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An update has emerged regarding a transfer offer for Rangers full-back Borna Barisic.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, the Gers have rejected a £2m bid from English Premier League side Watford for the Croatian left-back.

The report claims that the offer was knocked back two weeks ago and that it would take a ‘significantly’ higher bid to convince them to part ways with the 29-year-old.

Fans will be delighted

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has averted a big Rangers disaster by not selling Barisic to Watford, especially for a mere £2m. Allowing the defender to exit would have left the club in a desperate position in the full-back areas, particularly with Nathan Patterson’s exit this week.

With Calvin Bassey emerging as a strong centre-back option for the Gers, James Tavernier and Barisic are the Dutchman’s only natural full-back options as it stands. Patterson had been providing cover on both flanks of late and the club may be forced to dip into the market to replace him, which illustrates how much of a problem it would have been to sell Barisic as well as the Scotland international.

Not only would it have created issues in terms of recruitment this month, it would also have weakened the team significantly, as the Croatian has proven his quality in the Premiership for the club.

Former Gers midfielder Alex Rae previously lauded the defensive monster, saying: “He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Barisic has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.30 this season from left-back in the Premiership, providing two assists in the process. Last term, he averaged a score of 7.40 and racked up six assists as he created 2.2 chances per game for his teammates.

This shows that he has performed consistently over the past 18 months and is able to carry an attacking threat with his crossing from out wide. Therefore, Gers fans will be delighted that he appears set to remain at Ibrox after the club rejected Watford’s offer.

As we’ve outlined above, it would have been a disaster for Van Bronckhorst if Barisic had moved on from Glasgow this month, and the 46-year-old will surely be looking forward to having him in his team for the rest of the season, assuming there are no more twists in the transfer window. The Croatian is a key member of the champions’ line-up, and fans will surely be buzzing to keep him.

AND in other news, Jordan Campbell drops key Rangers transfer claim, Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing…

Rangers have been linked with both Abdou Harroui and Joey Veerman ahead of the summer window but who would be the better addition to Steven Gerrard’s squad at Ibrox.

Abdou Harroui

According to Football Insider, Rangers have set their sights on signing the Sparta Rotterdam midfielder after scouting him at the Euro U’21 Championships recently.

The 23-year-old has been a regular with the Eredivisie side since breaking into their first team in the 2018/19 season and has gone on to make 102 appearances for the senior side, contributing 18 goals and 13 assists in that time.

Last season saw the young midfielder contribute an impressive six goals and two goals in 33 appearances in the Dutch top-flight, which helped him average an impressive 7.20 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Transfermarkt currently values Harroui at £3.15m and with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, he could well be a cheap option for Gerrard and sporting director Ross Wilson this summer.

Joey Veerman

Rangers have been heavily linked with the SC Heerenveen midfielder in recent months after his superb performances in the Eredivisie over the past two seasons.

Last season saw the 22-year-old contribute a superb seven goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances in the Eredivisie, in which he earned a 7.40 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Reports have suggested that the youngster would set back Rangers as much as £8.5m this summer which could potentially price the Gers out of a move, as it would make him Gerrard’s record signing at Ibrox.

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Who would be the better signing?

Whilst Veerman had the edge in terms of goals and assists in the Eredivise last season, it seems clear that he would be a far more expensive option for Rangers this summer.

Harroui also outperformed Veerman in terms of shots per game, pass success rate and tackles per game last season and there was very little to split the two in terms of their performances in the Dutch top-flight, which suggests that Rangers would be better off signing the cheaper option this summer.

Whilst Veerman can only really feature as a defensive and central midfielder, Harroui has played across the midfield during his time with Rotterdam, and his versatility marks him out as the sort of player Gerrard would love to have in his squad next season.

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Therefore, Wilson should forget about signing Veerman for now and instead focus on bringing Harroui to Ibrox ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Rangers may already have their Davis heir in never-before-seen “mountain”

David Moyes can land a top-tier upgrade on Lukasz Fabianski by launching a successful move for West Ham United to sign West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer.

What’s the word?

In quotes shared by the Express & Star, Baggies manager Sam Allardyce expects Albion to “do their very best” to keep hold of Johnstone amid widespread Premier League interest.

A decision on the 28-year-old’s future is not expected to be made until the end of the season, at which point Albion will know what division they will be competing in next term, with the West Midlands side currently nine points adrift of top-flight safety.

Premier League status is likely to play a key role in Johnstone deciding where he plays his club football next season, having already expressed desires of giving Gareth Southgate something to consider over his England team selection.

