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A return to Rangers would be too good to turn down for Billy Gilmour, according to BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton. 

The Lowdown: Lacklustre 

Given the expectations surrounding a player with Gilmour’s potential, the 21-year-old’s spell in England has been lacklustre to say the least. 

Having made the jump from the Rangers reserves to Chelsea, he successfully navigated his way to the first team but could not progress any further. 

A failed loan spell at Norwich City did the starlet no favours, whilst a shock summer switch to Brighton has not worked out as of yet either.

The Latest: Gilmour’s return

Rather than being shipped out on loan to yet another Premier League side, Hutton believes Gilmour would benefit by spending time in a different league, specifically back at Rangers. 

Asked whether the 21-year-old could be persuaded to make a return to Scotland, Hutton told Football Insider: “I do not think you turn anything down.

“I think he will have to think about where his career is going at this moment in time. It has been difficult for him. He is an excellent player, he is still very young.

“It did not work at Chelsea, going to Brighton he has not had much game time so he needs to do what is best for him moving forward and that is playing football.

“There is no point in him leaving on loan to go to another Prem team. The opportunity to come back home, play in a top team in front of 50,000 every other week could be a good opportunity for him to shine and show everybody how good he is.“

The Verdict: Gilmour’s got to go

Scotland international Gilmour has made just four appearances in the Premier League since his surprise permanent switch to Brighton, and whilst you can blame a manager switch to some extent, former boss Graham Potter did not start him either. 

At this stage in his career, minutes are vital, so to have played 13 minutes in the league is a worrying sign.

This is now a second team to not feel he is ready to impact them as a starting player, which suggests that the starlet should look for an opportunity elsewhere. 

A move back to the familiarity of Scotland could do £2m-per-year Gilmour wonders, particularly at his boyhood club, though a pay cut would surely be required.

Arsenal are eyeing a swoop for a midfielder who has begun the World Cup in excellent fashion…

What’s the news?

The North London side are eying a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot according to Calciomercato as they join the race for the Frenchman, with fellow Premier League side Chelsea also keen on adding him to their squad.

His contract expires at the end of the season and he has played 16 times this term, however, the Serie A side want him off the wage bill to free up room for other signings.

Mikel Arteta could force the Italian side’s hand and offer a low fee in the hope it will get accepted so he can join ahead of what will be a crucial second half of the season for Arsenal.

Ideal Danilo alternative

Arteta has been an admirer of the Brazilian midfielder Danilo since the summer, having a bid of €25m (£21m) turned down on deadline day according to journalist Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness) as Palmeiras slapped a price tag of €35m (£30m) on the player.

It remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal will improve their offer for Danilo, however, Rabiot might be a cheaper alternative, with Juventus unlikely to demand £30m for a player who is out of contract in the summer.

The £148k-per-week midfielder has returned to some form this season, particularly in Serie A, where he has received a SofaScore rating of 7.29/10 while chipping in with five-goal contributions (three goals and two assists).

The 27-year-old was called up for the French World Cup squad and he started in their opening match against Australia, shining in a 4-1 victory.

SofaScore ranked him second in the French side with his rating of 8.5/10 and the midfielder contributed by scoring, providing an assist, and making one key pass throughout the match.

Rabiot completed 90% of his attempted passes while taking 80 touches of the ball, refusing to panic when France conceded an early goal and his energy and work rate allowed them to eventually blow away Australia.

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst once described him as a “cracking midfielder”, whilst he was also dubbed “the world’s best midfielder” by Scott Saunders following his display against the Aussies and Arteta would be signing a player who has the ability to excel at the highest level.

Danilo might be an excellent talent for the future, and Arteta may revisit this move in the summer, but the experience of Rabiot – who has won seven league titles in his career – might be pivotal as Arsenal chase their first title since 2003/2004.

Glasgow Rangers delivered their most impressive performance of the domestic campaign on Saturday, thrashing Aberdeen 4-1, although the scoreline should have been more impressive for Giovanni van Brockhorst’s side.

