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Aston Villa transfer target Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to snub a return to the Premier League in favour of a move to Inter Milan.

What’s the story?

That’s according to renowned transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that the Roma attacking midfielder has reached a verbal agreement with the Serie A runners-up ahead of joining on a free transfer.

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla tweeted last week that the Villans were among the clubs interested in signing the Armenian on a free transfer, with the former Manchester United and Arsenal playmaker’s current contract at the Stadio Olimpico set to expire next month.

Villa have already made three statement signings this month with the permanent capture of Philippe Coutinho followed by the additions of Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, and they will be disappointed to miss out on what would’ve been another high-profile signing.

Villa supporters will be gutted

Despite being 33 years old, Mkhitaryan could have proved to be an excellent addition to Aston Villa’s squad.

Although regular game-time may not have been a guarantee, especially with some of the prospective signings which could still be made, quality squad depth could be crucial if Gerrard wants to take the Villans to the next level.

The Armenia international has been a regular for Roma since joining initially on loan from Arsenal in 2019, making 117 appearances over the past three seasons; 44 of those came this term, with Jose Mourinho’s side winning the inaugural Europa Conference League whilst finishing sixth in Serie A.

With five goals and nine assists in 2021/22, Mkhitaryan proved once again that he is a quality squad player, with the attacking midfielder finding his quality once again in Italy after a tricky period in England with both Manchester United and Arsenal.

However, with the likes of Coutinho, Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore among the attacking midfielders already in the Villa squad, accommodating the 33-year-old would have almost certainly depended on the sale of at least one current Villa player.

With the Armenian having an impressive pedigree and plenty of talent, Villa supporters will have to hope that they dodged a bullet by missing out on Mkhitaryan, with the failure to capture a high-quality and experienced attacking midfielder potentially leaving the fan base gutted.

AND in other news: Gerrard can seal “no-brainer” Villa signing with bid for “outstanding” £25m talent

According to French outlet Telefoot, Tottenham Hotspur are now in negotiations with an unnamed Spanish club over a deal for Tanguy Ndombele, who looks highly likely to leave the Premier League giants this summer.

The Lowdown: Ndombele’s Lyon return

The midfielder first arrived in N17 back in 2019 from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, for what was at the time a club-record fee of £63m. Aafter a disappointing start to the 2021/22 campaign with the Lilywhites, the 25-year-old rejoined his former club in January for the remainder of the season.

Included as part of that deal was an option to buy, but Peter Bosz’s side have made the decision not to take the offer up, meaning that the maestro has returned to Spurs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be staying put.

Before making the switch back to his home nation, it was reported by L’Equipe that whilst Roma and Napoli were interested in the starlet, a move to Spain could well be next on the agenda, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid being viewed as potential future destinations.

The Latest: Unnamed club in negotiations

In a new article published by French outlet Telefoot (via The Mirror), it’s claimed that an ‘unnamed’ Spanish club are ‘already in negotiations’ with Spurs over a possible deal for Ndombele, with a departure from north London seeming ‘imminent’.

The source goes on to state that it is yet ‘unclear’ whether the seven-cap international would be allowed to leave Tottenham on a temporary basis again.

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The Verdict: Time to sell

During his recent short stint with Lyon, Ndombele made 11 appearances in Ligue 1 and provided two assists, as per Transfermarkt, but all in all, it was a disappointing season for the French giants, who only managed to secure an eighth-place finish.

The 5 foot 11 creative, who was once dubbed a “phenomenal” player by former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho, has majorly fallen down the pecking order since Antonio Conte arrived in the capital, having only played 287 minutes of football across all competitions before his loan move, so it comes as no surprise to see that he is likely to leave the club during the upcoming transfer window.

The Italian has already started his summer squad revamp with free transfer moves for Ivan Perisic and presumably soon Fraser Forster, but eventually he’s going to need to splash some cash, and the club must surely be prioritising a permanent deal to get some funds back for Ndombele.

In other news… Conte is reportedly now ready to cash in on a 25 y/o first-team star this summer.

Leeds United are acting early to ensure that a relegation dogfight isn’t repeated in 2022/23 and it appears they are close to sealing yet another signing at Elland Road…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants have already secured a move for RB Salzburg duo, midfielder Brenden Aaronson (£25m) and right-back Rasmus Kristensen (£10m), and now are honing in on a third arrival.