Johnstone received his first Three Lions call-up in March after impressing in the Premier League despite West Brom’s struggles, which has also resulted in admiration from other top-flight clubs.

Irons insider ExWHUemployee claimed over the weekend that the London Stadium natives are interested in a move for the 28-year-old, and they have an advantage over rival suitors in that Johnstone is represented by Will Salthouse, who has a close relationship with David Sullivan.

Manchester United have also been linked with the Preston-born shot-stopper recently as they look to take Johnstone back to Old Trafford three years after selling him to West Brom for £5m should either David de Gea or Dean Henderson depart.

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Tottenham Hotspur werea lso credited with an interest in the Red Devils product last month amid doubts over Hugo Lloris remaining in north London beyond the summer.

Should West Ham sign West Brom’s Johnstone?

It would make a great deal of sense for West Ham to target a new goalkeeper in the summer market, with Moyes’ current favoured options entering the twilight of their careers. Fabianski, who signed a one-year contract extension last month, has started 30 of the Irons’ 32 Premier League games this season, but he turned 36 on Sunday.

The £65,000-per-week shot-stopper’s deputy Darren Randolph, who started the other two top-flight fixtures in Fabianski’s absence, will turn 34 next month and has missed 11 of the east Londoners’ last 13 games with a thigh injury.

Launching a move to sign Johnstone may therefore be a wise move for Moyes and West Ham this summer, especially after some disgruntled fans called for Fabianski to be replaced following his error-strewn performance at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Alan Hutton has lauded Johnstone for being a “fantastic keeper”, who Allardyce also hailed after producing a stunning late save to see West Brom leave Anfield with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool earlier in the season.

“He’s one of the best. I think that’s pleasing to see as he’s one of the two most important people in your team,” the West Brom manager told talkSPORT. “He’s right up there at the right level and he’d already saved more shots than anybody before yesterday.”

Leeds United’s Illan Meslier has since overtaken Johnstone with 127 total saves to the Baggies ace’s 124, while ranking fifth across the Premier League for crosses punched (20) and successful runs out (10), per SofaScore.

Fabianski ranks 22nd for successful runs out to date with just three and is 13th for punches (seven), while making 89 total saves in the same number of games played as Johnstone.

It remains to be seen how high West Brom’s asking price would be and whether or not Johnstone would be open to a move to the London Stadium, but he would certainly offer Moyes an upgrade on Fabianski if a new goalkeeper is sought this summer.

AND in other news, West Ham set to land second chance to sign “unbelievable” £18m-rated forward this summer…

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has reportedly now told his friends that he would like to leave Everton in the summer, with Arsenal being his preferred destination.

The Lowdown: Big interest

It has been reported that both the Gunners and Newcastle United have now made enquiries over the possibility of signing Calvert-Lewin this summer, who is almost certain to leave Goodison Park if they are relegated from the Premier League.

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His season has been plagued by injuries, but the striker has shown his credentials in previous campaigns on Merseyside (one of the best‘ in his position.

The Latest: Arsenal preferred

As per Football Insider, a recruitment source has revealed that Calvert-Lewin is now ‘likely’ to leave the Toffees in the summer, whether they end up getting relegated or not.

He has ‘told friends’ that he would prefer to move to Arsenal over Newcastle, implying that he would be happy to move on from the Blues.

The Verdict: Sell

Given that Calvert-Lewin is seemingly unhappy at EFC with his willingness to move, added on top of his injury problems, the summer may now be the best time for the board to cash in.

An England international at 25 years of age, the former Sheffield United ace should still command a big fee in today’s market, regardless of whether the club end up relegated.

Calvert-Lewin would not be easy to replace, but with the likes of Richarlison still in the squad, they could then use that money to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.

In other news, find out who has now been talked about as a potential Frank Lampard replacement here!

A specialist in sports law has put a timeframe on when the pending Newcastle United takeover arbitration case may end and when a decision may be made.

Speaking to The Chronicle, Peter Nunn, who is a legal director with London-based firm Mishcon de Reya, claimed:  “I would think within the next six months, there should be the hearing and the decision.”

He also claimed that the actual hearing itself will “most likely” last between three and five days, and in terms of the decision being made, Nunn says that “it will probably be within a month of the actual hearing”.

Anxious wait for takeover arbitration

There will now be a very anxious wait leading up to the arbitration case for the St. James’ Park faithful as the final decision at the end of it could give a much clearer idea over the direction that the proposed takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group is heading.

