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The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has dropped a new Aston Villa transfer update which will leave fans excited.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed an impressive start to the transfer window thus far, securing the signings of Emi Buendia and Ashley Young in a bid to reinforce a squad which only narrowly finished outside the top ten of the Premier League last season.

In a Q&A for the Birmingham Mail, Preece said: “Can’t wait for Walsall now, looking forward to that one. As for incomings, I’m trying so hard to get some clarity over Julian Alvarez but there’s nothing concrete. It’s all quiet at the minute; agents not picking up and there’s nothing new to report. Training grounds in UK and Europe starting to be busy again which’ll help. I’m expecting 2-3 more additions, though.”

He then added: “A GK, CB and a CAM are most-desired. Nothing close, sadly. Expecting it to pick up next week.”

Fans will be buzzing

Having already tied up deals for Buendia and Young, Villa are well-placed to get the rest of their summer business done in time for the start of the new Premier League season – Smith’s side get their campaign underway with a visit to newly-promoted Watford.

Given how they were involved in the fight for a surprise European place until the final few weeks of the season when Jack Grealish was notably missing through injury, Villa only really need a few key additions to potentially take that next step, rather than a real squad overhaul.

Preece’s claim that a new goalkeeper, a new centre-back and a new number 10 are the “most-desired” targets suggests that Villa are happy with their first team options and are just looking for extra competition – the Midlands club already boast the likes of Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Buendia and Grealish for those respective positions, after all.

Reinforcing the squad and ensuring that if players get injured or perhaps lose form, Smith has the options to change things around and still maintain a high level of quality, will be key to bridging that gap to the top seven.

It’s exactly why fans will likely be buzzing with Preece’s update on where things stand with Villa at the moment in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Villa must unleash this starlet in the Premier League…

Manchester United could be about to make a huge mistake in the transfer window after Diogo Dalot was linked with a permanent Old Trafford exit.

What’s the story?

According to The Express, the 22-year-old is one of several fringe players who will be allowed to depart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this summer.

Despite struggling for form throughout his United career, Dalot impressed during a season-long loan spell with Italian giants AC Milan last term, showcasing his top-class potential.

Manchester United heading for a mistake

Throughout his 12-month spell at San Siro, the Portugal Under-21 international made 33 appearances in all competitions, achieving a highly respectable 6.76 WhoScored rating along the way.

His contribution to the success of Stefano Pioli’s charges was sizeable, making 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 1.8 clearances per league game as the Rossoneri finished in second place in the Serie A standings.

Dalot’s aforementioned figures had him amongst the top-six performers compared to his teammates for each attribute, highlighting the progress he made in his time away from English football.

The youngster’s impressive displays earned praise from Milan manager Pioli, who claimed the United gem “will become a complete player” in the future.

Although it’s easy to understand why large sections of the Red Devils’ fanbase and the club’s hierarchy may be prepared to cut ties with Dalot, selling him this summer could prove to be a costly error.

After making just 35 first-team appearances since making a £20 million move to United from Porto back in 2018, the pacey full-back found himself on the fringes of Solskjaer’s squad.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was brought in as the club’s long-term solution to their right-sided conundrum, but the former Crystal Palace man’s own attacking deficiencies have seen Kieran Trippier linked with a move to the 20-time English champions.

While the England international may be a sensible short-term signing, he’s fast approaching his 31st birthday, and before long, Solskjaer will be faced with the same issue.

However, allowing Dalot another campaign or two to develop on loan away from the intense spotlight at United could be the perfect solution.

He appears to have the potential to turn into the ideal modern-day full-back, and Solskjaer should keep faith in him a little while longer, even if that means loaning him out for another season.

And, in other news…Man United handed huge transfer boost over “perfect” £77m beast, Ole will be buzzing 

According to a report by Sky Sports, as relayed by West Ham Transfers, the Hammers are now in talks with defender Vladimir Coufal and his representatives over a new and improved deal at the London Stadium.

Coufal, who signed last summer from Slavia Prague for just £5 million, has arguably been one of manager David Moyes’ best buys with the right-back drawing acclaim for his consistent performances over 2020/2021.

The 28-year-old was a mainstay throughout the campaign, starting 34 Premier League matches under Moyes, with the club now seeing fit to reward Coufal with a new and improved deal.

Sky Sports claim that the Irons have commenced talks with the player’s representatives over the revised terms with his current deal running until 2023.

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Only Tomas Soucek and Aaron Cresswell started more English top flight games this term, so a new deal seems like a fitting reward.

West Ham supporters certainly think so, with many of them flocking to social media in light of this development as one called it ‘absolutely huge news’.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Coufal talks

“Get it done @WestHam our best full back since Frank Lampard”

Credit: @RichardRf020370

“Deserves it. Unreal RB”

Credit: @joshbw13

“Give him what he wants”

Credit: @HR_WHU

“Lifetime contract pls. I want him teaching our kids.”

