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Everton have reached a “verbal agreement” over the signing of a Premier League player this summer, according to a significant update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who are Everton being linked with signing?

The Blues continue to be linked with possible summer signings, with David Moyes well aware of bringing in immediate key men and also young players with bright futures.

Nineteen-year-old Reims ace Valentin Atangana has been backed to join Everton before the start of next season, potentially being seen as a long-term successor to Abdoulaye Doucoure at the heart of the midfield.

The Blues are also thought to be leading the race to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola making it clear that the Englishman no longer has a future at the Etihad, having failed to justify the £100m paid for him back in 2021. He could love the idea of a new challenge on Merseyside, however, with Moyes allowing him to express himself.

In terms of outgoings, Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton future continues to be a big talking point, as they try to keep hold of arguably their most prized asset. Chelsea are among those who have been mentioned as suitors for the Englishman, but many huge clubs are keen on him.

Everton reach "verbal agreement" with £50,000-a-week Tete

Writing on X, Romano claimed that Everton have now come to a “verbal agreement” with Fulham right-back Kenny Tete over a three-year move to the club this summer, with his £50,000-a-week Fulham deal coming to an end this month.

Tete may not be the most earth-shattering signing for the Blues, but he has proven to be a solid servant for Fulham, more than holding his own in the Premier League and being hailed by pundit Robbie Mustoe.

“I just love the way they defend as well. Kenny Tete I think is often another one who is underappreciated. He doesn’t half do a good job, he’s a good defender, steady on the ball, I think he’s a fan favourite and he was missed last year, I think it was last year that he was out for a while. I just made a quick note about him, he was one of those unsung guys at a club that is really important to the way they defend.”

Kyle Walker had been linked with a summer move to Everton from City, but Tete is 29 years of age, and therefore six years younger than him, meaning he could be the more shrewd choice.

Same agent as McNeil: Everton eyeing swoop to sign "incredible" PL rival

He’s got plenty of experience.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 21, 2025

The fact that Tete has shown that he can perform in the Premier League makes him a safe bet for the Blues, rather than bringing in someone from a different league, and he can provide several years of good service at the club.

Having already signed Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, Leeds United have now reportedly reached an “agreement” to sign their second player of the summer in a deal worth £19m.

Leeds sign Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg

Getting their summer transfer window underway in bargain fashion, Leeds announced the arrival of Nmecha on Sunday. The versatile forward will join up with those in Yorkshire at the beginning of July, when he will hope to make an instant impact. It’s in the Premier League, of course, that the former Wolfsburg man will become the latest of a growing list of Manchester City graduates scattered around the country.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Nmecha told Leeds’ official media channels: “I’ve got some people that have been here, like Joss (Joshua Guilavogui), who I’ve played with and he told me about the atmosphere and the fans.

“I trust Joss. He’s one of the nicest guys in football. He said it’s a massive club and if I get the opportunity, I should definitely do it. He said the fans are crazy and the boys are great as well. So yeah, he gave a really good first impression.”

After struggling to find his form in a season controlled by injuries at Wolfsburg last time out, Nmecha will be hoping that a fresh start hands him a fresh opportunity to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.

Leeds and Burnley battle for free agent signing of "immense" Premier League defender

The two clubs squared off all season for the Championship title and will now go head to head off the pitch for a new signing.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 17, 2025

Now 26 years old, the German could be at the peak of his powers at exactly the right time for Daniel Farke’s side. Nmecha looks likely to be just the start of the Whites’ summer business too, amid links with the likes of Facundo Buonanotte and reports now suggesting that they’ve reached an “agreement” to welcome a second transfer target.

Leeds reach "agreement" to sign Jaka Bijol

According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have now reached an “agreement” to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese with “personal terms” also agreed and the “deal done” for the defender to join those at Elland Road.

A deal worth €22m (£18.75m), the 49ers have proved that they’re not afraid to spend this summer and back Farke in the Premier League. The addition of Bijol could go a long way towards survival at the first time of asking too.

Like Nmecha, the defender is now 26 years old and should be at the peak of his powers. Just last season, he played a vital part for Udinese in Serie A – starting 34 games – as they secured a solid mid-table place.

