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Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale has decided to dip into the transfer market this summer to bolster his playing squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Light Blues boss has wasted no time in securing the signatures of six new signings, including Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland, Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, and Abdallah Sima.

However, ins are not the only order of business for the Scottish giants in the off-season as they need to shift on some of their fringe players in order to create space for further additions.

Football Insider recently reported that Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, who are now managed by former Gers boss Steven Gerrard, are interested in signing Scott Wright.

They claimed that a concrete move has been made in an attempt to land the winger, who could join the likes of Ruben Neves, Karim Benzema, Jota, and N'Golo Kante in Saudi Arabia next season.

How many goals has Scott Wright scored for Rangers?

The 25-year-old has only scored eight goals in 84 competitive appearances for the Light Blues and failed to find the back of the net on any occasion across 34 outings last term.

He has not provided much in the way of attacking quality out wide for Rangers, which is why Beale must now brutally ditch him in order to sign Chicago Fire starlet Brian Gutierrez – a reported transfer target for the club.

Wright racked up zero goals and two assists in 34 matches last season across all competitions, which works out as a goal contribution every 17 clashes on average.

This shows that the former Aberdeen man is rarely capable of making a difference in the final third, as 13 of his teammates were directly involved in more Scottish Premiership goals than him.

Gutierrez, meanwhile, has caught the eye with his creativity for the Fire in 2023. The 20-year-old, who is five years younger than Wright, has registered seven assists in 23 matches this year, which is one every 3.29 games on average.

Ryan Kent, who has since joined Fenerbahce in Turkey, was the only Rangers winger with more than seven league assists (eight) last season, which suggests that the potential is there for the USA U20 international to be a creative spark for Beale out wide.

The MLS prospect also produced two goals and six assists in 34 clashes throughout 2023, which shows that Gutierrez has plenty of experience under his belt – despite only turning 20 last month.

The exciting youngster, who was hailed as "incredible" and a player who has "got everything" by manager Frank Klopas, could arrive at Ibrox as a player with the potential to be a future star for Beale, potentially even forcing Wright out in the process.

Wright made 18 substitute appearances in the Premiership last season and that role could suit the 5 foot 10 ace initially as it would allow him to slowly adjust to life in Scotland.

He could then gain experience before pushing on and using his creative ability to make himself a go-to player for the manager further down the line.

Newcastle United could still look to further strengthen their impressive squad this summer ahead of their Champions League return and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Joachim Andersen?

According to iNews' Northern football correspondent Mark Douglas, Newcastle are interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen this summer.

As per a report written for the publication, Douglas claims that the Magpies are prioritising a move for the Premier League ace, but are currently wrestling with Financial Fair Play restrictions.

How good is Joachim Andersen?

Whilst Eddie Howe will be thrilled with the huge progress his squad have shown over his first full season in charge at St James' Park, it will be essential for the North East club to add more depth in key areas of the pitch to ensure they can comfortably compete and rotate players of quality into the team.

After finishing inside the Premier League top four last season, getting to the League Cup final and qualifying for Champions League football, there will be high expectations for the Magpies to remain competitive and continue their pursuit of success and trophies.

As a result, the signing of Andersen could be a great way to strengthen the options available for Howe in the back-line next season and the Crystal Palace titan could eventually become a worthy successor to Fabian Schar.

The Newcastle centre-back will be turning 32 before the year is out and whilst he is still a strong presence in Newcastle's defensive set-up, the sheer number of games that will come their way will result in some much-needed rotation in the team to prevent exhaustion and injury issues.

As per FBref, Andersen ranked third for clearances and eighth for percentage of aerial duels won in the entire Premier League, whilst also ranking in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for clearances, aerial duels won and touches per 90 minutes played.

Andersen has been the recipient of high praise for his impact in English football, with pundit Robbie Earle claiming he was something of an unsung asset:

"My underappreciated player of the week goes to Joachim Andersen, the big centre-half on loan from Lyon. He’s 24 years of age – he’s a man back there. He can win it, he can play, looks like he’s got a little bit about him to organise those in and around him."

When comparing the Danish defender's output in the league with Schar's last season, the pair came close in a number of key attributes including pass completion (79.2% v 77.1%), aerial duels won (71.9% v 67.1%), tackles won (22 v 22) and percentage of dribbers tackled (50% v 61.5%).

