Transfer insider Dean Jones believes Aston Villa are still looking to make two ‘big additions’, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

Johan Lange has helped to bolster Steven Gerrard’s first-team squad this summer with four permanent signings already. Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have converted their loan spells into full-time transfers, while Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos have moved to Villa Park in recent weeks.

Those four deals have set NSWE back just under £50m, and it looks as if there could still be more to come.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Villa are still looking at two ‘big’ additions in midfield and attack but didn’t name-check any players as possible targets.

He outlined:

“I think they’re still looking for a centre midfielder that can go into that team and start games.

“They’re still looking at a big addition in centre-midfield and they’re looking for a big addition in attack. It’s just about finding the right type of player.”

The Verdict: Exciting few weeks

The new season is fast approaching, so it seems as if it could be an exciting few weeks at Bodymoor Heath in regards to transfers.

NSWE were reportedly willing to spend more than £150m on new players this summer and were expected to break their transfer record, something that is yet to materialise.

However, with Jones now claiming that two big additions are being lined up, it wouldn’t come as a shock if one of those potential arrivals were to eclipse the club-record £34.56m fee that Villa paid to Norwich for Emiliano Buendia last year.

Everton have been linked with a move for free agent Jesse Lingard this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the player’s future.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Everton remain interested in the former Manchester United star’s services this summer.

In a more detailed report from the Daily Mail, Lingard continues to weigh up his options with a £10m-per-year offer tabled by a Saudi Arabian club and talks held with MLS teams last week, as well as a number of Premier League clubs vying for the signature of the player.

Lampard’s very own Odegaard

It is no secret that Frank Lampard is keen to bolster and improve his squad following a relegation scrap in the Premier League last season and Lingard could certainly add some much-needed quality to the team if Everton can seal a deal this summer.

The Manchester United academy graduate spent a decade at Old Trafford scoring 35 goals and delivering 21 assists, but with his game time dwindling at the club, he joined West Ham United on a six-month loan in the second half of the 2020/21 season – proving his worth to the football world and former manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.

Over 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, Lingard – who was hailed “infectious” by Andy Cole – scored nine goals, delivered four assists and created six big chances, as well as making an average of 1.1 key passes, hitting the target with 1.4 shots and winning 3.4 duels per game.

Lampard could even land his very own Martin Odegaard with the signing of Lingard ahead of next season, as the Arsenal star was named as the most comparable player to the former Red Devil last season.

Despite Odegaard making more appearances (36) and offering more goal contributions (11), Lingard outperformed his position peer with a better shot-on-target accuracy (75%), better pass completion rate (85.2%) and was more successful in his dribble intercepting tackles (66.7%).

With that being said, the signing of Lingard would be a major coup for Lampard as he sets out to improve the creativity and performances in his Everton team and the 30-year-old could definitely have a positive influence on that.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals big transfer development that’ll have Everton supporters livid 

Everton are lining up a loan bid for Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour, as Frank Lampard looks for midfield reinforcements.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football Scotland, who claim that Thomas Tuchel has cut the youngster from his first team plans, handing any willing suitor the green light to make a move.

Gilmour had been in America but was sent to the development squad whilst he figures out his future.

Frank Lampard is one suitor who is keen to bring him to Everton, as he gave the 21-year-old his first Premier League start back when he managed Chelsea.

He could be their Gallagher

Chelsea are renowned for their abundance of talent, and so are known for having to loan a lot of that talent out to ensure their continued development.

One such example last season was Conor Gallagher’s move to Crystal Palace, which saw the midfielder burst onto the scene and announce himself as a very capable Premier League footballer by scoring eight goals and registering three assists.

Perhaps Lampard could repeat this feat by signing Gilmour, and despite his physical deficiencies, protecting him enough to allow him to flourish.

The 21-year-old featured just 24 times last season for a lacklustre Norwich side that were relegated with a whimper.

Despite this, he still managed to maintain an impressive 6.82 average SofaScore rating across the season. This was the Canaries’ joint-second best rating amongst the entire squad.

He was a shining light amongst a side seriously lacking in quality.

As someone who clearly knows his strengths and weaknesses, perhaps under Lampard he could fit into a specialised system that plays to the former and downplays the latter.

If he could have the same impact on Everton that Gallagher did on Palace, it would certainly be seen as a success.

The £28k-per-week maestro had been labelled “incredible” by his compatriot Ethan Erahon, who noted his leadership skills and impressive “hunger and desire to get better and better”.

He ranked in the 91st percentile last season for pressures too, which would certainly aid the Everton manager when trying to initiate a press from midfield.

