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Aston Villa could strike gold with Liverpool star Joe Gomez amid Luke Hatfield’s recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports, Steven Gerrard has got his sights set on the England international, and The Express and Star’s Hatfield has suggested that it’s a move that would certainly get the approval of the Villa Park support.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Joe Gomez would throw the cat amongst the pigeons because he would back himself and Villa fans would be really excited by that signing.”

Would be a statement signing for Villa

The 24-year-old’s extensive experience of playing in the Premier League for a side like Liverpool, and competing in the Champions League year-in and year-out makes him the kind of marquee signing who would make a big statement at Villa Park.

While his big injury has kept him out of the Liverpool team, and epitomising the definition of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, Gomez remains a valued member of the squad and someone who Jurgen Klopp highly rates.

He said: “Since he is playing as a centre-half again – his natural position – together with (Virgil van Dijk) there is exceptional. He is a sensational footballer, which is good.

“He has outstanding speed, which helps us a lot to keep our last line high; he is a really good challenger; good in one-on-one situations; football-wise, I said already, good. The package is really nice.”

The £27m-rated star would fancy his chances of staking a claim for a first-team spot at Villa Park and would add to the impressive English centre-back contingent the club already have in the likes of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.

As Klopp says, Gomez’s speed marks him out as a more unique centre-back, and that could fit in perfectly if Gerrard wants to have Villa pressing from the front and playing with a high line.

If Villa could lure Gomez away from Anfield, it would be a major signing.

Meanwhile, Gerrard has confirmed a major Villa blow…

Sunderland took the ultimate smash-and-grab from their match against Gillingham this afternoon, winning 1-0 and taking all three points as they now go unbeaten in their last five games, climbing back into the play-off positions in League One, one point ahead of Oxford United.

Despite having 80% possession, 25 shots, eight corners and three big chances, the Black Cats could not convert any of their opportunities against their stubborn opponents at the sunny Stadium of Light this afternoon within the regulation 90 minutes.

It was only when 69th-minute substitute Nathan Broadhead nodded the ball past the Gills goalkeeper from a cross delivered into the box by Elliot Embleton in the fifth minute of added time that Sunderland finally broke their stalemate, stealing all three points and an important win in their pursuit for promotion this year.

One player who had one of his worst performances in a Sunderland shirt this season was the current League One top scorer Ross Stewart, who dropped an absolute stinker in front of the home fans and almost cost Alex Neil’s side an important win with his complete lack of attacking output against the Gills.

According to SofaScore, Stewart was rated the worst player on the pitch (6.0) and with good reason, considering that his team had 25 shots and he didn’t have a single one on or off target throughout the day. He also lost 89% of his ground and aerial duels combined, failed with 100% of his dribbles and only had 25 touches of the ball.

The 25-year-old – who was hailed a “handful” by former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell – has scored 22 goals and contributed four assists in 39 appearances for his team in League One this season, so it was clearly just one of those off-days for the forward, who has scored more than anybody else in the league and recently earned his first call-up to the senior Scotland side for their international friendlies.

Sunderland are now in a great position to secure a second chance at promotion into the Championship after moving up to sixth this afternoon, just two points behind Sheffield Wednesday, and Alex Neil will be hoping that his side can continue their unbeaten run over their last six games of the season. Stewart will quickly need to put this uncharacteristic off-day behind him, though.

In other news: Sunderland will have nightmares over “surprise” 18-year-old, he’s the new Harry Kane

Whoever Jose Mourinho’s successor is at Tottenham Hotspur, he will have plenty of emerging prospects available at his disposal.

It seems as if Spurs’ academy at Hotspur Way is bursting with young talent, particularly in midfield, where Oliver Skipp is in line to earn a first-team berth next season following a successful loan spell at runaway Championship winners Norwich City.

The 20-year-old is likely to take up a place alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but with the way the Dane has been performing, there’s no way of knowing how long that could last going into the future.

