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Rangers have been urged not to sign Malik Tillman on a permanent deal this summer as he is "not worth" £5m, according to pundit Frank McAvennie.

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

Rangers will need to look at bringing in some new options in central midfield this summer, with the likes of Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis all currently set to leave at the end of the season, upon the expiration of their contracts.

The Gers are said to have scouted Olympiacos' In-Beom Hwang ahead of a potential summer swoop, while Darius Olaru of Steaua Bucharest is also "on the radar", according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Not only will the Light Blues look to bring in some new reinforcements, but they are also tasked with signing Tillman, with it previously being reported Michael Beale is keen to snap up the Bayern Munich loanee for good. However, in an interview with Football Insider, McAvennie has now claimed that Rangers do not have the necessary funds to sign the attacking midfielder, and he is not worth the fee being quoted.

The pundit said: “I do not think Rangers have got £5m to spend on him. There will be discussions but they will not buy him. £5m is a lot and I do not think he is worth it.

“I think he is a talented player. If you spend that money in Scotland it has to be on a player that works his socks off all the time. Sometimes Tillman is a bit-part player. He can be outstanding for 20 minutes then you will not see him for the remainder of the 70 minutes.

“For me, he is not worth it. I think if they have got £5million it could be spent elsewhere.“

Should Rangers sign Malik Tillman?

It has been a fantastic first season at Ibrox for the 20-year-old, scoring ten goals and bagging four assists in 27 Scottish Premiership appearances, also displaying his versatility by playing on both wings and through the middle.

In some ways, McAvennie's concerns may have some truth in them, with Scottish international Leanne Crichton also branding the Nuremburg-born midfielder as "lazy", while claiming he "doesn't work hard enough" back in October.

However, the starlet is just 20-years-old, and his attacking output makes up for an occasional tendency not to give 100%, which is an aspect of his game that he has plenty of time to work on.

As such, Rangers should undoubtedly make Tillman's stay permanent if they are able to do so this summer, and his current goal return indicates he could go on to be one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership in a few years time.

Tottenham Hotspur have been a side in disarray of late, and although they might have won at the weekend, it was hardly a performance to write home about.

Many have argued that Cristian Stellini’s side came away from the clash very fortunate, as their slender 2-1 victory hides the two questionable handball decisions and dismissed penalty shout, the latter of which the PGMOL has since apologised for.

It was a game that truly had everything, with VAR drama spilling over into the dugout, where both managers were sent off. Again the officials came under fire, as Stellini’s lack of involvement in the touchline fracas still earned him a red.

The main takeaway for the Lilywhites however was the fine strike that came from Heung-min Son, which finally brought the 30-year-old’s Premier League tally up to 100.

In curling in the opener, he became the first Asian to hit such a mark in the division's history.

However, this performance again papers over the cracks of what has been an abhorrent season for the South Korean speedster.

Typically keen to oversee the goalscoring burden alongside Harry Kane, it seems this season the £190k-per-week wide man has shirked his duty on numerous occasions.

After 28 league games, he has just seven goals to his name, whereas the last two campaigns had commanded tallies of 17 and above.

This in turn led journalist Jason Lee to take to Twitter to admit that the forward had been “underperforming”.

One goal should not expunge a season of disappointment, and such poor displays should give way to the youth talent who have instead earned their spot. One such name that springs to mind is Oliver Irow, a player hoping to make a breakthrough in the coming years.

Who is Oliver Irow?

Listed as part of a “bright” future for the Lilywhites by journalist Sohail Shamsudeen, the 16-year-old sensation has been tearing it up for the U18s outfit this season and is certainly one to watch at Hotspur Way.

The teenage gem already boasts four goals across 13 appearances, having finally burst into the youth side as a versatile attacker.

Clearly a goalscoring winger just like Son, to boast such a fine proficiency in front of goal at such a tender age marks him out as a truly valuable asset, one who could dislodge the South Korean once his career in north London comes to an end.

Indeed, to fast-track him into the seniors could be vital in offering the teenager that key experience to help him dominate the various youth levels, encouraging growth at a rapid rate.

