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Rangers find themselves with an excellent group of academy players coming through the ranks at Ibrox at the minute, with Alex Lowry and Charlie McCann really showing their promise.

One of the most talked-about youth prospects is centre-back Leon King, who at just 18 years old, has featured on the Premiership sides bench a few times already this season and could be ready for a step-up next season.

King signed a new long-term deal in January which will take him up to May 2024, with Ross Wilson explaining that he was “delighted” the young defender will continue his journey at Rangers.

The move to offer him a new deal was a smart one, as his performances in the B team haven’t gone unnoticed, he was linked with a move to both Manchester United and Newcastle United before pledging his future to the Gers.

Steven Gerrard was the first to offer hints that King could be a key part of the Ibrox side’s future when the then 16-year-old was included in the first-team squad for their trip to Belgium to face Standard Liege in the Europa League in October 2020.

Since then, he went on to make his official debut against Falkirk in a League Cup tie before featuring for the Gers in league duty against Livingston in May 2021, long after the side had won the Premiership title.

This led Giovanni van Bronckhorst to promote him to the first-team squad in January and this experience will surely stand him in good stead.

The player has all the attributes to become the side’s next Richard Gough, a stalwart at the heart of defence who eventually went on to make over 300 appearances in Rangers blue. With former coach Gerrard labelling him as “superb” then the sky really is the limit for the talented defender.

Van Bronckhorst could save millions by utilising him in the next few seasons in what is an exciting time for the youngster.

AND in other news, Body blow: Van Bronckhorst now set for huge Rangers disaster over £27k-p/w “rock”…

Southampton have a rich history of bringing through academy players and turning them into first-team stars, whether that be at St. Mary’s or elsewhere after they have been sold.

The likes of Matt Le Tissier, Alan Shearer, Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and current player James Ward-Prowse all came through the youth ranks at Southampton, highlighting the impressive production line on the south coast over the years.

This means that fans have a right to get excited when an academy player makes the breakthrough into the first-team as they have seen how successful graduates can be. However, not every youngster is able to burst onto the scene and maintain an upward trajectory.

One excellent example of this is current first-team right-back Yan Valery. He made the step-up to first-team football at Southampton in 2018 but has struggled to kick on and progress in recent seasons.

The Frenchman played 24 times in all competitions in the 2018/19 campaign for the Saints, averaging a solid WhoScored rating of 6.66 in 23 Premier League appearances. He averaged 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst also chipping in with two goals and one assist from the right-back position.

At the end of his debut campaign at senior level, Valery was valued by Transfermarkt at £6.3m at the young age of 20. Ralph Hasenhuttl seemingly had a promising and talented defender in his ranks with the potential to progress and become a regular first-team star at St. Mary’s.

Instead of developing further and fulfilling his potential, Valery has endured a tough couple of years at Southampton under Hasenhuttl. The Austrian coach has been unable to get the best out of the defender, with his appearances and performance levels dropping over time.

In the 2019/20 campaign, the right-back made 11 Premier League appearances and averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.38. Last season, he only played three times in the top-flight and averaged a score of 6.15, before being loaned out to Birmingham in the Championship. Valery made five appearances in the Championship for Birmingham, only two from the start, and averaged a dismal rating of 6.33 despite dropping to a lower division.

Now, Valery is valued by Transfermarkt at £2.7m. This is a 57% decrease from two years ago and shows how Hasenhuttl has had a howler with the defender as he has been unable to help him progress.

Of course, it is also down to Valery to put the performances in on the pitch, but there has been little sign that Hasenhuttl’s coaching has aided his development.

Valery is yet to play a game in the Premier League this season and the rarely-seen full-back’s time at the club could be coming to an end if his lack of game time continues.

There is little point having a player whose value is plummeting at the club if there is a chance to sell him on, as it could recoup some money for Martin Semmens to spend on a replacement.

AND in other news, Ralph howler: Rarely-seen Southampton outcast has seen value plummet 57% since 2019…

Carlton Palmer is adamant Rafa Benitez could persuade Euro 2020 star Lorenzo Insigne to join Everton before the transfer window closes.

Benitez was appointed as the Toffees’ new boss in June and has made three signings – in the form of Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Demarai Gray – since taking charge.

But Benitez is now looking to make a marquee signing to satisfy the Everton supporters and the Merseyside club are being heavily linked with Napoli talisman Insigne.

The creative midfielder is regarded as a legend at the Serie A club, having made 397 appearances and notched 109 goals.

He also shone at Euro 2020, starting six clashes and claiming two goals as Italy broke England hearts to be crowned European champions last month.

Benitez worked closely with the 30-year-old during his time in charge of Napoli and former Premier League midfielder Palmer insists Insigne would be interested in a move to Goodison Park despite the close ties to his current employers.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Palmer said: “The Premier League is the biggest and best league in the world, so of course he would leave for Everton.