Later down the line, Spurs may need to tap into their youth system once more and in Harvey White, they could discover their long-term partner for the impressive Skipp.

Just like the Canaries loanee, the 19-year-old gem has been enjoying a stint away from north London, getting regular game time at League One outfit Portsmouth.

Perhaps he’s a year or two behind Skipp right now but all the signals that he could become something great are there.

Pompey boss Danny Cowley recently waxed lyrical over White, especially as he’s trusted the young Spurs prodigy greatly since taking over from Kenny Jackett in mid-March.

Speaking to The News, Portsmouth’s local online newspaper, Cowley tipped White for big things. He said:

“Harvey is going to be a good player and got real maturity beyond his years. He’s a really intelligent footballer. He watches loads of football, understands it and gets it.”You only have to tell him an instruction once. He’s like a sponge and you’ll tell him something once and then he’ll be doing it. He’s so easy to coach, a coach’s dream.”He’s got a great attitude, good pitch coverage now we’re trying to get him used to the combative nature of the transitional game in League One he’s probably not used to in development football.”[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-managerial-update-transfer-rumours-levy-mourinho-sacked-gossip” title= “Read the latest Spurs manager updates, transfer news, gossip and more!”]The 5 foot 6 dynamo, who made his debut for Spurs against Ludogorets in 2020 and started against Marine in the FA Cup just a few months later, has made 19 appearances for the third-tier promotion hopefuls, scoring once.On the above evidence, White could well develop into a future star in north London and even though he has a long way to go, he looks primed to become a decent option alongside Skipp, even if he has to wait for Hojbjerg to go.In three different League One games this season, White has delivered two or more key passes and he’s not afraid to drive forward and have a go himself, managing two or more shots in four outings, as per WhoScored.This summer, the new Spurs boss – whoever that is – could have two promotion winners waiting in his academy set-up and that surely has to be an attractive prospect.In a few years’ time, we could well see Skipp and White marshalling the Spurs midfield together.

AND in other news, Spurs could finally replace Eriksen with “promising” £10m gem, he’s perfect for Ten Hag…

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton after Roberto Firmino missed training and is a huge doubt for the clash.

He was the only absentee at training yesterday according to This is Anfield, with the Reds fielding a strong squad at their Kirkby complex. The Brazilian also missed his side’s comfortable victory over rivals Manchester United in the week, following a foot injury he sustained in the FA Cup semi-final last weekend.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said the situation was still uncertain heading into the game and that “he’s getting better” but “it’s uncomfortable and painful” for him.

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The 30-year old has had a smaller but still as crucial role in Liverpool’s success this campaign appearing 31 times and being directly involved in 15 goals. His availability against Everton would have provided Klopp with the perfect chance to rotate and rest players ahead of the important Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Liverpool and Everton are further apart in terms of their form this season than they have been in a very long time. The Reds are battling for the Premier League title whilst their neighbours are fighting to avoid relegation.

Frank Lampard’s side desperately need the points so might prove tougher than what their league placing suggests, the local rivalry here is also huge so that surely adds extra motivation.

Firmino hasn’t scored in any of the 11 games he has played against the Toffees but does have two assists to his name. He was, however, involved in the league game last year where Everton defeated Liverpool for the first time in over a decade.

If he misses out today then we potentially could see him play in the game against Villarreal. If Liverpool are to be successful on all fronts this season then they’ll have to use the squad.

As for his future, it remains to be seen whether or not he is content with being more of a squad player. His contract expires next summer so Liverpool could cash in this year to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Former England international Kevin Phillips said in an interview last month that he believes Firmino “is likely to move on” and that “he will want a new challenge”.

Even if that ends up happening, there’s no doubting his overall ability with him producing many great performances in a Liverpool shirt.

IN other news: Sources: Liverpool agree terms to sign “special” £36m-rated ace, Klopp surely buzzing – opinion…

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has revealed that Glasgow Rangers have failed to match UEFA’s wage-to-turnover ratio this season.

