Glasgow Rangers are reportedly closing in on a deal to appoint Scottish head coach Russell Martin as their permanent successor to Philippe Clement.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the former Southampton manager has ‘accepted the project’ at Ibrox, and he is now on course to take the reins heading into next season.

Once Martin is in the building, there is plenty for the ex-Premier League boss to deal with during the summer transfer window, in order to create a squad that can compete for the Scottish Premiership title.

The English-born tactician is set to walk into a club that has not won the league title for four years, and he must be ruthless with decisions on players whilst working alongside sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

One Rangers player who wants to leave

Part of building a squad that can be successful and dominant under Martin’s management next season will be ensuring that the players want to be there and want to play for Rangers.

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The Light Blues should not want anyone in the group who either sees their future elsewhere or is not happy with playing in Scotland, which is why news that one flop wants to leave the club should give Martin an easy decision to make.

IbroxNews recently reported that central defender Robin Propper wants to leave Rangers to return to his home country in the Netherlands, a year on from leaving FC Twente to join the Gers.

The outlet added that FC Twente are keen to bring him back to the Eredivisie this summer, but only for half of the £2.5m that the Scottish giants paid for him.

Why Rangers should sell Robin Propper

Martin should instantly axe Propper from the squad as one of his first decisions as the club’s new manager, should the deal go through as expected, for several reasons.

As aforementioned, the ex-Southampton boss should not want a player who does not want to be at Rangers, as he will need all the players pulling in the same direction to be successful.

Crucially, though, Martin should ditch Propper because he has not offered enough quality on the pitch. The Dutch centre-back earns more (£9k-per-week) than star attacker Hamza Igamane (£7.2k-per-week), who delivered 16 goals in all competitions this season, and has not done enough to justify that.

Robin Propper (24/25)

Premiership

Europa League

Appearances

27

10

Starts

22

9

Dribbled past

11x

4x

Clean sheets

5

1

Duel success rate

63%

45%

Yellow cards (red)

8 (0)

1 (1)

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Rangers only kept six clean sheets in the 37 games that he played in the Premiership and the Europa League, whilst he was particularly weak in Europe – losing 55% of his duels.

Back in December, Derek Ferguson voiced concerns over how the centre-back was adapting to life in Scotland. He said:

“Propper is struggling. He’s been pretty vocal over the last couple of weeks that he’s finding it tough in our league. He’s been asked the question early on. It’s quite worrying when you see him struggling as bad as that. Look at the body language – he’s looking for a way out already.”

It simply has not worked out for the 31-year-old defender at Ibrox, as shown by his statistics domestically and in Europe, and that may be why he is now keen to move back to the Netherlands.

With all of this in mind, it should be a fairly simple decision for Martin to make on his future, as he must instantly axe the Dutch flop from the squad amid interest from FC Twente.

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As Aston Villa look to go again in pursuit of Champions League qualification next season, those in the Midlands are now reportedly readying an offer to sign an attacking star that his club won’t be able to refuse.

Monchi: Martinez and Aston Villa "must continue"

Amid rumours that Emiliano Martinez is set to depart Aston Villa this summer following what looked like an emotional farewell to the home fans towards the end of the season, the club’s sporting director has had his say.

Speaking to Canal Sur Radio, Monchi spoke about Martinez’s potential goodbye, Rashford’s resurgence and how Marco Asensio also rediscovered his talent during his loan spell at Villa Park.

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The Villa chief said: “The Premier League ended nine days ago, and we haven’t stopped. There’s no time to rest; a sporting director’s vacation is in September. We still haven’t come to terms with what happened at Old Trafford.

“Emery has been able to bring out the best in Rashford, and Unai is the number one for that. He’s a player with top-notch, elite ability. We haven’t lost hope, he has a significant connection with the club and Unai. The story between Dibu and Aston Villa must continue, that’s my wish. He’s happy and content, but I’m not in his head.

Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi.

“Asensio hasn’t lost his talent; he’s given us a lot, and he’s in our best interest. I’m focused on the present, and my present today is Aston Villa so Unai can have a competitive team. Unai Emery’s connection with Aston Villa runs deep. I see him as very involved, excited, and eager. He’s a work-obsessed person.”

It’s not just potential outgoings that Monchi is focusing on, however, with reports now suggesting that Aston Villa have already opened talks to sign a talented winger who could follow in Rashford’s path in the Midlands.

