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Boasting a wealth of talent in their youth ranks, West Bromwich Albion certainly have plenty of youngsters knocking on Carlos Corberan’s door for more opportunities.

Many will have seen the meteoric rise of Taylor Gardner-Hickman, from academy graduate to first-team starter, and will believe they can be the next big thing at the Hawthorns.

Despite having endured a miserable season, the 20-year-old has been one of the few shining lights.

Forced to deputise in a number of positions, he outlined his maturity and confidence in his ability as he featured at right back under Steve Bruce.

Only when Richard Beale took over was he moved to his favoured position, where he could go on to win them the game against Reading with a goal and an assist.

These experiences in different positions will certainly aid him in the long run, as his knowledge of the game will only be boosted, but his future is one which clearly lay in the engine room.

He boasts too much attacking flair and a relentless spirit that should not be confined to defence.

Gardner-Hickman’s rise through the ranks has unsurprisingly led to an increase in his value, which will come as a pleasing outcome for the hierarchy at the club who have seen talents such as Saido Berahino and Chris Wood pass through for a big profit.

Only in May of 2022 was he valued at just €600k (£528k), however as recent as October of 2022 this had increased by 98% to an impressive €1.2m (£1.04m).

To see such a growth in just five months bodes well for the rest of his career, which is only just getting started at the Hawthorns.

With performances last season that drew journalists Joe Ellis and Alex Dicken to label him “a cut above the rest” and “menacing”, it is clear that with each season he seems to improve on the last.

Should he continue his impressively upward trajectory, the sky really is the limit for Gardner-Hickman and his seemingly ever-increasing value.

Aston Villa are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to writer Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: 2021 rumours

Villa have previously showed an interest in the USA international, with speculation dating back to September 2021. Reports back then suggested that NSWE were looking at a January move for the 24-year-old, but as we know, a transfer never materialised.

McKennie, labelled a ‘pressing machine’, has remained at Juventus and has made 13 appearances so far this season, but it looks as if he is still on the Villa Park radar, despite the current managerial uncertainty in the Midlands.

The Latest: Villa still keen

Phillips provided an update from his Substack account regarding McKennie on Sunday, claiming that Chelsea have joined seven other sides ‘monitoring’ the player.

The reporter added that Aston Villa are one of those teams ‘interested’ in the midfielder, along with a number of Premier League sides and European clubs.

The Verdict: Needed?

Douglas Luiz recently extended his stay at Villa Park, while Leander Dendoncker joined on deadline day. Villa are currently fairly well-stocked in the middle of the park with four defensive midfielders and three central midfielders.

However, should Morgan Sanson depart in January as rumours have suggested, then perhaps there could be room for McKennie to arrive, although you’d expect he’d want regular game time, so this could be one to keep an eye on once again.

Dick Advocaat brought the good times back at Glasgow Rangers following the demise of the legendary nine-in-a-row side.

The 1998 appointment of the Dutchman gave the Ibrox side a new lease of life, as they embarked on a trophy-laden two-year spell, winning five out of the six domestic trophies available to them.

It all started to unravel in season 2000/2001 however, with Celtic, having appointed Martin O’Neil as their new manager, sweeping the board, and leaving Rangers to lick their wounds.

The Dutchman’s transfer business was also poor that season, with one particular signing proving to be a giant waste of money…

Marcus Gayle proved to be a poor investment

Rangers signed Gayle from Wimbledon for a fee of £1m, a decent sum for a 30-year-old approaching the end of his career.

His arrival in March 2001 meant he only had a few matches left of the season to prove his worth to Advocaat, but the Englishman didn’t exactly get much of a chance.

Having scored 34 goals in the Premier League, there was hope he could shine in Scotland, however, Gayle played just four matches and failed to score in any of them.

As quick as he arrived at the club, the striker was departing, with Watford sealing a deal to bring the Jamaican international back to England for £900k and playing for another 6 years.

It was a strange transfer and there is no doubt if he had been given longer, Gayle would have showcased his goalscoring abilities.

The 52-year-old looks back fondly at his time in Glasgow however, saying:

“I could probably have done with that move two years previously but I cherished the experience I had.”

