years remaining on his current contract at Molineux, Joyce has revealed that the Wolves captain is now set to make the move to Goodison Park.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “Everton closing in on deal for Wolves’ captain Conor Coady. Could be loan initially with view to permanent.”

The Verdict: Massive loss

Coady’s statistics alone demonstrate his importance to Wolves’ defence – during the 2021/22 season, the centre-back averaged 3.7 clearances and 1.1 blocks per game (via WhoScored), placing him second and first respectively for those metrics among Bruno Lage’s squad.

In addition, when compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 29-year-old ranked in the 88th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 85th percentile for pass completion (via FBRef).

Off the pitch, Lage could soon be missing a huge presence in the dressing room, a quality for which he has hailed his captain as ‘one of the best’.

Therefore, the news that the 29-year-old’s departure now looks quite likely will surely come as a big blow to the Molineux faithful.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that signing Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic ‘would be a real coup’ for Everton.

The Lowdown: Talks held

As per The Daily Mail, the Goodison Park outfit are among a number of clubs who have held talks over the possible signing of Kalajdzic this window.

However, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich also thought to be keen on the Austria international, so it could be quite the race to snap him up.

The Latest: ‘Real coup’

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke has claimed that it ‘would be a real coup’ for the Merseyside club if they can beat the likes of Man Utd to Kalajdzic’s signature:

“Yeah again, another good player who’s got good pedigree and a real good goalscoring record in the Bundesliga with some top clubs being mentioned in the past with him as well.

“And if Manchester United are interested in him, if Everton were to beat United to his signature it would be a real coup for the club as well.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Considering the level of competition Kalajdzic’s signature, this is a deal that Frank Lampard’s team simply need to get done as soon as possible.

The 25-year-old has an impressive record in the Bundesliga, scoring 22 goals and providing ten assists in 50 games after this afternoon’s clash with Werder Bremen (Transfermarkt).

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His biggest asset is perhaps his aerial ability, as he has been hailed by journalist Marcel Reif as a striker who can do ‘crazy‘ things in the air, intimidating defenders with his towering six-foot-seven stature.

Nonetheless, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured, Kalajdzic could be the ideal replacement.