Given how his potential predecessor in that role has underwhelmed this campaign could only ease such a surprising entry into the first team, allowing the youngster the platform to catapult himself into the stratosphere.

Arsenal could be set to lose 21-year-old striker Folarin Balogun over the summer as the youngster gains interest ahead of the transfer window.

Could Arsenal sell Balogun?

The English striker is currently playing his football out on loan with Ligue 1 side Reims, where he is enjoying a rich vein of form having returned 17 goals in 27 league appearances (via Transfermarkt).

However, he is set to return in the summer ahead of the transfer window, where his future will be decided by those in north London.

Balogun has hit the headlines in recent weeks amid the international break with the striker potentially switching his allegiance to play for the United States in the future.

And speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has provided an insight into the striker's potential options in the summer:

"He will be back at Arsenal at the end of the season. There are already 3-4 clubs interested in signing Balogun in the summer, but Arsenal will decide at the end of the season.

"Now, they are only focusing on the Premier League and I think it's absolutely fair. So it will take some time, but I think in the summer it's going to be a crucial moment to understand more on Balogun on both transfer and national team this season."

What could this mean for Nketiah's future?

Over the summer, Mikel Arteta saw Gabriel Jesus arrive in north London in a big-money deal as the Gunners looked to bolster their options up top.

In addition, Arsenal secured the future of their other young striker, Eddie Nketiah, as the 23-year-old inked a new deal which will see him earn £100k per week.

This does raise the question of where Balogun may fit in when he does return to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Jesus has had his injury issues this season which has seen him miss a big chunk of the campaign, during which Nketiah has stepped up as his replacement.

However, the 23-year-old has only been able to provide a return of four goals in his 23 Premier League appearances this season (via Transfermarkt).

Arsenal have invested big in Nketiah, not only financially but by rewarding him with the famous number 14 shirt.

But it cannot be ignored that during his time in Ligue 1, Balogun has shown his potential having returned more goals than both Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Thierry Henry hailed Balogun's braveness for leaving England as "refreshing" as he left in search of some more regular first-team football.

And in doing so, he may be asking a question of Arteta as to whether Nketiah has done enough to maintain his spot in the first team in north London ahead of Balogun.

Despite not scoring anywhere near as many goals as Balogun this season, Nketiah has provided the Gunners with some impressive work off the ball, having recorded an average of one tackle per 90 minutes (via FBref).

But the striker had failed to score in his six league games before picking up an injury, whereas Balogun has returned seven goals in his last nine games.

A big decision lies ahead of the Gunners, but on the back of the season Balogun is having, it is unlikely he will be short of potential suitors.

Crystal Palace are interested in appointing Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper this summer, according to The Daily Mail. 

The Lowdown: Three wins from 11

The Eagles decided to part ways with Patrick Vieira prior to the international break and confirmed on Tuesday that Roy Hodgson has returned on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Paddy McCarthy will assist the 75-year-old, with Ray Lewington returning as first-team coach. The club also added that Dean Kiely will remain as goalkeeping coach at Selhurst Park.

Hodgson and Lewington are hoping that three wins from the club’s last 11 Premier League games will be enough to keep them in the division, with Palace’s last top-flight victory coming on New Year’s Eve.

Club officials appear to be already looking at Hodgson’s long-term replacement, with Adi Hutter and Paulo Fonseca possible targets, however, a manager in work in England appears to be another contender.

The Latest: Cooper update

The Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel provided an update from Palace in the last 48 hours, claiming the club remain committed to appointing a new manager in the summer.

He reported that a number of managers Palace are interested in are currently in work, name-checking Cooper at the City Ground.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Hodgson will be taking on Cooper’s Forest side at Selhurst Park on the final day of the season, a match where Palace will be hoping they are already safe. The Reds are one of Palace’s relegation rivals, so if Cooper fails to guide Forest to safety, a move for the Welshman could become a real possibility.