His side lacked dynamism last term until the fans really picked up and carried them home, so a midfielder who can set the tempo by putting the opposition under could be integral to stimulating that crowd.

Lampard should certainly consider signing his talented youngster, and if the conditions are right, he could be as good as if not more important to Everton than Gallagher was for Palace. That is something for supporters to certainly get excited about.

AND, in other news: Lampard can finally axe “dreadful” Everton flop by signing “outrageous” 19 y/o dynamo.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has offered a transfer update on the club’s search for a striker ahead of next season.

What’s the story?

Speaking to Southampton’s YouTube channel (via HampshireLive), Hasenhuttl explained how the club still need to bring in reinforcements up front saying: “Everybody knows we need to do something there, and the earlier they come, the better it is and the better you can implement them in the team.”

Saints have been linked with several strikers this summer, including Manchester City teenage forward Liam Delap. Despite making five signings so far, none of them have been up front.

As a result, this news is a step in the right direction confirming that the club are focused on reinforcing that area of the pitch.

Supporters will be excited

The claim will excite supporters who may have been worried about the club’s failure so far to replace Armando Broja, who spent last season on loan at St Mary’s Stadium and was key to their success.

They were interested in signing him permanently, but they appear to have been beaten by West Ham United who are close to agreeing a deal for the Chelsea star.

Saints also lost Shane Long who moved to Reading on a free transfer, so they now find themselves with just two recognised strikers in Adam Armstrong and Che Adams.

If they can land City’s Delap then it’ll put them in a much more comfortable position heading into the new season – the 19-year-old was directly involved in ten goals in as many appearances in Premier League 2 last season.

Hasenhuttl was also asked if the striker position was the hardest to recruit for and he replied by saying it was the “most expensive.”

The club scored just 43 Premier League goals last season – six came from Broja and one from Long – and if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle next season then they must sign another goalscorer.

It’s also vital they keep hold of what they’ve got, with their top scorer James Ward-Prowse crucial for them as the season begins. Luckily Hasenhuttl seems to be fully aware of their attacking issues, so we can expect an arrival sooner rather than later.

AND in other news: Saints eyeing deal to sign “lanky” 36-goal machine, he can be Ralph’s own Ibrahimovic…

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have re-entered the race to sign Milan Skriniar this summer…

What’s the word?

According to reports in Italy (as relayed by Sport Witness), Inter Milan would let the centre-back leave the San Siro for the right price amid interest from Spurs and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The 27-year-old centre-back has long been linked with a move to north London, even before Antonio Conte’s arrival in the dugout back in November.

It’s thought that €65m (£55m) would be enough to entice the Serie A giants into a sale.

So with Inter open to a sale, Spurs have been given a green light to make their move.

Another big coup

Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici has already sealed six new signings at Hotspur Way but this move has the potential to eclipse the lot.

No one knows the Slovakia titan better than Conte as he featured in 32 matches on their way to the Scudetto in 2020/21, where he also scored three goals, as per Transfermarkt.

Since then, he has continued to thrive in the Italian top flight.

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FBref compare his statistical profile to that of Antonio Rudiger and John Stones, which only bolsters his potential fit for Premier League football as both have proven themselves in England.

The same website also reveals that Skriniar ranks inside the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe for passing accuracy (93.2%), the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals and assists (0.11 per 90), and the top 14% for shot-creating actions (0.93 per 90), proving to be adept with the ball at his feet.

Described as a “leader” by his former youth coach Tibor Goljan, the Inter colossus could fill a void in Spurs’ backline, with Clement Lenglet unlikely to step up as that sort of powerful figure.

Eurosport journalist Siavoush Fallahi has also dubbed him a “monster”, whilst the 27-year-old has also received further praise from former teammate Adam Zilak.

“Milan combines physicality and footballing intelligence, this is what makes him an incredible defender,” he said.

If Paratici were to finally land the Slovakia international, then it would be quite a coup indeed and on the above evidence, it could well be their best piece of business yet.

A backline of Skriniar, Cristian Romero and Eric Dier is pretty mouthwatering, so it’s time to splash the cash on him before deadline day on September 1st, now that Inter are willing to sell.

AND in other news, Journalist reveals what Antonio Conte wants next at Spurs…

Liverpool could make a move for Nico Williams, and in turn create a frightening attacking partnership between him and Luis Diaz.

The Reds have been uncharacteristically active in the market, securing three new signings already this window.

Perhaps now Jurgen Klopp will turn his attention towards his attack, looking to bolster following the exit of Sadio Mane.

