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Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay is set to undergo a medical at Liverpool in the coming days after the Reds’ offer was accepted.

The Lowdown: Ramsay profiled

As per the Dons’ official website, the 18-year-old has been at Pittodrie ever since joining the academy at the age of nine. He became a full time professional in 2019, signing a long-term deal in Scotland in 2021 and making his senior first-team debut against Dundee United later the same year.

Even though the right-back still has two years remaining on that contract, his performances caught the eye of the Reds, alongside Premier League rivals Leeds.

Of course, much of the media attention on Merseyside this week is focused on the quest to sign Darwin Nunez, who is believed to be the subject of a huge bid, but it seems Ramsay could be the man to become the club’s second summer signing after Fabio Carvalho.

The Latest: Medical next, announcement soon

In a new article published by Football Insider, it’s claimed that Liverpool are ‘close to securing a full agreement’ for Ramsay, with a recruitment source telling the website that a bid ‘worth £4m including add-ons’ has been accepted by Aberdeen.

The source further states that the defender will now ‘undergo’ a medical with the top-flight giants ‘in the coming days’ after ‘agreeing terms’ on his move to England.

It’s reported that a deal is ‘all but done’, with both parties ‘negotiating the structure of payments’ before the prospect is granted permission to complete his tests.

There could even be an official announcement ‘within the next days’.

The Verdict: One for the future

Trent Alexander-Arnold will probably always be the first-choice right-back in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, but given his age, Ramsay will definitely be one for the future and has plenty of potential to give.

The Scotland U21 international has been in hugely impressive form for the Dons this season, having assisted nine goals and even netting one himself in just 33 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, possessing the same kind of attacking qualities down the wing that the Liverpool number 66 does.

Already establishing himself at a highly competitive level – four of his nine assists came in European games – there’s no doubt that the teenager will be ready to step up when the manager does come calling.

In other news… one of the Reds’ first-team stars is now ‘closing in’ on a summer Anfield exit.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has been reacting to Manchester United’s move for head of athletic development Matt Walker, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Walker joining Man United

United may not have made any first-team signings for Erik ten Hag as of yet, but the club have agreed a deal to bring in Walker, formerly of Cambridge United.

He has joined the club as head of athletic development and will work closely with United’s youth teams ranging from the under-17s to under-23s.

He was hailed as doing an ‘exceptional job’ with Cambridge as head of performance, and Dinnery believes that a move for Walker is an ‘important’ one for the Red Devils.

The Latest: Dinnery reacts to Walker appointment

Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding United’s move to bring in Walker.

The injury expert described it as ‘absolutely massive’ and a ‘fantastic role’, going into detail on Walker’s role with the crop of academy stars:

“Walker is working at an age group where kids are developing into adults.

“You have that transitional phase. You’re moving from functional training to a very serious, goal-driven style of training. You need to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing and the wider picture behind it.

“You need to look at the development and long-term impact of playing in competitive sports. To move on to the next level, these guys in the coaching department are pivotal.

“Without that foundational model and those building blocks, the players are going to be ill-prepared. It’s massive, absolutely massive. It’s important to get that right, and it’s a fantastic role to work with those young people.”

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The Verdict: Good to see

United lifted the FA Youth Cup for the 11th time last month and their first since 2011, defeating Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in front of more than 67,000 supporters.

It’s clear to see that an exciting crop of future stars are coming through at Carrington, so bringing in someone like Walker to help with the physical transition seems to be a wise move.

The step up to the first team nowadays is huge, so having a head of athletic development in the academy could prove to be a smart decision which goes under the radar in an Old Trafford rebuild under Ten Hag.

In other news: Sky Sports relay big Man Utd news as Ten Hag plots move for English star

Recent reports have seen West Ham United linked with a move for Leeds United forward Jack Harrison this summer, with the Hammers believed to be ‘taking an interest’ in the Englishman following another standout Premier League campaign.

