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Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is still eyeing a couple of more additions before the transfer deadline on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who delivered an exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT this week, where he revealed:

“I think they’re still looking for a centre midfielder that can go into that team and start games.

“They’re still looking at a big addition in centre-midfield and they’re looking for a big addition in attack.

“It’s just about finding the right type of player.”

Not done yet

This is certainly an update that will leave many supporters around Villa Park absolutely buzzing as it shows that the Liverpool legend is wanting to add further quality to the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Villa finished in a mediocre 14th place last term though at one point they looked to be embroiled in a relegation battle before Gerrard steered the ship following Dean Smith’s sacking.

It remains to be seen what sort of target the Villans boss is after, with mooted options Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma opting for Premier League champions Manchester City and Champions League-bound Tottenham Hotspur, respectively.

One name that has cropped up is Chelsea gem Conor Gallagher, who Birmingham Mail believe is hugely admired by the former Rangers manager. However, there is no sign on whether his future lies at Stamford Bridge or not.

Tomas Soucek is another player who has been linked with a switch to the Midlands, with his contractual situation at West Ham currently up in the air.

As for further up the pitch, Gerrard already has the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings as his centre-forward options, though Jonathan David is another name that Villa have been keen on, as per The Athletic.

Either way, Villa are by no means finished in the transfer market going by this update from Jones, so with a little under two months to go until the deadline, fans should be rather excited about what lies ahead.

AND in other news, Villa can seal “amazing” signing as Lange eyes 21 y/o gem who’s the “king of assists”…

Sunderland are interested in signing Southampton’s 22-year-old midfielder, Will Smallbone.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Football League World who claim that the Black Cats are one of three teams interested in securing Smallbone’s services.

As per the report, it is said that the Ireland U21 international could be allowed to leave Southampton on loan this summer in search for more game time, after he made 12 appearances in all competitions last season, playing a combined total of just 603′ minutes of football in the first team.

Millwall and Burnley also hold interest in the midfielder and it is reiterated in the exclusive report that if the Saints are to trigger the midfielder’s exit this summer, he will not be short of suitors in the EFL.

Neil’s dream midfielder

With a total of 118 appearances thus far.

But this season has seen his game time drop pretty significantly, and as a result, a move to pastures new is exactly what he needs to rejuvenate a career that is in danger of stalling before it fully gets going.

Smallbone’s versatility throughout the central areas of the pitch make him an Alex Neil dream and he has shown that in the words of Dylan O’Connell, he can be “the difference” on the pitch.

Over the course of his career thus far, the 22-year-old has occupied seven different positions, making over 40 appearances as a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder.

He’s also played over five times as a right midfielder and defensive midfielder, with two or more appearances coming as a right-winger, left midfielder and at centre-forward.

Coming through the ranks of the prestigious Saints academy system, Southampton is all that Smallbone has known, so a move to an ambitious yet vulnerable Championship side like Sunderland could well give him an experience that will mould him as a first-team regular.

AND in other news: Kristjaan Speakman now plotting behind-the-scenes SAFC deal, Alex Neil will be buzzing 

An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of Pervis Estupinan in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet El Periodico Mediterraneo, Villarreal are aware of interest from Spurs in the Ecuador international.

The report claims that the Premier League team are yet to open official talks with the La Liga outfit over a deal for the defender, but have made it clear to his agent that they are keen on him.

Villarreal signed the full-back from Championship side Watford for a fee of £15m in the summer of 2020 and it remains to be seen how much they will demand for him this summer.

Antonio Conte’s own Marc Cucurella

It has been reported, earlier this month, that Spurs are one of the clubs interested in a swoop for Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

Fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City are also said to be in the race to land his signature and this could make a deal difficult for Paratici to complete.

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In Estupinan, the Italian chief can find Conte his own version of the Spanish wing-back. As per FBref, Cucurella is the second-most similar player to the Villarreal gem based on their respective statistics over the last 365 days in domestic and European action.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously dubbed him “one of the best” left-backs in La Liga and his stats suggest that he is, in fact, one of the best in Europe at reading the game. Per FBref, he is in the 97th percentile in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions made per 90, making 3.12 for Villarreal.

He is a strong defender as he can read when and where opponents want to pass the ball. This can be vital for Spurs next season as he can use that ability to win the ball back and spring counter-attacks, which are a key element of the 3-4-3 set-up.

Estupinan has also shown that he has the quality to make things happen in attack. In the 2021/22 campaign, he created four ‘big chances’ in just 17 starts from left-back – managing five ‘big chances’ created and five assists in the 2019/20 season in La Liga.

Meanwhile, Cucurella created three ‘big chances’ and made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League last term. Both players can create from left-back whilst not shying away from their defensive duties and both have the potential to improve as they are under the age of 25.