With several Premier League clubs reportedly after Williams, Liverpool could do worse than snapping up this promising youngster. Especially given that Manchester United are the other club interested.

Despite not registering a single goal contribution last season, the tricky winger did earn praise for his exciting style of play.

He ranks in the 92nd percentile for dribbles completed, which would marry well with Diaz’s 2.90 dribbles per 90. These two on either wing would frighten opposition defences and would provide blockbuster entertainment for the Anfield faithful.

Perhaps Diaz could provide the actual goal contributions, and Williams’ general threat would be such a handful for defenders that his goals and assists wouldn’t actually matter. In just six months at Liverpool, the Colombian managed five goal contributions in 13 games.

However, what will excite Klopp even more is the Spaniards’ pressures. He sits in the 92nd percentile for pressures per 90, and these two statistics give him every chance to be moulded into a world-class star.

His manager Marcelinho was full of praise for the 19-year-old, claiming he has “a lot of ambition” and dubbing him “dynamic” and “daring.” With that in mind, it’s clear to see why he’s been compared to another exciting attacker in Merseyside, that of Everton’s Anthony Gordon.

He is clearly highly thought of, as his reported £42m release clause is indicative of how high Athletic Bilbao see his ceiling. Perhaps this kind of fee, whilst huge on the surface, could end up being a bargain down the line when he is seen as one of the best in the world.

Klopp has every reason to be interested in this youngster, and he could bring even more excitement to the breath of fresh air that was Diaz. He is already a fan favourite on Anfield, and there’s no reason why Williams couldn’t be too.

AND, in other news: FSG can forget all about Bellingham by finalising “incredible” £8m Liverpool swoop.

Aston Villa have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one mooted transfer target this week…

What’s the word?

Earlier in the month, the Midlands outfit were linked with a move for Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, with 90min (via Caught Offside) claiming that Villa were among several top-flight teams interested in a move.

It now appears as if they have been given the green light to secure his signature.

According to Football Insider, the Premier League champions have told him that he’s free to leave for the right price, two years after his £40m arrival from AFC Bournemouth.

Newcastle United and Chelsea are also keen on the Dutchman.

Another centre-back needed?

One of Steven Gerrard’s biggest issues at Villa Park last season was in his backline, having inherited the squad from Dean Smith back in November. He managed to steer them away from the relegation zone to finish in 14th place but he’ll be wanting more this season.

The former Rangers boss has already taken steps to improve defensively, signing quite the coup in Diego Carlos from Sevilla. However, just the one addition may not be enough when you consider the fact that both Ezri Konsa and Kourtney Hause are currently injured.

Villa have been linked to several centre-backs in recent weeks, including Liverpool star Joe Gomez but reports suggest that he is set to sign a new contract at Anfield, leaving him an unlikely option for the club.

Ake, though, is evidently available and could be an interesting solution.

“Nathan is a quality defender,” claimed Citizens director of football Txiki Begiristain upon signing him.

“He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth, and I am so pleased we’ve managed to bring him here. He’s strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s setup.”

Indeed, over the course of his career, the Netherlands international has proven to be a very reliable colossus at the back – as per WhoScored, he’s won an average of 2.1 aerial duels, 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, whilst also excelling with the ball at his feet, managing an 84.8% passing accuracy.

Meanwhile, statistical website FBref liken him most to some proven Premier League options, such as Joel Matip, Harry Maguire, Ruben Dias and John Stones.

Also lauded for being an “amazing player” by former Cherries teammate Steve Cook, it’s clear that Ake would add a lot to Gerrard’s defence heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Now that sporting director Johan Lange has been given the green light to make his move, it would be silly not to. His current market valuation of £25m by CIES Football Observatory surely makes him an affordable option indeed.

AND in other news, Villa could find their next Coutinho as NSWE plot offer for £175k-p/w “maverick”…

Leeds United are poised to make a move to bring Josh Tymon to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail (14/07; page 83), who claim that, after Junior Firpo was ruled out for up to eight weeks as a result of a knock picked up during the Whites’ 4-0 pre-season victory over Blackpool last Thursday, Victor Orta is now set to launch a bid for the Stoke City left-back.

Previous reports had revealed that the Spanish director of football has already made contact with the Championship side regarding his interest in a move for the 23-year-old – who is believed to be available for a figure in the region of £6m this summer.

