Tottenham are working on other targets amid the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

Thomas Frank will be hoping for a conclusion to the drama fairly soon, given the England international was scheduled to undergo a Hotspur Way medical eight days ago before Forest ultimately blocked the transfer.

Player's camp in talks with Tottenham, Frank convinced he'd join Spurs

The Dane is personally confident they can secure his signature.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

They’ve written a letter to both Spurs and the player’s agent threatening legal action, following what they deem to be an unlawful approach for the 25-year-old, and this has put an unceremonious halt to Gibbs-White’s north London switch (Sky Sports).

Nevertheless, Tottenham remain hopeful they’ll eventually get the green-light to make Gibbs-White their fourth signing of the summer after Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus (Fabrizio Romano), even if Forest insist he’s not going anywhere (Sky Sports).

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Chairman Daniel Levy was ready to trigger Gibbs-White’s ‘confidential’ £60 million release clause before Forest stepped in, and they’re not looking for a ‘quick resolution’.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out from here,” said BBC Radio Nottingham’s Colin Fray.

“Most thought it would be ironed out and the transfer go through. Not many were expecting him back at training and here he is. That is another twist in the story.

“Forest have set their stall out that they aren’t looking for a quick resolution. They want to keep him.”

Amid this messy situation, the Lilywhites do have other plans they’re looking to see through before deadline day on September 1.

Tottenham reportedly want a new holding midfielder and number six. Talks have reportedly been held with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha’s representatives, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, and it is believed by some that Juventus ace Douglas Luiz is keen on a move to Spurs – just one year after his switch to Turin from Aston Villa.

As well as this, a new centre-back is on the agenda, and Ukraine international Illia Zabarnyi is re-emerging as a top target.

Tottenham ready to pay £60m-plus for Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi

As per Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, via his official website, Tottenham are actively trying for Zabarnyi, despite his eagerness to join European champions PSG.

Di Marzio also reports that Tottenham are ready to pay north of £60 million for Zabarnyi, the amount “requested” by Bournemouth, if they’re given encouragement that the 22-year-old will forego a switch to France in favour of N17.

PSG have seen multiple bids rejected for Zabarnyi, worth up to £52 million, and they’re yet to return with an improved offer. Given Spurs are prepared to go higher and meet Zabarnyi’s asking price, this could open the door for Frank’s side, but it will hinge on the player’s own decision.

The defender has been a rock at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence and played a key role in their chase for European football last season.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

The security assessment became necessary because of the political turmoil in Bangladesh in July-August

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Sep-2024

The last time South Africa and Bangladesh faced each other in a Test series was in 2022•AFP/Getty Images

South Africa’s two-Test series in Bangladesh will be played on schedule, with CSA okaying the tour following a security assessment by its experts. The first Test will be played from October 21-25 in Dhaka, and the second in Chattogram from October 29 to November 2.A CSA statement on Monday said that it had given the tour the go-ahead after “an in-loco inspection” on the part of the board’s operations manager, team security manager, safety and security consultant, and a representative of the South African Cricketers’ Association, who submitted their recommendations to the board after visiting Bangladesh last week.South Africa will reach Dhaka on October 16. The squad for the series is expected later on Monday.Bangladesh vs South Africa

Oct 21-25: 1st Test, Dhaka
Oct 29 to Nov 2: 2nd Test, Chattogram

South Africa’s concerns about the security situation in Bangladesh were because of the anti-government protests in the country in July-August, which led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, and, later, the women’s T20 World Cup moving out of the country to the UAE.CSA sources had told ESPNcricinfo earlier this month that they had been told the situation in Bangladesh had “settled”, but the tour wouldn’t go on if any risks were identified in the security assessments.South Africa only have six Test matches left in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. They have already played six games, having won two, lost three, and drawn one. They are currently sixth on the points table, and need to win at least five of their remaining games to have a chance of qualifying for next year’s final at Lord’s. All six of their series in this cycle have been limited to two Tests, as CSA prioritised the launch of the SA20, their domestic T20 franchise competition, and cost-cutting.The last time South Africa and Bangladesh had faced each other in a Test series was in South Africa in March-April 2022. South Africa’s white-ball squads are currently in the UAE to take on Ireland.

