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Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are reportedly not pursuing a deal for Norwegian striker Erik Botheim, despite the recent speculation regarding a possible move to Ibrox for the 22-year-old.

What’s the word?

As per BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher, the Rangers are not believed to be interested in signing the Oslo-born gem this summer, amid reports that they were set to make an offer for the former Bodo/Glimt marksman.

Writing on Twitter, the insider stated: “I have new information that makes it clear that there is nothing in the Erik Botheim to Rangers rumours.”

The player is set to be available for free in the current window after terminating his contract with Russian outfit Krasnador due to the nation’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, having only joined the club in the winter.

Supporters will hate it

That latest update will no doubt leave supporters fuming, particularly having seen a deal teased in recent days, with the Gers seemingly set to miss out on the chance to sign such a promising free agent who would have helped bolster the squad.

Manager van Bronckhorst is seemingly in need of new forward additions this summer having seen Cedric Itten join Swiss side BSC Young Boys on a permanent deal, while Colombian talisman Alfredo Morelos is also facing an uncertain future with just 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Adding Botheim would undoubtedly have helped to ease those fears, with the £3.6m-rated ace having proven himself a prolific presence in front of goal in recent times, notably netting 22 goals and providing ten assists in just 46 games for Bodo/Glimt last year.

That tally included four goals and four assists in just six games in last season’s Europa Conference League, the youngster notably providing five goal contributions in the devastating 6-1 win over eventual champions AS Roma in October.

That form unsurprisingly saw the 5 foot 11 monster record a remarkable 7.57 average match rating in the competition, as per SofaScore, with the “complete forward” – as he has been dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig – clearly a promising and exciting prospect.

While his lack of game time in 2022 would have been a concern to those at Ibrox – having seen his contract initially suspended back in March – the evidence would suggest that the club are set to make a huge mistake if they opt against pursuing a deal.

Supporters may not forgive the Rangers hierarchy if an adequate alternative is not found prior to the start of next season.

AND in other news, “Rangers will…”: Jordan Campbell drops big transfer update, supporters will be livid…

Celtic have received no offers for right-back Josip Juranovic and have no intention of selling him this summer, reliable journalist Anthony Joseph has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Juranovic linked with Hoops exit

While the Hoops are focusing on making signings in the summer transfer window as they prepare for life in the Champions League group stages, they could also struggle to keep hold of certain players.

One of those is Juranovic, with the Croatian linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in recent days, as Diego Simeone looks to bring in a new right-back after the January departure of Kieran Trippier.

Despite the rumours of a switch to one of Europe’s elite however, it appears as though the 26-year-old could yet stay put at Parkhead.

The Latest: Joseph provides positive update

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Joseph claimed that no bids have come in for Juranovic and that Celtic want to keep hold of him beyond the summer:

“UPDATE: Celtic are aware that many clubs are interested in signing right-back Josip Juranovic. However, they have not received any offers for the Croatia international and they do not want to sell him this summer. It would take a huge bid from a club for that stance to change.”

The Verdict: Key player moving forward

Juranovic has been such a steady performer for Celtic since arriving from Legia Warsaw last summer, playing his part in their Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup triumphs.

He scored three times in 26 league starts as well as two strikes in European action, while defensively he excelled even further, finishing the 2021/22 campaign with an average of 1.4 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game.

The hope is that Celtic hold firm with Juranovic and don’t allow him to leave – if not, Ange Postecoglou will need to look at bringing in fresh competition for Anthony Ralston for next season.

Aston Villa are keen on signing Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and the player will be allowed to leave the Etihad, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Ake at City

Ake, capable of playing as a centre-back or left-back, made the move to the Etihad Stadium from Bournemouth back in 2020 and is currently valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt.

The 27-year-old has only managed 40 appearances in his two years under Pep Guardiola, though, making just ten Premier League starts last season.

Ake, who Virgil van Dijk described as ‘fantastic’, actually shares the same agency as Steven Gerrard, and it looks as if Villa are open to bringing the Dutch defender to the Midlands.

The Latest: Villa interest

According to 90min, Manchester City have decided to allow Ake to leave this summer, with a number of sides interested in the defender they spent £41m on.

One of those teams is thought to be Villa, with City favouring a permanent exit for the centre-back over the coming months.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Villa are short of left-back options after Matt Targett completed a permanent move to Newcastle. Ashley Young is also yet to sign a new deal, leaving Lucas Digne as the only senior option.