Cooper, who shares the same agency as Eberechi Eze, has done a brilliant job with his current employers since taking over in September 2021 when they were towards the bottom of the Championship, leading the club to promotion following a playoff final win at Wembley. He has won or drawn more games in the Premier League than he has lost, coming out on top in his only meeting with Vieira back in November.

Sam Allardyce even thinks Cooper would have ‘done the best job of all the managers in the Premier League’ if he keeps Forest up, however, doing just that may impact Palace’s chances of a move.

Cooper could be a name to keep an eye on over the coming months, but Palace supporters will be desperate for the club to remain in the top flight and may not be worrying too much about who could take over from Hodgson at this moment in time.

West Ham are reportedly interested in making a move for young Boca Juniors striker Mateo Retegui during the summer transfer window.

Is Retegui heading to Europe?

The 23-year-old is currently plying his trade at Tigre on loan from Boca, scoring an impressive six goals in just eight league starts this season. He has also won an average of 2.9 aerial duels per game in Argentinian top flight, highlighting his prowess as a target man, and big things are being predicted for him into the future.

Retegui may feel that a move to Europe is beckoning, however, in order for him to enjoy a new challenge and test himself in one of world football's most competitive leagues. The Italian has been linked with a switch to the likes of Lazio and Inter Milan in Serie A but it also looks as though the Premier League could be a potential destination.

That's where West Ham come into play, as David Moyes eyes up possible attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer window. His team have been profligate in front of goal this season, only scoring 24 goals in 26 league games, which has no doubt played a key part in their struggles.

Could Retegui be off to West Ham?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], the Hammers are a "great rival" for the other clubs who are keen on signing Retegui this summer, which also include La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt. They are believed to have "already asked for information" about the player, which further suggests that there is progress being made.

GBSK's "spending power" has the potential to beat competition from any club in Italy, given the lack of TV money inflating club finances in Serie A, and the player's valuation is thought to be €15-20m (£13.1m-17.5m). A personal "desire for Serie A" could potentially work against West Ham but that remains to be seen, with the decision ultimately lying with Retegui himself.

He could be a really exciting signing by Moyes' men, with the youngster scoring twice in as many caps for Italy, highlighting his potential, with his best years still likely to be ahead of him. Pundit Lele Adani has described him as a "mix between Belotti and Iaquinta" – two impressive Italian strikers in their own right down the years – and a tally of 29 strikes in 51 appearances is further proof of how clinical he is in the final third.

Everton are a club that has certainly seen an upturn in form since making their managerial switch, ditching Frank Lampard in favour of the tried-and-tested exploits of Sean Dyche.

In moving to Goodison Park, the ex-Burnley boss reunited with many of his former players including Michael Keane, James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil.

The latter two had only joined in the summer under the previous regime, capitalising on the Clarets' relegation to secure the defender for free and the wide man for just £20m.

However, it had been a tough start to life on Merseyside for the young trickster in particular, who had to acclimatise to new surroundings in what was until recently a ship that was sinking fast.

People expected far more output than what he had to offer, and thus he struggled to live up to immense expectations. Despite that, Dyche's return to his side seems to have done wonders in reigniting that confidence to finally show Evertonians his best.

How is Dwight McNeil playing for Everton?

Having been expected to post plenty of goals and assists due to his position, the assumption was far too lofty for a player who had never focused his game around that.

McNeil thrived when he was allowed to express himself down the right flank, but with the freedom to also press from the front as he has done so well since the arrival of his old boss.

When compared to other wingers in Europe, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 4% for tackles, the top 9% for interceptions and the top 4% for clearances per 90 (via FBref), supplementing this earlier statement.

However, it is once he is handed free rein that he can actually begin scoring and assisting; a strength which Lampard clearly was not playing to.

In four of his last five matches in the Premier League, the winger has recorded a 7.1 rating or higher, and across the whole season boasts one key pass per game (via Sofascore).

His three goals and two assists also have him on track to surpass some of his finest creative seasons too. Journalist Joe Prince-Wright even took to Twitter to laud his latest strike, which he branded a "beauty" to send Goodison Park "bonkers".

The £25k-per-week gem's increase in value only exacerbates how his importance has grown for the Toffees too with the club truly striking gold on their investment.

