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Graham Roberts insists that Jermain Defoe can become a manager after signing a new contract at Rangers.

The striker has penned a new one-year deal at Ibrox, giving him the chance to move into a player and coach role with the Scottish champions.

Defoe has been with the club since 2019, having initially moved to the club on loan from AFC Bournemouth.

That deal was made permanent in 2020 and he has made a total of 72 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals and laying on 10 assists.

He will now take his first steps into coaching as a member of Steven Gerrard’s backroom team, while also hoping to score goals on the pitch.

And Roberts, who played for both Rangers and Defoe’s former club Tottenham Hotspur, responded when asked if he could go on to see the striker become a full-time manager.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I suppose you can, I think everybody goes in with a chance of being a manager.

“He’d have to get a good backroom staff in with him, it’s not about mates, it’s about people that know their job, so he has to get rid of those mates that think he’s going to look after them and get people you can trust in there.”

Defoe made 362 appearances for Spurs, scoring 143 goals and laying on 31 assists.

Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Schalke centre-back Ozan Kabak after he impressed during a short-term loan spell at Liverpool last season.

What’s the story?

The Reds turned to the 21-year-old as they searched for a solution to their defensive injury crisis but turned down the opportunity to make his stay on Merseyside permanent for £18 million.

As a result, Kabak has been linked with a move to several sides in recent weeks, and well-respected journalist Constantin Eckner has confirmed the Foxes’ interest.

He tweeted: “Ozan Kabak: Leicester are interested in signing the centre-back after he has returned to Schalke who essentially have to sell him, as they are forced to reduce the cost of their squad significantly following relegation.”

Fans should be buzzing

After finishing in fifth place for the second consecutive season, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has already been quite active in the transfer market.

Deals for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka and Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare appear to be nearing a conclusion, yet defensive reinforcements will also be required.

Experienced duo Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan have left the King Power Stadium, leaving a sizeable gap in Rodgers’ squad.

Former England international Ryan Bertrand is expected to bolster the full-back positions following his release from Southampton, but a new centre-back will also be required.

Therefore, news that Kabak is being targeted by the Leicester hierarchy should have the club’s supporters buzzing.

The Turkey international recovered from a shaky start to life in England to perform well for Liverpool during his six-month stint at Anfield.

He made 13 appearances for the Reds in all competitions throughout the second half of the recently concluded campaign, helping Klopp’s charges to a third-place finish.

Adding someone with Premier League experience will be a huge bonus as Leicester plot another assault of the top four next term, and his potential arrival would be a big boost to the FA Cup holder’s chances of returning to Europe’s top table.

With Schalke in a poor financial situation, director of football Jon Rudkin may be able to pull off a bargain deal for Kabak, adding to the extensive list of astute purchases he’s overseen.

And, in other news…Leicester City handed major injury boost ahead of next season, Rodgers will be buzzing 

Arsenal could be making a change at right-back next season…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Norwich City gem Max Aarons is one of several names the Gunners have interest in this summer and it’s not the first time that he’s been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Back in May, journalist Freddie Paxton, who has been featured on the Guardian and the Independent, claimed that the North London outfit have been tracking the 21-year-old for several years and that the club considers him a long-term replacement for Hector Bellerin.

He’s expected to cost in the region of £30m.

Bye-bye Bellerin?

This interest certainly could spell the end for Bellerin after nearly a decade at the club.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that there are ‘huge chances’ the Spaniard is sold this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain interested in the past and his price tag now set at €20m (£18m).

Aarons would be a pretty nice replacement as he’s a player with a ton of potential and one that could instantly fulfil Bellerin’s homegrown spot in the squad, so it seems like a win-win.

During the Canaries’ last stint in the top-flight, the England U21 international thrived, so it was a surprise to see him remain at Carrow Road instead of following teammate Ben Godfrey back into the Premier League.

He’s continued to impress, seeing his 6.55 average rating rise to 6.93, which sees him rank seventh overall in Daniel Farke’s squad. The German put a lot of faith in Aarons as he played more minutes than any other player.

“In my eyes, he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future,” Farke told reporters in December. “I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well, I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.”

The £20m-rated dynamo would fit Mikel Arteta’s system very well, being a more attack-minded full-back. He averaged 1.4 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per league outing in 2020/21, via WhoScored, which suggests he likes to get forward to be a major source of creativity.