Aaron Hardie claimed two wickets in two balls while Josh Hazlewood also impressed on return

Andrew McGlashan21-Sep-2024Mitchell Starc made a dramatic entrance to the ODI series with a searing inswinging yorker to England captain Harry Brook, after Alex Carey had produced a match-changing innings as Australia, strengthened by the return of key names, went 2-0 up in the series with a convincing 68-run victory at Headingley.Starc’s brilliant set-up of Brook, which he capped off with a wicked delivery that thundered into his pad as he was beaten for pace, added to England’s early problems in a chase of 271 after Carey’s 74 provided crucial late runs to a curious Australia innings. A short while later the home side were 65 for 5 when Aaron Hardie claimed two wickets in two balls, including a brilliant caught-and-bowled to remove the in-form Ben Duckett, to leave them with a mountain to climb.Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell stopped the bleeding with a stand of 55 before Bethell somehow managed to skew a short, wide long hop from Glenn Maxwell to backward point. The game was just about done when Smith clipped Josh Hazlewood to midwicket for a very neat 49 although England’s lower order showed there were few demons in the surface.Australia had been bowled out with more than five overs remaining, having been nine-down in the 37th over before a last-wicket stand of 49 between Carey, only playing due to Josh Inglis’ quad injury, and Hazlewood. But with the visitors having welcomed back Hazlewood and Starc from illness, it still felt as though it would be a considerable test of an England side still trying to reestablish their one-day credentials. The Test duo would finish with five between them.Hazlewood landed the ball on a handkerchief to give Phil Salt a working over – a tough chance was put down at second slip by Matt Short – and it was little surprise when Salt slashed an edge to Carey. In the next over Will Jacks drove expansively outside off stump against Starc and this time Short held on safely in the cordon.Starc, playing his first game since the T20 World Cup in June, then produced a classy over against Brook, barring a delivery on the pads that was clipped for four, probing away across the right-hander before going fuller, straighter and with sharp inswing to have Brook trapped in front of leg stump.Alex Carey pulls during his fighting half-century•AFP/Getty ImagesDuckett had again played well, scooping Hazlewood over the keeper and sending a bottom-handed whip over the leg side for six, but toe-ended a slower ball to the left of Hardie who took a spectacular catch low to his left. Next ball Liam Livingstone glanced a leg-side delivery to Carey who took an excellent grab to his left and England’s frontline batting was nearly done.In the first half of the game, Australia were not as dominant with the bat as they had been at Trent Bridge. Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne took them to 145 for 3 when Bethell and Adil Rashid, who claimed his 200th ODI wicket, took three quick wickets with another mini-collapse following a stand of 55 between Carey and Hardie.But Carey, who had been welcomed to the crease by a crowd needlessly reminding him of events last year, played smartly as he took singles late in an over to protect Hazlewood – who contributed just four to the stand – while exploiting boundary opportunities including handsome off-side sixes against Potts and Olly Stone.There had been movement for England’s new-ball attack, particularly Stone who was impressive after being recalled for the rested Jofra Archer, but Travis Head was just starting to move through his gears when he picked out deep backward square with a whip-pull off his hip. In his second spell, Potts nipped the ball both ways: movement away found Short’s edge then a peach of a delivery zipped back to take Smith’s off stump.Marsh and Labuschagne went about their task carefully and the run-rate slowed. They had to combat some sharp spin from Rashid, but Marsh flicked a switch with two sixes in three balls off the struggling Carse, the first a huge pull deep into the Western Terrace to take him to a 47-ball fifty and the second coming from a free hit after Carse overstepped.Adil Rashid claimed his 200th ODI wicket when he removed Glenn Maxwell•Getty ImagesThen, much as it did for Australia two days ago, spin made an impact. Labuschagne spliced a pull against Bethell to mid-on and Marsh missed a sweep to give the left-armer his second. Maxwell pummeled his first ball from Bethell for six but picked out deep midwicket while attempting a repeat to hand Rashid his 200th ODI wicket.Carey and Hardie played positively as they took advantage of Brook’s decision to squeeze out some extra overs of spin, with Livingstone and Jacks going for 34 in three between them. A curious innings involved another twist when Carse’s day took a turn for the better. Recalled to the attack, he removed Hardie first ball with a pull spliced to midwicket and next delivery had Starc flicking into the leg side.When Adam Zampa carved Rashid to point it appeared the innings was on the brink of a very early finish but the final-wicket stand, coupled with Australia’s start with the ball, put a very different complexion on the game.

