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Frank Lampard is already looking ahead to next season in terms of improving his Everton side, with Napoli winger Hirving Lozano linked with a move to the Toffees – according to Spanish publication Marca (via Liverpool Echo).

The 27-year-old’s agent spoke recently about interest in Lozano, saying: “In my opinion, Lozano will leave next June, also because he earns over 4m (£3.5m) at Napoli.

“Even though he is delighted to be here, he has never hidden that he aspires to the top English clubs even if now he is probably realizing that Napoli itself is a top club.

“I think he can join Manchester United or Everton.”

This is encouraging news for Lampard, and he could well land his very own Bukayo Saka by making a move for Lozano, with the two comparable via FBref’s player comparison model.

Saka has been tearing it up recently at Arsenal, scoring five goals and registering four assists in all competitions this season and, despite Lozano being six years older than the Englishman, Everton could benefit from having someone similar on their right-wing providing a goalscoring threat.

Despite Saka scoring more league goals (four to two), Lozano actually averages more shots per match (4.51 to 2.42) while also generating more shot-creating actions per match (4.50 to 4.01).

The £84k-per-week Napoli winger has created more big chances than Saka this season (three to one), however, Saka just edges out Lozano in terms of key passes per match (1.9 to 1.2) – although it proves that the two are extremely attack-minded from wide positions.

Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark dubbed the Mexican as “frightening” before Napoli faced the Gers in the Champions League last night and it’s clear that Lampard needs a greater attacking output from out wide in order to take pressure off Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

If Everton did bring the player to the Premier League, the 44-year-old will be hoping that Lozano can have the same impact that Saka did for Arsenal, terrorising defences and creating an extra attacking dimension.

Glasgow Rangers turn their attention back to the Champions League tonight as they travel to play Napoli in their fifth group stage match.

The Light Blues have lost all four of their games in the competition so far, scoring once and conceding 16 goals as they sit bottom of their group.

However, a win against the Serie A outfit would put them level on points with Ajax in third if the Dutch side lose to Liverpool, which would send them into their final match with a chance to stay in Europe if they can defeat the Eredivisie giants.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side head into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Livingston at Ibrox in the Premiership at the weekend, and the head coach will be hoping that his side can bounce back to pick up a shock three points tonight.

Rabbi Matondo suffered a back injury against Livingston but has been passed fit for the clash against Napoli. However, Van Bronckhorst must forget about the Welshman for now and instead finally unleash Fashion Sakala from the start.

The Zambia international has only played 12 minutes in the club’s last two Premiership matches combined and must now return to the starting XI in Italy tonight.

The rapid forward could be a threat on the counterattack for Rangers, with former Gers defender Alan Hutton once hailed the 25-year-old’s pace by saying: “He’s like a firework, isn’t he? You just light him and watch him go.

“He’s one of these players who plays at 100 miles per hour, he takes players on, he’s aggressive, he can get shots off.

“Sometimes you just wish he could slow down, but I think that’ll come with time and experience at a new club. As he plays with these players around him with intelligence – he’ll get on that same page.”

Journalist Josh Bunting also once dubbed the Zambian a “threat” and “erratic”, which further highlights the unpredictability that he can bring to the Rangers side.

Sakala started in the 7-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League and caught the eye despite the scoreline, as he completed 100% of his dribbles, created one chance and produced one shot on target in 75 minutes of action, as per SofaScore.

The £8.3k-per-week forward has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in 59 appearances in all competitions since joining the Gers and has the potential to make a big impact in the final third.

He can score and create goals when he is at his best, and Van Bronckhorst must now gamble on tonight being Sakala’s time to shine.

Liverpool have had one of their worst starts to a Premier League campaign since Jurgen Klopp arrived in 2015, and the lack of signings in midfield over the summer could have been a huge contributor to the problems that they has faced.

Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have all suffered from various injury problems since the season began in August, and the Reds have found themselves struggling to make their usual dominant presence known.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the league table and level with Brentford and Everton on points. That will be hugely disappointing for Klopp and the Reds’ supporters, and lessons must be learnt in terms of refreshing key areas of the squad when the club goes into the next transfer window.

However, the club could save millions on their next midfield prodigy next summer by giving a life-changing opportunity to a youth player, with Bobby Clark showing promising signs of being a player who could become the future of the Anfield club’s midfield.

The 17-year-old is the son of former Newcastle United idol Lee Clark. He was snapped up by the Reds from the Tyneside club in 2021 and has since blossomed in Liverpool’s youth teams.