Leeds certainly wouldn’t argue if Bijol helped them to a similar finish next season, which would instantly turn his transfer fee into an undeniable bargain.

Chelsea’s signing of Liam Delap will likely be the first of many by Enzo Maresca this summer.

The Blues are getting ready to take part in the Club World Cup in the coming weeks and with the prize money for the winner standing at a reported $125m (£92m), then it is certainly within their interest to go far.

It would be an ideal time for the manager to get Delap settled into the squad, while also spending time making moves for other targets.

The Stamford Bridge side have enjoyed the talents of many a Spanish player over the previous two decades. The likes of Fernando Torres, Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata were all Champions League-winning stars for the Blues.

Might they be set to bring in another Spaniard to the club this summer?

Chelsea lodge bids for two new signings

Delap cost the club £30m due to a release clause in his contract that came into play following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League, with that marking the first move of what could prove to be a hectic summer, not least amid their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

As widely reported on Saturday evening, the Blues have lodged an offer in the region of £30m for the young Englishman, with an agreement having already been reached with the 20-year-old.

That comes amid reports in Spain – via TEAMtalk, which suggest that Chelsea have also submitted another bid worth €75m (£63m) to try and sign Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.

Transfer Focus

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

With the La Liga side still enduring financial issues, they may be tempted to accept a bid of this nature, despite Lopez being one of the brightest talents.

Man United are also keen on securing a deal for the player, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.

Should the Blues succeed, Maresca might just be signing his very own Mata for the club.

Why Chelsea must sign Fermin Lopez

Mata arrived in London from LaLiga side Valencia aged just 23 – a year older than Lopez is – and he ended his association with the club by registering 86 goal contributions across 135 matches.

His creative ability and eye for goal made him a cult figure among the Chelsea support, and they haven’t quite replaced the quirkiness of the Spanish midfielder.

Lopez certainly has the same eye for goal. In 46 games for Barcelona last season, he scored eight times. Add in a further ten assists, and it is evident the youngster comes to life in the final third, having been hailed as the “whole package” by former boss Xavi Hernandez.

When compared to his peers in La Liga during 2024/25, Lopez ranked in the top 8% for total shots (2.95), top 6% for non-penalty goals (0.43) and in the top 4% for assists (0.36) per 90.

Goals

1

Assists

3

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

0.5

Shots per game

1.5

Total duels won per game

2.1

Furthermore, the Spaniard also created eight big chances for Barcelona, while averaging one key pass per game in the Spanish top flight.

After helping his side win another La Liga title, Lopez was hailed for his contributions by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as “an intelligent & hardworking midfielder” who has “proven to be a superb impact player for Barça”.

High praise indeed and with Chelsea partaking in the Champions League next term, bringing players like Lopez – and Gittens – to the club will be vital.

The last time the club signed a diminutive Spanish midfielder with an eye for goal from La Liga, they went on to win Europe’s premier club competition.

This time, Lopez could be Mata 2.0.

Shades of Hazard: Chelsea to make £59m bid for "generational" star

Chelsea could be about to land themselves a star who can follow in the footsteps of Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 7, 2025

Liverpool have reportedly made contact with an “unstoppable” player over a summer move to Anfield, looking to pip Arsenal to his signature in the process.

Liverpool pushing for Wirtz and others

Reds supporters aren’t only on cloud nine because of their Premier League title win this season, but also because of some of the stellar names being mentioned as summer targets.

In fact, reliable sources are reporting that Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, with the German becoming the most expensive signing in the club’s history if he does move there.

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is also reportedly of interest to the Reds, who are even believed to be wealthy enough to sign both him and Wirtz at the same time, but the Magpies will do all they can to keep hold of their best player.

Meanwhile, another Leverkusen player, Jeremie Frimpong is also closing in on a switch to Liverpool, while on the left flank, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez continues to stand out as the leading option to come as Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at left-back.

Liverpool make contact with "unstoppable" striker

Now, according to a fresh claim from Football Transfers, Liverpool have made contact with Viktor Gyokeres’ representatives over a move to the club, as they look to snap up the Sporting CP superstar.