Rangers had a total of 36 shots during the match, and with a bit more composure, they may have scored a lot more.

Kemar Roofe, the Light Blues perennially injured forward, would have had a field day with the chances the club squandered, however, he was ruled out by van Bronckhorst after just making his first appearance against Dundee on October 19.

This fresh injury concern will give the Dutchman a headache as to what he does with the player going forward, as he is no use on the treatment table while earning a luscious £26k-per-week.

Van Bronckhorst must ditch Roofe

The 29-year-old signed for the club under former manager Steven Gerrard and he even dubbed his wonder goal against Standard Liege, where he scored from his own half in monsoon conditions, as “unbelievable”.

That first season, Roofe was certainly unbelievable as he scored 18 goals while the Ibrox side claimed their first Premiership crown in a decade. He was arguably one of Gerrard’s most important signings that season, with the player adding an extra dimension to the club’s attack as the former boss compared him to a “Duracell bunny” for his relentless energy.

Another 16 goals followed last season, which ended with Rangers winning the Scottish Cup and reaching the Europa League final, however, his injury niggles began to take their toll.

Over the course of his stint in Glasgow, Roofe has missed a grand total of 56 matches and with the signs looking good for a comeback with his cameos in the last two matches, it was another blow that he is set to miss the next few weeks.

It was perhaps inevitable, especially with his record, but the club’s Dutch coach must be getting fed up with the constant issues that are threatening his spell at Rangers.

His contract doesn’t expire until 2024, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he will depart long before then.

There is no doubting his ability, and when he came off the bench against both Dundee and Livingston recently, he showed glimpses of just what he can offer. But these are too few and far between, unfortunately.

The Dutchman can free up some space on the wage bill by ruthlessly getting rid of Roofe, and while it might not be the most popular decision, it feels like the correct one.

Aston Villa, being the illustrious club they are, have tempted plenty of high-profile talent to the Midlands over the years.

The proud winner of seven English titles, one European cup and numerous domestic trophies, it made their relegation in 2016 all the more shocking.

Especially considering how it came just seven years after they nearly signed one of the best midfielders of this generation.

Back in 2009, Wesley Sneijder was coming off the back of an underwhelming season for Real Madrid where he had scored just twice. The financially-troubled Spanish club saw him as a profitable asset that they could afford to lose and slapped a £20m price tag on the Dutchman.

With Inter Milan refusing to stump up the cash, the Daily Mail reported Villa as the favourite for his signature with Martin O’Neill in charge.

However, as we all know he did eventually make the move to Italy, for a fee of around £15m.

It was at La Beneamata where he truly began to shine, as he played an integral role in their sensational treble-winning season.

He would score eight and assist 15 across all three competitions that they won, and also provided an assist to Diego Milito for his opener in the Champions League final. This campaign also saw him awarded Midfielder of the Year.

His sensational season wasn’t done there, however, as he played nearly every minute in his country’s run to the World Cup final.

His illustrious career that ended with plenty of silverware led Roberto Mancini to dub him a “champion and a fantastic player.”

The 38-year-old would go on to excel at almost every club he played for, with particularly outstanding performances for Galatasaray. He scored 45 times and assisted 44 in 175 games for the Turkish giants before eventually retiring in 2019 at Qatari club Al-Gharafa.

He still holds the record for most caps for the Netherlands, with an astounding 134.

Sneijder will likely always be remembered as one of the classiest yet deadly midfielders of the era, with journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray labelling him a “legend” in 2018.

Whilst he was winning numerous trophies, Villa are yet to win one major honour since and have suffered a spell in the Championship too.

Had they just forked out the asking price in 2009, perhaps he could have been the catalyst to spurring them on to all kinds of success, instead of the mediocrity they have suffered through.

Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a move for Bristol City striker Tommy Conway in the January transfer window and it could see Steve Parish repeat some previous transfer masterclasses.

