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Chelsea are set to hold a fresh round of discussions regarding a deal to sign Flamengo star Matheus Franca, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Following Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival, the boss has wasted no time in starting to create his new-look squad by having a mass clearout which has seen the confirmed departures of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko.

RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku and Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson have come in as senior recruits in the opposite direction, as per Transfermarkt.

Franca, who is primarily an attacking midfielder, has worked his way up through the ranks at the Maracana Stadium to become a regular feature of Jorge Sampaoli’s first-team, having made 53 senior appearances since entering the fold back in January 2022.

The Brazilian’s impressive performances in his homeland appear to have caught the eye of the Blues hierarchy after The Daily Mail reported that they are exploring a deal for the 19-year-old, who has also previously attracted interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, West Ham and Crystal Palace.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that the teenager is “keen on the move” to Stamford Bridge, and having been made aware of this, negotiations are expected to take place in the coming days to try and reach an agreement for his transfer.

Are Chelsea signing Franca?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Chelsea and Flamengo have organised discussions to see if they can find a middle ground on a switch for Franca. He wrote:

“Chelsea have scheduled new round of talks for Franca with Flamengo. Matheus, being negotiated for €20m fee while Flamengo want at least €25m (£21m). #CFC. Can confirm again Angelo Gabriel plan to fly to London this week then sign 6 year deal at Chelsea. €15m fee to Santos.”

Would Franca be a good signing?

Chelsea will recognise that Franca being just 19 years of age means he’d be a signing more so for the long-term future of the club, but he also looks more than ready to be involved with the first-team, so should he put pen to paper he would be a wonderfully exciting acquisition for Pochettino.

The Rio De Janeiro native, who’s sponsored by Nike, has posted 14 goal contributions (11 goals and three assists) in 58 appearances throughout his career so far and is a constant threat in the final third, ranking in the 97th percentile for most shots by players in his position and the 96th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area.

Flamengo’s “sensation”, as lauded by journalist Aaron Stokes, also has the ability to play in six various positions across the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline alongside his usual role in the centre of the park, so he would provide the boss with plenty of versatility.

Finally, Franca may only be a teenager but he’s already got a taste of success with two senior trophies to his name and there’s no doubt that he’s hungry for more, which is a goal that he could achieve should he decide to link up with the squad in SW6.

West Ham United look likely to win a big race to sign Alex Scott this summer, with Football Insider reporting that the Hammers are in the best position to snap up the midfielder this summer.

How good is Alex Scott?

The Bristol City midfielder has lit up the Championship for the Robins over the last two seasons, having initially broken onto the scene as a young 16-year-old. Having appeared three times for them during that initial second tier campaign, he has since gone on to appear in 83 league games for the side in total.

The 2022/23 season really saw the Englishman's star shine though, as he was handed the Young Player of the Year award for the division.

He played on 42 occasions for the Robins over the course of the year, the most he has managed over his career yet, and even bagged one goal and five assists along the way. He also reached the top ten in the division for through balls (10), had the most blocks of any player in the Championship with 67 and drew more fouls than any other second tier talent with 96. Despite his youth then, he is already standing out as one of the best in the league.

Are West Ham signing Alex Scott?

It's no surprise then to see him linked with a potential move away this summer. West Ham are one of the clubs to have been most heavily linked to Scott, with the Hammers having already spoken over a potential bid to bring in the 19-year-old this transfer window.

Wolves are another Premier League side that have been mulling over an offer for Scott, with the Molineux outfit also being admirers of the youngster.

Now though, according to a report from Football Insider, it's the Hammers who are in the best position to try and add the midfielder to their ranks this summer. It states that the top flight club are "well placed" to land the talent, but he would cost the Premier League side a hefty £25m as that is the Robins' asking price – and they will not budge.

However, if the player himself wants to move and Bristol City are "keen to progress" at that price, as are West Ham, then it will likely happen.

It could be worth it though. He's already caught the eye of those who have seen him in action, with the 19-year-old being hailed for both his current ability and his future potential. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig stated that he has a "big future ahead," with the midfielder already demonstrating his ability to perform to the highest level.

