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Journalist Josh Holland has delivered an intriguing claim regarding Aston Villa and a possible swoop for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer. 

The lowdown: Loan sensation

A product of the famed youth academy at Cobham, Gallagher has been plying his early trade as somewhat of an eternal loanee in recent seasons.

The 22-year-old has spent time at Swansea and West Brom before flourishing and enjoying a superb 2021/22 campaign at Crystal Palace that earned rich acclaim as well as senior England recognition.

Set to return to Chelsea ahead of pre-season, the long-term future of Gallagher remains under question and it’s been suggested that Villa boss Steven Gerrard could be weighing up a move…

The latest: ‘I could see…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Holland, who works as a Midlands Football Writer for Reach PLC, has claimed that a move to Villa would be a possibility for the four-cap England ace.

He said: “That’d be a move I could see. It probably won’t be a permanent deal, they’d have to settle for a loan move, but the logistics of it are whether (Steven) Gerrard and the Villa chiefs would want to loan a rival’s player, making him a better player and then in a year’s time be worse off without him.

“And Chelsea will be benefiting, so that’s one for Gerrard to decide, I’m sure.”

The verdict: Follow suit

Having watched the successes of the dynamic starlet whilst on loan in the Premier League previously, it’s certainly an avenue that NSWE should be open to exploring for the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.

Backing up the signing of defensive-minded midfielder Boubacar Kamara with the arrival of a more attacking option in the form of Gallagher would see the Villa Park midfield department well-stocked for the season ahead.

Last term, the Englishman scored eight times and provided five assists in 39 appearances across all competitions at Palace, earning an impressive 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst winning 5.9 duels, making two tackles and completing 1.1 key passes on average per game, showcasing a workmanlike ability accompanied by impressive flair.

Despite the emergence of Jacob Ramsey last season, with the futures of Carney Chukwuemeka and Villans favourite John McGinn reportedly in doubt, adding Gallagher – who was recently branded ‘absolutely relentless’ in his style of pressing by football writer Mike Stavrou – to Gerrard’s ranks even on a temporary basis has to be regarded as a smart piece of business.

Sadio Mane revealed he wanted to leave Liverpool in a shock decision from the Senegalese winger, and now a reliable source has given an update on the details involved in his widely speculated move to Bayern Munich this summer.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the progress of Mane’s move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here.

Romano tweeted:

“Sadio Mané will be in Germany on Tuesday in order to undergo medical tests and sign his three-year contract as new Bayern player. First part of paperworks already completed with Liverpool.”

“€32m fee guaranteed. €6m add-ons are easy as linked to appearances.”

Supporters will be gutted

The Liverpool left winger has established himself as a fan favourite and a club legend for his efforts over the last six years, so it is no wonder that supporters will be absolutely gutted to see Mane leave this summer.

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The 30-year-old leaves Anfield having won the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Liverpool’s first-ever Premier League title in 2019/20, scoring 120 goals and contributing 48 assists in all competitions.

Jurgen Klopp has always held high praise for Mane, dubbing the Reds forward “world-class” after his winner against Aston Villa last season:

“He’s a machine, I told him after the game.

“Massive player. [His] physicality is brutal, this mix of technique, desire, and physicality in this moment when everybody has a few yards in the legs…you can see it with him to be honest. Top goal, just fantastic, a world-class player.”

The Merseyside giants have already made the club record-breaking signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez who will now have big boots to fill and a huge responsibility on his shoulders to deliver the output and effectiveness in the forward line that the team will sorely miss without Mane.

With Divock Origi’s contract expiration and Taki Minamino reportedly on the move this summer, as well as Mane’s departure imminent it will be interesting to see if Liverpool make another move this summer with Raphinha and Marco Asensio both linked to potential moves to Anfield.

AND in other news: “Liverpool have..”: Sky Sports journo drops exciting update that’ll delight supporters

Leeds United are closing in on their third signing of the summer, albeit one for their promising academy at Thorp Arch…

What’s the word?

Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that negotiations are underway to sign West Ham United prospect Sonny Perkins, a young 18-year-old striker capped by England U18s.

“Leeds and Aston Villa have opened talks to sign promising forward Sonny Perkins,” he tweeted.

“Perkins has made 3 appearances for West Ham. Both clubs want to sign him.”

Strength in youth

The Yorkshire giants have made a considerable investment in their youth setup in recent years, and it doesn’t look as if director of football Victor Orta is done just yet.

Perkins may not influence the first-team right away but, as we’ve seen with manager Jesse Marsch, he isn’t afraid to roll the dice with some of the Whites’ up-and-coming future stars.

