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Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer have taken a blow, with AS Monaco reportedly set to target the Malian as a replacement for the outgoing Aurelien Tchouameni.

What’s the word?

Villa have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old in recent weeks after seeing a January bid rejected, but it seems as if their chances of signing him have now slimmed.

According to The Sun, Monaco will launch a bid for the Brighton man should Tchouameni complete his move away, with Real Madrid and Liverpool among the suitors for the Frenchman.

Brighton have reportedly placed a £70m price tag on Bissouma and with Villa having already spent close to £50m on new players this summer, they may struggle to meet that valuation, whereas Monaco would have plenty of cash in the bank once Tchouameni leaves.

A blow for Gerrard?

Gerrard is clearly a fan of Bissouma having bid on him in January and considering his performances for the Seagulls in recent seasons, he would be an excellent addition at Villa Park.

Last season saw the midfielder make 26 appearances in the Premier League for Graham Potter’s side, in which he contributed one goal and two assists, averaging an impressive 6.99 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This would have been enough to rank him as the second-best performer in Gerrard’s squad last season, with only John McGinn rated higher by WhoScored.

Bissouma could have added some defensive steel in Villa’s midfield, with only McGinn averaging more tackles per game (3) than the Brighton man’s 2.9 last season, while he also outscored every Villa player in terms of interceptions per game (1.9).

Gary Lineker has previously described the Mali international as an “exceptional footballer” while Jamie Carragher was also full of praise for him last season, saying:

“You looked at him and he really does look like a top-quality player. He just looked head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch.

“He’s been someone a lot of teams have talked about or looked at.”

Therefore, Gerrard will surely be gutted that Monaco are seemingly set to launch a bid for Bissouma, and will be hoping that Villa have the funds available to bring the Brighton man to Villa Park.

And, in other news… Aston Villa eye swoop for PL wonderkid

Liverpool and Manchester City are both eyeing up a future move for Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Saka shines for Arsenal

The 20-year-old has already blossomed into arguably the first name on Arsenal’s team sheet these days, having made enormous strides in recent years.

Saka scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in the Premier League last season, also averaging 1.8 key passes per game, and has been valued at a whopping £58.5million by Transfermarkt.

While the England international may not be available this summer, Arsenal could find it hard to keep hold of him for years to come, with his contract currently ticking towards a conclusion in 2024.

The Latest: Liverpool and City keen on move

According to The Daily Mail, City have ‘stepped up their interest’ in Saka ahead of a future move but Liverpool are also mentioned in the conversation.

The Reds have ‘earmarked’ him as a target, as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his squad for the long term.

Saka actually shares an agent with Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo, who has 12 months remaining on his contract at Anfield.

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The Verdict: Next summer, perhaps?

While this summer looks like a no-go for Liverpool and Saka, a move for him this time next year could make more sense, at which point he would only have 12 months left on his current deal.

Mohamed Salah could also be on the verge of leaving Anfield then, judging by the current situation, and the Arsenal hero could be perfect to fill that void, such is his left-footed brilliance on the right-hand side with the Gunners.

He is also supremely versatile, racking up appearances in north London all the way up both flanks, at centre-midfield and even up front.

Saka is arguably one of England’s most exciting players and a leading figure for many years to come – Ray Parlour has called him a ‘revelation’ – and his style of play feels perfect for Liverpool, given his trickery out wide, goal threat and work ethic.

In other news, a journalist has bemoaned a Liverpool transfer rumour. Read more here.

Tottenham are closing in on a deal to bring Djed Spence to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claimed that Spurs are set to steal the Nottingham Forest loanee from under the noses of Arsenal, with the north London rivals both believed to be interested in a £15m move for the wing-back this summer.

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The report added that Antonio Conte has made the 21-year-old his primary target to replace Emerson Royal – who the Italian is said to be happy to offload in the coming weeks – while Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League is thought to have given them the edge in the race for the England under-21 international.

He’ll give Arteta nightmares

Considering just how exciting a talent Spence has proven to be this season, it is easy to see why Fabio Paratici is targeting the defender in a bid to improve Conte’s options at right wing-back.