That’s according to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth, who delivered a short and snappy five-word update to Twitter, where he said:

“One deal being worked on.”

In an accompanying article, it’s claimed that the Whites are working to complete another signing by the ‘end of next week.’

Busy summer continues

Leeds narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season, thanks to their 2-1 win over Brentford and some fortune as Burnley were defeated. It would have been a gutting twist in their history, having taken 16 years to get back to the big time in 2020.

Evidently, the wretched campaign left a sour taste on those high up in the hierarchy as they have already sanctioned two big-money deals, despite the transfer window only reopening on Friday.

Aaronson is a hugely promising attacking midfielder that fits Jesse Marsch’s system like a glove, whilst Kristensen is another player that has been coached by the American and will offer more threat down that right flank.

The third signing is unknown at this stage but could quite easily emerge to be Bayern Munich’s bit-part midfielder Marc Roca, who is thought to be attracting £10m interest from the Premier League side in a deal that could be a bargain.

Torino wing-back Ola Aina, NYCFC striker Valentin Castellanos, Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino, and long-time target, Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien have all been linked in recent days, too.

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The fact that Victor Orta and co are already lining up another move is certainly thrilling for the Elland Road faithful, any one of those names would add something to Marsch’s squad, on top of the Salzburg duo.

It’s going to make for an exciting summer and one that could see Leeds’ fortunes change drastically heading into the new season.

AND in other news, David Lynch drops Takumi Minamino transfer update…

Leeds United director of football Victor Orta is now working to buy a centre-forward, according to The Mirror’s David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Roca deal close

Orta has already finalised moves for Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from RB Salzburg and is about to secure a deal for Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday evening that an agreement of €12m plus add-ons has been reached with the German giants, adding that Roca is set to sign a four-year deal and undergo a medical this week.

The Whites aren’t planning to stop there, though, with Orta already aiming to bolster another area of the pitch for Jesse Marsch.

The Latest: New centre-forward next

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Anderson in Wednesday’s print edition of The Daily Mirror.

He shared details of Roca’s pending move to Elland Road and finished by saying that Orta ‘is now working on buying a striker’.

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The Verdict: Most important deal so far?

It looks as if Leeds are on the hunt for a forward on a permanent deal as opposed to a loan move following Anderson’s wording, and this transfer could be the most important one of the summer so far.

Patrick Bamford managed just seven starts last season due to a number of injury problems, which left Marsch using winger Dan James and youngster Joe Gelhardt as centre-forward options.

The Whites struggled in front of goal without their star striker, with just five sides scoring less than Leeds’ tally of 42, meaning Orta really needs to get this attacking signing spot on.

In other news: Next step now taken on Kalvin Phillips leaving Leeds in big development. 

Manchester United have taken ‘concrete steps’ to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to Calciomercato.

The Lowdown: De Ligt at Juventus

The Netherlands international has been on the books in Turin since 2019 after leaving Ajax in a deal worth £76.95m. Still just 22 years of age, the centre-back has made 117 appearances for Juventus, winning three trophies.

Italian football expert Carlo Garganese described De Ligt as an ‘absolute monster’, and as the centre-back enters the final two years of his contract, it looks as if a summer exit could be on the cards.

The Latest: Talks held

Calciomercato shared an update on Tuesday afternoon regarding De Ligt.

They claimed that both United and their rivals Manchester City have taken ‘concrete steps with the player’s entourage’ but are yet to make an official offer. Juventus would want at least €70m (£60m) to part ways with the centre-back.

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The Verdict: Help with De Jong move?

United’s priority target is still Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is close friends with De Ligt, especially during their time at Ajax.

A move for De Ligt could well help United in their pursuit of De Jong, and signing the duo could be a masterstroke by Erik ten Hag.

He knows how to get the best out of the pair, and with former Red Devils goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar likening De Ligt to Cristiano Ronaldo for his mentality and application in the gym, a move for the defender could be just as important as any potential swoop for his midfield compatriot.

Considering that United conceded 57 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, strenghtening at the back is a must for Ten Hag this summer.

Lyall Thomas has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Djed Spence.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports journalist revealed that Tottenham are set for further talks with Middlesbrough regarding a £15m deal for the right-back, with Daniel Levy said to be spearheading negotiations for the 21-year-old.

