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Aston Villa’s activity in the transfer market has gone quiet in recent weeks, though that could soon change…

What’s the word?

According to Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece, the Midlands outfit could sign one or two more players before the end of the window on September 1st.

Speaking in a recent Q&A with supporters, the ever-reliable journalist said:

“I’d still expect one or two [new signings]. A few of the group will head out either on loan or transfer and squad will need replenishing.”

Lange not done yet

Villa have so far made two fresh additions to Steven Gerrard’s squad, signing Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer from Marseille and quite the coup in Diego Carlos from Sevilla.

Loan moves for Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have also been made permanent.

Where sporting director Johan Lange needs to bolster next remains to be seen, though there are some glaring holes in the squad, such as finding a suitable backup to Lucas Digne, whilst Gerrard will be short on centre-backs at the start of the season due to injuries to Kortney Hause and Ezri Konsa.

Further up the pitch, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another striker signed, though it’s more likely that the club add depth to the midfield with the futures of several fringe players up in the air, including Morgan Sanson, and breakthrough academy gem Carney Chukwuemeka.

After taking over from Dean Smith in early November, the Liverpool legend guided the Villans to a mediocre 14th place, so he will be looking for vast improvements on that heading into the new season.

The arrivals of Kamara and Carlos certainly add quality to the squad and given Preece’s exciting claim above, we can surely expect more through the door at Villa Park.

Names such as Porto playmaker Otavio and Lille talisman Jonathan David have been linked in recent weeks, only adding to the excitement.

That latest update should leave many supporters around B6 absolutely buzzing, with less than a month to go until the 2022/23 campaign gets underway.

AND in other news, Villa plotting move for “phenomenal” £35m talent, imagine him & Coutinho…

Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore has issued a transfer teaser, as a move to Barcelona still remains on the cards.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from BirminghamLive who claim that the Spain international has teased supporters over a potential transfer, with Wolves said to be in a bid to resolve his future this summer.

As of yet, Barcelona have not given any indication as to whether they will be taking up their £25m option to buy, with the option believed to be expiring imminently, as per the report.

Although Wolves are expecting Traore to return to Compton Park for pre-season as things stand, his latest Instagram post has left supporters wondering whether his future could indeed be with Barcelona.

As per the same report, Traore re-posted a video of his Barcelona highlights on his Instagram story with the message: “I am coming.”

Supporters will be gutted

Wolves have missed the spark that the Spaniard of Malian descent offers on the wing and as a result, supporters will surely be gutted if he does end up back at Barca.

As loanee Francisco Trincao will have found out this season when looking at his numbers in comparison to the rest of the squad, no one can match Adama’s average of 7.0 dribbles per 90, with Trincao being Wolves’ closest player to that Premier League-leading tally, having managed an average of 3.0 dribbles per 90.

It’s clear that Adama wants to be a part of Xavi’s Barcelona squad, with his latest action suggesting that a move back to the Blaugrana is entirely possible.

And quite frankly, the 26-year-old functions better in a possession-based system.

Supporters will be gutted if Traore is to secure a permanent move away from the club but, a move to a side that commits more bodies forward in the attacking phase of the game suits the La Masia youth graduate well.

It will enable him with more opportunities to progress the ball and create chances – perhaps the strongest components of his game.

AND in other news: Wolves may “take a punt” on signing “decisive” £23.4m-rated ace, Lage would be buzzing

There has been a fresh update regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in promising Englishman, Djed Spence…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that negotiations are “ongoing” regarding a move for the 21-year-old – who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest –  although Middlesbrough’s valuation is proving something of a sticking point.

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He stated: “Talks are definitely ongoing. I think the big issue here is the fact that Nottingham Forest had a pre-agreed deal to sign Djed Spence at a price that was about £13million.

“Tottenham are being quoted a price that is higher than that because they didn’t already have an arrangement in place.”

The full-back – who is likely to cost in the region of £20m – has reportedly been a target for the north London side since March, with the player seemingly favouring a move to the club over a return to newly-promoted Forest.

Bye-Bye Emerson

It is remarkable how quickly a player’s career can change, with Spence having gone from being dubbed surplus to requirements at parent club Boro, to now being on the cusp of joining a Champions League level side in Spurs, all via a breakthrough temporary spell at the City Ground.