The youth football writer also highlighted a comment from Man City boss Pep Guardiola who, after coming up against the England man in the FA Cup, added that he is an "unbelievable player". It's high praise from one of the best managers in the business – and if West Ham can seal a deal for him, they could therefore have one of the most promising English talents around right now.

It is fair to say that the 2022/23 campaign did not go as planned for Tottenham Hotspur, with the Lilywhites having limply crashed out of all three cup competitions, while also slipping to a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

Following the doom and gloom that surrounded the latter stages of Antonio Conte's time at the helm, Spurs supporters can now look to a brighter future under the management of Ange Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old hoping to replicate the success he enjoyed at former club, Celtic, where won five domestic trophies in just two seasons at Parkhead.

The Greek-Aussie's revolution has already begun at N17 with the signings of James Maddison, Manor Solomon and Guglielmo Vicario, although that does not look set to be the end of Daniel Levy's summer spending spree…

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

As Postecoglou has himself admitted, the north Londoners are notably looking to sign a new centre-back ahead of the start of next term, with the club currently in talks regarding a move for Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven.

As for other sections of the first-team squad, Spurs could also look to bolster their midfield ranks, having been named by The Athletic as one of the club's who are 'admirers' of PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare, with the Ivory Coast international valued at around £30m by the Eredivisie side.

How good is Ibrahim Sangare?

The 25-year-old – who has been the subject of an offer from Nottingham Forest – has spent the last three seasons in the Netherlands after signing from Toulouse back in 2020, racking up 13 goals and nine assists in 133 games for his current side to date in all competitions.

A defensive midfielder by trade, the towering, 6 foot 3 titan would help to provide a real physical presence in Postecoglou's ranks, ensuring he could potentially be the man to finally replace the legendary figure of Mousa Dembele at N17.

The latter man – who is also an imposing presence at 6 foot 1 – enjoyed a stunning six-and-a-half-year spell with Spurs after joining from Fulham in 2012, having notably been lauded as a "genius" by former boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The elegant Belgian was undoubtedly a talent who could simply glide his way up the pitch with ease, with former teammate Kieran Trippier having recently spoken of his unique talents: "He’s an absolute magician. Just absolute frightening, with the ball, without the ball.

“He had everything. He had absolutely everything."

The now-retired powerhouse notably sparkled during the 2016/17 campaign as Pochettino's men finished second, showcasing his composure on the ball after enjoying an average pass accuracy rate of 92% from his 30 league outings, as per Sofascore, while also averaging 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game as a sign of his defensive dominance.

Sangare – who has been hailed as "extraordinary" by pundit Aad de Mos – does appear to have the tools to be able to emulate Dembele's influence in the centre of the park, with the PSV colossus having averaged 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game last term from his 29 league outings, while also enjoying an 84% pass accuracy rate.

With Spurs having had their woes in midfield in recent years – with Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg having been criticised by talkSPORT's Perry Grove last season as they seemingly "don't do anything" – finding a natural successor to Dembele should be a real priority as far as Levy is concerned.

While there is seemingly intense rival interest in Sangare at present, Postecoglou may wish to make his interest in the Koumassi-born gem more concrete.

Everton appear to have missed out on a move for Almeria's El Bilal Toure, leaving supporters even more anxious ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign.

However, Italian outlet il BiancoNero reports that Everton have shown a concrete interest in Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior in what could be a rare smart piece of business from the Merseyside outfit.

Who are Everton trying to sign?

After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League on the final day of last season, Everton's squad was in need of some serious rebuilding this summer.

However, with two-and-a-half weeks to go until the new season kicks off, the Toffees have so far brought in only 38-year-old Ashley Young on a free transfer, plus Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal.

That is not to mention the fact that the likes of Yerry Mina, Tom Davies and Ellis Simms have all moved on and need to be replaced in the squad.

Bilal Toure has been strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park, but L'Equipe reports that the Almeria forward has instead opted to join Serie A side Atalanta.

Sean Dyche's men may now turn their focus to Iling-Junior, whom Gazzetta dello Sport previously reported could be available for as little as £10m due to Juventus needing to raise money.

How good is Samuel Iling-Junior?

Iling-Junior spent nine years in Chelsea's academy before making the switch to Juventus in 2020, and he was part of the Italian giants' first team within two years.