According to Football League World, the Eagles are keen on signing both Conway and Antoine Semenyo from the Robins in January, with the report claiming that Conway could be sent back on loan to the Ashton Gate outfit in order to continue his development.

The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene this season with the Championship outfit, contributing seven goals and three assists in 16 appearances for Bristol City, having only managed one goal and one assist in 11 previous appearances.

Conway mainly features as a centre-forward and would likely challenge Odsonne Edouard and Jean Philippe-Mateta for a starting spot in Patrick Vieira’s side in the future, with his goalscoring record so far this season suggesting that he could be a more clinical option than the two Frenchman currently in Palace’s attack.

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson was full of praise for Conway after he scored a brace in their 4-1 win over Coventry City earlier in the season, saying:

“He will probably be disappointed he didn’t get a hat-trick. But that’s what you want, you want ambitious players.

“He is a youngster, very hungry for success and he works exceptionally hard at his game and on a physical and psychological level he has made great strides over the last 12 months.”

Palace chairman Parish has seen his side have a lot of success in bringing in players after impressing in the Championship in recent seasons, with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise both starring in Vieira’s side after arriving from QPR and Reading respectively.

The Eagles also took a gamble on Marc Guehi after he flourished in the second tier on loan with Swansea City and he has established himself as a full England international since his switch to Selhurst Park, so there is clearly a lot of talent to be found in the Championship.

If Conway can continue his impressive start to the season and earn a move to Palace in January, there seems little reason why he can’t go on to be similarly successful for the Eagles in the Premier League, so it could prove to be another masterclass by looking to England’s lower divisions for new signings.

Liverpool are preparing to make an offer for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Long-term vision

The Reds signed Arthur Melo from Juventus on a season-long loan over the summer to provide cover for the ongoing injury crisis, but now it seems like the club are thinking ahead with a view to the long term.

The 21-year-old Gomes has impressed for the Brazilian giants since nailing down a starting place in Dorival Junior’s side, and this has caught the eye of a potential Premier League suitor, with the Anfield outfit name-checked.

The Latest: Liverpool readying Gomes offer

According to journalist Julio Miguel Neto (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are ‘preparing’ a bid for Gomes, and are ‘interested’ in signing him during the upcoming window.

It’s reported that Jurgen Klopp has been watching his target ‘for some time’, and ‘wants him in the squad’ for the second half of the 2022/23 season.

The Verdict: Bellingham stop-gap?

Liverpool are already believed to be plotting a big-money move for Jude Bellingham next summer, but that doesn’t appear to have stopped them from wanting to splash the cash on other assets before then.

Gomes, dubbed a ‘midfield destroyer’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, currently averages 3.1 tackles per Brazilian Serie A game and has an 87.2% pass success rate (WhoScored), highlighting his ability to dictate a game in a similar manner to Reds star Fabinho.

Given his young age, it’s likely that Gomes wouldn’t be thrown straight into the starting XI, but similarly to Fabio Carvalho, provides an exciting, more youthful option for the boss to have at his disposal.

Liverpool and Chelsea both made moves to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Bellingham a wanted man

The 19-year-old is arguably one of the most sought-after young players in world football currently, his £72m Transfermarkt value the joint-highest of any teenager in the sport.

Bellingham has been constantly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, with those links showing no sign of letting up, although for now he has remained for Dortmund for another season ahead of a possible exit next year.

Romano has since made an interesting claim regarding the Reds’ pursuit of the midfielder in recent weeks.

The Latest: Romano makes Bellingham claim

Speaking to Caught Offside, the Italian claimed that both Liverpool and Chelsea attempted to sign Bellingham this summer, but to no avail.

Dortmund had never considered allowing the England international to depart, but Romano expects that numerous clubs will be in the race to sign the youngster next summer, if his current employers sanction a departure.

The Premier League duo’s attentions will duly turn to snapping up Bellingham in 2023, in what could be a fierce battle for his signature.

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

The Verdict: Matter of time?