The 6 foot 2 centre-back joined the south London club for £17m in the summer of 2021, however, it is now revealed by Football Transfers that his market value is around €38m (£33m).

With that being said, if Newcastle could complete the signing of Andersen it would be a major coup, as his Premier League experience and similarities in his qualities compared to Schar could see him make an instant impact at St James' Park next season to become a key component in their fight for silverware.

Aston Villa have reportedly been offered the chance to sign La Liga starlet Nicolas Gonzalez, as Unai Emery bids to rejuvenate his side this summer.

The Spaniard has already hired talent from his homeland this transfer window, with Pau Torres making the switch from Villarreal to Villa earlier this month.

Now, it seems that the Midlands club aren’t finished with their shopping in Spain, if recent reports are to be believed.

Could Aston Villa sign Nicolas Gonzalez?

As reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo earlier this week, Gonzalez has attracted interest from the Midlands, with both Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers named as potential suitors.

The 21-year-old’s agent Jorge Mendes is reported to have offered the player to the clubs, with the possibility of him departing Barcelona this summer with his role in the squad next season unclear.

Valued by FootballTransfers at €14.3m (£12m), Emery could snatch a bright talent for a bargain this transfer window.

How good is Nicolas Gonzalez?

Lauded as a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old has returned to his boyhood club following a trialling loan spell at Valencia last term.

In a testing campaign for Los Che, the Spaniard gained some valuable minutes in La Liga, following on from his breakthrough season at Camp Nou.

A product of the infamous La Masia academy, Gonzalez is a player identified to have “excellent technique” and the ability to act as an “orchestrator” in the middle of the park, as described by Kulig’s scouting report of the talent.

For Villa, links to the rising star could come at a pivotal time of Emery’s reign, in which the Spaniard has the room and funds to tailor the squad to his liking ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

While the Villans are blessed with a number of gifted midfielders, capturing a La Masia product that’s valued by a club as influential as Barcelona could be a sign of things to come in a deal that could prove to be a very worthy investment.

The 6 foot 1 midfielder could prove to be the heir to Villa’s hero Douglas Luiz, who was the club’s best performer last season based on his average Sofascore match rating of 7.10.

The two bear many similarities expanding beyond their combative style of play and identical positions in game.

While Luiz rose to the top as the better defender between the two based on FBref comparisons from their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, the 21-year-old excelled in his distribution and threat going forward.

Averaging 2.24 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90, the Brazilian was an assured figure in Emery’s midfield who could one day be surpassed by the young Villa target, who averaged 1.73 tackles and 1.22 interceptions per 90.

The Barcelona DNA imprinted onto the Spaniard’s playing style is evident through his numbers, averaging a pass completion rate of 86.9% and making 5.19 progressive passes on average per 90.

Luiz followed closely behind in his passing numbers, averaging an 82.5% pass completion rate and 4.55 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League, showcasing exactly how bright the talent of Gonzalez could be in Villa’s system one day.

The hope will be that Emery can once again utilise his La Liga connections to get a deal over the line…

Following a few weeks without any signings to begin the transfer window, Heart of Midlothian are looking set to make up for lost time.

Recent arrivals include goalkeeper Michael McGovern from Norwich City on a free transfer and midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof from Western Sydney Wanderers as Steven Naismith gears his squad up for the new season.

Frankie Kent could soon be the third player to arrive at Tynecastle after their bid for the defender was accepted by Peterborough United, however Naismith should also be moving forward in a bid to sign Jamie McGrath.

Could Hearts sign Jamie McGrath?

At the start of the month, The Daily Record reported that Hearts were weighing up a move for McGrath during the transfer window in a bid to bolster their attacking options.

With just a year left on his current deal, Naismith could perhaps submit an offer to Wigan Athletic in the hope that they accept, especially considering that this may be the final chance for them to bring in a decent fee for the player.

He knows the Premiership well, having had stints at both St Mirren and Dundee United, enjoying a loan spell at Tannadice last term and the 5 foot 9 gem could turn into a shrewd investment.

How did Jamie McGrath perform last season?

Despite the Arabs being relegated from the Premiership following a woeful campaign, the Irishman was arguably their only bright spark.