The 26-year-old is Arsenal’s top No.9 target ahead of next season, with both the Gunners and the Reds in need of an elite centre forward, and he is valued at just over £58m.

Gyokeres could be the perfect striker for Liverpool to sign in the summer window, following a frankly outrageous couple of seasons in a Sporting shirt.

The Sweden international has now scored 96 goals in just 101 appearances for the Primeira Liga giants, with an incredible 39 of those coming in the league this season.

Appearances

33

Starts

31

Minutes played

2804

Goals

39

Assists

7

Shots per game

4.2

Key passes per game

1.9

Dribbles per game

1.8

Gyokeres has come on leaps and bounds since impressing for Coventry City in the Championship, with former Swansea City teammate Jake Bidwell saying of him:

“With the way he plays as well, with his aggression, the two (qualities) go hand in hand with how well he has done. He all of a sudden realised how quick and strong he was and had the confidence to use it and mixed with the aggression, it’s made him pretty unstoppable.”

Liverpool fans are likely to be split when it comes to choosing their preferred No.9 signing this summer, with Isak, Julian Alvarez and Victor Osimhen also options, but Gyokeres could be a monstrous addition, bringing pace, power and relentless end product.

Glasgow Rangers face Hibernian this weekend in their final match of the Scottish Premiership season before all focus can turn to the summer transfer window.

Getting a new head coach through the door should be the priority for the Light Blues, and it was recently reported that Davide Ancelotti, currently assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is closing in on the job.

It would be the Italian tactician’s first job as a first-team manager and he would be immediately faced with a number of big decisions, including whether or not to cash in on James Tavernier.

Why James Tavernier could stay at Rangers

The English full-back is reportedly a target for teams in Italy and the MLS ahead of the summer transfer window, with his contract at Ibrox expiring in 2026, and this means that there is doubt over his future at the club.

Ancelotti, as a new head coach, could look to lean on Tavernier’s experience, with 512 matches played for Rangers, and his leadership, as the captain, to help him in the role.

The right-back, who has scored 130 goals for the club, could be the link between the manager and the players, using his experience at Ibrox to ensure that the rest of the team are onboard and pulling in the right direction.

One player who should immediately be axed as the first departure of Ancelotti’s reign, should the coach complete a move to Ibrox this summer, is centre-forward Cyriel Dessers.

Why Cyriel Dessers should be sold

The Nigeria international should be the first player axed by the Italian head coach because the manager should want a reliable and consistent number nine who can fire them back to glory in domestic football against Celtic.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Unfortunately, Dessers, who has only scored two goals in ten matches against the Hoops, has not been a reliable centre-forward for the Gers since his move from Cremonese in the summer of 2023.

The £3m-rated flop, who was described as “awkward” to play against by journalist Josh Bunting, has proven himself to be excellent at getting into goalscoring positions, but has not provided enough quality with his finishing.

Appearances

35

34

Goals

16

17

Big chances missed

27

21

Big chances created

8

2

Assists

4

2

Duel success rate

33%

33%

As you can see in the table above, he has got in enough positions to score 33 league goals since the start of last season, yet has also missed 48 ‘big chances’, and been unreliable out of possession, losing 67% of his duels overall.

This shows that Dessers does not make enough of the quality opportunities that are created for him, which is why he is not the reliable striker Rangers need to kick on and end Celtic’s dominance in the Premiership. That is further backed up by his dismal goal return against the Hoops.

His lack of quality has been particularly telling in the Europa League as well. The striker scored three goals from 5.49 xG and missed a whopping ten ‘big chances’ in nine starts in the competition this term, which shows that he is not cut out to help the side kick on in European competitions.

Three Italian sides, Monza, Cagliari, and Empoli, were linked with the forward in January, and Ancelotti should push for the club to explore potential deals with any interested sides to move the striker on this summer, in order to create space for a new centre-forward to come in.

Dessers does not appear to be suited to leading the team forward as their main number nine, given his dismal finishing and struggles out of possession, and that is why the new head coach should instantly axe him from the team.

