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Leeds United could soon seal an upgrade at left-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Yorkshire outfit have launched a move for Torino star Ola Aina, though they aren’t the only team interested in his signature.

The former Chelsea graduate’s future in Turin is open to discussion but it remains to be seen exactly what sort of fee would seal his departure.

CIES Football Observatory currently value the 25-year-old defender at €7m (£6m), a couple of years after the Serie A outfit paid around £9m to the Blues.

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Firpo fail

A once right-sided player by trade, Aina has settled in at Torino as a left wing-back, featuring more times there across his 23 appearances in 2021/22 than any other role.

The Nigeria international enjoyed a solid campaign in Italy, where he averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per game, via WhoScored, displaying his ability to defend resolutely.

He also influenced the game further up the pitch, having registered an average of 0.9 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per game, too.

Aina’s form and impact at the Bulls once led to veteran teammate Cristian Ansaldi singing his praises. “I see him very often. He has an intelligence that allows him to play in many positions, then physically he is an animal, more or less like [Wilfried] Singo.”

Leeds have toiled in the left-back position, with summer signing Junior Firpo failing to live up to expectations following his move from Barcelona.

“If anything, he’s been more of a liability for Leeds,” claimed Mirror journalist David Anderson when speaking about the 25-year-old’s form to GIVEMESPORT.

Indeed, Firpo racked up a whopping 11 yellow cards throughout the season, proving to struggle against many Premier League opposition. His defending was even described as “schoolboy” by former Whites shot-stopper Paul Robinson.

It’s hard to argue against the ex-Barca ace being anything but a mistake from director of football Victor Orta but it’s one he can rectify as the club plot a bargain move for Aina, who is clearly a more reliable option for the position.

AND in other news, Orta dealt blow in Takumi Minamino pursuit…

Glasgow Rangers have now made an enquiry to bring Josh Tymon to Ibrox, according to Football Insider's sources within the club.

The Lowdown: Left-back wanted

With the futures of both Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey in doubt, it looks as if the Gers are targeting a new left-back this summer.

They have scoured the English Championship for top talent on the cheap quite recently, notably pinching John Lundstram after he left Sheffield United, and Tymon could be another player to add to the list.

The Latest: Tymon enquiry

As per Football Insider, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team have made an 'enquiry' over the possibility of signing Tymon, and a source from the Light Blues has revealed that they have officially registered their 'interest' in the Stoke City defender.

His current deal does not run out until 2025, but the Championship side may be forced to sell some of their top assets this summer, including Tymon.

The Verdict: Depends on Bassey and Barisic

Whether the Teddy Bears should make a move for Tymon will depend on if they keep hold of Bassey and Barisic. If one or both of them were to go, then the Englishman would be a worthy replacement.

Earning £10,000-per-week at Stoke, he would not be among their highest earners, and comes back off of a stellar season where he hardly missed a kick.

Tymon has earned plenty of plaudits, notably from his manager Michael O'Neill, who has noted how 'quick' and athletic he is.

His ability to beat players down the flank is second to none, and has even earned him the nickname of the 'Nutmeg King', after interestingly completing more nutmegs (14) than any other Championship player last term (StatsBomb).

Nonetheless, Tymon is still just 23 years of age, and so could flourish under van Bronckhorst's management for years to come.

In other news, find out who RFC have now been 'contacted' over signing here!

Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike has been told that he is allowed to leave French side Reims, reports reliable journalist Lee Ryder.

The Lowdown: Winter target

The 19-year-old was the subject of a big transfer saga involving the Magpies in January after the Premier League side lodged a huge bid for the Frenchman.

The U20 France international chose to stall on the move, leaving Eddie Howe with the arrival of Chris Wood from Burnley as the side’s main striking option.

Wood scored just twice and was immediately usurped once Callum Wilson returned from injury, so it would be no surprise to see another striker come in this summer.

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The Latest: Allowed to leave

Reliable journalist Lee Ryder took to Twitter to share the latest update on Ekitike, where he claimed: “Newcastle’s winter target told he can leave”.

In the adjoining article, Chronicle Live report that Reims club president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted defeat that the striker will leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer.

Speaking in an interview, Caillot said: “The amount should be more than €20million (£17m). Afterwards, you have to know how to be reasonable.”

According to Chronicle Live, it is presumed that ‘afterwards’ means the potential add-ons, and there is talk of a 25% sell on fee.