The England U20 international made his debut against Empoli last October and assisted goals in his next two appearances, against Benfica in the Champions League and Lecce in Serie A.

Iling-Junior, who does not turn 20 until October, scored his first – and so far only – senior goal in Juve's 2-0 win over Atalanta in May, but he has largely had to play a back-up role and the Bianconeri are reportedly open to offloading him.

Given his small valuation, Everton must ensure they see off rumoured competition from top-flight rivals Fulham and West Ham United – not least because the Englishman would provide an upgrade on Neal Maupay in attack.

Maupay struggled in his first season at Goodison Park after arriving in a £15m deal from Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring just one goal and assisting none in 27 Premier League outings last time out.

Used mainly as a centre-forward in a campaign in which Everton's star performer Dominic Calvert-Lewin spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, Maupay's inability to either score or create was a huge factor in why the Toffees were involved in a relegation scrap.

Indeed, Maupay was described as "absolutely woeful" by football reporter Paul Brown towards the end of last season. A failure to bring in an upgrade could well lead to another dismal campaign on the blue half of Merseyside.

Looking at their figures from last season, there is no reason why the younger Iling-Junior – labelled "simply superb" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for his performance in that aforementioned game against Benfica – cannot provide a better outlet than Maupay.

Taking all competitions into account, Iling-Junior was involved in 0.43 goals or assists per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, compared to 0.14 for Maupay. The 19-year-old also won more of his aerial duels (50% v 23.8%) and had a better take-on success percentage (42.9 v 36.8).

Iling-Junior was also stronger in defensive metrics such as tackles won per 90 (0.94 v 0.35) and recoveries (5.64 v 2.10), which will no doubt please Dyche.

Juve's decision to listen to offers for Iling-Junior seems bizarre on the face of it, but there will be no complaints from Everton supporters should their side land the hugely talented player.

Glasgow Rangers signed John Souttar from Hearts last summer, and although he missed a large chunk of the season due to injury, it looked like he was back to his old self after impressing in the final few matches of 2022/23.

Should the 26-year-old – who was dubbed "outstanding" by his manager last term – fulfil his undoubted potential, he could well become one of the first names on the team sheet under Michael Beale, while also going on to be the finest player the club have signed from Hearts since Neil McCann in 1998.

The winger was lured to Glasgow by Dick Advocaat during his maiden campaign, and he went on to enjoy wonderful success at the Ibrox side over the next five years.

The tricky winger was able to dart past players and his finishing touch allowed him to score a total of 23 goals across 178 appearances. He is perhaps most well known for scoring a brace against Celtic in May 1999 that clinched the league title at Parkhead.

In the present day, the Gers have been linked with a move for current Hearts talisman, Lawrence Shankland, so could Beale repeat the club's McCann masterclass?

How many goals did Lawrence Shankland score last season?

The 27-year-old could certainly give Beale an added goal-scoring option in his side, especially coming off the back of a season where he netted 28 times across all competitions.

Not only that, but the striker has scored a grand total of 173 goals during his club career, turning into one of the finest out-and-out strikers in Scotland.

Could Rangers sign Lawrence Shankland?

The Light Blues have earmarked Brazilian striker Danilo as their main target, with Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad (via The Daily Record) reporting that a bid of €6.5m (£5.6m) has met the asking price set by Feyenoord and they appear to be closing in on the player.

That isn’t to say that Beale still couldn’t look at Shankland too, especially as he could offer a solid threat in front of goal, especially in the Premiership.

Across the whole Hearts squad last season in the league, the Scot ranked first for goals and assists (28), shots on target per game (1.4) and scoring frequency (a goal every 127 minutes).

In comparison, James Tavernier had the highest number of goals and assists in the Gers squad with 25, while Antonio Colak topped the pile with 1.2 shots on target per game, suggesting that Shankland could find a place in the Rangers starting XI due to these numbers.

He was lauded by journalist Joel Sked at the end of 2022, who said: “Lawrence Shankland has been different class for Hearts. So much more to his game than goals. His ability to drop in, act as that focal point and link player, his awareness, and the way he creates space for himself. All so good and so vital.”

This summer has seen a large overhaul of the Rangers squad as Beale looks to get his team firing in the bid to win trophies next season. Signing the £3k-per-week Hearts star may not be his most impressive purchase, but he could give the team another option in the penalty box.