As Everton get their pre-season underway, The Friedkin Group are reportedly preparing a £35m proposal to welcome another key reinforcement for David Moyes and his side.

Everton commence Hill Dickinson era

A new era is officially underway at Everton after they squared off against Port Vale in their first-ever game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In many ways it was, of course, an insignificant game. But it will have its place in history and so will Carlos Alcaraz for scoring the first-ever goal for Everton men’s at their impressive new ground.

After sealing a 2-1 victory against their latest pre-season opponents, Everton will now travel to the USA to take part in the Premier League Summer Series. It’s there that they will square off against Bournemouth, West Ham United and Manchester United in three tough tests to hand them a glimpse of what could be to come next season.

It’s not just pre-season that those in Merseyside should be concerning themselves with between now and next season, however. There’s also still plenty of work to be done on the transfer front.

Friedkin reportedly want to splash out as much as £150m this summer, having already welcomed Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Alcaraz to kick things off.

Eyeing a replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure, as well as another midfielder, plus a new right-back and right-winger, Everton have already reportedly set their sights on the likes of Douglas Luiz and James McAtee.

The latter would be a particularly impressive signing, given how he still starred for Manchester City last season even in the face of little game time. The last time that City sold such a prospect, it was Chelsea who benefited and Cole Palmer who thrived. Now, the Toffees could be next in line.

Before then, though, Friedkin are seemingly planning to turn their focus towards an impressive La Liga star.

Everton preparing Takefusa Kubo offer

According to reports in Spain, Everton are now preparing a formal €40m (£35m) offer to sign Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad this summer. The Japan international has enjoyed a standout spell at Sociedad at times in the last three years, having swapped Real Madrid for the chance to become the star that he is today in 2022.

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Now, the Premier League could be calling and Everton could yet make an impressive statement. Once a Liverpool target, Kubo may come back to haunt those at Anfield at the opposite end of Merseyside next season.

Previously dubbed “amazing” for his form by scout Jacek Kulig, Kubo is still just 24 years old and still has plenty more to come. There’s no doubt that he’d also be an instant upgrade on Jack Harrison.

Minutes

2,372

2,076

Goals

5

1

Assists

0

0

Key Passes

45

33

Alongside Barry, Kubo’s arrival would continue the much-needed attacking changes taking place at Everton this summer, as they step into a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton have made contact with another Premier League club over the signing of a £25m-rated youngster, according to a new transfer update.

Everton targeting attacking reinforcements

A new era is on the horizon for the Blues, with life at their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium beginning next month, hopefully heralding the beginning of a more positive period in the club’s great history.

New signings are vital if David Moyes’ Everton side are to kick on in 2025/26, however, and plenty of players are being linked with moves, including Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson. It is claimed that he would love the chance to remain in the Premier League, following his relegation to the Championship back in May.

The Blues are also believed to have held talks with Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz over a summer switch to Merseyside, which could be a fantastic piece of business. The Brazilian was a huge hit at Aston Villa, so Moyes doesn’t have to worry about him adjusting to the pace and power of the Premier League.

It is clear that extra attacking quality is needed at Everton, especially following the departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and now a hugely talented young player has been revealed as a target.

