Their homegrown Isak: Arsenal may regret selling "special" Hale Ender

Arsenal’s Hale End academy has been on a brilliant run of producing top-quality talent over the last few years.

When Mikel Arteta first took over, it was Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe who were the new youngsters taking the first team by storm.

Last season, it was Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly who burst into the senior side, and this year, it looks like Max Dowman is going to be the most talked-about youngster in the league.

However, despite producing numerous elite wingers and midfielders, the club has yet to develop a striker of the same calibre, selling those that have come through the ranks, including one who is now winning comparisons to Alexander Isak.

Arsenal's Hale End strikers

When talking about recent Hale End strikers, it’s impossible to ignore Eddie Nketiah.

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The Englishman joined Arsenal at 14 years old, made his debut for the first team in September 2017, and for a time looked like he was going to be a star for the club.

After all, he was given a new £100,000-per-week contract and the legendary number 14 in the summer of 2022, following his scoring of 10 goals and providing one assist in 27 appearances at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Unfortunately, while he was a useful squad player, that was as much as he was ever going to be at the Emirates, and so when Crystal Palace offered £30m for him last summer, the club couldn’t say no.

While that was an excellent deal for the Gunners, you’d have to say the £4m they got for Mika Biereth in the same window was anything but.

In the second half of last season, the Danish poacher racked up an impressive haul of 14 goals and provided five assists in 25 appearances for Sturm Graz, which was enough to convince AS Monaco to sign him in January for just over £10m.

Since joining the Ligue 1 side, the 22-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in just 22 appearances, which is precisely the sort of forward Arteta could use in the squad today.

However, perhaps the most regretful sale is of another player plying his trade on the French Riviera, a striker who has been compared to the record-breaking Isak.

The former Arsenal ace compared to Isak

Beyond the pair already mentioned, Arsenal have not sold a great deal of strikers in recent years, so it probably won’t come as a surprise that the player in question is none other than Florian Balogun.

The American international joined the Gunners at the age of eight and worked his way up through the academy, making a name for himself as a prolific number nine.

In fact, he was so prolific that he remains the club’s all-time leading goalscorer for the U21 side with 37 in just 62 games.

However, it wasn’t until his loan move to Stade Reims for the 22/23 season that he began to translate his form at the junior level to the senior game, as in just 39 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, he scored 22 goals and provided three assists.

Such a rate of return gave Arteta and Co. a decision to make when he returned: play him or sell him? They opted for the latter when Monaco offered to pay a whopping £34m for the then 22-year-old.

It’s been mixed for the New York-born poacher since then, as injuries have been a problem, but he’s still managed to rack up a tally of 21 goal involvements in 50 appearances, totalling just 2829 minutes.

Moreover, FBref has come to the conclusion that Liverpool’s new record-breaking number nine, Isak, has been the sixth most similar forward to the American over the last 365 days, which is quite the flattering comparison.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.82

0.70

Shots on Target

1.46

1.34

Goals per Shot on Target

0.40

0.46

Live Passes

17.4

19.8

Tackles Won

0.15

0.16

Carries

21.0

20.1

We can get a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by looking at some of the underlying numbers that the pair rank closely in.

These include metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots on target, goals shot on target, carries, live passes and more.

These statistics suggest that, with the right coaching and the right system, the “special” Hale End gem, as dubbed by Arteta, could potentially perform similarly to the Swedish marksman, at least in terms of his ability to carry the ball and get into dangerous areas.

Ultimately, given the money they were offered at the time, Arsenal probably did the right thing selling Balogun, but we can’t help wondering how he would have fared had Arteta opted to keep him.

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Man Utd now finally nearing exit of ten Hag flop with talks "advancing"

Whilst Manchester United’s summer clear-out has taken time to get going, reports are now indicating that they’re finally set to sell one of their unwanted stars this month.

Latest Man Utd exit news

The Red Devils have enjoyed a solid summer on the incomings front, but the same can’t be said for their business going the other way. As things stand, they are yet to outright sell a single player despite all their efforts and despite coming off the back of their worst-ever Premier League season. Several players have found themselves on Ruben Amorim’s unwanted list, but INEOS have so far failed to shift all of those.

