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Everton have only managed to make one signing so far this summer, with James Tarkowski joining the Goodison Park outfit – meaning there is still a lot of work to be done for Frank Lampard to turn around the Toffees’ present situation.

The former Chelsea boss took over as manager at the Merseyside club back in January and managed – by the skin of his teeth – to secure survival in the Premier League in the penultimate game of the season. And, the summer transfer window is the perfect opportunity to strengthen his team ahead of their return to top-flight action next month.

Everton’s desperation for quality players who can make an instant positive impact on the team has heightened considerably since the departure of Brazilian winger Richarlison last week, with the player making a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

As a result, not only will Lampard need to strengthen his current squad but now has a gaping hole to fill in order to replace Richarlison’s output in the team – with the added challenge of doing so on a tight budget due to ongoing financial troubles at the club.

One player who has been linked with a move to the Blues is Nottingham Forest youngster Brennan Johnson, who last season played a huge part in helping his team secure promotion back into the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

Johnson has played various roles in the attacking third with the player occupying left-wing, right-wing, attacking midfield and second striker positions throughout last season. However, despite moving around a lot in terms of positioning, this didn’t stop him proving how much of a valuable asset he can be.

The 21-year-old who was hailed a “superstar” by Wales boss Rob Page scored 16 goals, delivered 10 assists and created 15 big chances, as well as making an average of 1.3 key passes and winning 3.5 duels on average per game and successfully completing the majority of his dribble attempts over 46 Championship appearances last season.

As a result of his impact on Nottingham Forest’s play-off victory, the £13.5m-rated gem was also named Championship Young Player of the Year, proving that has been a standout performer not only for his club but in the league in general.

There is nothing Lampard thrives in more as a manager than developing youth, with the Toffees boss having a hand in the development of Reece James, Armando Broja, Mason Mount and many more during his time at Chelsea, so Johnson would be in a great position to fulfil his potential under the manager’s watchful eye.

With that being said, the signing of Johnson could be a major coup for Everton this summer if they could convince Forest to sell their prized asset, as he could be the perfect Richarlison heir to get the team back to where they belong climbing up the Premier League table next season.

AND in other news: Alan Myers delivers seven-word Everton transfer claim that’ll leave supporters excited

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to bring a new number nine to Ibrox in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Gers have agreed personal terms with Antonio Colak as Ross Wilson closes in on a £1.8m deal to sign the centre-forward.

The report claims that the Light Blues are planning to fly him into Glasgow for a medical and media duties as soon as they are given the green light by PAOK to do so.

It is stated that the Greek club would like to bring in a replacement before they allow the striker to leave, and that is the only thing holding up the transfer.

Imagine him & Ryan Kent

With this transfer seemingly on the verge of going through, just imagine what it will be like to watch Colak linking up with Ryan Kent in a Rangers shirt next season.

The pair have the potential to be an exciting duo at the top of the pitch, as the English winger can provide the deliveries that the Croatian predator needs in front of goal.

Swedish journalist Jonas Hansson recently claimed that the striker has the physique of a Greek “god”, and this suggests that the 28-year-old has the physicality to compete in the Premiership.

He also boasts the goalscoring pedigree which indicates that he has the finishing ability to thrive in a team which creates plenty of chances, as he has proven that he has the quality to score on a regular basis.

Colak netted 19 goals in 40 games on loan at Malmo last season and managed 51 strikes in 90 appearances for HNK Rijeka earlier in his career, demonstrating that he has the natural ability to find the net consistently.

Meanwhile, Kent has proven that he can be a consistent creator. He racked up a whopping 20 assists in all competitions last term, after providing 15 in the 2020/21 campaign.

The former Liverpool man has the quality to put chances on a plate for Colak week in, week out, and that is why they have the makings of a fruitful partnership for Rangers.

Just imagine Kent whipping in crosses and threading through balls for the Croatia international to run onto before dispatching to the net. They have the potential to be a deadly duo at Ibrox, and fans will surely be excited to see what they can do together.

AND in other news, GvB can form deadly duo as Rangers plot swoop for “inspirational” 37-goal monster…

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to north London this summer.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness), who claimed that AS Roma are now open to the possibility of the 22-year-old’s departure this summer.

Jose Mourinho’s side are reportedly willing to sanction a loan deal with an obligation to buy, with this clause believed to be in the region of €50m (£43m).