Everton make contact for McAtee signing

According to a new report from The i Paper, there “has been dialogue” between Everton and Manchester City over a summer move for James McAtee.

The Englishman is valued at £25m and Moyes is said to be a “big admirer”, with the attacking midfielder fresh off the back of European Championship glory with England’s Under-21s.

This feels like it could be a perfect move for everyone concerned, allowing McAtee to be a regular starter away from City, and getting him off their wage bill in the process.

The 22-year-old is too talented to be warming the substitutes’ bench most weeks, and he showed his quality at the aforementioned recent Euros, scoring once and helping Lee Carsley’s side go all the way in the tournament.

Meanwhile, former Sheffeld United striker Carl Asaba has even compared him to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, saying: “He’s a bonus player in that he plays midfield and you have an extra number in there but then he can just attack. He’s like Odegaard. You play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out because he can go past you like you’re not there.”

There are few negatives to Everton signing McAtee, with his price tag far from extortionate, and the fact that Moyes rates him highly can also only be a good thing.

Ndiaye 2.0 for Moyes: £35m star 'would love' to sign for Everton

David Moyes is looking to sign another attacking player this summer at Everton.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 8, 2025

The City youngster would add much-needed guile in the No.10 role, scoring and creating at will, and he could grow into an elite footballer as the years pass.

Manchester United are now in talks over swapping Jadon Sancho for a “superstar”, in a deal that could suit all parties, according to a report.

Sancho set to leave Man Utd this summer

One way or another, Sancho will almost certainly leave Man United this summer, having originally been meant to join Chelsea in a £25m deal, before the Blues opted to pay a £5m penalty fee rather than sign the winger on a permanent basis.

The 25-year-old flattered to deceive at Stamford Bridge, picking up just three goals and five assists in the Premier League, and the former Borussia Dortmund man could now look to move abroad again, in order to get his career back on track.

United are considering selling Sancho for a cut-price fee of just £15m this summer, amid interest from Serie A giants Juventus, who are tempted to make a move, and the Englishman is prepared to take a big wage cut to seal an exit.

Man Utd set to make £34m bid for "immense" star who Amorim thinks is ideal

The Red Devils plan to make a proposal to sign a defender, with Ruben Amorim believed to be a keen admirer.

ByDominic Lund Jul 9, 2025

However, the two clubs may also be able to orchestrate a deal of a different nature, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Man United are in active talks over a swap deal, which would see Dusan Vlahovic arrive at Old Trafford.

Juventus are willing to sanction Vlahovic’s departure this summer, given his astronomical £320k-a-week and £16.7m-a-year salary, leading to interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also considering moves.

Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also keen, but the striker has rejected approaches and would rather stay in Europe at this stage of his career, meaning a swap deal for Sancho could be suitable for all parties.

"Superstar" Vlahovic could reignite career at Old Trafford

Much like Sancho, the Serbian showed some very promising signs early on in his career, before never really managing to kick on, having failed to improve on the Serie A goal tally of 24 that he achieved with Fiorentina and Juventus in the 2021-22 campaign.

Season

Serie A appearances

Goals

2020-21

37

21

2021-22

36

24

2022-23

27

10

2023-24

33

16

2024-25

29

10

Ten league goals per season isn’t enough to justify the centre-forward’s massive wages, so it is no surprise that Juventus are looking to get him off the books, but the 25-year-old could be a solid acquisition if he is able to rediscover his previous form.

Man United need a striker, with Rasmus Hojlund flattering to deceive once again last season, and Vlahovic has displayed a keen eye for goal in the past, while it would also be a relief to get Sancho off the books.

Everton’s summer rebuild is picking up pace, and midfield is a clear area of focus.

With the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Ashley Young all leaving at the end of their contracts, the Blues are working to refresh their squad ahead of the new campaign.

David Moyes has been handed greater transfer flexibility under the Friedkin Group’s ownership, and while Everton will not spend extravagantly, they are being bold.

