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Borna Barisic has refused to rule out an exit from Glasgow Rangers despite saying he is loving life with the 55-time Scottish champions.

The Lowdown: Impressive campaign

Croatia international Barisic played a big part in what was a successful campaign for the Gers as they won the Premiership. The left-back scored five times and provided 14 assists in 50 matches in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He also contributed to the Gers conceding just 13 goals in the league all term – a new British top-flight record (The Scottish Sun). As such, he has become one of Steven Gerrard’s most important players.

The Latest: Barisic refuses to rule out exit

Barisic has recently been speaking about his time at Ibrox, and has revealed he is enjoying himself in Glasgow. He said when asked if he had formed an emotional bond with the club (via Glasgow Live):

“How could you not?

“That club is unique. When it creeps into your heart it stays there forever. I can just say I love Rangers. Honestly.

“Offers are normal in football but when I talk about the club and the fans, it is a big wonderful family. They totally won me over.

“I had bad times too, we didn’t win the league for the first two seasons. But now that I see how full their hearts are, that sincere joy and love for the club, it’s fantastic.

“I don’t like to talk about the coach. If I say a lot of nice words then people could say, ‘there he is sucking up to the manager’.

“Many ask me about him, but let others talk about him.”

However, when asked whether he would be interested in a move away from Ibrox to one of Europe’s top five leagues, he replied:

“Of course, far be it for me to say no.

“But I can’t comment on anything, I have a contract for another two-and-a-half years, we will see what the future will bring.”

The Verdict: Slightly worrying

This will no doubt be slightly worrying for Gerrard and Wilson. As previously stated, Barisic has become one of the squad’s key members over the past couple of seasons, and with a Champions League run potentially just around the corner, Rangers will not want to lose the £5.4m-valued 28-year-old (Transfermarkt).

However, the fact of the matter is, Rangers players will always be targeted by clubs in more prestigious leagues if they impress. Barisic is one of those players, and has previously been linked with both Leeds United (Football Insider) and Tottenham (90min.com). A big enough offer could convince the Gers to let him depart.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this politician’s tweets.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph has dropped a behind the scenes update on Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham Hotspur having spoken to Paris-Saint Germain.

The Lowdown: Poch and Spurs, the return?

Last week, the Athletic broke news of Pochettino and his alleged desire to complete a sensational return to north London – with Tottenham reciprocating that interest as the hunt for a new manager goes on.

It’s been over six weeks since Spurs announced the sacking of former boss Jose Mourinho and no new boss has been appointed yet despite the club originally wishing to have it done by the end of 2020/2021.

As well as Pochettino, the likes of Erik Ten Hag and Antonio Conte are also possible candidates for the position (football.london).

The Latest: Telegraph journalist drops update

Now, after speaking to the Argentine’s current club, PSG, Burt of the Daily Telegraph has dropped a behind the scenes update from their side in regards to this possible Spurs appointment.

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Indeed, he claims that, despite claims to the contrary, PSG are ‘adamant’ Pochettino hasn’t made an exit plea.

“Having spoken to Paris Saint-Germain,” he explained on Twitter.

“They are adamant that Mauricio Pochettino has not told them or club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi that he wants to leave.”

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs?

Due to Pochettino’s contract situation, made all the more complicated by PSG appearing to extend it by a further year (The Times), Spurs face a tough battle to secure him.

The 49-year-old would undoubtedly be a great appointment for the club given the profile they are after, which is allegedly a manager who can reinstall an attack-based philosophy and exciting brand of football (Alasdair Gold).

However, Ajax boss Ten Hag is seen as being ‘similar’ to Pochettino and firmly on the Tottenham radar, so if chairman Daniel Levy cannot wrestle his former employee away from PSG, there are fruitful alternatives.

In other news: Tottenham contact made for this ‘top class manager’ in Sky Sports development, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool fans have been questioning Nat Phillips finishing third in the Reds’ Player of the Year rankings despite his impressive form.

Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to salvage their season, coming third in the Premier League against all odds, despite many obstacles along the way. A superb end to the campaign, which saw 26 points taken from the last 10 games, allowed them to secure Champions League football for 2021/22.

One player who played a big part in Liverpool’s strong end to the season was Phillips, who was drafted in to deal with a centre-back injury crisis. The 24-year-old performed admirably, despite his limitations and inexperience, becoming something of a cult hero with many supporters in the process.

It has been revealed that Phillips finished third behind Mohamed Salah and Fabinho in the Player of the Year stakes in what arguably comes as a surprise despite there not being a huge amount of competition.

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Liverpool fans not impressed with Phillips ranking

These Liverpool supporters believe it is an over-the-top reflection of how good Phillips actually was, providing their thoughts on Twitter.