Maguire reveals UEFA issue

The Gers have spent £43.3m on wages across the 2020/21 campaign, which represents 73% of their turnover – UEFA want clubs to hit 70% or below.

However, speaking to Football Insider, Maguire believes the Gers have actually done well this term given the effects of the ongoing global pandemic. He said:

“The UEFA target rate is below 70 per cent. But given that the 74 per cent contains an element of Covid in the sense that they weren’t able to play all matches last season in front of a paying crowd.

“It would have been lower if that wasn’t the case. So I think it’s a pretty decent achievement all-round.

“West Ham’s was 94 per cent, Everton’s was 91 per cent and we’re seeing some horrendous numbers coming through south of the border.

“Given that the Scottish clubs are more reliant on ticket sales than English clubs because the TV deal is worth much less, it’s good work from Rangers.”

Still promising

Normally, those figures would be particularly alarming for Ross Wilson and co, and even in this current climate they will want to improve on those numbers as soon as possible. However, as Maguire explains, the Gers have been deprived of having fans at Ibrox, which is an important source of income for the 55-time Scottish champions.

An appearance in the Champions League group stage next season would only boost the Gers’ coffers. This is a promising time to be a Rangers fan or to be involved with the club – everyone must work to make sure the Gers remain on top of their finances.

In other news, some Rangers fans hammered this man’s performance against Celtic.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has revealed that Glasgow Rangers will struggle to monetise interest in Alfredo Morelos this summer.

The Lowdown: Morelos targetted by Porto

The Colombian striker has already been the subject of interest this summer from Porto.

The Portuguese club had reportedly agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old (Antena1), although it is now unclear whether that is actually the case (Sunday Mail [June 27, page 57] via Ibrox News).

The Latest: Maguire thinks Gers will struggle to sell

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire believes the Gers will struggle to get the price they want for the Colombia international. He said:

“I was talking to the chief executive of a club who had signed a player from South America recently.

“He said monetising interest is the difficult part. Is there interest? Yes. But converting that interest into hard cash in fairly distant markets such as South America is actually very tricky.

“It’s difficult even for massive clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

“For a club such as Rangers who has to really target markets because it doesn’t have a limitless commercial department, they would probably take a more cautious approach.”

The Verdict: Worrying

The Gers will be in no general rush to sell Morelos. After all, he has scored 94 goals in 182 games for the club since making the move to Ibrox in 2017 (Transfermarkt), and with a Champions League run to potentially come next season, Steven Gerrard will be relying on him to lead the line.

However, the 55-time Scottish champions know all too well that he will be eager to depart at some point. He has previously revealed that he would like to play in a more competitive league (Goal.com), while he has even said he dreams of playing in the Premier League (Radio Caracol). When that time comes, the Gers will want to get the best possible deal they can – a failure to monetise transfer interest would come as a huge blow to the club.

In other news, Rangers are set to ramp up their interest in this 27-year-old.

Liverpool are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Donyell Malen this summer, but securing a move for him may not be easy.

The Lowdown: Malen impresses for PSV

The 22-year-old is one of the hottest properties in Dutch football at the moment, scoring 19 goals and registering eight assists in the Eredivisie last season.

Malen’s form earned him a call-up to the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 squad and he has helped his country win all three group games in the competition.

A summer exit from PSV could be on the cards and Liverpool have already been linked with him in recent months.

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The Latest: Liverpool keen on signing forward

According to Anfield Central, the Reds have ‘genuine interest’ in Malen ahead of the summer transfer window, as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his squad.

It is mentioned that it won’t be easy to sign the winger, however, despite his £25million price tag, with talks potentially not taking place until after the Euros.

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The Verdict: Great long-term prospect

Malen looks like a hugely exciting prospect and someone who Liverpool could look at as a long-term replacement for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

At some point, the Reds legends will need to be replaced – both are now 29 – and the Dutchman possesses their blistering pace, directness and end product, as highlighted by his goal and assist return last season.