Having finally signed for the Elland Road outfit on a £11m permanent deal last summer – after three seasons on loan from Manchester City – the former New York City FC man went on to prove instrumental in keeping the club in the division, netting eight league goals for the second successive campaign after a blistering run of form after the turn of the year.

That haul not only included a dramatic final day winner away at Brentford to confirm the Yorkshire outfit’s place in the top-flight next season, but he also hit a stunning treble to secure a vital 3-2 win away at the London Stadium back in January.

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The “explosive” ace, as he has been dubbed by current boss Jesse Marsch, proved in that encounter just what a menace he can be, with his display likely to have caught the attention of the east London outfit.

On what was a torrid day for the hosts’ full-back Vladimir Coufal – with the Czech international losing possession a staggering 25 times – he was simply run ragged by the relentless 25-year-old, in what was a thrilling encounter in the capital.

The Stoke-on-Trent born ace netted early on with a curling effort from just inside the box after the aforementioned Coufal had failed to close him down, before he reacted quickest from a Leeds corner to turn home at the back post to retake the lead for the visitors, after Jarrod Bowen had drawn the home side level.

Heading into the second half, the Irons again drew level through Pablo Fornals just after the break, before the hero of the hour stepped up to seal his treble and all three points with a fine dinked effort late on, having surged into the space vacated by that man Coufal down the hosts’ right flank.

That display saw the £60k-per-week speedster take home the match ball, although it could have also determined his future destination, with Moyes and co likely to have been impressed by the damage he can cause with his lightning pace and bravery in possession.

With two seasons of Premier League experience under his belt already, it would certainly not be a risk for GSB were they to sanction the move, with it a mouthwatering thought as to the carnage that could be caused with Bowen on one flank and Harrison on the other.

Equally, the latter man also fits the Moyes mould of carrying out his defensive duties, ranking in the top 6% for clearances, the top 9% for blocks and the top 15% for tackles made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

In West Ham’s often counter-attacking set-up he would simply thrive as an attacking outlet, with the club simply needing to get the chequebook out to secure his services this summer. At the very least it would prevent him from tormenting them again next term…

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Everton are set to have a busy summer transfer window following a disappointing season in the Premier League, and now a new transfer target has emerged that could be the first signing to improve the squad.

What’s the latest?

According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Everton are eyeing a move for Barcelona outcast Clement Lenglet this summer.

As per the report, the La Liga defender was not keen on an exit but has now accepted he is not in the current future plans of the club and is looking for a loan deal with an option to buy.

It is reported that Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal join Everton in keeping an eye on the player’s situation but no official moves have been made by any of the Premier League clubs as of yet.

Lampard needs him

There is no doubt that improvements are needed at Goodison Park and when you consider their defensive record in the Premier League last season, it is clear that Frank Lampard needs to acquire a player like Lenglet.

Everton faced a challenging relegation battle this season and only secured safety in their penultimate fixture in the league, which is a situation the Toffees won’t want to repeat again, so improving the defensive line is a huge must for the club when they’re identifying players to improve the squad.

Lampard’s side conceded the fifth-highest number of goals in the Premier League, and Jamie Carragher even branded the defence a “Championship back four” following their humiliating defeat to Spurs.

Lenglet who was hailed “world-class” by Didier Deschamps has been struggling for minutes at Barcelona but when he has played he has been efficient in his role as centre-back.

The £97k-per-week star has contributed one assist, created two big chances, made one tackle, completed two duels and offered up a 91% pass accuracy on average per game in his 21 La Liga appearances this season.

With that being said, making signings to improve the defence should be a huge priority for Farhad Moshiri this summer and if they can secure a deal for Lenglet it would be a major coup for the club over their competitors.

AND in other news: Everton can finally axe “waste of space” by signing £50m ace who is “Kante with goals”

Italian football expert Conor Clancy has shared his verdict on reported Aston Villa target Stefan de Vrij.

What’s the word?

Speaking to the GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider insisted that the Dutchman would be able to make an instant impact at Villa Park, amid reports that he is on Steven Gerrard’s radar this summer.