Clark has scored 14 goals and delivered seven assists across the Reds’ under-18, under-19 and under-21 teams, with a goal contribution every 139 minutes so far, illustrating that he is already a very impressive player in the making.

Jurgen is a Red! Show how happy you are about it with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

It is clear that Klopp is already a huge admirer of the talented teenager, as he gave him his Premier League debut with a seven-minute appearance this season in the 9-0 victory over Bournemouth a few weeks ago.

Chronicle Live’s chief Newcastle United reporter Lee Ryder lavished praise on the youngster after he left the Tyneside club in 2021, saying (via Liverpool Echo): “Bobby was Newcastle’s most promising youngster.

“He is a really exciting player with bags of skill and talent. He is attacking and dynamic and has all the skills – he is going to be a presence in the final third.”

With that being said, the future is looking very bright for Clark as he is clearly on the radar of the Liverpool manager, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see more of the rising star in the squad over the coming months at Anfield.

If all goes to plan, he might even save FSG the need to invest in a big-name midfielder in future transfer windows.

Journalist Peter Vandenbempt has criticised West Ham United for their conduct in previous attempts to sign Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken.

The Lowdown: Hammers target signs new deal…

The Irons, like in previous seasons, were repeatedly linked with a move for the Belgium international over the course of this year’s summer transfer window.

There were suggestions that Vanaken himself really wanted to join West Ham but it appears both the Premier League side and Brugge were having trouble agreeing a deal.

As a result, all hope faded with the forward then putting pen to paper on a contract extension with the Jupiler Pro League high-flyers.

The Latest: Vandenbempt criticises West Ham…

Now, Dutch reporter Vandenbempt has criticised David Moyes’ side for their attempts at business over Vanaken – specifically for not paying the required transfer fee.

He explained (via voetbal 24):

“West Ham has been courting Vanaken for a few years, but when they have to pay they don’t do it. They don’t want to go further than 10 to 11 million and that is a sign of little respect.”

The Verdict: Regrettable?

Head of recruitment Rob Newman and the club clearly didn’t see enough in Vanaken to pay over the odds, but only time will tell whether that proves to be the correct call.

The 30-year-old stood out as a star player for Brugge last season, finishing 2021/22 as their third top goal scorer domestically with 11 strikes and nine assists to boot (WhoScored).

Overall, Vanaken also ranked in Brugge’s top three best-performing players by average match rating per 90 – so the quality is certainly there.

That being said, at 30, the forward would’ve come with little sell-on value, so perhaps that came into the club’s thinking.

Aston Villa could make a move for Jason Denayer after their cruel injury blow to Diego Carlos…

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, the Belgian free-agent – formerly of Ligue 1 outfit Lyon – has emerged as a last-ditch target for Steven Gerrard and co.

The 27-year-old is still without a team following his release at the end of last season and despite being linked to several teams, including LaLiga side Valencia, he hasn’t signed anywhere just yet.

Carlos, who ruptured his Achilles in the win over Everton at the weekend, is set to be sidelined for the next six months, at least, so there’s a growing need for further defensive reinforcements before the 11pm transfer deadline on September 1st.

Lange masterclass

It is perhaps quite surprising to see Denayer without a club as football gets back underway right across Europe as he has plenty of experience to offer.

Indeed, the versatile 6-foot colossus has racked up 35 caps for Belgium, including appearances at Euro 2016 and 2020, as well as 24 appearances in the Premier League for Sunderland back in 2016/17 and played 139 times for Lyon across the French top-flight and both the Champions League and Europa League, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite a lack of minutes last season, Denayer was still a solid option – when compared to his positional peers in Europe, the Belgium star still ranked within the top 9% for blocks (2.25 per 90) and the top 1% for pass completion (94.2%), per FBref, who also liken his statistical profile to that of Carlos.

That would make him a solid candidate to fill the Brazilian’s void over the rest of the year – and potentially beyond – so if sporting director Johan Lange can seal a move for him, then it could be a masterclass from the Danish supremo.

His one-time partnership with Virgil Van Dijk at Celtic saw Denayer lauded as a “rock” by then-teammate Gary Mackay-Steven, whilst former Belgium boss Marc Wilmots once likened him to winger Eden Hazard.

“Jason is like Eden Hazard,” he said. “Always calm. I’ve never seen him nervous; he has a lot of confidence and there will be someone with experience standing next to him.”

