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Southampton are one of the clubs in the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer transfer window, according to a report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving Liverpool

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be offered a new contract at Anfield, meaning he will leave the club at the end of the campaign, when his current contract is set to expire.

Injury issues have hampered the midfielder’s development at Liverpool, missing nearly a full year due to a cruciate ligament rupture during his early days on Merseyside, also absent for 14 games this season due to a hamstring problem.

The Englishman has been linked with a return to St Mary’s this season, with it being reported at one stage that Southampton were set to be ‘offered’ the chance to sign their youth product, but they may face competition for his signature…

The Latest: Southampton in the race

According to a report from Football Insider, the Saints are in the race for the 29-year-old, however they may have to fend off interest from elsewhere, with Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City also named as potential suitors.

It appears as though Brighton’s interest may be the most advanced, as the Seagulls are said to already be preparing a contract offer for the central midfielder.

Southampton are eager to make a move, but they are well aware that any deal will hinge upon whether they are able to retain their Premier League status, amid the relegation battle they currently find themselves embroiled in.

The Verdict: Get it done?

At 29-years-old, the 35-time England international is still at an age where he would have a lot to offer Southampton, however one major concern for Ruben Selles will be his injury record, missing a total of 88 games through issues during his time at Liverpool.

That said, when he is able to stay fit, the maestro is a proven performer at the top level, scoring seven goals and bagging two assists in the 2019-20 season, the last season he was largely unaffected by injuries.

Lauded as ‘superb’ by journalist Raj Chohan, the former Arsenal man has also impressed at times this season, scoring and creating one big chance against Brentford back in January.

As such, Southampton should undoubtedly pursue a deal for Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, and Selles will be hoping that he is tempted by a move back to his former club.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Nicolo Zaniolo in the coming days…

What’s the word?

That’s because sporting director Fabio Paratici has landed in Italy this week as he looks to sort out several transfers, in which the AS Roma star could feature in his plans.

“Fabio Paratici arrived in Milan: Thursday summit with Milan for [Japhet] Tanganga. Possible Italian solutions for [Bryan] Gil (like Sampdoria). But also incoming targets like Zaniolo,” Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo tweeted.

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The 23-year-old attacking midfielder should be a name familiar with Spurs supporters as he has been linked with a move to north London on several occasions – last summer, Corriere dello Sport revealed that Tottenham once had a bid rejected for him (via Sport Witness).

Roma are expected to receive between €40m (£34m) to €50m (£42.5m) for his signature.

Conte dream

It’s believed that manager Antonio Conte is open to the signing of a new no.10, a playmaker of sorts, and that’s what he could well find in Zaniolo, who is also capable of playing on the wing and deeper in the engine room.

Thus making him something of a dream signing for the Italian head coach.

The versatile midfield dynamo has struggled with injuries in Rome over the course of his career so far but that hasn’t stopped him from registering 37 goal contributions across 111 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Once on the books at Inter Milan, the Italy international certainly looked back to his best under former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho last season, not just playing a total of 42 games but he also delivered an eye-catching eight goals and nine assists.

The likes of Said Benrahma, Adama Traore and Wilfried Zaha are all comparable players in the same sort of statistical profile, according to FBref, so that could hint towards Zaniolo being an instant success in the Premier League, given the experience and quality of the top-flight trio.

Elsewhere, the Roma sensation has received plenty of praise, perhaps the most glowing came from his former Inter coach, Stefano Vecchi, who compared him to Frank Lampard.

“He has the characteristics to become a modern mezzala. He’s a [Steven] Gerrard, [Frank] Lampard-type player,” he said (via GOAL).

Meanwhile, Roma legend Francesco Totti has lauded the £34m-rated maestro as “explosive” and believes he has “everything it takes to become a truly great player”.

Paratici could not only fill the massive no.10 void at Hotspur Way by signing Zaniolo but he may also hand his manager a versatile talent with bags of potential, strength and pace.

As such, the Lilywhites sporting director must come away from his meetings in Milan with a deal in place for Zaniolo as he would add an abundance of quality to this ever-evolving Spurs squad.

He’s surely something of a dream signing this summer transfer window.

AND in other news, Paratici plotting Spurs bid for “extraordinary” £80m sensation, it would leave Arteta fuming…

A big Glasgow Rangers claim has emerged on the Ibrox club’s pursuit of a new winger in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Dean Jones has revealed that Rabbi Matondo is eager to make the move to Rangers as it is seen as the ideal next step in his career.