Who knows what might have happened had he moved while at the peak of his powers back in 1999, but Advocaat made a big howler by bringing him to the club.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly watched Pyramids FC winger Ibrahim Adel recently ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: 24th signing?

Steve Cooper’s side brought in a staggering 23 new players into the City Ground in the summer, as they looked to reshape the squad for the Premier League.

However, they are currently lingering in the relegation zone in the top-flight table, suggesting that they still all need time to gel together and get used to playing in the same team.

The Latest: Adel watched

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Forest are one of a number of Premier League sides that have ‘watched’ Adel ahead of January, with the view of loaning him out to another side in Europe before he qualifies for a work permit to play in the UK.

Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool are also taking a keen interest in the Egypt international, who has been labelled the ‘new Mohamed Salah’, and is set to cost at least £5m plus add-ons.

The Verdict: Get it done

Being likened to Salah, a player who has won both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League with Liverpool, and has won the Golden Boot in the former no fewer than three times (Transfermarkt), is a massive compliment to Adel.

He is still only 21 years of age, and already boasts 22 goals and nine assists in 78 games in total over all competitions for Pyramids FC (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, the Reds would do very well to sign him ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who can both offer him European football.

An update has emerged regarding Glasgow Rangers’ plans for Ryan Kent’s future at Ibrox… 

What’s the talk?

The 4th Official has claimed that the Light Blues are keen on pinning the English winger down to an extension as quickly as possible.

Writing on their Patreon page, via Ibrox News, they said: “Rangers made no secret of the fact that the players they would have looked to bring in during the last few days of the transfer window would have been dramatically different if they didn’t qualify for the Champions League.

“First, Rangers do want to get Ryan Kent on a new contract ASAP and that could cost between £11m-£12m (this is an estimate from my end).”

Gio van Bronckhorst’s own Mbappe

Securing the ex-Liverpool man’s future at Ibrox would be a fantastic piece of business by the club, as he is the manager’s own version of Paris Saint-Germain’s French superstar Kylian Mbappe.

It was once claimed on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel that he is “the Mbappe of Scottish football”, and whilst he may not be scoring 28 goals and setting up 17 in one season like the 23-year-old did in Ligue 1 last term, the Englishman has shown that he can be an influential player at the top end of the pitch for Rangers.

Kent produced 19 assists in all competitions in 2021/22 for the Gers and chipped in with 10 goals and 11 assists in the Premiership in the campaign prior as he helped the team to win the title.

The £18k-per-week wizard, who was described as “electric” by journalist Jacob Schneider, has proven that he can regularly deliver goal contributions for the Scottish giants, and that is why he is a valuable player for the club.

Goals win games and Kent is a potential match-winner with his ability to score them and set them up, like a mini Mbappe. There is no guarantee that anyone the Gers bring in would be capable of replicating his quality, so keeping him would be a huge boost for van Bronckhorst.

He is out of contract next summer so, as it stands, he will be free to sign a pre-contract deal with a foreign club in January. The 25-year-old would be able to negotiate with other clubs and decide on his future then, or else wait until he becomes a free agent ahead of the 2023/24 campaign to make a decision.

This means that getting him to sign a new deal in the coming weeks would take away the fear of him leaving for nothing next year, whilst also reiterating his commitment to the Gers, and it would represent a terrific piece of work.

West Ham United have joined the race to sign former Borussia Dortmund defender Dan-Axel Zagadou as David Moyes hunts for new centre-back options.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing defenders…

The Hammers are going through a centre-back shortage right now as Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna both remain sidelined, whilst Craig Dawson has just one year remaining on his contract.

West Ham are also said to be concerned about the fitness history of Kurt Zouma, with doubts surrounding the future of Issa Diop as well.

Reliable reports have therefore claimed that Moyes could well sign a new centre-half before the closure of the summer transfer window, with young right-back Ben Johnson even having to play a makeshift central role in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City at the weekend.

The Latest: West Ham ‘looking’ to sign Zagadou…

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon, it is believed that the east Londoners have set their sights on Zagadou after he was released by Borussia Dortmund.