Discussing a potential move to Newcastle, he asserted: “It’s typically the kind of environment where he could continue to grow and move on.”

The Verdict: ‘Huge’ potential

Reims’ reserves coach Franck Chalençon told Eurosport France that Ekitike is a player with “huge potential”, as “in front of the goal, his ratio is excellent” (via Eurosport).

When compared with positional peers across Europe, the 19-year-old ranks in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals, illustrating his natural finishing ability in the final third (via FB Ref).

Therefore, if Newcastle go all in for the Frenchman again this summer, this could be a fantastic signing for Howe.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalist shares Eddie Howe’s transfer priorities

West Ham United manager David Moyes is now ‘ready’ to offload another member of his Premier League squad this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: West Ham exodus begins?

As per the Evening Standard, the 59-year-old seems to be orchestrating a significant summer overhaul as he steps up transfer talks, with the club already confirming four departures.

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Ryan Fredericks, Andriy Yarmolenko, David Martin and the retiring Mark Noble will all leave the London Stadium upon the expiry of their contracts, with speculation also continuing to surround Tomas Soucek’s future.

According to recent claims, West Ham could listen to offers for the Czech Republic midfielder, with club insider Claret & Hugh now claiming that Moyes is ‘ready’ to offload another player.

The Latest: Moyes ready to axe Vlasic…

According to their information, the Scotsman ‘appears to be ready to cut his losses’ on 2021 summer signing Nikola Vlasic and will ‘try to recover whatever he can’ from selling the Croatian.

The club, and by extension GSB, have allegedly ‘sanctioned his potential sale’ as they give the green-light for the 24-year-old to leave.

The Verdict: Right call?

Despite a phenomenal season with former club CSKA Moscow before joining the east Londoners, Vlasic’s lack of opportunities under Moyes during his debut campaign with West Ham is perhaps an indicator that he just doesn’t quite cut it at Rush Green.

Over the 2020/21 season, he averaged a brilliant rate of four shots at goal per 90 in the Russian Premier League whilst racking up 11 goals and five assists (WhoScored), standing out as a consistent threat.

However, starting just six top-flight matches for West Ham over 2021/22, he hasn’t been given much of a chance to replicate his CSKA form for the Irons, and it may be best for both player and club to agree an amicable departure.

In other news: Offer ready: West Ham leap ahead of European giants in race for £21m forward! Find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion are set for an overhaul this summer following a disappointing season that saw the side fail to secure a chance at promotion back into the Premier League, and Steve Bruce has his work cut out to improve the team.

The release and retainment list has been confirmed for next season with Romaine Sawyers, Andy Carroll and Sam Johnstone three of 12 players who will be let go by the club this summer to make way for signings.

In terms of releasing Andy Carroll, the Albion manager will need to find a replacement for the striker to ensure that they are not caught short like they were last season when Daryl Dike suffered a long-term injury after making just two appearances.

It would be advantageous to bring in a ready-made experienced striker who knows how to bag goals in the Championship and there is one player Bruce could reunite with this summer that can provide exactly what they need.

Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle has been starved of game-time at St James’ Park in the Premier League but is a proven goal-machine when it comes to the Championship and could be the key to unlocking promotion for West Brom next season.

The £37k-per-week gem who was dubbed “proven” by Kyle Bartley, is no stranger to The Hawthorns, scoring 24 goals and contributing eight assists in 41 appearances when he was on loan at the club in the 2018/19 season, and Carlton Palmer believes the player could emulate his previous spell at the club if West Brom signs him this summer.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer claimed: “He’s guaranteed you 20 goals in that league. He’s done it before.”

“So, those are the players he’d be looking to bring into the football club, and obviously, Steve works with those players and knows them well.”

With that being said, due to his lack of minutes with the Magpies, it could be an attractive move for the player to get back on the pitch and be a regular feature for the Baggies again.

Therefore, Bruce could be in a great position to get a deal over the line if he made the move, something he simply has to do if he wants to get fans on side and build a steady platform for promotion.

AND in other news: West Brom could unearth an “immense” Livermore upgrade by signing £23k-p/w gem

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr added his take to the speculation surrounding Newcastle United and the pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. 

The lowdown: Recent reports

Reliable journalist for the Manchester Evening News, Samuel Luckhurst, has this week claimed that the Magpies are ‘closing in’ on a move for Henderson.

