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In-form Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is likely to attract interest from huge clubs as NSWE close in on a new contract, according to an update from transfer insider Dean Jones.

How many goals has Ollie Watkins scored this season?

The Englishman has been in simply incredible form for the Villans of late, playing a key role in their hugely impressive resurgence under Unai Emery. They have won their last five Premier League matches and it has catapulted them to sixth place in the table. It means European qualification is now a genuine possibility, in what is an exciting time for the club.

Watkins has more than played his part, scoring at least once in each of his last four appearances and finding the net 15 times in all competitions this season. Not only that, but he has also got six assists to his name, showing that he is more than just a goalscorer.

The 27-year-old is out of contra

ord starlet is on the verge of finalising an extension.

Will Watkins stay at Villa?

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones shared what he's been hearing on the situation, confirming there are rumblings of a new deal but that there is also likely to be interest from elsewhere:

"When you score goals at this rate, you hit the radar of big clubs naturally. So suddenly, people will be looking at your situation. But Villa have been linked to a new contract for him."

A new deal would be fantastic news for anyone of a Villa persuasion, with Watkins such an integral player moving forward and someone who could yet turn into an even more formidable footballer. At 27, he may only now be coming into his prime and he may feel that he is worth more than the £75,000-a-week wages he currently earns, given his performances this season.

The hope is that he signs a long-term deal that keeps him at Villa Park into his 30s, as he looks to add to his overall tally of 42 goals in 109 appearances for the Villans. Leon Bailey recently claimed that his teammate is "out of this world", which further highlights what a massive player he is moving forward, and why it is essential that the club tie him down to a new contract.

West Ham United have made an approach to bring Lille manager Paulo Fonseca to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Moyes' future?

The Irons recently secured their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals following their 5-2 aggregate victory over Gent, but David Moyes has failed to replicate this level of success in the top-flight with his side finding themselves in danger of relegation, just four points clear of the drop zone.

The London Stadium outfit are reportedly planning to part ways with the 59-year-old this summer regardless of whether he is able to maintain the club’s league status and there have already been a couple of names doing the rounds as to who his potential successor could be. Italy’s Roberto Mancini, Rafael Benitez and Reims’ Will Still have all been linked with the job that could soon be on offer in E20, but it sounds like the hierarchy may have turned their attention to a different boss in Ligue 1.

According to Foot01 (via Sport Witness), West Ham’s desire to appoint Fonseca is “very real” after “contacting the entourage” of the 50-year-old to discover the possibility of a switch to England. The Irons’ admiration quickly became “concrete through talks with his agent” and the board view him as the “perfect” successor to Moyes, with “further discussions” set to take place at the end of the season.

The Portuguese tactician has made it clear that he is keen to “focus” on seeing out the rest of the term at Lille before making a decision on his future beyond the summer, but regardless, the club still “absolutely want” him.

Would Fonseca be a good fit for West Ham?

West Ham supporters have never seen Fonseca up close in the top flight, but the work he’s doing overseas is impressive, and having been lauded as an “ambitious” coach by AS Roma's former president Jim Pallotta, he would be a great fit at the London Stadium as they aim to jump up a level as a club.

The 4-2-3-1 style coach has won 18 and drawn seven of his 34 games in charge at Lille so far, form which sees his side fifth in the Ligue 1 table and therefore currently earning themselves a place in the Europa Conference League, whilst being just six points away from the Europa League group stage qualification.

Fonseca also knows what it takes to be successful having secured nine trophies since the start of his managerial career with the likes of FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and SC Braga, so this is an attribute that he could bring to the capital to try and get his hands on even more silverware.

Two of Leeds United's biggest transfer sales came in the summer of 2022, as Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha departed for Manchester City and Barcelona respectively.

Victor Orta would oversee both of those eye-watering sales, which overtook Rio Ferdinand as the record departures from Elland Road in Leeds' history, but the Spaniard may be about to seal another transfer masterclass with the sale of in-demand goalkeeper, Illan Meslier.