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Joe Gelhardt (poached from Wigan Athletic) and Sam Greenwood (signed from Arsenal) have both made their presence known under the American, particularly towards the back end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Both took their opportunities with senior striker Patrick Bamford facing a prolonged absence on the treatment table – indeed, according to Marsch himself, “nobody has adapted better to his tactics than Sam Greenwood.”

The young Irons frontman has been touted for big things, too.

Perkins was recently named April’s Premier League 2 ‘Player of the Month’ and he ended the 2021/22 campaign with back-to-back braces, taking his total for the Hammers’ youth teams to to 14 goals and two assists.

“One thing to also pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins,” club insider ExWHUemployee revealed to his ‘The West Ham Way podcast.

“This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.

“From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

As such, given that touted potential and the success stories of Gelhardt and Greenwood, everyone at Elland Road must be delighted to see Orta and co move for Perkins.

Having already bolstered the first-team with the arrivals of RB Salzburg duo Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, and a third signing reportedly on the way, it would certainly be wise to boost the academy setup next.

AND in other news, “We’re hearing..”: Phil Hay reveals big Leeds transfer twist, supporters surely gutted…

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Paulo Dybala.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite a number of reports to the contrary, Tottenham are not currently in talks with the 28-year-old regarding a move to north London ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, nor have they been at any point this summer.

In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “Nothing has changed on Tottenham side: they’re not in talks to sign Paulo Dybala as of today – and he’s never been considered a serious target. Spurs want different players.”

Supporters will be gutted

Recent reports have claimed that Dybala is demanding an eye-watering £280k-per-week from a new suitor this summer. However, considering just how talented the Argentina international undoubtedly is, the news that Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are not planning on making a move for the former Juventus forward is sure to have left Spurs supporters gutted.

Indeed, over his 29 Serie A appearances this season, the £36m-rated attacker was in breathtaking form for the Bianconeri. He bagged 10 goals, provided five assists and created 11 big chances for his team-mates, in addition to taking 3.4 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

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These metrics saw the £222k-per-week talent average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.43, ranking him not only as Massimiliano Allegri’s best performer in the league but also as the joint fourth-best player in the entire division.

As such, while the 28-year-old would certainly cost a pretty penny in wages, the prospect of adding Dybala’s sensational ability in the final third to the likes of Harry Kane, Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min in the Tottenham attack is undoubtedly a mouthwatering one, with there being a very real argument that Argentine could be worth his hefty salary demands.

However, following Romano’s latest update, it seems as if a Spurs move for the versatile forward is not currently on the cards, which is sure to be a disappointing outcome for the Tottenham faithful.

AND in other news: Paratici now given green light for “world-class” Spurs signing, Conte will be buzzing

Everton are poised to throw big wages at James Tarkowski upon the expiry of his Burnley contract at the end of the month, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Contract expiry

After six years at Turf Moor, the 29-year-old’s contract is set to expire on 30 June.

According to a report by The Athletic, several Premier League clubs are interested in signing the defender. Everton are mentioned in the discussion, but it is understood that Aston Villa are the early favourites to secure Tarkowski’s signature.

The Latest: Jones’ claim on Tarkowski

Given Everton’s dire defensive record for the 2021/22 season, Jones expects Everton to go all-out for Tarkowski, who has made 194 appearances in the English top flight.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: “From what I understand, they just want that [their defence] fixed as soon as possible. With Tarkowski available as a free agent, if it just means throwing wages at him rather than a fee, then they will be willing to do that.

“I’m not sure they would look at it as a massive gamble because Tarkowski has got such a good track record in the Premier League and, at the end of the day, it can’t get any worse – their defending from last season.”

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The Verdict: Would be a solid signing

Judging by his performance metrics from 2021/22, Tarkowski would provide a solid presence in Everton’s back line if he moves to Goodison Park.

As per FBRef, when compared with positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 29-year-old astonishingly ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks and aerial duels won, and surprisingly also for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Hailed by former Burnley manager Sean Dyche as an “outstanding” defender, it would be a shrewd move if Everton can sign Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer to shore up their porous backline. If that means giving him an upgrade on his current £70,000-a-week wage, so be it.

In other news: Frank McAvennie has reacted to this Everton off-field development

Celtic have seen numerous players make moves out of the Parkhead club in the past that have gone on to have success away from the Hoops.

One prime example is Virgil van Dijk, who after spending some time at Celtic Park went on to become one of the Premier League’s and Europe’s biggest stars.