Having seen the success that the aforementioned McCann enjoyed after trading Edinburgh for Glasgow, perhaps a move for Shankland can prove just as fruitful.

Tottenham Hotspur "could be about to make their move" for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo and journalist Rob Guest believes they could "potentially strike a very good deal".

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Despite some reports previously stating that the centre-back is very close to joining AS Monaco, it appears that may not be the case, as Spurs are apparently expected to lodge an imminent bid.

Adarabioyo, who starred for Fulham under Marco Silva last season, still finds himself on Lilywhites head coach Ange Postecoglou's list of defensive targets ahead of the new campaign.

The 25-year-old joins a plethora of other names being targeted by Tottenham to shore up a leaky backline which conceded 63 league goals last season, more than any other side in the division above 15th.

Those numbers make for grim reading from the perspective of a Spurs supporters, with their issues at the back coming as a glaring achilles heel which Postecoglou must solve and quickly.

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson and Juventus defender Gleison Bremer are other players reportedly under consideration at Spurs, but it's Adarabioyo who could be subject to an imminent offer.

According to reporter Guest, sharing news on Twitter and an article of his for football.london, Tottenham could be "could be about to make their move" for the former Man City starlet.

In his piece for FL, the journalist claims Spurs are expected to lodge a bid "this week" for Adarabioyo, and due to his elite-level passing out from the back, the Englishman could be a "perfect player" for Postecoglou's fluid system.

As well as this, Guest believes Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy "could potentially strike a very good deal" as the Fulham ace is out of contract next summer – meaning Silva's side may have to sell for a lower price.

Another bonus for Spurs is the fact Adarabioyo is homegrown and balances their books in that regard, while the ex-Blackburn Rovers loanee is also fully expected to depart this summer.

It is believed the player is keen on a move to N17, so if the north Londoners wish to lodge a formal bid, they have a lot of cards in their favour.

How good is Tosin Adarabioyo?

Out of every single Fulham player last season, Adarabioyo made more clearances per 90 than all of them in the top flight, all while ranking among their best-performing players by average match rating according to WhoScored.

Members of the press have praised the 6 foot 5 central defender for his performances at Craven Cottage in recent seasons, with writer Muhammad Butt calling him "magnificent" in particular.

Silva, commenting on Adarabioyo during the 22/23 season, echoed Guest's point about his superb distribution and ability to break lines when passing out from the back.

"And with Tosin, we know what we expect from him," said Silva to the media (via The Boot Room).

“Of course, quality on the ball in the first build-up, to find the players between the lines. Tosin had a good game and did what we expected.”

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in a longstanding target of theirs, despite advancing deals elsewhere…

Are Tottenham Hotspur signing Edmond Tapsoba?

Whilst the north London transfer sphere has been dominated by reports of Micky van de Ven's imminent signing, it could be forgotten how desperate Ange Postecoglou was to sign Edmond Tapsoba for a period.

However, journalist Paul Brown continues to suggest that such interest has not ceased, but merely taken a back seat given the frustrating nature of the deal.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

"I still think Tottenham will buy a defender. Tapsoba is probably in the top three they're looking at. I'm not sure if they've decided which of these guys they like the most yet, but I think Tapsoba is very high on their list.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

"It's not going to take a lot to get this deal done. So, once a decision is made about which ones to bring in first, I think you'll see it happen. It wouldn't surprise me if Tapsoba is the one."

Given the €45m (£39m) they were reportedly set to offer earlier this week, they still seemingly remain firmly in the race for his services.

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

Their longstanding interest in the 24-year-old stalwart is well-founded, given how imperious he has been since moving to Germany.

Just last term saw him excel in the Bundesliga yet again, as he continues to announce himself as one of the division's finest central defenders.

In acquiring him, it could avenge chairman Daniel Levy's past transfer failure from earlier in the window, as they reportedly battled with Aston Villa to sign Pau Torres from Villarreal.

The Spaniard had announced himself as one of Europe's top ball-playing centre-backs in his homeland, with his performances for the Yellow Submarine exemplary.

In fact, when compared to others in his role across the continent, he ranked in the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

However, in the end, the pull of Unai Emery proved too much, and he chose Villa Park over north London. A hammer blow for Spurs, and a damning indictment of their recent failures.