Indeed, over his 41 Championship appearances for Forest this season, the £7.2m-rated full-back has been in sensational form, bagging two goals, providing five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, in addition to making one key pass, taking 0.6 shots and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The £4.4k-per-week talent has also impressed in defensive metrics, making 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 0.2 blocks and winning 5.8 duels per game. These returns saw the player who Danny Green dubbed “unreal” average a WhoScored match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Steve Cooper’s sixth-best player in the league.

Furthermore, Spence also proved his ability against top-level opposition in Forest’s 1-0 FA Cup victory over Arsenal in January, a game in which the 21-year-old made one key pass, four interceptions, two tackles and three clearances. He also completed six dribbles and won 12 duels, with these metrics seeing the youngster earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.7, the highest of any player from either team on the day.

Spence has already given Mikel Arteta nightmares once this season, and should Paratici manage to beat the Spaniard to the signing of the youngster this summer, the prospect of the full-back lining up against Arsenal for their fiercest rivals next season is certain to be a terrifying thought for the Gunners manager.

AND in other news: “Sources have…”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge Spurs update, supporters will be buzzing

West Bromwich Albion had a rather uninspiring season in the Championship in terms of their attacking play.

Across 46 games, the Baggies were the only team in the second tier to not rack up a shot-on-target percentage of 30% or more.

One man who could have been a big help for the team in that regard is Conor Gallagher.

Having spent the 2020/21 season on loan at The Hawthorns, the midfielder then joined Crystal Palace for another loan spell. In 34 Premier League appearances this season, the English youngster scored eight goals and provided three assists.

This suggests that, if the Baggies had been able to keep hold of the 22-year-old, he could have given them a better chance of getting close to promotion.

However, with the summer transfer window in mind, this could give Steve Bruce the chance to secure the Baggies’ own version of Gallagher.

West Brom’s next Gallagher

Earlier this month, the Midlands club were linked with a move for MK Dons starlet Scott Twine.

Across 46 games in League One this season, the midfielder found the net 20 times and delivered 13 assists along the way. The 22-year-old also ended the recent campaign with the joint-highest number of shots on target (62) in the third tier.

This highlights just how prominent he can be when it comes to scoring and creating goals, which is something that West Brom badly needed last season.

It also backs up why Twine was described by his manager Liam Manning as being a “constant threat” on the pitch, and why he is reportedly valued at £3m.

His overall performances in League One earned him a season rating of 7.41/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player in the division.

Even though the Baggies recently secured a deal for John Swift, adding Twine to their ranks could not only give the club their own version of Gallagher, but would also hand them a potential future star given his young age and attacking talent.

Also, with his ability to score and provide goals for his team-mates, if he can adapt to the Championship, he could give Bruce’s side a great chance of winning promotion back to the Premier League.

In other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing “explosive” prodigy, just imagine him & Dike

Sunderland have joined the race to sign Hull City’s James Scott ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports via Portsmouth.co.uk, who state that Sunderland, amongst the likes of Derby, Portsmouth, Accrington and Hibernian are all keen to secure his signature.

As per the report, the Hull man may get a chance to prove himself to boss Shota Arveladze, who reportedly wants to see the player in action before deciding the next chapter of his career.

Imagine him and Stewart

21-year-old Scott, who has scored 15 goals in his career so far, has endured a somewhat difficult start to his career as a professional.

After scoring £1.5m.

Having registered six returns in the form of terrific” by former Mackems boss, Jack Ross.

His first 16 appearances for the Edinburgh outfit saw zero returns for the club, but in the final few games, he has demonstrated his ability, having managed hat-trick against St. Johnstone in the final game of the campaign.

It means he has scored four goals in five fixtures in the Scottish Premiership Relegation Round and has given clubs like Sunderland the inclination to look towards the Scotsman, who could form a formidable partnership with fellow countryman Ross Stewart.

Despite his incredible haul of 59 chances, with nine of these classed as big chances this campaign.

Scott, who was described as “perfectly placed” for his second goal against St. Johnstone, has been operating in a Hibernian side that have drummed up just 33 big chances this term, whilst Sunderland have managed to create almost double that with a tally of 64.