Liverpool and Bellingham feels like a match made in heaven, given the Reds’ current midfield travails; and while it won’t be easy for the Merseyside club to get him next summer given that it may require a nine-figure transfer fee, they ought to be in a strong position to acquire his signature considering their success under a former Dortmund manager in Jurgen Klopp.

The teenager is an all-round midfield colossus who possesses a strong physique, technical brilliance and versatility, having been described as ‘fantastic’ by Jordan Henderson.

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At the age of 19, he already ranks in the top 5% among midfielders in Europe’s major leagues for assists, dribbles, touches in the opposition penalty area and progressive passes received, marking him out as someone who constantly seeks to get on the ball and make an impact in the final third.

Bellingham would not only be a long-term signing but also a key player straight away, ironically likely to take Henderson’s place in the team and forging great relationships with the likes of Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott. He must be Liverpool’s main transfer target at the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur could still make a move for Adama Traore, who they remain interested in…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, who delivered an update on the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger to ‘The PreMatch Podcast’.

“Tottenham still one of the teams looking at Adama Traore,” he said.

“Adama Traore still sat on the shelf there.

“I think a Chelsea or Tottenham if they still need a right-back, I think one of the two might take a little chance on Adama”

The Spain international is thought to be available for as little as £10m this transfer window.

Better than Emerson?

Spurs have started the season unbeaten with two wins and one draw but after firing four goals against Southampton on the opening day, they are yet to match such goalscoring feats in either of their last two outings.

For Antonio Conte, it’s important that his wing-backs provide the creativity in the side, particularly as there’s a lack of a no.10 in the current system.

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He’ll, therefore, be concerned to learn that his right-sided option, Emerson Royal, has completed just one successful cross from 11 attempts thus far. Meanwhile, on the other flank, Ivan Perisic has already provided two assists from just 111 minutes of action.

Last season, the Brazilian was even dubbed “horrendous” by ex-Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate.

In Traore, Conte could be getting a far greater attacking threat, given his physical presence and dribbling ability – as per FBref, Traore ranks inside the top 1% of his positional peers across Europe for dribbles completed (5.01 per 90), as well as the top 4% for progressive carries (10.37) per 90, via FBref.

Once dubbed a “monster” by Southampton striker Che Adams and an “animal” by his former manager at Barcelona, Xavi, it’s clear that the Wolves powerhouse has unique attributes that someone like Emerson is lacking.

Traore is also averaging more shot-creating actions (3.72 per 90) than the current Spurs first-choice (1.86 per 90), so that only further highlights how he’d be an instant upgrade in the role, should he be willing to start at wing-back rather than in the attack.

The Lilywhites could seal their manager a far better option in a bargain £10m swoop for the Spaniard and with less than ten days left in the window, he must act fast to secure a player that Fabio “Paratici is a huge fan” of.

AND in other news, Spurs struggle to ditch £32m dud who’s “so average”, he could be Levy’s next Ndombele…

Leeds United could soon launch a move for Philipp Max…

What’s the word?

According to Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness), the Whites have identified the PSV Eindhoven left-back as a target for this summer’s transfer window and it’s thought that they have already tabled an €8m (£6.7m) offer.

The 28-year-old is viewed as a crucial starter for the Eredivisie outfit with Mauro Junior currently absent through injury, so as per Eindhovens Dagblad, there’s no certainty that he will be sold before September 1st.

Other unnamed clubs are said to be interested, though the German is under contract for another two years and is currently valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt.

Bye-bye Junior Firpo?

A new left-back is thought to be among the priorities at Elland Road after Junior Firpo suffered an injury during pre-season that will see him miss the opening few weeks of the new campaign, with Stuart Dallas also on the treatment table.

Although, any new addition in this role has the chance to usurp the former Barcelona man as he hasn’t been up to scratch since Marcelo Bielsa secured his move to west Yorkshire last summer.

Summed up perfectly by the Mirror’s David Anderson, Firpo has been something of a “liability” to manager Jesse Marsch and his side.

