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Aston Villa could be set to secure a new acquisition for Unai Emery, as they seek to bolster a squad reeling from their recent demolition…

Is Nicolo Zaniolo joining Aston Villa?

Hopes were high for the Midlands club as they travelled to St James' Park, as their Premier League curtain-raiser drew plenty of viewers. However, few could have predicted one side would be so dominant.

Newcastle United ran riot, with the scoreline finishing at a crushing 5-1.

This has clearly spurred the Spaniard and president of football operations Monchi into further action, with fresh reports having since emerged.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

The latest comes courtesy of Sport Mediaset, who suggest that the Villans' hierarchy have now officially submitted a new bid of around €30m (£26m) to sign Galatasaray maestro Nicolo Zaniolo.

What makes this potential move even more enticing is the fact that the 24-year-old dynamo reportedly said yes with immediacy to the move, suggesting he is desperate to star in England and at Villa Park.

How good is Nicolo Zaniolo?

Having only moved to Turkey in January, the Italy international will remain relatively attuned to the demands that a top league can bring.

After all, he had spent his whole career in his homeland, starring for AS Roma and featuring 128 times before his recent departure.

Such was his quality he even drew praise from both his former boss Jose Mourinho and journalist Zach Lowy, with the latter branding him a key creator, writing:

"Nicolò Zaniolo (19). Fast, diligent & physically imposing, Zaniolo is superb in all defensive assets, from pressing to tracking back. With a deadly left foot & top vision, he’s a lethal playmaker."

This was then supplemented by the claims of the legendary Portuguese manager:

"His attitude, his desire to help the team, his sense of being a team player. I’m never angry because Nico doesn’t score one or two goals or doesn’t score a lot. He’s a guy who gives everything he’s got, who forces his opponents to make a lot of fouls, sometimes beyond the right aggressiveness. I am always happy with him."

Such a tireless work rate, paired with his superb ability to forge chances for himself and others, gives credence to the suggestion that he would take to the Premier League with ease.

After all, he would be joining off the back of scoring seven and assisting four across all competitions in two different countries.

His final year in Italy saw him raise those levels too, posting 17 goal contributions across all competitions during the 2021/22 season.

Given Zaniolo's acquisition would likely bring to an end much of the speculation regarding Villa's transfer plans, it would therefore finally see the Brennan Johnson rumours die down, especially with Forest asking for a whopping £40m.

This could be a good thing, given the experience at the top level that his Italian alternative boasts on top of his stellar figures.

The Wales international enjoyed a fine first campaign in the English top flight, but it was just that. His first at such a level.

Scoring eight in the league marked an impressive return, but even that would likely easily be matched should Zaniolo reach the levels that his recent form suggests he could.

Not only is there a gulf in class concerning just their goalscoring figures, but also their all-around creativity and the danger their presence creates.

Johnson offers much more dynamism and a threat in behind, as journalist Ethan Lamb outlined:

"Brennan Johnson has clocked the fast speed in the Premier League this season with 36.7km/h. Speed demon".

And yet, the former Roma star's silkiness and ability to cut through a steadfast defence would likely be not only better for Emery, but mark a better replacement for the now-injured Emi Buendia.

When compared against other attacking midfielders across Europe, he sits in the top 3% for total shots per 90 and the top 14% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, via FBref.

Both would offer a fine option to bolster Villa's squad, but Zaniolo does stand out as the ideal player for Emery and Monchi to secure this summer given he is far more experienced and produces much more often on that bigger stage.

Leeds United have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer, with Burnley recently dropping out of the race for his signature, according to a report from LeedsLive.

Is Gustavo Hamer staying at Coventry?

Coventry have a real fight on their hands as they try to keep hold of Hamer this summer, with a number of clubs already making bids for the midfielder, who is set to be out of contract next summer.