Could Leeds sell Meslier this summer?

The French shot-stopper recently became the youngest goalkeeper in history to reach 100 Premier League appearances and despite Leeds' disappointing goals against record in the top flight, it seems as if he is attracting bigger suitors ahead of the summer transfer window.

While only Bournemouth have conceded more goals than the Yorkshire outfit in the Premier League so far this term with 57, only five goalkeepers have made more saves than Meslier, so it is perhaps easy to see why the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with him.

According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old will quit Elland Road this summer should Leeds suffer relegation to the Championship, but the Peacocks are under no pressure to sell after he signed a new five-year deal in 2021, and have planted a £40m price tag on his head.

Considering he was brought to the club from FC Lorient for just £5m after impressing in a loan spell during the 2019/20 Championship title-winning season, his sale could represent a huge profit for Leeds, even if fans are disappointed to see the promising young 'keeper depart.

As both Ferdinand and Phillips would come through the academy at Elland Road, the only comparable sale is that of Raphinha, who joined Spanish giants Barcelona for an initial £49m last summer, which represented a £32m profit on the £17m Leeds had paid in the summer of 2020.

The Brazilian was a sensation in his two-year stay at Leeds, notching 17 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, but Meslier's sale could now surpass the former Rennes man's legacy at Elland Road, as if he were to leave for £40m, it would be the biggest profit on a signing in Orta's time as director of football.

While he has undoubtedly made some top saves in his time at Leeds and can be considered a "rare talent" in the words of Phil Hay, he has also conceded 2.81 more Premier League goals than expected this season, so to sell him for £40m would surely represent an incredible deal for the Yorkshire outfit.

West Ham United are ready to submit an enquiry regarding a potential deal for AC Milan striker Divock Origi, according to reports.

What's the latest on Origi's future?

David Moyes brought Danny Ings to the London Stadium in January, but with Gianluca Scamacca reportedly set to depart at the end of the season should the club get relegated – not to mention Michail Antonio coming close to leaving at the beginning of the year – a reinforcement will almost definitely be needed.

Belgium international Origi arrived at the San Siro on a free transfer from Premier League outfit Liverpool last summer, but he’s not made the impact he would have been hoping for. The Serie A forward has recorded just six league starts this season and is seriously out of favour under Stefano Pioli, who has Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his main attacking options.

The Rossoneri attacker’s contract isn’t set to expire for another three years, so a deal probably won’t come cheap given his side’s strong negotiating position – but that hasn’t stopped Moyes from giving it a go.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), West Ham, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are “ready to believe” in Origi, who could be set to “say goodbye” to AC Milan. The Irons are believed to “appreciate” the 27-year-old ahead of a possible move in the upcoming transfer window.

Meanwhile, Anfield’s former veteran would be “keen” to return to the top flight should the “right offer” come up for him, and it’s stated that he would be “willing to part ways” to receive game time elsewhere.

Should West Ham splash the cash on Origi?

Origi may seem like a player who’s past his sell-by date given the amount of times he’s been around the block, but he is still more than capable of being a top centre-forward when given a consistent run of form.

The Nike-sponsored star already has plenty of experience in the top flight during his time at Liverpool, where he scored 41 goals and provided 18 assists on Merseyside, as per Transfermarkt – form which at the time saw the £87k-p/w talent dubbed a “monster” by his ex-manager Jurgen Klopp.

The 6 foot 2 forward also helped the Reds secure six trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League, so knows what it takes to be successful and what a team has to do in order to compete for silverware at the highest level, so we think West Ham should absolutely make an offer to bring him to E20.

West Ham United have been dealt a blow after learning that summer target Kalvin Phillips isn’t likely to be available for transfer in the next window, according to reports.

What’s the latest on Phillips’ future?

The England international made the initial £42m move to Manchester City from Leeds United back in July 2022 but hasn’t made the start to life he would have been hoping at the Etihad. The Sky Blues midfielder has only made ten appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side since putting pen to paper with just one of those being a start, as per WhoScored, so the fact that he’s out of favour has alerted potential suitors to his possible availability.

