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After a memorable night in Belgium, Aston Villa are on the cusp of the Champions League quarter-finals.

On Tuesday night, the Villans beat Club Brugge 3-1 at Jan Breydelstadion in the first leg of their round of 16 tie; Leon Bailey broke the deadlock, before a late own goal from Brandon Mechele, followed by a Marco Asensio spot-kick, secured victory.

Unai Emery’s team are now likely to face Liverpool, following the Reds’ win in Paris, in the quarter-finals, taking confidence from their recent 2-2 draw with the Premier League champions-elect.

So, the Claret and Blue Army certainly have a strong side to get behind, but would Villa be even more impressive had they been able to hold onto one of their most highly-rated young prospects, once described as the next Jack Grealish?

Jack Grealish's post-Villa career in numbers

Given that Jack Grealish joined Manchester City for £100m in August 2021, a then British transfer record, he made the move with sky-high expectations.

Well, his time at the Etihad has been ultra-successful, winning three successive Premier League titles, the Champions League, an FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.

However, the fact the 29-year-old has scored just 16 goals in 151 appearances for the Citizens has led to Sam Lee of the Athletic describing his performances as ‘underwhelming’, adding that both this season and last have been ‘hampered by injuries’.

Grealish himself has admitted this has been the “most difficult year of my life”, struggling for form and fitness, leading to him being left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for last summer’s European Championships.

As noted by Oliver Kay in the Athletic, Grealish went over 12 months without a club goal, describing his form across the last two seasons as ‘beyond disappointing’, while Richard Jolly of the Independent believes he is ‘wasting his talent’, having gone from being ‘one of the most exciting attacking players’ in the world to ‘someone who is neither exciting nor attacking’.

However, have Villa since had an even more exciting young talent on their hands, one that, like Grealish, is finding out that the grass isn’t always greener away from Villa Park?

Grealish 2.0 finding form away from Aston Villa

Carney Chukwuemeka joined Aston Villa’s academy as a 13-year-old, going on to make 16 appearances for the first team, before being sold to Chelsea for a ginormous £20m fee in August 2022.

Prior to his departure, Alex Dicken of Birmingham Live labelled him the ‘next Jack Grealish’, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believed him to be Villa’s “next big thing”.

Well, despite making 32 appearances for the Blues, these have totalled just 746 minutes, his time in West London blighted by a knee injury.

He scored his only Premier League goal for the club at West Ham soon after arriving, a day soured by the fact the Blues were beaten 3-1, and the fact Chukwuemeka suffered an injury at the London Stadium that required surgery.

So, having featured only five times this season, all in the EFL Cup or Conference League, the 21-year-old joined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the season in February, hoping to become the latest Englishman to star at Westfalenstadion.

Speaking on the Totally Football Show, German football expert Seb Stafford-Bloor described Chukwuemeka’s Bundesliga debut for die Schwarzgelben as ‘absolutely sensational’, adding that his 15-minute cameo during the 6-0 demolition of Union Berlin is as good as you’re ever likely to see in such a short period of time.

Thus, as reported by Yannick Hüber, Jonas Ortmann and Jörg Weiler of Bild, Dortmund intend to make Chukwuemeka’s move permanent for €30m in the summer, albeit their option to buy clause is only active if they qualify for the Champions League or Europa League, currently on course for neither, languishing in tenth.

Of course, the 21-year-old has only made three appearances in the famous yellow and black so far, sitting out Tuesday’s Champions League draw with Lille due to, as manager Niko Kovač put it, a “small incident” suffered against St. Pauli on Saturday.

Nevertheless, Chukwuemeka is unquestionably a high-quality player, described by Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl as “extremely talented”, so will Villa live to regret allowing him to depart?

Worse than Rashford: Emery must drop 3/10 Aston Villa star after Brugge

Unai Emery should drop this Aston Villa star from the starting XI instead of Marcus Rashford.

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By
Dan Emery

Mar 5, 2025

Alvaro Morata hints at quitting Spain duty after his missed penalty cost La Roja in the Nations League final against Portugal.

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• Spain lost shootout to Portugal in Nations League final
• Captain’s penalty was the only miss
• Morata admits his international future is uncertain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  La Roja captain Morata missed the decisive penalty in the Nations League final defeat to Portugal, leaving him “upset” and hinting that it could be his last game for the national team. After a 2-2 draw, the tie went to a penalty shootout and the only miss came from Morata, whose effort was saved by Portugal's Diogo Costa.