The report added that Tottenham, Juventus and AC Milan are all interested in a move for the Italy international ahead of their respective upcoming campaigns, with the Bianconeri believed to have already submitted an offer for the former Inter Milan starlet.

Kulusevski 2.0

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Zaniolo undoubtedly possesses, it is not difficult to understand why Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the 22-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

While it is true that a number of injuries have severely hampered the £34m-rated talent’s development in recent years, the versatile forward more than proved that he is getting back to his brilliant best for Roma in 2021/22.

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Indeed, over his 10 appearances in the Europa Conference League last term, the £75k-per-week attacker was in sensational form for the Giallorossi. He scored five goals, registered four assists and created three big chances for his team-mates, along with taking two shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the player who Nick Mercadante dubbed “unreal” average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Mourinho’s sixth-best player in the competition as the forward played a key role in Roma going on to secure the first-ever Europa Conference League title.

As such, should Zaniolo continue this form following a potential summer switch to north London, the 22-year-old could very easily prove to become Tottenham’s next Dejan Kulusevski.

The Sweden international immediately impressed following his arrival from Juventus in January, contributing five goals and eight assists in the league alone, and the prospect of the Roma gem making a similar impact upon swapping Serie A for north London is sure to excite Spurs supporters and Conte alike.

AND in other news – “In negotiations..”: Journalist drops big Spurs transfer update, supporters will be fuming

Newcastle United are reportedly now in the mix to sign Lisandro Martinez this summer.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

The St. James’ Park outfit are reportedly in a ‘strong position’ to sign central defender Sven Botman from Lille, but with interest from Serie A champions and UEFA Champions League qualifiers AC Milan as well, it may still be a difficult deal to get done.

Thus, they may have to look at other targets in the centre-back position, and a few new names have now been cropping up.

The Latest: Martinez interest

As per 90min, the Magpies are now in the mix to sign Martinez from Ajax, although Arsenal are the favourites at this moment in time.

Nonetheless, they are thought to be keeping a close eye on his situation, as are Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan.

The Verdict: Botman alternative

Martinez would certainly be a good alternative to Botman, should they not be able to get that deal over the line.

Nicknamed the ‘butcher of Amsterdam’ for the way he battles at the back, the Argentina international is not afraid to get stuck in, but is also comfortable at playing out from the back.

Only his teammate Daley Blind (83.2) made more passes per match than him (81.8) in the Eredivisie last season (WhoScored), and so the £28.8m-rated defender would slot in nicely under Eddie Howe.

In other news, find out who is now ‘set to leave’ NUFC here!

Leeds United have got their transfer window off to a frantic start with Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch wasting no time in improving the squad.

It’s been an urgent but much-needed rebuild with the Whites enduring a dismal 2021/22 campaign.

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They survived by the skin of their teeth and they are in no mood to repeat things next time around.

Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen have been added to a squad that could be gutted by the potential departures of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

Marsch will have big shoes to fill if they leave but with a glowing list of young prospects coming through the ranks, there is hope that one day the American could unearth his very own Yorkshire Pirlo.

Speaking of Pirlo and the best to play the game over the last two decades, Leeds could well be on the verge of repeating their Rio Ferdinand masterclass.

The centre-back signed for the Elland Road outfit back in 2000 in what was a then club-record fee of £18m from West Ham.

Fast forward 22 years later and Leeds are turning to the Hammers again, this time to sign a player at the opposite end of the pitch to Ferdinand.

That happens to be teenage forward Sonny Perkins with the Elland Road hierarchy believed to be casting their eyes towards the youngster.

The 18-year-old hasn’t earned a great deal of first-team football yet but has been banging in the goals at youth level, finding the net on 19 occasions for their U18 and U23 sides.

That form has seen Leeds linked with a switch as they aim to bolster a set up already blessed with some of the finest talents in their age group; Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt.

Perkins, who has been earning “rave reviews” in the words of ExWHUemployee, certainly deserves more minutes but whether he’d earn them more under Marsch than David Moyes remains to be seen.

Either way, Leeds already have a history of recruiting from the Irons and it went pretty well with Ferdinand before he secured a move to his now beloved Manchester United.

Perkins may not be the stoic defender that the now television pundit is but he is equally as brutal, just in the opposition’s penalty area instead.

The youngster clearly has an enormously bright future ahead of him and as a result, he’d be a wise signing from Orta. Perkins really does have the world at his feet.

