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Rangers remain in the hunt for Los Angeles F.C star Jose Cifuentes with Michael Beale personally hopeful of more signings after Leon Balogun.

Who will Rangers sign?

It's been a busy, busy summer at Ibrox so far as the Gers prepare for what will be an interesting 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign.

Beale's side watched on as Celtic, then lead by Ange Postecoglou, clinched a domestic treble last season with the Glasgow giants eager to avoid a sad repeat.

So far, Rangers have spent a combined £7.2 million on new signings, with Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers coming as their most expensive acquisitions from Italy.

The attacking duo are joined by Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who signed on free transfers, while Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has also put pen to paper on a loan move.

Most recently, defender Leon Balogun re-joined Rangers on a one-year deal after leaving Queen's Park Rangers on a Bosman – with the club sealing seven major additions in total.

“Leon is a person that I have full trust in both as a footballer and a man," said Beale after Balogun's return.

“He is extremely well-liked by everyone inside the club, and we are very happy to have someone with his experience and leadership qualities re-joining our squad.

"Naturally he will integrate back into the club very quickly and he understands fully our way of working and style of play."

Despite the flurry of new additions, it is believed Rangers may not be done there, as Sky Sports share news of who could come in next after Balogun.

Indeed, the reliable broadcast giant claims Beale is still personally hopeful of adding more quality to his squad in time for the new campaign, with more signings "expected".

They name Ecuador international Cifuentes as a target, who remains on Rangers' radar following repeated links with a move to Scotland.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is being targeted alongside Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Ponzo.

Not much else is said on their move for Cifuentes, but given reports of his imminent move have died down somewhat, it appears a transfer is still very much on the cards.

How good is Jose Cifuentes?

The midfielder has been praised by both members of the press and Los Angeles head coach Steve Cherundolo, who recently said that the "sky is the limit" for Cifuentes.

Cherundolo, speaking to Los Angeles F.C's official website, branded the South American a "complete player" with Tim Vickery also long tipped him to be a success.

Speaking to talkSPORT all the way back in 2019, via Football Scotland, Vickery hailed Cifuentes as a terrific midfielder who previously starred for Ecuador's national youth sides.

Raving over his physical attributes as well, Vickery may have hinted that Gers supporters could witness plenty of quality if Cifuentes does move across the Atlantic.

"He was the beating heart of that [Ecuador U20] side and I think he's a terrific midfielder," said Vickery.

"He's strong, he's got quality, he's got a good engine – he's one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I've seen come out of South America in a while."

Newcastle United have already completed their first summer signing with Sandro Tonali joining the club ahead of next season and now a new update has emerged on the club's next potential transfer target.

Will Newcastle sign Goncalo Inacio?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle remain keen on signing Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio this summer.

As per the report, the Magpies are hoping they can seal the deal for a cut-price fee instead of paying the talented centre-back's €60m (£51m) release clause.

It is claimed that Eddie Howe is keen to bolster key areas of his squad this summer to ensure Newcastle can compete in Europe and it is believed that Inacio is seen as a long-term investment for the club.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

There is no doubt that Howe will be wanting to strengthen his squad ahead of the club's long-awaited return to Champions League football, and the acquisition of Tonali is a testament to the coach's desire to add some much-needed European experience.

Indeed, the likes of Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have all earned opportunities to play on the elite European stage before their time at St James' Park, however, it would be advantageous to add more experience in key roles.

As a result, the signing of Inacio could not only be a great chance to add another player with Champions League experience but also offers Howe a youthful prospect he can develop and polish to become his next defensive prodigy.

Fabian Schar is now 31 years old and potentially reaching the latter stages of his career, so identifying a worthy successor in his role and a player who can form a successful centre-back partnership with Botman will be a priority for Howe in the not-so-distant future.

As per FBref, Inacio – hailed a "sensation" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the men's next eight leagues for shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, progressive carries, progressive passes, pass completion and assists, demonstrating that he is a confident ball-winner with no trouble providing attacking opportunities to his teammates.