It goes without saying, a two-man Scottish partnership between Stewart and Scott could make for an unstoppable duo who could bolster the Black Cats, offensively speaking.

Scott’s finish to this season bodes well for his start to the next.

In other news: Neil can save Sunderland millions by unleashing 19y/o who can “make something happen”

Everton may be able to welcome back defender Ben Godfrey against Brentford on Sunday. 

The lowdown

Everton host Thomas Frank’s side at 16.30 on Sunday in their penultimate home game of the season.

If Leeds United fail to beat Brighton in the 14.00 kick-off, then Everton know that a draw will effectively secure safety and a victory will guarantee it.

But if the Whites and Burnley, who play Tottenham Hotspur at 12.00, both win, then they could kick-off in the relegation zone.

Godfrey sustained an injury while warming up for last month’s Merseyside Derby against Liverpool and hasn’t featured since.

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The latest

Patrick Boyland, Everton correspondent for The Athletic, relayed an update on Godfrey’s fitness on Friday.

He’s said to be ‘close’ and ‘could be in the squad’ against the Bees.

Meanwhile, on-loan Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek ‘also has a chance’ of being involved after missing the last four games with thigh problems.

The verdict

This is an important, and unexpected boost, for Lampard and Everton.

The manager admitted after the initial injury that Godfrey may not be able to play again this season.

But he may be able to return with three games remaining to strengthen his side’s survival chances.

Godfrey has started every Premier League game for which he’s been available this season, the clearest indication of his importance.

Team-mate Andros Townsend believes that the £77,000-per-week Norwich City man is ‘the real deal’ and boasts ‘massive potential’, and that’s why he’s backed him to go ‘to the very top’.

At his best, he’s a high-level defensive option for Everton.

In other news, a wealthy club are set to make a bid for this EFC star.

Aston Villa have joined the chase for Rangers star Joe Aribo, alongside other Premier League sides ahead of the summer transfer window, with Johan Lange ready to make his move.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Sun, who report that Villa have joined Brentford and Crystal Palace in the race for the Nigeria international.

The midfielder could be signed for a bargain price of just £10m this summer due to his Rangers contract expiring at the end of next season, and with no word on an extension, the side could cash in.

Steven Gerrard will love Aribo at Villa

Aribo could be tempted to reunite with former coach Steven Gerrard at Villa in the summer as it was the Englishman who signed the 25-year-old from Charlton and turned him into one of the finest players in Scotland.

If last season was almost a breakout campaign for the player, then this season is where he has matured, leading Rangers to both the Scottish Cup and Europa League finals.

With eight goals and ten assists in all competitions this season, Aribo would be a fine addition to the Villa squad as Gerrard aims to lead them into the European spots next season.

His versatility is also a massive strength, with Gerrard stating that Aribo could “play anywhere” previously then it would be a big advantage for Villa.

The midfielder’s form perhaps tailed off slightly once he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations following the early exit for Nigeria, but there is no doubt when he is on form, he is one of the Ibrox side’s greatest assets.

With Gerrard already bolstering his squad with the permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho last week, the onus will be on to keep adding strength in depth. With many fringe players seemingly heading on their way out of the club, it’s imperative that the manager improves.

Aribo for £10m? It’s a steal.

AND in other news, Lange plotting Villa swoop for “fearless” 87-goal monster, he’s even better than Watkins

Tottenham Hotspur’s spotless start to the 2022/23 campaign came to a disappointing end on Tuesday evening, with Antonio Conte’s side succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in their second Champions League group stage fixture.

Despite creating two big chances and taking 12 shots – five of which hit the target – at Sporting’s goal, the usually reliable trifecta of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Richarlison all endured something of an evening to forget at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Meanwhile, another of Spurs’ typically solid trios – that of Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies – also had a stinker against their Portuguese opposition, with two last-gasp goals from Paulinho and Arthur Gomes seeing Lisbon take all three points.

However, despite the largely underwhelming collective performance of the Tottenham side on Tuesday evening, there was nevertheless one bright spark for Conte on the night – in the shape of left wing-back sensation, Ivan Perisic.