Aston Villa in talks to sign Geny Catamo

According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Geny Catamo and are ready to offer Sporting Club an irresistible deal to secure the winger’s signature this summer.

Earlier reports suggested that the Villans are deliberating over paying €30m (£25m) to sign their target, but given that Catamo reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €60m (£50m), they may have to dig deeper into their finances to get a deal done in the coming months.

Minutes

1,911

1,422

Goals

5

6

Assists

2

3

Key Passes

28

28

A player who kept up with Rashford even as his form improved at Aston Villa, Catamo is only just getting started. At just 24 years old, the Sporting winger is about to enter the peak of his powers, making this summer the perfect time for those in the Midlands to make their move for the 33-cap Mozambique man.

Whether they’re in a position to meet their target’s £50m release clause without Champions League football is the big question, however. Villa’s PSR concerns are no secret these days and they could yet play a part in pursuit of Catamo this summer.

With Champions League qualification edging ever closer, alongside next week’s Conference League final, the future certainly looks bright for those at Chelsea under the Todd Boehly regime.

Indeed, there is growing excitement amid the imminent arrival of exciting South American duo, Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez, with the teenage pair set to make their belated moves to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.

With a deal having also been struck to sign Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP in 2026, the Blues will once again bolster their attacking ranks with another high-potential addition, despite Enzo Maresca already being blessed with the likes of Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke and, of course, Cole Palmer.

Where does all this leave Jadon Sancho, however? The man signed on loan from Manchester United last summer, with a £20m-£25m obligation to buy included, could still move on at the end of 2024/25, having registered just eight goal involvements in the Premier League this season.

Conflicting reports have emerged over his future, with GIVEMESPORT outlining that the west Londoners could make that deal permanent, only to then swiftly sell him on. Alternatively, the Mirror reported last week that Boehly and co could pay the £5m cancellation fee to send him back to Old Trafford, amid interest from the Bundesliga.

Whatever the case, it would appear that the 25-year-old is not the solution for Maresca’s side, with a marquee upgrade needed this summer.

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Sancho – who has 14 goals and assists to his name for Chelsea in 39 games – has also been the subject of interest from both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in Turkey, with a fresh start seemingly on the cards next season for the struggling star.

With Mykhailo Mudryk still sidelined, there does appear a need to strengthen on the left flank, in particular, with recent reports indicating that the club are stepping up their interest in a statement solution.

As per GOAL, Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid, with the report indicating that the Blues are even plotting a bid for the Brazilian when the transfer window opens next month.

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The piece notes that while ‘formal talks’ have not yet begun regarding that potential move, there have been discussions held with the 24-year-old’s representatives, with the player having become unsettled at the Bernabeu.

The suggestion is that Rodrygo is waiting to see what the future holds for him under incoming Madrid boss, Xabi Alonso, before deciding whether to depart, having seen his role limited amid the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

If Chelsea are able to pounce on that uncertainty, it would represent an almighty coup for those at Stamford Bridge, while also ensuring that Sancho can be firmly shown the door.

How Rodrygo compares to Jadon Sancho

There was a time in which Sancho looked like the next big thing in the European game, not least considering his record of 120 goals and assists in 158 games across his two spells at Borussia Dortmund.

Unfortunately for the England international, his stock has plummeted following that £73m switch to Man United in 2021, having registered just 18 goals and assists in 83 games for the Red Devils.

Despite flashes of quality while on loan in west London, including his stunner against Tottenham Hotspur back in December, the winger has failed to truly revive his career under Maresca’s watch, hence the need to look elsewhere this summer.

Rodrygo – who is the same age as Sancho – would surely be the perfect successor, with the former Santos sensation arguably among the “best players in the world”, according to departing coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

As noted below, the relatively young talent has repeatedly delivered the goods on the Champions League stage for Los Blancos, while racking up 118 goal involvements in 267 appearances in total.

Even despite enduring a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, Rodrygo has still easily surpassed Sancho’s return of 14 goal involvements, chalking up 23 goals and assists across all fronts.

It is worth noting that such a return has come despite the Brazil star largely having to operate on the right flank, due to the presence of Mbappe and Vinicius, despite his best work actually coming on the opposite side.