He managed to register 12 goal contributions across all competitions while showcasing his creative ability by ranking first in the squad for big chances created (five) and key passes per game (1.6) and should he join the Edinburgh side, Naismith could forge a wonderful midfield partnership between him and new arrival Nieuwenhof.

The Australian tends to operate in a defensive midfield role, controlling play from deep and this could allow McGrath much more freedom, as he is usually deployed just behind the striker.

The 22-year-old had a fine season in the A-League during 2022/23 as he displayed his impressive passing capabilities, ranking fifth in his squad for accurate passes per game (41.4) while also making 0.8 key passes per game, showing that even though playing from a predominantly deep position, he was still able to create a few forward passes.

This bodes well should he go on to play behind McGrath, and his defensive ability will also be key for any potential partnership to sparkle. The Australian ranked first in the Western Sydney squad for tackles per game (3.4) as he demonstrated his tenacious side and this will stand him in good stead due to the physical nature of Scottish football.

McGrath could be given immense freedom further up the pitch knowing full well that Nieuwenhof is roaming behind him sweeping up any danger with ease.

Much was anticipated of the 26-year-old when he joined the Latics from St Mirren, with journalist Josh Bunting waxing lyrical about the midfielder.

He said: “Jamie McGrath is a sensational signing for Wigan Athletic, think that’s one of the best signings of the window , really liked him whilst he was at Dundalk, good on the ball , aggressive and direct and has a very good shot , he’ll score from belters at the DW I’m sure of that.”

It hasn’t quite gone to plan since then for McGrath, making just four appearances for his current side, and Naismith could offer him a fresh start should he lure the player north of the border this summer.

West Ham United have yet to make any summer signings, however this could soon change. David Moyes is close to securing the signature of Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges, while a move for French left-back, Adrien Truffert could be next on the list.

The Irons will want to improve on their poor 14th placed Premier League finish from last year, and these two signings could potentially be the catalyst for a few more.

Could Adrien Truffert join West Ham United?

According to Football Insider, West Ham have made contact with Rennes with regard to a potential move for the left-back this summer.

The Ligue 1 side are keen to tie down the player to a long-term deal however, although if talks don’t work out, they will be open to accepting offers for the 21-year-old.

Rennes are said to value Truffert at £15m and considering the Irons received a fee of £105m from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, Moyes certainly has money to spend in the transfer window.

Does Aaron Cresswell have a future at West Ham United?

West Ham's long-serving left-back, Aaron Cresswell, has just a year left on his current contract at the club, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keeping tabs on the 33-year-old defender.

The Old Gold were linked with the fullback last week and a fee of £2.5m was touted as being enough to secure his services, and there is no doubt Moyes should move him on for someone younger like Truffert.

Not only did the Frenchman offer a greater attacking threat than Cresswell by registering more goal contributions (six to one), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.37 to 0.04) and shots per 90 (0.14 to 0.04) but he was also much better defensively too.

Truffert won more tackles (32 to 11), made more blocks (32 to 21) while also winning a higher percentage of aerial duels (56.7% to 50%) and challenges (67.4% to 38.7%), demonstrating that he would be a significant upgrade on Creswell, not just from an attacking point of view, but also due to his defending qualities.

Upon bursting onto the scene in 2020, his former Rennes coach had plenty of praise for the youngster, saying: “He’s a young player who I know very well. He has huge potential and a very good left foot.

“He’s very intelligent, has the right mentality and the versatility to play in different positions. He has all the qualities needed to keep progressing and to break through in the near future.”

Despite his tender years, he had a positive influence in the French side last term, ranking second for assists across the whole team in Ligue 1 while also ranking in the top ten for big chances created, key passes per game and first for tackles per game, showcasing his abilities over a wide range of metrics.

The Belgium-born defender has even been capped for France and if he continues his current upwards trajectory, not only will be an excellent signing for Moyes, but it will allow the Scot to move Cresswell on in the process given that the Frenchman is a major upgrade.

Celtic enjoyed a terrific start to their 2023/24 Scottish Premiership term as they beat Ross County 4-2 on the opening day at Parkhead.

Who scored for Celtic against Ross County?

