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The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa were open to selling Douglas Luiz in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer suggested that Serie A giants AS Roma were interested in signing the Brazil international, but a move failed to materialise.

Now, Evans has delivered an update on what went on behind-the-scenes at Villa Park.

He said: “They expected more interest in Douglas Luiz, too. Strong messages that Manchester City were ready to activate a buy-back clause found their way to members of the Villa hierarchy, and for some time they were preparing for such an outcome.

“Villa were also open to moving Luiz on elsewhere and at the right price, but there wasn’t enough interest. Roma continue to be linked with Luiz and if they come in strong during the January window, Villa will be in a good position to get a higher transfer fee should his form remain at this high level.”

Then, in response to a question from a fan, Evans added: “Multiple sources confirmed that Villa would have listened to offers for Luiz at the right price. They would have had to move on a midfielder if Ward-Prowse arrived.”

Villa fans will be worried

While last season was a bit of a difficult one for Luiz – as per Whoscored, his average match rating of 6.67 was only good enough to rank him 15th in the entire Villa squad – his start to the current campaign has been outstanding.

In fact, his average rating of 7.08 is the best of any Villa player, and he continues to be a cornerstone of Dean Smith’s midfield. – last year saw him play 33 out of the possible 38 Premier League games last term, as the Midlands club finished just outside the top ten.

As Evans himself suggests, given the kind of “high level” his form is at right now, it would surely be ludicrous from Villa to be selling him in the January transfer window, even if his market value would be at its highest.

In fact, in a recent poll done by FFC, 73% of Villa fans who answered said that they would not sell Luiz this summer (1180 votes to 66) – an indication of just how concerning it would be were the Brazilian to make the move to Roma or somewhere else.

Evans’ latest update is sure to have Villa fans worried about Luiz potentially making an exit in January.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered an Aston Villa update on Emi Martinez…

Lots of Everton fans have been left gushing as some news emerged on Richarlison.

Writing in his latest piece for The Times, football journalist Paul Joyce has claimed that the striker could play against Southampton at the weekend, despite his involvements in both the Copa America and the Olympics with Brazil over the summer.

He has left his holiday early to return to training, putting him in contention to feature against the Saints in their opening match of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Richarlison is no doubt still a key player for the Goodison Park faithful, scoring no fewer than 42 goals and making a further 10 assists in 119 games in total over all competitions across the last three consecutive campaigns (Transfermarkt).

Thus, it would be a welcome boost to have him available for selection, so long as he is fully fit.

Everton fans on Richarlison update

These supporters of the Merseyside club gushed as the update was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that it was ‘brilliant’:

“SOME ACTUAL GOOD NEWS”

Credit: @Vicaz22

“Love Richarlison me the fella just loves his footy”

Credit: @Harrys1878nsno

“RICHY”

Credit: @Conor_LaneSmith

“Brilliant to see him back. Will certainly be a welcome addition to the squad”

Credit: @UHTPodcast

“Can’t say I’d be doing the same after two summer tournaments and winning a gold medal, but fair play to Richarlison for picking Everton over 3 weeks on a warm beach. Very timely and much needed boost for #EFC”

Credit: @BHRiggers

“Boss if he does this imo”

Credit: @tompoole_98

In other news, find out what transfer update has been lauded by Blues here!

Taking to Twitter, journalist Ekrem Konur has now made a surprising transfer claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and in-form Premier League forward Michail Antonio.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new striker…

Since the last transfer window, Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici has been on the hunt for a new forward and alternative to star man Harry Kane.

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Indeed, a report by The Telegraph listed the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Simy on the Italian transfer chief’s radar while The Times actually revealed they had agreed a fee for Lautaro Martinez.

The latter man’s move to north London crumbled when Inter Milan pulled out of the move, mainly due to Romelu Lukaku completing his switch to Chelsea (Fabrizio Romano).

Having no luck in their search over the summer, links to Vlahovic continue to be prominent after the arrival of new manager Antonio Conte, but now a surprising claim has emerged on a new name.

The Latest: Spurs could make Antonio bid…

As per Konur, writing on social media, it is believed Tottenham ‘could make an offer’ to sign West Ham United star Antonio ‘in January’.

The Jamaica forward has been in sublime form over 2021/2022, even winning August’s Premier League Player of the Month award, and not so long ago found the net against Spurs in a London derby.