It has been reported that the Gers have agreed a €3m (£2.5m) package with German outfit Schalke to snap him up on a permanent deal, with Jones now providing an update from the player’s side.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Matondo is a really interesting one.

“He’s a player that raises the quality of the side and also has plenty to prove. I think that signing players with ambition and drive is key.

“I was speaking to someone yesterday and it’s thought that Rangers is seen as the perfect platform for him right now. As talks progress, I think he’s becoming quite keen on the idea of going there.”

Supporters will be delighted

Ibrox supporters will be delighted with this claim from Jones for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be buzzing to learn that the player is interested in making the move happen as it suggests that he will agree a contract with the club.

Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger dropped an update earlier this week, Tweeting: “Rabbi Matondo will not fly to Austria tomorrow for Schalke’s training camp. He is free to clarify his future. Negotiations ongoing. Further talks at the beginning of the new week. Personal terms not fully agreed yet. But all parties expect a transfer to Glasgow Rangers.”

Those discussions now look set to be easier for the Gers following this latest claim as they will not have to convince the player to make the switch. Instead of potentially needing to offer him more money in wages to tempt him into arriving in Glasgow, Rangers know that he is keen on a deal and can reach a reasonable agreement with him.

The supporters will also be delighted because of what his interest in a move could mean for Gio van Bronckhorst’s team next season.

Matondo enjoyed an excellent season out on loan last term at Cercle Brugge. He scored nine goals and created four ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 23 Pro League starts in Belgium as he made a huge impact in the final third for his side.

Gers fans will surely be keen to see his goalscoring talents on display at Ibrox in 2022/23 and will now be hoping that his willingness to join the club gets the deal over the line.

AND in other news, GvB plotting Rangers swoop to sign £10m “wonderkid”, he could be an Arfield upgrade…

Manchester United ended their rather dismal previous Premier League season in sixth place with 58 points on the board.

Another disappointing aspect of their campaign is the fact that only Brighton & Hove Albion (42) and Wolves (38) scored fewer goals than the Red Devils (57) out of all the teams to finish in the top half of the table.

One man who stood out as one of United’s top attacking figures throughout the campaign is Bruno Fernandes.

In addition to scoring 10 goals and providing six assists, the midfielder player more minutes in the league than any other outfield player at the club. In his 36 league appearances, the 27-year-old racked up 87 attempts at goal and more shot-creating actions (145) than any of his team-mates.

Now that the Erik ten Hag era at Old Trafford has begun, there is still plenty of time left before the summer transfer window closes for the Dutchman to strengthen the squad that he currently has.

In terms of what new faces could join the Red Devils in the coming weeks, one player with whom the club have been linked and who could give Ten Hag the chance to create a scary duo alongside Fernandes is Ajax winger Antony.

In 78 appearances for the Amsterdam club, the Brazilian has found the net 22 times and delivered 20 assists across all competitions.

Prior to his move to Netherlands, the attacker bagged four goals and supplied six assists for Sao Paulo, meaning that he has now made 52 goal contributions in 115 senior club games.

Throughout his 32 appearances last term, the 22-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists, showing just how capable he is of making an impact in front of goal.

Having racked up the second-highest number of shots at goal (79) in the previous league campaign, it’s safe to say that despite already being a deadly attacking figure, having a player like Fernandes next to him who is able to create goalscoring opportunities on a regular basis could be very beneficial for Antony.

Labelled a “beautiful” player by Dutch scout Piet de Visser, the Ajax youngster could be a valuable asset for United and develop into a long-term figure under Ten Hag’s guidance once again.

AND in other news: “Been told..” – Sky Sports journo drops huge MUFC transfer update supporters will love

An update has emerged on Rangers and their interest in bringing another striker to Ibrox in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Express, Rangers are considering a swoop to sign striker Ellis Simms on a permanent deal ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Middlesbrough will challenge the Gers in a battle to land his services as he looks set for an exit from Goodison Park.

It remains to be seen how a swoop for Antonio Colak, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Ibrox, will affect their interest in the Everton man.

Kemar Roofe upgrade

The gem, who is reportedly valued at £500k, could come in as an upgrade on Jamaica international Kemar Roofe this summer.

In 72 games for Rangers, the former Leeds man has scored an impressive 34 goals in all competitions, which does not appear to be an issue on paper.

However, he has struggled in Europe, averaging a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.61 in the Europa League last season as he scored twice in nine games. This came after he averaged a score of 6.39 in the competition in 2020/21, scoring two times in seven outings.