Signed from Dutch club FC Groningen back in 2013 for a fee of £2.6m, the centre-back went on to make 115 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions.

In those appearances, he chipped in with 15 goals and seven assists as well as winning two SPFL titles and one Scottish League Cup.

After leaving in 2015 for a move to Premier League club Southampton, the defender eventually ended up at Liverpool where he has lifted the top-flight title and the Champions League.

Even though Celtic ended their title winning 2021/22 SPFL season with the best defensive record in the top flight, the upcoming summer transfer window could now give Ange Postecoglou the chance to unearth his own version of Van Dijk at Parkhead.

Last week, the agent of Gent defender Joseph Okumu revealed that Celtic have shown an interest in his client.

Having been claimed to have similar attributes on the pitch to Celtic’s former Dutch centre-back by Johan Larsson, the 25-year-old racked up the third-highest number of interceptions (49) and tackles (41) in Gent’s squad this season.

He also had the second-highest average for blocks (0.9) and the third-most clearances per game (3.2) as well.

With Van Dijk racking up the second-highest average for clearances (3.1) and third-highest average for blocks (0.4) per game in Liverpool’s squad during the latest Premier League campaign, it’s easy to see why the comparison between the two defenders has been made.

Praised for his “tremendous” performances in the past, the £4.05m-rated Kenyan could well become Celtic’s next version of Van Dijk if he’s given the chance to show off his clear defensive talent at Parkhead by Postecoglou.

If the Hoops’ apparent interest in Okumu is genuine, then a move for his signature this summer could be a great bit of business. It would give Postecoglou the chance to strengthen his squad ahead of next season and prepare his men for the tough challenges they’ll undoubtedly be facing.

In other news: Celtic can replicate CCV masterclass by signing 25y/o gem who’s “one of the very best”

An update has emerged on Rangers and their pursuit of bringing a fresh central midfielder to Ibrox during the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

BBC reporter Ian Dennis has claimed that the Gers are among a number of clubs who are showing an interest in soon-to-be free agent Joe Rothwell ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “Fulham are looking to rival Bournemouth’s efforts to sign Blackburn midfielder Joe Rothwell. #AFCB had a bid turned down in Jan. Rothwell is out of contract this summer. Rangers and a host of Championship clubs are also understood to be interested in Rothwell.”

Gio van Bronckhorst would love him

The Light Blues head coach would love to have Rothwell at Ibrox next season, as he would be an excellent addition to the team.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Championship for Blackburn and would add a new dynamic to the Gers midfield, as he has the ability to drive forward and create chances in the final third.

His Rovers boss Tony Mowbray previously lauded the player’s ability, saying: “He’s an exciting talent, he’s exceedingly fast, he keeps the ball really tight. We want him running towards the opposition goal rather than across the pitch.”

In the 2021/22 season, Rothwell averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.08 across 41 matches as he maintained a high standard with his performances. He was directly involved in 13 goals, chipping in with three strikes and 10 assists, also creating 10 ‘big chances’ and providing 1.7 key passes per match.

The 27-year-old has proven that he can contribute in attack, while he also got stuck in defensively with 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game. This suggests that he would be a brilliant box-to-box option for Van Bronckhorst to call upon next term.

Meanwhile, Joe Aribo – who has also played out wide – was the only Rangers central midfielder with more than three assists in the Premiership. He set up five goals – half as many as Rothwell created for Blackburn in the English second tier – and this indicates that the Gers lack a midfielder capable of consistently providing creativity.

This suggests that the Rovers gem would be a superb signing for the Light Blues and a much-needed one because of the ability he possesses on the ball. Therefore, Van Bronckhorst would surely love to have him at Ibrox and will now be hoping that Ross Wilson can snap him up on a free transfer in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lundstram: GvB can form scary Rangers duo by signing £4.5k-p/w machine…

Manchester City have a track record when it comes to signing English players from fellow Premier League clubs.

Players such as Kyle Walker, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish have all made moves to the Etihad Stadium from other top-flight sides in recent years.

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window, it seems as though the Manchester club could be looking to add another English talent to their ranks.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Star, City and Pep Guardiola have identified Leeds United midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, as a potential summer transfer target.

As a product of Leeds’ youth academy, the midfielder has gone on to make 233 senior appearances for the Yorkshire club across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 13 assists along the way.

Better than Fernandinho?

With current City midfielder, Fernandinho, set to leave the club in the summer, it’s easy to see why the club would be looking to bring in a player like Phillips to potentially come in and replace their departing Brazilian.