Despite being only 21 years old, the Portuguese youngster has already tallied up 122 appearances for Sporting as a first-team regular and due to his impressive development has more recently earned a spot in his national team, with Roberto Martinez handing his debut to the defender in the UEFA Euro qualifying fixtures back in March 2023.

The left-footed Sporting star boasts several similarities to Botman in his style of play and when comparing their output last season the pair came close in a number of key attributes including aerial duels won (60.2% v 65.2%), tackles won (23 v 24), successful take-ons (85% v 100%) and pass completion (89.6% v 86.5%).

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Howe to bolster his defensive options this summer and bringing in a player like Inacio who has similar qualities to Botman could double up their threatening presence when playing out from the back and ultimately make the side unstoppable in their pursuit for success.

Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move for Goncalo Ramos over the summer transfer window so far and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

Is Goncalo Ramos joining Newcastle?

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are interested in signing the Benfica striker but will need to provide the right offer to snap up his services this summer.

As per the report, Newcastle were proposing a €60m (£51m) offer to secure the signing of Ramos, however, it would only be an €80m (£68m) bid that would convince the Portuguese club to part ways with their star player.

How good is Goncalo Ramos?

Eddie Howe will surely be thrilled with his squad at St James' Park after their achievements and huge progress last season with the side reaching their first cup final in almost two decades and qualifying for Champions League football.

However, there will be little room for sentiment when it comes to planning to compete on all fronts next season and subtle tweaks will need to be made to ensure that the team can build upon the progress they have already made and can comfortably challenge for trophies.

As a result, the signing of Ramos would be a wise investment for the Magpies should they be able to meet Benfica's financial expectations this summer as the promising young goal machine would be a worthy successor for Callum Wilson.

Until last season, the Newcastle mainstay had been the first-pick front-man in the number nine role, however, the arrival of Alexander Isak provided quality competition for the England international and has been since rotating with the Swedish striker which has been a success as the pair have both been hugely impactful in front of goal.

Having said that, Wilson will turn 32 years old during the next campaign and with injuries a consistent problem for the goal-scorer, the arrival of Ramos could be bad news for his short-term future on Tyneside, as the Portugal international would be seen as part of the long-term future of the club.

Over 106 appearances for Benfica so far, the 22-year-old talent – hailed as "pure class" by Ian Wright – has scored 41 goals and registered 16 assists with a goal contribution every 110 minutes so far; as well as tallying up 25 appearances in the Champions League making him a potentially valuable prospect for Howe when his team challenges in Europe next season.

Not only that, whilst predominantly playing as a centre-forward, Ramos is versatile with experience playing as a second striker and in an attacking midfield role too, so there is no reason why the Newcastle boss would need to sacrifice Isak to start Ramos as he could play in a slightly deeper role just behind.

With that being said, a move for Ramos is definitely one to watch as injecting some more youth into the forward line would set up the strike force for years to come and assist Newcastle in their pursuit for success.

Manchester City were dealt a huge blow at the end of last month as midfielder Ilkay Gundogan departed upon the expiry of his contract with the club.

The German has signed for Spanish giants Barcelona on a free transfer after captaining the Citizens to the treble last season.

This has left Pep Guardiola without one of his trusted midfield options heading into the 2023/24 campaign, which could tempt him into the transfer market in the coming weeks.

Mateo Kovacic has joined on a permanent deal from Chelsea but his six goals in 221 competitive matches for the Blues does not suggest that he has the goalscoring ability to adequately replace the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace.

Gundogan found the back of the net 11 times in all competitions for City last term, scoring crucial goals in vital games – including two in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Who could replace Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City?

Guardiola could forget all about the now-Barcelona dynamo by securing the signing of Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga, who is a reported transfer target for the club.

He has a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract with the Spanish side and City are said to be willing to match it, although they face competition from a host of European clubs – including Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Chelsea from the Premier League.

Like Gundogan, the 21-year-old magician, who was once hailed as "dangerous" by journalist Euan McTear, is a central midfielder with an eye for goal and his exploits in the final third could make him the dream replacement for City.

