Rangers are now said to have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ over their next signing as their busy summer continues. The Gers got off to a frustrating start to the new season on Friday night, drawing with Dundee United, but it’s clear Derek McInnes wants to continue adding to his squad, and he already has the tough job of bedding in as many as eight new signings.

McInnes says more are on the way as he continues his squad overhaul, and it looks as if the next incoming might have been found, with Hannove winger Daisuke Yokota now set to arrive.

Rangers ‘agree’ Yokota deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rangers have agreed a deal to sign Yokota from Hannover, with the deal worth €3.3million plus annove €700,000 in add-ons, taking the total value to €4million, which works out at around £3.4million.

Yokota will become the Scottish giants’ ninth summer signing, but the Gers are lacking in wingers, with only three out-and-out wingers currently at the club. Djeidi Gassama, Ross McCausland and Findlay Curtus are the only true wingers, althugh some of the strikers and attacking midfielder can play out wide.

The signing comes after McInnes said on the back of the opening day draw: “I know the evidence today would suggest we’ve still got loads and loads to do, but I do think we have got enough to be encouraged about.

“But the new signings need to land pretty soon; I need to say that. Everybody’s worked hard to get the right players in, and I appreciate the effort that’s been made, but we’ve got important games and we’re just really trying to crank that up to try and get players in the building as quickly as possible.”

Yokota ‘very quick’ winger

via Reuters

Speaking about Yokota last season, Hannove sporting director Ralf Becker said: “Daisuke had a strong first season and scored some crucial goals for the team. That’s why it was clear to us very early on that we wanted to exercise the option to sign him to a permanent contract. We’re thrilled to have secured a player of such high calibre.

Former Gent boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck added: “He’s a small guy, but very quick. He’s good on the ball, has good vision and can play in several positions, and is a very intelligent player.”

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have released a statement after fighter Allan Nascimento died suddenly aged 34.

The Brazilian mixed martial arts star was pronounced dead on Monday after being found unresponsive.

Nascimento, who had an overall career record of 22 wins (16 by way of submission) and seven defeats, last fought in June – a split-decision defeat to Mitch Raposo in Las Vegas.

Nicknamed “Puro Osso” – which translates as “skin and bones” – the flyweight from Sao Paolo, whose UFC journey began in 2021, has been described as a “skilled competitor and consummate professional”.

UFC Issue Statement

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

In an initial statement, the UFC said: “This morning, Monday, August 3rd, our beloved fighter and exemplary flyweight, Allan Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep

“Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The UFC later added: “It is with heavy hearts that UFC announces the passing of Brazilian flyweight Allan Nascimento, who was found unresponsive on the morning of Monday, August 3 after suffering an apparent heart attack; he was 34 years old.

“A member of the famed Chute Boxe Diego Lima team, Nascimento made six trips into the Octagon, amassing a 4-2 record while building a reputation as a skilled competitor and consummate professional. For his career, ‘Puro Osso’ compiled a 22-7 record with 16 of his wins coming by way of submission.

“A fixture on the doorstep of the Top 15, Nascimento was a constant presence alongside his teammates whenever they made the walk, sharing an especially close bond with former lightweight champion and current BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira.

“Our condolences go out to Nascimento’s family and friends, the Chute Boxe Diego Lima team, and all those impacted by this sudden, heartbreaking loss.”

Tributes Pour in For Allan Nascimento

Tributes have poured in from the MMA world. Former UFC champion Charles Oliveira wrote on social media: “Today I lost a brother that the fight game gave me.

“Thank you for always being by my side, for sharing the mats and the corner. I have nothing but gratitude for having you with me – in training, in the corner, and just hanging out. I love you, man; you’re a legend.”

UFC lightweight Elves Brener added: “Thank you for the wonderful journey, brother. You were always an incredible person, and today is an extremely sad day for all of us at Chute Boxe. I will carry you in my heart forever, champion.”

Meanwhile, Chute Boxing, where Nascimento trained, praised “a warrior, a friend, a dedicated competitor, and an extraordinary human being”.

They added: “Allan inspired others both on and off the mats with his determination, humility, respect, and fighting spirit.

“His presence will be missed beyond measure. Rest in peace, Allan; your name, your story, and your legacy will live on forever through our star.”

Tottenham have submitted an offer to sign a new winger in the summer transfer window.

Spurs have been heavily focusing on strengthening in other areas of the pitch during the summer market, but attention is now turning to the forward line.

Tottenham have already brought in two midfielder options and three defenders, but they are yet to strengthen in the final third.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are clearly investing heavily in the squad as they look to turn things around after a disappointing few years.

The North London club have finished 17th in the Premier League for two years on the bounce, but they did show signs of heading in the right direction under De Zerbi last campaign.

Tottenham submit new winger offer

via Reuters

According to reports, Tottenham have submitted an offer in the region of £47 million to sign Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup in the summer transfer window.

Spurs are offering around £39 million up front, but Benfica are hoping for around £43 million as the guaranteed fee.

Effectively, Tottenham have met the asking price of Schjelderup, but they just need to alter the payment terms in order to agree a deal with Benfica.

It remains to be seen whether Schjelderup, described as a ‘diamond’, is keen on a move to Spurs in the summer transfer window, but Tottenham do appear to be close to agreeing a fee.

Tottenham prioritising forward move

Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Tottenham are clearly pushing to bring in a new forward before the end of the summer transfer window.

Reports have claimed that they have opened talks with Liverpool over a potential move to sign Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The former PSV man can play in multiple positions in attack, and it makes sense that De Zerbe is trying to poach him this summer.

It’s unclear where De Zerbi would plan on playing Gakpo. The Dutchman is capable of playing on the left side or through the middle of the attack as a striker or number 10.