That standout 2021/22 campaign saw the £7.2m-rated gem play a vital role in Steve Cooper’s side securing a long-awaited return to the top-flight, scoring two goals and proving four assists in 42 Championship appearances, averaging an impressive 1.5 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.1 clearances per game in that time.

It was his form in the club’s impressive FA Cup run that firmly thrust him into wider focus, however, playing an integral part of a side that saw off the likes of Arsenal and Leicester City en route to the last eight, where they were only narrowly defeated by eventual winners, Liverpool.

A player clearly on the rise, the £4.4k-per-week starlet has seemingly been earmarked by sporting director Fabio Paratici as the man to solve the Lilywhites’ wing-back woes this summer, with neither Matt Doherty nor Emerson Royal having truly convinced on the right flank under manager Antonio Conte.

The latter man, in particular, has struggled for consistency since his £25.8m switch from Barcelona last summer, scoring just one goal and providing only a solitary assist in 31 Premier League outings, with such a poor attacking output simply not up to scratch in what is such an important role in Conte’s 3-4-3 formation.

As pundit Alex McLeish has suggested, the former Real Betis man appears to be “struggling to cope with the pace” of the English top-flight, with his unconvincing displays thus far having heightened the need for a new recruit.

The Brazil international has been linked with an exit of late, with the arrival of Spence seemingly set to hasten his departure – a fact few of a Tottenham persuasion will shed any tears over.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “very advanced” talks, Spurs supporters will be gutted

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Gianluca Scamacca in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, the Italian is one of the strikers PIF are plotting a swoop for as an alternative to Hugo Ekitike.

The club had agreed a £25m deal to sign the Stade Reims forward but that move has now been scuppered by demands from his agents, which has left the Magpies scouring the globe for other targets.

It is claimed that Newcastle are keen on Scamacca, who is reportedly set to be available for a fee in the region of €30m, and that they will need to convince him to make the switch as the ‘feeling’ is that he would prefer to remain in the Serie A.

Eddie Howe’s own Jamie Vardy

The Premier League has been host to some incredible goalscorers over the years; Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry, and Sergio Aguero to name but a few.

One player who has put his name up alongside them, against all odds, is Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy. The former non-league attacker has scored 133 goals in 270 top-flight matches for the Foxes – winning one title along the way – and Newcastle can now land Howe his own version of him by signing Scamacca from Sassuolo.

FBref lists the players as being similar to each other based on their statistics over the past 365 days in Europe’s top five leagues.

In the Premier League last season, Vardy plundered 15 goals and two assists in 20 starts as he, once again, showcased his ability to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.

Scamacca, meanwhile, scored 16 goals and created three ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 25 starts for Sassuolo in Serie A. His former Italy U21 coach Luigi Di Biagio once claimed that he plays “on the edge” and this has seemingly allowed him to thrive in front of goal.

This shows that he has the quality to score goals on a regular basis at the top level, just like Vardy has over the years for Leicester. At the age of 23, he also has the potential to be Newcastle’s main man at the top end of the pitch for the next decade – given that the Englishman is still firing them in at the age of 35.

The Magpies would, therefore, be signing a player to contribute over the course of a number of seasons, rather than signing a short-term solution, which is why he would be a fantastic addition to the team.

AND in other news: Offer made: NUFC in talks to sign “world-class” 110-goal “magician”, Howe needs him

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has dropped a claim regarding the current situation surrounding reported Celtic transfer target Mohanad Jeahze.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Joseph had this to say on the matter.

“They know what Jeahze would want. Jeahze is also quite keen on a move to Celtic, he wants to play in the Champions League obviously.

“But in terms of getting that deal done, if they know the player wants to come, they know he’s not going to command a great fee, they can sit on it for a bit. They know he’s not going to be snapped by others at the moment.”

Back in April, it was reported that the Hoops were looking to secure a reported £2m deal for the Hammarby left-back.

Great news for Celtic

Given the amount of time that has passed since then, it may have been suggested that this deal could be in danger of not happening.

However, with Joseph now providing some clarity on the situation and claiming that the player is keen on making a move to Parkhead, this should be great news for Ange Postecoglou and the club’s hopes of getting the deal done before next season starts.

Having spent his entire career in Sweden, the Iraq international has made 63 appearances for his current side, more than any other club he’s played for.