Rodrygo vs Sancho – 24/25 League stats
Stats (*per game)	Rodrygo	Sancho
Games (starts)	30 (22)	30 (18)
Goals	6	3
Goal frequency	323min	570min
Big chances missed	1	3
Assists	5	4
Big chances created	5	6
Key passes*	1.6	1.2
Pass accuracy*	91%	85%
Successful dribbles*	1.6	1.5
Stats via Sofascore

Indeed, in 12 appearances on the left this season, he boasts 12 goals and assists, thus indicating why he could simply soar if handed that role on a regular basis under Maresca next term.

In the case of Sancho, the Blues were taking a chance on a player who was in desperate need of a career revival. With Rodrygo, however, they would be plucking a super-talented and highly-rated asset from one of Europe’s elite clubs.

What a mouthwatering prospect that would be.

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A £70m Premier League forward is now “very open” to signing for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Gunners set sights on new forwards

After another trophyless campaign, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has made it clear that he thinks the Gunners will need to bring in a new striker this summer, with Mikel Arteta being left “woefully short up top” at times this season.

Neville also added: “I’ve been arguing this all season, it’s ridiculous that they’ve left Mikel Arteta – or Mikel Arteta’s left himself – so short. They’ve spent £750m and signed one striker.”

In fairness, Arteta has been unlucky with injuries, which have hindered his side’s Premier League title push, with both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus suffering season-ending setbacks, leaving Mikel Merino as the only real option at centre-forward.

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Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have also spent time on the sidelines, which underlined the lack of depth at Arteta’s disposal in attacking areas, and there has now been a suggestion the manager could look to sign a winger alongside a striker this summer.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jacobs has now stated that AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, should the Cherries choose to cash-in on the winger.

The reporter said: “I’m also told that if Semenyo is to leave, he would be very open to Arsenal and London. I believe he grew up as an Arsenal fan, even as a kid. But they are not as advanced or set on making a move yet.”

A deal could be on the expensive side, however, withn reports suggesting Bournemouth may look to hold out for a fee of £70m, amid rival interest from Manchester United.

Semenyo could be "sensational" signing for Arsenal

It is no surprise there is growing interest in the Bournemouth star, considering the level of his performances in the Premier League, having frequently shown his ability to take-on opposition defences and get shots off on goal.

The Ghanaian is among esteemed company on those attacking metrics, while he also received from journalist Thierry Nyann, who lauded his compatriot as “sensational” after scoring against Southampton earlier this season, adding to a solid goal record.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League

35

9

6

FA Cup

4

2

1

Semenyo has been a stand-out player for Bournemouth this season, and it is clear that Arsenal need to bring in additional attacking depth in the summer, so it is promising news that he would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur want to reinforce their squad in key areas to coincide with the arrival of a new manager, with new signings crucial as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Tottenham transfer to-do list before 2025/2026

The noise surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his future in the last fortnight delayed the club’s recruitment drive, but with their Premier League rivals making serious moves, Daniel Levy finally pulled the trigger and the manager’s departure was announced on Friday.

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While the search for a new boss is currently taking precedence right now, with Postecoglou relieved of his duties by Spurs after an official announcement on Friday afternoon, supporters will be hoping they can find his replacement in quick fashion.

Arsenal are currently working on deals for both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP respectively (BBC), while fellow London rivals Chelsea have already announced the arrival of Liam Delap in a £30 million deal from Ipswich.

English champions Liverpool have been especially busy with their ongoing rumoured pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, after completing the signing of Jeremie Frimpong.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The same can be said of Man City, which begs the question: how long can Tottenham really go without attacking this transfer market in similar fashion? Especially after qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Once their plans do kick-in, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge suggests the Lilywhites have plans to reinforce in all areas of the squad, bar their goalkeeper.

A new forward and midfielder will apparently take priority if defender Cristian Romero stays, according to Bridge, and Spurs will no longer have to sell to buy after winning the Europa League.

That being said, the futures of some high-profile first-team players may still lie away from N17, meaning Daniel Levy could have to replace them.

Earlier this week, The Telegraph shared news of Son Heung-min’s potential departure after 10 years at Tottenham. The one-year contract extension clause in his deal, which was activated earlier this year, means Spurs will be able to demand a fee.

Meanwhile, Richarlison has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, following an injury-ridden campaign.