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  WHAT MORATA SAID

  After a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the final, the striker opened up about the emotional toll of the night and the uncertainty surrounding his international future the 32-year-old didn’t shy away from addressing the possibility of stepping away from La Roja, saying: "I'm upset because we all did a great job, and I feel bad for all my teammates, but that's part of football and life."

  Pressed about whether this could have been his final appearance for the national team, he said: "Nothing is certain, it depends on many things. Right now, I'm just thinking about my team-mates and what happened today. Things need to be thought through calmly, but of course, it's a possibility that I won't be here in September." He continued, "I didn't cry on the grass, although I certainly wanted to, but my family, my children, were there."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Morata, who made his 86th appearance for the national team against Portugal, has been a key figure as he led them to Euro 2024 glory. However, his recent benching and growing pressure may be pushing him towards international retirement.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MORATA & SPAIN?

  Morata may announce a decision before September’s World Cup qualifiers. Spain must also consider grooming a new leader in case he decides to end his international career, with Lamine Yamal among the standout young stars rising in his place.

Over the years, Manchester United have made some questionable additions in the transfer market, forcing the club into some serious budget cuts since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival.

Midfielder Mason Mount joined the club in a £60m deal from fellow Premier League side Chelsea back in the summer of 2023, but injuries have massively hampered his time at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old has only featured 33 times across all competitions since his big-money transfer, only scoring a single goal and notching just one assist to date.

Amorim has previously shown faith in the former England international, praising him endlessly after his appointment, with the hope that he can get his promising career back on track.

However, not all of their additions have been a failure, with one of the manager’s first additions in Manchester already showing glimpses of the talent he possesses.

Ayden Heaven’s stats since joining United

Centre-back Ayden Heaven joined United in a £1.5m deal from fellow English side Arsenal, following in the footsteps of Chido Obi, who moved six months prior.

The 18-year-old was originally seen as a player for the academy setup, featuring a couple of times, but the current injury crisis in the North West has catapulted him into Amorim’s first-team setup.

He’s already featured in the FA Cup, Premier League and the Europa League – claiming his first start in yesterday’s triumph over Real Sociedad, cementing a place in the quarter-finals.

During his 90-minute display, he won 100% of the duels he entered, making four clearances and two interceptions, playing a vital role in the backline and staking his claim for a regular starting role.

However, one other member of the Red Devils squad joined for a figure lower than that of Heaven, with his market value rising as a result of his stellar displays in recent years.

The United player who cost even less than Heaven

Numerous players in United’s current first-team squad have cost a fortune to bring them to Old Trafford, having various levels of impact since their arrivals.

Alejandro Garnacho is one player who was a bargain given his impact, arriving in Manchester for just £420k from Spanish side Atlético Madrid back in 2020, originally linking up with the academy side.

The Argentine would catch the eye at various youth levels with his pace and direct dribbling, qualities that would allow him to register 27 goals over an 18-month period.

He would get his first-team chance in 2021/22, making just two substitute appearances, before becoming a regular member of the senior setup just a few months later.

Garnacho has since made over 30 appearances in every season since, including 44 in the current campaign, registering a total of 23 goals and 17 assists at the age of just 20.

The winger, who’s previously been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, has seen his market value soar as a result of his impressive displays in the North West, showcasing what a superb signing he’s been.

He was valued at £55m by the club in January after interest from elsewhere, a figure that presents a 13000% rise on the fee forked out for his services less than five years ago.

In a period where the club have often pursued big-money targets, a deal for Garnacho represents the rewards you can expect should you decide to invest in young talent for the future and allowing them to develop.

Heaven will be hoping to follow a similar trajectory at the Theatre of Dreams, hopefully cementing his place in the side, with his start to life at the club demonstrating he has huge potential to succeed.

11 duels won, 100% dribbles: Man Utd ace is now as undroppable as Fernandes

Manchester United booked their place in the next round of the Europa League last night.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 14, 2025

Lamine Yamal would cost a staggering £340 million ($461m) to sign if Barcelona decided to cash in on the wonderkid, it has been revealed.