One of the names linked in recent weeks is John McGinn, who could leave Aston Villa after an impressive campaign that saw Unai Emery’s side reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

The 30-year-old Scotland international made 49 appearances in all competitions last season, tallying four goals and six assists, and remains a respected leader at the Midlands club.

On paper, McGinn offers experience, work rate, and a level of maturity that Everton’s midfield currently lacks. While he might seem like the safe choice, the club’s recruitment team appear to be targeting a player with greater quality and long-term upside.

A midfielder with a proven Premier League track record, a broader skill set, and the potential to immediately lift the technical standard at Goodison Park.

Everton targeting a midfield upgrade

According to journalist Gianni Balzarini, the club are exploring a deal for Douglas Luiz, who is expected to leave Juventus after a torrid time in Turin.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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As per Balzarini, Luiz’s agent is currently in England and “touring English clubs”, albeit with the Toffees said to be the frontrunners in the hotly-contested race:

“Everton has an advantage over other teams. There’s a feeling that the deal could be concluded soon.”

The 26-year-old joined the Italian giants from Aston Villa in a €50m (£42m) deal last summer but failed to register a goal or assist across 27 appearances and missed 20 games due to injuries.

After failing to report for the first day of pre-season, Juventus are now prepared to offload the Brazilian for a fee in the region of €40m (£34m). Despite his underwhelming stint in Serie A, there is no doubt about Luiz’s pedigree.

His five-year spell in the Premier League with Villa made him one of the most highly rated central midfielders in the division – a player equally capable of controlling tempo, breaking up play, and progressing the ball up the pitch.

Statman Dave once described him as an “engine in midfield,” and his numbers back that up.

Why Luiz can bring more to Everton’s midfield

When compared with McGinn, Luiz comes out on top in almost every key metric from their respective most recent seasons in the Premier League.

According to FBref, Luiz completed passes at a higher rate (85.7% vs. 81.9%), created more shots per 90 (3.52 vs. 3.08), and registered more tackles (1.74 vs. 1.34), blocks (0.96 vs. 0.89), and defensive interventions in the middle third (0.81 vs. 0.57).

He combines technical security with defensive steel, offering balance and fluidity – qualities that Moyes’ midfield setup could sorely benefit from.

Crucially, Luiz’s best form came in the Premier League. This isn’t a case of betting on potential. At his peak, he was dictating midfield battles against some of the league’s best sides.

He also has youth on his side. At 27, he’s three years younger than McGinn and entering what should be the prime of his career, having already registered 38 goals and assists in 175 Premier League outings.

That would represent a coup for the Merseyside club, particularly in light of expected competition from elsewhere in the Premier League.

While Luiz struggled to establish himself under Igor Tudor and Thiago Motta at Juventus, the dip in form is being viewed as circumstantial rather than terminal.

Juventus’s systemic issues and tactical instability last season made it difficult for any one player to truly shine, a belief that is shared by legendary former coach, Fabio Capello:

From Everton’s perspective, this is an opportunity. Luiz is proven, hungry to re-establish himself, and potentially available at a cut-price. While McGinn would add fight and familiarity, Luiz offers control, versatility, and greater upside.

Midfield has long been a problem area for Everton. Despite Idrissa Gueye extending his contract, the club’s depth remains thin.

Luiz would bring a blend of technical precision and combativeness – the kind of profile capable of transforming the way Everton build play from the back and transition through midfield.

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If Everton can close a deal, they’ll not only have landed a better player than McGinn, they’ll have done so ahead of several top-flight rivals.

That would send a signal that under the Friedkin Group, Everton aren’t just surviving anymore, they’re planning to compete.