Bringing Ake to Villa Park would bolster Gerrard’s left-back ranks, while also adding a high-quality centre-back option.

However, Villa have already signed a centre-back this summer in Diego Carlos and now have five on the books, so one may have to make way if the club want to bring in Ake.

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Lisandro Martinez this summer have been handed a big boost, with reports claiming that the Argentine defender has told Ajax he wants a move to the Premier League.

What’s the word?

With a move for fellow Ajax defender Jurrien Timber seemingly no longer on the cards, Erik ten Hag has switched his attention to the Dutchman’s centre-back partner, Martinez.

United have reportedly already made a £37m offer for the 24-year-old, who has been a key part of ten Hag’s success at Ajax in recent seasons, and now it seems as if they could be reunited at Old Trafford.

The Evening Standard claims that Martinez has informed Ajax of his desire to play in England’s top-flight amid interest from United and Arsenal, handing them a green light to make their move more concrete.

That said, the Eredivisie champions are under no pressure to lower their £45m asking price, after banking £50m from the sales of Ryan Gravenberch and Sebastien Haller to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

Supporters will be buzzing

There is no doubt that United need to improve defensively next season if they are to re-establish themselves in the Premier League’s top four.

Last season saw the Red Devils ship 57 goals in the top-flight, more than relegated Burnley, so it is no surprise to see ten Hag targeting reinforcements at the back this summer, with Tyrell Malacia becoming the Dutch manager’s first addition yesterday.

Since signing from Defensa y Justicia in 2019, Martinez has gone on to make 118 appearances for Ajax, in which he has contributed six goals and six assists, winning two leagues, two domestic cups and Ajax’s player of the year last season, so ten Hag is clearly going to be a big fan of the defender.

The new United boss sang the Argentine’s praises last year, saying: “He is a defender who likes to play football forward. I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player, he is actually starting material and this is why I talk with him a lot.”

Therefore, he is clearly a player that ten Hag loves and fans will be delighted to hear that he is keen on swapping the Netherlands for England this summer.

And, in other news… “It’s true..”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge MUFC transfer claim, supporters will love it

Liverpool have made three signings this summer with Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay, and now they’ve concluded yet more business behind the scenes.

What’s the latest?

The official Liverpool FC Twitter account has announced the contract extension of Joe Gomez.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

The Merseyside club tweeted:

“Outstanding news.

“The boss couldn’t be happier that @J_Gomez97 has extended his seven-year spell at the club.”

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt that supporters will be delighted that Gomez is now set to stay at Liverpool after mounting speculation that the player may leave this summer.

The Liverpool centre-back has reportedly had interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United since the transfer window opened, however it is clear that the Merseysiders are not willing to let their player go, especially when you consider his impact since he joined the club in 2015.

Gomez was signed just four months before Jurgen Klopp was appointed and is one of the very few players that remain in the squad that wasn’t signed by the German coach.

Since the defender was signed he has won a Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Liverpool’s first ever Premier League title, but has fallen out of favour due to numerous injuries that has stopped the player from having a more consistent role in the team.

The 25-year-old suffered a number of ankle injuries and more recently suffered patella problems in late 2020, which saw the player sidelined for at least 231 days forcing Klopp to make the signing of Ibrahima Konate who has formed a great partnership with Virgil van Dijk since his arrival.

The Liverpool manager has spoken out amid the confirmation of a contract extension for Gomez, hailing the defender “outstanding” when speaking to the club’s official website:

“Joe is an outstanding talent. He is also an outstanding defender and an outstanding human being. He has so many qualities, I could talk about them all day, so knowing that he will continue his journey with us is a massive boost.”

With that being said, it will be interesting to see where Gomez fits into the German coach’s plans over next season and Liverpool supporters will surely be hoping the player can get back to his best alongside Van Dijk in the back four.

AND in other news: “Expected..”: Romano drops transfer update that’ll leave Liverpool supporters gutted

Manchester United chiefs John Murtough and Richard Arnold have been spotted in Barcelona to seemingly continue talks regarding a move for Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: First signing done

It took longer than many may have hoped and expected, but the Red Devils have finally secured their first signing under Erik ten Hag.

Left-back Tyrell Malacia penned a four-year deal at Old Trafford from Feyenoord last week, with Murtough labelling the defender ‘exciting’.

