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Trying to sign Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe is something Aston Villa may revisit in the future, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Midlands club attempted to bring the 21-year-old attacking midfielder in this summer but were unsuccessful.

As per The Athletic, Villa had two bids, one worth around £30m, rejected in a blow to manager Dean Smith.

Smith Rowe proved to be an important player for Arsenal last season, making just over 30 appearances in the Premier League and Europa League.

With that in mind, it makes it no surprise that Mikel Arteta was desperate to keep hold of the English youngster. Should his circumstances at the Emirates change, though, Hatfield would not be shocked to see Villa launch another move to sign him.

“It might be one they revisit in the future,” the Aston Villa journalist told FFC. “This new deal essentially ends any interest from them this year, but they might see how things go further down the line.

“If in a year’s time Smith Rowe is maybe unhappy with the amount of playing time he’s got or if Arsenal somehow need to raise funds for another transfer, it could be one they revisit.”

While they have missed out on Smith Rowe, Villa have been able to bring in Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City.

The Villans have also signed Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen, so improvements are being made to the team’s attack.

Wolves took to the transfer market last summer with a ruthless eye. They spent an eye-catching sum of money, paying over £50m for the acquisitions of Nelson Semedo and Fabio Silva.

However, this year has been completely different for the Old Gold.Huge fees haven’t been paid with spending limited at Molineux. Trincao has been added to their ranks on a loan deal but beyond that, not much will catch the eye in terms of incomings.One player they were linked with heading into the summer was Valencia’s Kang-in Lee. Yet, with a release clause of £71m, a deal looked completely off the table.Fresh reports dictate that he may be available for just €10m (£8.5m) and if he is, Wolves must seek out a deal.An attacking midfielder by trade, Lee is one of the most exciting prospects in South Korean football.Dubbed “spectacular” by Valencia great Dario Felman, he made 27 appearances for Valencia last term, scoring just one goal but providing four assists for his troubles during an impressive season.Also capable of playing on the wing, there are plenty of strings to a bow that cuts through opposition defences in devastating fashion.Compared to David Silva, he was in particularly good form during the Tokyo Olympics. Lee found the net on three occasions for his country, demonstrating that he has the qualities to thrive on the biggest of stages.Speaking about his game previously, Valencia academy director Luis Vicente Mateo said: “He is willing to learn every day, regardless of whether he is in first or second-team training. He is a player with outstanding talent.”His numbers aren’t the greatest just yet but Wolves have proven themselves to be the perfect club for young players coming through.You only need to look at Pedro Neto who captured the imagination with some dazzling performances last term, ending the campaign as the club’s Player of the Season and their joint-top scorer.What’s particularly exciting about Lee’s style of play is his close touch control. The 20-year-old completed 1.6 dribbles per game last term – a tally that would have placed him fourth in the Wolves squad.Considering just how young he is, those numbers will only improve. He must be at the top of Wolves’ priorities for now.AND in other news, Wolves eye swoop for “tenacious” 37-cap warrior, he could be their new Ruben Neves…

Burnley are in pole position to sign Celtic’s Ryan Christie this summer, according to The Sunday Mirror, as cited by 67 Hail Hail.

The Lowdown: Contract situation

Christie is now into the final six months of his Parkhead contract after it emerged back in April that his deal actually expires in January and not next summer.

The Athletic claimed in recent days that there is some hope the 26-year-old could still pen a contract extension in Glasgow.

Christie has been a regular for the Hoops so far under Ange Postecoglou, but it appears as if a move to Turf Moor could now be on the cards.

The Latest: Christie update

The Sunday Mirror’s print edition (08/08, page 75), cited by 67 Hail Hail, claimed that the Clarets are leading the way for the Scotland international, with Leicester City and Southampton also keen.

The Hoops were after £10m when Burnley, Newcastle and Nice were linked with a move back in October, but it seems as if they could receive half of that this summer.

The recent report suggested that Celtic could rake in as much as £5m for Christie this summer if he is moved on over the next three weeks.

The Verdict: Sell

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie recently labelled Christie as ‘lazy’, and if he is not willing to sign a new deal this month, the Hoops need to cash in on him.