Therefore, Spurs can evade a battle with Manchester City and Chelsea and find an alternative to the Seagulls gem by snapping up Estupinan from Villarreal.

AND in other news: Paratici can land big Davies upgrade in Spurs deal to sign “immense” £30m “revelation”

Nottingham Forest have agreed personal terms with Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson over a summer loan move, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: New goalkeeper needed?

Steve Cooper and his players may still be flying after securing promotion to the Premier League, but there are possible issues arising in the transfer market.

Goalkeeping hero Brice Samba could leave the City Ground after failing to agree a new contract, which could be a huge loss given his influence between the sticks last season. The 25-year-old conceded just 38 goals in 43 league games, racking up 15 clean sheets along the way (Transfermarkt).

Henderson is someone who has been earmarked as a potential replacement, and a crucial update has emerged regarding the situation.

The Latest: Romano drops Henderson claim

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that a move to Forest for the United goalkeeper was edging closer to being completed, with a loan move in the offing.

The journalist revealed:

“Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, confident to get Dean Henderson loan deal done this week. Talks in progress, personal terms agreed.”

The Verdict: Ideal Samba replacement

Should Samba move on, Henderson would be a superb option to come in as his replacement, considering that he has already impressed for United and won one cap for England. He was even described as ‘insane’ by Sander Berge during a loan spell with Sheffield United in 2019/20.

The 25-year-old hasn’t been earning regular football at Old Trafford because of David De Gea’s form and isn’t likely to displace the Spaniard any time soon, so it would suit all parties for him to move to the City Ground on a temporary basis.

Henderson is young, confident and hungry to prove himself, especially with the World Cup looming this November, so his prospective capture would be exciting for Forest.

In other news, an exciting attacker has been linked with a move to Forest. Find out who it is here

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has now shared the latest news on Christian Eriksen amid talks of a potential return to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s return to England

The Denmark international made his return to England with Brentford at the beginning of the year, signing a short-term contract until the end of the 2021/22 season.

After making ten starts and playing the full 90 minutes in each of those (via Transfermarkt), the 30-year-old established himself as Brentford’s best player, topping the squad’s overall match average with a stunning 7.54 rating (via SofaScore).

With his contract soon coming to an end, Eriksen can now weigh up a multitude of offers ahead of next season, one of which has reportedly come from Spurs.

The Latest: Gold’s news on Eriksen

During a football.london Q&A, Gold has now shared what he’s hearing on the Eriksen front, revealing he’s been ‘told’ of the player’s preference to stay in London.

The journalist claimed: “The decision is now down to the Dane. He’s got multiple offers to mull over and he’s already said that he’s not going to rush his decision as it has to be the right one for him and his family. I was told towards the end of the season that he was keen to remain in London and that would certainly appear to favour Spurs and perhaps Brentford. He still has a big affection for Tottenham even if I understand he didn’t leave the club on the best of terms with the hierarchy two and a half years ago.

“Then there’s the Conte factor with the Italian knowing him well and starting him on a regular basis in the second half of Inter’s title-winning season. If Eriksen trusts that he can handle Conte’s physical demands then it’s a move – and a free one – that makes sense for Spurs as it allows the head coach to switch to a 3-5-2 whenever he wants. This is not the Eriksen that left the club either. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

“There is also the Manchester United interest of course and it will be interesting to see whether the chance to play back on the biggest stage with Spurs in the Champions League lures him back or whether he wants another new challenge.”

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The Verdict: Next up after Bissouma?

With Tottenham having qualified for the Champions League, Antonio Conte will be looking to bolster his squad’s depth as they prepare for four competitions next season. To that effect, Yves Bissouma looks set to join, having completed his medical over the past 36 hours ahead of a reported £30m move.

While the combative Bissouma will buff up the ranks in front of defence, Eriksen could provide the Italian with a more creative high-quality midfield option, with plenty of experience in the Premier League and in Europe.

In 304 previous appearances for Spurs alone, the Dane made a staggering 159 goal contributions, a sure sign of his ability to make an impact in the final third. With those statistics in mind, it’s certainly no surprise journalists like Graeme Bailey have labelled him a ‘superstar’.

Also, having formed a relationship whilst the pair were both at Inter Milan, Conte will likely know how to utilise Eriksen to the best of his ability.

After the 30-year-old demonstrated last season that he still has the quality to perform in the English top flight, this would be an excellent piece of business for the Lilywhites if they can pull off a sensation return to N17 for the playmaker.

In other news: Alasdair Gold says that one man’s exit from Spurs is ‘a matter of when’

Newcastle United are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to a late-night report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: In demand

The 23-year-old is under contract until 2026 in Portugal (Transfermarkt), but that hasn’t put off the suitors as numerous Premier League clubs attempt to lure the star to England.