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• CIES value Yamal at huge fee
• Yamal has emerged as a superstar
• Signed a new contract recently

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , the CIES Football Observatory have valued Yamal at an immense figure of €400m. That sum would eclipse Neymar's world-record transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, and Yamal is just 17.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Barca star signed a new contract earlier this summer, which includes a €1 billion (£842m/$1.1bn) release clause. He has won La Liga twice, and played a vital role as Spain won Euro 2024. The teenager already has over 100 appearances under his belt for Barca too, and is now in line to wear the fabled No.10 shirt at the club, once worn by Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho.

• WHAT CIES SAID

  The CIES Football Observatory said: "This extraordinary figure is linked to equally extraordinary performances achieved at an age – 18 in July – when most players, even the best, are just starting out at professional level." Yamal's value also increased due to his new contract.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Barcelona would surely put up a serious fight to keep Yamal if any interest were to be expressed. He will next be in action when Spain play France on Friday in the Nations League semi-finals.

Ahead of what needs to be the perfect summer at Old Trafford, INEOS are already reportedly making calls in a bid to grant Ruben Amorim’s transfer request at Manchester United.

INEOS already working on key Man Utd summer

To say it’s been a week full of headlines at Manchester United would be an understatement. Starting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s interview with Gary Neville, which caused plenty of controversy, the headlines didn’t get much better when the Red Devils unveiled their plans to build a new stadium not long after their British billionaire spoke about his harsh cost-cutting measures.

It’s the type of measures which could make room for much-needed reinforcements this summer, as INEOS look to hand Amorim a side capable of thriving in his 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.

Reports suggest that they’re already preparing for a busy summer too. According to Fabrizio Romano, INEOS are now “making some calls” in a bid to sign another centre-back at Amorim’s request ahead of the transfer window.

Romano told GiveMeSport when asked about the centre-back role at Old Trafford: “Ruben Amorim has also indicated this position as one more to cover in the upcoming months, and Man United directors have recently started making some calls to enquire about centre-backs available in the summer.”

Onana upgrade: Amorim now wants to sign "monster" goalkeeper for Man Utd

He’d be an instant improvement…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 16, 2025

Just who arrives to provide that cover remains to be seen. The Red Devils already welcomed young Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in the January transfer window and he has so far been bright under Amorim. Alas, when the summer arrives, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that Manchester United need a more experienced option.

Centre-backs Man Utd could sign

Amorim’s backline has been a problem ever since his arrival, having inherited a defence suited for a back four rather than the back five that he operates in.

The likes of Harry Maguire have at least had prior experience in such a role, but Matthijs de Ligt and those asked to play wing-back rather than full-back such as Diogo Dalot were always likely to struggle.

When the summer arrives, it’s an issue that Manchester United simply must look to solve if Amorim is to stand any chance of turning things around. If reports are anything to go by too, INEOS are well aware of that priority.

Names such as Koni de Winter and Dani Vivian have already threatened to steal the headlines in recent months in two options that would offer Amorim instant upgrades, but whether Manchester United’s name is big enough to make up for their failures and convince summer targets to arrive is the big question.

Given that the Red Devils are likely to miss out on European football this season, a move to Old Trafford is should no longer be considered a move to the Theatre of Dreams.

As Newcastle United prepare to spend this summer, those at St James’ Park have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League winger who’s free to leave his current club.

Newcastle eyeing Premier League ace

The Magpies could yet enjoy the perfect end to the season if they manage to secure Champions League qualification off the back of already winning the Carabao Cup to end 70 years of hurt. And that Champions League qualification would likely go a long way towards a summer of spending at long last for Eddie Howe and his side.

Those at St James’ Park have been forced to sit back and watch others spend big in recent years due to PSR concerns. Champions League qualification would certainly help put an end to those concerns, however, and likely allow PIF to flex their significant spending power once again.

Newcastle now eye Nick Pope replacement who's been called "Guardiola style"

He’s already an international at just 22 years old.

By
Barney Lane

Mar 24, 2025

With that said, names such as Dean Huijsen are already threatening to steal the headlines ahead of the summer transfer window. The Bournemouth defender has enjoyed an excellent debut season in the Premier League and may yet find himself on the move to Tyneside.

