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John Souttar can be an instant replacement for Connor Goldson at Rangers, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider.

The lowdown

The Daily Record have listed the Hearts defender as a possible option for Rangers, with Goldson looking ‘increasingly likely’ to leave Ibrox when his contract expires at the end of the season.

They claimed that Souttar’s preference would be a move to England, where he has at least 10 suitors, but as he ‘hasn’t ruled out’ staying in Scotland, the Gers could make a ‘final push’ to land him.

Like Goldson, the £900,000-rated 25-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

The latest

BBC Radio pundit Whelan is impressed that Rangers aren’t ‘wasting any time’ in lining up an able successor for Goldson, and he thinks that the Light Blues have accepted that the 29-year-old is headed for the exit door.

He outlined: “Connor Goldson doesn’t look like he’s going to sign a contract. There’s your replacement straight away.

“They’re not wasting any time in preparation for the start of next season. Connor Goldson obviously doesn’t want to sign another contract, he’s made that perfectly clear.

“They’ll probably see him to the end of the season. At the same time, they’re already targeting players that will come in and deputise for Connor Goldson when he does leave the club next summer.”

The verdict

If Rangers can persuade Souttar to choose them over any English suitors, will that minimise the impact of losing Goldson?

It’s worth noting that they’re different players. Goldson likes to play the ball short, whereas Souttar has a penchant for kicking it long, so either he would have to adapt to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s style, or the Dutchman would need to adapt to him.

His defensive fundamentals look to be on point, though. For instance, the Hearts centre-back has won 71% of his duels overall, a better record than Goldson.

Indeed, former Hibernian striker Tam McManus has seen enough to declare that the ‘superb’ Souttar ‘walks into both Old Firm teams’. Therefore, Whelan is right to talk up the 25-year-old as a readymade replacement for the seemingly exit-bound Goldson at Ibrox.

In other news, some Rangers fans bemoaned this transfer update

There was no sign of Lucas Digne in the Everton squad for Monday night’s Premier League clash with Arsenal. 

The French defender had started all but one Premier League game prior to the Gunners’ visit to Goodison Park, but even though he wasn’t injured, Rafael Benitez made the ‘significant decision’, in the words of The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe, to leave him out entirely.

What’s going on at Everton?

Everton finally ended an eight-game winless run stretching back to September courtesy of Demarai Gray’s stoppage-time effort, but before the match, a report from The Athletic revealed discontent within the Toffees’ camp.

Some players apparently feel constrained by Benitez’s style of play, and one ‘key figure’ even described it as ‘ugly football’.

Digne had seemed happy

Digne signed a contract extension as recently as February, committing to the club until 2025.

The 28-year-old’s estimated transfer value now stands at £31.5m, according to Transfermarkt.

Could it be form-related?

The Frenchman’s form has tailed off this season, as shown by the drop in his average WhoScored rating from 7.08 to 6.8/10. His expected assists per 90 have also slipped from 0.2 to 0.13 (via Understat).

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed news of Benitez’s call, and here’s what supporters made of it, with some fearing a repeat of how James Rodriguez abruptly left Goodison Park earlier this year after being frozen out by the Spaniard.

These Everton fans express Digne fears

“He’s consolidated power and first chance he gets he takes retribution on a player…this is going to end very badly…”

Credit: @peterabbit68

“Pushing all the good players out, James, Digne, be DCL and Richarlison next.”

Credit: @JoeBazooooka

“Benched yes I’d understand more so but fully dropped from the squad…”

Credit: @tutes24

“If he goes it will be a massive miss and a surprise that a lot of fans won’t miss him till he’s gone.”

Credit: @SheepFlavour

“We are getting the full Benitez experience. Consolidating his power and pushing quality players he doesn’t like out”

Credit: @MarcC856

“James part 2”

Credit: @pombomalvado

In other news, many Everton fans have reacted to the club’s post-Brands plan

Rangers play host to Dundee United at Ibrox this afternoon as the Glasgow giants look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership table.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are the leaders of the division as it stands and are currently four points clear of their arch-rivals in second.

The Gers beat St Johnstone 2-0 in their last league outing in midweek as Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent struck to seal the three points.

How many team changes will Van Bronckhorst make for today? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Nathan Patterson, Juninho Bacuna and Fashion Sakala coming in.