Roofe turns 30 in January of next year and it remains to be seen whether or not he has any development left to go through as he heads into the latter stages of his career.

This means that the Gers could land an upgrade on him by signing a player with a similar scoring record but with plenty of room to grow – Simms.

Toffees reporter Chris Smith also dubbed him a “clinical finisher” and this is backed up by his outstanding record for the club’s youth teams. He scored a sensational 58 goals in 83 games for the club at U18 and U23 level combined, showing that he has the quality to score goals on a regular basis.

The predator has carried his form over to senior level with 15 goals in 30 starts on loan at Blackpool and Hearts combined, showing that he can score at a similar rate to the Gers man.

At the age of 21, he also has many, many, years left ahead of him to develop and can become the go-to man for goals in Europe that Roofe has been unable to be, if he is able to adjust to life in Scotland and continue his goalscoring form.

Therefore, he has the potential to become an upgrade on the current Light Blues striker and is worth a gamble on at £500k.

AND in other news, Rangers can land Jack 2.0 by signing £20m gem who “dominates”, he’s “one of the best”…

Sunderland are among a number of clubs who are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Branthwaite out on loan?

The 19-year-old was only a bit-part player for the Toffees last season, starting just four Premier League matches and making eight appearances in all competitions.

Frank Lampard has already secured the services of James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer, and it could mean that Branthwaite drifts further down the centre-back pecking order at Goodison Park.

It therefore looks as though a loan move away from Everton could make sense next season, as the teenager looks to enjoy more regular football elsewhere.

The Latest: Sunderland keen on Branthwaite

According to The Daily Mail [25/06, p110, via Football League World], Sunderland are interested in signing Branthwaite on a temporary basis this summer.

Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are also mentioned as potential suitors for the teenager, who has been described by his former Carlisle manager Steven Pressley as a ‘future England international’.

The Verdict: Shrewd summer signing

This could be a perfect move for all parties this summer, with Sunderland possibly benefiting from having a player with 10 Premier League appearances in his locker.

Granted, he remains extremely young and is still learning his trade, but coming up against some world-class attacking players already in his fledgling career should stand him in good stead and enable him to thrive in the Championship.

New additions with genuine pedigree are needed at Sunderland this summer as they aim for a solid campaign upon their return to the second tier, and Branthwaite could be a dominant presence at the back, having averaged 3.3 clearances and 1.8 successful aerial duels per Premier League game last season.

West Ham United may have been given a timely boost in their pursuit of Raphinha, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes in chase?

The Hammers, having recently confirmed the signing of Nayef Aguerd, are ready to make even more moves this summer as Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth expects them to be ‘very busy’.

It is believed that manager David Moyes wants ‘at least’ six new additions overall this window as he gears up for what will be an interesting 2022/2023 Premier League season.

Sharing news on reported transfer target Raphinha, 90min now have a promising update for Hammers supporters.

The Latest: West Ham in mix…

According to their information, West Ham may not be out of the picture to sign Leeds’ attacking sensation just yet despite much interest.

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Indeed, it is claimed that the 25-year-old would ‘consider’ a move to the London Stadium after Moyes tried to sign him in January and the Irons remain keen on a deal.

However, while Raphinha refuses to discount West Ham, his preferred move remains Barcelona.

The Verdict: Keep pushing?

While the South American is holding out for Barca, if the Catalans should fall away due to their financial troubles, Raphinha’s openness to joining Moyes could come as a potential boost.

In terms of whether he would add quality, the answer is obvious – absolutely.

As per WhoScored, Leeds’ best player of 2021/2022 averaged their highest rate of shots at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 in the top flight.

He finished the campaign as their best-performing regular domestically and racked up the most goals for Jesse Marsch’s side.

Raphinha also terrorised Irons defender Issa Diop during West Ham’s 3-2 defeat at home to Leeds in January, as perfectly explained by Josh Bunting of Islington Gazette, who stated the attacker had him ‘on toast’ (Twitter).

West Ham United have identified a new midfield target according to reports.

What’s the word?

That is per a claim from The Mirror, who suggest that the Hammers are keen on signing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

It is said that Moyes is looking to revamp his midfield following the retirement of Mark Noble, along with the uncertainty surrounding prize midfield duo Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice.

As per the report, Moyes sees Ward-Prowse as a stellar addition to the West Ham ranks and joins Newcastle United as notable admirers of the 27-year-old England international.