The Spain U21 international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 36 LaLiga outings last term and contributed with 11 goals to go along with four assists from the middle of the park, which came after he managed nine goals in 31 outings for Celta B in the 2021/22 season.

Veiga, who predominantly plays as a number eight or ten, is not a seasoned campaigner who would come in with a guarantee of success but his impressive goal return from his position at the age of 21 suggests that the potential is there for him to be an excellent addition for Guardiola.

Gundogan averaged a goal every 5.06 matches on average throughout his City career (60 in 304) and the Celta Vigo starlet has averaged a strike every 3.35 league games on average for the first-team and reserve sides combined over the last two years (20 in 67).

Only Erling Haaland (36) scored more league goals for the Citizens than Veiga's tally of 11 in LaLiga, indicating that the Spanish maestro could provide the manager with an excellent goalscoring option from midfield, as the Germany international did during his time at The Etihad.

Emile Smith Rowe reiterated his intention to break back into the Arsenal side next season after scoring in back-to-back games at the Euro U-21 Championship.

The midfielder found the back of the net in England’s 2-0 victory over Czech Republic to seal all three points late on, before doing the same against Israel as the young Three Lions look to ease past the rest of Group C.

Up next, England square off against Germany, who lost to Czech Republic last time out after picking up a point in their opening game against Israel.

What’s the latest on Emile Smith Rowe?

As the majority of the Arsenal squad enjoyed a season to remember last time out, Smith Rowe endured his most frustrating campaign yet, struggling with injuries, form, and game time.

Left with no choice but to have groin surgery at the start of the season, the England midfielder missed 13 games as a result, while the Gunners got off to a flying start in the Premier League.

With Mikel Arteta’s side thriving even in his absence, Smith Rowe struggled to get back into the side – making just 12 appearances in the league.

His absence may have made people forget about his potential, but, ultimately, this is a 22-year-old who scored 10 league goals from midfield just the season prior. If Smith Rowe can get a run of games under his belt, then his top form should naturally return.

The academy graduate’s struggle for game time may not be helped by the reported arrival of Kai Havertz. However, even after this development, he has shown signs of life for England U21s.

There’s certainly going to be plenty of competition for places at the Emirates next season.

What Did Emile Smith Rowe say about Arsenal?

As you can see by the goal below, Smith Rowe – who is paid £40k-p/w – looks far closer to his best for the young Three Lions, perhaps ready to compete for his place in Arsenal’s side.

Speaking after the game, the midfielder told the press (via BBC reporter Alex Howell) about his desire to get back into Arteta’s team as well as winning this tournament.

He said: “My main focus is getting into the Arsenal team, but first we want to win the tournament.”

You can see the goal (via Twitter) against Israel and the interview that followed below:

Tottenham Hotspur will need to 'clarify' their position on who they may bring in as their new sporting director, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Tottenham Hotspur's search for a sporting director?

Tottenham's search for a sporting director looks to have gone quiet for now as they search for a replacement for the departed Fabio Paratici, who's appeal against a two-and-half year global ban from football from FIFA was rejected, as per The Daily Mail.

Last month, The Guardian reported that Brentford technical director Lee Dykes alongside former Bayer Leverkusen man Tim Steidten are potential candidates to assume the vacancy in north London.

The Daily Mail claimed in May that Roma general manager Tiago Pinto, Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche and Johannes Spors were also under consideration for the position; however, it is no clearer right now who could replace Paratici at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Scott Munn is now in place as Spurs' chief football officer and chairman Daniel Levy is believed to want a new director of football in place sooner rather than later.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs believes that Tottenham will need to clarify their situation regarding the sporting director role as soon as possible.

Jacobs told FFC: "The other thing to say about Spurs is that because they haven't yet appointed a sporting director and because Scott Munn is new in his role and because Ange Postecoglou has only just come in, anything that was planned under Paratici, in terms of longest standing targets may change over the coming weeks.

"Tottenham are going to have to move fast on the sporting director and if they're fortunate, they'll be able to bring somebody in that can start work as soon as possible."