It’s a list that includes Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, who desperately need moves this month. Whilst reports have remained positive regarding a deal for Chelsea to sign Garnacho, showing Sancho the door has proved to be a far more complicated task than expected.

Amorim has had his own say on Manchester United’s unwanted players, telling reporters: “I think again, I know that it is not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it’s clear they want to play in a different club, and that is clear.

“So we try to arrange everything for both parts to be happy, so I have to try to imagine to have the training with the guys that I think are going to be the future and the other guys are training and preparing for the next chapter.”

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With that said, although it remains to be seen whether Sancho lowers his demands to secure an AS Roma move, there is at least some positive news regarding another likely exit at Old Trafford.

Napoli now "advancing" Rasmus Hojlund deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are now “advancing” talks to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United this month after holding positive talks with the Danish forward. United have reportedly been informed about the talks and are ready to get a deal over the line if an agreement is reached between Hojlund and the Italian giants.

Despite reports suggesting that Hojlund wants to stay put at Manchester United, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko has ultimately cost him his place in Amorim’s side and a sale has, therefore, always seemed likely.

After arriving under Erik ten Hag for an eye-watering £72m in 2023, Hojlund will undoubtedly go down as an Old Trafford flop, with just 26 goals in 96 games very much highlighting his struggles.

PIF eyeing deadline-busting move to sign "aggressive" Guehi alternative for Newcastle

With Aaron Ramsdale set to hand Newcastle United a much-needed upgrade between the sticks, PIF have now reportedly set their sights on another key defensive addition.

Newcastle ramping up business with Ramsdale deal in place

He may not be James Trafford, but Ramsdale is an England international who has played at the highest level at Arsenal and has a wealth of experience all throughout the Premier League. Set to welcome the Southampton star on loan with an option to buy, those at St James’ Park are about to get their first deal over the line since Anthony Elanga in what has been a transfer window full of frustration.

Having worked together during their time at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe will be well aware of the talent that Ramsdale has to offer his Newcastle side. It’s worth noting that it wasn’t so long ago that the England international was Arsenal’s first-choice in the middle of a title race against Manchester City. That’s the level he’s capable of and that’s the level he could offer Newcastle in the coming campaign.

But even Newcastle will admit that their spending simply cannot end there. Putting their potential Alexander Isak problem to one side for the moment, the Magpies still need another central defender this summer.

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It doesn’t look as though Marc Guehi will be the man to solve that problem, either. Despite eyeing his arrival since last year, Newcastle could once again lose out on a key target to a Liverpool side who are enjoying an almighty spending spree.

If that does prove to be the case, however, then PIF could move to sign an impressive alternative to the Crystal Palace man.

PIF now eyeing Piero Hincapie move

According to reports in Spain, PIF are now eyeing a move to sign Piero Hincapie if they fail to sign Guehi for Newcastle this summer. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is reportedly valued at just €40m (£35m), which is cheaper than the £45m that Crystal Palace are reportedly demanding to sell their own star defender in the next month.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

At just 23 years old, there’s a valid argument that Hincapie would provide Newcastle with a better reinforcement than Guehi. The Leverkusen man boasts Champions League experience over the England star and even has an invincible Bundesliga title win to his name.

A “great player” and “aggressive” defender, according to former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, Hincapie could prove to be quite the coup for Newcastle if they push on and secure his signature this summer.

VIDEO: Still got it! Angel Di Maria steals the show with sensational Olimpico goal against Boca Juniors

Angel Di Maria showed that form is temporary and class is permanent with a remarkable Olimpico goal for Rosario Central against Boca Juniors. The 37-year-old stunned fans at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito after scoring directly from a corner kick at the weekend.

Di Maria scores one of his best ever goals

The former Real Madrid star rolled back the years on Sunday when he scored a rare Olimpico in his team's 1-1 draw with Boca Juniors. And quite rightly, the ex-Argentina international and his Rosario team-mates went wild over his moment of magic.

AdvertisementWatch Di Maria's OlimpicoDi Maria still going strong at 37

Despite entering his late 30s, former Manchester United man Di Maria is still showing he has something to give to the game of football. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain attacker scored 36 goals in 92 games in his second stint at Benfica and after leaving the Portuguese giants this summer, he has started brightly at Rosario – scoring three goals in four games. And goals like these show his quality is still there.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Di Maria and Rosario Central?