The Daily Star recently credited the Irons with an interest in the 27-year-old but claimed that they were set to face competition from his former side and boyhood club in Yorkshire, who are keen to get him back on their books after his exit last summer. However, both David Moyes and Leeds have now been dealt a huge setback in their pursuit if the following update is anything to go by…

According to Football Insider, Man City have “no plans” to sell Phillips during the upcoming window despite him yet failing to make a significant impact on the first team. The Whites’ academy graduate “wants to remain” with the Premier League giants and is “determined” to show the boss what he’s capable of.

Guardiola previously publicly criticised his big-money signing for supposedly returning from the World Cup “overweight”, though this doesn’t seem to have affected his stance on his future at the club.

Should West Ham attempt to sign Phillips?

Phillips is already used to playing alongside Declan Rice for England and he could be an ideal successor should the captain depart, so it could well be worth West Ham testing the waters with an approach regardless of Man City’s viewpoint.

The £150k-p/w talent is solid in the natural defensive aspect of his game, ranking in the 99th percentile for blocks per game and the 97th percentile for tackles per game amongst Europe's top midfielders, noting his desire to get stuck in and win back possession for his team (FBRef).

Guardiola’s number four is also a threat in the final third having posted 28 goal contributions (14 goals and the same number of assists) throughout his career, with this form at both ends of the pitch playing a big part in helping the Whites win promotion back to the top-flight in 2019/20.

A World Cup and Euro’s regular for the Three Lions, Phillips has been dubbed a “Rolls Royce” by journalist Josh Bunting and it would be a coup for the boss should he be able to secure his services to replace his international midfield partner in Rice.

Leeds United have recently handed Archie Gray his first professional deal, but Phil Hay believes he could be offered an improved deal soon.

Why would Leeds offer Gray another deal?

The West Yorkshire side almost immediately tied Gray down to a professional deal when he turned 17 earlier in the year, however, it was only on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

His contractual stay at Elland Road will, therefore, go through until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, but he could be offered another deal in the meantime.

This is because whilst he is under 18, the maximum deal he can pen is up to three years. And because he was signing halfway through a season, Leeds settled for two-and-a-half.

Speaking on his podcast, Hay has suggested when the midfielder turns 18, it is likely the Whites will pounce to offer him an extended deal beyond 2025:

"A few people were a bit surprised that it was only two and a half years, but the reason for that is that while you're below the age of 18, the maximum length of deal you can sign is three years in length.

"Three years would have taken him to the middle of a season, which you never do. So two and a half years takes him to the end of the 2024/25 season and falls in the summer, as contracts have to.

"I don't think it will be long post-18 where there is another offer, or for the talks of whether we turn this into a 20-year deal(!)"

"That will be on their minds, will be to make that more substantial when the rules and the laws allow them to do that."

Should Gray be offered another deal?

It goes to show how highly the Whites think of their young prospect when you consider he is still to even make his debut for the first team.

On multiple occasions, Gray has been involved in the matchday squad in the Premier League, and the summer offered him a lot of hope for the future (via Transfermarkt).

Gray was included in Jesse Marsch's squad for their pre-season efforts in Australia, however, he picked up an injury along the way which halted any chances of involvement in the side.

And the injury in the summer was perhaps foreshadowing for what was ahead of the midfielder this season, with his campaign being riddled with injury issues.

The 17-year-old has recently made a return to action in the Premier League 2 and has made the squad in two of the last three Premier League matches (via Transfermarkt).

However, he is yet to be rewarded with an opportunity in the Premier League with Leeds scrapping away at the bottom end of the table for their top-flight status.

But it is apparent his time will come, with those who have watched him singing his praises, such as the likes of journalist James Marshment hailing the young prospect on Twitter:

"Great to see Archie Gray tied down, an unreal talent who has every chance at making it big. The Gray legacy at Leeds now very much into its third generation."