If the North East club were to win the legal battle against the Premier League, then it could well pave a pathway back for the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to come back to the table.

It is anyone’s guess over what decision will be made by the three-man arbitration panel, but Nunn has claimed that it should be made within the next six months. Either way, Magpies fans now face a nervous wait to see what the outcome will be.

In other news, find out what PIF claim has been dropped by Liam Kennedy on the potential takeover here!

Rafael Benitez is reportedly back in line for the Everton managerial vacancy, according to talkSPORT.

Initially, Nuno Espirito Santo looked likely to take the position in the Goodison Park dugout, after advanced talks with the Merseyside outfit last week [Guardian].

However, suggestions today have signified that Everton are still in talks with multiple candidates for the role as they look to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who departed for Real Madrid earlier this month [Liverpool Echo].

Though the Blues have been linked with former head coach David Moyes, alongside ex-Lille boss Christophe Galtier, it is Benitez who is deemed to be under serious consideration from owner Farhad Moshiri [talkSPORT].

Known partly for his successful spell at arch-rivals Liverpool, appointing the Spaniard would divide opinion amongst the Everton support to say the least – no wonder so many Toffees diehards took to Twitter to vent their feelings upon hearing about this latest development.

Everton fans react:

Flocking to Twitter, here is what some of the Goodison Park faithful had to say about the update from talkSPORT:

“There is no way on gods earth that this man can be an Everton manager. No way!”

Credit: @cjmarston”Should of went all out for moyes”Credit: @DayOwens84″You couldn’t script this could you!”Credit: @AlexOBr82171506″Both negative managers… we need fast paced, aggressive football… these managers are outdated with this era of football”Credit: @Kyle1978MMA”our board ect couldnt pick a nose full of bogies lol”Credit: @ScarletzCaptain”Nope”Credit: @ShoeyEFC1234In other news, Everton are interested in a move for a Serie A winner.

Former Reading midfielder Lawrie Sanchez urged Michael Olise to reject interest from Leeds, and other clubs, to stay in the Championship this week

With Olise possessing an £8m release clause in his Royals contract, Sanchez expects teams to pay it, including Leeds.

“I read somewhere there’s an £8m release clause – I’m sure clubs will offer that this year for him I’ve no doubt.

“For me another year at Reading wouldn’t do him any harm – they almost got into the play-offs this year and it helped him develop and another year’s development isn’t a bad thing,” he said.

Described as a “super-talented” midfielder by Reading boss Veljko Paunovic in 2020, the boss iterated a similar trail of thought to Sanchez, suggesting he still needs to develop and continue to learn as a player. He told Four Four Two:

“Michael is super talented. He had a very good game.

“We acknowledge Michael’s talent but he also has to keep learning. He still needs to grow. He still has things that he can implement in the future and be an even better player.

“This is why I encourage him not to get content with what he is right now but to go on and show what he can be.”

Despite his need to improve as a footballer, Leeds fans would be buzzing if Victor Orta is able to secure a deal for Olise this summer. The midfielder is a superb young talent and could add an extra dimension to Leeds’ attacking options in the final third.

He could give Marcelo Bielsa another left-footed attacker to work with, whilst Olise has the versatility to play anywhere across the frontline. That could allow Bielsa to tinker with his formation in-game to exploit teams. This is why Orta must sanction a swoop for the promising prospect.

Olise has played on both wings, as an attacking midfielder, as a striker and as a central midfielder for Reading in the Championship. This shows that the teenager has the quality to fulfil a multitude of roles within a side, an outstanding quality.

it doesn’t restrict him to being a one-trick pony who can only be used – for example – as a right winger. If Leeds suffer an injury in any position across the attack, Bielsa could trust that Olise has the ability to come in and replace them.

The £8m dynamo has also shown that he has the quality in terms of performances to potentially make the step up to the Premier League.

The gem averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.06 for Reading, as he produced seven goals and 12 assists from midfield. This earned him the Championship Young Player of the Year award, which suggests he has the potential to improve further.

Bielsa could enjoy working with the forward on the training pitch to develop his game, something he’s done with a plethora of Leeds players, the best example being Kalvin Phillips. Therefore, fans would be delighted if Orta can get this deal over the line as Olise could be a great player for the future.

AND in other news, Concerning Leeds transfer update emerges on “magic” £24k-p/w gem, Orta will be gutted…

Leeds United are believed to be one of several clubs interested in signing England under-21s starlet Noni Madueke this summer.