Already heavily linked with a move to Wolves, Manchester United and Manchester City in recent weeks, Nunes looks certain to be hot property during this summer transfer window.

Now it appears as though Newcastle could be about to join the race to land the sought-after flourishing Portugal international…

The latest: Magpies interested

As per Foot Mercato (22:12, 14/06), translated by SW, both Newcastle and Everton have made ‘approaches’ to sign Nunes recently.

It’s claimed that Sporting have rejected an offer of €45million (£38.8million) for the eight-cap ace, although it isn’t specified which club made the bid.

The report also states that the Primeira Liga club will hold out for the €60million (£51.8million) release clause for the man described as being ‘too fast’ to defend against by former teammate Goncalo Santos.

The verdict: Statement signing

As all eyes turn to St James’ Park in expectation of lavish spending under new ownership group PIF, signing a player of Nunes’ ilk would be a superb piece of initial business as the club go through the gears in terms of their development.

Predominantly operating as a box-to-box midfielder, the industrious star scored four times and provided five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions, earning a 6.95 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.5 duels and making 36.5 accurate passes on average per game – proof of a well-oiled all-round game.

Albeit a hefty asking price, spending big on Nunes to lineup alongside January signing Bruno Guimaraes would be a significant statement of intent from the Magpies as Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth attempt to spearhead the evolution of Newcastle to the next level.

In other news: Newcastle still in the hunt to sign ‘superstar in the making’…read more here

Jurgen Klopp faces an interesting summer transfer window ahead as Liverpool aims to build on last season’s success and go even further by winning either the Premier League or the Champions League.

This summer will mainly be about re-energising the squad as opposed to a full-scale rebuild, with Klopp’s alluring ability in the transfer window recently, he will probably avoid having to do this anytime soon. Signings such as Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota will eventually lead to them becoming the focal points of the front three when Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah leave.

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With a clear focus in sight, Klopp should also be looking at key upgrades, and a move for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni would allow him to finally axe Naby Keita.

The Frenchman has been linked with Liverpool and Real Madrid recently and Klopp will be hoping he can persuade the player to move to England in what could be a potential £60m move.

Keita, who earns £130k-per-week only made 23 appearances in the Premier League last season due to a few niggling injuries and a call up to the Africa Cup of Nations and with his contract expiring in June 2023, this might be the perfect time to sell him on in order to broker a deal for Tchouameni.

The Monaco player has played in all but three of his side’s Ligue 1 fixtures this season whilst contributing three goals and two assists.

The 22-year-old generates 2.15 shot-creating actions per match, whilst also displaying his defensive capabilities by ranking first in Ligue 1 for interceptions (114) and in the top ten for pressures (656).

Liverpool could have a special talent on their hands if they land the Frenchman, with Paul Pogba describing him as “extraordinary” in the past.

His versatility in the midfield area, being able to contribute both going forward and defensively, will be music to Klopp’s ears and he should be doing everything he can to land the player before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Forget Tchouameni: LFC eye a move for “outstanding” £60m ace, he’s “one of the best”

Joe Donnohue has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist revealed that the centre-back is set for talks with both Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta in the coming weeks, with the intention of deciding whether or not the 19-year-old will be a regular part of the 48-year-old’s starting XI next season.

Donnohue goes on to state that a loan move away from Elland Road appears the most likely outcome of these discussions, before claiming that the England U21 international needs to kick on with his development in first-team football if he is to eventually stake a claim as one of the Whites’ first-choice centre-backs.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Charlie Cresswell planning talks with Marsch & Orta in the coming weeks over his future. Six senior apps last season but needs to kick on. Loan likely. Whoever lands him for 2022/23 gets themselves a vocal, leads-by-example, rough-and-tumble centre-half.”

Marsch must act

Considering the sheer amount of potential Cresswell possesses, it would indeed appear an extremely wise move for Marsch to make a call as to whether the 19-year-old will be better off securing a temporary move away from the club this summer, in order for the defender to further his progression at senior level.

Indeed, up and coming right-back Cody Drameh is the perfect example of how much a loan spell can benefit a talented youngster, with the 20-year-old highly impressing during his temporary move to Cardiff City back in January, picking up both the Bluebirds’ Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards – despite only spending four months with the Championship side.

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And, with Cresswell arguably being one of Leeds’ brightest academy prospects, a similar move away from Elland Road could see the centre-back return to Leeds as a serious contender for a starting spot in Marsch’s side come the 2023/24 campaign.