Mark Noble 2.0

With the latest news surrounding Southampton’s dead-ball specialist, Hammers supporters will surely be elated at the prospect of a classy and respectful midfielder joining their beloved club.

Almost all of the fanbase will have a soft spot for a hardworking technician in that mould, having seen Noble, aka Mr. West Ham, occupy that role in the side for around 18 years.

If there is any player in European football who can draw comparisons to Noble, it is £28.8m-rated Ward-Prowse.

The 27-year-old’s leadership qualities and ability to dictate play through mastering the basics make him a sure-fire signing who would slot right into the shoes of recently retired Noble.

The Southampton captain had yet another stellar season on a personal level, bagging ten goals and chipping in with a further five assists in 36 appearances for the Saints.

Now in the prime of his career and gaining acknowledgement on the international stage, he will surely be looking to take the next step of his career in joining a club who will at the very least challenge for the European places season-upon-season.

His ability to pick a pass, along with his 3.25 switches and 1.96 key passes per game, make him a super asset in the centre of the pitch and his status as a free-kick “magician” in the words of talkSPORT is of course a welcome bonus to any club.

West Ham could not find a better replacement for Noble.

In other news: Sky Sports journo: Big transfer at West Ham is now “imminent”, Moyes will love him 

Aston Villa will step up their efforts to recruit a new left-back after sealing the departure of Matt Targett.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Mirror, who claimed that the Englishman’s reported £15m departure from the club will see that fee put towards recruiting a young, up-and-coming player who can develop as an understudy to Lucas Digne.

The club reportedly want to provide competition for the Frenchman, who has been entrusted with a starting role ever since his move from Everton in the winter transfer window.

Anderlecht full-back Gomez is rated at around £9m by Transfermarkt.

Better than Digne?

Gerrard’s ideology of signing a bright prospect like Gomez, rather than sitting on the sum received for Targett, is an astute one, made even greater by the level of competition that the 21-year-old Spaniard will hope to bring to Villa Park.

Gomez, who has been dubbed a “starlet” by Andrew Gaffney, was not given a chance at Dortmund, making just three appearances at Signal Iduna Park before departing for Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht after a loan spell at Huesca.

The Barcelona youth product has found his feet in the Belgian top flight, chipping in with 12 assists in 34 appearances throughout his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.

Operating throughout Kompany’s 4-4-2 system as an offensive left-back, he has gathered more goal returns in the league this season than Digne has managed throughout the last two Premier League campaigns.

With 65 chances created, Gomez surpasses Digne’s squad-topping 52 chances at Villa, with the Spaniard’s 15 big chances created almost double that of Villa’s top ‘big chance’ creator Emi Buendia, with eight this season.

As a creative defensive asset this season, he can count himself as one of the best in Europe. As such, Gerrard would be quite right to reinvest in a prospect like Gomez, who can provide some very stiff competition for 28-year-old Digne.

In other news: Gerrard must pounce on Villa swoop for £263k-p/w “stallion” who supporters would love 

Aston Villa aren’t looking at Sonny Perkins as a potential striker signing, Express & Star journalist Matt Maher says. 

The lowdown

Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday afternoon that Villa had opened talks over a deal for the West Ham United youngster.

Both Steven Gerrard’s side and Jesse Marsch’s Leeds ‘want to sign him’, he wrote on Twitter.

Perkins, 18, has only made three appearances for the Irons’ first team up to this point, clocking 99 Europa League minutes in substitute outings against Rapid Vienna and Dinamo Zagreb before a late Premier League run-out against Leeds in January.

According to Carlton Cole, he’s only recently adopted a striker role, having previously been used in a variety of positions, including centre-back.

The latest

Maher has been ‘told’ that Perkins ‘isn’t a target’ for this summer’s transfer window.

However, he does stress that ‘it’s possible AVFC could strengthen up front’ with an alternative addition.

The verdict

Villa may not be sold on Perkins just yet. Though he does have a strong record at youth level – with 10 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games – and has the endorsement of Cole, who called him ‘top class’, he’s barely played any senior football.

Were he available on a free transfer, their stance might be different, but a source at the London Stadium has insisted that he’s actually under contract for a year longer than initially thought.

Besides, Gerrard knows he already has another bright no. 9 on his books in the form of Cameron Archer, who’s made the step-up to senior level on loan at Preston and thrived, scoring seven times.

In other news, this Midlands reporter drops a triple exit claim.