Related He's a dream for Barry: Everton open talks to sign £50m "superstar"

Everton initiate talks to sign LaLiga star in bold bid to strengthen attack

Posts ByWill Miller Jul 23, 2025

While he feels there are a few positives to playing at different venues, he took the example of how England and Australia have fixed Test centres

Alagappan Muthu01-Oct-20243:50

Ashwin: ‘I see Gill and Jaiswal as future pillars of Indian cricket’

In the aftermath of a match that forced India to play an extreme kind of Test cricket – scoring their first-innings runs at almost nine an over and declaring after 34.4 – to secure the result they wanted because of days lost to rain and poor drainage in Kanpur, there has been a heightened focus on whether Test match cricket in India needs to be held at only the major centres. R Ashwin weighed in on that debate on Monday at the end of play.”Firstly, what are the benefits that Indian cricketers has attained by having so many Test centres is you have got cricketers who come and play Test cricket from every nook and corner of this country,” he said. “It is a huge country and it has triggered that sort of urgency and that sort of passion amongst cricketers to be able to come and play for this country. That is a big positive.”The second is there are certain requisite ingredients that goes into making a Test match happen, like for the weather and the kind of drainage that we need to be able to invest on. These are no-brainers.Related

India beat the weather and the clock to sweep Bangladesh 2-0

Stats – India extend dominance at home, at breakneck speed

Rohit: 'We were ready to get bowled out for a low score if it meant forcing a result'

Bangladesh walked into India's trap and couldn't find a way out

“But having said all this, does it help a player if you have just a few Test centres? Most certainly it does. Because when we go to Australia, they play India only at five Test centres. They don’t play us at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. They don’t play us at any of the other venues where they won’t be very familiar with the conditions. So do England. They have certain select Test centres and that’s where they play. Some of those are only white-ball centres. Can we do it here? That’s above my pay grade. I cannot comment on that.”What Ashwin had strong words on was the quality of India’s bowling attack. No one took more than three wickets in either of the innings, but collectively, they bowled Bangladesh out in just 121.2 overs.”Each one of those bowlers that bowled along with me, alongside me, have the ability to hold on to a game, bowl with discipline and yet produce wicket-taking balls,” he said. “When we talk things like this, we have to be able to understand the finer nuances of the game to get what I am saying. It is not just their ability alone, it is also the belief of the entire team.R Ashwin finished the Test series with 11 wickets•BCCI”When Rohit [Sharma] says that you make 400 [to the batters], try and make a game out of it, it tells you that the captain believes the bowlers will get the job done. I believe in my bowlers. These bowlers have done it day in and day out. And they have the ability to pick 20 wickets. So, having that as one, you will encounter situations where batters do dominate against our bowling attack as well. It is only given in this game. But the bowling attack is quite special. And I really do hope that this legacy of bowling is taken forward.”India have the comfort of playing both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in Test matches at home. In less than two months, they’ll be flying to Australia where it is very likely that they’ll have to choose between the two of them. How do they cope with that situation?”It is very simple for me. If he plays, I will bad mouth him all day, all night,” Ashwin joked. “I have repeated this again and again. It doesn’t cross my head anymore at all. If he is the one that has to play, he is the one that has to play. I have complete faith and I have got his back when he goes out there to play. Going to another country, especially a country like Australia or England, and your team putting in an extraordinary performance and you winning a Test match, makes me an incredibly proud Indian. So, for me, [it’s about] putting a larger cause in front.”He is the second left-arm spinner to 300 wickets. I think he has got 3000 runs. These are no mean achievements. It is just that sometimes when you miss out, you feel you are missing out. And nobody likes missing out. But the fact is, India is blessed to have two bowlers who can play in the same spot and are good enough. So, it doesn’t cross my mind. It used to once upon a time. I might be lying if I said I didn’t because we all want to play. But it doesn’t anymore. Because the larger goal is at the forefront of my mind.”

Rangers’ busy summer of spending is seemingly set to continue.

So far, following Russell Martin’s appointment as manager at Ibrox, the Gers have brought in seven new recruits, most recently acquiring Djeidi Gassama for a reported fee of £2.2m.

Now though, they are targeting another winger, who might be even better, available on a free, having once been signed for a humongous £18m.

Rangers' looking to bolster their winger options

We’re just days away from the start of Rangers’ season, welcoming Panathinaikos to Ibrox on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie, before visiting Athens for the return leg a week later.

