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Former Glasgow Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic has urged Borna Barisic to leave Ibrox as he could compete at a higher level.

The Lowdown: Barisic attracting interest

The £5.4m-valued Barisic (Transfermarkt) has been linked with a move away from the 55-time Scottish champions in recent times.

AS Roma, in particular, were said to be in pursuit of the Croatia international in the previous transfer window (The Scotsman), although Barisic’s family said there had been no official contact (Sportske Novosti).

The Latest: Jelavic urges departure

Speaking to The Daily Record, Jelavic suggested it is time for the left-back to leave Ibrox. He said:

“I’m friends with Borna, we’re very close.

“There are always speculation and rumours because Borna, if you ask me, is one of the top five left- backs in Europe over the last couple of years.

“He has been playing a very high level of football. But I think he definitely needs to think about moving on.

“It’s not about moving to a bigger club because Rangers are one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“It’s more about achieving in a better league than the Scottish Premiership. He has the quality.

“But the fact he did not leave is only a positive for Rangers.

“He’s a very good player and a top lad too.”

The Verdict: Time is running out

Barisic has been an important signing for the Gers. He has made 117 appearances for the club in all competitions (Transfermarkt), really coming into his own last season as Rangers won the Premiership title for the first time in 10 years. With five goals and 14 assists, he proved to be one of his side’s biggest attacking threats.

The former Ojisek player will be 29 in November. If he wants a big move to one of Europe’s biggest leagues, time is running out for him. One more impressive season with the 55-time Scottish champions may be enough to see that happen.

In other news, one pundit has made this Rangers title claim.

West Ham embark on the start of their Europa League campaign later this evening when they head to Croatia to face league champions Dinamo Zagreb.

David Moyes’ side remain unbeaten so far this season, having recorded two wins and two draws in the Premier League and the Irons will surely be looking to keep that up here tonight.

The Scotsman does, however, have plenty to think about ahead of kickoff, especially with the small matter of the table-toppers Manchester United this Sunday.

Does he stick or twist with his starting XI? Here’s what we are predicting…

Much of the Hammers’ summer additions will all be pushing for their first starts for the club and we think three of the four could feature from the off.

Kurt Zouma, Nikola Vlasic and Alphonse Areola have plenty of experience in Europe, so their presence would be very beneficial.

The backup goalkeeper, signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is set to take the spot between the sticks over veteran Lukasz Fabianski, whilst the Champions League-winning Frenchman should be a straight swap for Craig Dawson.

They are joined in defence by three players who all started against Southampton at the weekend in Aaron Cresswell, Angelo Ogbonna and Vladimir Coufal.

Further up the pitch, we could see a rare start for club captain Mark Noble. His experience and leadership could be necessary for a game of this calibre, particularly away from home. His involvement means Declan Rice is likely to earn a rest ahead of the weekend, whilst Tomas Soucek could remain in a deeper role as Vlasic takes up the no.10 spot.

The Croatian is likely to replace Said Benrahma as the 26-year-old was underwhelming against the Saints. Both Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen are set to remain in the lineup.

Meanwhile, upfront, Michail Antonio has pretty much been confirmed as a starter, especially as he will be serving a suspension this weekend, so he’ll be getting a rest then rather than now.

In total, there could be only four changes from the weekend’s 0-0 stalemate.

West Ham’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Zouma, Coufal; Noble, Soucek, Vlasic, Fornals, Bowen; Antonio. 

AND in other news, Moyes must now turn to West Ham’s “clinical” 19 y/o prodigy who the fans already love…

Journalist Phil Hay has relayed confirmation that Leeds United youngster Charlie Cresswell has been called up to England’s Under-21 squad.

The Lowdown: Cresswell impresses for Whites

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough start to the season at Elland Road, being brought in by Marcelo Bielsa to help ease a centre-back shortage in the absence of Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk.

Cresswell played all 90 minutes of Leeds’ 2-1 defeat at home to West Ham last weekend, receiving an eight-out-of-10 rating by Leeds Live‘s Beren Cross, despite the result.

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The Latest: Youngster gets England call-up

Cresswell’s efforts have been rewarded in the build-up to Saturday’s Premier League clash with Watford, with Hay taking to Twitter to confirm that the youngster has been included in the latest England U21 squad for their European U21 Championship qualifiers against Slovenia and Andorra:

“Cresswell ends a very good fortnight with an U21s call-up.”

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The Verdict: Future Leeds star

It is still early days with Cresswell, but he has already performed with a maturity for Leeds that suggests he could be a future regular in years to come.

He held his own up against the in-form Michail Antonio last weekend, even if the West Ham striker scored the winner, being hailed as “class” by Leeds United presenter Joe Wainman.

In other news, a pundit has tipped one player to leave Leeds United. Find out who it is here.

Carlton Palmer has backed Crystal Palace’s decision not to make Michy Batshuayi’s loan move permanent.

Batshuayi spent a season-and-a-half on loan at Selhurst Park as Palace negotiated two separate temporary deals with Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The striker’s latest spell with the Eagles came last term but he failed to make a lasting impression, scoring just two goals in 20 appearances.