In those appearances, the 25-year-old has scored three goals and delivered 13 assists along the way, highlighting his attacking talent.

To further show how much of a capable full-back he is, in nine league games this season, Jeahze has made more crosses (46) and more interceptions (19) than any other player at Hammarby, in addition to winning 13 tackles as well.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Celtic are after him, but it’s also a surprise to hear from Joseph that the player isn’t likely to be snapped up by any other clubs as things stand.

Moving forward, the best thing for all parties would be if the deal can be completed as soon as possible and the defender then has plenty of time to get settled into the club before the next campaign kicks off.

In other news: Celtic now in the mix to sign “massive” £1.35m-rated enforcer, he’s Ange’s next Bitton

Everton journalist Christopher Beesley has now revealed some big news involving Farhad Moshiri.

The Lowdown: Kenyon talks

As per The Telegraph, former Manchester United and Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon is spearheading a group targeting a surprise takeover at Goodison Park, just days after the Iranian reaffirmed his commitment to the Merseyside club.

Initial talks have already taken place, although they are at a relatively early stage, as Moshiri has set his valuation of Everton in excess of £500m.

The Latest: Takeover on?

Taking to Twitter, Beesley has revealed that sources close to Moshiri are not discounting the possibility of the club being sold this summer.

He stated: “Sources close to Farhad Moshiri are refusing to rule out a potential sale of Everton.”

Expanding in his corresponding article for The Liverpool Echo, discussions have taken place over the possibility of a full-scale takeover, although the buyers would need to factor in the building cost of the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

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The Verdict: Time to go

Given the concerns held over Everton’s recent financial losses, along with the expenditure on the new stadium, the summer presents the optimum time for Moshiri to sell up.

Last season was a shocking one to say the least for the club, with Frank Lampard’s team involved in a relegation battle; and while the former Derby County and Chelsea manager did well in the end to keep the Toffees in the Premier League, Moshiri’s strategy of routinely changing managers has been criticised in the past.

The businessman has not got his recruitment right in recent years either, with players like Yannick Bolasie and Davy Klaassen signing for big money who have now left the club, and other big-money signings like Alex Iwobi and Michael Keane struggling to make a real impact.

It is time for a fresh start at Everton, and bringing in new owners would help to kickstart that.

In other news, find out which 6 foot 1 ‘monster’ Everton are now eyeing here

According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko’s future

Amid rumours of an exit from the Etihad Stadium, the Ukraine international decided to put discussions over his future on hold as his nation pushed for World Cup qualification.

Following an unfortunate defeat to Wales in the play-off final, clubs are now hoping to find out in the near future exactly what the 25-year-old’s next move will be.

Rumours of a City departure have arisen, with the defender understood to be eager to secure more regular game-time, having made just 15 appearances in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: Collings’ update on Zinchenko

It has been recently reported that Arsenal are keen on signing the Ukrainian this summer, as they look to add versatile depth to their ranks.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from the Evening Standard, Collings has now shared the latest transfer news involving the 25-year-old, as he claimed: “Arsenal and West Ham two of the clubs interested in Zinchenko.”

The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

With first-choice Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell now approaching his 33rd birthday, West Ham could be looking to sign an adequate replacement this summer.

At just 25 years old, Zinchenko is already Premier League proven, given his 76 appearances in the English top flight and the 11 trophies he has won at the Etihad.

Also, compared with Cresswell, the City left-back had a greater passing accuracy rate and more tackles, interceptions, crosses and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes during the 2021/22 season, as per FBRef.

Hailed as an ‘incredible’ player and person by his manager Pep Guardiola, the Ukraine international would be an asset to many top teams, given his versatility to play as a full-back or in midfield.

When combined with his outstanding attitude and work ethic, Zinchenko’s prospective arrival at the London Stadium would be a great signing for David Moyes.

In other news: Irons now close to agreement for this transfer target

Leeds United have firmed up their interest in Birmingham City midfielder George Hall, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Hall links

Hall, described as a ‘really exciting’ player who can ‘influence games’, was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road back in April.

The 17-year-old can play in midfield, on the wing or even as a centre-forward, and made two Championship appearances for the Blues last season.

The England Under-18 international was also attracting interest from Newcastle, but it looks as if Leeds chiefs are ready to land the highly-rated youngster following a move for RB Salzburg right-back Rasmus Kristensen.