In terms of individual performances, Van Bronckhorst does not have any major selection headaches going into this match. Every single player in the starting XI registered a SofaScore rating of 7.2 or higher in midweek, suggesting that no-one deserves to be dropped because of their display.

However, one change which could be enforced upon the 46-year-old comes at left-back. Borna Barisic came off after feeling unwell against St Johnstone and he could be omitted today in a protective measure.

This could allow Patterson to start at left-back, with Calvin Bassey’s recent form meaning that he should retain his place at centre-back instead of moving to the left of the back four. Van Bronckhorst could opt to switch the 21-year-old to his more natural position and bring in someone like Jack Simpson, but the former’s displays in the middle have been too good and he should be kept where he is for now, opening the door for Patterson to start at full-back.

The other two changes we are predicting are simple cases of rotation, with the Dutchman handing opportunities to some players whilst allowing others to catch a breather after the relentless nature of the recent fixture schedule.

Firstly, Bacuna could come in for Scott Arfield. We published an article explaining why the Dutch-born 24-year-old deserves a start to show what he can do with a chunk of minutes in the first team, giving the experienced Canadian a break ahead of Boxing Day.

Finally, we are predicting that Sakala will come in for Ianis Hagi on the right wing. The Zambian has eight goals and one assist in his last 10 games for club and country and only got 22 minutes of action against St Johnstone, a rest which could lead to a start today.

AND in other news, Gio could save Rangers millions by unleashing £17k-p/w beast, he’s got “major talent”…

An update has emerged on Rangers transfer target John Souttar with the Gers suffering a blow in their bid to bring him to Ibrox next year.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Hearts centre-back wants a move to England in the January transfer window, with the likes of Blackburn, Stoke and QPR, among others, keen on his services.

The report claims the Gers and Celtic are both keen on the defender and are set to be let down by his decision to go south of the border.

Big blow

This news comes as a big blow to Rangers as it suggests that they will be unable to land the defender in the next transfer window.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and that means the English sides will be able to pin him down to a pre-contract agreement in the winter, whereas the Gers would need to wait until his deal officially expires next summer.

It will also leave fans gutted as they will have been excited at the prospect of him arriving at Ibrox. He has been in sensational form in the Scottish Premiership and could have been a major addition to the side, but now appears set for the Championship in England.

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein once heaped praise on the defender, saying: “I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

“Just for the fact that he can do wonderful things. His passing of the ball Saturday was fantastic, but he is also now capable physically of competing with any centre forward. His pace is very, very good and he’s strong, focused and aggressive.”

Souttar has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.39 in the Premiership for Hearts. Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun, meanwhile, have averaged scores of 7.05 each, which suggests that the Jam Tarts beast could be an upgrade on what the club currently have.

The 25-year-old has made 2.7 tackles and interceptions, along with 3.8 clearances, per game. He has also won an impressive 69% of his duels on the pitch throughout the campaign to date, with all of these statistics highlighting the defensive quality he could have brought with him to Glasgow. This is why fans will be gutted to read this update and why it is a big blow to the club ahead of the upcoming window.

AND in other news, 129 appearances: Rangers secured dream deal with £0 gem who “embodies professionalism”…

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing up a transfer move to sign Gleison Bremer.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

As Spurs have been linked with moves for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Antonio Rudiger and Kim Min-jae over the last few days, it is clear that Antonio Conte would like to bring in a new centre-back.

The Lilywhites slumped to an embarrassing 2-1 loss at the hands of NS Mura in the Europa Conference League on Thursday evening, and the Italian probably cannot wait for the January transfer window to come any sooner as he looks to bolster his defence.

The Latest: Bremer eyed

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, Tottenham and AC Milan are now eyeing Bremer ahead of a potential move.

Torino could be tempted to sell him for €25m (£21.1m) if he does not sign a new deal, and they are awaiting responses from agents on what he is going to do.

The Verdict: Sign

Standing at 6 foot 2, Bremer could be the dominating centre-half that Tottenham need, and his 7.6 duels won per game in Serie A so far this season certainly suggests as such.

The Brazilian has made more than twice as many interceptions (four) as Spurs defenders Ben Davies, Cristian Romero and Eric Dier (WhoScored) in their respective domestic leagues, and he also boasts two goals and one assist from the back, suggesting that he would give them a boost in both penalty areas.