That took his overall tally up to eight goals in Palace colours – a meagre return compared to 22 goals in 35 international outings for Belgium.

Following his return to Chelsea at the end of last season, the Blues put Batshuayi up for sale with the intention of recouping £10million.

But Palace, under new manager Patrick Vieira following his appointment last month, failed to return for Batshuayi and the 27-year-old is now at Turkish giants Besiktas on a season-long loan after Chelsea could not find a buyer.

Former Premier League midfielder Palmer believes Palace would have been wasting money if they had signed Batshuayi, whose Chelsea’s contract is thought to be worth £90,000-a-week.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “You can’t pursue a permanent deal when a player hasn’t performed. It’s as simple as that.

“He was disappointing, so it just makes sense that they didn’t look to sign him. He didn’t set the world on fire and would have commanded serious wages. For that, you need a player who is going to be performing so, 100 per cent, Crystal Palace were right on that.”

David Norris has called for Leeds United to bolster their attacking midfield options by signing Joe Willock, amid a report from TEAMtalk that Conor Gallagher has rejected them to join Crystal Palace instead.

The former England under-21 international is back at Arsenal after enjoying the second half of last season on loan with Newcastle United.

Willock’s temporary spell at St James’ Park proved to be a huge success, with him becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive Premier League fixtures since Alan Shearer.

Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta has insisted the 21-year-old remains in his plans but that has not stopped a number of clubs being linked with his services, and Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has publicly admitted he is looking to seal Willock’s return to the north-east.

Willock could also head overseas as, according to French media outlet RMC Sport, Ligue One side Monaco have entered the race for the midfielder’s signature.

But Norris has urged Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa to tempt Willock to Elland Road.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, the ex-Leeds midfielder said: “I think it would be a good signing just from what he’s done and the potential he has got.

“I think it would look a bit like taking a chance at this stage rather than signing someone you know who is tried and tested, and going to come in with some real quality.

“But I still think it would potentially be a good signing.”

Everton are heading into the final weeks of the ongoing transfer window in a bit of a pickle.

The Toffees’ pre-season preparations have hardly been ideal but you do have to factor in the appointment of a new manager after Carlo Ancelotti left in surprising circumstances.

What’s the word?

A player who has been linked with Everton for a number of months now is Denzel Dumfries.

The Dutch defender caught the eye at Euro 2020 and Merseyside is seen as one of his destinations for the future.

However, they may have to sign him on a temporary basis at first after several rounds of talks between Marcel Brands and Rafa Benitez.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the two parties have met and come to the conclusion that they will pursue a loan move for the £15m valued full-back instead.

The Toffees are now exploring the possibility of whether a deal can be done with his club, PSV Eindhoven.

Big upgrade

We have sung the praises of Dumfries all summer long and it’s evident that he’d be a fantastic upgrade.

Of course, Everton already have Seamus Coleman in his position but with the Irishman’s contract expiring in a year’s time, they need to tie down an option with a brighter future.

Described as “unbelievable” by former Hull man David Meyler for his performances at the European Championships, he demonstrated what a breath of fresh air he is.

Defending is a second priority for Dumfries who primarily uses his powerful and stocky frame to rampage past players on the right-hand side.

He has unrelenting pace and his desire to pick up pockets of space in the final third is what makes him such an appealing signing.

The 25-year-old scored twice for his country at the Euros and has proven to be a creative force domestically for PSV.

Last term, he provided six assists for his teammates, completing 1.4 key passes per game. When it comes to replacing Coleman, this attribute will be absolutely vital.

That being said, he is impressive in one v one defensive duels as well. He won 2.5 aerial battles per match last term which incredibly was 2.1 more than their current option on the right-hand side of defence.

Furthermore, Dumfries’ reading of the game is also far better than Coleman’s. The Dutch defender made 1.6 per match last season while Coleman only made 0.5.

On that evidence, Everton must pursue him as hard as they possibly can. He’d be a fantastic addition to the Premier League.

AND in other news, Everton target swoop for £25m “machine”, he’s a huge upgrade on Davies…

New Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira will be looking to pick up his first points in charge of the Eagles when they host newly-promoted Brentford this afternoon.

The Frenchman’s reign in south London got off to a poor start when the Eagles were seen off 3-0 by Chelsea last weekend, but he may be confident of a better result this time around.

What’s the word?

Palace had to cope without several first team players for their trip to Stamford Bridge last weekend, and Vieira confirmed that club captain Luka Milivojevic will also play no part in today’s clash.

“Luka is not gonna be available. He had his personal reason,” the manager revealed in Friday’s press conference.

The absence of their talismanic midfielder will be a big blow for the capital club, but there is some positive fitness news as James Tomkins and summer signing Joachim Andersen are available for selection.

“James trained the last couple of days with the group, so he will be involved in the game tomorrow,” said Vieira, who admitted that Andersen’s return to action will offer greater flexibility, stating: “Yeah, that will. Having those players getting fitter – it’s nice for Joachim to play half an hour. His first game since the Euros, that will give options and flexibility at the back.”

