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Brentford striker Ivan Toney has revealed he almost signed for Rangers before making the move to the Bees instead.

The Lowdown: Toney shines at Brentford

Toney made the move to Brentford from Peterborough last year for a fee of £5m, and that is looking like a snip.

After helping the London outfit earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history, Toney has managed two goals and two assists in six top flight games as Brentford continue to impress (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Toney admits close Ibrox shave

Speaking to Ally McCoist on talkSPORT (via Ibrox News), Toney has admitted he also made the move to Rangers. He explained:

“I was going to sign for Celtic but I was also going to sign for Rangers. So you might be happy with that.”

The Lowdown: What could have been

£25.2m-valued Toney (Transfermarkt) had proven to be an outstanding signing for Brentford since making the move there. In his last 97 matches, he has found the back of the net 61 times, while he also broke the Championship scoring record last term during Brentford’s triumphant campaign (iNews).

Rangers themselves did win the Premiership title last season and also reached the last 16 of the Europa League, so it doesn’t seem they were crying out for Toney. However, he is clearly a talented player, and would have given Steven Gerrard a possible long-term replacement should Alfredo Morelos leave.

In other news, Rangers fans are unhappy with this club update.

Tottenham Hotspur are not expected to sign a new striker this summer, after missing out on prime targets Dusan Vlahovic and Lautaro Martinez, as reported by journalist Alasdair Gold on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Spurs at centre of transfer storm regarding strikers this summer

Of course, the Lilywhites have been at the centre of a transfer storm this summer. Harry Kane was relentlessly linked to Manchester City before confirming that he will be staying at Spurs this season [Guardian].

Over the course of that saga, Tottenham were interested in Serie A hitmen Martinez and Vlahovic of Inter Milan and Fiorentina respectively, however both deals did not come to fruition [Football London].

The Latest: ‘Nuno and Paratici have decided’

Speaking to his large following on Twitter, Football London correspondent Gold shed light on the latest surrounding the forward position at the club, stating: “At this stage, understand Nuno and Paratici have decided that they will not look to sign another striker today after missing out on their top two targets.”

It now looks as if talisman Kane may be the only senior striker on the books in N17 moving into the coming months.

The Verdict: Lack of depth up-front is a major concern

Most certainly in need of someone to share the goal-scoring burden at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with star man Kane, this news will come as a blow to the Spurs support.

Son Heung-min has helped to deputise in the role in 2021/22, scoring twice from four appearances [Transfermarkt]. Nonetheless, his involvement centrally leaves the left-hand side of attack subject to depletion.

Youngster Dane Scarlett could also be an option at centre-forward, though he has only one senior outing to his name this term and needs time to develop at 17 years old.

Despite the alarming lack of depth within the Tottenham frontline, Nuno and Paratici seem to be willing to hang fire for the time being as other positions take priority.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur face a blow in their pursuit of a lightning-quick ace. Find out more here.

Leeds United youngster Sam Greenwood is believed to have impressed Marcelo Bielsa hugely with his performances at Thorp Arch.

The Lowdown: Greenwood one to watch

The 19-year-old has arguably emerged as the most exciting player in the Whites’ academy, catching the eye after joining from Arsenal last year.

Greenwood has scored 14 goals in just 22 appearances for Leeds’ Under-23s, not to mention 12 in 14 caps for England’s Under-17s.

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The Latest: Exciting update emerges

According to Football Insider, a Thorp Arch source has claimed that the forward is considered a ‘phenomenal’ talent at Elland Road.

It is even stated that Greenwood has ‘blown Marcelo Bielsa and his backroom team away’ with his talent, suggesting he could become a Premier League star in the future.

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The Verdict: Minutes this season?

Greenwood looks like a special prospect and it would be encouraging to see him given the chance to shine in the first-team this season, having made just one senior appearance to date.

Bielsa could use him in domestic cup competitions – they are generally seen as an opportunity to rest key men – and allow him the chance to prove himself.

With the likes of Mason Greenwood, Harvey Elliott and Bukayo Saka shining for some of the biggest clubs in the country, Leeds shouldn’t be afraid to throw their own young star in at the deep end, if they believe he is ready.

In other news, a pundit believes one player’s Leeds career is over. Find out who it is here.