In his supporting report, Thomas went on to state that the Tottenham chairman is personally handling the club’s pursuit of Spence in order to allow Fabio Paratici to focus on other targets, while the England U21 international is himself said to be desperate to seal a move to north London this summer.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Daniel Levy drives forward Tottenham’s pursuit of Djed Spence as more talks are expected over £15m-rated England U21.”

Supporters will love Thomas’ claim

Considering just how impressive Spence was for Nottingham Forest last season, in addition to it being reported that the signing of a new right wing-back is one of Antonio Conte’s priorities in the summer transfer window, Thomas’ claim that Levy is set to restart talks over a deal for the Middlesbrough starlet is sure to be news the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, over his 42 Championship outings for Forest last term, the £7.2m-rated talent scored two goals, provided five assists and created six big chances, as well as making an average of 1.0 key passes, taking 0.6 shots and completing 1.8 dribbles per fixture.

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The £4.4k-per-week right-back also impressed in metrics more typical of his defensive position, making an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.8 duels per game.

These metrics saw the England youth international average a rather astonishing WhoScored match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Steve Cooper’s sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

Furthermore, with neither Emerson Royal nor Matt Doherty particularly cementing the right wing-back spot in Conte’s back five last season, as well as Spurs having something of a homegrown player issue at present, the signing of a new Englishman in the position would appear to make a great deal of sense for the club.

As such, it is clear to see that Thomas’ update revealing that Levy is set to continue talks regarding a £15m deal for Spence is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with the club – not least Conte himself.

AND in other news: Italian journo reveals Spurs are “ready to submit” £60m bid, supporters surely buzzing

Journalist Ryan Taylor has said that Aston Villa are ‘prioritising other areas’ above centre-back amid links to Burnley’s Nathan Collins. 

The lowdown

talkSPORT’s Alex Crook reported midway through June that Villa are one of the Premier League clubs ‘monitoring’ the Republic of Ireland international. Burnley paid £12.6million to sign Collins from Stoke City last summer, but they then went on to suffer relegation to the Championship.

Villa have already signed one centre-half this summer, bringing in Diego Carlos from Sevilla for a fee of £26m. They’ve also sealed permanent deals for Philippe Coutinho (£17m), Robin Olsen (£3m) and Boubacar Kamara (free transfer).

The latter is predominantly a defensive midfielder but he can also operate as a centre-back.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor suggested that Gerrard had more pressing concerns to address at this moment in time.

However, he doesn’t rule out Collins getting a move to Villa, or indeed another of his top-flight suitors.

The journalist claimed: “I think Villa are prioritising other areas. But I do think there’s Premier League interest in Collins, who finished the season really strongly.”

The verdict

What are the current priorities for Gerrard and Villa?

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reported prior to the capture of Carlos that the 42-year-old wanted a centre-back, a left-back and potentially another forward.

The Villa boss secured reinforcements in the heart of defence, and perhaps any further investment in that area will depend upon players leaving.

Still, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Collins playing Premier League football once again next season.

This is someone who could go on to become a ‘top, top player’, in the words of Ireland under-21 coach Jim Crawford, who added that the 21-year-old already shown himself to be a ‘leader’.

Manchester United are interested in Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

The Red Devils are poised to announce their first signing of the summer in the form of full-back Tyrell Malacia, as transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that the £14.6m deal for the Feyenoord man is effectively ‘done’.

Erik ten Hag might now turn his attention to a centre-back, with The Athletic reporting that talks over Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez are already at an advanced stage.

However, it seems that the 52-year-old may also be interested in De Vrij, who is now into the final year of his contract with Inter.

The latest

Gazzetta dello Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that Inter may look to offload the 30-year-old this summer for two reasons.

First of all, they want to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer, and secondly, they can put the funds towards further incomings.

United have ‘turned on their radar’, which suggests that this situation has alerted them and that a formal approach might be in the works. De Vrij is ‘waiting for a call’ but isn’t expected to try to force through a move of his own accord.

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The verdict

It wouldn’t be a surprise if United sought multiple defensive additions this summer. After all, they set a new club record last season for goals conceded in a Premier League campaign.

To that effect, Ten Hag may feel that it is an area in need of a revamp ahead of his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

Martinez’s capacity to play as a full-back and as a defensive midfielder, in addition to centre-back, is also worth noting. With that in mind, both he and De Vrij could certainly fit into the same squad.