He'd kickstart Ancelotti era with a bang: Rangers in talks for first signing

Rangers could kickstart the Davide Ancelotti era with a bang by signing this star.

ByDan Emery May 14, 2025

Whereas Tavernier, another one of the senior players at the age of 33, could be kept around because of his experience at Rangers and the leadership he could provide.

Liverpool have now expressed their intention to trigger the release clause of a “sensational” star, with their offer set to be accepted, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Reds stepping up summer transfer plans

With the Premier League title wrapped up, the Reds can now start to look ahead to the summer transfer window, and despite a remarkable first season in the Anfield dugout, it appears as though Arne Slot is looking to strengthen his squad in a number of areas.

Given that Andy Robertson is now 31-years-old, a long-term heir may be required at left-back, and the Premier League champions have now identified AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as their top target, with a deal set to be possible for £45m.

Talks have also been opened over a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with Slot looking to bolster his options in attacking midfield, while Federico Chiesa could be included as part of a swap deal for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.

Liverpool officials impressed after watching 28-cap "phenomenon" in action

The Reds are in the market for defensive solidity.

BySean Markus Clifford May 13, 2025

With Trent Alexander-Arnold deciding to join Real Madrid this summer, Slot may also have to bring in a new right-back to compete with Conor Bradley, and there has now been a new update on the pursuit of Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.

Taking to X, Tavolieri has claimed that Liverpool are “closing” in on a “deal” for Frimpong, having now expressed their intention to trigger the defender’s release clause, which is thought to be in the region of £34m.

The offer is set to be accepted by the German club, opening the door for a move to Anfield, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. Reliable reporter David Ornstein previously revealed the right-back is keen on joining Liverpool and Tavolieri claims Frimpong will “soon” be a Red.

Versatile Frimpong could be ideal option for Slot

With Trent set to exit Anfield this summer, Bradley will be the only senior right-back on the books, and Micah Richards believes the Northern Irishman is good enough to become the new first-choice option.

However, with Slot looking to compete on all fronts next season, the manager may feel more depth is needed at right-back, and there are signs that Frimpong could be a top signing, having previously been lauded as “sensational” by members of the media.

Another perk of signing the Dutchman is the fact that he is also capable of playing further forward, predominantly featuring at right-midfield this season, which indicates he could provide cover for Mo Salah, should the Egyptian get injured or need resting.

As such, the fact that a deal is edging closer to completion is fantastic news for Liverpool, who will be pleased to have found a replacement for Trent so early, rather than the process of finding a new right-back dragging on throughout the summer.

Leeds United are currently preparing for a huge summer transfer window as they look ahead to trying to avoid instant relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites won the Championship title, with a staggering 100 points, with their win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, and now have a top-flight season to look forward to.

Daniel Farke and his staff must recruit players who they feel can bolster the squad to improve their chances of survival, and the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking to bring a former star back to Elland Road.

Leeds considering move for Premier League midfielder

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are “considering” a deal to sign Manchester City defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

The reporter claims that the England international would be “ready” to return to West Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having left the club to join the Cityzens in the summer of 2022.

Bailey’s report on The Boot Room adds that a permanent deal would be difficult for the Whites to do, because the midfielder has three years left on his contract at The Etihad, and that they are currently eyeing up a loan move for their former academy graduate.

Phillips has spent the current season on loan with Ipswich Town, who have already been relegated from the Premier League, but his previous form for Leeds in the top-flight suggests that he could star alongside Ao Tanaka at Elland Road.

Why Kalvin Phillips could thrive with Ao Tanaka

The Japanese midfielder enjoyed a fantastic season in the Championship with the Whites and showed potential to make the step up to the Premier League, with his passing and defensive qualities.

Tanaka ended the 2024/25 campaign with a pass completion rate of 90% and a duel success rate of 55% across 43 appearances, which shows that he was efficient in and out of possession in the middle of the park.

Leeds will need their midfielders to be reliable on the ball and strong off it in the top-flight, as they will be battling against relegation, and that is also why Tanaka could thrive alongside a physical operator like Phillips, who was once dubbed “exceptional” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Appearances

29

43

Pass accuracy

85%

90%

Tackles per game

2.6

2.2

Interceptions per game

1.6

1.3

Duels won per game

5.3

4.5

Duel success rate

52%

55%

As you can see in the table above, the English maestro’s defensive form for Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign was even more impressive than the current Leeds star’s in the second tier this term.