David Turnbull, who scored twice, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Matt O'Riley all got their names on the scoresheet for the Hoops in Brendan Rodgers' first official match of his second spell at the club.

O'Riley has started his campaign with a goal after the Denmark international produced three in 38 appearances throughout the entire 2022/23 season, whilst he also registered an assist on Saturday.

The former Fulham midfielder is an outstanding attacking threat from the middle of the park and Rodgers could find a dream partner for him by completing a swoop for Manchester United's Scott McTominay, who is a reported transfer target for the Bhoys.

How good is Scott McTominay?

Across the 2021/22 campaign, the Scotland international showcased his ability as a defensive midfielder for the Red Devils and could be a fantastic signing for Celtic if he is able to translate that form over to Parkhead.

McTominay only started ten league matches under Erik ten Hag last term, which meant that the United academy graduate did not have many chances to impress, but thrived as a number six across 28 Premier League starts during the previous season.

The £78k-per-week titan averaged an outstanding 3.2 tackles and interceptions combined per game for the English giants and the 6 foot 4 giant displayed his ability in the air as he won 2.3 aerial battles per outing, with a success rate of 67%.

Last season, no Celtic central midfielder with at least one Premiership start managed more than 2.2 tackles and interceptions or 0.7 aerial duels won per clash.

This suggests that McTominay has the quality to be a phenomenal defensive presence at the base of Rodgers' midfield, which could provide O'Riley with even more opportunities to show off his attacking ability at the top end of the pitch.

The ex-MK Dons ace racked up an exceptional 12 assists and created 2.1 chances per game for his teammates in the league last term, which meant that he topped the charts for the club in both statistics.

O'Riley provided 16 'big chances' from midfield and chipped in with three goals as he proved himself to be a consistently impressive performer in possession who can open up the opposition's defence on a regular basis.

McTominay, however, is not an attack-minded midfielder who is likely to bomb forward and leave the defence exposed as he has only scored 19 goals and produced five assists in 209 first-team appearances for United.

The Scottish colossus, who was once lauded as a "monster" by his former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, could sit in midfield and use his defensive instincts to consistently cut out opposition attacks to protect the likes of Maik Nawrocki and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

This could, therefore, free up the likes of Reo Hatate, David Turnbull and O'Riley to go and do what they want to do on the ball without having to worry about the other side of the game as much, as they would have a terrific enforcer there to cover for them if the ball is turned over in midfield.

Crystal Palace have sent scouts to watch Bristol City forward Sam Bell live in action and a new report has indicated whether he’s likely to be on the move this summer having attracted interest from five potential suitors.

Who is Sam Bell?

Bell is primarily a left-winger who has graduated from the academy to become a regular feature of the first team at Ashton Gate having made a total of 42 senior appearances to date, but there’s a chance that he could be on the move before the end of the ongoing window having begun to make a real name for himself.

The Robins’ youth product still has another two years to run on his contract with Nigel Pearson’s side, but having continued his impressive form from last season into the new second-tier campaign by ranking as their top-performing player during last weekend’s opening game of the term, he’s caught the eye of Roy Hodgson in SE25.

The Eagles will be in the market to find a suitable replacement for Wilfried Zaha, who of course left the club to join Galatasaray last month, and despite not having any experience in the Premier League which is usually a factor that would come into consideration, the 21-year-old appears to have been identified as an ideal candidate.

Are Crystal Palace signing Sam Bell?

According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers all had club chiefs “present” at Bristol’s 1-1 draw against Preston on Saturday to assess Bell's performance.

Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers are also “admirers” of the youngster and could hold an advantage over the other potential suitors with Champions League football on offer at Ibrox, and similarly the Seagulls have qualified for the Europa League.

However, whilst City are “aware of the widespread interest”, they are “likely to move” quickly to get their prized asset to sign a new deal in a bid to fend off any attention, which will include a significant pay rise.

How many goals has Sam Bell scored?

Since the start of his career, Bell has clocked up ten goal contributions (seven goals and three assists) in 42 senior appearances, including when he found the back of the net vs Preston last weekend, so should he put pen to paper, the attacker would be a hugely exciting signing for the long-term future of Crystal Palace.