Writing for The Sun, Nixon claims that West Ham are ‘looking’ to sign the the free agent, who is also being eyed Serie A giants Roma and Inter Milan.

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It’s added that Moyes is ‘desperate’ for defensive additions and sees Zagadou as the ‘perfect’ squad player, not to mention an ideal potential replacement for Diop.

The Verdict: Make the move?

The 23-year-old, who stands at a towering 6 foot 5, certainly has the physicality to play in the Premier League and has even been called ‘excellent’ in recent months by his former Dortmund manager Marco Rose.

Rose also highlighted Zagadou as a ‘physically strong’ defender with ‘a lot of speed’ but, if the pacey colossus is consistently sidelined – as pointed out by his concerning injury history – Zagadou would hardly be of much use to Moyes.

Indeed, it appears that this move could come with just as many cons as pros.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Matheus Nunes this summer, and a new update has emerged claiming that the Reds are ramping up their interest in the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness), Liverpool owners FSG have made the Sporting Lisbon star a priority transfer target this summer.

As per the report, Jurgen Klopp has identified new needs in the team following pre-season, and the Premier League club will advance in their interest for the midfielder, who comes with a reported fee of €45m (£38.2m), plus €5m (£4.2m) in bonuses.

Imagine him & Fabinho

Despite making three signings already this summer, it is clear that Jurgen Klopp and the powers at Anfield are looking for ways to improve their midfield and add depth to the centre of the pitch, something that Nunes could comfortably supply.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita currently in the last year of their contracts, it would make sense for FSG to start identifying the new crop of midfielders that Liverpool could deploy in the heart of their team for the future.

Nunes, who was dubbed “unbelievable” by former team-mate Goncalo Santos, has been predominantly impressing in the central midfield role for Sporting Lisbon, and last season showed that he is a standout performer and a strong midfield talent.

Over 33 appearances in 2021/22, the 23-year-old scored three goals, delivered two assists and created six big chances. He made 1.3 tackles per game and tallied a 92% pass accuracy in his own half, winning the majority of his duels (55%) and completing the majority of his dribbles (70%).

The Portuguese midfielder offers reliability and consistency in his game, with solid attributes in both attacking and defensive play. That would be ideal at Anfield, where the midfield has often been ravaged with injuries over the last few seasons.

Klopp could even establish a formidable partnership in the centre of the pitch between Nunes and Fabinho if Liverpool can seal a deal for the Portuguese gem this summer, as the pair’s combined talents could be an absolute nightmare for opponents trying to break down the Reds.

While the 23-year-old can add a sprinkle of attacking stardust from the middle third, the Brazilian excels in a ball-winning role, his averages of 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game last season placing him in the top four in Liverpool’s squad for both metrics.

The signing of Nunes would offer Klopp more availability in the central midfield role, and adding that extra player into the midfield depth could pay off massively when chasing trophies over the next 12 months.

AND in other news: Klopp can land his next Mane with Liverpool bid for “high-level” £34m dynamo

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now dropped a Newcastle United transfer claim on Noni Madueke.

The Lowdown: Winger wanted

As per 90min, the Magpies are prepared to break their transfer record in order to bring Moussa Diaby to St James’ Park and have been scouting many winger options.

The outlet also reported of Newcastle’s interest in PSV Eindhoven attacker Madueke, and it is unclear which player they will try to go for at this stage.

The Latest: O’Rourke claim

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke has claimed that the ‘exciting’ Madueke would likely be ‘cheaper’ than Diaby, and maybe ‘more attainable right now’ for Eddie Howe’s side.

The reporter said of the PSV winger: “I think he’d probably be cheaper than Moussa Diaby and maybe more attainable right now. He’s an exciting player, Noni Manueke, whose had a number of top Premier League clubs look at him in the past.

“Obviously, he came through at Tottenham before making the move to PSV, and he’s done quite well out in Holland as well. So, he’s an exciting player who can score goals and provide goals, and I think he’d be a good alternative if Leverkusen aren’t willing to sell Diaby.”