Despite coming in July, this could be a season-defining tie for the Light Blues so, given its importance, Martin might be concerned by the array of wingers available to him in a squad that was submitted to UEFA on Thursday.

Rangers’ current winger options

Players

Year joined

Rangers appearances

Rangers goals

Djiedi Gassama

2025

0

0

Nedim Bajrami

2024

44

5

Óscar Cortés

2024

18

1

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

First and foremost, Rabbi Matondo misses out due to injury, while Ross McCausland has not been included in the squad either, and it is not the most frightening list of wide-attackers you’ve ever seen, is it, even with the arrival of the exciting Gassama?

Ibrox News recently reported that Grady Diangana is likely to pass a medical, despite previous injury concerns, if the Gers decide to make a move for him, having made contact with the player’s representatives earlier this month.

The 27-year-old is a free agent, having left West Bromwich Albion following the expiration of his contract last month, after making over 200 appearances for the Baggies across six seasons.

Despite last Thursday’s deadline, Rangers can still add two players to their squad for the Panathinaikos tie up until 24 hours before kick off, so 7:45pm (BST) on Monday, so can they get this deal over the line in time?

How Grady Diangana will improve Rangers

Diangana, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by pundit Michael Brown, began his career at West Ham United, joining the Irons as a 12-year-old before debuting in September 2018, marking the occasion by scoring twice during an 8-0 EFL Cup demolition of Macclesfield Town.

He then spent the 2019/20 season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, before the deal was made permanent for £18m in September 2020, which remains the Baggies’ record fee.

This sparked outrage and furore in East London, with club captain Mark Noble stating that he was “gutted, angry and sad” to see Diangana sold, while then teammate Jack Wilshere labelled him a “big player with a big future”.

Well, he hasn’t quite lived up to that hype, scoring 26 goals and registering 22 assists in 202 appearances for West Brom, but writer Kai Watson still believes he is “talented” and a “good ball carrier”, while concluding he will represent an upgrade on Rangers’ current right-wing options.

Meantime, Steve Madeley of the Athletic asserts that he possesses ‘real ability’ and the ‘confidence to take defenders’, while Ricky Lee Griffiths of Breaking the Lines outlines how, given that he’s left-footed, Diangana likes to dribble inside from the right, making him a dangerous chance creator and a goal threat.

Now, though, how do his statistics compare to those of Gassama?

Let’s find out.

Grady Diangana vs Djeidi Gassama 24/25 Championship comparison

Statistics (per 90)

Diangana

Gassama

Appearances

34

43

Minutes

1,488

2,993

Goals

0.24

0.21

Assists

0.18

0.03

Shots

1.1

1.5

Chances created

1.1

1.2

Shot-creating actions

2.83

3.03

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.21

Take-on success %

47.7%

41%

Touches

57.2

44

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and Squawka

Worth noting that Diangana’s season was, somewhat, blighted by a calf injury, hence why he played around 1,500 fewer EFL Championship minutes than Gassama.

Nevertheless, on a per 90 basis, their statistics are largely very similar, with the DR Congo international coming out on top in terms of goals and assists, as well as take-on success percentage, goal-creating actions, and touches.

Thus, while Gassama is clearly a superbly talented player, Rangers require players who can come in and make an immediate impact, and, if he can rediscover his best form, Diangana certainly fits that bill.

Related Rangers considering "ambitious" Ibrox swoop for Dessers upgrade

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Posts ByDan Emery Jul 19, 2025

Allrounder fears he might not ‘fit the mould’ in Brendon McCullum’s England regime

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2024

Sam Curran was England’s star player at the 2022 T20 World Cup but has struggled for impact since•AFP/Getty Images