Postecoglou likely received a hefty wake-up call from such a disaster, which he could avenge by signing Tapsoba.

After all, the Burkina Faso star does rank similarly against the same group as Torres, sitting in the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, the top 8% for progressive carries per 90, and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

Not only this but last season in the Bundesliga, he maintained a 6.86 average rating, buoyed by 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Only two Spurs players recorded more clearances last term in the Premier League.

It was no surprise to see him lauded by journalist Antonio Mango, who outlined his key attributes before branding him a "monster," adding:

"Comfortable on the ball. Big, strong. Quick. Position good with a very good footballing IQ."

To instead sign the hulking titan over their previous transfer target would mark little drop in quality, and given these two sides will likely battle once again for similar spots, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

However, at the very least Postecoglou will be safe in the knowledge that despite failing to secure his initial target, his alternative would be arguably just as good.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of a deal to bring a striker to the Stadium of Light before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, the Black Cats are one of a number of Championship teams eyeing a swoop to sign Everton centre-forward Tom Cannon, as Tony Mowbray looks to bolster his attacking options.

The report claims that Preston North End have until Wednesday to complete a deal to sign the Premier League youngster on a second loan spell after his stint at Deepdale during the second half of last season.

However, it is also stated that Sunderland, Leeds United, and Stoke City are also keen on acquiring his services and that the interested parties could be willing to shell out a fee of £8m for him.

How good is Tom Cannon?

The 20-year-old ace is a terrific young striker who has the potential to be an excellent signing for Mowbray's squad as he is a proven Championship performer with room to grow.

Cannon could be a fantastic partner for Jack Clarke at the top end of the pitch as the pair could combine for goals on a regular basis if they are both able to hit their top form.

The Toffees youngster made 20 appearances for Preston on loan last term and chipped in with eight goals and four 'big chances' created in 19 league starts, which left him with an average Sofascore rating of 6.91.

With Ross Stewart out injured, Clarke (nine) is the only current Sunderland player who managed more than five league goals last season, as Amad Diallo and Ellis Simms both returned to their parent clubs.

This suggests that Cannon could provide Mowbray with a much-needed goalscoring boost by coming in as a proven Championship scorer.

However, the Ireland U21 international has the potential to score at an even greater rate if he can translate his academy form over to the professional game. The talented finisher racked up 51 goals in 97 matches for Everton at youth level, which works out as a strike every 1.90 games.

Cannon, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by Hull City boss Liam Rosenior, would end the current Championship season with an outstanding 23 goals over the remaining 44 clashes if he came in and produced the same rate of scoring.

Whilst there is no guarantee that the Toffees dynamo will be able to fulfill his potential and become a consistent scorer at first-team level, Mowbray playing him alongside Clarke in attack could give him a great chance to find the back of the net week-in-week-out.

The former Tottenham Hotspur prospect provided 12 league assists for the Black Cats last season – five more than any of his teammates – and led the team in key passes per match (1.7).

These statistics show that the 22-year-old talent, who has scored one goal in two league matches this term, is an outstanding creator for the side and has the ability to put chances on a plate for Cannon on a regular basis.

Therefore, the two young attacking hotshots could form an exciting partnership for Sunderland in the final third, and Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman must now work hard to secure the 20-year-old number nine's services ahead of their Championship rivals.

Manchester United are still on the hunt for defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential target.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Man United?

Man United agreed a deal with West Ham United for the former club captain to depart from Old Trafford this summer, however, after not agreeing personal terms in good time, the Hammers pulled out of the deal earlier this week.

As it stands, Maguire will continue in his very limited role under Erik ten Hag this season, unless another opportunity presents itself to sell on the 30-year-old over the remaining two weeks of the window.

That said, the Red Devils could still be in the market for a defender.

According to French newspaper Nice-Matin (via Sport Witness), Man United are interested in signing OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this summer.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

As per the report, the Red Devils are exploring other avenues of bolstering transfer funds after a move away for Maguire fell through this week and remain keen on signing Todibo as they look to improve the quality of their defensive presence.

Would Todibo be a good Maguire replacement?