Credit: @jamiebaxter182

“Good! Deserves a significant pay rise”

Credit: @Joshua_Mbu

“Put your hand in your pocket the mans a star.”

Credit: @trevoroliver20

“This is absolutely huge news, love the man.”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Good news. He has been outstanding for us this season”

Credit: @FredJac07859045

In other news: West Ham fans flock to official club announcement, find out more here.

The last taste of first-team football that Danny Rose got was at Newcastle United so now that he is a free agent Steve Bruce would likely want to bring him back to the club, according to former Hull City star Dean Windass.

Rose had a mixed spell on loan at Newcastle last season as he never set the world alight but was also a steady performer, and now that he has left Tottenham Hotspur Rose he has been backed to make a return up north.

The left-back received a mixed reception from fans when he joined having previously played for Sunderland on a season-long loan spell, however considering there were four other players contracted to the Magpies that had previous experiences at the Stadium of Light it was never going to be a problem.

Bruce may see signing Rose as a low-risk move given his Premier League experience and that left-back is an area of weakness at the club, so Windass believes that he could end up back at Newcastle, as he told The Transfer Tavern exclusively:

“I think Steve would take him back. Danny Rose obviously had a massive problem with Mourinho but Steve took a chance on him last season so why wouldn’t Steve want him back?

“I can see that happening, and I can see him going back to Newcastle.”

Last summer Bruce brought in Jamal Lewis from Norwich City, however, he failed to impress consistently which led to Matt Ritchie coming back into the team and playing as a wing-back, despite having a bust-up with Bruce earlier in the season.

Newcastle appear to be targeting left-back as an area of concern this summer and with Bruce’s budget set to be £10 million, and fellow free agent Jetro Willems is still reportedly very keen to come back to Newcastle.

Crystal Palace must revive their interest in Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard after his transfer to Leicester City collapsed.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the King Power Stadium in recent weeks until well-respected journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed talks had ended over a potential deal.

Palace were credited with an interest in Edouard 12 months ago before he stayed in Scotland, but now they must return to the France Under-21 international as they look to move on from Roy Hodgson’s time in charge.

Palace need him 

A reunion between Edouard and Brendan Rodgers at Leicester looked inevitable this summer. However, with the Midlands outfit opting to sign RB Salzburg forward Patson Daka instead, the Celtic man is back on the market.

After leaving boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017 in search of regular game time, the £13. 5m-rated marksman has gone from strength to strength at Parkhead.

In 168 appearances for the Hoops, Edouard has bagged 83 goals and laid on a further 37 assists, winning nine major trophies along the way.

His impressive displays have caught the eye of a host of top teams across the continent, although it’s unlikely any of them need the 6 ft 2 ace more than Palace do.

It’s no wonder he’s been lauded as “unstoppable” and as a “big talent” throughout his time at Parkhead.

Although Christian Benteke has committed his future to the south London outfit by putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal, Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi has returned to his parent club, leaving a void at the top end of the pitch.

With talisman Wilfried Zaha lining himself up for a move away from Selhurst Park and creative midfielder Eberechi Eze out injured until the new year, Hodgson’s successor could be desperately short of attacking options.

The potential arrival of Edouard, therefore, would be a hugely significant coup for the capital club in their bid for Premier League survival next season.

Once described as an “outstanding footballer” by former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey, the ex-PSG man would be a valuable addition to Palace’s ranks and could prove to be the difference between relegation and a 10th consecutive top-flight campaign.

And, in other news…Parish spends £93m, Zaha axed: Predicted Crystal Palace XI if Frank Lampard is hired 

Many Everton fans have been left to flock to an update on the Premier League clubs that tried to join the European Super League (ESL).

As per the Daily Mail, the Goodison Park faithful as well as Newcastle United are leading a push for the Big Six teams to be punished for seeking to join the ESL.

Both sides are lobbying for points deductions on the grounds that fining the billionaire owners would be an empty gesture.

However, there is an acceptance among the other clubs that such a sanction, would not be practical as it would drop them in a lengthy legal battle, as the top flight look to assess their options.

It is unclear whether those points deductions would come at the end of this season or at the start of next if approved, but either way it would benefit the Merseyside club as it would give them a much better opportunity of finishing in a Champions League place.

Regardless of this, a lot of Toffees supporters seem to feel as if those teams should not go unpunished, with points deductions seen as a reasonable option in doing so.

Everton fans on ESL update

These Blues flocked to the update as it was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to call it ‘excellent’:

“Too right.  Pocket money fines mean nothing. Other clubs have had deductions. #dockthempoints. You could still have a parade for coming 6th. #dontstoptheparty.”