“Great player but… third????”

Credit: @lucyyloux

“Lol I appreciate what Nat did to come in and play hard in defence, but he’s not better than VVD, Gomez, Matip or Konate. Was usually very hit or miss. Easy to see why fans have grown fond recently hence him finishing 3rd here”

Credit: @HomestyleMelt

“Joke”

Credit: @WWKurdistani

“How many times was he allowed to vote for himself?”

Credit: @Rayted_Are

“We’re ill man”

Credit: @MartinKnowsBall

“Nat Phillips 3rd in POTY loool”

Credit: @arindamlfc11

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been mocking a bizarre transfer story involving the Reds. Read more here.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could enjoy a surprisingly shrewd reunion with Andre Ayew amid Carlton Palmer’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The Ghanaian is set to leave Championship side Swansea following the expiry of his contract this summer, and Palmer has suggested the Whites as a team who should be looking to explore signing him on a free transfer.

The former England defender told Football Transfer Tavern: “Swansea have only let him go because they didn’t get promoted and he’s their highest-paid player. 17 goals in the Championship, 16 goals the season before stands to reason that he will go up and score goals in the Premier League. If he weighs in with 10 or 12 goals for you, and you take him on a free, that could be some good business.”

Shrewd signing for Bielsa

While signing a 31-year-old on a free transfer is hardly something which is likely to get Leeds fans excited, it could be the type of smart move which ticks a lot of boxes for Bielsa.

Ayew himself has previously spoken about just how highly he rates the Whites manager and the kind of connection he has built up with the Argentine after their time together at Marseille. The Ghanaian said: “I appreciate Marcelo Bielsa enormously. He is an incredible manager. We had a very very strong relationship at Marseille. And there you have it. That’s all I can say.”

Despite his age, it appears that Ayew has lost none of his appetite, with Swansea boss Steve Cooper saying: “We know he has the ability, he can be as good as anyone in the league and he can play at a higher level.

“But the fact he is showing the commitment and work-rate he is, means it is rubbing off on everybody. It is certainly motivating me to see a player so committed to what we are doing.”

The 91-cap Ayew is someone has been dubbed as a “game-changer” by his former manager Slaven Bilic, while his Swansea teammate Yan Dhanda is also a huge fan, saying: “Andre is a goalscorer. He scores goals, and if you put the ball in the box nine times out of 10 Andre is going to be in the right position and he is going to score.”

With 17 goals in the Championship last season, and the ability to play through the middle and out wide, Ayew would represent an experienced option for Bielsa to add to his squad.

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Given that the Whites manager already knows him from his time at Marseille, along with Ayew’s previous Premier League experience, this seems the kind of low-risk signing who could bring decent rewards for Leeds.

Meanwhile, Leeds are keen on signing this Premier League star…

A major update has emerged in Rangers’ pursuit of a Croatian midfielder, and it could lead to Ross Wilson landing a cracking deal for the club.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are working hard on a deal to sign defensive midfielder Ivan Lepinjica from Croatian side Rijeka this summer. The report claims that the Gers are interested in signing the 21-year-old on an initial loan, with an option to make it permanent at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Premier League side Tottenham were looking into a move for Lepinjica before pulling out of the race due to concerns over his injury problems at Rijeka.

Last year, HITC claimed that Croatian football expert Ivan Zezelj likened the youngster to Manchester United and France midfielder Paul Pogba in his style of play. Zezelj also spoke about how Lepinjica is mature for his age as he told HITC: “Lepinjica is a natural number six; young and very talented. He can play as a number eight as well, in my opinion.

“He’s very mature for his age. Last season, he was promoted to the senior squad and instantly played like an experienced pro.”

Fans would love it

Rangers fans would surely love it if the club could seal a deal for Lepinjica. The 21-year-old has already played 70 competitive games for Rijeka’s first team and has been capped at various youth levels by Croatia, suggesting that he has stood out among his peers to make it through to Rijeka’s team ahead of others in the youth ranks.

Tottenham’s interest in his services is also a good sign for Rangers, as it shows that Lepinjica was performing at a level where Premier League sides took notice of his talent.

This shows that the Gers could be about to bring in a top-quality midfield player with plenty of promise. He could be someone who is able to develop over time and learn under the coaching of Steven Gerrard as he has many years ahead of him in the game at 21.

Rangers fans could enjoy watching him flourish over a number of years as they see his progress as a player and a person, with his potential being one of the reasons why the club must sanction a deal for Lepinjica.

The deal being an initial loan also makes it ideal for Rangers from a financial point of view. The £720,000-rated beast can be monitored during his loan spell with the club, allowing Wilson and Gerrard to run the rule over him before deciding whether or not they want to commit funds to keep him on a permanent basis.