The SMI Sports Management client – who represent some of the Championship's top stars – pockets £1.9k-per-week at the moment, and started the new season strongly aside from his goal having managed two shots and dribbles apiece in the recent fixture on home turf against the Lilywhites, so poses a real threat in the final third.

Bell, who has been dubbed an “excellent” player by journalist Josh Bunting, is also a versatile operator having previously been deployed in six various positions over the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline, two roles in the midfield and even at right-back, so he would be able to easily adapt to the manager’s needs should he ever want to switch up his team selection.

Everton are interested in further solving their attacking quandary after the potential signing of Jack Harrison.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

As reported by David Ornstein, the Leeds winger was undergoing a medical on Merseyside ahead of a season-long loan move.

However, as per Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa tried to hijacked a move with the player seemingly set on a move to the Midlands instead. A personal phone call with Unai Emery helped sway the player's mind but since then, the move has collapsed citing an injury established during a medical.

Consequently, the Villans have pulled out leaving Everton free to sign the player.

That said, the Toffees could still be looking at another attacker.

The Telegraph reported on Friday that Southampton had been approached by Bournemouth to present a £13m offer for Adams, though Everton have also presented a 'structured deal' and Nottingham Forest are long-term admirers.

The 27-year-old has been of interest to the Toffees all summer as manager Sean Dyche looks to restore the club's attacking impetus, and Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Goodison Park underscored the necessity for a new striker.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti have already been signed this summer, but the former is not really an out-and-out striker and Chermiti, aged 19, is considered a long-term project.

How good is Che Adams?

There's no denying that Adams is not the most prolific of strikers around; the £52k-per-week ace ranks among the bottom 21% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals per 90, as per FBref, and did not hit double digits in any of his four Premier League campaigns with the Saints.

He did play for a pretty abject Southampton side last season, however, and still scored five goals, assisting three more, from just 23 starting appearances, taking 1.7 shots and creating 0.9 key passes per outing.

Praised for his "fantastic" attitude by former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, the 23-cap international would provide Everton with a sense of fluidity, he would be the ocean from which rivers would flow, and the overall output of the Toffees attack would finally find a sense of togetherness.

Indeed, his prospective arrival could see an instant thriving partnership struck up with Harrison.

The former New York City man was also relegated from the English top flight this year with Leeds United and is an impressive attacking option who could bolster Dyche's squad and open up several new dimensions to the attack.

Described as an "explosive" player, Harrison scored six goals and provided ten assists from 40 matches across all competitions for the Whites last term, while also maintaining a defensive work rate that will please Dyche, ranking among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers for blocks and the top 15% for clearances per 90.

He is a dynamic attacking option, and one that could flourish with a "focal point" – according to former Southampton midfielder Jo Tessem – such as Adams, who did not have the support he needed at St. Mary's Stadium last year.

Harrison created 1.5 key passes per game last season, which highlights the consistency of his creative ability in a game, something Adams would no doubt have lapped up on Merseyside, with the "clever player" – as called by pundit Ally McCoist – boasting the movement and intellect to move into promising positions that could be found by the Leeds flanker.

With Everton's frontline offering little success, change is understandably afoot and by integrating Adams and Harrison into the squad, a new formula for success might just bear fruit for Dyche's side.

Newcastle United's summer spending appears to be approaching its culmination, with Eddie Howe's side reported to be closing in on a £35m deal for Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall – however, links for further defensive reinforcements persist.

Last week, the Toon manager proclaimed he would "love one more signing" after already tying up deals for playmaker Sandro Tonali, winger Harvey Barnes and young full-back Tino Livramento.

And with Hall looking destined for a date with St. James' Park, perhaps the work is indeed done.

However, there remains a need, if not desperate, to bolster the central defence, and technical director Dan Ashworth could make the perfect move by landing Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba.

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Newcastle?

The Burkina Faso international, according to journalist Craig Hope, is on a shortlist of centre-backs to bolster the Magpies backline, though Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

The report revealing Spurs' interest claims that Leverkusen would accept a bid of £50m, and whether Newcastle can pay such a sum after extravagant spending remains to be seen.

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

While Howe has claimed that Newcastle's transfer activity this summer is likely done and dusted, an injury to either Fabian Schar and Sven Botman would perhaps usher in the din of the alarm bells, with Dan Burn – the club's starting left-back – the only other regular to feature in the central defence.