Sam Curran says he was a “bit gutted” to be overlooked for a Test recall in the wake of Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury this summer, but hopes that a central role on England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean will restate his credentials across formats.Despite being named Player of the Final and Tournament during England’s T20 World Cup triumph in Australia two years ago, Curran’s international career is at something of a crossroads at the age of 26 – both because he has lacked the role clarity in white-ball cricket that has been a feature of his success on the franchise circuit, but also because he senses he doesn’t quite “fit the mould” of what England are looking for now that Brendon McCullum has taken over as head coach in all formats.Curran struggled to make an impact in England’s disappointing T20 title defence in the Caribbean earlier this year, taking three wickets at 38.33 while batting for a total of 11 balls in five matches, and he hasn’t featured in the ODI format since December 2023, having been a fall-guy for England’s doomed World Cup campaign earlier that winter.In red-ball cricket, meanwhile, Curran’s most Test appearance came against India in August 2021, meaning he hasn’t featured in any of the 30 matches to date of McCullum’s England tenure. This is despite his uncanny knack of contributing to winning causes, with 16 victories in his 24 caps to date, including seven in a row from the start of his breakthrough summer, as a 20-year-old, also against India in 2018.Partly that is a consequence of Stokes’ status as England’s senior allrounder. But Curran also suspects that his physical limitations are not helping his cause. Though his left-arm line is a point of difference, his 5ft9in medium-pacers do not chime with the zeitgeist, as shown when Leicestershire’s 20-year-old left-armer, Josh Hull (6ft7in and high-80s pace) was called up for a surprise Test debut at Curran’s home ground, the Kia Oval, last month.”The way the teams are being set up now, guys are getting picked for certain skills and a bit out of the unknown,” Curran told talkSPORT. “As a county player, it’s an interesting one, because you’ve got to hope that you fit that mould right now. And if you don’t, you’ve just got to crack on and win games for your franchise and your counties, and just hope that that call comes.”There’s actually nothing you can do about it. If you fit what they’re looking for, you’re great. But if you don’t, it actually might not be an ability thing.”That sense that Curran’s face doesn’t currently fit was exacerbated by his omission for the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. When Stokes tore his hamstring during the Hundred in early August – an injury that has also kept him out of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan in Multan – Curran allowed himself to believe his chance for a Test recall had arrived.Curran got the better of Kohli, among others, during his breakthrough Test summer in 2018•Philip Brown/Getty Images

“I’ll be totally honest, when Stokesy got injured, I did probably think that was my way back into the Test team,” he said. “A couple of weeks back, I had a meeting with Keysy [Rob Key, director of cricket] just to get a bit of understanding of where the group is, and how I see myself getting back into the Test side.”Being a young player who experienced Test cricket so young, I feel like I had an advantage to know what it’s about, to know what winning a Test match is, and the grind and the grit and attitude that you need … so I was a little bit gutted. Selection is selection, but I thought that was my way back into the side at the minute.”They’ve got their own structure at the minute, and they’re picking the guys that fit that environment, and there’s a big thing going on at the minute about extra pace and stuff like that. And I guess for 12 months’ time, and the Ashes, these are the guys they want, so you can’t question it until the plan comes to an end.”For the time being, however, England’s eight-match tour of the Caribbean offers Curran an opportunity to take centre stage – not least because the timing of the tour, between the end of the Pakistan Test series and the start of the subsequent tour of New Zealand, may give him the chance to bat up the order in the absence of several multi-format stars.”At the Oval Invincibles and Surrey, and a couple of the franchise teams, I feel like my role has been pretty nailed on, whereas with England, there’s been myself, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone … Woakesy [Chris Woakes] as well, all these allrounders at 6, 7, 8 and 9, and it can be confusing.”Sometimes you take the new ball, and then [the selectors] go to four seamers, and you’re the one to lose out, so it’s a frustrating role. My strongest role in most teams is batting in the top six and bowling, but I love playing all sorts of roles.”My goal is always to try and get back into the England sides, and there’s only one way of doing that … scoring runs, taking wickets and winning games for England or the franchises. There’s no doubt I’d love to be on an Ashes tour or in a Champions Trophy victory. I’m someone who likes to prove a point, so fingers crossed the next couple of months go well.”