His Transfermarkt valuation stands at £6.3m, so even though Celtic may bring in slightly less than that at £5m, it would still be a good figure when you take into account his situation at Parkhead.

What Celtic don’t need is to have a player around who doesn’t want to be there and could depart for nothing halfway through the current campaign. On that basis, you’d expect it could be a busy few weeks when it comes to Christie’s future.

In other news: Transfer listed: ‘Destructive’ Celtic-linked ace missing on Saturday as Hoops link resurfaces

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Manchester City player Paul Stewart believes his old side signing Lionel Messi was a possibility had they not bought Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

The Premier League champions acquired Grealish for £100m last week, while Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday on a free transfer after being unable to put pen to paper on a new deal at Barcelona due to La Liga’s financial fair play rules.

PSG will now be hoping that they can finally land the club’s first Champions League trophy following Messi’s arrival.

Had Grealish not have joined City, though, Stewart thinks it could have been them making an assault on European football’s most prestigious prize with Messi at the helm.

“If the Grealish deal hadn’t been completed and for whatever reason Grealish didn’t go, I think that [Messi] could’ve been a distinct possibility,” Stewart told TT.

“But when I look at the wealth of talent in there, we need not forget [Kevin] De Bruyne, so many attacking players. But Messi is one of the best two players in the world.”

PSG will no doubt be the team to beat in the Champions League now, but anything can happen in football and City will be confident of another successful run in the tournament after reaching last season’s final.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes a deal for Ryan Kent is one that could easily get done following Rangers’ elimination from the Champions League.

As reported by The Athletic, Kent has been of interest to Leeds for a while and it could now be easier to get him out of Ibrox after his side’s Champions League setback.

The Rangers winger is yet to really take off this season but was thoroughly impressive last term as he helped Steven Gerrard’s men to the title.

He scored eight goals and produced seven assists in the Gers’ regular Scottish Premiership campaign, providing a serious threat down the left flank.

On Leeds’ chances of signing the 24-year-old winger before the transfer window closes, Palmer told FFC:

“I think the noises coming out of Rangers now… even Steven Gerrard himself has said Rangers going out of the Champions League is a huge financial loss for them. So, you know, I think he’s accepted that he may lose one or two of his better players.

“I think it’s basically the numbers game now. If Leeds can come back with the right numbers for Ryan, I think that’s a deal that could quite easily get done.”

Given their long-term interest and the predicament Rangers are in following their Champions League exit, it probably would not be a shock to see Leeds make a bid for Kent before the transfer window closes.

Alan Nixon has dropped an update on Sunderland’s plans for the rest of the transfer window.

What’s the talk?

The Sun journalist has revealed on Twitter that the Wearsiders are “desperate” to sign a new goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window. When asked about what the Black Cats want to do in the market before the deadline comes next Tuesday, Nixon simply put that they want to add a shot-stopper to their squad.

This comes after Lee Burge pulled up with an injury during the warm-up against AFC Wimbledon at the weekend, with Anthony Patterson taking his place in the side. Lee Johnson said: “He (Burge) was just practising his kicking, and he just felt something on his hip flexor.

“I think he felt he could have gone on and played, but when I saw him walking down the corridor, he was sort of dot-dashing in his stride. I felt it was wise to leave him off.” Fans will be pleased to hear it

Sunderland fans must be excited by this news for more than one reason. Firstly, it shows that the club mean business and are prepared to go into the market to further strengthen their squad despite their strong start to the season. They have won four of their five competitive fixtures so far, but they are not allowing a bright opening month of the campaign to cloud their judgement in the market.

It could be easy for Kristjaan Speakman and Johnson to decide that they don’t need to add any more players to the squad due to the performances and results on the pitch. However, this update from Nixon suggests that they are determined to improve their weak points and get even better, which will be exciting for supporters who want to see the club continue to progress and finally get back into the Championship.

Also, fans could be delighted to see the Black Cats bring in a new ‘keeper to the Stadium of Light due to Burge’s form. Not only is he currently injured, but there have been question marks over his ability at League One level in 2021.