“Working with a manager that you’ve had success under is always an attraction for a player.

“Everton are a massive club which is fantastically well supported.”

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Stuart Dallas will be part of the Whites’ squad for their game against Liverpool this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Dallas not in recent Northern Ireland squad

Dallas is a pivotal part of the Leeds squad, with the Northern Irishman playing in every single Premier League game last season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists upon the Whites’ return to the top flight.

He has played every minute of the current season for his club, registering an assist in the opening day defeat to Manchester United as he continues to provide the goods for Bielsa’s side.

However, over the recent international break, the 30-year-old missed Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying win in Lithuania due to ‘personal reasons’ and the winger remained at home, withdrawing from Ian Baraclough’s squad.

The Latest: Dallas back in Leeds squad for Reds visit

As per Leeds Live, Bielsa ‘confirmed that Stuart Dallas would be part of the 20-man squad’ ahead of the Whites’ Premier League clash with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Elland Road this afternoon.

With the specific reasons behind his exclusion from Baraclough’s squad over the international break not publicised, Dallas seems to have managed the situation well and is set to be involved in today’s fixture.

Raphinha can also feature after the threat from the Brazilian FA was waved and the Brazilian will join his national team-mates Alisson and Fabinho in participating. Leeds duo Junior Firpo and Mateus Klich could also return after overcoming recent viral infections.

The Verdict: Good news for Bielsa

Dallas’ importance to the Leeds squad has been perfectly summed up by former Leeds Player of the Year Jermaine Beckford, who labelled the Northern Ireland international ‘the linchpin’ in Bielsa’s side – not surprising considering his very impressive 2020/21 goal tally for a defensive player.

His match average of 1.3 interceptions this season is the fourth-highest in the squad, indicating that the 30-year-old also carried out his defensive work diligently in addition to providing a clear attacking threat.

Having all his best players available against Liverpool will please the manager, with Leeds giving the Reds two good games last season, including last season’s thrilling 4-3 defeat in the season opener at Anfield a year ago today and a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in this fixture in April.

Whether Dallas starts after his absence for his nation is yet to be revealed, but Leeds fans will surely be pleased to at least see his name mentioned on the squad list, raising the firm possibility that he will be in action this afternoon.

In other news, Leeds remain interested in this summer transfer target

Frank McAvennie believes that Tottenham could be in trouble if Callum Wilson is available for Newcastle ahead of the meeting between the two sides next weekend.

The Lowdown: Wilson could be fit

The 29-year-old started the season in top form for the Magpies, scoring twice in the first three Premier League games (Transfermarkt).

However, since the 2-2 draw at Southampton in late August, he has not played a minute in any competition due to a hamstring injury, but it is being reported that the striker could be available to face Spurs once domestic football returns following the end of the current international break.

The Latest: McAvennie fires Spurs warning

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker McAvennie has urged Spurs to be vigilant if Wilson is available for Newcastle. He said:

“If he’s back, that’s massive, that’s the game Wilson wants to play in.

“He is going to be up against a pretty poor Tottenham defence and he is a striker who will punish you if you slip up.

“Me, as a striker, I would play against that defence all day long and twice on Sunday.

“It doesn’t matter, if you come up against a striker who knows how to pull you about and create space, you’re in trouble.

“If Newcastle are on it, which they should be, any ball over the top will have Eric Dier scrambling.

“Wilson will fancy that I’m sure. He loves scoring and he has a great chance to get a couple in my opinion.”

The Verdict: Difficult task

Spurs have not been in the best form this season, losing three of their first seven Premier League matches (Sky Sports). However, they are doing considerably better than the Magpies, who are without a win in any competition this term. The Tynesiders may have been taken over by a Saudi Arabian consortium in recent days, but they will not be able to spend any of the money now at their disposal until January (BBC).

Newcastle’s leading scorer last season with 12 goals, £19.8m-valued Wilson (Transfermarkt) is the best striker at Steve Bruce’s disposal right now, and having the England international available would provide his team with a massive boost. Spurs have conceded 10 goals in the Premier League already, so Nuno Espirito Santo and his team could indeed be in for a challenging Sunday afternoon if the 29-year-old is fit to feature for the visit of the north Londoners to St James’ Park.

In other news, Jose Mourinho’s stance on this Tottenham midfielder has been praised.

West Ham United’s takeover saga is by no means over as a major update emerged earlier this week…

What’s the word?

As revealed by the Evening Standard, investment firm PAI Capital are set to launch a second bid to purchase the East London-based Premier League outfit, having had their first offer of £400m rejected by majority shareholder David Sullivan, who described it as “derisory”.

