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Aston Villa have once again been rather active in the transfer market when it comes to securing deals for new players arriving at the Midlands club.

With there still being a few weeks left before the summer transfer window closes, this could give the Villans the opportunity to add some more players to their ranks ahead of their latest Premier League season.

One man who has been mentioned with a move to Villa Park and who could be a great long-term option for the team given his age, considering how Boubacar Kamara is the only new player to arrive at the club this summer under the age of 25, is Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez.

After working his way through Barcelona’s youth ranks, the 21-year-old joined Borussia Dortmund in 2018 before leaving Germany last summer to sign for his current club.

Hailed as “one of the best players of his age in the world” a few years ago according to Dortmund’s former sporting director Michael Zorc, the former Barcelona youth star has 37 goal contributions to his name in 148 senior and youth appearances.

In 34 league appearances last season, the left-back scored five goals and delivered 11 assists in the process.

He also racked up 43 shots at goal and delivered far more crosses (284) than any other player at the Belgian club, highlighting his clear attacking presence.

From a defensive point of view, Gomez made 53 interceptions and won 32 tackles, showing just how well-rounded a player he is up and down the pitch.

These sort of figures put him in the same light as former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo, who is included on a list of similar players to the Anderlecht full-back according to Football Transfers.

With 545 appearances to his name for the Spanish giants, the 34-year-old racked up 38 goals and 103 assists along the way, highlighting the clear attacking talent that he has shown throughout his long and illustrious career.

Given the age difference between the two players, it could be said that securing a deal for Gomez at Villa this summer would give Steven Gerrard the chance to unearth his own version of Marcelo, something which would surely appeal to a lot of Villa fans.

AND in other news: Lange plotting Villa swoop for “relentless” £50m “monster”, he’d be a “huge signing”

Manchester United chiefs John Murtough and Richard Arnold have been spotted in Barcelona to seemingly continue talks regarding a move for Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: First signing done

It took longer than many may have hoped and expected, but the Red Devils have finally secured their first signing under Erik ten Hag.

Left-back Tyrell Malacia penned a four-year deal at Old Trafford from Feyenoord last week, with Murtough labelling the defender ‘exciting’.

The 22-year-old could be joined by fellow countryman De Jong, who was called a ‘genius’ by his Barcelona manager Xavi, with rumours regarding a move to Manchester ongoing.

The Latest: Murtough and Arnold spotted

Sport Witness relayed an update from journalist Gerard Romero, who shared a video of Murtough and Arnold in Barcelona in the last 24 hours, meeting Catalan chiefs Mateu Alemany, Rafa Yuste and Jordi Cruyff.

Sport Witness said that it appears that the United officials have jetted out in order to try and reach an agreement for De Jong.

The Verdict: Final straw?

A move for De Jong was first thought to be in the pipeline towards the end of April after Ten Hag was announced as United manager.

There hasn’t been a major breakthrough since then, which has resulted in Murtough and Arnold heading to Spain for what could be showdown talks with Barcelona officials.

If a deal still can’t be agreed over the coming weeks, United may well be better off moving on to alternative midfield targets, especially with the new season fast approaching and the club’s shortage of central midfield options.

90min journalist Toby Cudworth has now revealed some significant Newcastle United transfer news on Arnaut Danjuma.

The Lowdown: West Ham interest

West Ham United have been strongly linked with a move for Danjuma over the last few days, although it is proving difficult for the Hammers to sign the Villarreal winger.

They, alongside the Magpies, have reportedly ‘bid the strongest’ for him and he is thought to cost in the region of €40m (£34.6m).

The Irons have been struggling to agree personal terms with the player, reports Fabrizio Romano, potentially opening the door for the Tyneside outfit.

The Latest: Danjuma update

Taking to Twitter, Cudworth has now revealed that although Eddie Howe would like to sign a winger, Danjuma ‘won’t’ be coming to St. James’ Park despite the struggles in east London:

“A lot of people wondering if NUFC will move for Arnaut Danjuma with WHUFC backing off. Understanding is that Eddie Howe wants a winger, yes, but it won’t be him.”

The Verdict: Mistake

We feel it will be a blow if the North East club miss out on the signing of Danjuma.

A player that has played under Howe before, he has come on leaps and bounds since leaving AFC Bournemouth, managing 16 goals and a further four assists in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League combined last season (Transfermarkt).

His impressive performances abroad have caught the eye of former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips, who has branded him a ‘nightmare for defenders’.

Nonetheless, it seems as if the Tynesiders will now have to move on to other targets, with Noni Madueke and Moussa Diaby the latest names to be mentioned as potential wide signings.

Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola have now made a move for in-demand Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues swoop expected…

The Premier League champions, as per recent claims from Italy, have been expected to swoop for Man United’s transfer target who is also wanted by Chelsea.

De Ligt, an absolute mainstay for Juve last season, has attracted plenty of attention with Guardiola’s side now firmly entering contention to sign the Netherlands international.

This comes amid a potentially huge summer of change at Eastlands as many first team players are either close to leaving or linked with a possible exit.

To counteract the flurry of possible outgoings, sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak have sealed the signings of Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega with Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips also on the way.

The Latest: City move for de Ligt…

According to Calciomercato Web, the Blues have already ‘proposed’ some players in part-exchange to sign de Ligt from Juve.

However, the Old Lady are thought to not be entertaining that approach – with names like 21/22 final day hero Ilkay Gundogan and Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko now floated as potential makeweights.

The Serie A giants, on on top of these players, would also request €40-50 million (£34m-£43m) as City are allegedly ‘notified’ of their demands.

The Verdict: Too much?

The presence of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake as things stand make City’s need for a central defender extremely minimal.

Of course, as the latter man attracts interest from Chelsea, it’s safe to say de Ligt would be a more-than phenomenal replacement in terms of quality.

Winning a 2019 Kopa Award, the £200,000-per-week star has also been called a ‘monster’ by Barcelona star Pedri and finished last season as one of Juve’s best performers by average match rating (WhoScored).

De Ligt also averaged more successful aerial duels per 90 than any of his teammates and completed around 89% of his passes out from the back – highlighting his status as a world class, ball-playing centre-half.

That being said, despite the 22-year-old’s obvious ability, City shouldn’t be pushed into making ludicrous offers.

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has now shared a promising update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Premier League star and Everton striker Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new forward…

As widely reported, one of the items next on sporting director Fabio Paratici’s to-do list is the signing of a forward and alternative to superstar Harry Kane in the Spurs attacking areas.

The club have been linked with a host of names, including sensation Darwin Nunez before he joined Liverpool, with it now looking likely they will also miss out on Man City star Gabriel Jesus.

It appears manager Antonio Conte’s list of targets is growing thin but luckily, as per Thomas of Sky, a promising update has come to light involving Toffees mainstay Richarlison.

The Latest: Thomas shares Richarlison update…

According to his sources, Spurs and Paratici are now pushing to sign the Brazil international.

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Indeed, he claims ‘this past week’ Tottenham have ‘stepped up’ their inquiries for Richarlison and Everton are now ‘bracing themselves’ for a bid (Twitter).

He adds this is the same for fellow target Leeds United of Leeds as Paratici spins ‘many plates’.

The Verdict: Get it done…

As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old finished 21/22 as Everton’s statistical best player and most potent attacking threat in the final third.

Richarlison averaged their highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 and also attracted the most fouls with Frank Lampard’s handful striker, on top of all this, raking in more goals and assists than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Noel Whelan summed it up best by branding the South American one of Goodison Park’s ‘big name’ players and we believe he would be an ideal striker signing for Conte.

Arsenal are believed to have seen an initial offer rebuffed by Leeds United for winger Raphinha, with the Brazilian ace having emerged as a top target this summer.

What’s the word?

As per journalist David Ornstein, the Gunners made their first offer for the 25-year-old on Tuesday evening, although it was swiftly dismissed by the Elland Road outfit having fallen well below their valuation.

Writing on Twitter about that revelation, the transfer guru hinted that Mikel Arteta and co will be unperturbed by that initial setback: “Arsenal made 1st formal offer to Leeds for Raphinha last night. While it fell well below #LUFC valuation & has now been rejected, interest remains strong. May be a long/difficult process due to competition but #AFC determined to sign 25yo”.

In his attached piece for The Athletic, Ornstein stated that while Arteta is “extremely keen” on the former Stade Rennais man, it is believed that Barcelona remains the nine-cap gem’s ideal choice, albeit with the La Liga side currently managing an ongoing financial crisis.

Should a move to the Nou Camp not go ahead, the report suggests that Chelsea are the player’s next ‘preferred destination’ ahead of the north London side, with Jesse Marsch and co not expected to stand in his way if their valuation is met.

Supporters fuming

While it is still days in negotiations, the Emirates faithful will no doubt be concerned to see the pursuit of the £40.5m-rated man develop into something of a saga, as the longer the transfer drags on the more likely it is that competition could build.

Equally, there will also be eyebrows raised at the suggestion that the player in fact favours a move to Stamford Bridge were he to remain in the Premier League, with Gunners supporters unlikely to be too pleased with their club not being the first-choice pick.