It is believed that the 25-year-old was heading to North East this week to put the final pieces of a move together ahead of the summer transfer window, as Magpies boss Eddie Howe prepares for a busy off-season.

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However, it now appears that the switch may not be as far along as Luckhurst claims following a contradictory report…

The latest: Scurr’s update

Taking to Twitter in response to reports elsewhere, The Shields Gazette journalist Scurr was quick to state that ‘sources at Newcastle’ have denied a move is close to completion.

Citing his own story, he stated: “Reports suggesting MUFC goalkeeper Dean Henderson is on the verge of completing a move to NUFC. But sources at Newcastle have been quick to play down the story.”

Within the report, Scurr confirms Henderson is a target who has been ‘discussed’, likely for a season-long loan deal, but also reconfirms that those close to the club have ‘quickly played down’ the likelihood of it happening in the coming days.

The verdict: Make it happen

Whilst few could question the service of 33-year-old Martin Dubravka since arriving at the Toon in 2018, it’s no surprise that Howe would be on the lookout for additional goalkeeper options to challenge the Slovakian.

Capped once by England, Henderson enjoyed a stellar 2019/20 campaign whilst on loan at Sheffield United, earning a 7.00 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.7 saves on average per game and keeping 13 Premier League clean sheets.

Since returning to Old Trafford the £16.2million valued man – dubbed as possessing ‘insane’ ability in 2020 by then-teammate Sander Berge – has found opportunities hard to come by as understudy to David de Gea and a summer move could suit all parties, including Newcastle.

In other news, find out which £36m-rated star NUFC could now sign for free here!

Manchester United could target a ‘budget Declan Rice’ in the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Overhaul pending…

Incoming manager Erik ten Hag is expected to oversee wide-ranging squad changes in the summer as the Red Devils attempt to put a lacklustre 2021/22 campaign behind them.

With the likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all out of contract in the coming months and Nemanja Matic also set to leave the club, the Old Trafford ranks will take on a whole new complexion over the course of the Dutchman’s early reign.

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Having been heavily linked with a defensive midfielder as a priority, West Ham United star Rice, PSV Eindhoven sensation Ibrahim Sangare and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong – a former protégé of Ten Hag – have all been heavily linked with a move to Manchester.

The latest: Jones predicts ‘budget’ swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones explained that the United hierarchy may need to find a cheaper alternative to Rice given the Englishman’s £150m reported price tag.

The journalist explained: “If it doesn’t (work out with Declan Rice), they’re going to have to look for a budget Declan Rice.

“And ultimately, that’s when Ten Hag’s nous comes in in terms of negotiating and spotting people that can do as good a job in a short space of time.

“Maybe it’s Sangare, it looks like they’re out of the running for Tchouameni at this point. So, whatever it is, they’re going to have to move fast on that deal, I think.”

The verdict: Reinforcements needed

Ultimately, the Red Devils need to add high-quality additions to the central midfield ranks, particularly in a defensive sense given their 56 Premier League goals conceded this season, the second-highest among teams in the top half of the table.

Ironically, when using the FBRef comparison tool to seek out stylistic alternatives to Rice, Liverpool spoiler Fabinho and United’s own Scott McTominay are the closest matches to the Englishman. Further down the list are attainable such names as 21-year-old Khephren Thuram-Ulien and 28-year-old Mario Lemina, who both currently ply their trade at Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

Whilst either Sangare or Aurelien Tchouameni would represent viable options to bolster the Old Trafford ranks, Ten Hag and John Murtough may well need to get creative without the lure of Champions League football next term and could be looking beyond the traditional targets in order to bolster the squad.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘world class’ Premier League star. Read more here

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Emerson Royal.

What’s the talk?

Speaking in a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist suggested that, despite a promising performance in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday evening, the 23-year-old could still be moved on by Fabio Paratici this summer, as the Brazil international does not fit Antonio Conte’s tactical setup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Regarding the full-back’s future in north London, Gold said: “Emerson was really good [against Liverpool]. He was really good. But he’s not a natural fit as a wing-back, he’s not.

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“And I still wonder whether that may have consequences for his future at the club, especially if Conte stays and we’re going to play with wing-backs – and whether Conte feels he can turn him into a wing-back.

“But nights like this [on Saturday] show his value, they do. And, if he does move, I think he’ll have no issue finding another club. I think they’ll be queuing up, especially back in Spain, for him. I think Spurs will probably make more than they bought him for.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is true that Emerson did turn in a very respectable display against Liverpool on Saturday, it cannot be avoided that the €30m (£25.7m) 2021 signing is simply not suited to playing at right wing-back in Conte’s system.