AND in other news, Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “complete” £25m machine, just imagine him & Roca…

West Ham United manager David Moyes has personally set his sights on one of his former stars as reports out of Spain share an update involving Real Sociedad forward Adnan Januzaj.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye attacking additions…

The Hammers are reportedly after fresh additions in the attacking areas with names like Raphinha of Leeds United and Keane Lewis-Potter of Hull City linked most recently (90min).

West Ham are aiming to keep their place among the Premier League’s elite having enjoyed a quite simply sensational rise up the table over these last two seasons.

Moyes’ men only just missed out on a Europa League-qualifying spot on the final day of 2021/2022, instead having to settle for a place in the Conference League, and the east Londoners are seemingly determined to avoid a repeat.

The Latest: Januzaj ‘proposal’ made…

According to Diario de Sevilla, via Sport Witness, West Ham are one of a few teams who have ‘put forward proposals’ to Januzaj as the Belgian eyes an exit from Real Sociedad.

The Irons have allegedly made a personal offer to Moyes’ former player at Man United who could depart the Reale Arena later this month on a Bosman deal.

His contract looks set to run out and Moyes is said to be personally backing a West Ham move.

The Verdict: Right option?

Once called ‘amazing’ by former top flight manager Harry Redknapp, whilst it didn’t quite work out for him at Old Trafford, Januzaj has since earned praise for his Sociedad performances.

Ex-United star Paul Scholes even hailed an ‘excellent’ and ‘brilliant’ outing from the 27-year-old during the 2020/2021 Europa League campaign (via talkSPORT), and on a free deal, this could well be a fairly low-risk move by Moyes and West Ham.

In other news: West Ham enter pole position to sign ‘game-changer’ as GSB eye ‘frightening’ forward, find out more here.

Wolves are eyeing up a swoop for Almoatasembellah Al Musrati as Bruno Lage aims to rebuild the squad during the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), which states that Wolves are keen on signing Al Musrati from Braga.

Fulham are also keen on the midfielder and Braga are reportedly demanding a fee of around €15m (£12.8m) to secure his services.

Fulham have been admiring the player for longer, but Wolves have the chance to bring the midfielder to Molineux.

Lage can unearth his own Fabinho

Wolves finished the Premier League season in tenth position, which represents their third top-half finish in four seasons since being promoted from the Championship in 2018.

With the futures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho uncertain following the end of the campaign, it’s clear Lage is in the market for a new midfielder or two to boost his squad.

Al Musrati signed for Braga from Vitoria Guimaraes two seasons ago and has been a regular fixture in the side. the 26-year-old was a key part of the squad that won the Portuguese Cup last season and Lage might have his very own Fabinho if he signs the player.

Al Musrati is compared to the Liverpool player via FB Refs similar player model, with the two sharing related stats.

Both players have won the same amount of tackles with 37, whilst there isn’t much difference when it comes to interceptions, Fabinho edging it slightly with 56 compared to 46 for the Braga star.

Defensively both players are excellent, performing their respective roles with the minimum of fuss and fanfare that enables the more creative players on the team to win matches.

They both can be a slight threat going forward, however, with the two sharing identical shots per 90 minutes percentage of 0.74.

For the fee quoted, Lage could land a player who would be able to slot into the side with ease. Zach Lowy described him as a “special talent”, and a move to England could see him take the next step.

AND in other news, Tim Spiers now reveals major Wolves transfer twist, supporters will be buzzing

Everton have recently been linked with a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic, with the Serbian reportedly set to leave the Eagles this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Spor Time journalist Gerasimos Manolidis, the 31-year-old won’t be returning to Olympiacos, where he featured before his move to south London in January 2017, and is likely to depart Selhurst Park before next season.

Manolidis suggests that both Everton and Fulham are taking an interest in the Palace captain, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, which suggests that the Eagles may look to cash in on him this summer.

Worse than Klaassen?

Milivojevic was once a key player in the Crystal Palace side and won plaudits for his ability from set pieces, while he managed an impressive 12 goals and two assists for the Eagles in their 2018/19 Premier League campaign.

However, his performances have dropped in recent years, as suggested by his declining WhoScored ratings, and the 2021/22 campaign saw him make just 15 top-flight appearances under Patrick Vieira, in which he failed to score or set up a goal and averaged a disappointing 6.44 rating from WhoScored.