Vieira also confirmed that Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher is in line to make his competitive debut for Palace after being unable to play against his parent club on the opening weekend of the season. The Eagles boss said: “Yeah, he’s going to be in the squad. Obviously looking forward to Conor’s first game for us. Will bring us different strengths. Had a really good week, so he will be in the squad.”

Vieira will be gutted over Milivojevic

Despite the positive news surrounding Tomkins, Andersen and Gallagher, Vieira must be gutted to be without his captain and midfield general Milivojevic.

The Serbia international offers stability and a solid base for the Eagles from which to build in the middle of the park, attributes which were desperately missing from their performance last time out against Chelsea. His tackling average of 2.1 per game last season, the fourth-highest in the squad, set the tone from the midfield engine room.

It should be a memorable afternoon for Vieira, who is taking charge of his first home game as a Premier League manager, and he’ll be hoping to mark the occasion with a positive result. It may be harder to obtain without Milivojevic, though.

In other news… Palace could finally replace Cabaye with “exceptional” £7m gem, Vieira would love him 

Steve Howey has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Newcastle United need to add more firepower to their squad amid renewed interest in Andrea Belotti.

The Magpies reportedly had Belotti on their radar before the coronavirus pandemic struck and his current employers, Torino, have slashed their asking price.

Newcastle only scored 46 Premier League goals as they finished 12th in the Premier League standings last term.

Callum Wilson ended the campaign as the Magpies’ top goalscorer with 12, while fellow striker Joelinton has still only scored 10 goals since joining from Hoffenheim in a club-record £40million move two years ago.

It has led to boss Steve Bruce looking to bolster his options and he is also hoping to seal midfielder Joe Willock’s return following an impressive loan spell from Arsenal.

Belotti was involved in Italy’s Euro 2020-winning squad this summer and has scored 105 Torino goals in 228 appearances.

Howey believes the 27-year-old could be the ideal addition to provide Wilson with competition at St James’ Park.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I think Newcastle need more firepower because, ultimately, the only main striker is Callum Wilson.

“Obviously they’ve got Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton but are they scoring regularly? No.

“The team missed Callum Wilson when he got injured.”

Ryan Sessegnon could save Tottenham Hotspur a lot of money this summer.

The versatile 21-year-old winger has found life in north London difficult since a £25m move from Fulham in the summer of 2019, playing only 12 times for Spurs, which led towards him going out on loan to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim last season.

They managed to give him regular game-time as he featured in 29 matches across all competitions, in which he provided two goals and three assists, via Transfermarkt.

As we’ve seen in the development of players like Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson down the road at Arsenal, this sort of switch can often be the springboard for immediate success.

Tottenham have just appointed a manager who has often put his faith in young players. Nuno Espirito Santo often deployed the likes of Pedro Neto, Vitinha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Fabio Silva throughout the 2020/21 campaign and it is expected that he looks to develop Spurs’ own crop of emerging hopefuls.

Sessegnon is one of those in line for a big opportunity, especially as he seems like an ideal fit for whatever system the Portuguese boss utilises.

As revealed by football.london’s Alasdair Gold, Spurs’ interest in Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is crucial for Sergio Reguilon to reach his potential as the very best left wing-back he can be.

The Japanese centre-back is more like a defensive right-back, which means that the Spanish dynamo can kick on and attack when he slots into a back-three in a forward transition.

Sessegnon very much fits this mould too, having been signed as a versatile option anywhere down that left flank, and given that Ben Davies has been mooted with an exit from the club, the 21-year-old gem could well save Daniel Levy and co millions as they won’t have to fund a new replacement.

Furthermore, Gareth Bale has returned to Real Madrid following the expiry of his loan spell in north London, whilst it’s thought that Spurs are willing to listen to offers for fellow wide options Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura, so the 5 foot 10 dynamo could quickly rise up the pecking order in that position too.

Described as a “big, big talent” with a “bright” future and lauded for his speedy attributes, it’s surely time that we see Sessegnon given a real crack at becoming a future star at Spurs.

Nuno should turn to the £16.2m-rated prospect next season rather than sending him out for another temporary spell away from N17.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops encouraging Nuno claim…

Turkey international Zeki Celik would be an upgrade on Serge Aurier and Tottenham Hotspur should make their move, according to Get French Football News’ Adam White.

New Spurs head coach Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking to strengthen his defensive options following a disappointing campaign which saw the north Londoners finish seventh in the Premier League standings and make do with a Europa Conference League spot.

Aurier and Matt Doherty, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, both struggled to make the right-back position their own.

Celik, who featured for Turkey as his country disappointed at Euro 2020, has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United all said to be interested.

The 24-year-old made 35 appearances and played a key role as Lille upset the odds by beating Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue One title.

White believes Nuno should make signing Celik a priority if he wants to succeed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “He would definitely be an upgrade on Aurier. I have many questions over Aurier’s ability. Seeing him at PSG, I always thought he was a penalty waiting to happen. Celik would be an upgrade at both ends of the pitch, to be honest.”