The Verdict: Pinch of salt…

Given the unlikelihood of West Ham parting ways with their striker, especially considering he is their only natural number nine, we advise to take this with a pinch of salt.

Both the Lilywhites’ and West Ham’s fierce rivalry make this a difficult deal to negotiate – not to mention the month-long January window meaning Antonio’s current club would have very little time to find a successor.

Called ‘unplayable’ by former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp (talkSPORT via Read West Ham), there is little arguing his quality and threat in the final third.

According to WhoScored, the 31-year-old has averaged a far higher amount of shots and key passes per 90 than any Tottenham player this season whilst scoring six goals and assisting three others.

He would undoubtedly add quality but the amount of variables make this move almost impossible.

In other news: Conte set for Spurs injury boost as Sky Sports reporter breaks update on Twitter, find out more here.

West Ham United could seal themselves an absolute bargain as they look to put an end to their search for a new frontman this winter…

What’s the word?

According to Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet (via Sport Witness), mooted Irons target Jonas Wind could leave Superligaen giants Copenhagen should they receive a bid in the region of £10m to £11m for him in January.

David Moyes was said to be ‘closely interested’ in a move for the 22-year-old striker only last month.

The aforementioned report suggests that only Premier League clubs would be able to afford Wind in the near future, thus opening the door for head of recruitment Rob Newman and co to strike.

Bargain swoop

For just £10m, the east Londoners could stumble across a steal in their quest to find the perfect foil to Michail Antonio in attack.

The 31-year-old cannot be relied on throughout the whole season, particularly with Europa League matches to come, and not to mention his poor injury history. He’s out of form too, having scored just once in his last eight appearances, and the lack of competition isn’t going to help matters there.

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It’s going to be hard enough to find a player willing to be a second fiddle and it would be an even bigger risk to splash the cash on such a signing, so Wind makes a ton of sense this winter.

He ended the 2020/21 season with 17 goals and eight assists as the Danish outfit finished third in the league and he has continued his form into the current campaign, with ten goals and six assists across the Superligaen and Europa Conference League – he’s on course to eclipse his impressive year.

In the past, his upward career trajectory has been backed to replicate that of Erling Haaland, who impressed at Norwegian top-flight side Molde before making his mark at Salzburg and now Borussia Dortmund, whilst also being compared to Edin Dzeko in terms of playing style, being 6 foot 3.

Wind has been dubbed the “future of Danish football” as he’s a “good and complete forward”, according to football scout Jacek Kulig.

Newman must look to seal this move when the New Year swings around. He could be a cheap and effective option alongside Antonio as the season rumbles on.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee delivers David Moyes update at West Ham…

An update has emerged on Celtic defender Leo Hjelde, regarding Leeds’ interest in the teenage prospect.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United have opened talks with Leo Hjelde over a move to Elland Road from Celtic, with his contract at the Scottish club expiring next summer.

The report does not state whether Leeds are attempting to sign him in the current window or if they are prepared to wait and land him for a compensation fee in 2022.

Fans would be fuming

Ange Postecoglou must avoid a nightmare scenario with Hjelde over the next 12 months. He cannot allow the young defender to join Leeds without, at least, putting up a fight.

The Australian boss must work hard with the club to pin the teenager down to a new contract by offering potential first-team football and higher wages to convince him to turn Leeds down and stay in Scotland.

There is no need for Hjelde to rush into a Premier League move as Celtic have proven to be a good pathway for players in recent years.

The Hoops have sold the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Kieran Tierney, Fraser Forster and Victor Wanyama to the English top-flight, with Kristoffer Ajer becoming the latest export following his transfer to Brentford earlier this month.

The young defender played 11 games on loan at Ross County in the Scottish Premiership last season, averaging a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.47. However, his performances are nothing to worry about at such a young age and it is only worth taking note of the fact he played 11 games, as it shows that his manager was willing to trust him despite his inexperience.

Earlier this year, County boss John Hughes made a bold claim that Hjelde is going to be the next Van Dijk, with the Dutchman now at Liverpool. He said:

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk – trust me on that.

“The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo.

“Before he came, Leeds United were after him. I think he had to sign an extension to his contract for the loan to go through.”