Long-serving stalwart Jamal Lascelles is also an option, but started just twice in the English top-flight last season. With the 31-year-old Schar's contract expiring next summer, it's hardly surprising United are assessing the market for a new centre-half.

Tapsoba looks to be the perfect option stylistically, with the 6 foot 4 colossus recording an average Sofascore rating of 6.88 in the league last term, completing 86% of his passes, making 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game and winning 62% of his ground duels.

Howe's system last term was built upon slick, progressive passing to break lines and patiently work through the thirds, and the 24-year-old also ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 7% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref – which makes him look like a tailor-made fit.

Right-footed, such a skill set would benefit Livramento, with the dynamic right-back completing a £32m transfer from relegated Southampton this summer after playing just twice last year due to injury.

Described as a "future star" by former teammate Theo Walcott, the 20-year-old joined Saints from Chelsea for £5m in 2021, recording an average rating of 6.88 in the 2021/22 Premier League, completing 79% of his passes, making 1.9 tackles and 1.7 interceptions and clearances from his marauding role.

He was even praised for his "excellent" start by England manager Gareth Southgate, with his noteworthy ball-carrying and dribble volume remarked upon by The Athletic.

To thrive up and down the flank, Livramento could do with such a pass-proficient and "complete" defender such as Tapsoba – as he was once praised by scout Jacek Kulig – to provide a constant flow of creativity behind him, allowing him to maximise his potential at St. James' Park.

Southampton have endured a long summer of outgoing transfer business as Russell Martin’s squad has been picked apart throughout the window.

Who has left Southampton this summer?

The Saints have decided to cash in on a number of their players; including Romeo Lavia, Ibrahima Diallo, Tino Livramento, James Ward-Prowse, Mohammed Salisu, and Mislav Orsic.

Centre-back Duje Caleta-Car has also been allowed to leave on loan, whilst Theo Walcott, Mohamed Elyounoussi, and Willy Caballero have all departed on free transfers.

Martin could now dip into the market before next week’s deadline in order to bolster his side, and the Scottish head coach has recently been linked with a swoop for West Ham United full-back Ben Johnson.

How good is Ben Johnson?

The 23-year-old dynamo is a versatile and promising young defender who could instantly replace Livramento at St. Mary’s Stadium, after his move to Newcastle United earlier this month.

Johnson is a right-back by trade but has played at least 13 career games as a centre-back, left-back, and right-midfielder to date, which shows that Martin could utilise him in a variety of ways.

Kyle Walker-Peters is the current first-choice right-back but the Hammers youngster could come in to put pressure on the former Tottenham Hotspur ace, which would provide healthy competition for places, or replace him outright as he has also been linked with a surprise move to Arsenal.

Last season, Johnson, who was once described as "immense" by former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand, caught the eye with his Europa Conference League performances.

The £33k-per-week titan averaged an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.15 across six appearances in the competition as he made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game and won 64% of his duels.

He only started nine top-flight matches last season. However, the talented youngster did average a Sofascore rating of 6.89 over 16 starts throughout the previous campaign.

Livramento, on the other hand, did not start a single Premier League match for Southampton last term but did average a Sofascore rating of 6.85 across 25 top-flight starts during the 2021/22 campaign.

Walker-Peters, meanwhile, started 30 league matches last season and averaged a dismal Sofascore rating of 6.59.

The ex-Spurs graduate made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per match but only won 52% of his individual battles, which suggests that Johnson could offer more quality in terms of the average standard of his performances as well as his physical strength.

Walker-Peters has averaged a superb Sofascore rating of 7.37 across three Championship matches for Southampton so far this season, which is the seventh-best score within the squad.

This shows that the drop down to the second division has allowed the 26-year-old talent to thrive.

Now, imagine what Johnson could do with the same opportunity after his impressive Premier League and Europa Conference League displays in comparison to Walker-Peters' outings at the top level in recent years.

The Hammers ace could excel at a lower standard of football and be an excellent option for Martin at the back with his ability to consistently win possession back for the side efficiently, using his strength.

This is why he could be an excellent loan signing for the Saints to finally replace Livramento and provide Walker-Peters with competition before the deadline.