Who have Tottenham Hotspur targeted this summer?

Despite not having a sporting director in place, Tottenham have been active in the transfer market as Ange Postecoglou kicks his transfer proactivity up a notch in north London.

Football Insider report that Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has been identified as a target by the Australian manager and state that Spurs are determined to land the Spaniard for a cut-price fee this summer.

The Northern Echo also claim that Spurs are leading the chase to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison amid competition from Newcastle United.

According to The Sun on Sunday (print edition, 18/6; page 62) via The Chelsea Chronicle, Tottenham could also make a last minute bid to try and snatch Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson away from the clutches of Chelsea, demonstrating that plenty of exciting developments could be in the pipeline over the next few months at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly chasing a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat this summer, according to reports.

What’s the latest Spurs transfer news?

Ange Postecoglou looks set to be backed by the Spurs board ahead of his first Premier League season in charge in north London, with five potential new signings on the agenda.

A transfer meeting has already been held, with a new midfielder thought to be on the wishlist. Leicester City’s James Maddison appears to be a target, however, Tottenham appear to be trailing Newcastle United in the race for the England international.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is another to be linked with a move to Spurs following Postecoglou’s arrival, and it appears as if Amrabat is another name to look out for.

Sport Witness relayed an update from Mundo Deportivo regarding Amrabat. The report states that Spurs and Bayern Munich have joined Atletico Madrid in the race for the midfielder, who is set to leave his current employers over the coming months.

An auction looks set to take place at a starting price of €20m, with SW citing previous claims suggesting that contact has already been made by Spurs to Amrabat’s representatives.

Who is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat, described as a "monster" at the World Cup with Morocco by journalist Carlo Garganese, is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play further forward in a box-to-box role.

The 26-year-old, who cares the same agency as Ben Davies, appears to be at the top of his game after his Transfermarkt valuation rocketed from €10m in November to a career-high €25m prior to the New Year. He has made 107 appearances for his current employers but has more than 250 games of senior club experience under his belt.

Bringing in a new defensive midfielder could prove to be a smart idea, as Oliver Skipp is the only out-and-out holding midfielder on the books at this moment in time. As per FBref, Amrabat ranks in the 99th percentile for long passes completed and 98th percentile for medium passes completed, so could bring a real stability to Spurs’ midfield.

Adding Maddison to bring the creative spark to Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 formation could complement someone like Amrabat and an existing central midfielder such as Rodrigo Bentancur, but Spurs will need to pip a number of sides to secure Amrabat’s services over the coming months.

Celtic have seen numerous players make moves out of the Parkhead club in the past that have gone on to have success away from the Hoops.

One prime example is Virgil van Dijk, who after spending some time at Celtic Park went on to become one of the Premier League’s and Europe’s biggest stars.

Signed from Dutch club FC Groningen back in 2013 for a fee of £2.6m, the centre-back went on to make 115 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions.

In those appearances, he chipped in with 15 goals and seven assists as well as winning two SPFL titles and one Scottish League Cup.

After leaving in 2015 for a move to Premier League club Southampton, the defender eventually ended up at Liverpool where he has lifted the top-flight title and the Champions League.

Even though Celtic ended their title winning 2021/22 SPFL season with the best defensive record in the top flight, the upcoming summer transfer window could now give Ange Postecoglou the chance to unearth his own version of Van Dijk at Parkhead.

Last week, the agent of Gent defender Joseph Okumu revealed that Celtic have shown an interest in his client.

Having been claimed to have similar attributes on the pitch to Celtic’s former Dutch centre-back by Johan Larsson, the 25-year-old racked up the third-highest number of interceptions (49) and tackles (41) in Gent’s squad this season.

He also had the second-highest average for blocks (0.9) and the third-most clearances per game (3.2) as well.

With Van Dijk racking up the second-highest average for clearances (3.1) and third-highest average for blocks (0.4) per game in Liverpool’s squad during the latest Premier League campaign, it’s easy to see why the comparison between the two defenders has been made.