Asked about that possible interest in the 30-year-old, Clancy went as far as to suggest he could even be the club’s new skipper: “I think de Vrij would be a hugely important player immediately.

“He is the type of player that could come in and just be given the captain’s armband straight away.”

The Inter Milan centre-back could reportedly be available to NSWE for as little as £15m with just a year remaining on his existing deal, although it remains to be seen if the Midlands side will eye another defensive recruit, having confirmed an agreement for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.

Supporters buzzing

Even with that latest news regarding the Brazilian, there have been reports that NSWE could look to cash in on both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa in the upcoming window, opening up the possibility that a further acquisition will be made.

Should that figure be De Vrij, it will no doubt go down well with the club’s supporters, with – as Clancy alluded to – the former Lazio man likely to come in and make a rapid improvement to Gerrard’s ailing backline.

The 55-cap international helped his current side claim a first Serie A title in 11 years back in 2021 under the tutelage of Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte, while he was again integral as Simone Inzaghi’s men narrowly missed out on a second successive Scudetto to rivals AC Milan in the most recent campaign.

The 2021/22 season saw the £31.5m-rated brute – who has been dubbed a “monster” by former teammate Mauricio – average 1.1 interceptions, 1.3  tackles and 1.7 clearances, as well as losing possession just 4.7 times per game from his 30 league outings.

The aforementioned Mings – who is Villa’s current skipper – has squandered possession almost double that of the £116k-per-week star, giving away the ball 10.3 times per game, while also averaging just 0.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in his 36 league appearances.

As pundit Danny Mills suggested, a “top-quality” addition is needed to replace the Englishman, with De Vrij seemingly the man slot straight into the heart of the defence as well as take on the captain’s armband.

Seeing an experienced head like the latter leading the side out at the start of next term would no doubt go down a treat with the Villa Park faithful, who will be desperate to see an improvement on the recent 14th-place finish.

Possibly paired alongside Carlos too, Gerrard may well just have one of the most dominating and commanding centre-back pairings in the whole division.

Just imagine that, Villa supporters. It would certainly be a sight to behold.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr added his take to the speculation surrounding Newcastle United and the pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. 

The lowdown: Recent reports

Reliable journalist for the Manchester Evening News, Samuel Luckhurst, has this week claimed that the Magpies are ‘closing in’ on a move for Henderson.

It is believed that the 25-year-old was heading to North East this week to put the final pieces of a move together ahead of the summer transfer window, as Magpies boss Eddie Howe prepares for a busy off-season.

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However, it now appears that the switch may not be as far along as Luckhurst claims following a contradictory report…

The latest: Scurr’s update

Taking to Twitter in response to reports elsewhere, The Shields Gazette journalist Scurr was quick to state that ‘sources at Newcastle’ have denied a move is close to completion.

Citing his own story, he stated: “Reports suggesting MUFC goalkeeper Dean Henderson is on the verge of completing a move to NUFC. But sources at Newcastle have been quick to play down the story.”

Within the report, Scurr confirms Henderson is a target who has been ‘discussed’, likely for a season-long loan deal, but also reconfirms that those close to the club have ‘quickly played down’ the likelihood of it happening in the coming days.

The verdict: Make it happen

Whilst few could question the service of 33-year-old Martin Dubravka since arriving at the Toon in 2018, it’s no surprise that Howe would be on the lookout for additional goalkeeper options to challenge the Slovakian.

Capped once by England, Henderson enjoyed a stellar 2019/20 campaign whilst on loan at Sheffield United, earning a 7.00 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.7 saves on average per game and keeping 13 Premier League clean sheets.

Since returning to Old Trafford the £16.2million valued man – dubbed as possessing ‘insane’ ability in 2020 by then-teammate Sander Berge – has found opportunities hard to come by as understudy to David de Gea and a summer move could suit all parties, including Newcastle.

In other news, find out which £36m-rated star NUFC could now sign for free here!

Rangers play their final match of the 2021/22 Premiership campaign today as they travel away from Ibrox at lunchtime.