Celtic talisman Odsonne Edouard has been shortlisted by European giants AS Roma as they look to beef up their offensive arsenal, as reported by Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Celtic undergo mini-exodus as 2021/22 gets underway

As the 2021/22 season gets underway, new manager Ange Postecoglou has began to initiate the rebuilding processes needed at Parkhead in earnest.

Multiple senior exits were always likely this summer, as reflected by the departures of influential figures such as Scott Brown, Kristoffer Ajer and Olivier Ntcham [Transfermarkt], and the Hoops now look set to lose yet another prize asset following recent reports.

The Latest: Edouard on Roma shorlist as Dzeko exit imminent

Edouard is rumoured to be on a shortlist at the Stadio Olimpico to help bolster their striking options, as per Daily Record.

Circumstantially, this has come around as a result of the imminent transfer of Roma striker Edin Dzeko to divisional rivals Inter Milan, creating a need for a new centre-forward in the Italian capital to replace the two-time Premier League winner.

Mauro Icardi is also said to be on the Giallorossi’s radar, but his prospective financial expenditure within the realm of a transfer fee and wages makes him an unlikely candidate. [Daily Record]

Could this pave the way for the 6 foot 2 Edouard to make the switch to Roma?

The Verdict: Right time for player and club to amicably part ways

With only 12 months remaining on his contract in Glasgow, it would be wise for Celtic to take advantage of the Frenchman’s value and try to make a profit on his services.

In 2020/21, he made a sustained impact for the Hoops , registering 28 goal contributions in 40 appearances with 22 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, his average of 3.5 shots per game in the Premiership last year illustrated his ability to trouble defences regularly [WhoScored].

Once labelled as “magnificent” by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon [Glasgow Live], now may well be the correct time for Celtic and Edouard to amicably part ways while they can still recoup a transfer fee for him.

In other news, a Premier League club are in pole position to sign this Celtic star.

Although he was left out of the squad for City’s 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Samuel Edozie looks to have an extremely bright future with the Citizens, and could prove to be the next Leroy Sane in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The 18-year-old, who joined from Millwall’s academy in 2019, was a regular in Guardiola’s side throughout pre-season and certainly caught the eye, scoring in games against Blackpool and Barnsley.

It was no surprise therefore to see him start in the Community Shield defeat against Leicester City, with Guardiola still without a number of first-team players after the Euro and Copa America tournaments this summer.

The Nigerian-born winger has electric pace, and has been compared with Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Sane during his time at City thus far, so will be looking to enjoy another strong season with the U’23s as he continues his pathway into the first-team.

Last season saw the teenager make 17 appearances in the Premier League 2, contributing three goals and two assists in total, so will be looking to improve on those numbers under the stewardship of new U’23s manager Brian Barry-Murphy this season.

Guardiola certainly liked what he saw of Edozie, singing his praises earlier this month, saying:

“As a young talent, having a special quality, a guy who gets to the box with intention to score a goal – it’s so important for wingers.

“He’s an incredible young player with good pace.

“But we have to be patient with him. He had minutes and played good and this is important.”

Man City’s next Sane?

Although City have a plethora of attacking talent available to them on the wings, which suggests that Edozie will have to bide his time before earning regular first-team minutes, none possess the raw pace that Sane offered during his time at the Etihad.

The German international was hugely impressive during his three seasons with City, contributing 39 goals and 45 assists in 135 appearances for Guardiola’s side, helping them to successive title wins in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons.

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Edozie certainly seems to possess a lot of the same characteristics as Sane, and if he can achieve anywhere near the level of success that the 25-year-old did during his time at the Etihad, then he will surely prove to be a huge success in the future.

And, in other news… Athletic journalist claims City are interested in six-foot-nine beast

Leeds United have been handed a transfer boost in their chase to sign Wolfsburg star Josip Brekalo.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that the Croatia international is a target for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this summer as they look to bolster their options out wide.

German publication Kicker has now delivered a boost to the Whites’ chances of signing the 23-year-old, revealing that many of the clubs who like Brekalo actually do not have the funds required to complete a transfer.

The report adds that, while there is a long queue of admirers for him, Wolfsburg’s demands have put off most of the prospective suitors.