With Villa needing further depth at the back, it would make sense for Lange to swoop for Denayer as he wouldn’t cost the club’s owners, Nassef Sawiris Wes Edens (NSWE), a penny in terms of a transfer fee, thus minimising the risk upon Carlos’ return.

The former Celtic man can also play at full-back and in midfield, so his use to Gerrard could still be beneficial in the long run and as such, he’d make a pretty fine signing at this stage of the window.

AND in other news, Gregg Evans claims Villa are “advancing” contract talks with £52k-p/w talent…

Newcastle United are set to return with another offer for Everton starlet Anthony Gordon, having previously been rebuffed by the Toffees earlier this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Chronicle, the Magpies are believed to be ‘considering’ a new bid for the 21-year-old, as they remain frustrated in their approach for Leicester City’s James Maddison – having seen two offers rejected by the Foxes thus far.

In the case of the Merseyside youngster, the Englishman was reportedly the subject of a £35m approach by the northeast side back in early July, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie recently suggesting that a wide player – as well as a striker – could be targeted before the window closes.

Despite having brought in three new faces so far this summer, the Tynesiders are yet to bring an attacking recruit to help bolster the current squad, with manager Eddie Howe opening up on his desire to add to his forward line in the coming weeks.

Could be incredible

While it could prove a hefty fee for a player who has made just 50 Premier League appearances in his embryonic, senior career thus far, Gordon has no doubt illustrated just what a talent he is of late, having enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign last time out.

After returning from a six-month loan spell at Preston North End at the end of the 2020/21 season, the local lad went on to become a key figure at Goodison Park last term, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 35 league games for the club, proving a rare ray of sunshine in what was another wise turbulent season for Frank Lampard’s side.

A dynamic and relentless attacking presence, the £18m-rated ace also impressed due to his stunning defensive approach, ranking in the top 2% for blocks, the top 4% for tackles and the top 5% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Current Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin, for instance, ranks in just the bottom 1% for tackles made and pressures, as well as in the bottom 5% for blocks made, with that a stark illustration of the differing work ethic between the pair.

Not that the Frenchman would need to be necessarily dispensed from the side, however, with Gordon potentially able to make up for Saint-Maximin’s defensive shortcomings and allow the mercurial talent to shine, while he also offers the flexibility to feature all across the front line, having notably started through the middle in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The £10k-per-week sensation may not be the glamour name that Magpies supporters were craving – after a summer of links to the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Moussa Diaby – yet he remains an “incredible” talent, in the words of former teammate Morgan Feeney, as well as a “frightening” prospect for any defence – as per Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard.

A player with invaluable Premier League experience already under his belt, there is no reason why the Kirkdale-born star couldn’t thrive as part of Howe’s squad this season were he to sign on the dotted line.

Although desperation is potentially setting in at St James’ Park as the search for a new forward addition goes on, Gordon could well prove to be an ‘incredible’ capture, both for his attacking flair but also his dogged defensive approach.

West Ham United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Amadou Onana to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a recent report by Belgian media outlet HLN, who revealed that, following news of West Ham’s increased €30m (£25m) bid for the holding midfielder being rejected by LOSC Lille, the agent of the 20-year-old is now actively pushing for his client to secure a move away from the Ligue 1 side this summer – with doubts lingering about whether the Belgium international will be a starter under the management of Paulo Fonseca next season.

The report goes on to state that, despite the Lille president, Olivier Letang, believing that Onana will develop into a top-level talent in the future, the Frenchman would be willing to part with the midfielder for an offer in the region of €40m (£34m) this summer – with Everton, Leicester City and AS Monaco also believed to be keen on the former Hamburger SV starlet.

Moyes must act

Considering just how exciting a prospect Onana undoubtedly is, the news that the 20-year-old’s agent is now pushing for the midfielder to secure a move away from the Stade Pierre Mauroy this summer is sure to have come as a huge boost to David Moyes and his West Ham transfer team.

Indeed, over his 32 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £9m-rated talent enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign, scoring one goal and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

These returns saw the £5.5k-per-week youngster who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “masterclass” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.85, ranking him as Lille’s joint ninth-best performer in the league last season – a quite extraordinary achievement in his debut campaign in France.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the 20-year-old also ranks in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for tackles per 90, as well as the top 21% for aerial duels won, the top 24% for clearances and the top 25% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

As such, the fact that Onana’s agent appears extremely keen to secure the starlet a move away from Lille this summer, coupled with West Ham’s latest offer being just €10m (£8.5m) short of Letang’s asking price for the midfielder, leads us to believe that Moyes simply must return with a third bid for the Belgian sensation in the coming days.