This suggests that the potential is there for them to be a robust midfield pairing who can provide protection in front of the back four, whilst also being reliable with their passing into the front players, which could be needed as they battle it out for vital points.

Of course, there are question marks over whether or not Phillips can get back to that level, having struggled of late in loans with Ipswich and West Ham, losing 57% of his duels in the top-flight for the former and 52% of his battles for the latter.

Perhaps a return to familiar surroundings at Elland Road, where he has been successful at the top level in the past, could help him to return to form.

Leeds could seal best striker signing since Wood with move for 20-goal star

Leeds could land their best striker signing since Chris Wood in a swoop for this star.

ByDan Emery May 7, 2025

Signing him on loan, therefore, could be a worthwhile gamble and one that could pay off for Leeds and Farke as it could result in him and Tanaka forming an impressive midfield partnership.

Sheffield United will have to break their playoff hoodoo in the Championship if they want to triumphantly return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Staggeringly, the Blades have lost all eight of the previous playoff campaigns they’ve found themselves in, but if there’s one man who is capable of going against the grain in this regard, it’s Chris Wilder when you look at his two promotions already with his beloved hometown club.

To get over the line, Wilder will need every single one of his Blades players to be firing on all cylinders, including top scorer Tyrese Campbell.

Campbell's goalscoring form for United

The Blades haven’t quite blown teams away with their attacking arsenal this campaign, with the South Yorkshire outfit boasting just 62 strikes next to an already promoted Leeds United side who have amassed a hefty 89.

But, there have still been forward players that have stood out even if the displays haven’t always been the most free-flowing, with Campbell definitely in this conversation.

The former Stoke City man arrived through the door on a free transfer with a lot to prove, considering the end of his time with the Potters was largely injury-hit, but Campbell has managed to let his football do the majority of the talking this season to date with ten Championship strikes tallied up.

Unfortunately, across United’s recent wretched run of four defeats from five league clashes, the goals had dried up for the 25-year-old, but Wilder will still feel his number 23 has lots to offer when the nitty gritty of the playoffs gets officially underway.

Whilst he will back Campbell, Wilder would love to have an ultra-reliable head back among his promotion-chasing group if he could.

Sheffield United legend is now outscoring Campbell

Wilder has had many interesting characters to fall back on as United have challenged for promotions over the years, with the likes of John Fleck picking up a bumper 12 goal contributions the last time the manager successfully guided the Blades up to the top-flight.

In that same memorable group, Billy Sharp loved playing alongside the constantly creative Scotsman, with the explosive veteran going on to bag 23 strikes of his own during the 2018/19 campaign to further seal his team’s progression to the big time.

Sharp hasn’t lost this goalscoring expertise whatsoever playing for current side Doncaster Rovers, with the 39-year-old picking up a glittering sixth career promotion just this weekend when Grant McCann’s men beat Bradford City 2-1.

Of course, the Sheffield-born goal machine – who has previously been hailed as a “legend of the EFL” by BBC 5 Live Sport Presenter Steve Crossman – couldn’t help but get in on the goalscoring action for Donny, with his late winning strike against the Bantams taking him up to an impressive 12 goals for the season despite only starting 19 clashes in the lower reaches of the EFL.

League Two

42

9

1

FA Cup

4

2

0

EFL Trophy

2

0

0

EFL Cup

2

1

0

Amazingly, the 39-year-old’s stellar output so late into his playing days for Doncaster actually betters Campbell’s ten-goal haul back at Bramall Lane, with Wilder not turning his nose up at the hypothetical scenario of Sharp being back in Blades red and white right now to try and secure another promotion success for his team.

It will, of course, be hard for United to get over their near miss of the top two positions, but jinxes such as their ongoing playoff misery are there to be broken, with Campbell hopeful he can immortalise himself in his new club’s hall-of-fame by being a hero across the tense clashes to come.