Indeed, Football Transfers now see the apex of his expected Transfer Value at a lofty €43.1m (£37.7m), marking an 88% increase over just a short period.

Should their good form continue, with McNeil at the heart of it, this is only set to soar further as he becomes accustomed to his all-important role at his new club.

When Liverpool gleaned the FA Cup last season, beating Chelsea on penalties for the second time in a matter of months after winning the Carabao Cup final in near identical circumstances, manager Jurgen Klopp eulogised his players as “mentality monsters”, but less than one year on and the club have sunk like a stone.

Just one week ago, the Reds incredibly mauled rivals Manchester United to a historic 7-0 defeat in the Premier League, adding to previous goal-heavy seasonal triumphs against Bournemouth (9-0) and Rangers in the Champions League (7-1).

The Cherries exacted their revenge on Saturday, deservedly defeating meek Liverpool on the south coast, illuminating the issues of fluidity and consistency that plague the Merseyside outfit’s term and threaten to raise the drawbridge on Champions League football next season.

The midfield has been particularly chastised for its loss of intensity and vigour, and with this in mind, summer signings are imperative to cement the longevity of Klopp’s Anfield dynasty.

Jude Bellingham is the salient target, but with reports from 90min that the Reds’ technical director Julian Ward has sent scouts to observe Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, Liverpool might just have the perfect youthful option to bolster the engine and secure a silver-laden future for the prestigious club.

Who is Carlos Baleba?

The 19-year-old baller has swiftly emerged onto the Ligue 1 scene with Lille, making 12 appearances in the division already and earning high praise from team-mates, with clinical talisman Jonathan David remarking at how “powerful” the teenager is.

The Cameroonian prospect has indeed made a promising start to life in European football, averaging 0.6 shots and 0.9 tackles per game, also completing 84% of his passes and winning 61% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

His aptitude for assured passing and dribbling skills bodes well for the progressive efficacy of Klopp’s midfield, which has certainly failed to offer the robustness the German manager’s system demands this year.

Hailed by team-mate Remy Cabella as a “monster” and “incredible”, the mounting praise surrounding this blossoming dynamo seems to be telling for the scope of his abilities, with a move to Merseyside perhaps an auspicious route for his career, given the rise of the likes of teenage aces Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic.

With his boss hailing him as “exceptional” for entering a withered midfield and injecting vibrant life at just 18 years old, Spaniard Bajcetic is quickly emerging as one of the Premier League’s premium talents, having now made 19 appearances for the club and scoring one goal, being labelled an “incredible prospect” by journalist Tom Barnes.

With Baleba’s physicality and ‘monstrous’ presence in the centre, Bajcetic could find the perfect partner to grow alongside over the coming years, averaging one tackle and 1.4 dribbles per match, according to WhoScored, evidently combative in a way that belies his teenage years and inexperience.

Dubbed a “future star” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Baleba is on his way to becoming one of the most coveted young midfielders on the globe, already valued at around £30m by his outfit, and with Bajcetic demonstrating that Klopp’s Liverpool is a fantastic club to nurture talents and grow as a force in the centre, Anfield might just be the perfect home to kickstart his exciting career. 

The emergence of Stefan Bajcetic this season has been warmly regarded by Liverpool fans, who have been delighted with the impact of a youth star at a time of such concerning turbulence.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has been beset with a raft of issues, and Liverpool have slumped into a campaign mired with negativity after several woeful results have left the club chasing Champions League qualification as opposed to fighting for silverware across multiple fronts, as has become a given each year under the German manager’s wing.

And while a recent purple patch, iced with the sensational 7-0 victory over rivals Manchester United last weekend, has rekindled some of the verve that was intrinsically placed within Klopp’s system, there is a long way to go before the unrelenting and cohesive energy returns to Anfield with blistering regularity.

Bajcetic has made 18 appearances for the senior side since breaking into contention, hailed as “so mature and composed for his age” by journalist Ben Bocsak and dubbed “absolutely superb” by Liverpool writer Matt Addison, and his rise to the fore illustrates the gold that can be unearthed when entrusting the brightest academy prospects with the chance to shine, and the next prodigy to receive attention must be Lee Jonas.