AND in other news: West Ham closing in on “remarkable” £10m target, it would be a “masterstroke” by Moyes

A recent report has now shared a potentially significant update involving West Ham United and Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.

The Lowdown: Moyes in forward hunt…

Sky Sports claim West Ham boss David Moyes could be a ‘very busy’ man this summer and wants at at least six new signings in total before the start of 2022/2023.

After just missing out on a place in the Premier League top six last season, the east Londoners are seemingly determined to keep pace with England’s elite who are strengthening all around them.

West Ham have already signed Morocco international Nayef Aguerd and sealed Paris-Saint Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with attacking additions now being eyed.

The Latest: Report shares significant Danjuma update…

As per a report by El Periódico Mediterráneo, via Sport Witness, it appears the Irons could be set to move for Danjuma of Villarreal soon.

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Indeed, they state talks between both the La Liga side and West Ham ‘may begin this week’ after ‘first contacts’ with the player’s representatives have commenced.

However, it is believed Villarreal ‘would only start negotiating with a starting price of €35 million (£30m)’.

The Verdict: Pay the price?

For around £30m, or potentially even more, Danjuma would still prove a snip for West Ham.

As per WhoScored, the Netherlands international finished 21/22 as one of Villarreal’s best-performing players whilst racking up their most attempts at goal per 90 on average.

Danjuma scored ten goals and assisted three others, the most goals and assists combined out of any of his teammates in the Spanish top flight.

Indeed, we believe Villarreal are well within their rights to demand £30m, especially since members of the media like football analyst Marcus Bring have called him a ‘ridiculous player’.

Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign young defender Daniel Ballard, according to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Championship experience

The 22-year-old Arsenal man enjoyed a successful loan spell in the Championship last season after joining Millwall for the year.

The centre-back made 30 league appearances for the Lions; with the total expected to have been far higher if it wasn’t for undergoing knee surgery halfway through the campaign.

According to WhoScored, the Arsenal loanee was Millwall’s fourth best player all season, having averaged an impressive 6.93 match rating.

The defender averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 3.4 clearances and 0.6 blocks per game, gaining valuable experience playing in the Championship.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s news

O’Rourke has revealed the next chapter in Ballard’s footballing career. Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed:

“Understand Sunderland have agreed a deal for Arsenal and Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard. #safc #afc #Arsenal

“Ballard has completed a medical at the Stadium of Light and is set to sign a four-year deal with Sunderland. #SAFC #AFC”

The Verdict: Great signing

With Alex Neil’s side preparing for life in the Championship, the 22-year-old’s arrival would add second tier experience to the Black Cats’ back-line.

Having already made ten international appearances for Northern Ireland, the defender is clearly highly rated, yet he has never been given a chance with Arsenal’s first-team, perhaps explaining why he is so keen to get out and impress.

Dubbed a ‘huge talent’ by Northern Irish press, the former Millwall loanee looks to be a brilliant signing for Sunderland.

Aston Villa have made Rangers defender Calvin Bassey a priority defensive target, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

The Lowdown: Closing in

Villa have been extremely busy when it comes to summer signings ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge. The club are reportedly willing to spend over £150m and have already made Philippe Coutinho’s loan move permanent.

Deals for Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos have also been agreed and reports in recent days have stated that NSWE are now closing in on a move for Rangers defender Bassey.

The Latest: Bassey a top target

Sky Sports reporter Dorsett provided an update on the club’s transfer plans on Tuesday morning. He stated that Gerrard wants more after Coutinho, Kamara and Carlos, adding that Bassey is a ‘key’ target.

James Tarkowski is also name-checked in the report, however, Villa correspondent Gregg Evans has claimed that a move to the Midlands is unlikely.

The Verdict: Get it done

Bassey starred in Scotland last season, turning out as a centre-back and a left-back, two areas that could do with bolstering at Villa Park.

Providing Ashley Young and Matt Targett leave over the coming months, Lucas Digne will be the only senior left-back available to Gerrard, so Bassey would provide adequate cover.

He’d also challenge for a starting spot at centre-back, where he impressed in the Europa League final, and who knows, he could form a solid partnership with Carlos, providing a move goes through.

In other news: Villa may now move for another Rangers star after Bassey; Gerrard loves him – transfer insider.