By comparison, Bellerin only managed an average of 0.8 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game, and was often snubbed in favour of Cedric.

On the above evidence, you can see why Arteta and Edu appear to be gunning for a change at right-back and a move for Aarons could be a very smart one come to next season.

AND in other news, David Ornstein drops encouraging Arsenal transfer update, fans will surely be buzzing…

Many West Ham United fans are desperate for the club to sign Danny Ings this summer after it was revealed he turned down a four-year contract at Southampton.

The Hammers enjoyed a fantastic campaign last time out as they finished sixth in the Premier League, which means they will be competing in the Europa League in 2021/22. However, David Moyes will surely need to add to his striking options – he currently only has one natural centre-forward at his disposal in Michail Antonio, who has had his share of injury troubles.

The Irons should be busy in transfer market as they prepare for the new campaign, and they may have an eye on Ings now that this big development has emerged. Indeed, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook claimed a few weeks ago that West Ham were chasing the 28-year-old.

The Athletic reported that Ings – a scorer of 101 senior career goals – has the rejected a new contract offer at St Mary’s, even though it would have made him the best-paid player in Southampton’s history had he accepted.

As a result, many West Ham fans want their club to sign the former Liverpool striker, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Ings’ contract snub

“Get him and Adam Armstrong and I will be a happy man, Antonio can go back out wide and we will have 2 top strikers fighting it out”

Credit: @AndrewKeavey82

“He has to be on our list of striker targets surely… Would be a great signing if we could get him!”

Credit: @WestHamViews_

“This is the signing we should be going all out for. Proven PL striker, carried that awful Southampton team. Would rather this than taking a punt on someone from abroad who could be another Haller”

Credit: @WestHamJim1

“I’d welcome this signing. Cost too much though?”

Credit: @JonScottClark6

“Gladly take him”

Credit: @VurtIVS

“Given our history of signing unsuccessful strikers who struggle in the Prem, would love to see @WestHam #WHUFC go for Danny Ings now he has rejected a new deal at Southampton. We can offer European football and his fee will be lower with 1 year left on his deal.”

Credit: @Steve_Wood1980

In other news, the Hammers have been linked with this South American.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Everton defender Michael Ball has criticised Farhad Moshiri for his unsuccessful managerial appointments, including Marco Silva.

The Everton owner finds himself in the spotlight after hiring Rafael Benitez as manager, a decision that has proven very unpopular with some supporters to say the least.

Prior to Benitez, Moshiri had turned to the likes of Ronald Koeman and Silva, with neither proving to be what you would call successes following their dismissals.

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing a manager, it is something Moshiri is not getting right in the eyes of Ball, who is still confused by the decision to bring Silva to Goodison Park back in 2018.

“In the past, he’s made decisions probably against the fans,” the ex-Everton player said to TT. “Bringing in Marco Silva was a big question mark. Why are we paying money, a transfer fee to bring Marco Silva in?

“What did he sort of do to even warrant being an Everton manager?”

Simply put, Silva’s appointment ended up turning into a disaster.

While there was some initial promise with Everton finishing eighth in his first season, the Toffees found themselves in the relegation zone when he was sacked the campaign after.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over news involving Sampdoria midfielder Morten Thorsby.

The Irons are still yet to make a new senior signing this summer, with the transfer window closing at the end of next month on August 31.

Indeed, West Ham have until 11pm on that date to bring in as many fresh faces as possible and boost David Moyes’ chances of guiding them through a successful campaign.

The Hammers are set to compete in the Europa League group stage after a head-turning 2020/21 season and West Ham will need plenty of strength in depth due to the added fixture load.

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An update has now emerged which has some fans talking on social media. As per claims by Tuttomercatoweb and Sky Sport Italia, via Football Italia, West Ham had considered themselves favourites to sign Sampdoria ace Thorsby this summer.

However, Watford then swooped in with an improved bid, which has now got the Genoa club waiting on both the Hornets and West Ham to push up his price tag.

The 25-year-old Norway international won’t be allowed to leave Serie A for under €6m (£5.1m) and is now at the centre of a bidding war between the two clubs.