Helder Costa can now leave

Leeds’ interest in Brekalo is perfectly timed, with reports suggesting that Helder Costa could be on his way out of the club this summer.

Football Insider have reported in recent months that Jorge Mendes is working hard to find the Portuguese winger a new club, with La Liga said to be his preferred option, and that would leave a gap in Bielsa’s squad out wide.

Costa endured a nightmare campaign in the Premier League last term for Bielsa’s side, scoring just three times and providing only three assists in 22 top-flight games.

And, after a particularly disappointing performance against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, former Leeds man Noel Whelan slammed the winger, saying: “The one player that disappointed me was Helder Costa. Once again he was poor. There is something there that is not right because Poveda came on and did more in that short time than Costa did in the 60 minutes he was on the field.

“He is fourth in the pecking order in terms of wingers for me. Poveda has to come before him now. He plays it safe and he’s negative. For a player that cost £16m, I need to see a hell of a lot more from him. At least Poveda runs at people. He is positive and that is what a winger should do. Costa has been a massive flop. A real disappointment again.”

In Brekalo, Leeds would be getting someone who not only is exciting with the ball at his feet, but also has an end product to his game. The Croatian bagged seven goals and set up another three in 29 Bundesliga outings last term, including a superb hat-trick in his penultimate game of the season against Union Berlin.

Goal’s Bundesliga journalist Ronan Murphy offered his thoughts on the Croatian on Twitter, saying: “The less said about his off-field antics the better, as he should leave his on-field performances do the talking. Able to unlock defences and strong cutting in to shoot, he will torment defenders everywhere.”

Able to play on either flank like Costa has done for Leeds, the £26m-rated Brekalo could come in and be a fine replacement for the Portuguese winger, thus allowing the Whites to get rid of someone who just hasn’t produced the goods often enough.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have had a bid accepted for this player…

Joe Wainman, formerly of All Leeds TV and now host of the JustJoe Football Show, insists that the club will not make a move to sign Matheus Pereira from West Bromwich Albion this summer.

Pereira has been linked with a number of clubs in this transfer window.

West Ham United have been heavily linked with a potential move to sign him, as have Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal FC.

To that end, Pereira has even released a statement claiming that he hopes to leave the Baggies in this transfer window, although he intends to do so in the proper manner.

Wainman claims that various Leeds supporters have commented on his YouTube videos asking why the club are not interested in a deal to sign the Brazilian.

But he cannot foresee the club trying to seal a transfer for the star, who scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season despite the Baggies’ relegation and is currently preparing for life in the Championship.

He said: “It doesn’t look like there is a real credible link there for Leeds United, because we have already been making the moves, like we have with Conor Gallagher.

“But a lot of Leeds fans especially, you know, on my YouTube comments, say ‘why don’t we go for Matheus Pereira?’

“But I think he’s wanted by a host of clubs in the Premier League and I just don’t think Leeds United are one of them.”

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Kean Bryan to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Yorkshire Live, the Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic revealed that the out of contract centre-back is yet to sign a new deal with his side, despite the club having offered the defender a new contract at the end of last season.

In the interview, the 52-year-old stated: “I don’t know what is happening, I don’t know if this guy wants to stay or if this guy wants to leave. I don’t want this to complicate my team. He can go if he wants or he can offer his services to Sheffield United.”

Last month, The Sun reported that Bryan would be open to making a move to Valerien Ismael’s West Brom side this summer, with the Frenchman having targeted the former England U20 international during his time at Barnsley.

Ismael will be buzzing

While Bryan has not featured particularly often for Sheffield United following his move from Manchester City in August 2018, having made a total of just 19 appearances for the club, the 24-year-old certainly demonstrated towards the back end of last season that he is a centre-back who boasts a significant amount of potential.

Indeed, over his 13 Premier League appearances for Paul Heckingbottom’s side last term, the £3k-per-week man helped his side keep two clean sheets and made an average of one interception, 1.5 tackles, 2.7 clearances per game, as well as winning an impressive 4.3 duels per fixture.

The £1.8m-rated defender also scored one goal and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.3 key passes per league game.

These returns saw the man whose former manager Chris Wilder dubbed a “talented” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.74, ranking him as United’s 10th-best performer in the top flight.

As such, Bryan would very much appear to make a fantastic addition to West Brom’s options in the centre of defence next season.