Di Maria's side, who sit sixth in Group B of the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division, are back in league action on Sunday when they host Talleres Cordoba. Realistically, they need to win that game against the second-from-bottom side if they want to progress to the next stage of the competition.

He's a dream for Simons: Chelsea agree personal terms to sign £60m star

Chelsea have been on a tear this summer.

Enzo Maresca’s side stunned plenty of fans and pundits alike on the pitch by adding a Club World Cup title to their Conference League title and have been just as active off of it.

For example, the board have been able to shift a number of players they no longer wanted, like Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, while also bringing in several who could seriously improve the squad, like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

However, they aren’t done there, as they’ve been heavily linked with the mercurial Xavi Simons, and now it would appear as if they are closing in on another player who’d be a dream teammate for the Dutchman.

Chelsea target dream teammate for Simons

While Chelsea continue to be linked with a host of players this summer, one of the more prominent over the last week or so has been Simons.

Transfer Focus

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Reports from earlier today even claimed that the Blues are actually closing in on a deal for the RB Leipzig ace, which could see him move for around £52m.

While that is no small sum of money, it does feel like fair value for a 22-year-old star who racked up 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 appearances last season.

Interestingly, in addition to signing the Amsterdam-born star, the West Londoners now also seem intent on bringing another player to the club who’d be a dream teammate for him.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed that Chelsea are incredibly interested in Jorrel Hato, suggesting that he is ‘ready to accept personal terms’.

More than that, the Italian journalist has revealed that the Blues are in talks with Ajax and view the defender, who is keen on the move, as their “next top priority.”

Romano makes no mention of the fee required to sign the player, but stories from earlier this month claim it could be around £60m, and while that is a lot, it might be worth paying, especially as Hato could be a perfect teammate for Simons.

Why Hato would be a dream teammate for Simons

So, one of Simons considerable strengths is that he’s comfortable playing in the middle of the park as a ten, or out wide as a winger – and sometimes up top – so when it comes to forming a partnership with full-back, it would be incredibly beneficial if they could overlap and come inside depending on what is needed in that moment.

Fortunately, Hato is such an intelligent and gifted footballer that he can do just that.

While he prefers to come inside and invert, at least that’s what he does more often at Ajax; you can see his ability to overlap in his heat map from last season.

This ability to fulfil both roles without much bother will do two things.

Firstly, it will mean he can avoid getting in Simon’s way, depending on where he is on the pitch.

Secondly, it could also see him get more game time due to his adaptability, which in turn will allow him to develop a more effective partnership with the Leipzig star.

Away from their position, the reason they’d be great teammates at Chelsea is that the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a part of the Dutch national team.

Therefore, they’ll have even more time than most to get a proper understanding of one another’s game.

Finally, while the 19-year-old wonderkid’s primary role will be to defend, he’s also shown an ability to create chances for his team, as in 33 league appearances last season, he racked up six assists to go with his two goals, which suggests he could provide a decent number of chances for the former PSV Eindhoven star to score.

Appearances

31

Starts

30

Minutes

2592′

Goals

2

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvement

324′

Points per Game

2.23

Ultimately, Simons looks like he’ll be a brilliant signing for Chelsea, but if the Conference League champions want to get even more out of him next season, signing Hato as well would be a good place to start.

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Bigger talent than Tierney: Celtic eyeing move for "world-class" Hoops fan

Will Celtic sign another Premier League superstar?

Kieran Tierney has already returned to Parkhead this summer, following in the footsteps of manager Brendan Rodgers and Jota, who’ve also both re-joined the club in recent times.

Now, could another boyhood Celtic fan fulfil his dreams of wearing the famous green and white hoops?

Celtic targeting another statement signing

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Celtic are ‘interested’ in signing Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson, while admitting that ‘financial constraints’ would prove to be a stumbling block.

The Scotland captain is widely expected to depart Merseyside this summer, with David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of the Athletic documenting Atlético Madrid’s interest, given that the Reds are targeting Bournemouth’s Miloš Kerkez, who they view as an upgrade.