Flocking to this update, which one fan called ’embarrassing’, it’s safe to say that plenty of West Ham supporters are getting frustrated with the haggling and lack of business done, some taking their frustration out on the club’s owners.

Here is a flavour of the fans’ verdicts, in response to West Ham News & Views.

West Ham fans erupt over Thorsby news

“I despise our owners on a different level. Literally only like £5m and we won’t even pay that. This is why we’re never gonna compete at the highest, no squad depth at all”

Credit: @JoshHarris000

“6m for a back up CM and we will probably bottle it. I’m sick of this club being incompetent, every time we have the chance to move to the next level we go backwards.”

Credit: @OC02_

“That’s embarrassing, West Ham 6th in Premier League, in Europa League and about to be outbid by Watford”

Credit: @KevinBo25486511

“Being outmuscled by Watford”

Credit: @YorksHammerMatt

“Sampdoria asked for 6m…. no way DS pays asking price”

Credit: @rammetridis

“only West Ham could end up in a “bidding war” with a fella valued at £6m”

Credit: @Andysilve1

In other news: West Ham in pole position to sign ‘huge’ 29-goal striker amid talks, he is destined to leave this summer – find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be amongst several teams plotting a move for relegated Schalke 04 star Matthew Hoppe this summer.

That’s according to 90min, who claimed last week that the 2.Bundesliga outfit are bracing themselves for bids from a number of Premier League sides, including Spurs, Southampton and Newcastle United.

Since the arrival of Nuno Santo in North London, they have been linked to an array of strikers and that should come as no surprise as it seems as if the newly-appointed Portuguese is ready to deploy a two-man attack in N17.

Therefore, Fabio Paratici and the rest of the club’s recruitment staff will need to work hard to find someone to partner Harry Kane besides Heung-min Son, who could still play a pivotal role out wide.

Schalke are facing plenty of financial problems and that has worsened since their relegation from the German top-flight, which could work in favour of Spurs driving up a decent bargain, especially as it’s been a difficult year off the pitch in London, too.

It remains to be seen just how much Hoppe would command, with Transfermarkt valuing the American at just £4.05m.

Despite all of their struggles at the Veltins-Arena last season, it was still a breakthrough year for the young 20-year-old forward as he provided seven goals and two assists in all competitions.

A hat-trick and a Man of the Match display against Hoffenheim in Matchday 15 drew particularly high praise, so much so that he was likened to Robert Lewandowski by Bundesliga.com.

‘Tall and lithe but with a strong frame, the American has a knack of losing his marker at just the right time, his clever movement creating pockets of space inside the penalty area,’ they wrote before going on to laud his overall progression.

Hoppe has also impressed former Spurs boss Christian Gross, who waxed lyrical about his ex-striker, via the same website. He said:

“He’s a boy who’s unbelievably ambitious, has tremendous commitment and only thinks about Schalke. He wants to do whatever it takes to get us out of this situation. He really is a model professional. Even though he’s still very young, he doesn’t shy away from working extremely hard. Of course, he’s still very young and still has lots to learn in order to become a top-rate finisher, but we’re working on that.”

Lewandowski is indeed one striker that the American gem has looked up to, as is Kane, so he may well be an ideal fit in North London right off the bat.

If Nuno and Paratici want a cheap solution to their striking needs, then they must look to pounce on the financially struggling German side.

Hoppe could be a very smart and effective option under the right management.

AND in other news, Paratici closing in on his first summer signing at Spurs…

An update has emerged on Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, regarding Everton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Everton are yet to make an official offer for Koulibaly. Romano has said that a Napoli source has confirmed this to be the case, whilst no other team has joined the race at this stage.

The Serie A giants want to keep the defender, with manager Luciano Spaletti quoted as saying “I’m ready to chain myself to keep Koulibaly here at Napoli”.

Fans would be ecstatic

Everton must sanction a swoop to sign Koulibaly this summer as it would leave fans ecstatic. The 30-year-old is a proven performer at the top level and would be a marquee addition to the squad.

The Senegal international has been a regular in the Serie A for Napoli since the start of the 2014/15 campaign, playing in the Europa League or Champions League in every season. Over the course of his career, he has averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.05 – showing remarkable quality and consistency over the past seven years with Napoli.