The Gers watched on as their arch-rivals celebrated winning the league title in midweek, and that may put the fire in the belly to end the season on a high with an emphatic win.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s men come into today’s match off the back of a 4-1 win at home to Ross County and they will be looking to continue building positive momentum ahead of the Europa League final next week.

How many changes will the Dutchman make to the team from Wednesday? Here is our predicted XI to take on Hearts…

We are predicting that he will make four alterations to the side which started against Ross County, with Leon Balogun, Scott Arfield, Aaron Ramsey, Fashion Sakala all coming in.

The top-flight campaign has virtually finished for the Gers as they are guaranteed to finish second in the table irrespective of what happens today. This means that Van Bronckhorst can make changes to his team and use this match as another opportunity to spread minutes around the squad to keep as many players as fresh as possible for the clash with Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville next Wednesday.

At the back, Balogun may come in for Borna Barisic. This would allow Calvin Bassey to play at left-back and also give the ex-Wigan centre-back some valuable minutes ahead of the Europa League final.

In midfield, Arfield could replace Alex Lowry. The experienced Canada international has played 11 times in the Europa League this season, which suggests that Van Bronckhorst will want to get him some minutes in the tank in case he is called upon next Wednesday.

Ramsey is another Gers player in need of game-time. The Welshman – who Martin Keown previously dubbed an “outstanding technician” – was an unused substitute in midweek, so it could be time for him to come in for a start today to boost his match fitness. 

Finally, Joe Aribo may be axed after he failed to score or set up a goal in the 4-1 win over Ross County despite playing at centre-forward. Ezri Konsa once described the Nigerian’s style as “languid” and we are predicting that Sakala will get the nod in Aribo’s place to showcase his energetic play at the top of the pitch.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for big Rangers disaster on “ridiculous” £6.4k-p/w tank, Van Bronckhorst needs him…

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United head into tonight’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea knowing that, should they wish to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding the drop this season, they simply must pick up some kind of result at Elland Road against Thomas Tuchel’s third-placed Blues.

However, with right-back Luke Ayling being shown a straight red card in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last time out, in addition to the form of several of the Whites’ regular first-teamers having fallen off a cliff in recent weeks, the 48-year-old manager has a number of big calls to make concerning his starting XI.

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One such call will undoubtedly be in central midfield, a position in which, following Adam Forshaw’s season-ending injury, the American manager has struggled to find a suitable counterpart to the unflappable England international, Kalvin Phillips.

At The Emirates, Marsch started Mateusz Klich alongside the 26-year-old, however, with the 31-year-old turning in yet another abject display against the Gunners, it would appear an extremely wise move for the 48-year-old to drop the Poland international for what could well be a season-defining fixture this evening.

Indeed, over his 45 minutes on the pitch last time out, the £3.6m-rated midfielder was something of a passenger in the middle of the park, enjoying just 33 touches of the ball, completing 79% of his passes, ceding possession for his side on eight separate occasions, being beaten by an opponent twice and losing five of his six duels – a failure rate of 83%.

These returns saw the £34k-per-week player who The Short Fuse dubbed “embarrassing” and one prominent Leeds supporter dubbed “awful” average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.0 – the joint third-worst score of any player to feature in the match – with Marsch hooking the 38-time capped international at the break.

As such, with Lewis Bate having highly impressed upon replacing Klich last time out, and while it is true that the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison also failed to make any sort of mark against Arsenal, it is the Pole who Marsch simply must axe from his starting XI against Chelsea, as the midfielder could cost the Whites big-time against the Blues.

AND in other news: Marsch must finally unleash “standout” 19 y/o Leeds talent v Chelsea, he “isn’t afraid”

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has been left hugely impressed with Carl Starfelt’s improvement in form for Celtic this season, hailing his work behind the scenes with Ange Postecoglou.

The Lowdown: Starfelt superb for Hoops

The Hoops are on the verge of sealing Scottish Premiership glory, with numerous players starring for Postecoglou’s side throughout the campaign.