Sheffield United are brewing their next Jagielka in "outstanding" star

Sheffield United will hope this centre-back sticks it out at Bramall Lane past this season.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 20, 2025

A player who was described as the “best midfielder in the world” earlier this season is now reportedly keen on sealing a move to Manchester City this summer.

Guardiola eyeing Man City summer signings

The Premier League champions have been linked with plenty of potential new signings in recent weeks, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz said to be in talks over a summer move.

The Germany international may be considered a natural replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad, with the legendary midfielder confirming that he is leaving City at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola is believed to be willing to pay £60m for the signing of Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, as he looks for more creativity in his squad. The Spurs ace has nine goals and six assists to his name in the Premier League this season.

At the other end of the pitch, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been sounded out as a new option between the sticks, possibly even being seen as an eventual replacement for Ederson.

World-renowned star keen on joining Man City

According to Manchester Evening News‘ Daily Briefly, Wirtz is now interested in joining Manchester City this summer, but Leverkusen will demand £129m for his services.

Real Madrid are also in the mix to sign the 21-year-old, and if Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso ends up replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu then they could arguably become the favourites to snap him up, but City are “very tempting” to the player.

Wirtz is an outstanding footballer who has already achieved so much in his career, winning the Bundesliga title last season and earning 29 caps for Germany. The attacking midfielder can also thrive out wide, so his versatility could appeal to Guardiola, who loves to have attacking players who are fluent in the final third.

Meanwhile, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes paid him huge praise earlier this season: “I was in the stadium for the Champions League match against Salzburg. What Florian Wirtz can do is absolutely exceptional for me. Probably the best midfielder in the world. I think that Wirtz has something different that Jamal Musiala isn’t quite ready for yet. I think Wirtz will simply move on in the summer. He has left huge shoes to fill in Leverkusen. With the way he plays football, he is an absolute hero there, the best player in the squad.”

Pep's "genius" is like a modern-day Aguero at Man City & it's not Marmoush

Man City could have one star following in the footsteps of Aguero

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 17, 2025

If City managed to sign Wirtz, albeit for huge money, it could be a wonderful piece of business, with the German arguably already a world-class player at the age of just 21.

Appearances

26

Starts

20

Minutes played

1915

Goals

9

Assists

10

Dribbles per game

2.8

Shots per game

2.5

Key passes per game

1.9

Hugely mature both in and out of possession, his end product is highlighted by a tally of 56 goals and 63 assists for Leverkusen, coming in a total of 192 matches, and he could fill the void left by De Bruyne.

Even in a frustrating season, Rangers have still had their standout stars and Gers legend Ally McCoist took the time to have his say on two particular players he’d have loved to have played with.

Ally McCoist full of praise for Rangers stars

It’s been a nightmare campaign for the Gers in the Scottish Premiership. They have been a world away from runaway leaders Celtic and are heading into the summer transfer window with it all to do. Those at Ibrox will, however, be hoping that the pending arrival of the 49ers will help turn a new leaf and bridge the gap on their Old Firm rivals once and for all.

The first take that the 49ers will need to tick off their list of priorities will no doubt be hiring a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, but then their aim should be to keep hold of some of their stars – including two that Ally McCoist name-dropped.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast in partnership with TalkSPORTBET, McCoist was asked which current Ibrox stars he’d like to have played with.

Rangers must go all-out to keep Raskin and Cerny

Many around Ibrox will certainly agree with McCoist’s praise and it’s something that the 49ers should instantly recognise before keeping hold of the two Rangers stars. In the case of Vaclav Cerny, things are slightly more complicated than they could be, however. It’s not just a case of keeping hold of the winger, the Gers must renegotiate their loan deal into a permanent arrival with parent club Wolfsburg.

Meanwhile, keeping hold of Raskin may also prove to be difficult amid reported interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United. As McCoist mentioned, the Belgian has recently become a full international and is a player who is making “steady improvement”. Whether that’s improvement Rangers can keep up with will certainly be interesting to see this summer.

What is certain though, is that both current stars would have thrived alongside McCoist – the type of player that the 49ers would love to have at their disposal upon their arrival.