Former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina hailed the centre-back last year when speaking about the best defenders he has played behind. He said:

“The defender who gave me more security? In a moment, Koulibaly was something extraordinary. In the national team [it was] Sergio Ramos.

“At Liverpool [it was Daniel] Agger, [Jamie] Carragher. Difficult to choose, there have been many strong [players]. In recent years, the Koulibaly – Albiol combination was phenomenal if it was in place.”

This shows how highly rated the £195k-per-week beast is by players who have played alongside him. Reina, as he explained, played in the Premier League with Liverpool and knows exactly what is required to compete in England, suggesting that his effusive praise of Koulibaly means the defender would be up to the standards required to excel at Everton.

Therefore, fans would love the club to sanction a deal for the defender.

There is no harm in trying with a bid, something supporters would also enjoy as it shows a high level of ambition.

AND in other news, Greg O’Keeffe drops Everton update that should leave fans buzzing…

Celtic have made a €2.5m offer for Royal Antwerp right-back Aurelio Buta, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The Lowdown: Buta profiled

Buta is 24 years of age and has been with his current employers since 2018.

The right-back, also capable of playing as a right-midfielder or a right-winger, is into the final 12 months of his Antwerp deal worth £4,500-a-week.

He’s made 107 appearances for the Belgian side, scoring twice and registering 18 assists.

Buta is actually ranked the 13th-fastest player on FIFA 21 with a pace attribute of 94, and it seems as if the Hoops now want to bring him to Parkhead.

The Latest: Celtic’s bid

According to Konur, the Hoops have offered Antwerp €2.5m (£2.14m) for Buta.

Ange Postecoglou wants a move for Buta to be completed ‘as soon as possible’, however, Antwerp are holding out for €3.5m – just shy of £3m.

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The Verdict: Pay the fee

Celtic are in dire need of right-back reinforcements with Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor Postecoglou’s only options at this moment in time.

Konur believes the Hoops boss wants a deal wrapped up ASAP, and should that be the case, Celtic should cough up another £850,000 to match Antwerp’s asking price.

Such a deal would be just short of £3m, still under Buta’s Transfermarkt valuation, so it could still turn out to be a shrewd move.

He would also give Postecoglou the option to play him further forward, with Buta even turning out as a centre-forward on one occasion during his career.

Celtic need to up their offer and get Buta through the door.

In other news: Celtic now offered fee more than Dembele’s for Edouard; reporter shares ‘evolving situation’. 

An update has emerged on Everton target Angelo Fulgini, regarding Angers’ valuation of the midfielder.

What’s the talk?

According to The Daily Mail, Ligue 1 side Angers are prepared to cash in on Everton transfer target Angelo Fulgini and have placed a £12m price tag on his head.

The report claims that Everton, Monaco, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Southampton are among the clubs showing an interest in the central midfielder.

Fans will be buzzing

Everton fans will be buzzing with this news as it seemingly increases the club’s chances of being able to get a deal over the line for Fulgini.

The report indicates that Angers are willing to cash in on him and that could allow the Toffees to swoop in and take advantage of their financial position to sign him, as the French said are said to need the funds.

Rafa Benitez will be looking to improve his squad ahead of next season and one area which could need strengthening is the midfielder. Andre Gomes played in 28 of the club’s 38 Premier League games last term and averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.46. He made fewer than two tackles and interceptions per game, whilst only providing one chance created every other game.

This suggests that replacing him could be a smart move by Brands and Benitez ahead of the end of the window. Gomes has not been able to produce week-in-week-out in the Englush top-flight and it could be time for him to be axed from the club.

Fulgini, meanwhile, enjoyed a sublime season in Ligue 1 for Angers, averaging a fantastic WhoScored rating of 7.13 across 33 appearances. In those games, he managed seven goals and four assists from midfield – whilst also scoring three times in the cup.

This shows that he has been able to consistently deliver top-class performances, which is something Gomes has been unable to do for the Toffees.

The Frenchman could be an improvement on some of Everton’s current options and he has the quality to come in and replace the ex-Barcelona man.

For £12m, Fulgini could be a terrific bargain addition to the squad and provide Benitez with a higher standard of player in the midfield mix to compete with the likes of Allan, Doucoure and Tom Davies.

AND in other news, Brands must sanction bargain £12.8m deal for “terrific” beast, Everton need him…