And, when taking into account the former Manchester City starlet looks likely to be available on a free transfer, as well as Jokanvoic’s rather blunt comments regarding the 24-year-old’s future at Bramall Lane, Ismael is sure to be buzzing about his chances of landing the centre-back this summer.

In other news: West Brom plot bid for £12k-p/w beast with “so much potential”, Ismael would love him

Steven Gerrard has revealed that summer Glasgow Rangers arrival Nnamdi Ofoborh has a heart issue and will be out of action for a while.

The Lowdown: Ofoborh arrives

The Gers completed the signing of Ofoborh from Bournemouth on a pre-contract earlier this year.

The 21-year-old recently joined up with the squad for the first time ahead of the new campaign, but his spell at Ibrox has not got off to the best start.

The Latest: Gerrard provides update

Speaking to Rangers TV following the 55-time Scottish champions’ 2-2 pre-season draw with Arsenal, Gerrard said (via irishexaminer.com):

“I don’t think you’ll see him in the short term.

“Unfortunately something has flagged up with his ECG, which is the heart test.

“We’ve got top medical people here at the club now and we check all the players thoroughly from head to toe when they arrive.

“Unfortunately there’s been a bit of a red flag with a heart issue so he’s going to see some specialists in the coming weeks and we need to do more tests before we move forward.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating but we’ll have to manage and cope.

“The important thing is the player’s health, which we’ll obviously focus on first and foremost.

“Of course it is disappointing and frustrating for the player but I spoke to him yesterday, told him to keep smiling and be patient and we will do everything we can to support him, get him in front of the right people and the right support and hopefully he will be back, not too long.”

The Verdict: Unfortunate

This is very unfortunate for all involved at the club. Ofoborh will have been hoping to make an immediate impact following his switch to Ibrox, but he is now facing a considerable spell on the sidelines as the Gers’ medical staff aim to get to the bottom of the issue. Gerrard will also be disappointed to lose a new signing just weeks after he arrived, as evidenced by his comments on the episode.

However, the most important thing is Ofoborh’s health. As we saw with the traumatic incident involving Denmark’s Christian Eriksen at Euro 2020, a major health issue can occur at any moment, so it is vital that no risks are taken with the youngster.

In other news, many Rangers fans were livid over this club tweet.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has dropped an exciting transfer claim this week…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable football.london reporter gave an insight into Spurs’ likely transfer plans during a recent Q&A session with supporters this week. He revealed that Spurs’ top priority is a new centre-back, whilst interest in long-time target Marcel Sabitzer remains.

Speaking about the Austrian, Gold said: “Still a player that Spurs have liked a lot for a long time but he’ll be in high demand when he returns from the Euros, particularly with his contract situation. Much depends on the new head coach, whether Paratici also likes him and whether there is the money in place from sales.

“Spurs’ priority is a centre-back but Sabitzer has certainly got admirers at the club.”

Exciting times ahead?

Amid all the uncertainty and chaos in their managerial search, this latest suggestion should come as hugely encouraging news, as once that new coach walks through the front door, Spurs mean business.

Individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion in the backline was perhaps their biggest issue under Jose Mourinho during the 2020/21 season. In some ways, you can see why the sacked Portuguese utilised as many as 16 different combinations at the back.

Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have been slammed as the worst pairing in the Premier League by ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara, whilst Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes that Serge Aurier is one of the “biggest liabilities” in the top-flight, so much so that he would put people off management.

Hugo Lloris has endured some blunders and Sergio Reguilon’s form tailed off massively after injury. Therefore, if Spurs are truly eyeing a new centre-back, then this is very exciting to hear from Gold.

The links to Sabitzer seem just as exciting, as the north Londoners have lacked a creative goal threat from midfield ever since Christian Eriksen departed for Inter Milan.

“I think he’d bring a lot to Tottenham. He’s very similar to Christian Eriksen, he’s that sort of player that Spurs have been missing in midfield,” claimed Bundesliga expert Daniel Pinder during an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

It’s hard to ignore the talents of a player who has provided 25 goals and 18 assists since the start of the 2019/20 season. In that same time, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso have combined for just 27 goal contributions between them.

All in all, Gold’s recent claim should have many supporters around north London buzzing.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Heung-min Son claim…