Starfelt has undoubtedly been one of them, starting 31 league matches and averaging a 90.8% pass completion rate and winning 4.4 aerial duels per game.

The Swede’s current deal expires in the summer of 2025, and considering he is still only 26, he could prove to be a long-term player for Celtic after an initial shaky start.

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The Latest: McLeish hails defender

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish heaped praise on Starfelt’s brilliance and the work he has done with Postecoglou in training, having improved his all-round form hugely:

“The manager has seen the guy every day. I imagine they have been doing some individual stuff, some video stuff.

“The manager will have known what Starfelt is capable of before he joined Celtic. There was a few Celtic players at the start of the season who weren’t at the level.

“Carter-Vickers is one. Starfelt, after a very shaky start, he has blossomed. It’s a credit to the manager and the coaches but it also shows the player has the bottle to play for these teams.”

The Verdict: Key man for years to come

Starfelt deserves all the accolades he receives this season, having been such an influential part of a defence that has conceded just 21 goals in 36 league outings in 2021/22.

He and Cameron Carter-Vickers has formed a wonderful understanding alongside one another and the hope is that they continue to provide the backbone of the team for many years.

Starfelt hasn’t done his job yet, though, and it is vital that he carries on performing at his current level in the final two league games of the season, becoming a Scottish champion in his first year at Parkhead.

In other news, Celtic have been tipped to sign a player in one position this summer. Read more here.

Josh Holland has dropped an exciting claim regarding reported Aston Villa target Ibrahim Sangare.

What’s the word?

Speaking recently to Football FanCast, the transfer insider insisted that the PSV Eindhoven midfielder could well be making a move to the Premier League in the near future, while he dished out praise for the £14.4m-rated man following his stunning displays for the Dutch outfit in recent times – including in the recent European Conference League meetings against Leicester City.

Asked about the 24-year-old, Holland said: “He reminds me of Wilfried Ndidi, in a sense of his structure and how he’s tall but he’s not a big, strong player. He’s quite niche in how he moves across the pitch.

“I think he’s destined for a move to the Premier League, whether that be to Leicester or to Villa. I think both clubs need a defensive midfielder, so it’s going to be an interesting battle for them to bring him in”.

Previous reports have linked the Ivorian with a move to Villa Park, although the Midlands side are likely to face stiff competition from the Foxes for his signature, according to recent suggestions.

Gerrard will love him

It has proven a fairly tricky start to life back in English football for Villa boss Steven Gerrard – with nine wins and ten defeats since his appointment back in November – with the former England international seemingly hoping to strengthen this summer in order to kick on again next season.

Having already snapped up Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne back in January, the 41-year-old is now turning his attention towards the club’s next notable capture, with Sangare potentially the man on their radar.

Recent reports have suggested that Gerrard went on a scouting mission last month to watch the 17-cap international in action at the King Power Stadium, having also kept a close eye on his current teammate, Noni Madueke.

Recruiting a new defensive midfielder appears high on the priority list this summer, with the club lacking a genuine holding player at present, relying on the more attack-minded Douglas Luiz to fill in in the absence of the stricken Marvelous Nakamba.

There have been links to Leeds United’s £60m man Kalvin Phillips to solve that problem role, although the club can secure a quality and much cheaper alternative in Sangare – who is rumoured to cost in the region of £3om.

While he may be half the price of the Englishman, he is certainly not half the player, having enjoyed a fine campaign for the title-chasing Eredivisie outfit.

The former Toulouse man – who has been dubbed “extraordinary” by former coach Aad de Mos – has registered a hugely impressive 3.3 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game this season in his 26 league outings, while also winning 72% of his aerial duels.

Not just a midfield destroyer, however, he is also a smooth operator in the ball, having also completed 74% of his total dribbles and achieved an 86% pass accuracy rate thus far.

The Villans are seemingly crying out for an all-around presence in midfield, with Sangare the perfect fit for what Gerrard is after.

In other news, Gerrard must ruthlessly axe “unplayable” £38k-p/w AVFC dud, he’s stealing a living