The consortium, which involves managing partner Nasib Piriyev and former QPR chief Philip Beard, are determined to negotiate a deal.

Piriyev told the Evening Standard that they were granted access to the club’s business data around six months ago and that PAI Capital did provide proof of funds, despite reports on the contrary.

“If Mr Sullivan does not agree to our offer price, he has the full right to do so because the shares are his private property,” he said. “Although I do believe any owner of a Premier League club and a brand of West Ham’s calibre must also feel a duty to the community and fans – but what he cannot do is simply say that we are not serious.

“That is false information, but we are not going to fall for this move and do not want to escalate any conflict.

“So, with all respect to Mr Sullivan, we will continue pursuing this opportunity and make our best efforts to get him to agree to our offer and sell his controlling stake of the club.” GSB Out

It’s certainly no secret that the relationship between Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady and the London Stadium fanbase has been rocky for the past few years.

When staring down the barrel of relegation at the end of the 2019/20 season, thousands of fans protested against the board across a string of matches. Meanwhile, their trip to Anfield to face Liverpool saw some supporters unfurl banners, reading: ‘Run like a circus – Owned by clowns’ and ‘GSB out – Sold a dream, delivered a nightmare.’

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David Moyes then, thankfully, steered the club to safety.

However, later that summer, GSB sanctioned the exit of promising academy gem Grady Diangana, who had signed a six-year deal at the club only 18 months earlier. And this caused further uproar, with even captain Mark Noble venting his anger at the club.

The Scot has since guided the Irons into the Europa League but those feelings of anger against the ownership have not gone away, with supporter group Hammers United planning to protest, once again, before their home match with Manchester United next month.

PAI Captial seem relentless in their attempts to take over the club from Sullivan and co, so this should give the West Ham faithful plenty of hope. It may be a long and drawn-out process – you only have to look at Newcastle’s situation – but at the very least, there’s genuine and public interest that could see GSB out the door.

This latest claim from Piriyev should leave many around East London absolutely delighted.

AND in other news, “Is a worry” – ExWHUemployee drops fresh West Ham transfer update…

Rangers defender Connor Goldson is a potential transfer target for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, Pete O’Rourke has told GIVEMESPORT. 

The lowdown

Gerrard has been linked with a host of his former Ibrox players since he opted to move south of the border, including Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara and Borna Barisic, but Goldson’s case is unique because his contract is due to expire at the end of this season.

It’s possible that January will be Rangers’ last chance to cash in on the 29-year-old, who will otherwise be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer transfer window.

Football Insider have previously reported that, as per Ibrox sources, the former Brighton centre-back Goldson wants another crack at the English top flight.

The latest

O’Rourke thinks that Gerrard may deem Goldson to be Premier League standard and could look to engineer a reunion with the player in the Midlands, adding that the defender’s contract situation could lend itself to a ‘relatively cheap’ move in January.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “One of the names in the frame would be Connor Goldson, who is yet to sign a new deal at Rangers. I think his contract is up in the summer, so Villa might be able to get him for relatively cheap in January.”

The verdict

There’s no escaping the reality that Goldson would be a big loss for Rangers as they look to retain their Premiership crown.

He has started 18 of their 19 league matches so far this season, and his average SofaScore rating of 7.19 ranks him fifth in the Rangers squad, indicating that he’s a hugely dependable performer.

Goldson helps the Gers to build attacks with his ‘next level’ passing, and Gerrard was also keen to point out his intangible attributes, such as the ‘incredible leadership’ he provides. Therefore, it’s little wonder that the 41-year-old wants to team up with the defender once more, so Rangers best be ready for an approach to come their way.

In other news, some Gers fans were buzzing over this news ahead of the upcoming Old Firm derby

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, some major Man City transfer news has emerged involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Guardiola blown away…

After Pep Guardiola’s side hammered Sporting 5-0 away in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League Round tie, one opposition player who seemingly blew away City’s boss was in fact Nunes.

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Speaking to media afterwards, the Sky Blues head coach lavished praise on Sporting’s in-demand midfielder, even going on to claim he is ‘one of the best players in the world today’.

Guardiola’s rave review of the 23-year-old has prompted links to signing him in the summer window with A Bola (via SW) now sharing a promising transfer development out of Eastlands.

The Latest: Man City hold discussions…

According to their sources, City chiefs have apparently held ‘informal’ discussions with Sporting over a transfer for Nunes.

In perhaps the most exciting part of this story, the player himself is very keen on moving to Manchester, with there even being suggestions he ‘dreams’ of signing for Guardiola.

It’s also pointed that both Sporting and City’s ‘privileged relationship’ could boost them further in an attempt to land Nunes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

The Premier League champions already have a wealth of talent at their disposal in midfield, but given they could sign him for just €40 million (£33m), it appears there is little financial risk for City.