The 22-year-old could be joined by fellow countryman De Jong, who was called a ‘genius’ by his Barcelona manager Xavi, with rumours regarding a move to Manchester ongoing.

The Latest: Murtough and Arnold spotted

Sport Witness relayed an update from journalist Gerard Romero, who shared a video of Murtough and Arnold in Barcelona in the last 24 hours, meeting Catalan chiefs Mateu Alemany, Rafa Yuste and Jordi Cruyff.

Sport Witness said that it appears that the United officials have jetted out in order to try and reach an agreement for De Jong.

The Verdict: Final straw?

A move for De Jong was first thought to be in the pipeline towards the end of April after Ten Hag was announced as United manager.

There hasn’t been a major breakthrough since then, which has resulted in Murtough and Arnold heading to Spain for what could be showdown talks with Barcelona officials.

If a deal still can’t be agreed over the coming weeks, United may well be better off moving on to alternative midfield targets, especially with the new season fast approaching and the club’s shortage of central midfield options.

Newcastle United are one of the teams interested in signing Carney Chukwuemeka this summer…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Magpies are a project that could excite the Aston Villa contract rebel as interest in his signature hots up.

The 18-year-old recently rejected Villa’s latest offer of a new deal, meaning he is free to leave the club next year. And St James’ Park is just one mooted destination.

“I think it makes sense that they would want to know about his situation and whether he’d be interested, I think that there are so many clubs looking at his situation,” claimed the Eurosport journalist to GIVEMESPORT.

“It doesn’t help that Barcelona are the top club interested because at the moment, you just assume that everyone is just going to sign for them.

“But if he doesn’t, then a club like Newcastle, who have got such an ambitious project, is probably exciting for him and might be the platform that he is looking for. So, I can believe that they will be in that race.”

One for the future

It’s thought that the teenager is demanding around £100k-per-week from the Midlands outfit, as per Football Insider, whilst the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are all interested.

Villa are resigned to the fact that he will not sign a new deal and have subsequently put up a £20m asking price, according to Fabrizio Romano.

If this turns out to be the case, then Magpies chief Dan Ashworth could well land quite the coup as Chukwuemeka would bolster the club’s long-term ambitions.

Capped by England at U19 level, the young midfielder has already played 16 times for the senior side, including 14 appearances in the Premier League.

Originally born in Austria, the Villa gem has certainly caught the eye on the few occasions he has seen the pitch under Steven Gerrard and his predecessor Dean Smith.

Birmingham Mail contributor Patrick Rowe has dubbed the 18-year-old as a “generational talent”, whilst scout Jacek Kulig believes the prospect is a “superstar in the making.”

Chukwuemeka also featured in the ‘Team of the Tournament’ at the U19 European Championships, where he bagged on three occasions on England’s way to the trophy.

On the above evidence, it’s clear that the Villa starlet would be an exciting signing for many years to come, so the Magpies hierarchy must ensure they win the coveted race for his signature.

Their ambition could well be exactly what he’s after and the fact that he gets to remain in England could also be a factor in their favour.

AND in other news, Romano reveals Newcastle’s next “priority” after Sven Botman…

A claim has emerged regarding the future of Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe beyond the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sheffield Star journalist Alex Miller has claimed that a deal to take the Light Blues attacker to League One in England is not likely to happen ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “Nothing particularly fresh in here, I’m afraid, but understand as per @reluctantnicko that Wednesday have had contact with Rangers over Kemar Roofe. Unlikely as things stand – but as ever, things can change quickly. Owls are keeping tabs.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore was recently asked about a move for the number nine and remained coy, saying: “I can’t be drawn into that because they are simply not our players to discuss at this moment.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be delighted

This claim will delight the Ibrox head coach, as he will surely not want to lose the Jamaica international heading into next season.

The club sanctioned the sale of Cedric Itten earlier this summer and Ross Wilson acted swiftly to bring in Antonio Colak from PAOK to replace him. However, allowing Roofe to leave would put Rangers back in a tricky situation with two first-team strikers available for 2022/23.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be keen to keep the ex-Leeds marksman, as it would prevent him and Wilson from scrambling about in the final weeks of the window – whilst the club play competitive matches – to source a replacement.

The Premiership campaign kicks off this weekend and the head coach may want a settled squad from hereon in order to build consistency within the performances.