Praised for his “tremendous” performances in the past, the £4.05m-rated Kenyan could well become Celtic’s next version of Van Dijk if he’s given the chance to show off his clear defensive talent at Parkhead by Postecoglou.

If the Hoops’ apparent interest in Okumu is genuine, then a move for his signature this summer could be a great bit of business. It would give Postecoglou the chance to strengthen his squad ahead of next season and prepare his men for the tough challenges they’ll undoubtedly be facing.

In other news: Celtic can replicate CCV masterclass by signing 25y/o gem who’s “one of the very best”

Sunderland have been handed a injury lift over Leon Dajaku ahead of the League One play-off final at Wembley on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Alex Neil has revealed that the 21-year-old is now in contention to make his return to the squad this weekend after working hard to get back to fitness.

He has been out of first-team action since featuring on 19 March against Lincoln and is now fighting to make his final appearance of the campaign against Wycombe on Saturday.

The Black Cats manager told the Sunderland Echo: “Leon has done a lot of work recently, so again it’s one where we’ll see where he is over the next couple of days.”He’s been working hard. We’ve got a plethora of choices now, people who have put themselves into contention. There’ll be difficult choices, but I’ll try and make the right one for what I feel the game needs.” Neil will be delighted

The former Preston boss will be delighted with the German’s potential involvement, as the youngster has the quality to be a game-changer on his day.

Dajaku, who is on loan from Union Berlin, made 22 appearances in the regular League One campaign as he showed glimpses of his ability. The winger started 14 matches and chipped in with four goals and three assists, which means that he was directly involved in a goal for every other start he managed.

This shows that he is capable of having a huge impact in the final third when he is on form. He has proven that he can score and set up goals in English football, and this is why it will be a big boost for the club to have him back fit for the play-off final this weekend.

Neil will be delighted to have another player with the potential to be a match-winner in his squad, whether that’s from the start or off the bench. Dajaku can be a useful player to call upon in a variety of scenarios – a late impact sub, a starter, or to come off the bench if one of the starting XI picks up an injury in the first half.

The 21-year-old may be playing for his future on Wearside, given that he is currently on loan, and this should give him added motivation to make a huge impact on the game at Wembley. He will surely be desperate to get out on the pitch, and hopefully Neil will give him an opportunity to make the difference against the Chairboys.

AND in other news, Sunderland handed huge injury boost ahead of play-off final, Neil surely buzzing…

Portuguese sources have now shared a big transfer update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinha.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites in mix…

The defensive midfielder with a £50 million release clause has been at the centre of interest from Spurs in recent weeks, according to reports.

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It is believed that Antonio Conte’s side are firmly in the mix to sign Palhinha this summer as transfer chief Fabio Paratici seemingly still holds a real interest in bringing him to north London.

Following on from their interest last year, the Premier League top-four chasers seem to have their eyes on Sporting’s touch-tackling gem as O Jogo (via Sport Witness) now share a big update.

The Latest: Spurs ‘in front row’…

The newspaper’s sources (translated by SW) claim that Conte and co are in the ‘front row’ for Palhinha’s signing as Spurs enter pole position – with O Jogo going on to add that he should leave Sporting at the end of 2021/2022.

In a further boost, not only will his club have to sell for less than the player’s £50m clause, but they may even have to settle for a fee lower than the ‘€35m (£29.9m) or €40m (£34m)’ they had originally hoped for.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Tottenham’s manager reportedly has his sights on two new midfield additions in the next window and we believe Palhinha could be a seriously credible candidate.

According to WhoScored, the 26-year-old holds his own as a defensive anchor, making a brilliant three tackles per 90 on average in the Portuguese top flight – far more than anyone in Sporting’s squad.

He’s also one of their most fouled players every game, standing out as a frustrating opponent Conte would surely love, leaving little wonder members of the press have branded Palhinha a ‘sensational’ player (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette).

The international ace may well be a fruitful source of quality and gamesmanship for Conte.

In other news: Offer ready: Paratici sets sights on ‘very Spursy signing’ for Conte at Tottenham! Find out more here.