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“All he seems to do is get booked all the time. I think he’s up to 10 yellow cards or something. You don’t expect that from a player coming from Barcelona; you expect a bit of class, a bit of maturity, a bit of leadership, and he’s provided none of that, really,” he said to GIVEMESPORT.

Max could well be a worthy upgrade on the left flank.

Not only has he amassed fewer yellow cards (eight) than Firpo (11) over his 91-game PSV career so far, but he has also proven to be a big threat in the final third, where he has delivered eight goals and a whopping 18 assists, averaging one goal contribution every 284 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

An average of 1.8 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 0.7 clearances per game last season, via WhoScored, also suggests he’s equally adept when it comes to defensive contributions seemingly making him the perfect fit for Marsch’s system at Elland Road.

“Philipp is a real asset. He’s so dangerous in the forward areas,” once claimed his former Augsburg coach, Martin Schmidt.

Having already signed six players this off-season director of football Victor Orta must look to make Max his seventh signing as on the above evidence, he would add a lot more to the club than Firpo, who has been a bit of a flop thus far.

If signed, the ex-Barca man may well struggle to regain his place, due to the obvious credentials that the PSV star has.

AND in other news, Orta could unearth the next Bellingham as Leeds plot bid for “explosive” talent…

West Ham United are believed to be edging ever closer to landing Chelsea youngster, Armando Broja…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are nearing an agreement with the Albanian striker regarding personal terms, while discussions are also said to be “ongoing” with the Blues.

Writing on Twitter about the 20-year-old, the respected insider stated: “Armando Broja will clarify his future very soon. West Ham are really close to reaching an agreement with Broja on personal terms, talks ongoing with Chelsea.

“There are many clubs interested – Chelsea, on it. Broja’s on his way back to England as @AdamNewson reports.”

Romano put out a later update, sharing the following: “Details of the official bid submitted by West Ham for Broja: £30m total fee. Waiting for Chelsea answer, then buy back/future sale percentage will be discussed.”

As Romano hinted at above, the 14-cap gem has left his current side’s tour of the United States in order to return to England to get a deal over the line, having only belatedly joined up with Thomas Tuchel’s squad in the first place due to the rampant speculation over his future.

Recent reports have suggested that the Slough-born starlet – who is also believed to be attracting attention from Frank Lampard’s Everton – could be set to move to the London Stadium on a loan deal, having previously been linked with a £30m permanent switch.

Supporters will be buzzing

Supporters will undoubtedly be buzzing to hear that the deal is heading in the right direction, having perhaps been somewhat concerned when the £8.5k-per-week menace had linked up with his fellow teammates on tour, following the lack of movement regarding a departure.

A new centre-forward addition has been a necessity for manager David Moyes this summer due to the ongoing burden on current number nine, Michail Antonio, with the Jamaica international the only, recognised senior striker in the squad at present.

The 32-year-old – who is the club’s highest scorer in Premier League history – has gone from something of a makeshift stand-in to a real, genuine goalscoring threat in attack, having netted ten goals in each of the past three top-flight campaigns.

That being said, he endured a particularly dry spell in the second half of last term, scoring just three league goals in 2022, with Moyes and co also perhaps paying the price in Europe for their lack of a genuine alternative.

The former Nottingham Forest man has himself admitted that the Irons are in need of striking competition to help carry the workload, having been without a direct rival since Sebastian Haller’s departure for Ajax 18 months ago.

In Broja then, GSB will be adding a young and hungry asset who has proven his credentials in the top tier, notably netting nine goals in all competitions while on loan at Southampton last season, including bagging six goals in the league.

Although the east Londoners have a long-running tradition for making failed, centre-forward signings, the hope will be that the £19.8m-rated brute can buck the trend, having shown promising glimpses of his talent under Ralph Hasenhuttl in the 2021/22 campaign.

If he can replicate and build upon that form under Moyes next season, then supporters will no doubt be in for a real treat.

AND in other news, Contact made: Moyes can unearth a new sensation as West Ham move for “complete” £39m target