When asked whether any offers have been made for the 26-year-old, Sky Blues boss Mark Robins admitted he has fielded some proposals, saying:

“The honest answer is yes, we have had offers but they haven’t been acceptable. That could change, who knows. He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about it, and other clubs covet them and put things in his head and that’s something that you can’t remove from his head.

I think really what I would like to see is us finish our recruitment and then see what’s what, but ultimately it’s his decision."

It is unclear which teams have come forward for the Dutchman, but Fulham previously been named as potential suitors, while Football Insider report that Premier League side Burnley have already had a player-plus-cash bid rejected this summer.

The same report claims that Coventry are set to demand at least £12m for the Brazil-born midfielder, as they are desperate to keep hold of him.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE

While Burnley were interested earlier in the transfer window, Leeds Live report the Clarets have now dropped out of the race for the Coventry star, as they are closing in on two other signings which would rule them out of contention.

As such, Leeds have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the former Feyenoord man, who they are understood to be admirers of, however they are yet to test the waters with an official offer.

How good is Gustavo Hamer?

With the Whites aiming to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, they need to strengthen their squad with some top players at Championship level, which could make the £6.5k-per-week maestro a perfect addition to the squad.

Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has recently lauded the defensive midfielder as "one of the best in the Championship", while former teammate Marko Marosi has described him as "unbelievable."

It is clear to see why the Championship star has received such rave reviews, as he ranks in the 99th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and in the 95th percentile for non-penalty goals.

Not only is the playmaker a real threat on the front foot, but he is also very much capable defensively, averaging a total of 2.6 tackles per game in the Championship last season, which could make him a solid replacement for Tyler Adams, who registered 89 tackles in the top flight last term.

It is exciting news that Leeds are still in the race for Hamer, and they should look to launch a move once Adams is sold, with Chelsea now closing in on the American's signature.

Liverpool's interest in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure this summer is "genuine", according to a fresh update journalist Ben Jacobs.

How old is Cheick Doucoure?

The Malian, who is still only 23 years of age, moved to Selhurst Park last summer, joining from Lens after an impressive spell in France. He enjoyed a strong first season in a Palace shirt, starting 34 out of 38 Premier League matches and providing both technical quality and athleticism.

It seems abundantly clear that the Eagles consider him a vital player moving forward, so they will be doing their utmost to retain his services for as long as possible.

Liverpool appear to be the club pushing the hardest for Doucoure's signature this summer, as they continue to eye up much-needed midfield reinforcements. Both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are set to leave in the very near future, leaving a big void, even though the pair are arguably past their best.

It doesn't look as though the Reds' interest in the Palace ace is going away, with a new update further suggesting that he could be off to Merseyside before the 2023/24 season gets started.

Are Liverpool still interested in signing Cheick Doucoure?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Doucoure is still very much seen as a primary transfer target for Liverpool this summer, backing the move to happen:

"The Liverpool interest is genuine, but I think that Crystal Palace will only entertain offers for a significant sum because they signed the player from Lens last summer.

"Given that he is still relatively new at the club, any sale will be at a reasonably large fee because Crystal Palace still see Doucoure as being important."

This is a largely encouraging update for Liverpool supporters, even though it seems clear that will be no chance of signing Doucoure for a cut-price amount. At 23, he is at a brilliant age to come in and grow as a footballer, providing the legs and influence that Fabinho once did in the No.6 role, prior to age seemingly catching up with him last season.

An average of 2.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game in the league in 2022/23 outline what a strong defensive player the Mali international is, but he also registered three assists, showing that he can also contribute in an attacking sense when required.

If Liverpool could bring in both Doucoure and Romeo Lavia, it could end an ideal summer of incomings, providing the natural defensive nous that Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai arguably don't have, given their more attack-minded nature as players.

That would then allow Doucoure to be the regular starter in the No.6 role, with 19-year-old Southampton man Lavia arriving as a squad option who can grow over time without the burden of being expected to perform week in, week out.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson has hailed his player's "positional sense, his ability to read the game, his technical ability, and the fact that he gets around the field so well" as reasons for his influence, suggesting Liverpool could have a gem on their hands if they get a deal over the line.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will seal his move to Saudi Arabia at some point "this week", according to a new update on the saga from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Jordan Henderson leaving Liverpool?