The Verdict: Great alternative

Madueke unfortunately suffered from injury problems last season, but still managed to score nine goals and supply a further six assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Comparing his statistics in the Eredivisie to Diaby in the Bundesliga, the England under-21 international actually averaged more shots and dribbles per game and had a higher pass success rate than the Frenchman, suggesting that he could be an ideal alternative.

Madueke is three years younger, too, so potentially signing him for a cheaper price than Diaby would represent a great piece of business from the Tynesiders.

Howe will surely want to get another signing or two into St James’ Park before the new season starts, with both players seemingly on his radar.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of striker Nathan Broadhead in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has claimed that the Black Cats have made contact with Everton as Kristjaan Speakman plots a deal for the attacker.

However, the journalist has also revealed that his parent club will not make a decision in the imminent future as they weigh up what they want to do with the forward.

He Tweeted: “TRANSFER UPDATE: SAFC have held talks to try to re-sign Jack Clarke and Nathan Broadhead – but a final decision on both players is unlikely until later in the summer. Both are entering the final year of their current deals with Spurs and Everton…”

Alex Neil will love it

The Black Cats head coach will love this update as he will surely be keen to be reunited with the Welsh centre-forward this summer.

Broadhead was sublime on loan at the Stadium of Light last term and showcased his quality on a regular basis, playing under the Scot and Lee Johnson.

He ended the campaign with an impressive ten League One goals in 15 starts, along with two goals in three League Cup outings. This shows that he was lethal in front of goal when he was available to play, which is one of the reasons Neil will be buzzing with the club’s attempts to sign him.

Speakman recently hailed the youngster as he said: “Look, he’s had some incredible moments and he’s been an inspiration in many respects in terms of some of the goals he’s scored. It has been harder for him of late because of injury but you can’t take away from the fact that he has got all the attributes to go and play at Championship level.”

This shows that the club believe Broadhead has the quality to make the step up to the second division. Sunderland will be looking to avoid the drop at the first time of asking and will need as many Championship standard players as possible to do so.

Neil will want players with the potential to thrive in the second tier and, at 24, the Everton man falls into that category. Therefore, he will be eager to get the Welshman in the door and will surely be pushing Speakman to do everything in his power to get a deal over the line.

AND in other news, Speakman can find SAFC’s own Kane in swoop for “incredible” £7k-p/w gem who’s “flying”…

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move to bring Alessandro Bastoni to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Antonio Conte has made movements in the last few hours regarding a deal for the Inter Milan centre-back, with an official offer for the 23-year-old set to be made at any time.

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The report added that the Nerazzurri would be willing to part with the Italy international in order to ease their financial concerns, with a bid of around €70m (£60m) expected to be enough for the Serie A runners-up to sanction the defender’s sale this summer.

Spurs’ own Steph Curry

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Bastoni quite clearly possesses, and with the signing of a left-footed centre-back reported to be one of Conte’s priorities in the summer, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old would be keen on a move to bring the youngster to north London.

Indeed, over his 31 Serie A appearances this season, the £60m-rated talent was imperious in Simone Inzaghi’s backline, helping his side to keep eight clean sheets, in addition to making 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.8 clearances and winning 4.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per game.

The £122k-per-week defender also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his team-mates, along with averaging 50.5 passes, four long balls and 0.5 key passes per match.

These returns saw the player who Muhammad Butt dubbed a “special talent” average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Inter’s eighth-best performer in the league.

Aside from his defensive solidity, it is perhaps Bastoni’s creative output which is the most eye-catching of his statistics. It’s something which looks as if it is a conscious effort made by the 23-year-old, as the Italian himself revealed in April that he draws inspiration from Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry.

In comments cited by Italian Football TV, Bastoni said: “One of my idols is Steph Curry, my dream is to watch him play. He changed the rules of how you defend in basketball and I want to do the same in football. I don’t like to just defend, I like to attack as well.”

As such, considering his undoubted talent, his suitability to Conte’s style of football and his potential for future growth, it would seem an extremely wise move for Fabio Paratici to do everything he can to try and land the centre-back for Spurs this summer, as Bastoni could well go on to become Tottenham’s very own Curry.

AND in other news – Deal agreed: Paratici set to seal “big signing” for Spurs, he’s “ready-made” for Conte