Once dubbed ‘incredible’ by former Torino manager Davide Nicola, Bremer is still just 24 years of age, so his best years should still be ahead of him.

Interestingly, he shares the same agency as Spurs duo Son Heung-Min and Dele Alli, so there could be some inside work done to try and lure him to Hotspur Way.

In other news, Conte reportedly wants to sell this Tottenham ace

Everton and West Ham United are among possible destinations for Ivan Perisic as he approaches the end of his Inter Milan contract, according to Fichajes.net.

The lowdown

Perisic, 32, is now into the final year of his deal at Inter. He’s been on the books of the Serie A giants for seven years, though he did spend the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich, helping them to win the Champions League.

The Croatian netted twice for his country at last summer’s European Championships, with his goal at Hampden Park on Matchday Three quashing Scotland’s hopes of progression.

He’s started eight of Inter’s nine league games up to this point, scoring twice and providing one assist (via WhoScored).

Jose Mourinho has previously marvelled at the ‘amazing’ winger and described him as ‘dominant over defenders’.

The latest

The report states that ‘several clubs are aware’ of Perisic’s situation and are ‘preparing their offers’ ahead of 2020.

He may yet renew his contract at San Siro, but if he chooses to leave, Everton and West Ham would be interested in bringing him to England.

Perisic could also return to the Bundesliga, with Wolfsburg keen on luring him back to the Volkswagen Arena.

The verdict

Another winger, Andros Townsend, arrived on a free transfer last summer and looks to be an excellent addition.

That will have given Everton encouragement – they’ll believe they can improve their squad without spending a penny on a transfer fee with Rafa Benitez showing his knack of getting the best out of limited spending.

And Perisic is, of course, a couple of levels up from the former Crystal Palace man. He’ll have turned 33 by the end of the season, but he could still offer Everton a year or two of effective service given his track record at top clubs in Europe.

In other news, fans weren’t happy with this ‘work hard’ post. 

According to TUTTOmercatoWEB, as relayed by Sport Witness, it appears Tottenham Hotspur haven’t given up their chase for Lille’s star right-back Zeki Celik despite the fact they signed Emerson Royal in the summer.

The Lowdown: Paratici era in full swing…

Since the appointment of new managing director Fabio Paratici in the summer, Tottenham have been linked to a host of players as the Italian transfer chief aims to guide them into a new era.

The 49-year-old, tasked with developing Spurs’ on-field sporting operations, which includes taking charge of transfer activity, recently orchestrated his first ever Lilywhites transfer window and one where there many faces went in and out of N17.

Now, more news has emerged as Paratici sets his sights on a prime Spurs target.

The Latest: Spurs refuse to quit in Celik race…

Despite landing a capable Serge Aurier replacement in former Real Betis full-back Emerson, who has drawn comparisons with Dani Alves, it appears Spurs and Paratici haven’t lost sight of Celik.

The Ligue 1 title-winner impressed under Christophe Galtier last season and attracted Tottenham’s interest in the summer, becoming one of Paratici’s ‘first targets’.

As per TMW (via Sport Witness), he remains one of Tottenham’s top targets and the club ‘have not given up’ on signing him.

The Verdict: Really necessary?

While the 27-cap Turkey international stands out as a great player in France, with expert Adam White calling him ‘talented’ and ‘consistent’, he arguably isn’t a necessity at this point.

Emerson’s signing, not to mention the versatility of Japhet Tanganga who can operate as a right-back, provides plenty of depth for Nuno Espirito Santo in that area – and that’s not even taking into account the presence of Matt Doherty.

Celik, once reportedly ‘favoured’ by Jose Mourinho when he was in charge at N17, could be one for future seasons but Tottenham are far better served prioritising other positions at the moment.

In other news: Talks ongoing…Sky Sports journalist makes exciting Spurs transfer claim involving ‘phenomenal’ star, find out more here.

Crystal Palace must move for Everton midfielder Tom Davies as new manager Patrick Vieira aims to complete the overhaul of his engine room at Selhurst Park.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the Eagles are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation at Goodison Park ahead of a potential offer.

The report states that: “A Palace source has told Football Insider that Davies is on their radar going into next year and his situation at Everton will be monitored.

“Intriguingly, Davies is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and there has been no progress in talks over an extension.”

Patrick Vieira needs him

Palace replaced several ageing campaigners with fresh faces over the summer following Roy Hodgson’s departure, including two central midfielders.