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a legendary Anfield career, arriving from Sunderland way back in the summer of 2011 and maturing into arguably one of the best skippers in the club's history.

Henderson's Reds story has been such a heartwarming one, having recovered from a really tough early spell at the club to eventually became a leader who has lifted endless trophies along the way, including the Premier League and Champions League.

From nowhere, however, the midfielder looks set to bring an end to his time at Anfield, with endless recent reports claiming he will join up with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard at Saudi side Al Ettifaq. While his best days look to be behind him, given his age and form last season, it is a move that very few saw coming, with the general consensus being that he would remain on Merseyside as a squad player.

Henderson's decision appears to be made up, however, and a new update has now emerged that outlines exactly when his Reds departure will likely be announced.

What's the latest transfer news?

Taking to Twitter, Romano dropped a short but significant update regarding the England international's future, saying he expects his exit to be completed in the coming days:

"Jordan Henderson deal to be signed this new week."

It almost still feels quite bizarre that Henderson is leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia, with his Anfield career coming to a surreal and underwhelming end. Given what he has achieved at the club, he deserved a memorable send-off, with images of him being serenaded by the Kop, but instead, he is slinking out of the exit door in unsatisfactory fashion.

It is certainly disappointing to see the veteran choosing to move to Saudi Arabia for what is seemingly a financial decision, especially when he has stood up so valiantly for the LGBT community down the years, and it is hard not to see his Liverpool legacy being tarnished a little.

Of course, Henderson will always be appreciated for being a great captain, not to mention making 492 appearances and providing so much underrated quality along the way, but things could have ended up so much better, in terms of his departure.

In hindsight, offering him a new long-term deal in 2021 was a poor decision by the club, tying him down until 2025, when it would have made far more sense for him to just see out of old contract until 2023, leaving on a free transfer at this point and receiving the kind of goodbye that Roberto Firmino did at the end of last season.

The key now is for Liverpool to make sure they bring in outstanding replacements for both Henderson and Fabinho this summer – younger midfield options such as Romeo Lavia and Cheick Doucoure who are capable of covering ground, bringing intensity and generally enjoying the influence the Reds pair once had.

Aston Villa are one of a number of Premier League clubs believed to be interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer.

Who is Moussa Diaby?

The 24-year-old stood out as a key figure for the Bundesliga side in 2022/23, providing a reliable stream of end product throughout the campaign. He scored nine goals and registered eight assists in 33 league appearances, meaning he was averaging a goal contribution more than every other game.

Diaby's performances may well have alerted a number of teams ahead of a potential summer exit from Leverkusen, and although his current deal doesn't expire until 2025, they may feel that now is the best possible time to receive as much money for his services as possible, rather than lose him for a cut-price fee nearer to the expiry of his deal.

Villa enjoyed a tremendous 2022/23 season, sealing qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League and looking reborn under Unai Emery, and it looks as though they could look to snap up the Leverkusen ace before the new Premier League campaign gets underway.

Will Moussa Diaby sign for Aston Villa?

According to The Daily Mail, Villa are in the race to sign Diaby during the current transfer window, as the battle hots up for his signature:

"Aston Villa have become the latest club to express interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby. Villa are understood to have made a check on the situation of the Frenchman who is expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer. Manager Unai Emery is keen to add a wide player to his squad this summer.

"Leverkusen would want a fee in excess of £50m for Diaby which would represent a club record for Villa were they to firm up their interest. Their highest ever buy is currently £38m Emi Buendia. France international Diaby has scored 49 goals and set up 48 in 172 games for Leverkusen since joining them from Paris Saint Germain in 2019. He has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United."