Called ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos, the player’s WhoScored stats point to someone who could actually be of use in Guardiola’s unique false-nine system.

A superb ball-carrier, Nunes completes more dribbles per 90 on average domestically than any City star has in the Premier League – backing why they’re allegedly interested.

Given his quality and fairly cheap potential sum, the Sky Blues should at the very least consider a transfer this summer.

In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep now eyes ‘absolute beast’ alongside Haaland! Find out more here.

Everton are reportedly scouring the transfer market for further attacking reinforcements after being linked with a move for Internacional striker Yuri Alberto.

What’s the story?

According to Brazilian outlet Torcedores, the Toffees are one of several clubs to have made an inquiry regarding the highly-rated 20-year-old, with AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Lyon, Manchester City, Arsenal, Napoli and Roma all credited with an interest.

The report states that it’s Serie A giants Milan who are in pole position for Alberto’s signature, though. The South American is believed to have his heart set on a move to San Siro, although his £17m price tag has left the door ajar for other potential suitors.

His agent, Andre Cury, confirmed a £9m bid from an unnamed Italian club – believed to be the Rossoneri – had been rejected recently (as relayed by Revista Colorada), while the youngster has already turned down a move to Barcelona.

Imagine him and Richarlison

Alberto arrived at Internacional on a free transfer in August 2020 after departing boyhood club Santos and has quickly gone on to establish himself as one of Brazilian football’s most exciting prospects.

In 49 appearances during the current campaign to date, the attacker has bagged 18 goals – including hat-tricks against Flamengo and Chapecoense, as well providing a further four assists.

His standout displays have earned praise from several impressed onlookers, including club teammate Edinilson, who predicted Alberto to go on and do big things in his career.

“Since (Alberto) arrived, I have seen huge potential in him. I know that, soon, we won’t have him here anymore because he has really huge potential,” Edinilson said.

Current first-choice striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set for an extended spell on the sidelines through injury, while his backup Salomon Rondon appears to be well below the standard required for the Merseyside outfit.

And the Brazil Under-23 international is certainly someone that Everton’s hierarchy should be looking at as the winter transfer window approaches.

The 32-year-old was an effective force during his time at Newcastle United, but two years in China have certainly taken their toll on the Venezuelan, and he’s yet to find the back of the net in seven outings for his new side.

Therefore, a move for Alberto would be warmly welcomed by Benitez and co. but it remains to be seen whether Marcel Brands can fend off the competition for his signature.

And, in other news…EFC missed golden chance to seal “spectacular” £22.5m-rated gem, Rafa will be gutted 

Manchester United are interested in signing “outstanding” Juventus striker Paulo Dybala this summer, and he could be the perfect replacement for Edinson Cavani at Old Trafford.

What’s the story?

United are poised to move to sign Juventus striker Dybala, according to reports from Corriere dello Sport in Italy, the Red Devils want to make him one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings at the club.

This isn’t the first time that the 28-year old has been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams. Two years ago the club were linked with a swap deal involving then United player Romelu Lukaku, but nothing materialised.

Now could be a great time to make this happen with Cavani out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and it being unlikely he will sign an extension.

He could be the perfect Cavani replacement

When Cavani joined the Red Devils on a free transfer in 2020 there was a lot of optimism. However, given the clubs past record of failing to get the best out of proven players, some were wondering what would happen.

Thankfully the move has proven to be successful with the Uruguayan being directly involved in 26 goals in 56 appearances. Although the unplanned return of Cristiano Ronaldo has led to much less game time for him this season.

When he departs United will need to fill the place left behind from not only him, but Mason Greenwood who is no longer involved with the team.

Dybala represents the perfect player for this, with the £222k per week star out of contract this summer.

The potential exciting arrival of Ten Hag, and the chance to link up with his former team mate Ronaldo, could persuade him to finally come to the Premier League.

He has suffered a lot with injuries this season missing 83 days which would be the only concern for United. However, when they don’t have to fork out an extortionate transfer fee it makes things less risky.

Dybala’s record for the Old Lady is pretty good, being directly involved in 161 goals in 286 games. He’s experienced and used to playing for a top club just like Cavani.

If you compare the two based on their form last season, Dybala is better in quite a few areas. When it comes to goal creating actions per 90 minutes he beats the 35-year old with 4.93 compared to 2.23.

That may be down to the fact that Cavani is more of a poacher than a creator. But United already have that in Ronaldo, so replacing the Uruguayan with someone who offers more is what United should be doing.

But with Ronaldo also being linked with a potential exit, it could be bye-bye to the Portuguese star and a welcome to Old Trafford for Argentina’s Dybala.

IN other news: Man Utd eye Ten Hag’s first signing in £20.6m “rising star”, he’s a major Fred upgrade – opinion