What agents have said about Tottenham talks for Rodrigo Muniz

If the Brazilian does leave, recent reports have claimed that Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz could replace the Brazilian.

However, despite some claims Tottenham have been in talks for Muniz, journalist Vene Casagrande has shared information to the contrary directly from the £50 million South American’s camp.

Muniz’s agents have apparently denied any talks with Spurs, adding that Flamengo also have a 25 per cent sell-on clause on any future deal for the forward, which could complicate matters even further.

The 24-year-old bagged 11 goals in all competitions and was a key player for Marco Silva over the course of 2024/2025, prompting rumoured interest from Tottenham as they scour the market for proven forwards.

Leeds United’s frontline has played a huge role in their success throughout the Championship in 2024/25, undoubtedly contributing to their ability to claim the title.

The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings – the highest tally in the division, scoring 24 more than the next highest team in Norwich City.

Joel Piroe was the club’s highest goalscorer during the title-winning campaign, with his tally of 19 goals also the most of any player in the second-tier, claiming the Championship’s Golden Boot award.

However, if the club are to survive in the Premier League next time around, they will need added reinforcements to hand boss Daniel Farke with the tools to improve the squad.

With the transfer window just around the corner, work has already been done behind the scenes to ensure a quick start is made this summer, leading to numerous names linked with a switch to Elland Road.

The latest on Leeds’ move to sign Callum Wilson this summer

Over the last couple of days, Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been the latest name linked with a move ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The 33-year-old, who’s out of contract this summer, has spent the last five years at St James’ Park, registering 49 goals and playing a key role in their transformation over recent seasons.

However, they don’t appear to be alone in their chase for the former Bournemouth star, with West Ham United also said to be in the race for his signature.

His goalscoring record in England’s top-flight would undoubtedly be a key point for Farke in their pursuit, but Wilson has endured a torrid run with injuries that has restricted him to just two league starts this campaign.

Such a deal would likely be a risk, with the centre-forward likely to command a hefty wage given his experience, which could result in the Whites targeting other attackers this summer.

The former Leeds star who is now way better than Wilson

Undoubtedly, despite Piroe’s success in the Championship this campaign, Leeds will be targeting a talisman who is capable of stepping up to the plate in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has never featured in England’s top-flight, leading to question marks whether he will be able to cut it and be a success in such a division.

Wilson could be an attractive option given his current contract status, but his injury record should see the hierarchy steer clear of any potential move this summer.

They may have been better off keeping hold of Spanish talent Rafa Muijca, with the 26-year-old taking his career to the next level after departing Elland Road back in 2021.

He spent two years in Yorkshire, linking up with the youth setup after joining from Barcelona B, but was unable to break through the ranks and subsequently joined Las Palmas.

Fast forward to 2025, the striker is currently plying his trade for Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, currently enjoying one of the best goalscoring patches of his career – showcasing what the Whites are missing out on.

Mujica has registered 20 goals in his 27 appearances for his new outfit, offering a clinical edge that could’ve been of use to the Whites had they kept hold of him.

When comparing his stats from the current campaign, he’s massively outperformed transfer target Wilson, highlighting how big of a mistake the hierarchy made in allowing him to depart.

The Spaniard has not only massively outscored the Englishman, but has managed more shots on target per 90 along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – such a record that would’ve bolstered Farke’s attack.

Games played

18

17

Goals scored

18

0

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

17%

Shots on target per 90

1.8

0.3

Pass accuracy

79%

75%

Take-on success

41%

14%

Aerials won

31%

11%

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, as well as more aerials won, with his skillset potentially offering an all-around option in the final third had they kept hold of him.

Undoubtedly, it’s frustrating that the club made such a mistake in allowing the talisman to depart, with their loss now appearing to be Al-Sadd’s gain in 2025.

Whilst they won’t be able to get him back this summer, other targets will need to be explored, but given Wilson’s measly record and injury history, the Whites should be steering clear of a move for the Magpies star.

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Burnley are preparing for life back in the Premier League and could now be in the lead to sign a proven international defender, according to a report.

Burnley ready to break cycle of newly-promoted clubs in Premier League

Many newly promoted sides of the past have found it difficult to transition to life in the Premier League after claiming promotion, which is something the Clarets are desperate to change at Turf Moor.