Indeed, the teenager’s talent is not in doubt, with Joe Wainman even suggesting earlier this season that Cresswell should already be in Marsch’s thoughts when selecting his starting XI, stating of the centre-back after his performance in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United last September:

“We had a debutant in the Premier League, Charlie Cresswell at centre-back, and he didn’t look out of place. These centre-backs who are not fit or are looking to come back into the side, they need to be worried, because that boy was unbelievable and I don’t think he should come out of the side. He’s a mainstay now, for me. I thought Cresswell was class, genuinely class.”

As such, it would indeed appear as if Marsch simply must make a decision on whether Cresswell will be a regular for Leeds next season, as, if the youngster is to go on to fulfil his undoubted potential, he must be playing football week in week out – be that at Elland Road or elsewhere.

AND in other news: Sky Sports reporter drops huge Leeds United transfer update that supporters will love

Manchester City could sign AS Monaco sensation Aurélien Tchouaméni this summer as manager Pep Guardiola sets his sights on an heir to Fernandinho, according to reports out of Spain.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues set for summer charge…

The Premier League champions, having retained their top flight crown in the most dramatic way possible, have now set their sights on the summer transfer window.

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Three goals in an incredible five minutes on the final day of 2021/2022 gifted City a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa and their fourth title in five seasons under Guardiola, an afternoon which will live long in the memory of all supporters.

However, despite the emotion and joyous title celebrations which have followed since, the club must bid goodbye to faithful servant and legend Fernandinho after his near-decade long stay at Eastlands.

The Brazilian will leave Manchester upon the expiry of his contract in June as sporting director Txiki Begiristain is tasked with finding a suitable replacement.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong are among the names to have been linked as Guardiola sets his sights on a rotational partner for Rodri in front of City’s back four.

The Latest: City could join Tchouaméni race…

According to reports out of Spain, City could now join the race to sign Monaco starlet Tchouaméni alongside the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The Blues, alongside Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain, ‘closely follow’ the 22-year-old and their ‘appearance’ in the ‘long-distance race’ to sign him ‘is not ruled out’.

However. it is believed Tchouameni won’t leave for less than €80 million (£68m).

The Verdict: Make a move…

We believe Guardiola and Begiristain should certainly make a move for the exciting midfielder who already has eight international caps in a competitive France side.

France Under-21 boss Sylvain Ripoll has labelled Tchouaméni a ‘monster’ with the player’s statistics certainly going some way to explain why.

He finished last season as Monaco’s best-performing player by average match rating (7.32/10) whilst making more interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates and winning the most Man of the Match awards (WhoScored).

Another reason to move is the distinct possibility Tchouameni leaves this summer with his manager Philippe Clement admitting just last Monday that there is a ‘chance’ he leaves Monaco (L’Equipe via GFFN).

Clement went on to suggest that they are already preparing for his departure amid plenty of interest from the continent.

City would be remiss if they didn’t try and take full advantage to back Guardiola with his signing.

In other news: The Times: Man City weighing bid for ‘special’ star called ‘one of the best’ in world football…find out more here.

Nottingham Forest are expected to move for Blackburn Rovers’ out of contract midfielder Joe Rothwell at the end of the season.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Lancashire Telegraph, who claim that Steve Cooper’s side are in the race to sign Rothwell and face competition from Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

As per the report, Rothwell is “expected to receive offers” from all three aforementioned sides, with the 27-year-old available on a free this summer after running his contract down with Rovers.

Garner replacement

The latest news around Rothwell’s availability this summer will be music to the ears of Forest boss Cooper, who faces uncertainty over Manchester United loanee James Garner’s future.

With Erik ten Hag’s arrival at the club and understanding of youth integration having been at Ajax, he may opt to give Garner a chance to shine in the United first-team.

It will come as good news for a player who has had to prove himself across a two year period at the City Ground, but will spell bad news for Forest and will consequently leave a gaping hole in the Tricky Trees’ engine room.

As such, Rothwell can be the man to fill that void and will make for an astute signing, bearing in mind the numbers he has produced over the last few seasons and ability to sign him on a free.

Since his arrival at Blackburn Rovers in 2018, Rothwell has proven his solidity in the centre of the pitch and has been a key man, making 33 appearances or more in the Championship in each of his four seasons at the club.

This season has seen the 27-year-old, who has scored 13 attacking returns in 41 appearances – his best ever return in a season that has seen him bag three and assist ten.

Like Garner, Rothwell, who has been dubbed an “engine” by journalist Jaquob Crooke, is comfortable playing anywhere in the spine of the team and has had a similar impact to what the 21-year-old has at the City Ground, with the United loanee scoring four and assisting eight.

Positionally they are the same, they share similar offensive participations and are key men in their respective teams, featuring over 40 times in the Championship this season.

Cooper may have an easy fit in United youth graduate Rothwell, who can replace another United youth graduate in Garner at Forest.

In other news: Forest must sign “unbelievable” 19y/o who’s “like Messi”, imagine him and Garner