Marsch needs him

Considering just how short Jesse Marsch was of depth at left-back prior to Firpo’s injury setback – with Stuart Dallas looking to be ruled out until the turn of the year with a femoral fracture and Leif Davis being largely unproven at Premier League level – it is clear to see that the 48-year-old American could very much use the addition of a new player in the position ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

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And, considering just how exciting a prospect Tymon appears to be, should the former England U20 international indeed be available for a fee of just £6m this summer, a move for the 23-year-old would appear something of a no-brainer for Orta and the Whites’ transfer team.

Indeed, over his 44 Championship appearances in 2021/22, the £1.62m-rated talent was in excellent form for Michael O’Neill’s side, scoring one goal, providing four assists and creating 14 big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.2 key passes, taking 0.7 shots and completing 1.1 dribbles per fixture.

The £7.1k-per-week full-back who Steve Bruce dubbed “outstanding” also impressed in a defensive capacity, making an average of 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 25.7 passes, 1.3 long balls and winning 3.7 duels per game.

As such, with both Firpo and Dallas facing lengthy spells on the sidelines, launching a bid for Tymon would very much appear a smart move for Orta to make, as it is evident just how badly Marsch needs reinforcements on the left-hand side of his backline ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

AND in other news: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for “formidable” £19m sensation, he’s “one of the best”

Manchester United talks to sign Ibrahim Sangare are ‘progressing well and quickly’, according to transfer insider and journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Sangare profiled

Sangare broke onto the scene at Toulouse in the 2018/19 season, starting 27 Ligue 1 games in the heart of midfield.

Since then, the now fully fledged Ivory Coast international has gone from strength to strength, earning a move to PSV in 2020, where he has continued his development in stunning fashion.

As per Whoscored, the 6 foot 3 midfield destroyer had perhaps his best ever season in the Eredivisie in 2021/22, racking up a remarkable 3.3 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per game. To put those numbers into perspective, no Red Devils player managed better in either category.

It’s no surprise, then, that journalist Josh Bunting calls PSV’s rising star ‘a real powerhouse’.

The Latest: Moving quickly

As per Galetti, a transfer market insider for Italian TV and newspapers, there are ‘positive feelings’ a deal can be reached at around €35m-€40m (£29.8m-£34m).

He says the negotiations are moving ‘quickly’, which is surely music to Manchester United fans’ ears considering the protracted nature of their move for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

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The Verdict: Perfectly balanced

For all the talk about the issues in the Old Trafford defence – they did concede 57 Premier League goals last season after all – the midfield was arguably in need of even bigger surgery this summer.

And, with Fred finally finding his feet as a quality top flight player, Christian Eriksen joining the ranks and de Jong moving ever closer to a roughly £70m move, the capture of Sangare could be the final piece of the puzzle to transform the engine room before Erik ten Hag’s first season at the helm has even begun.

If they can get a deal done around that £30m price range, the new boss will have added a destructive presence, complete number eight and a playmaker all for around £100m.

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Sonny Perkins.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist revealed that, following Fabrizio Romano’s recent tweet claiming that the 18-year-old forward has agreed personal terms ahead of a move to Elland Road this summer, discussions are now ongoing between the Whites and West Ham United regarding a compensation fee.

Hay went on to state that Victor Orta is ready to push through the deal, while it is also claimed that, should an agreement not be reached between the two clubs concerning a fee for the England U18 international, Perkins’s price will be determined by an independent tribunal.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “As Fabrizio Romano reported, Leeds United just about ready to push through the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Sonny Perkins. Discussions ongoing with West Ham about compensation. Fee will be set by tribunal if the two sides can’t agree.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Victor Orta’s transfer business has been so far this summer, with the Spaniard having already landed the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi, Hay’s claim that the Whites are now set to add Perkins to this list is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, the 18-year-old appears to be an incredibly exciting prospect, with the £1.08m-rated free agent having scored nine goals and registered four assists over 21 Premier League 2 fixtures for the Hammers U23s last season.

These returns saw the debuts for the Irons last time out.

Furthermore, those in the know appear incredibly excited about the potential Perkins is in possession of, with West Ham insider ExWHUemployee revealing that academy coaches in east London believed the teenager could have become the club’s “next Declan Rice,” while James Marshment backed the 18-year-old to become a “£30m player” in the coming years.

As such, it is clear to see just how impressive an addition Perkins will make to Leeds’ U23 side ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, while it would not appear beyond the realms of possibility that the forward-thinking midfielder could go on to follow in the footsteps of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood in becoming a regular in Jesse Marsch’s matchday squads next term.

AND in other news: Sky Sports journo reveals “verbal agreement” for £13m Leeds target, Orta will be livid