Johnson dropped Burge for Remi Matthews earlier this year, which suggests that the former Bristol City boss is not 100% pleased with his current number one. Nixon’s claim that Sunderland are “desperate” for another shot-stopper only strengths that assumption, as the Black Cats could be on the lookout for a number one goalkeeper to come in and take the gloves.

Therefore, fans may be glad to hear that Burge could be replaced before the end of the window, as he was underperforming towards the end of last season. Supporters could be left frustrated if he remains the club’s first-choice between the sticks and his errors contribute to the team missing out on promotion, so it makes sense to bring in a player to take over from him or challenge him for his shirt.

AND in other news, Speakman must sanction Sunderland move for teenager tipped to follow in Bukayo Saka’s footsteps…

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a late move to bolster Nuno Santo’s engine room, according to reports..

What’s the word?

The Sunday Mirror (29th August, page 66) claims Spurs are looking into whether they can complete a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion star Yves Bissouma before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.

It’s thought that Moussa Sissoko’s exit to fellow north Londoners Watford has freed up space in the squad for another midfielder and that the 24-year-old Malian is seen as the ideal replacement.

The Seagulls are said to value the Graham Potter regular in the region of £40m, so it’s now on the Lilywhites to make their move.

Shades of Dembele

Replacing the veteran Frenchman with Bissouma would certainly be a shrewd move from sporting director Fabio Paratici and co, particularly as he’s an obvious upgrade in both the age and ability department.

The 6-foot powerhouse is an ideal box-to-box option to play alongside the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Dele Alli, who have all started every league game under Nuno this campaign.

Bissouma’s playing style has been modelled by the influence of Premier League legend Yaya Toure and he can mix his physicality – averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in 2020/21, with a deft touch on the ball – averaging 1.5 dribbles and a 87.4% passing accuracy rate, via WhoScored.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs team and injury news, transfer rumours, gossip and much, much more!”]

These are the sorts of numbers that may bring some Spurs fans to think about Mousa Dembele, who in his prime would surely love to play alongside the Lilywhites’ great Dane.

For example, one of the Belgian’s best campaigns (2015/16) saw him put up 3.6 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 2.9 dribbles per league outing. Bissouma isn’t far off these returns, when playing in a poorer side, too.

Through the first three league games of the season, the Seagulls sensation is matching such an output, averaging 3.3 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and two dribbles, as per WhoScored.

Dembele joined Spurs from Fulham, so there would be further similarities if Paratici can strike a deal for Bissouma before time runs out.

As described by his former Brighton boss Chris Hughton, the Mali international is a “wonderful talent” and is one that would surely thrive under the Portuguese head coach.

After going unbeaten through their first three Premier League matches, the north London outfit could cap off a perfect summer by signing Bissouma. They could well unearth their next Dembele in doing so.

AND in other news, Fabio Paratici dealt Spurs transfer blow over £22.5m-rated midfield target…

Aston Villa were drawn against Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

And a number of Villa supporters were quick to give their thoughts to the news on social media.

Dean Smith’s side brushed away League Two side Barrow on Tuesday, with youngster Cameron Archer scoring a hat-trick on his first start for the club.

Anwar El Ghazi netted a brace and Frederic Guilbert also netted in a 6-0 win, with the reward a trip to take on Thomas Tuchel’s side in the last 32.

Villa took four points off the Champions League winners last season, with their last visit to Stamford Bridge ending in a 1-1 draw.

The tie is scheduled to take place the week commencing September 20th, either side of games with Everton and Manchester United.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news of the draw on their official Twitter page. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one describing it as ‘awful’.

“Spain without the S”

Credit: @TheAydenMurphy

“awful draw”

Credit: @avfcdom2

“sos send help”

Credit: @victoriaabigail

“Dear god”

Credit: @iLukaMagic

“Cheers sons crying nice one”

Credit: @AstonVillanB6

“Pain.”

Credit: @aaronavfc4

“Was nice while it lasted”

Credit: @mat_stringer

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Come on’, ‘Pay it’ – Many AVFC fans flock to Fabrizio Romano’s transfer news. 

This has the potential to be an extremely busy transfer deadline day for Wolves, with the Old Gold trying to wrap up a few deals.