Due to the agreement that was in place for Maguire's exit, Man United had started working on a move for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, something that the Bundesliga giants have continuously pushed back on despite the player agreeing personal terms in the potential deal.

However, it is looking more likely that Pavard will remain in Germany with Bayern unwilling to part ways with their centre-back after an opportunity to sign Manchester City's Kyle Walker fell through.

As a result, Ten Hag could now turn his attention to Todibo in the dying days and weeks of the window, and the Nice titan could be the perfect alternative to Pavard.

Over 34 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the Frenchman – who has a reported price tag of up to €50m (£43m) – tallied up an 89% pass completion rate, successfully completed 78% of his dribbles and won 65% of his duels combined, proving he is a huge presence on the pitch.

Not only that, the young defender has been the recipient of high praise from former Nice teammate Aaron Ramsey, who waxed lyrical about Todibo's strengths and talents last season:

"Jean-Clair is a very interesting character; he’s very confident and he’s a great guy around the dressing room and he’s a very, very talented player, who can go all the way to the top."

"He’s a great guy, a great player and very ambitious, so there is no reason that he can’t go all the way to the top and represent France."

When comparing Todibo's output with Pavard's last season, the 23-year-old "rock" – as he was dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig – shared many similarities to his compatriot in a number of key attributes including pass completion rate (88.5% v 88.3%), percentage of dribblers tackled (73.2% v 75%) and aerial duels won (57.4% v 66%), as per FBref.

With that being said, the signing of Todibo would be a great opportunity for Ten Hag to bolster the quality and youthful presence in the Man United back-line to continue his pursuit to build a dominant and successful team for the future.

Glasgow Rangers have announced no changes to their Champions League squad ahead of the vital qualifier against PSV Eindhoven, with the winner progressing to the lucrative group stages.

This means that centre-back Ben Davies misses out once again, having failed to make the squad for the ties against Servette and his future now surely lies away from Ibrox.

Will Ben Davies leave Rangers?

At the start of August, The 4th Official gave a transfer update surrounding a few players, with Davies being told that he was free to secure a move away from the club.

The Englishman only arrived in Glasgow last summer, costing £4m from Liverpool, yet his time at the Gers hasn’t gone to plan.

His Premiership performances last term proved he was out of his depth as he ranked in a lowly 14th spot while also failing to rank in the top five for tackles and interceptions per game, failing to have a positive influence on the squad.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

Teddy Bears boss Michael Beale should now spend the remainder of the transfer window trying to recoup some of he £4m fee spent on him in 2022 while also aiming to sign a direct replacement in the process.

Are Rangers interested in Zak Vyner?

According to Bristol Live, the Light Blues have recently shown interest in Zak Vyner as Beale looks to add at least another centre-back to his squad before the end of the window.

Championship side Southampton are also keen on landing the defender this summer, yet the lure of European football will surely favour the Gers in pursuit – with just 12 months left on his current contract at Bristol City, Beale should be aiming to land Vyner for a knockdown fee.

Although the Glasgow side have signed Leon Balogun and Dujon Sterling, the news that Davies could potentially be on his way out indicates that adding another centre-back to cope with the demands a hectic schedule is vital.

Vyner has prior experience of Scottish football, playing 18 times for Aberdeen during the 2019/20 campaign and although this isn’t exactly the best barometer of success, the 26-year-old will know what is expected of him North of the border.

His most impressive spell has come at City however, making 146 appearances for the Championship side across three and a half seasons, and he has begun the current 2023/24 season in excellent fashion.

Following his displays during the first two league ties, Vyner ranks second in the whole squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.1), while ranking first for accurate passes per game (45.5) and interceptions per game (1.5).

This shows he is already having a positive impact on the team and there is no doubt he could be a solid option for Beale to utilise.

He was lauded by his former manager Dean Holden following his first goal for City back in 2021, who said:

“Zak will score better goals, but he will always remember his first for us.

“I was right behind the shot and my only concern was that it might spin wide. I just wish there had been a crowd and his family here to see it.

“He deserved it because it was his first start for me in a new position and I thought his performance was outstanding.”

The next two weeks will hopefully see Beale bring in some more reinforcements at Ibrox, will Vyner be one of them? It would be a shrewd move if the titan did arrive, that’s for sure, as it could see the Ibrox giants finally move on from Davies.