Liverpool's AndrewRobertsoncelebrates after the match

Robertson, who was in Celtic’s academy between the ages of nine and 15, has always been open about his desire to represent the Hoops one day, admitting that “Celtic was my life” growing up, adding that he’d “love to pull on the Celtic top and walk out at Parkhead” one day.

So, could this move really come to fruition this summer?

How Andy Robertson compares to Kieran Tierney

It is all change in terms of Celtic left-backs this summer.

Greg Taylor is highly likely to depart following the expiration of his contract. PAOK are the latest European club interested in securing his services, while it’s not yet clear if Jeffrey Schlupp will be staying, following a brief loan spell.

Meantime, Tierney has of course returned but, as has been an interminable debate surrounding the national team for nigh on a decade, is he better than Robertson?

Let’s attempt to find out.

Appearances

20

45

Minutes

447

3,320

Pass completion %

79.8%

83.0%

Interceptions

0.2

0.6

Tackles

0.5

1.2

Clearances

0.7

1.3

Ball recoveries

2.2

3.8

Ground duel success %

71%

50%

Touches

72.5

76.9

First things first, due to injuries and the fact he was not first-choice at Arsenal, Tierney played fewer than 500 minutes of club football this season, which does offer a very small sample size.

That caveat aside, Robertson’s per-90 statistics are still pretty much more impressive across the board.

kieran-tierney-newcastle-transfer-news-opinion-premier-league

When he was still Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp described Robertson as a “world-class left-back”, while José Enrique, a former incumbent of the Reds’ full-back spot, asserts that he has been “the best left-back in the world” for many years.

Now though, James Pearce and Mark Carey of the Athletic outline that the Scotland captain’s form ‘has come under intense scrutiny’ this season, while also asserting that he is far from ‘finished at the highest level’.

Robertson still ranked 17th in the Premier League this season for crosses into the penalty area, as well as 11th for crosses overall, according to FBref.com, an attribute that has been viewed as his superpower for many years.

Gillian Kasirye of Total Football Analysis claims that Robertson is ‘passed their peak’, but still has a lot to offer at the elite level, so could he really be tempted to make a move to Glasgow this summer?

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Pooran stars again as Superchargers hold off late Ferreira charge

Invincibles beaten on home patch after collapsing in chase of 146

ECB Media02-Aug-2024

Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 65 off 41 gave Superchargers the edge•ECB via Getty Images

Nicholas Pooran was at it again, making his second big-hitting half-century in a row to secure back-to-back victories for Andrew Flintoff’s Northern Superchargers in the Hundred.In front of 24,160 expectant fans at the Kia Oval, Pooran ensured the theme of the day was Superchargers teams crashing the party – and clearing the boundary – after the women’s team won in an equally comprehensive manner earlier in the day.The two wins signalled the end of both Oval Invincibles sides’ 100% records, and left both men’s and women’s competitions wide open.Pooran’s 65 came from just 41 balls, with four mammoth sixes, and navigated a difficult start for his side to see Superchargers to 145 from their 100 balls. Pooran found it easier than most to find or clear the boundary, but Ollie Robinson’s 20 from 10 added some late impetus and gave the visitors a competitive total at the break.The Superchargers bowlers never let Invincibles get away in their chase, with Jordan Clark, Dillon Pennington and Matthew Potts all miserly up top. They received good support from their team-mates in the field, with Adam Hose and Mitchell Santner himself taking tidy catches in the deep.Santner was one of a trio of spinners, alongside Adil Rashid and Matt Short, who backed up the good work their seamers had started to give Invincibles nowhere to go in the middle of their innings.As the home team’s hopes began to fade, there was still time for Donovan Ferreira to pepper the spectators with five sixes in a 24-ball 49. The South African’s enterprising and entertaining knock briefly threatened to turn the game on its head before he was dismissed by Potts, but his was a lone hand – the only player to pass 20 in a chase that never really got into sixth gear.Meerkat Match Hero Pooran said: “For me it’s about being consistent with my mindset, and playing the situation of the game. In the past I’ve been in similar situations and just got out, but today I just felt like I had to respect the situation and just be there at the end.”Oval Invincibles bowled really well with the new ball; Spencer Johnson bowled really well. For me it was all about being there. As the innings prolonged for me, it felt like it got better, but in saying that it felt like if we could get anything over 130 then it was game on. And I just felt like we could only get there if we constructed the partnership or if I could stay till the end.”It’s brilliant. Getting back to back wins in a format like this is really important. Coming outside of our home venue too, coming here to the defending champions and getting a win is really important for us to continue growing as a group as well. We’re heading back to Headingley on Sunday and hopefully we can continue ticking the boxes and getting the right result.”