Conor Gallagher arrived at Selhurst Park on a season-long loan from Chelsea and has already made a huge impression in south London, while Will Hughes is yet to make an appearance following his switch from Watford.

Despite the acquisition of the duo, Vieira may still feel the need to freshen up his options in the centre of the pitch, given the profiles of his alternative choices.

Club captain Luka Milivojevic is 30 years old, James McArthur is 33 and Cheikhou Kouyate is 31, combine those ages with the fact that Gallagher may not return for a second spell next season and it’s easy to understand why Davies is needed.

The former England Under-21 international would bring energy, youthful legs, and a tenacity to the midfield that has been lacing in south London in previous years.

Under former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, Davies played a bit-part role during 2020/21 but did put in several standout displays, catching the eye of the Italian tactician against Manchester United.

“I think, first of all, Tom is a really professional player, really focused on what he is doing,” Ancelotti said. “He has a strong sense of belonging to this club, and this is also really important.

“The only thing I said to him is to simplify his work and his style of play. He plays in a position where tactically you have to be really focused. Watching the game against United, I think tactically; he was perfect.”

However, the youngster appears to have slipped down the pecking order under Ancelotti’s successor Rafael Benitez. Davies has only featured in 17 minutes of Premier League action in Everton’s opening six fixtures the current campaign, throwing his future at the club into doubt.

Therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Davies, providing Vieira with a long-term solution to his engine room conundrum.

And, in other news…Palace can repeat Olise masterclass by signing 26y/o beast, he’s got a “great future” 

Many Everton fans have been left raging over some news involving changes to their fixtures.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, they have had six fixtures moved for coverage on TV during the festive period, including the Merseyside derby at home to Liverpool now being played midweek at 8:15pm.

They also have Monday night games at home to Arsenal and Leicester City respectively, while there is also a midweek visit to Chelsea.

Understandably, the changes have not left Toffees supporters happy, as night-time matches make it harder for them to attend due to travel and work commitments, especially the visit to Stamford Bridge.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-6/” title=”Everton news! (6)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 7:45pm kick-off time for the Chelsea clash looks to be an absolute nightmare for travelling Blues, while they’re not particularly happy to see the derby with their red neighbours moved to midweek either.

Everton fans on fixture changes

These EFC fans raged as the changes were shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that they are ‘fuming’, while another said the changes are ‘terrible’:

“They’re absolutely horrendous”

Credit: @gfarr92

“Absolute joke.”

Credit: @JayShelley89

“Absolute disaster.. another reason not to book flights until fixtures here changed”

Credit: @Ryan__Hughes

“Fuming!!”

Credit: @EvertonHel

“Terrible fixture changes”

Credit: @andymitchell73

“These fixture changes are an absolute disgrace. @SkySports don’t care about fans who actually go to the match at all but unfortunately if you dance with the devil then it’s to his tune. I feel for people working nights or who’ll have to use annual leave to attend these games!”

Credit: @Paddy_McKeanEFC

In other news, find out which 18-year-old Toffees want to start against Watford here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers will definitely ‘look into the possibility’ of signing summer target Renato Sanches in January, according to Alex Dicken. 

The lowdown

Wolves had hoped to sign Sanches on a season-long loan on Deadline Day, but walked away from the deal when the extent of the player’s current injury emerged.

The midfielder has missed Lille’s last five matches with a knee problem.

Having pulled out of the move, Wolves failed to add a senior central midfielder to their ranks during the summer.

Sanches has earned rave review, with former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell calling him a ‘powerhouse’.

The latest

The report states that Sanches was Lage’s top target, viewed as ‘the missing ingredient’ in the middle of the park.

Lille were willing to part with the player with financial reasons.

He’s ‘certain’ to remain on Wolves’ radar come January, but there’s also likely to be greater competition for his signature once he is fully fit.

The verdict

Sanches would be a real coup for Wolves, even if his lengthy injury history makes the move risky.

You would expect there to be rival offers from some European heavyweights off the back of his mightily impressive performances for Ligue 1 champions Lille and of course Portugal.

There’s an exciting project building at Molineux though, with Wolves playing some captivating football in the early matches of Lage’s tenure, despite the points not quite flying in yet.

In other news, Tim Spiers reveals the changes Lage has made.