Who is Lee Jonas?

The Kirkby colossus that is Jonas has been described by Liverpool’s official website as ‘a talented centre-half who joined Liverpool at U12 level having previously been at Everton’ with the club also praising his ‘committed’ approach to his play.

The 18-year-old recently penned a new long-term deal with the Merseyside outfit, consequently remarked as “good on the ball and strong in the air.”

Now a distinguished and experienced member of the club’s youth sides, Jonas has made 58 appearances across the different levels, scoring five goals and registering four assists.

Journalist Keifer MacDonald even waxed lyrical about a recent display, calling the rock-solid defender “brilliant at the back” after a UEFA Youth League victory over Porto last month.

Given Liverpool’s defensive frailties this term, shipping three goals to Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League in 2023 and more recently capitulating at the back to lose 5-2 at home against Real Madrid in the Champions League, a fresh presence to evoke confidence once more could be a coveted item for Klopp and co.

And with his ball-playing aptitude falling sweetly into the system that Klopp implements, with Neil Jones even lauding one “fine pass” earlier this term, the young titan seems to be tailor-made for a role with the Reds in the near future.

If Jonas can continue to prove his worth among the youth ranks at Liverpool, it is but a matter of time before he earns a shot among the senior crop, and given the recent success of Bajcetic, Klopp might just be inclined to grant the gem a berth within the first-team sooner rather than later.

West Ham manager David Moyes ‘still has full support from the board’ after a 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Saturday, Roshane Thomas reports.

The Lowdown: 14th league defeat

The Hammers fell to a hugely disappointing 4-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, which led to the travelling supporters making their feelings known to Moyes, chanting ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’.

West Ham continue to flirt with the bottom three following their 14th defeat from 25 top-flight games, but it looks as if the Scot’s job is still secure.

The Latest: Moyes update

Thomas, West Ham correspondent for The Athletic, took to Twitter late on Saturday evening.

The reliable reporter stated that Moyes ‘still has full support from the board following West Ham’s 4-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion’.

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The Verdict: Crucial games

West Ham face a crucial period which could have a major say on Moyes’ long-term future, with their next three top-flight fixtures all at home against Aston Villa, Southampton and Newcastle respectively.

The Hammers also have a two-legged Europa Conference League last-16 tie with AEK Larnaca to negotiate prior to the international break.

The meeting with Villa at the London Stadium falls in between the meetings with AEK Larnaca, and right now, you could say that the clash with Unai Emery’s side is much bigger given their position in the Premier League.

West Ham United are now serious contenders for Bristol City sensation Alex Scott as they become ‘firmly’ in the mix.

The Lowdown: Hammers make transfer plans…

Despite their status as Premier League relegation candidates, with rumours also having surrounded the position of manager David Moyes, it is believed West Ham chiefs are still making transfer plans behind-the-scenes.

There have been links to the likes of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and West Ham are believed to have made an out-of-window offer to the player via his representative.

New targets are emerging consistently ahead of the summer with The Mail now sharing news on Scott.

The Latest: West Ham ‘firmly’ in Scott mix…

According to their information, West Ham are ‘firmly’ in the mix to sign him this summer amid interest from a plethora of other top flight sides.

This comes after head of recruitment Rob Newman was sent to run the rule over Scott this week, specifically during Bristol City’s 3-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup.

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The Verdict: Very exciting player…

Scott is rated highly by both manager Nigel Pearson and Bristol chiefs.

The midfielder dazzled against City in midweek, prompting Pep Guardiola to call him an ‘unbelievable player’.

Such high praise from an elite boss like Guardiola should be plenty of evidence that Scott could be destined for stardom, as put by journalist Henry Winter, who claimed it is inevitable that the player makes a move to England’s top flight.

Scott is ‘flourishing’ at Ashton Gate according to Winter, as evident by the fact he currently ranks among Pearson’s best-performing  players by average match rating (WhoScored).