Amid the Blues’ reported interest in the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele, the hope will be that Thomas Tuchel’s side are prioritising other targets, allowing Arsenal to sign the £63k-per star relatively unchallenged.

The clamour for the one-time Sporting CP man’s signature has no doubt been warranted due to his sparkling form in recent seasons, the fleet-footed forward having netted 17 goals and provided a further 12 assists across the last two campaigns combined in the top-flight, having signed from Rennes in a £17m deal in the summer of 2020.

That tally includes a haul of 11 goals and three assists in the most recent campaign, with Raphinha proving instrumental in keeping his side in the division, preventing the Whites from losing their prized gem for a potential bargain fee, amid reports of a relegation clause in his contract.

As it is, the Gunners will seemingly have to pay a sizeable fee if they are to get a deal over the line, although at present it seems they are some way off matching the asking price.

IN other news, Arsenal now plotting record-breaking bid for £100m gem, he’d be a “superstar” signing

Liverpool’s next transfer target has been revealed, following the recent signing of Benfica hotshot, Darwin Nunez…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that the Merseyside outfit’s next priority this summer will be to focus on bringing in a central midfielder, having wrapped up a club-record deal for the Uruguayan in recent days.

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Looking ahead to what manager Jurgen Klopp will do next in the current window, Jones stated that the centre of the park is the German’s main focus: “I think it’s the next big position that he’ll be looking at. We know they’ve had an eye on players like Tchouameni recently, and they might have gone through with it, but they were definitely keeping an eye on players at that level.

“If Milner would have gone and Oxlade-Chamberlain was leaving, then I would feel like they had reason to strengthen right now. But, as it stands right now, Liverpool have got loads of numbers in that area of the field.”

As the respected source alluded to, the Reds had been heavily linked with a move for French starlet Aurelien Tchouameni in recent months, although the 22-year-old has since opted to make the switch from Monaco to 14-time European champions, Real Madrid.

Supporters buzzing

That verdict will no doubt be music to the ears of the Anfield faithful, with supporters likely to be demanding even more transfer activity in the coming weeks, despite fending off rival interest to land the highly-coveted Nunez.

Even at the end of a campaign that so nearly saw Klopp’s men swoop an unprecedented quadruple, the belief is that the Premier League powerhouse will need to strengthen once again if they are to keep pace with title winners Manchester City, particularly with the Etihad outfit having added Erling Haaland to their stellar squad.

Having begun to assemble an enviable forward line of their own – even with Sadio Mane’s looming exit – the FA Cup winners will now need to focus on other areas of the pitch, with adding further quality in the centre of midfield seemingly a must.

The current first-choice trio of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho were instrumental in that stellar campaign last term, although some younger, fresher legs could well be needed, hence the previous interest in the aforementioned Tchouameni.

Equally, the former Borussia Dortmund boss also has a number of fringe players in his midfield ranks that may need to be moved on, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain having been heavily linked with a £10m exit this summer.

There has been a suggestion that England wonderkid Jude Bellingham is a top priority for FSG, although the teenager is likely to be a target of the future, with it yet to be seen just who could be coming through the door in the current window.

Nevertheless, just knowing that Liverpool aren’t resting on their laurels and are still keen to bolster their ranks will be welcome news to the club’s supporters.

AND in other news: Bid made: FSG now in LFC talks to land “world class” £60m “storm”, imagine him & Nunez

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now shared a ‘positive update’ for supporters as some exciting Hotspur Way news emerges.

The Lowdown: Spurs prepare…

The Lilywhites, having finished 2021/2022 in strong fashion, are gearing up for what will be manager Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge.

Conte guided Spurs to a place in the top-four, sealing qualification for the 22/23 Champions League campaign and gaining all the riches that come with it.

Tottenham are now set for what is, arguably, their most significant season so far this decade with two summer signings having already been confirmed in both Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic on Bosman deals.

Conte will also be hoping his injury-ridden stars, like midfielder Oliver Skipp, will be raring to go for a crucial season.

The Latest: Gold shares ‘positive’ Skipp update…

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As per Gold, sharing a ‘positive update’ on Skipp, the reliable football.london journalist has some exciting news for supporters on the 21-year-old’s rehabilitation.

According to the journalist, the Englishman is now ‘in good shape’ and ‘raring to go’ for Conte’s first pre-season in less than a month’s time.

Gold also goes on to claim that Skipp is ‘available to hit the ground running’ and Tottenham’s head coach has ‘high hopes’.

The Verdict: Exciting news…

News of Skipp’s full recovery from a pubis injury will come as music to the ears of both supporters, those behind-the-scenes at Tottenham and Conte.