This would mean that Rangers are not stuck with him if, for whatever reason, it does not work out for him in Scotland. It could be a great deal all round and Wilson should sanction it this summer.

AND in other news, Rangers handed major boost with “perfect” £7.65m-rated ace, Wilson could strike gold…

Leeds have been handed a potential transfer boost, regarding their pursuit of Brest left-back Romain Perraud.

What’s the talk?

According to A Bola, as transcribed by Sport Witness, Southampton have been in contact with Benfica over a potential swoop for left-back Nuno Tavares, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side possibly ready to firm up their interest in the fullback this summer.

This could come as a boost to Leeds in their pursuit of Brest defender Romain Perraud. Earlier this month, it was claimed that Southampton were on the verge of sealing an £8.5m deal for Perraud, amid interest from Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds and fellow Premier League side Newcastle. However, nothing has moved forward since this update and now Southampton are being linked with another left-back in Tavares. This could open the door for Leeds to swoop in and snap up Perraud whilst they have the chance.

Perraud admitted earlier this year that he does not have a “handbrake” in his play as he likes to play at a high tempo throughout the entire 90 minutes for his club. He told French outlet MadeInFoot:

“I work with a lot of energy.

“It can sometimes be a fault because I want to be hyperactive so much sometimes I get a little confused. When I was at Paris FC, I gave so much during the first 70 minutes I had no gas left to finish the game. But I like it.

“This system (at Brest), it doesn’t slow me down. The coach lets me play, attack, participate in the offensive side of the game. Of course, I have rules on the defensive aspect, but there isn’t too much of a handbrake.”

Orta must pounce

With Southampton looking at alternative options Leeds could have the perfect opportunity to swoop in and pounce on the defender. Victor Orta needs to make sure that he is on high alert and ready to secure a deal for Perraud if Southampton have left the door open for Leeds to come in. Perraud could be an excellent addition to Leeds’ squad and be a boost to Marcelo Bielsa ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a terrific season in Ligue 1 for Brest and showed enough to suggest that he could thrive at Leeds. Perraud averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.84 and was directly involved in an impressive 10 goals for Brest, with three goals and seven assists from left-back to go with his three tackles and interceptions per game in the top-flight of French football. His quotes regarding his lack of a handbrake and intensity on the pitch could also make him the perfect fit for Bielsa’s style of play, making him an ideal target for the club.

Perraud’s arrival at Leeds, if Orta is able to secure a deal for the £8.5m man, could be crucial for Bielsa as Ezgjan Alioski’s situation remain unclear. He is out of contract at the end of the month but is reportedly still in talks with the club over a potential extension after a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray fell through. If Alioski does depart from Elland Road for nothing, Perraud could come in and take his spot at left-back in Leeds side, which is another reason as to why Orta must pounce on Southampton’s dallying.

AND in other news, Orta must sanction Leeds swoop for “world-class” £31k-p/w dynamo, Bielsa needs him…

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips recently and he could be a superb addition to Pep Guardiola’s side should he make the move to the Etihad this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Tutto Juve, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are all keen on the England international this summer after his impressive debut campaign in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old is contracted at Elland Road until 2024 and is currently valued at £27m, which puts Marcelo Bielsa’s side in a strong position when it comes to keeping the midfielder at the Yorkshire club this summer.

Would he be a good signing for Man City?

The midfielder, who is a graduate of the academy at Leeds United, showcased his ability with a man of the match performance in England’s opening game victory against Croatia in the European Championships recently and has earned the nickname ‘the Yorkshire Pirlo’ due to his ability to dictate games from deep in Bielsa’s side in recent seasons.

Last season saw the Englishman make 29 appearances in the Premier League, in which he contributed one goal and three assists, averaging a solid 7.01 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

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Phillips’ former teammate at Leeds, Alex Mowatt, was full of praise for the England star earlier in the season, saying:

“I’m so happy for him. He’s done unbelievable.”

“Since Bielsa came in he’s been ridiculous. He’s got Leeds promoted as well and rightly so he’s been called up to the England squad.”

In their first season back in the top-flight, Bielsa’s side outran every other side in the league and Phillips’ energy would surely be appreciated by Pep Guardiola at City should he make the move to the Etihad this summer.

With next season likely to be Fernandinho’s last, the Englishman could fill a hole in midfield left by the Brazilian and could compliment Rodri well in games where Guardiola wants to take a more defensive approach.

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Therefore, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider signing Phillips this summer, as it seems as if he is only going to get better after his impressive performances for club and country in the past year.