Credit: @colingeorgerice

“Kings”Credit: @JstinR7″Get in Everton… stick to your guns.. these sly 6 seem to have been forgotten by the media…”Credit: @mattyrei83″Absolutely.”Credit: @Shakeitupbaine1″Well in @everton”Credit: @jamesisboss”Yes excellent”Credit: @efc18789In other news, find out what transfer update has left Toffees fuming here!

When Jeff Shi decided to delve into the Wolves coffers and sign Fabio Silva from Porto for a club-record fee of £35.6m, it raised a lot of eyebrows.

The money spent was a huge statement from the Old Gold as they looked to get back into Europe.

Unfortunately, that colossal sum has not been worth much. Silva has looked energised at times but on a very rare basis has he made an impact.

At the age of 18, you are never going to be the finished product and it’s helpful that he’s still got such a high ceiling to climb towards.

That said, regardless of his age, you expect a man to perform when you part ways with that much cash.

Unfortunately, the teenager has scored just three goals since penning terms at Molineux.

It would be a surprise if Silva didn’t eventually come good but this summer Nuno Santo and co need to look more firepower.

We’ve waxed lyrical about the exploits of Rafa Mir this season. If he returns to the Midlands then he could offer a big helping hand after his 12 La Liga goals for Huesca this term.

Considering he hasn’t scored in Wolves colours it wouldn’t be the worst loss in the world if he did depart though.

One club considering a move are his former employers Valencia as they aim to tie down a deal that could include South Korean sensation Lee Kang-In.

The attacker currently has a release clause of £71m but the Spanish side clearly doesn’t rate him as high as that if they’re willing to exchange him in a deal for Mir.

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It’s hard to suggest he doesn’t have much potential. The 20-year-old, who can play through the middle or out wide, has caught the eye for Valencia this term, so much so that he was named in Goal’s top 50 Next Generation list.

It’s easy to see why too. He’s not started a great number of games this term but still has four assists in 21 outings. Possessing creativity in abundance, he houses the ability to dazzle in possession of the ball.

Kang-In has already been compared to the magical David Silva and he can certainly make things happen more regularly than Wolves’ record signing.

The South Korea international has managed 0.9 key passes per match this term, completing 1.4 dribbles in the process. He is also fouled 1.8 times an outing.

There is a significant disparity between his attributes in this regard to Silva. The Portuguese wonderkid has managed just 0.3 key passes and only 0.1 dribbles per game for Wolves.

Kang-In would not only be a hugely marketable signing but he’d bring a lot to the field of play too.

South Korea legend Yoo Sang-cheol once said: “He absorbs knowledge like a sponge. He is the ace of the team with excellent speed, shooting and defensive technique.”

Valencia academy director Luis Vicente Mateo added in 2018: “He is willing to learn every day, regardless of whether he is in first or second-team training. He is a player with outstanding talent.”

Kang-In has come on leaps and bounds this season and would be a very shrewd piece of business. He could also give Silva a run for his money.

AND in other news, Forget Jimenez: Wolves could push for Europe again by signing “phenomenal” 30-goal ace…

Kris Commons has strongly criticised wantaway Celtic duo Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer, arguing that the club ought to have sold the ‘demotivated’ pair last summer.

The Hoops’ dismal season took yet another wretched turn on Sunday as they were thumped 4-1 by arch-rivals Rangers at Ibrox. With two games to go, they trail Steven Gerrard’s side by 23 points in the Premiership.

How did Edouard and Ajer play against Rangers?

Edouard equalised for Celtic in the first half with a header from close range, before Alfredo Morelos swiftly restored Rangers’ lead. Two further goals in the second half compounded the misery for John Kennedy’s side.

Daily Record journalist Gordon Parks awarded Edouard a team-high rating of seven out of 10 for his performance, writing that his ‘appetite for the occasion wasn’t in question’ and that he ‘refused to give up the ghost despite being drip served decent service’.

It has been reported that the Frenchman, who has now scored 20 goals this season, is intent upon leaving the club regardless of whom they appoint as Neil Lennon’s successor.

Ajer is also reported to have his eyes on the exit door. The centre-half provided a knock-down assist for Edouard’s goal but Parks accused him of ‘dereliction in duty’ after he ducked out of the way of Morelos’ subsequent shot.

What did Commons have to say about Edouard and Ajer?

Former Celtic player Commons wrote that ‘an improvement in the attitude and performances’ of Edouard and Ajer was expected after Lennon’s departure, adding that Celtic’s ‘unhealthy obsession’ with winning 10 titles in a row has led to them retaining players who ‘felt like they were doing a Celtic a favour’.