Diaby could be precisely what Villa are after this summer, in terms of bolstering Emery's squad and bringing fresh legs to it, given his age. Former Germany international Kerem Demirbay has hailed him for being both "very quick" and "very clever" in the past, and his tally of 49 goals and 48 assists in 172 appearances for Leverkusen says a lot about how productive he is in the final third.

That explosiveness in attack could help take Villa up another gear next season, giving them a different dimension up front and bringing more pace than the likes of Emiliano Buendia and Philippe Coutinho. He is a nine-cap France international, which is no mean feat considering the amount of world-class quality in their squad, and he could be a statement signing who sums up the giant steps they are making under Emery.

Happiest on the right-hand side, Diaby can also thrive on the opposite flank and down the middle, with such versatility a great weapon to have in the modern game, only making him a better option for Villa.

Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series in India due to a stress fracture in his right foot

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Mar-2017Australia’s hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been dealt a major blow, with fast bowler Mitchell Starc flying home due to a stress fracture in his right foot.Starc suffered the problem during Australia’s loss in the second Test in Bengaluru and after the pain failed to disappear in the days following the match, he was sent for scans on Friday, which revealed the fracture.”Mitchell experienced some pain in his right foot during the second Test in Bangalore which unfortunately had not subsided a few days after the Test as we had hoped,” team physiotherapist David Beakley said.”We made the decision to scan his foot in Bangalore this morning and unfortunately it has revealed a stress fracture. Subsequently, this means Mitchell will be unavailable for the remainder of the tour of India and will return home to Australia to start his rehabilitation.”Australia’s selectors are yet to name a replacement player for Starc, but as the backup fast bowler in the squad, Jackson Bird looms as the most likely inclusion for the third Test, which begins in Ranchi next Thursday.Starc will be the second player to fly home in the wake of the Bengaluru Test, after allrounder Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a shoulder injury. Seam-bowling allrounder Marcus Stoinis will join the squad as a replacement for Marsh.Although spinners have been more successful than fast men so far in this series, Starc picked up important wickets in both Pune and Bengaluru. He also showed his value in Asian conditions on last year’s tour of Sri Lanka, when he claimed a remarkable tally of 24 wickets at 15.16 from three Tests.Australia’s selectors have plenty of options to replace Starc, including the leading Sheffield Shield wicket-taker of the summer, Chadd Sayers, the in-form Western Australia left-armer Jason Behrendorff, and Pat Cummins, who this week took eight wickets in his first Shield match for nearly six years.It is expected that Starc will be available for the Champions Trophy later this year.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their options in the middle of the park in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Dominik Szoboszlai to Newcastle?

According to journalist Jordan Cronin, the Magpies are continuing to pursue a deal to sign Dominik Szoboszlai from German side RB Leipzig.

The reporter tweeted: "NUFC have held further talks with RB Leipzig this week regarding Dominik Szoboszlai. Eddie Howe wants to sign another 'elite' midfielder alongside Sandro Tonali."

There is a £61m release clause in the Hungary international's contract, which expires on 30th June. The accompanying report claims that the club may look to negotiate below that in order to secure his signature.

This comes as Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe close in on a £60m deal to sign AC Milan star Sandro Tonali, who has already agreed a six-year contract with the Premier League side ahead of his potential switch to St James' Park.

How would Dominik Szoboszlai fit in at Newcastle?

The 22-year-old can be deployed as a central or attacking midfielder, although he can also play out wide, and could form a dream partnership with Tonali, 23, in the middle of the park for the Magpies.

Both players are young stars who have already proven themselves in major European leagues and could be terrific additions to Howe's current midfield options.

Szoboszlai, who was once dubbed a "generational" talent by journalist Marcel Moeller, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.42 across 31 Bundesliga outings for Leipzig and contributed with six goals and eight assists, as well as 2.3 key passes per game.

Meanwhile, the Italy international averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.21 across 34 Serie A matches for Milan and showcased his creativity with 12 'big chances' created and seven assists to his name.