Indeed, the 33-year-old summer signing once again proved that, despite his advancing years, he is nonetheless one of Spurs’ most creative and hard-working players at present – turning in yet another display of the highest quality against Sporting.

Over the course of his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £17m-rated defender enjoyed 68 touches of the ball – the third-most of any Tottenham player – completed three of his four attempted dribbles, found his man with two of his nine attempted crosses and created one of his side’s two big chances – a first-half cross put on a plate for Richarlison, who headed at the goalkeeper.

The £178k-per-week wing-back also worked incredibly hard in a defensive capacity, making five tackles and winning 10 duels – at a success rate of 62.5% – with these returns seeing the Croat earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.5 – the best of any Spurs player.

Furthermore, Alasdair Gold also appeared impressed with the performance of Perisic, with the football.london journalist awarding the flanker an eight in his own player ratings – the highest aside from Hugo Lloris’ nine – as well as stating of his display:

“Crafted a couple of first-half chances for Richarlison and Emerson and further opportunities in the second half that should have been put away. An excellent creative outlet down the left for Spurs and used all of his experience for much of the match.”

As such, while Conte will undoubtedly be looking to put Tottenham’s first loss of the 2022/23 campaign behind him as quickly as possible, the performance of Perisic was undoubtedly one of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing Spurs display.

Wolves are reportedly dreaming of signing Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

The Lowdown: Midfielder needed

There is a feeling that the Molineux outfit could further strengthen the middle of the park, even after the club-record signing of Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon.

Leander Dendoncker has signed for Aston Villa, Morgan Gibbs-White has gone to Nottingham Forest and Ruben Neves is constantly linked with a move away from the Midlands.

Also, Joao Moutinho is not getting any younger at 36 years of age, so Bruno Lage’s team could do with another midfielder for added competition.

The Latest: Fernandez the dream

As per The Sun, Wolves are ‘dreaming’ of signing Fernandez and are set to launch a new bid to try and get him.

They failed with an offer at the start of the summer transfer window when he was at River Plate and he was snapped up by Benfica instead. Since then, they have watched him play in the Champions League and are thought to be ‘huge fans’ of the player.

The Verdict: Difficult

It seems a difficult move to pull off in January or even next summer, given that Fernandez has only just signed for Benfica.

When he joined, it is also thought that they inserted a whopping €120m (£104.5m) release clause in his contract, so the Lisbon club are likely to demand a huge transfer fee to let him go so soon.

Nonetheless, having been hailed as an ‘orchestrator’ with ‘superb vision’ and ‘brilliant technique’ among other skills by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the Argentine would be a phenomenal signing if Wolves can pull it off in 2023.

West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek is now a ‘question mark’ for tonight Conference League match against FCSB after picking up a foot injury.

The Lowdown: Irons injuries mount…

The Irons have been dealt a number of first team injuries since the start of this 2022/2023 Premier League campaign.

Defenders Craig Dawson and Aaron Cresswell are currently out of action alongside exciting young full-back Ben Johnson, not to mention summer signing Nayef Aguerd is still on the mend after his pre-season knock (Twitter).

West Ham are having to content with a jam-packed fixture schedule in the build up this year’s winter World Cup in Qatar and need every available man at their disposal.

However, in a worry for manager David Moyes, it appears Soucek has now joined the list of players with fitness problems.

The Latest: Soucek doubt before FCSB…

As West Ham gear up to take on Romanian side FCSB in tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League, it appears the Czech Republic international has picked up a foot injury.

Relaying Moyes’ team news update, journalist Roshane Thomas shares on Twitter that Soucek has picked up a ‘foot injury’ and is now a ‘question mark’ for tonight’s clash at the London Stadium.

The Verdict: Potential blow…

Given doubts now surround Soucek’s involvement his evening, supporters will be hoping the knock isn’t too serious for West Ham’s games ahead.

The 27-year-old is an untouchable in Moyes’ starting eleven, coming as one of six Irons players to start every single league game so far this season.

His latest contribution, an equalising goal against Spurs in West Ham’s derby clash recently, is a glimpse of what he can offer when playing at peak form.

A colossal physical presence in midfield, Moyes will need him fit and firing for what will be a tough run-in before Qatar.