Therefore, fans would be gutted if Celtic allowed the 17-year-old powerhouse to depart easily, as he could be the next star player on the production line.

Instead of selling him or watching him run down his contract, the Hoops could offer him first-team opportunities in the hope that he grasps them and does become the next Van Dijk.

Postecoglou must do all he can to keep him, or he’ll be facing fury from the Celtic Park faithful…

AND in other news, Celtic must axe £14k-p/w beast whose career is in “freefall”, his time’s up…

According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, as also translated by Sport Witness, new Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici could help the club to sign sought-after Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

The Lowdown: Paratici and Spurs…

Widely regarded as a capable negotiator and heralded by chairman Daniel Levy as a ‘tough’ one (Tottenham Hotspur), new ‘managing director’ Paratici has been tasked with overseeing the club’s on-field sporting operations.

The 48-year-old was reportedly instrumental in orchestrating big deals at former club Juventus, including the signing of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin (The Daily Mail).

As such, amid his arrival, there have been no shortage of exciting transfer reports.

The Latest: Paratici could help Spurs to bag Locatelli

Sought after by Champions League finalists Manchester City and Chelsea, the appointment of Paratici has now catapulted Tottenham into contention for Locatelli – according to La Gazzetta.

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Indeed, the Italian newspaper claim that Paratici ‘knows the dynamics of the potential deal’ and it is believed he could ‘raise the bid’ for Spurs as he becomes ‘heavily involved’ in the chase for Locatelli.

La Gazzetta also say he is ‘ready for the big jump’ to a new club as three Premier League giants now eye a summer swoop, but the midfield dynamo is currently waiting calmly to see how his future unfolds.

The 23-year-old started Italy’s first game of Euro 2020 and impressed during their 3-0 win over Turkey – winning all of his aerial duels and completing 87.3% of his passes (Breaking the Lines).

The Verdict: Would be massive…

Sassuolo apparently won’t let him leave for a penny less than €40 million (£34.4m) amid a tough financial climate for Spurs especially.

For this reason we believe it is unlikely Locatelli’s signing can be pulled off, but if Paratici and the Lilywhites can somehow work a deal, it would be pretty massive.

Arguably ne of the most promising Italy internationals at this present moment, Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini has already claimed the player ‘has everything’ after giving him his debut last year against the Netherlands (Planet Football).

ESPN journalist Matteo Bonetti also told Sky Sports that Locatelli is an ‘elegant’ player, arguably what Tottenham need in the middle of the park to provide some cutting edge quality (Football Daily).

Of course, signing him will depend on Tottenham’s ability to shift deadwood this summer, but his acquisition would certainly turn heads.

In other news: ‘Tottenham are now planning’…Fabrizio Romano relays big transfer news coming out of N17, find out more here.

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass is stunned that Jesse Lingard was not among the big-money movers on transfer deadline day.

Manchester United creative midfielder Lingard spent the second half of last season on loan with West Ham United and rediscovered his best form, scoring nine goals and adding five assists in 16 appearances.

Lingard has returned to Old Trafford following the temporary switch and only been handed four minutes of action so far this season.

West Ham boss David Moyes confirmed that he was still keen to make a late swoop for the 28-year-old, who is thought to be on £75,000-a-week at United, less than two weeks before the transfer window slammed shut.

Although the Red Devils put a £25million valuation on Lingard and appeared willing to sell, West Ham plumped for Croatia international Nikola Vlasic on deadline day instead.

Windass believes Lingard will be starved of action with his current employers, particularly following the return of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “I’m surprised he has stayed. Clearly, he didn’t want to go back to West Ham.

“There’s always discussions on the phone behind closed doors and if he had been on the phone to Moyes and said ‘I want to come back’, that deal would have been done. 

“Those discussions never took place and I’m very surprised. I can’t see Jesse getting a game at United.”

Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming the display of Matt Targett in the first half of their home game against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

It was a slow start by Dean Smith’s team who went 1-0 down very early on to the Bees through Ivan Toney, as Targett ended up losing his man in the build-up.

His half did not improve much there, as he was guilty of losing possession of the ball on several occasions, while not offering too much of an attacking threat from left-back.

Targett, who currently earns £35,000-per-week at Villa Park, will need to improve on his performance in the second half if AVFC are going to get a positive result in the match, and may have one eye over his shoulder at the likes of Ashley Young who could well take his position if he does not step up his game.