The Whites are now confident of landing the Salzburg defender, so it’s no surprise to see them already plotting their next move…

The Latest: Leeds update

The Daily Mail provided an update regarding Hall and Leeds on Tuesday afternoon.

They claimed that Leeds have firmed up their interest in Hall and are willing to make a seven-figure offer in order to bring the versatile player to Elland Road.

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The Verdict: Next U23 addition?

Leeds have regularly looked to add to their Under-23 ranks since promotion to the Premier League and have reaped the rewards with Illan Meslier and Joe Gelhardt two prime examples of players establishing themselves as first-team regulars.

It appears as if Hall could be the next talent to move to Thorp Arch and aim to break through into Jesse Marsch’s first-team plans, with Brighton another side name-checked with an interest in the Birmingham teenager.

Hall is clearly a youngster in demand, but it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises are willing to write a seven-figure cheque relatively soon, so this could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news – £34m release clause: Leeds now interested in move for ‘special talent’ who Marsch loves

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring James Garner to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that, following an extremely impressive season-long loan at Nottingham Forest, Victor Orta is now keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Manchester United central midfielder ahead of a potential move for the 21-year-old in the summer market.

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The report goes on to state that Leicester City, Everton and Southampton are also interested in the England U21 international, with the youngster’s long-term future at Old Trafford looking to be rather uncertain following the appointment of Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils’ new manager.

“Absolute beauty”

With the signing of a new central midfielder reported to be one of Leeds’ priority targets in the summer transfer window, it is not difficult to understand why Jesse Marsch and Orta would be interested in a deal to bring Garner to LS11 ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 44 Championship appearances this season, the £6.3m-rated talent was in breathtaking form in the heart of the Forest side, scoring four goals, registering eight assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 2.0 key passes per game.

The £20k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.5 long balls, 34.0 passes and winning 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per fixture.

These returns saw the 21-year-old who Martin Keown dubbed an “absolutely beauty” and Josh Wright labelled “unreal” average a quite extraordinary WhoScored match rating of 7.09, ranking him as Steve Cooper’s fifth-best performer in the second tier – playing a key role in the Reds going on to secure promotion to the Premier League.

As such, it is clear to see that Garner would be an exceptional signing for Orta to get over the line this summer, however, with a number of top-flight clubs interested in the youngster’s services, the Spaniard must act fast if Leeds are to have any chance of securing a deal for the midfielder in the coming weeks.

AND in other news: Orta could seal “unbelievable” Leeds signing with bid for £20m talent, he’s Walker 2.0

Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Reb Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, according to reliable journalist and MLS insider Tom Bogert. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Born in New Jersey, the 21-year-old made the grade for MLS outfit Philidelphia Union before heading to Europe in 2021.

Since arriving in Austria, the USA international has provided 28 direct goal contributions in 65 outings for Salzburg, lifting two Austrian Bundesliga titles and two Austrian Cups in the process.

Having been on the radar at Elland Road for some time, a move for the player now appears to be closer than ever to completion as Jesse Marsch gets to work in the market…

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The latest: ‘Signed & done’

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Bogert confirmed that the deal was on the brink of being completed as the 18-cap American heads to Thorp Arch.

He stated: “Sources: Brenden Aaronson has arrived in England to do his medical (tomorrow) and officially complete his $30 million transfer to Leeds United from RB Salzburg. Getting deal signed & done before Aaronson joins USMNT for friendlies against Morocco & Uruguay then Nations League.”

The verdict: Superb start

Whilst there has been much speculation about possible outgoings from the Whites squad, it’s crucial that Marsch and Victor Orta get their own incomings in order swiftly.

Holding a market value of £18m (Transfermarkt), signing Aaronson for the mooted $30m (£23.8m) fee has to be regarded as an excellent piece of business for a fully-fledged 21-year-old international talent.

During the recently completed 2021/22 campaign the attacking midfielder scored six times and provided 10 assists in 41 appearances, including five direct goal contributions as Salzburg went on a Champions League adventure through qualifying and the group stage.

Predominantly operating as a number 10, Aaronson’s imminent arrival at Elland Road may see Marsch implement a formation switch next term as the 48-year-old looks to successfully integrate his compatriot into the Premier League and guide Leeds to a more promising campaign.

In other news, Leeds are eyeing up another signing after Aaronson. Find out who it is here