Speaking ahead of their return to top-flight action, Nedum Onuoha believes Burnley should use Brentford as an example of how to survive and grow among the elite of the English pyramid over the next few years.

He explained: “It sounds a bit dull if you are a Burnley fan, but stick with the process. Clubs that manage to maintain their identity, can end up doing well. Brentford, for example. They never really deviated away from the model that they have, and now they’re an established Premier League side.”

Nevertheless, signings are necessary for the EFL Championship runners-up to build a squad that can live up to that feat. CJ Egan-Riley could be set for the exit door, and Burnley are now plotting an ambitious swoop for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez that could total £25 million.

Rennes midfielder Jordan James is also on Scott Parker’s radar. This development may become an ideal trade-off between youth and experience if Josh Brownhill leaves Turf Moor, signalling that there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes in Lancashire.

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The revolving door of transfer speculation never stops and Burnley are now reportedly in the lead to win the race to sign a talented defender with top-flight experience.

Burnley could win the race to sign Chris Mepham

According to Graeme Bailey in conversation with EFL Analysis, Burnley could trump Sheffield United and Sunderland to sign Chris Mepham, potentially on a free transfer with his contract at Bournemouth set to expire at the end of this month.

The Wales international earns £35,000 per week and spent the campaign on loan at the Black Cats, scoring once in 40 appearances as they also claimed promotion via the playoffs.

Chris Mepham’s campaign for Sunderland in numbers – EFL Championship (Fotmob)

Tackles won

31

Aerial duels won

109

Interceptions

34

Recoveries

138

Blocks

3

Dubbed “superb” by Dan Ballard, Bournemouth also have an option to extend his deal for a further 12 months despite his contract being set to run out, though Bailey anticipates that Burnley could skip to the front of the queue in any case.

He stated: “It could be one of those promoted teams. Do we see Burnley coming in for him? They may have to lose Maxime Esteve, and they’ve lost CJ Egan-Riley already. I wouldn’t rule Burnley out of the running on that one.”

Whether Bournemouth do activate his extension clause or not, the Clarets appear to be well in the race to bring Mepham to Turf Moor and he would be an ideal fit given he has made over 60 Premier League appearances across his career.

Rangers have now sent one of their club scouts to South America to watch a 6-cap international live in action today, according to a recent report.

Russell Martin named new Rangers manager

After being linked with several different candidates, Rangers announced on Thursday that former Southampton manager Russell Martin is their new head coach, joining on a three-year deal. Steven Gerrard and Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide were both linked with the role, but it is Martin who has been given the job, replacing Barry Ferguson.

The new boss had a spell at Ibrox during his playing career, spending five months on loan in 2018, and he now returns as manager. Speaking for the first time since his appointment, Martin has vowed to give supporters a Rangers team they can be “proud of”.

“The supporters are the most important people at any football club. My job is to give them a team they identify with, and they are proud of. A team that wins.

“A team that’s going to give everything. One thing that’s always overlooked with our teams is they always run the most out of possession, because they have to if they want to dominate the ball and be aggressive.

“It’s not a given; it’s an attribute – you need to work hard; not everyone has that. We want people like that to come to the club.

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“To the fans, I have to win. I don’t think I’ve been the number one choice at any club I’ve been at. By the time we’ve left every team I’ve been at, we’ve formed a real connection with the supporters. I hope this will be the same. My whole playing career was based on hard work and resilience. It was not done on talent.”

Rangers official in South America today to watch Chile international

As the Gers announce the arrival of Martin, the club could already be lining up his first summer signing, as according to En Cancha, relayed by Sport Witness, a Rangers official has been sent to South America to watch midfielder Vicente Pizarro live in action today.

The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Chilean side Colo-Colo, has been called up to the Chile national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia, as he looks to add to the six caps he has already won. Chile face Argentina late on Thursday evening, and it is a match that could be crucial to Pizarro’s future.

The report states that Rangers are one of a few clubs who are sending a scout to watch the midfielder in action, and while he is under contract until December 2027, Pizarro could leave Colo-Colo this summer.

Vicente Pizarro’s Colo-Colo stats

Apps

150

Goals

8

Assists

3

The Scottish side do already have a few options in the middle of the park, but with doubts surrounding the future of Nicolas Raskin, Pizarro could arrive as a direct replacement for the Belgium star.