The Spaniard isn’t the only Premier League rival that the Magpies have set their sights on, however. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle are now plotting a move to sign Noni Madueke just one summer after they held talks with Chelsea over securing his signature.

Whilst talks failed to result in a move last summer, Newcastle could have far greater luck this time around with Chelsea ready to show their winger the exit door in the coming months.

As Howe looks to complete his frontline and add key depth, Madueke could yet rediscover his best form by completing a move to St James’ Park this summer following a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge.

"Crazy" Madueke needs move

With Geovany Quenda on his way to Chelsea this summer, a move away would certainly do Madueke no harm – particularly if it is to Newcastle following their potential Champions League qualification. The winger, although enduring his struggles at times, has kept up with the output of players such as Anthony Gordon this season.

Outscoring Gordon in the Premier League and completing more take-ons per-90 than the Newcastle star, Madueke has more than enough talent to form a deadly front three alongside Alexander Isak and the former Everton man.

Dubbed “crazy” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2021, Madueke must rediscover his most dangerous form next season whether it’s at Chelsea or, indeed, Newcastle.

At his best, his take-on success proves just how impressive the England international can be. And with the World Cup coming up next year, Madueke cannot afford to watch on from the Chelsea bench as the likes of Quenda thrive next season. When the summer arrives, the winger may well be one of several Chelsea stars to watch.

Gianluigi Buffon threatened to quit the Italy national team set-up over the prospect of Roberto Mancini returning as head coach.

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• Italy considered Mancini return after Spalletti exit
• Ex-goalkeeper Buffon threatened to quit his post at FIGC
• Gattuso eventually chosen as new Azzurri head coach

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ex-Italy and Manchester City boss Mancini emerged as a candidate to take over as head coach following Luciano Spalletti's sacking and the rejections of Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli. Mancini even publicly declared his desire to take the job back but the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) eventually turned to Gennaro Gattuso, who was officially announced as the new coach on Sunday.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The decision to choose Gattuso over Mancini was not a unanimous one, according to newspaper , which claims the former Inter manager's candidacy was strongly backed by part of the group tasked with deciding who would get the job. Several prominent figures expressed their desire to see Mancini return, believing him to be the only person capable of restoring discipline and team spirit after several difficult months.

  This, however, sparked a furious reaction from legendary former goalkeeper Buffon, who is the head of the national team delegation, as he threatened to resign in an attempt to veto the calls. The FIGC opted to side with him.

• ITALY PICK GATTUSO

  The appointment of former Italy midfielder Gattuso has sparked confusion among the press, with many questioning if he is the right man for the job. He was in charge of Croatian side Hajduk Split before he terminated his contract this month before accepting the Italy job.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Italy will play their first game under the new coach on September 5 when they host Estonia in World Cup qualifying. Three days later, they will take on Israel.

Leeds United have made an opening enquiry to sign a new Premier League player, according to a fresh transfer report.

Leeds latest as Farke drops Meslier for Darlow

The Whites are still pushing for Championship promotion under Daniel Farke, with Leeds in a current battle with Sheffield United and Burnley.

It looked like it could be a straightforward promotion after wins over the Blades and Sunderland back in February, however, Leeds have taken just six points from a possible 15 since.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier was once again at fault last time out in a draw with Swansea City, and Farke has now taken the decision to drop Meslier for Karl Darlow. Talking at a recent press conference, Farke said: “I think I’m a big believer to have clarity on GK position. I’ve taken the decision – Karl Darlow will play on Saturday. Karl and Illan are aware.

“I think in general with a goalkeeper, it’s important you don’t change game to game. Especially with a promising GK like Illan. He took part in securing promotion a few seasons ago. He’s still young for a GK. It’s professional football and you have to deliver and handle the pressure. In the last weeks we felt he could have done a bit better.

“I’m in the position where I have to make a decision and protect him a bit. The spotlight is on him and the weight of the world is on him. That was my feeling this week. I have a really reliable option with Karl Darlow. A top class character. I see him every day in training – absolutely professional and loyal. He played two solid performances for Wales. he’s in a good rhythm. I’m convinced it’s the right decision.”

Should Leeds return to the top flight after a two-year absence, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises could look to splash the cash to remain in the division.

Meslier replacement: Leeds now eyeing move for "world-class" £14m goalkeeper

The Whites are looking at options to replace Meslier, who has made a number of mistakes this season.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 4, 2025

It has proven a tough task for the six promoted sides since 2023, however, Leeds are turning to experience to potentially help Farke.