At £25million, Malen would also represent a bargain, given the potential he has and the fact that he is still only 22 years of age with the best of his career yet to come.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted with one piece of news that has emerged from the club. Read more here.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, has claimed that the Magpies should be looking to spend no more than £15-16 million on Joe Willock if they want a permanent deal.

The £20,000-per-week midfielder has featured eight times since joining on deadline day, netting two goals, which has led Arsenal to reportedly value him at £20 million if the Magpies want to sign him permanently in the summer.

Willock has not started since the 3-0 defeat away to relegation rivals Brighton, with Steve Bruce opting for three centre backs and two centre midfielders since the return from the international break.

Speaking on how much Joe Willock is actually worth and what Arsenal may end up doing if he does leave the Gunners, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think you should be looking at something like £15-16 million. Yes, of course, Arsenal could easily put something in a deal so that if he does brilliantly then they would get money from any potential future sale.”

The 21-year old made the move up North on deadline day after finding first-team opportunities extremely limited this season, especially in the Premier League.

This is the first time Willock has been away from Arsenal having come through their academy and spent years in their reserves and on the bench for the first team.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has dropped an exciting transfer update on Newcastle’s pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock.

What’s the story?

The England U21 international has been a revelation for Steve Bruce’s side since joining on loan until the end of the season back in the January transfer window, recently bagging in his sixth consecutive Premier League game by scoring the winner against Sheffield United.

Now, Edwards has claimed that Willock is ready to leave his boyhood club to make the switch to Tyneside permanent this summer, with the Magpies “increasingly confident” of his desire to join.

The report adds that a deal could even then convince Allan Saint-Maximin to stay put at St James’ Park, with Bruce confirming once again in his post-match press conference after the game against the Blades that Newcastle will explore signing Willock permanently.

Fans will be buzzing

If you needed any proof of just how much Newcastle fans have fallen in love with Willock, and how much they want him to stay, then you only have to look at the St James’ Park faithful serenading him during his post-match interview against the Blades.

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The 21-year-old has been a breath of fresh air for a Magpies side who desperately needed his fresh injection of pace and energy, and his ability to break into the box and time his runs have resulted in some match-winning contributions.

It’s exactly why Edwards’ update on Willock’s intentions of leaving Arsenal, and then the double boost it could have of convincing Saint-Maximin to stay as well, is incredibly exciting news for the club’s fans.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must land this “unplayable” star…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over news involving Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

The Czech Republic international, who scored a brilliant 15 goals whilst bagging eight assists in just 19 Fortuna Liga appearances last season (Transfermarkt), was linked with a move to east London.

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Indeed, the Irons apparently held lengthy talks over signing him in the summer as he impressed when called upon at Euro 2020, at least according to 90min. 

Hammers boss David Moyes eventually failed to bag a striker or alternative to Michail Antonio up front, arguably West Ham’s only failure of the summer window.

Now, as per journalist Toby Cudworth, news has emerged on Hlozek and West Ham’s hunt for a forward – even after the window deadline.

According to the reporter, West Ham remain ‘very’ interested in signing the teenage sensation as GSB set their sights on yet another Czech star.

Flocking to this news, it’s safe to say many Irons supporters have erupted on social media – find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Hlozek news…

“We are for the Czech Republic what wolves are for Portugal, and I love it!”

Credit: @Zaksta1011

“Music to my ears”

Credit: @_ghzst

“GET HIM IN”

Credit: @camwestham

“Actually think he’s a perfect signing. Good size, powerful, fast, scores goals. Will also get much better. Next year would be a good time to sign. Think a few clubs will be after him, but we will have pulling power to him, I am sure.”

Credit: @Michael78291492

“We have to get him.”

Credit: @Tommb22

“Definitely get him in”

Credit: @westhamworld

In other news: ‘Yayyyy’, ‘Ooooo’, ‘Actually mental’…West Ham fans rave over ‘fantastic news’, find out more here.