Kieran Trippier (7.61) was the only outfield player for Newcastle to average a higher Sofascore rating than the prospective Toon signings, which suggests that they could both be superb additions to the team based on their performance levels week-in-week-out.

Tonali, who also made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, ranks in the top 6% of players in his position in the men's top five leagues over the last 365 days for xAG (expected Assisted Goals) per 90 (0.21).

Szoboszlai ranks in the top 16% for xAG, but his eye-catching 5.51 shot-creating actions per 90 over the last 365 days leaves the magician in the top 9% amongst his positional peers.

These statistics suggest that both players are among the most impressive creative midfield players in the top leagues, whilst they both have plenty of time to develop further under Howe's coaching, and could provide the likes of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak with excellent service in the final third.

Therefore, they could form an exciting midfield link-up in the immediate term as well as the future for Newcastle, which is why Szoboszlai could be a terrific addition to the team alongside Tonali.

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is keen on signing Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer and has video called the youngster to detail his plans for his prospective arrival, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Rasmus Hojlund?

As per GOAL, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Hojlund this summer and it is believed that Atalanta are seeking to recoup £40 million for the teenage sensation.

Speaking to Tipsbladet with quotes transcribed via the outlet, Hojlund commented on recent developments, including his choice to sign up to a new agency and he also addressed rumours surrounding his future, stating: “It’s a trial period and that’s all I can say [agency]." He then added: “It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it’s rumoured they want me. We have to see what happens. As you see and hear, I imagine a lot could happen to quite a few strikers this summer, as many clubs are looking for a No.9. Something will definitely happen there, and then we’ll have to wait and see if I am included in it. I am very happy to be with Atalanta and we have qualified for Europe. I have found myself in a really good place here, so now we have to wait and see.”

talkSPORT understand that Hojlund is subject to serious interest from the Red Devils, which is set to be taken up a notch in the off-season, with boss Ten Hag targeting two forwards to strengthen his forward line.

Sky Sports report that Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is also a target for Manchester United; however, it is said that the England international may be unattainable, making Hojlund a more likely target at Old Trafford.

Interestingly, it has been reported that Ten Hag has already had a video call with the striker.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has shared his thoughts on the rumours that Ten Hag has made contact via a video call to try and sell Hojlund a vision of what life could be like at Manchester United.

Jones told FFC: "That personal touch can be so key in landing targets, we've seen Arteta use it to his benefit at Arsenal and I think it's a road that Ten Hag should be going down too. Making video calls is probably a good way of being able to get an early message across to a player, to show them your passion and show them the sincerity to which there is a pursuit of a player."

Does Rasmus Hojlund have the potential to succeed at Manchester United?

Hojlund absolutely has the potential to succeed at Manchester United and it is no surprise that the Premier League giants are trying to land the 20-year-old in an early stage of his career development.

In 2022/23, combined between his stint at Sturm Graz and factoring in his exploits at Atalanta, the Denmark international was in fine form, registering 16 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also note that Hojlund has a keen eye for goal and took on an average of 1.7 shots per match in Serie A during the campaign.

As per FBRef, Hojlund has also demonstrated excellent positional awareness and has soared in comparison to his positional peers in Europe's top five divisions concerning progressive passes received, taking in around 11 per match across the last 365 days, putting him in the first percentile for this metric.

Moving forward, Hojlund may well be a long-term solution in the final third for Manchester United that could grow into an elite striker with the correct man management.

Arsenal could be set to swoop for a young superstar this summer, in an effort to emulate a former favourite around north London.

What's the latest on Arda Guler to Arsenal?

That's according to Turkish-Football, who revealed that Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar is leading the race for Fenerbahce's 18-year-old sensation Arda Guler, alongside top-flight rivals Newcastle United.

With both having made contact with the representatives of the player and an official offer in the works, it is expected that both Premier League clubs will move as quickly as possible as a summer of widespread interest looms.