Aston Villa fans on Targett display

These AVFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter:

“Targett has lost it.”

Credit: @des700

“Is this the same Targett we were all annoyed didn’t get in the England squad for the Euros? Just checking…”

Credit: @MillingtonVilla

“Targett loses his man to let Brentford score, he is not Premier League quality play a young left-back now”

Credit: @AJo23p

“Matt Targett have some shame”

Credit: @lochiewaller

“Targett hasn’t been at his best so far”

Credit: @LucAvfc

“Targett ain’t the same man”

Credit: @HarveyyAvfcc

In other news, find out which ‘really good’ player Villa may lose before the deadline here!

Leeds United could be set for a huge boost as some major news emerges from Thorp Arch about Marcelo Bielsa’s future at the club.

What’s the story?

The Argentine has been an inspirational figure at Elland Road, guiding the Whites out of the Championship and steering them to an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

Now, Football Insider claim that the club “will start work this week on finalising new contracts for Marcelo Bielsa and his coaching assistants”, and that “United chiefs have held preliminary talks with Bielsa’s representatives over a new one-year agreement that will see him extend his spell to a fourth season”.

The report adds that a Leeds source has revealed the club are “confident” Bielsa will put pen to paper on a new deal now that the season is over.

Fans will be buzzing

When reports emerged back in April that Bielsa was close to signing a new deal, Leeds fans took to Twitter to voice their delight at seeing the Argentine commit his future to the club.

And while it seems to have taken a while, the fresh news that Bielsa is close to finalising that new contract will undoubtedly have fans of the Yorkshire club absolutely buzzing, especially given the incredible moments that he has given them as manager.

And, speaking exclusively to FFC, Lawrie Sanchez insisted he could always see Bielsa staying, saying: “Where does he go? He isn’t going to another Premier League club. I think he’s a bit like Roy Hodgson. He wants to work, doesn’t he?  He’s working now in the biggest league in his life, and as much as he comes across as not that interested in it, when people tap you on the shoulder back home and say, ‘I saw you on the TV the other week, your team did brilliant,’ it’s a massive boost to you.

“I think he will stay. They call him a maverick; he dances to his own tune, doesn’t he?  So, if he did leave you would say ‘that’s Bielsa’. But if he were to stay involved in football and having come all the way to Leeds and having seen how well the team has done this year, and obviously they will be backed next year, so I can see him staying.”

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News of Bielsa’s impending new contract is a major boost for Leeds just after the Premier League season has finished.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa is heading for a major early window howler at Leeds…

Journalist Keith Jackson has suggested that Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst could deploy Joe Aribo as a false nine on Thursday. 

The lowdown

Rangers are due to travel to Germany for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this week, where they will take on RB Leipzig.

They already knew they would be without top scorer Alfredo Morelos, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing thigh surgery, but now second-top scorer Kemar Roofe has picked up a knee injury which will also sideline him against the Bundesliga outfit.

With those two missing, Fashion Sakala led the line for Gers on Saturday as they won 3-1 at Motherwell.

Aribo is predominantly a central midfielder who is also capable of operating on the right but, according to Transfermarkt, he has never played as a centre-forward or a second striker in his senior career.

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The latest

Jackson said in The Daily Record’s Monday Jury that Van Bronckhorst has his ‘work cut out’ to deliver a ‘tactical solution’ to Rangers’ centre-forward problem.

The journalist has pondered if Aribo could ‘operate as a false nine’ and said that, in the circumstances, it would be a ‘huge’ achievement if the Gers leave the Red Bull Arena with ‘the semifinal still alive’.

The verdict

This is certainly a bold call from Jackson, given that Aribo has no experience in the position, although you could argue that it’s exactly the kind of thing which could catch Leipzig out, as Domenico Tedesco’s side probably won’t be prepared for it.

Aribo is certainly a goalscoring midfielder, having bagged eight over the course of the season. Incidentally, that is more than Sakala (seven), although the Nigerian has played 10 more matches.

If Rangers are to take this gamble, then it’s important that Van Bronckhorst trains the revised shape all week so that his players are able to adjust as best they can ahead of Thursday night.

In other news, Ally McCoist tears into one ‘really poor’ Rangers player