To put the two players under the spotlight, there’s an argument to be made that the England international could be a better option for City in terms of being a defensive-minded midfield player.

With 19 appearances in the Premier League to his name compared to the 37-year-old’s 18, Phillips has racked up considerably more tackles, interceptions, pressures, blocks and clearances than the City veteran.

This shows how much the Leeds star could make City a stronger and tougher team to play against.

Labelled as a midfield “destroyer” by Steve McLaren, Phillips has also been praised for his “immense” performances on the international stage with England by Marcus Rashford.

Despite having a rather hefty reported transfer fee of £60m, Phillips could be a great addition to City’s ranks, following in the footsteps of some of his other international teammates that have joined and won trophies at the Manchester club.

Having already secured a deal to sign Erling Haaland, moving onto Phillips to help strengthen their midfield and wrap up a suitable replacement for Fernandinho would be the ideal next step for City in terms of their summer transfer business.

In other news: Man City plot surprise bid for £30m “delivery expert”, just imagine him & Haaland

Sunderland have been handed a injury lift over Leon Dajaku ahead of the League One play-off final at Wembley on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Alex Neil has revealed that the 21-year-old is now in contention to make his return to the squad this weekend after working hard to get back to fitness.

He has been out of first-team action since featuring on 19 March against Lincoln and is now fighting to make his final appearance of the campaign against Wycombe on Saturday.

The Black Cats manager told the Sunderland Echo: “Leon has done a lot of work recently, so again it’s one where we’ll see where he is over the next couple of days.”He’s been working hard. We’ve got a plethora of choices now, people who have put themselves into contention. There’ll be difficult choices, but I’ll try and make the right one for what I feel the game needs.” Neil will be delighted

The former Preston boss will be delighted with the German’s potential involvement, as the youngster has the quality to be a game-changer on his day.

Dajaku, who is on loan from Union Berlin, made 22 appearances in the regular League One campaign as he showed glimpses of his ability. The winger started 14 matches and chipped in with four goals and three assists, which means that he was directly involved in a goal for every other start he managed.

This shows that he is capable of having a huge impact in the final third when he is on form. He has proven that he can score and set up goals in English football, and this is why it will be a big boost for the club to have him back fit for the play-off final this weekend.

Neil will be delighted to have another player with the potential to be a match-winner in his squad, whether that’s from the start or off the bench. Dajaku can be a useful player to call upon in a variety of scenarios – a late impact sub, a starter, or to come off the bench if one of the starting XI picks up an injury in the first half.

The 21-year-old may be playing for his future on Wearside, given that he is currently on loan, and this should give him added motivation to make a huge impact on the game at Wembley. He will surely be desperate to get out on the pitch, and hopefully Neil will give him an opportunity to make the difference against the Chairboys.

AND in other news, Sunderland handed huge injury boost ahead of play-off final, Neil surely buzzing…

Portuguese sources have now shared a big transfer update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinha.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites in mix…

The defensive midfielder with a £50 million release clause has been at the centre of interest from Spurs in recent weeks, according to reports.

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It is believed that Antonio Conte’s side are firmly in the mix to sign Palhinha this summer as transfer chief Fabio Paratici seemingly still holds a real interest in bringing him to north London.

Following on from their interest last year, the Premier League top-four chasers seem to have their eyes on Sporting’s touch-tackling gem as O Jogo (via Sport Witness) now share a big update.

The Latest: Spurs ‘in front row’…

The newspaper’s sources (translated by SW) claim that Conte and co are in the ‘front row’ for Palhinha’s signing as Spurs enter pole position – with O Jogo going on to add that he should leave Sporting at the end of 2021/2022.

In a further boost, not only will his club have to sell for less than the player’s £50m clause, but they may even have to settle for a fee lower than the ‘€35m (£29.9m) or €40m (£34m)’ they had originally hoped for.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Tottenham’s manager reportedly has his sights on two new midfield additions in the next window and we believe Palhinha could be a seriously credible candidate.

According to WhoScored, the 26-year-old holds his own as a defensive anchor, making a brilliant three tackles per 90 on average in the Portuguese top flight – far more than anyone in Sporting’s squad.

He’s also one of their most fouled players every game, standing out as a frustrating opponent Conte would surely love, leaving little wonder members of the press have branded Palhinha a ‘sensational’ player (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette).

The international ace may well be a fruitful source of quality and gamesmanship for Conte.

In other news: Offer ready: Paratici sets sights on ‘very Spursy signing’ for Conte at Tottenham! Find out more here.