Although highly thought-of at his current club, should the right offer arise they would definitely consider sanctioning his exit. Last summer it was reported that a fee of around €25m (£21m) would be enough to tempt the Turkish outfit.

Who is Arda Guler?

To emphasise the bright future of this teenage sensation, the creative attacking midfielder has consistently been likened to former Emirates hero Mesut Ozil.

GOAL journalist Tom Maston even wrote on Twitter in 2022:

"A second professional goal for Fenerbahce wonderkid Arda Guler (2005) today. Mesut Ozil may have been ostracised, but ‘the new Ozil’ is thriving at Fener".

Given the moments of magic the former German international often conjured in north London, being linked with someone of his ilk would surely have fans pleading for such a switch. Across his 254 appearances for Arsenal, the 34-year-old scored 44 times and assisted a further 79, which included that infamous 2015/16 campaign where he posted 28 goal contributions in all competitions, including 19 assists in the league.

Arsene Wenger lauded him as the "complete athlete" during that year, to compound him as a true star for the legendary Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Guler has been silently thriving in his homeland to earn such a comparison, recording six goals and six assists in all competitions much to the delight of legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

The Italian icon was full of praise for the teenager, noting:

"Arda Guler is a very talented player. He has the potential to play anywhere in the world. He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique. If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential."

He dresses his impressive figures up with that same classy play style that earned Ozil such praise, drifting onto that favoured left foot with poise and elegance. This explains exactly why Edu will be so keen to push through this deal.

Whilst this new-look Arsenal side has earned a steely resolve, largely removing the soft underbelly that had plagued them in the past, the Emirates crowd remains a keen appreciator of a silky operator.

Therefore, placing Guler before them would surely make him an instant favourite too, seeking to follow in the footsteps of the World Cup-winning maestro.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice will receive interest from the Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich over the coming weeks but no deal is close.

How much does Declan Rice earn?

A huge few days lie ahead of the Hammers as their season will come to an end on Wednesday when they face Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.

It was a season which will not bring many positive memories in the Premier League for the Irons as they finished 14th in the table.

However, David Moyes' men could make history by landing the club a European trophy which could potentially even save his job at the London Stadium.

But it could well be the end of the road for Rice in a West Ham shirt with his future up in the air ahead of the summer transfer market.

Indeed, it is believed the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich are just some of the clubs who are showing significant interest in the £60k-per-week Englishman.

And it would be a stunning way to bow out from his time with the Hammers if he was able to captain the side to European triumph.

Although it is expected the 24-year-old will leave West Ham over the coming months, Fabrizio Romano has insisted there is nothing ongoing currently ahead of Wednesday's final:

"From what I told, I really respect all the sources as you know but, in this moment, I'm told that nothing is done for Declan Rice with Bayern or with any other club.

"Bayern will try, for sure. Arsenal will make a bid after the Conference League final so the race is still open. Man United also have an interest this is the reality but at the moment nothing decided yet."

How much is Declan Rice worth?

Losing a player of Rice's calibre will be a huge loss for the Hammers if he is to leave over the coming months considering just how big of a role he has played at the club.

Despite being just 24 years old, the England midfielder has been able to rack up 244 appearances for the Hammers (via Transfermarkt).

Rice has been hailed as an "absolute monster" by some in the media and that can be seen through his return of interceptions which has him ranked inside the top sixth percentile, as per FBref.

And as a result, this is a player who the Hammers value incredibly highly with Moyes previously suggesting it would take more than £100m to secure his services.

However, there have been some reports suggesting the likes of Arsenal are hoping to land a deal for the midfielder in the region of £70m.

If Rice is to leave this summer it will naturally feel like a huge blow for all at West Ham. However, the club and fans will surely appreciate the manner in which he is handling his future.

Although speculation surrounds where he could potentially move, it is apparent the player is solely focused on the upcoming final as he looks to end the season on a major high.