Indeed, over his 28 Premier League appearances this season, the £26m-rated defender has been largely disappointing in a creative capacity, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of just 0.4 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.6 dribbles per game.

The £62k-per-week full-back has returned slightly better metrics in a defensive capacity, helping his side keep four clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 2.6 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the 23-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.89 – a significantly lower than that of Matt Doherty, who boasts a 7.06 match rating over his 15 league outings this term – ranking him as Conte’s 11th-worst performer in the English top-flight.

Furthermore, in a recent poll ran on Football FanCast, Spurs supporters made their feelings abundantly clear that they do not believe the Brazilian is good enough for their club.

As such, Gold’s claim that Emerson will more than likely be moved on by Tottenham this summer is sure to have left supporters buzzing, especially if Paratici can sell the defender for a profit – as the journalist suggests.

AND in other news: “Are interested…”: Romano drops £17m transfer update, he’s perfect for Conte’s Spurs

Leeds United have been handed yet another boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

What’s the latest?

According to reports from France (via the Yorkshire Evening Post), Steven Gerrard has been dealt a fresh blow ahead of the trip to Elland Road on October 2, with left-back Lucas Digne now having dropped out of the French international squad as a result of a possible stress fracture to his right ankle – something that would rule him out of next month’s fixture against the Whites.

This comes following the news that Digne’s domestic and international teammate, Boubacar Kamara, has also withdrawn from Didier Deschamps’ squad for Les Blues’ fixtures against Austria and Denmark after picking up a possible medial collateral ligament injury in the 1-0 win over Southampton last week – with the midfielder also looking likely to miss the Leeds game.

Great news for Marsch

Considering how important a part of Gerrard’s side Digne has become following his £25m move to Villa Park in January of this year, the fact that the full-back now looks set to be unavailable for the Elland Road clash in 11 days’ time, coupled with the likely absence of Kamara, is sure to come as yet more good news for Jesse Marsch and his side.

Indeed, Digne has started all seven of Villa’s Premier League fixtures so far in 2022/23 – being yet to miss a single minute of football – over which the £22.5m-rated defender has highly impressed, making an average of 2.3 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.3 clearances and winning 6.4 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per game.

As such, it is clear to see that Jack Harrison’s job on Leeds’ left flank will be made a great deal easier in the absence of the France international, something that would appear to greatly increase the Whites’ chances of taking all three points from the meeting.

And, with Marsch’s side currently on a run of three games without a win – including a 5-2 battering at Brentford last time out – the 48-year-old manager will be desperate for his team to get back to winning ways upon their return to top-flight football next month, leading us to believe that Digne’s absence, coupled with Kamara’s likely unavailability, will come as a huge boost the American.

Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has been reacting to an update regarding midfielder Douglas Luiz, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Luiz wants Arsenal move

Luiz was a late summer target for Arsenal, who reportedly made three bids for the Brazilian, but, as we know, NSWE and Villa stood firm and the defensive midfielder remained in the Midlands beyond the deadline.

However, Luiz, who is into the final 12 months of his Villa Park contract, is still keen on a move to the Emirates and has apparently even told friends he wants to sign for the Gunners.

Villa have held talks with the 24-year-old over fresh terms but are yet to reach an agreement.

The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts

Agbonlahor, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding the update on Luiz.

The former Villa man said he can’t see Luiz extending his Villa stay due to interest from Arsenal, saying he can’t be blamed for wanting to move to a side challenging in Europe.

“I don’t think he’ll sign a new contract now.

“When you know Arsenal are in for you and you know you’ve only got a year left, you’ll see that year out and go on a free transfer.

“That’s what I would do if I had my eyes on a move to a club that is fighting for the Champions League or European football.

“You can’t blame him on that, no. I just don’t see him signing a new contract, to be honest.”

The Verdict: Time to sell

Should Luiz’s situation remain the same, you’d expect that Arsenal could revisit their interest in the New Year when the player will be into the final six months of his deal.

That winter window could be the last chance Villa have to receive a fee for the midfielder, labelled as ‘important’ by Pep Guardiola, so it may make sense for the club to cash in.

Of course, a replacement will be needed if Luiz moves on, so it might be wise for Villa to look far and wide for a new holding midfielder over the coming months.