With the Frenchman having overseen a youthful transformation at Selhurst Park this season, it seems unlikely that he will re-integrate Milivojevic into his starting 11 next term, and Everton could take advantage by bringing the midfielder to Goodison Park.

However, the Serbian’s displays last season and in 2020/21, when he averaged a 6.55 rating from WhoScored for his performances, suggest that he wouldn’t be an astute addition to Frank Lampard’s squad.

In fact, it could be argued that he would prove to be an even worse signing than Davy Klaassen, who struggled throughout his spell on Merseyside, having joined from Ajax in 2017 in a £23.6m deal.

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The Dutchman would go on to make just 16 first-team appearances for Everton, in which he contributed no goals and just one assist. However, he has since returned to Ajax and been a success, hitting nine goals for the Dutch giants on their way to the Eredivisie title this season.

The Toffees were able to recuperate around half of the fee that they paid for Klaassen, but given Milivojevic’s age, it seems as if he would have very little resale value if he does make the move to Merseyside.

Lampard already boasts more mobile midfield options such as Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure, with the Serbian’s lack of speed a real concern, as was pointed out by journalist Jack Collins in 2020.

He said: “He’s good at dead balls, but I think that Palace fans have started to turn on Luka Milivojevic a little bit, because he’s actually really slow, slows the game down a lot, commits quite a lot of fouls and basically, is only in for his dead-ball ability at times.”

Although Milivojevic boasts Premier League experience, his declining WhoScored ratings suggest that he looks to be well past his best; and if he does join Everton this summer, then it would not be a surprise if his signing proved to be even more of a disaster than the 2017 misadventure with Klaassen.

In other news… Everton in prime position to sign £19.8m-rated titan, he won’t cost a penny

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a potential move for Jack Harrison this summer.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ saviour

The 25-year-old scored the stoppage time goal for Leeds as they beat Brentford on Sunday to ultimately retain their Premier League status, with Rio Ferdinand drawing praise to how ‘brilliant’ the winger was on the day when the stakes were sky-high.

That was his 10th goal of the season in all competitions, while he also provided two assists (Transfermarkt) as he emerged as a pivotal player for the Whites.

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The Latest: Everton interest in Harrison

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Everton are now ‘taking an interest’ in Harrison and his situation at Elland Road, as the Yorkshire club may be reluctant to sell both him and Raphinha in the same transfer window.

However, if Harrison were allowed to leave, then the Toffees could face competition from Newcastle United and West Ham United for his signature.

The Verdict: Good coup

To take Harrison off one of their relegation rivals from this season would represent a good piece of business from the Merseyside club.

Frank Lampard is an admirer of the Leeds forward, even going as far as to claim that he is ‘one of the best wingers in the league’, which suggests that the 43-year-old would be keen to work with him at Goodison Park.

At 25 years of age, Harrison has not yet reached his prime, so the Toffees could be the main beneficiaries of that should they be able to get a deal over the line for him.

In other news, Everton are now ‘waiting’ to sign this colossus

West Ham United have made their first move for Real Betis forward Borja Iglesias after his phenomenal 2021/22 campaign in La Liga, according to an update from the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: West Ham wanted Iglesias in 2019…

The Hammers, and by extension club owners GSB, had actually attempted to sign Iglesias back in 2019, when they were apparently ready to make a move for the Spaniard after negotiations between Betis and his former club Espanyol turned sour.

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The Premier League club were ‘willing to satisfy the demands’ of Espanyol but Iglesias opted to choose Betis instead, explaining in an interview that he was attracted by the project on offer in Andalucia (Estadio Deportivo).

The Latest: West Ham go back in for Iglesias…

According to AS, sharing news in the last 48 hours, West Ham have revived their interest for their former transfer target, making their first move in the form of an inquiry.

Indeed, the east Londoners are apparently among ‘several’ English top-flight clubs to make contact with Betis over a possible move for Iglesias.

The Verdict: Go further this time

Iglesias has just finished a brilliant season at Betis, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, leaving little wonder that he his back on the Irons’ radar.

The 29-year-old bagged four of those goals in six Europa League starts, illustrating that he can perform on the biggest stages, and he may prove a useful asset at West Ham in that respect.

Having scored an impressive 157 career goals in total, Iglesias has little trouble finding the net, so we believe that West Ham should test Betis’ resolve with a formal bid, going further than they did in their previous pursuit of him three years ago.

In other news: Offer ready: West Ham leap ahead of European giants in race for £21m forward! Find out more here.