If "sensational" Ipswich star leaves, it would be as disastrous as Delap

Ipswich Town have shown flashes of quality here and there this season in the Premier League, but that unfortunately hasn’t stopped the losses piling up next to their name.

For all the memorable victories against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, there have also been bleak defeats served up, with the Tractor Boys last tasting the unfamiliar sensation of a win way back at the start of April.

Liam Delap

Therefore, relegation straight back down to the Championship hasn’t come as a great shock to Kieran McKenna’s men as they begin to now prepare for life without Liam Delap when readjusting to the second tier.

The latest on Delap's future at Ipswich

A lot of Ipswich’s brighter moments this season have come courtesy of the ex-Manchester City striker.

The Tractor Boys riskily went ahead with the signature of Delap last summer for £20m, which looked to be a steep amount at the time, considering he had never really gone on to make a name for himself in the senior fold at the Etihad.

But, the now potent Premier League proven attacker could move on for nearly double that amount – as his release clause stands at £30m if Ipswich were to be relegated – which would still be a bargain pick-up arguably when you take into account he has bagged a promising 12 league strikes in a relegation-doomed side.

Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United are all reportedly keen on landing the much-talked-about 22-year-old, with the Guardian even recently reporting that a £150k-per-week move has been thrust Delap’s way from Ruben Amorim’s men.

To add insult to injury, this isn’t the only demoralising sale Ipswich might well have to sign off on soon, with one of Delap’s teammates proving he’s ready to cut it in the Premier League long-term away from Portman Road.

Another important Ipswich star could leave

McKenna is a popular figure in and around the Tractor Boys, so he will be hopeful that he can keep his core group around for the tough challenge of immediately returning to the top-flight.

But, Leif Davis could soon join Delap out the exit door at the freshly relegated side, with a new report from TWTD suggesting Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest are keeping tabs on the expansive full-back ahead of the chaotic summer transfer window.

Whilst Davis hasn’t quite been at his consistent rampaging best in the big time for Ipswich, with only three assists mustered up from 31 league outings, this would be a huge hole to fill down the left flank if he were to go, considering his expertise when dropping down to the Championship.

Along the way to Ipswich clinching automatic promotion at the close of the dramatic 2023/24 campaign, the ex-Leeds United man would pick up an astounding 21 assists, with a high 2.9 key passes also averaged per league contest.

Games played

43

43

Goals scored

3

2

Assists

14

18

Touches*

62.0

65.3

Accurate passes*

25.6 (73%)

28.5 (79%)

Key passes*

3.1

2.9

Big chances created*

12

15

Total duels won*

4.5

4.0

Clean sheets

12

10

To lose this from the Tractor Boys’ attacking game back in the EFL would be disastrous, therefore, with the “sensational” full-back – as he’s been lauded in the past by football journalist Stuart Watson – arguably a harder star to replace than the prolific Delap, just for how effective he’s been at the level previously.

After all, Ipswich managed just fine without the clinical number 19 when Davis and Co. last soared into the Premier League, with Conor Chaplin, Nathan Broadhead, and many others chipping in with the strikes instead.

It will be intriguing to see if the Northern Irishman does end up relocating to the City Ground or any other pastures, therefore, with the loss of Davis, on top of Delap moving on, severely depleting Ipswich ahead of playing in the unforgiving Championship again.

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Potter personally driving West Ham move for "sensational" £25m Englishman

West Ham United manager Graham Potter is now driving a move for a “sensational” Premier League player, who is now very high on the list of summer targets, according to a report.

Potter staves off pressure with Old Trafford triumph

West Ham remained winless in the Premier League throughout March and April, which ramped up the pressure on Potter, with the manager hitting back at the media amid the intense scrutiny over his position as manager.

However, the Hammers boss managed to relieve some of the pressure with an impressive victory on the road on Sunday, picking up a 2-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford courtesy of goals form Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen.