Liverpool have been offered the chance to bring PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arthur Melo will be returning to Juventus upon the expiration of his loan and Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also out of contract at the end of the season so central reinforcements will be required in the summer.

The Ivory Coast international’s deal at the Philips Stadion isn’t set to expire until 2027, but being Ruud van Nistelrooy’s top-performing defensive player, feels like he’s ready to embark on a bigger challenge in England which has been confirmed by his boss himself.

Speaking to Voetbal International, he said:

“Obviously he can handle [the Premier League]. I have challenged him because I think Ibrahim can go to the top in England. He would also be great in Italy or Spain.

“I see players in his position there now and I think Ibrahim is definitely going to take a shot at that level.”

The Latest: Liverpool offered Sangare

According to 90min, Sangare is ‘ready’ to complete a move to the Premier League and it’s reported that PSV are ‘open’ to cashing in this summer whilst his value is high, with his contract having a €37m (£32m) release clause.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have been ‘offered’ a chance to sign him and all are ‘admirers’ of the 25-year-old.

They’ve apparently been ‘alerted’ by Sangare’s agents that he is set to be available for transfer during the upcoming window.

The Eindhoven star’s representatives have ‘spoken’ with Jurgen Klopp and the hierarchy as well as the rest of his potential suitors to make them aware of his decision.

West Ham have also been ‘touted’ as a possible destination, but it’s claimed that he’s ideally looking to join a ‘bigger side’.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Sangare has been dubbed a ‘top talent’ by football scout Jacek Kulig and Liverpool should definitely act fast to get this deal over the line ahead of their fellow competitors.

The 6 foot 3 colossus currently ranks in the 92nd percentile for most tackles and successful take-ons per game, showing that he’s not afraid to get stuck in, win back possession and dribble past his man.

The Cote d’Ivoire native’s desire to consistently contribute to his side’s efforts in the final third hasn’t gone unnoticed either having scored seven goals and provided three assists across all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).

Finally, Sangare can operate in defensive, central and attacking midfield so would add plenty of versatility to the squad, making this deal even more of a no-brainer to complete.

Bruno Andrade has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Richarlison.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the UOL Esporte journalist revealed that, following numerous reports claiming that Antonio Conte is extremely keen on a move for the Everton centre-forward this summer, talks between Fabio Paratici and the Toffees transfer team regarding a deal for the 25-year-old are already well underway.

The Brazilian reporter went on to state that negotiations between the two Premier League clubs have so far been positive, with an agreement in the region of £60m expected to be reached – despite Chelsea also pursuing a deal for the Brazil international.

In his tweet, Andrade said: “Richarlison: Despite Chelsea’s interest, talks between Tottenham and Everton are moving in a positive light. With the Brazilian striker, there is already a negotiation well underway. Agreement should be around £60m (in principle, without involving players in exchange).”

Conte will be buzzing

With it being reported that Conte had identified Richarlison as his primary attacking target in the summer transfer window, Andrade’s claim that Paratici is now closing in on an agreement for the striker is sure to have left the 52-year-old manager buzzing.

And, it is not difficult to understand why the Italian is so keen on a deal to bring the 25-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the new Premier League campaign, as Richarlison’s impressive positional versatility, as well as his fantastic returns in the final third, would appear to make him something of a perfect fit for Conte’s front three.

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Indeed, despite Everton’s struggles last season, the £60m-rated attacker still managed to catch the eye over his 30 Premier League appearances, scoring ten goals, registering five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots, making 1.0 key pass and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £90k-per-week forward – who is 7.02, ranking him as Frank Lampard’s best performer in the league last time out.

However, 2021/22 was not the first top-flight campaign in which Richarlison returned eye-catching numbers for the Toffees, with the 36-cap international having bagged 13 goals and two assists over 34 appearances in 2020/21.