“The problem lies squarely with these players who have their own agendas and prioritised them ahead of the club,” he wrote in the Daily Mail print edition, via Daily Record.

“The unhealthy obsession with 10 In A Row is at the heart of it.

“Celtic felt compelled to hold onto a select few players who were already plotting their own exit.

“They should never have entertained the idea of having to coax these players into giving the club ‘one more year’.

“As soon as a player expresses a desire to leave, as Lennon made clear after the Ferencvaros game last August, the club should be phoning them a taxi to the airport.

“These players felt like they were doing a Celtic favour by hanging around.

“They have lost all motivation and it has been the club and the supporters who have suffered for it.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

There’s an added layer here in that Celtic have also allowed both players name-checked by Commons to reach the final year of their respective contracts. That means they won’t be able to maximise the fees for £13.5m-rated Edouard and £3.6m-rated Ajer.

That could make the task of replacing them with players of similar quality all the more difficult. Commons may have a point in wondering whether their hearts are truly in it at Celtic, but the practicality of sorting their futures seems trickier than the theory.

In other news, Edouard has responded to a huge contract offer from this Premier League club.

Southampton have been linked with Santiago Moreno recently, and if he were to join Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer, it could spell bad news for Moussa Djenepo.

According to The Telegraph, the Saints, Leeds United and Rangers are all keen on signing the 21-year-old from Deportivo de Cali this summer. The report suggests that his style of play has been compared to former Saints winger Sadio Mane, whilst he is expected to be able to adapt to the demands of Premier League football.

During his time with the Liga Dimayor side, the young winger has contributed 10 goals and seven assists in just 49 appearances, which suggests that he can add a goalscoring threat in Hasenhuttl’s team next season should Martin Semmens bring him to St Mary’s this summer.

This could spell trouble for Djenepo, who has struggled to perform consistently since his move from Standard Liege in the summer of 2019, with just four goals and two assists to his name in 51 appearances for Southampton.

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This season has been particularly disappointing for the Mali international, as he has managed just one goal and no assists in 27 Premier League appearances, earning a less than impressive 6.37 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the 17th-best performer in Hasenhuttl’s side this season, which suggests that the 22-year-old could soon find himself surplus to requirements should another winger arrive at St Mary’s this summer.

Considering that Nathan Tella has perhaps already moved ahead of Djenepo in the pecking order at Southampton, whilst Theo Walcott’s loan move has been made permanent, it seems likely that the Malian will struggle for game time with the Saints next season unless his performances drastically improve.

Therefore, the addition of a young exciting winger such as Moreno, who seems to have much more of an eye for goal than Djenepo, could spell serious trouble for the latter’s future in Hasenhuttl’s side.

In other news… Semmens can end Hasenhuttl headache with Saints swoop for “explosive” beast

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to transfer comments from former midfielder Lee Hendrie, who tipped the club to move for Watford winger Ismaila Sarr this summer.

The 23-year-old has starred for the Hornets this season in the Championship, scoring 10 goals and registering 10 assists in the second-tier.

Sarr, valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, has played all across the front line this season, with his main position at Vicarage Road out on the right-hand side.

Hendrie, talking to This is Futbol, cited by Birmingham Live, staked his claim for Dean Smith and sporting director Johan Lange to look at the Senegal international over the coming months.

“I think he’s a fabulous player, I really do. He’s a young man still learning his trade, very raw. I was a bit disappointed with him this season, at the start of the season.

“I felt that maybe he had possibly sulked at the situation that he wasn’t able to go to Liverpool or actually be back playing in the Premier League and he had to stay at Watford. And it took some time for the penny to drop and he is now in great form, scoring goals, creating.

“Yes, he’s a player that certainly brings that element of attack and forward threat. He’d certainly fit the bill for Dean Smith’s side because that’s the sort of formation he plays with, a sort of three with two wide men. So, yeah, he’d be a great addition to the football club.”

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the story to Hendrie’s comments on social media on Tuesday morning, asking fans if they would like to see Sarr at Villa Park.

This is what they had to say in reply, with many for a potential summer swoop for the winger who Sadio Mane labelled ‘rapid’.

“Yes would be a great signing for us.”

Credit: @FidoeStuart

“YES! YES! YES!”

Credit: @avfcfan11

“I wanted him at the start of this season”

Credit: @Hellyer7

“Yes. Good player. Will be hard to get particularly if they come back up.”

Credit: @stevesanderstax

“Yes if he is available for a reasonable price and he wants to come to AV.”

Credit: @Toronto_Bob

“Ismaila Sarr, Michael Olise and Rico Henry are three players I would be happy with for starters. Desperately need a strong midfield enforcer too.”

Credit: @37K37

In other news: Many AVFC fans slam Smith’s transfer comments, find out more here.