The win moves the Irons up to 15th in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Man United and Tottenham Hotspur, but the poor results throughout the campaign suggest the manager will need to make major improvements to his squad in the summer window.

According to a report from Football Insider, Potter is particularly eager to strengthen between the sticks, with the manager keen on signing Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is now very high on West Ham’s shortlist.

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Alphonse Areola has been inconsistent this season, which means the Hammers are now looking to bring in a replacement for the Frenchman, and the £25m relegation release clause in Ramsdale’s Southampton contract makes him an attractive proposition.

However, there could be stiff competition for the goalkeeper’s signature, with Man United, Leeds United and Newcastle United also believed to be keen on a deal.

Ramsdale could be "sensational" signing for West Ham

Although they avoided the ignominy of recording the joint-lowest points total in Premier League history with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City last time out, it has been a terrible campaign for Southampton, whose relegation to the Championship was confirmed long ago.

That said, the Englishman cannot be blamed for his side’s extremely poor season, having put in some solid performances, recently recording a 9.3 SofaScore match rating after saving two penalties in his side’s 3-0 loss against Aston Villa.

Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale.

With Potter well-known for a possession-based style, the manager may also be keen to bring in a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet, and the 26-year-old is placed in the 92nd percentile for touches per 90 over the past year, when compared to other goalkeepers.

Having also been lauded as “sensational” by journalist Dan George during his time with Arsenal, there are clear signs that Ramsdale could be a solid signing for West Ham this summer, and £25m feels like a reasonable fee for his services.

Wrexham eye move to sign experienced Wales international in free transfer

Wrexham are one of a host of EFL clubs interested in signing an “excellent” international player in the summer transfer window, according to a new claim.

Wrexham facing huge period in promotion battle

Phil Parkinson’s side find themselves right in the League One promotion mix heading into the final weeks of the season, as they look to make it an incredible three promotions in a row.

Wrexham have six games remaining in the league in 2024/25, and while they currently sit in second place behind runaway leaders Birmingham City, they only have a three-point advantage over third-place Wycombe Wanderers, who have a game in hand.

Wrexham'sStevenFletcher

Next up for Parkinson’s men is the visit of Burton Albion on Saturday lunchtime, with their opponents languishing in 21st place and desperately battling to remain in League One for another season. A home win is a must, with Wycombe facing a trickier trip to Reading.

New signings will be needed for Wrexham this summer regardless of what league they are playing in next term, and a proven top-level player has now been linked with a move to The Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham want "excellent" Wales and Rangers star Tom Lawrence

According to an update from The Daily Mail, Wrexham are interested in signing Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence on a free transfer this summer, with the 31-year-old born there before moving to Manchester United as an eight-year-old.

The League One outfit are far from alone in expressing a willingness to snap him up, however, with the likes of West Brom, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers all mentioned, among others.

Tom Lawrence

Lawrence would be an ambitious addition for Wrexham this summer, especially if they can get him for free, with his current Rangers deal expiring at the end of this season. At 31, he isn’t getting any younger, but he is still at a good age to come in and make an impact, having been lauded by David McAllum for his influence on young players at Ibrox.

“Tom was excellent around the group, sharing his experience, and we spoke before the game about that. That’s what some of these games are going to be about, when we get the odd occasion where a player, or two, drops down from the first-team squad to get important minutes.”

Derby County

185

37

25

Rangers

66

12

7

Ipswich Town

36

11

11

Blackburn Rovers

23

2

3

Yeovil Town

19

2

2

Cardiff City

14

0

1

Carlisle United

11

3

2

Rotherham United

6

1

1

Leicester City

4

0

0

Manchester United

1

0

0

Lawrence is a 23-cap Wales international, scoring three times for his country, so his pedigree is undeniable, and his versatility allows him to shine in central midfield, out wide and also as a centre forward.

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FFC has all the latest Wrexham info as they seek promotion from League One, along with a look at the Red Dragons’ journey to where they are today.

ByStephan Georgiou Oct 8, 2024

The Welshman has huge experience in the EFL too, as well as making a total of 66 appearances for one of Britain’s biggest clubs in Rangers, so the idea of Wrexham signing him is hugely exciting.

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