As such, with it being plain for all to see that Richarlison is a versatile and Premier League-proven attacking outlet, Conte’s interest in the former Watford hitman should come as no surprise to the Tottenham faithful, while it is also clear to see why Andrade’s latest update on Paratici’s move for the 25-year-old forward will delight the Italian manager.

AND in other news: Paratici now given green light for “unreal” £43m Spurs signing, it’s Kulusevski 2.0

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Pau Torres in an interview with GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Red Devils were interested in signing the Villarreal centre-back last summer as a backup to new arrival Raphael Varane, and they have nd now reignited their pursuit of the Spain international, with recently-appointed United manager Erik ten Hag having been consulted.

The 25-year-old’s contract with the La Liga club contains a release clause of around £52m, as per Romano.

The latest

The Italian journalist has now claimed that United have learned that they can sign Torres for a reduced fee. Intermediaries have been trying to strike an agreement that could see the move reach the next stage.

He told GiveMeSport: “For Pau Torres, they know he has a release clause of around €60m (£52m), but they also know that Villarreal would be willing to negotiate for something less than this.

“It could be around €45m-€50m (£38m-£43m). So they have all the conditions set, and they have had some conversations with intermediaries working on this deal.”

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The verdict

If United can agree a deal with Villarreal via these intermediaries, then the next challenge is persuading the player to come to Old Trafford.

Torres knows that he’d be competing with not only Varane but also club captain Harry Maguire, the most expensive defender in football history.

Beyond that, the Spaniard has made clear his preference to play Champions League football next season. United had to settle for a place in the Europa League after finishing sixth in last season’s Premier League.

The Red Devils saw first-hand how good he was in last season’s Champions League group stage. Even though Villarreal lost 2-1 at Old Trafford in September, Torres stood out on the night. As per Sofascore, he won five out of six duels, successfully executed a last man tackle and completed 97% of his passes (including four out of five long balls) and both of his dribbles.

Imagine how much United fans might love to see him performing like that at Old Trafford regularly…

In other news, United have submitted a bid for this Premier League star

Rangers have been linked with a move for goalkeeper Berke Ozer recently and if the shot-stopper were to arrive at Ibrox this summer, it could prove to be the end for Allan McGregor in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

According to Turkish news outlet En Son Haber, the Teddy Bears have made an offer to sign the 22-year-old ‘keeper, with the report claiming that he would be open to a move to Rangers this summer, as he eyes regular first-team football away from Fenerbahce.

The youngster is set to leave the Turkish giants on a free transfer this summer despite making 19 appearances last season, in which he conceded 20 goals and kept six clean sheets.

Ozer has played regularly in Turkey’s youth sides and has also featured in the Europa League, so isn’t short of experience despite his age, and he could be an excellent long-term addition to Van Bronckhorst’s side, especially since Rangers can sign him for nothing.

Given his age, experience and lack of transfer fee, Van Bronckhorst would surely love to have Ozer as part of his squad for the 2022/23 campaign, as the Gers look to regain the Scottish Premiership title and continue to progress in Europe.

If he were to arrive at Ibrox ahead of next season, it may well be the catalyst for McGregor departing, with the 40-year-old certain to leave with legendary status after amassing 445 appearances for the club across two different spells.

The former Hull City man is yet to agree to a new deal at Ibrox and despite being first-choice for the majority of last season, Van Bronckhorst seems to be eyeing up a younger alternative to the Scotsman in between the sticks.

McGregor’s last appearance was a one-minute cameo in the Scottish League Cup final win against Hearts, which certainly felt like an opportunity for the Rangers fans to thank the veteran goalkeeper for his service, so the signs suggest that he won’t be at Ibrox in a playing capacity next season.

Therefore, with Jon McLaughlin also in the latter stages of his career at 34, it is no surprise that Rangers are being linked with a younger option such as Ozer, and the 6 foot 3 stopper could be the ideal heir to McGregor at Ibrox.

And, in other news… GvB can land the next McCoist as Rangers eye summer swoop for “superb” £5m gem