Renato Sanches could join the Molineux outfit on loan, but perhaps the biggest news comes courtesy of potential outgoings.

What’s the word?

For the entire transfer window, Ruben Neves and Adama Traore have been linked with moves away from Molineux.

Neves had attracted the interest of Arsenal earlier in the window until they decided to hand the divisive Granit Xhaka a new contract.

Traore, meanwhile, had been a target for Tottenham, with the Lilywhites eyeing up a possible loan move plus a future fee. However, according to David Ornstein, it looks as though the Spain winger will be staying in the Midlands.

Taking to Twitter on Deadline Day, the journalist said: “Traore not expected to leave today – would take a massive offer (about £50m) from Tottenham or anyone else to get the 25yo winger.”

Tim Spiers followed that up by suggesting that Neves wouldn’t go anywhere either, tweeting: “To add to what David Ornstein has said, as things stand not anticipating Ruben Neves or Adama Traore leaving today.”

Fans buzzing

If Wolves can keep two of their best players at the club before the deadline shuts, then supporters will have every right to be delighted. After all, without the duo in the side, they’d look significantly worse.

Although Bruno Lage’s team are yet to score a goal in the Premier League this term, Traore has been the beating heart of their offensive play.

He has spurned some tremendous opportunities to score, mainly a one-on-one against Tottenham, but his wing play is simply devastating.

The Spaniard has completed a league-high of 9.3 dribbles per game while amassing four shots and three key passes per match.

As for Neves, he has also started the new campaign in golden touch. After a career-best five goals last season, the Portugal international looks to be improving all the time.

He ran the show in that defeat to Spurs, winning six tackles, producing five key passes and completing 16 of his 19 long balls.

Therefore, to lose two players like that would leave a huge dent in the side. That’s why Wolves supporters must be elated to see them staying put.

AND in other news, Tim Spiers delivers four-word Wolves transfer update, fans should be fuming…

Alan Hutton has commented on the injury sustained by Rangers’ Nathan Patterson on international duty.

What’s the latest?

The former Ibrox full-back has claimed that the 19-year-old’s injury whilst away with Scotland is a strange situation.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke refused to go into detail regarding the injury and Hutton believes it is a frustrating, and surprising, blow for the defender.

He told Football Insider: “It will be frustrating, especially after such a good performance.

“Everybody, rightly so, has been talking him up. He’s the future of Scotland so far Steve Clarke to be missing him for this game is a big blow.

“The circumstances, we don’t really know what knock it is. Nothing’s really come out. It didn’t look like he was carrying anything while he was playing it. He was energetic up and down the line so it’s a bit of a strange one.

“Hopefully it’s not too bad because obviously, going back to Rangers, he is looking to push Tavernier all the way this season.

“He’ll want to keep fit and build on the momentum that he’s got through this Scotland camp.”

Concern

Steven Gerrard will be concerned by Patterson’s situation as it remains unclear exactly what has happened to him, making it a worrying update. He will presumably be heading back to Glasgow for tests with Rangers’ medical staff so they can assess the knock and determine how serious it is, but as it stands its mysterious nature could be a cause for concern for the Gers boss.

As Hutton said, it is also a frustrating blow for Gerrard and Patterson. The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Scotland beat Moldova 1-0, recording a solid WhoScored rating of 6.76. He made one tackle and three interceptions whilst playing as a right midfielder, instead of his regular right-back position, as he displayed his defensive nous.

Patterson averaged WhoScored ratings of 6.78 and 6.94 in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League respectively last term, playing nine games between the two competitions. This suggests that he has the quality to come in and provide a respectable standard of performance when called upon by Gerrard, which is why his absence with a potentially long-term injury would be a blow for Gers.

Whilst James Tavernier is the first-choice right-back at Ibrox, Gerrard could need to turn to Patterson if the former Newcastle man is missing through injury or suspension himself, which is why he will be frustrated by this ‘strange’ situation.

Patterson could also be seen as the long-term successor to Tavernier, who turns 30 next month, which means that the Gers boss may want to slowly ease him into playing more regularly to make the transition easier for him further down the line.

AND in other news, 93 touches: Rangers powerhouse stole the show for his country with 96% pass accuracy…