And, in other news… Txiki must seal Man City swoop for “world-class” beast

Another fresh twist has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search this weekend…

What’s the word?

According to Sportitalia journalist Rudy Galetti, a “surprise” name could become new sporting director Fabio Paratici’s latest target, that being Rangers’ title-winning head coach Steven Gerrard.

It’s thought that the 41-year-old’s qualities are becoming more attractive for the north London club’s hierarchy, as talks with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo continue on.

This would back up recent claims from the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, who suggested that the Liverpool legend is certainly “on their radar.”

Another twist

With Spurs’ hunt for their next manager running into a third month, this latest claim represents another twist in the tale.

Jose Mourinho was sacked in mid-April and it seems like the north London outfit are no closer to finding out who will be in the dugout, a worrying prospect with the squad set to return to pre-season training on July 5.

Several names have been linked and either been ruled out or joined another club, including Julian Nagelsmann, who was widely thought to be Daniel Levy’s first top target before he opted for Bayern Munich.

Spurs were then close to sealing a Premier League title winner in Antonio Conte before talks between the two parties collapsed.

Paulo Fonseca also seemed to be on the verge of being appointed before an 11th-hour blow, while fan backlash stopped the controversial Gennaro Gattuso from being hired.

It seems only a matter of time before Gerrard returns to the English top flight, particularly if he continues to impress at Ibrox, where he has just won Rangers their first Scottish Premiership crown in a decade, ending Celtic’s spell of dominance.

Paratici is said to be ‘pushing hard’ to secure Nuno, according to Football Insider, in a move which would upset much of the fanbase once again as many have voiced their concerns over the Portuguese’s brand of football and the club’s lack of ambition, having been linked with the likes of Conte and Mauricio Pochettino.

If Gerrard is genuinely a contender as these reports suggest, the hunt for Spurs’ next boss may not be done yet in what is an intriguing twist which will likely please the supporters more than Nuno.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Spurs transfer claim which will surely leave fans excited…

Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield, from The Express and Star, has told Football FanCast that James Ward-Prowse’s set-pieces are the main reason he’s on Villa’s radar.

According to the Guardian, Dean Smith’s side are set to make a move for the Southampton captain this summer as they look to improve their midfield department.

Villa have already added highly-rated Norwich attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia and are now in the market for Ward-Prowse, who surely caught Smith’s eye when he scored two spectacular free-kicks in the Saints’ thrilling victory at Villa Park last November.

In total, he managed four goals from direct free-kicks last season and was the only player in the Premier League to manage more than one from a dead bull situation.

Ward-Prowse, who’s previously been compared to specialist David Beckham due to his incredible quality from set-pieces, also has a bunch of assists to his name, and contributed to 15 goals in the league last season as he was ever-present for the second campaign on the bounce.

Hatfield spoke to Football FanCast, and said:

“I think the big thing is his set piece quality. Villa have lost a little bit in terms of set-piece delivery and quality having seen Conor Hourihane fade out of the side. James Ward-Prowse is one of the best set-piece takers, probably in world football right now.

“Villa saw that first-hand at Villa Park and he whipped in two top class free-kicks.

“Villa are looking at the fact they’ve got Jack Grealish, Emi Buendia and John McGinn, who win fouls in dangerous areas, but they haven’t got someone who can really whip in a good delivery or plant one into the top corner and he obviously suits that.”

Usually, scoring just one goal over two seasons would leave a striker with no chance of getting a new contract, however that is not the case with Andy Carroll and former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes that the striker is good to have at the club.

Carroll was reportedly earning a huge £75,000 per week last season and after being handed just four starts in the Premier League it appeared to be the end for the striker, but reports have claimed that the club have offered him a new deal – although there is no decision from the player yet.

The 32-year-old made a name for himself after coming through Newcastle’s academy and bursting onto the scene in 2010 when he netted 11 goals before earning himself a big-money move to Liverpool on deadline day.

If Carroll was to be kept on at the club he would likely want to be guaranteed more first-team minutes as he failed to appear in the club’s final 12 games, but even if he isn’t a regular Howey believes that the striker is a good asset to have around the club, as he explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I’ve got no doubt that he is a big presence in the dressing room so I would be pleased if he stops, as I’ve been a big advocate for him and I think he’s a good asset to have when you need to throw him on because defenders just do not like playing against him.”

Carroll has managed to make 43 appearances in the last two seasons and none of his performances will have done anything to impress Steve Bruce and his WhoScored rating of 6.31 from last season suggests he may be lucky to get a new deal.

Callum Wilson was the main man for Newcastle last season and with the likes of Josh King set to be offered to the Magpies, Carroll could see his place even on the bench under threat next season if he commits to another year on Tyneside.