The Spurs starlet’s availability is a big boost for the north Londoners who were without his contribution for the last three months of 221/22.

According to WhoScored, no other Tottenham man averaged a higher passing accuracy than the composed midfield engine, who found teammates with 90.1% of his attempts.

Conte’s midfield will now be reinforced with the dependable solid options of Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – in front of his back four – potentially making them a real challenge to break down defensively.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Insider says Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…find out more here.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered a ‘big problem’ regarding Manchester United and the pursuit of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen. 

The lowdown: An ‘incredible’ comeback

Signed by Brentford on a short term deal following the mutual termination of his deal at Inter Milan – due to Serie A rules around wearing ICDs whilst playing – Eriksen’s future at the highest level had been brought into question.

However, the 30-year-old soon allayed any fears surrounding his fitness and ability to perform in the Premier League and was hailed for an ‘incredible’ return to action by Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, racking up the most key passes per game of any Bees player.

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Now as the deal at Brentford heads into its final weeks, Manchester United are believed to be among the suitors.

The latest: London calling…

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has suggested that Eriksen may prefer to stay in London this summer.

He said: “I mean, we always said that Man United would come onto the agenda. The big problem with United is it’s not in London and, from what I’m told, ideally, Eriksen wants to remain in London.

“So that’s why Brentford have still got half a chance. Brentford have definitely not given up on the situation. They feel after giving him his opportunity to get back into English football and stuff, he might decide to stay.”

The verdict: Worth the gamble

Albeit signing the 113-cap superstar could now prove to be expensive in terms of salary in order to coax Eriksen to the North West, without the expenditure of a transfer fee, this remains a deal well worth pursuing for fellow former Ajax man Erik ten Hag.

Eriksen scored once and provided four assists in 11 Premier League appearances last term, earning a sensational 7.54 Sofascore rating – higher than any United player –  whilst making 40 accurate passes, 2.8 key passes and 5.5 successful long balls on average per game.

In behind the attacking firepower of Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, Eriksen would be a brilliant addition to the Red Devils’ ranks and those in power at Old Trafford should be pulling out all the stops to make this move happen, regardless of the Dane’s perceived capital preference.

In other news, Erik ten Hag could be key in luring this star to Old Trafford.

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has shared an update on the circumstances of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs in pursuit of Bastoni

The Italy international has become one of Fabio Paratici’s main transfer targets in recent weeks, with Lilywhites manager Antonio Conte having formed a good relationship with the defender during their time together at Inter.

According to Football Italia, although there isn’t a deal currently in place for the 23-year-old, Bastoni’s agent has encouraged his player to ‘adjust’ to the ongoing developments in the transfer market, with the centre-back reportedly happy to remain at the San Siro.

The Latest: Gold’s update on Bastoni

In a Q&A for football.london, Gold shared an update on Tottenham’s ongoing situation with Inter and Bastoni.

He claimed: “This is purely my opinion and we’re very early in the transfer window so things can change quickly, but I get the feeling that circumstances at Inter are working in Spurs’ favour at the moment.

“They need money to address their attack, with Dybala a target and a Lukaku return considered, while at the back they also want to sign Bremer, a player Spurs also have on their centre-back list.

“They need funds because they’re in a tough financial position and Bastoni is one of their best chances of raising those funds and he has just two years left on his contract so, unless he signs a new deal, this is the peak value they can get for him. The 23-year-old is happy at Inter at this point in his career, but I just wonder whether what’s going on at the club ends up pushing him towards the door.

“His agent’s comments this week seemed to suggest that could be a possibility. It’s still very early days though and Spurs have other options, although both Conte and Paratici really like the big Inter defender. I think we need to get through the international period first, which makes it difficult to tie up deals and players can’t fully focus on their decisions right now.”

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The Verdict: Looking more positive

Prior to these comments from Gold, Dan Kilpatrick reported that Bastoni is ‘reluctant’ to leave the Serie A club. Although the deal is ‘not dead in the water’, the Evening Standard journalist claimed that Tottenham will have to do a lot of convincing to bring the centre-back to Hotspur Way this summer.

However, Gold’s update appears to be a lot more positive, with circumstances seemingly falling into place for Spurs.

Paratici will surely be doing all he can to secure Bastoni’s signature, given that he is seemingly a massive admirer of the 23-year-old, who was dubbed ‘incredibly aggressive’ by former Lilywhites employee Roberto Kusabbi.

Hopefully Tottenham can pounce upon the seemingly advantageous circumstances and reunite the Italy defender with his former Nerazzurri manager in north London over the coming weeks or months.

In other news: Spurs confident they can strike agreement for Romelu Lukaku