He would also be gutted to lose Roofe, who has shown that he has the ability to make a big impact for the Light Blues when he is given an opportunity on the pitch.

Last season, the attacker scored 10 goals in nine league starts for the club, playing 21 times in total. He also scored two goals in four Europa League starts, which shows that the talent is there for him to be a real difference-maker for Rangers.

Roofe has proven that he can score regularly for the Gers domestically and in Europe, and that is why keeping hold of him would be a boost to the squad. Van Bronckhorst will be delighted that a move to Sheffield Wednesday is unlikely and may be hoping that it stays that way for the rest of the summer.

AND in other news, After Ridvan: Rangers make contact to land 8th summer signing, supporters will be buzzing…

Southampton officially completed the signing of Sekou Mara from French side Bordeaux just last week, finally bolstering their striker options.

However, with reports linking Che Adams with a move away from St Mary’s Stadium, Ralph Hasenhuttl must act quickly with the new Premier League season quickly creeping up on him.

One forward the Saints were linked with late last month is VfB Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic, who has earned huge praise for his domineering performances in the Bundesliga.

If Hasenhuttl could bring his compatriot into the south coast club, he could form a remarkable young strike partnership that could buoy his side in the league for the foreseeable future.

Sporting director of the German club, Sven Mislintat (via Inside Futbol), recently claimed that the forward had three options, with West Ham United and Manchester United the other two in for Salajdzic.

Whoever is to get the striker will need to fork out €25m (£21m) for his services.

He has received huge praise for his ability both in the air and on the deck, however it is his aerial expertise in particular that could facilitate the silky star that is Mara.

German pundit Marcel Reif claimed that the Austria international would make for an interesting signing for Dortmund while hailing his style of play, saying: “He can do crazy things in the air… but he can also handle the ball. This is a very interesting player that would give something for Dortmund if they play this type of football with good, fast wide play.”

He ranked in the 94th percentile for aerials won last season (via FBref), further supporting how he could link the play perfectly for Hasenhuttl’s men. His preferred 4-4-2 formation also facilitates this notion.

Contributing towards eight goals in just 15 Bundesliga appearances, he would certainly do a good job in replacing the seven goals scored by Adams last season for Southampton.

By adding in Mara’s six goals from Ligue 1, the blow of losing the Scotland international would certainly be softened if both of these forwards were added to the ranks.

There is no doubting that the 6 foot 6 goliath would combine well with the French forward, and the Saints should do all they can to secure this signing from under the noses of their Premier League competitors.

AND, in other news: Southampton could say bye-bye to “terrible” dud by signing “incredible” 19 y/o.

West Ham United are one of two English clubs in for Marseille’s Bamba Dieng.

 What’s the word?

That’s according to French publication Foot Mercato, who claim that both the Irons and Newcastle United hold an interest in the forward.

Marseille have been in the market for an attacker which could be forcing Dieng towards the exit door.

He could join West Ham and provide further attacking depth after their recent capture of Gianluca Scamacca.

 It’d be a massive coup

Although Hammers fans will be delighted that they have finally purchased a striker in Scamacca, Michail Antonio has just turned 32 and is not getting any younger.

Whilst the Italian may be the natural successor to his position, backup is still required.

That could be where Dieng comes in, as circumstances have made the younger available for purchase.

Seven goals and a further three assists in just 25 league games last season marks a fine return, and this would provide ample backup for Scamacca and even fierce competition, not to mention an impact off the bench.

His average SofaScore rating of 6.82 also outlines him as a consistent performer, which is perfect for the role he would likely play at the London Stadium.

Journalist Robin Bairner once dubbed the striker “super”, claiming that Marseille had “a real talent on their hands”. To lose out on this talent seems a foolish decision by the French club, however it presents a remarkable opportunity in the market for one of his many suitors.

Available at a reported £10m, the opportunity is further enhanced as it becomes a relatively risk-free deal. The forward can come, try his hand at the league, and still leave with high sell-on value due to his age.

To have Dieng available to deputise for the 16-goal Scamacca, these two could combine to form one of the better strike duos in the Premier League, should they both sign and hit the ground running.

David Moyes should certainly pounce on this fortunate opportunity, and sign two fine strikers when they had gone so long without even signing one. This kind of glittering transfer coup does not present itself in the transfer market all that often.

AND in other news: Moyes could land “star” West Ham signing with £42m bid, just imagine him & Scamacca.