Marcelo Bielsa is expected to be on the lookout for new signings come the end of the season as he aims to build on an impressive first campaign back in the Premier League.

It looks increasingly likely that the Whites will secure a mid-table finish in the top flight, currently sitting 11th in the table with nine matches remaining.

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Leeds interested in Madueke move

Reinforcements could arrive all over the pitch, but attacking additions could be particularly key, assuming Rodrigo leaves after a disappointing season at Elland Road.

According to the Evening Standard, Leeds are eyeing up a move for PSV Eindhoven star Madueke, with the 19-year-old scoring seven goals and registering four assists in 19 Eredivisie appearances this season.

Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich are also believed to be interested in signing the teenager, as well as some more of ‘Europe’s elite’ clubs.

Transfer Tavern take

It is always nice to see young English talent head to Leeds and Madueke looks a hugely exciting prospect, considering how much he has shone for PSV at such a young age.

Aidy Boothroyd, his manager at England under-21 level, was effusive in his praise of the teenager, saying: “He’s certainly a very talented young man, really excited to be called up by the Under 21s, and a little bit like Phil [Foden] last time, nobody had really heard of him until he came and played in the tournament.

“They knew a little bit about him but that set him off on a trajectory and we’re hoping Noni can create even more positive attention for the way that they play. He’s got a lovely infectious character that comes out even over the phone.” [via Daily Mail]

The forward would be a long-term addition at Leeds and would be afforded the luxury of working with one of the most respected managers around in Marcelo Bielsa, who hopefully can make this deal happen.

In other news, Leeds are thought to be keen on a move for an attacking player enjoying an excellent season. Find out who it is here.

West Brom midfielder Okay Yokuslu is reportedly being eyed up by Turkish giants Fenerbahce, ahead of a potential summer exit from the Hawthorns.

The Lowdown: Yokuslu excels for West Brom

The Baggies have officially been relegated back to the Championship, following a disappointing return to the Premier League in 2020/21.

They essentially gave themselves too much work to do in avoiding the drop, with survival master Sam Allardyce unable to keep his side in the top flight.

One of the few positives this season has been the form of Yokuslu, however, who has excelled since joining on loan from Celta Vigo in the winter transfer window, providing quality and tenacity in the middle of the park.

The Latest: Midfielder linked with return to Turkey

Unfortunately, West Brom’s relegation has led to speculation surrounding the 27-year-old’s future, with Takvim [via Sport Witness] claiming that Fenerbahce see him as an ideal replacement for Luis Gustavo, most likely as a loan signing.

It seems unlikely that the Baggies will be able to retain Yokuslu’s services moving forward, given their drop down to the second tier of English football and his status as a temporary Baggie.

The Verdict: Tough to keep hold of Yokuslu

In truth, it is hard to begrudge Yokuslu not wanting to stay put at the Hawthorns, whether permanently or on loan, with the Turk good enough to be playing top-flight football – teammate Kyle Bartley hailed him as ‘brilliant’ and ‘tenacious’ back in February.

The sad reality of being relegated is that teams will lose their most important players – something West Brom have experienced so often, given their seesaw nature between the Premier League and the Championship in recent years.

It would be a huge positive if Yokuslu ended up staying put, but that feels unrealistic, with 31 caps for Turkey speaking volumes about his quality.

In other news, a pundit believes one West Brom player will be on the move this summer. Find out who it is here.

Evening Standard journalist Jack Rosser has reiterated the possibility of West Ham signing a striker before the window closes.

Michail Antonio has made a fine start to the new Premier League season by scoring three goals in his opening two games, including a clinical brace against Leicester City on Monday night.

However, Antonio, who has a history of muscle injuries, remains David Moyes’ only senior frontman, which is a risky move heading into a season with European football for the Hammers.

West Ham were very keen on signing Tammy Abraham, but weren’t willing to meet Chelsea’s asking-price, which allowed Roma to pounce and sign the young striker.

Victory against Crystal Palace this afternoon could see Moyes’ side head into the first international break sitting top of the Premier League, which would mark an outstanding achievement for a side that were battling relegation some 14 months ago.

But the striker situation has left a black cloud hanging over the club, although Rosser told Football FanCast that he remains optimistic:

“They would like to get a striker in before the end of the window. Not based on any information, but I always have a sneaky suspicion that they might just pull something out late.

“But Moyes thinks he can use Bowen or Benrahma through the middle.”