The £25.2m-rated Dutchman brings appropriate pedigree, having won Serie A with Inter in 2020/21 and earned a host of individual accolades. He was named the league’s Defender of the Year in 2019/20 and also made the best XI in 2020 and 2021.

Crystal Palace have been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill so far this summer, and the centre-back could prove to be the next Marc Guehi in Patrick Vieira’s side.

Fabrizio Romano suggested earlier in the summer that the Eagles had enquired about signing the defender after his impressive loan spell at Huddersfield Town last season.

The 19-year-old was a mainstay in the Terriers’ side as they reached the Championship play-off final, making 31 appearances and averaging an impressive 6.97 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranked him as the third-best outfield performer in Carlos Corberan’s squad, which emphasises just how important he was to their success, and it is no surprise that some Premier League clubs are taking an interest in the wonderkid this summer.

After a hugely impressive start to life at Huddersfield, in what was his first taste of senior football, talent scout Jacek Kulig sang the teenager’s praises on Twitter, saying: “Outrageous start to his pro career. Amazing talent.”

Although Chelsea are seemingly low on centre-backs after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, history suggests that the Blues will bring in a marquee replacement rather than putting faith in one of their own, and Palace could benefit for the second time.

The Eagles brought in Marc Guehi last summer after he had starred in the Championship with Swansea City, also playing a vital part to their route to the 2020/21 Championship play-off final, making 43 appearances and averaging a 6.90 rating from WhoScored.

Despite that form, Palace were able to prise him away from Chelsea for just £18m, and he went on to impress in his debut season at Selhurst Park, making 36 appearances for Vieira’s side in the top flight as he averaged a solid 6.76 WhoScored rating.

Therefore, the similarities between Colwill and Guehi are clear to see; and given that Guehi has already gone on to represent England and is still just 21, it could be another masterclass by Steve Parish if he can sign the £4.5m-rated Colwill this summer.

AND in other news: Vieira “pulling power” will be key as Eagles chase £10m target, he’d be “spell-binding”

Nottingham Forest have been handed the ideal chance to land Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill this summer, amid reports that the newly-promoted side are keen on the centre-back.

What’s the word?

The Midlands outfit have previously been named as one of the top-flight clubs who are interested in poaching the 19-year-old starlet – who spent last season on loan at Huddersfield Town – from Stamford Bridge.

Now, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that it is looking “likely” that the Englishman will leave the Blues this summer, with Thomas Tuchel and co plotting more defensive recruits having already agreed a deal for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.

Writing on Twitter about the teenager’s future, the respected insider stated: “More on Chelsea. Levi Colwill, now likely to leave on a permanent deal this summer – as Tuchel and Boehly are working to sign three top centre backs.

“Chelsea and Levi Colwill will make a decision soon – as Koulibaly deal is done, Kimpembé and Aké in talks.”

Big coup

As Steve Cooper’s side prepare for a first Premier League campaign in 23 years, ironically the club partially have young Colwill to thank for that fact, with the Southampton-born ace having netted what proved to be a crucial own goal when Forest met the Terriers in the Championship play-off final.

That moment will ensure he will already have some goodwill in the bank with his potential future employers, although few should have any concerns about what that unfortunate moment says about his talent, with the £4.5m-rated colossus having been hugely impressive under Carlos Corberan last season.

Tipped to have a “fantastic career” by ex-teammate Lewis O’Brien – who could also be on his way to the City Ground – the 6 foot 2 starlet made 29 appearances in the second tier last term, 26 of which from the start, notably averaging 4.1 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game.

The highly-rated prospect – who has been compared to former Chelsea legend and one-time Forest loanee, John Terry – also won a solid 66% of his total duels and kept 11 clean sheets, while also proving himself a handful at the other end of the pitch with two goals and an assist to his name.

Managing to pluck the £5k-per-week ace from his parent club would no doubt be a notable coup for Cooper and co, with Colwill potentially yet another exciting Blues talent who is set to blossom elsewhere.

The decision to potentially let the England U21 international depart could well be one that those at Cobham live to regret, although for Forest a potential swoop could prove a masterstroke.

AND in other news – Imagine him & Awoniyi: Cooper can form deadly duo by signing “stunning” £10m star