Crystal Palace now have Europa League football to look forward to next season, and already the club are planning for the summer as they eye up a move to sign a “superb” Bundesliga midfielder, according to a recent report.

Wharton’s Crystal Palace future in doubt despite FA Cup win

Adam Wharton has been a standout performer since his arrival in SE25, and his performances have caught the attention of teams at home and abroad. Despite missing a large chunk of this season through a groin injury, Wharton has played 20 times in the Premier League and was a huge part of the Eagles’ FA Cup glory.

Heading into the summer transfer window, he is now very much a wanted man, as teams start to circle with significant interest. Last week, it was reported that Man United boss Ruben Amorim is personally driving the Red Devils’ move to sign Wharton. It’s claimed that United are in the strongest position to sign the Englishman this summer, but they are not the only team chasing the midfielder.

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Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, while Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign Wharton, as they plan to close the gap at the top of the table.

Liverpool are also interested in Wharton, and it’s been reported that they are planning to make a £60 million bid to sign the Palace man. However, given the Eagles have qualified for the Europa League, their stance has tightened, and it’s been claimed they wouldn’t consider any bid less than £80 million.

Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign "superb" £15m+ midfielder

And while the hope will of course be to convince the England starlet to stay put, according to Sky Germany, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nadiem Amiri from Bundesliga side Mainz 05, making plans to buff up their midfield ranks just in case.

Sky Germany report that Amiri’s exit from Mainz is a possibility this summer, as Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the midfielder, as well as teams in Serie A.

The 28-year-old was asked about his future after Mainz’s final game of the season over the weekend against Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 2-2, and the German didn’t give much away: “Go on holiday now; then we’ll see.”

Nadiem Amiri’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats
Apps	30
Goals	7
Expected goals	5.47
Assists	5
Shots per game	2.1
Key passes per game	2.1
Interceptions per game	0.5
Tackles per game	1.7

Amiri, who has been dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, with this report claiming he could cost between 18 and 20 million euros, which is roughly £15-16 million.

The midfielder, who can operate as a number ten or more defensively, is under contract until 2028, and the fact that Mainz have qualified for Europe next season will toughen their stance, given Amiri has been an important player this season with seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga games.

In what would be a frustrating start to his tenure, the 49ers are reportedly ready to take the decision out of Russell Martin’s hands and sell one of his best Rangers stars for a £19m profit.

49ers looking to commence Rangers business

The 49ers have wasted no time before getting things up and running in Scotland. The American owners have already solved Rangers’ managerial problem by hiring former Southampton boss Martin and the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast ever since. Reports are even now suggesting that the Gers are closing in on signing Josh Mulligan from Dundee to officially get their business underway.

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ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025

New Dundee manager Steven Pressley has only added fuel to the fire amid that recent rumour, telling reporters that keeping Mulligan will be “easier said than done” this summer. He said when asked about keeping his young star: “I would love to, but it’s easier said than done.

“We’d love to keep certain personnel. There’s a number of players that I think are pivotal to move this club in the right direction and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.”

Mulligan isn’t the only name on Rangers’ reported radar, however. Recent reports have also linked both Conor Coady and Flynn Downes with a move to Ibrox. The latter worked with Martin at Swansea City and then Southampton in the Premier League last season and may well reunite with his manager for a third time this summer.

The 49ers’ ambition should come as little shock after chairman Paraag Marathe told Rangers’ website after officially arriving: “We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

Building a side capable of bridging the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership may not come without sacrifice, though, and the new owners are already reportedly ready to sell one key man.

49ers ready accept £20m deal for Nicolas Raskin

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the 49ers are ready to sell Nicolas Raskin for £20m this summer, making £19m profit in the process. The Belgium midfielder is attracting plenty of interest and, as per O’Rourke, Porto, Fiorentina and Marseille are preparing to test the waters in pursuit of his signature.

Whilst Martin is keen to keep hold of his best players, he is also reportedly well aware that the 49ers could take such decisions out of his hands this summer in frustrating fashion.

Losing a player of Raskin’s calibre certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start to the manager’s reign, but it could be a sacrifice that he has to live with when considering the long-term boost that it could provide.

Dubbed “utterly sensational” by analyst John Walker, replacing Raskin will be no easy task for Rangers if they decide to go in pursuit of major profit this summer.