Leeds make enquiry to sign Farke target Soucek from West Ham

According to Claret & Hugh, Leeds have made an opening approach over a deal to sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham United.

It is claimed that ‘Farke has identified West Ham midfielder Soucek as a player who can guarantee the Whites some top-flight goals’ and that any deal would require Leeds being promoted.

The report also adds that Leeds are ‘ready to offer him at least £30,000 per week more than his current wage’, which currently stands at £90,000 per week.

The 6 ft 4 midfielder, who can play in holding, central or attacking roles, could therefore earn £120,000 per week at Elland Road, however, he is currently settled at the London Stadium, where his deal runs until 2027.

It appears as if Farke is personally keen on the Czech Republic international, and any deal would see the midfielder offer a physical presence as well as plenty of Premier League experience.

Kyle Walker's ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman has opened up about struggles faced on celebrity gossip site Tattle Life, which left her anxious and alone.

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• Goodman spoke on Lorraine
• Tattle Life invaded her privacy, she claims
• The name of her and Kyle's daughter was revealed publicly

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Goodman spoke out on Lorraine, revealing all about controversial celebrity gossip site Tattle Life. The 34-year-old stated she experienced horrific circumstances such as panic attacks, exposure of personal information and even a public post containing the name of her and Walker's daughter. All of this led her to isolate herself from those in her life out of a lack of trust.

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  WHAT GOODMAN SAID

  Goodman said: "The social services one was when the panic attacks really set in. Obviously you can make a complaint to social services anonymously. I understand why it's there for people to do that for real circumstances where it's needed but trolls, they're using the resources to then investigate people that don't need investigating… They put it on there, they said "She's going to be getting a call from social services".

  "There were lies saying I'd been paid by Kyle to go to Hong Kong with him as an escort, which were complete lies. From that they gave me a nickname, and that kind of just went around the internet, not even on that site, it went onto other sites, that was that. There were claims that I had taken drugs, I have never taken drugs in my life. Just awful claims like that and the worst part was when they started coming for my children."

  She continued: "So Kanara, my second child, her name, I never told anyone. She was always introduced to people as KiKi. Her date of birth wasn't anywhere. So there was no public record of it, no one could find it. On this site her name appeared on there before I said it.

  "I don't put my children's faces online. I felt there was no boundaries, just doing what they warned. Putting peoples' addresses online, peoples' medical information online. My address is online, yeah. They don't take it down. They say the site is moderated, it's not.

  "You start questioning your circle. You start falling out with people because you start wondering if they are involved. Your circle becomes a dot. You become more isolated."

• THE GOSSIP

  Goodman and Walker have been in the headlines often in recent times after their affair was made public last year and a court case over child support ensued. The pair have two children together. Amidst all the drama, Goodman found herself using Tattle Life, where the problems she detailed on Lorraine began.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GOODMAN AND WALKER?

  Goodman may hope to continue her public battle against Tattle Life and may even take it to court, after a couple won £300,000 in a legal battle with the site which concluded earlier this month. As for Walker, he continues to focus on where he will be playing his football next season but will want to do all he can to ensure his family and children are safe.

Vinicius Junior has provided an update on talks with Real Madrid over a new contract as he makes his Saudi Arabia preference clear.

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• Vinicius provides Real Madrid contract update
• Makes preference clear
• Attracting interest from Saudi Arabia

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil star has revealed he hopes to remain at the club for many years to come and is keen to pen new terms with the club as soon as possible. His current deal runs until 2027 but he would like to stay in the Spanish capital "for the rest of my career".

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  WHAT VINICIUS SAID

  Vinicius told Mundo Deportivo: "I hope I can stay here for many years. I’ve always said it’s the club of my life. I’m very happy with the coach and the technical staff, I hope I can stay. I have a two year contract until 2027. I want to stay for my entire career and make history with this team."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vinicius has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Fichajes.net claiming Saudi state support would back an offer of more than €250m. That offer would likely give Real some pause, but the club are aiming towards renewing their forward's deal for now.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

  Vinicius is set to feature as Real Madrid take on Juventus in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Tuesday. The winner of that tie will play Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the quarter-finals.