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Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing Burnley defender Nathan Collins this summer, although they are not alone in expressing an interest.

The Lowdown: Collins impresses for Burnley

The Clarets may have been relegated from the Premier League last season but Collins was one of his side’s better performers throughout the campaign.

The 21-year-old filled in impressively when the likes of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee were missing, making 19 appearances in the league in total and ranking as the club’s fourth best player.

With Burnley preparing for Championship football in 2022/23, it could be that Collins remains in the top flight moving forward.

The Latest: Villa keen on move

According to talkSPORT, Villa are ‘monitoring’ the centre-back’s situation, with his current deal at Turf Moor not expiring until the summer of 2025.

New Burnley boss Vincent Kompany wants to build his defence around Collins, following the departure of Tarkowski and Mee, but he could find it hard to keep him, with Leeds United and Wolves also credited with interest.

The Verdict: Strong squad addition

At 21, Collins would come in a long-term signing with a bright future ahead of him, having been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Sean Dyche, as well as winning four caps for the Republic of Ireland – he even scored an incredible solo goal for his country this week.

He would provide immediate competition for the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, bringing a dominant presence that is highlighted by an average of 3.1 aerial duel wins per game in the league last season.

It is hard to see a player of Collins’ quality and potential playing in the Championship and Steven Gerrard should do his utmost to bring him in, gradually turning him into a regular over time.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Villa claim. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Tottenham’s pursuit of Pervis Estupinan in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Marca, Fabio Paratici is now eyeing a deal to sign the left-back from Villarreal alongside an interest in landing his teammate Pau Torres.

The report claims that the Spanish team are open to cashing in on the £15m machine as they see this as a great opportunity to make money off of their Champions League run in 2021/22.

Silenced Robert Lewandowski

Estupinan would be an excellent addition to the squad to compete with Ryan Sessegnon as he is a young talent who has caught the eye with his displays in Europe.

Villarreal beat Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the Ecuador international helped to silence Lewandowski in a 1-0 win at home in the first leg.

The Polish centre-forward played the full 90 minutes and blanked in front of goal as he registered one shot on target and ended the match with a SofaScore rating of 6.6.

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Estupinan made an eye-catching six clearances, one interception and three tackles throughout the game as he impressed at left-back to ensure that Lewandowski, or any of his teammates, did not get anything out of him.

Football Consultant Reece Chambers previously dubbed him “really impressive” and that is exactly what he was in that clash with the Bundesliga giants as he silenced the legendary striker.

He was also superb in Villarreal’s other Champions League outings as he made ten appearances in the competition last term, making 2.9 tackles and interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game – winning the ball back for his team on a regular basis.

These statistics suggest that he was defensively solid throughout the tournament, whereas Sessegnon made 2.2 tackles and interceptions and 1.5 clearances per match in the Premier League.

At the age of 24, Estupinan would also be a player Antonio Conte can work with over time to develop him into the perfect full-back for his system. He is a player with the potential to improve as he is yet to reach the peak years of his career and he would, therefore, be an investment by the club whilst also making an impact in the here and now.

Spurs will be playing in the Champions League next season and he has proven that he can be a solid defender in Europe’s top competition.

AND in other news, Paratici and Conte now eyeing Spurs swoop for £45m-rated “machine”, he’s Eriksen 2.0…

A crushing Leeds United development has emerged on their pursuit of James Garner heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Lillywhites will not be signing the English central midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as their Premier League rivals are refusing to do a deal with them.

He tweeted:

“No chance James Garner goes Everton or Leeds. Man United won’t sell him permanently either. Full story out later this week.”

The reporter then added:

“Man United aren’t going to sell to a direct rival like Everton or Leeds of all clubs and potentially see him flourish into a world-beater. Could turn out to be like another Wilfred Zaha situation.”

Supporters will be gutted

The supporters will be gutted by this claim from Talbot as it comes as a huge blow to Jesse Marsch heading into the next Premier League season.

Garner enjoyed a sublime campaign in the second tier on loan with Nottingham Forest and he would have been an exciting addition to Leeds’ squad.

In the Championship, the midfielder averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.26 across 41 matches as he delivered excellent performances on a consistent basis. He also produced four goals and eight assists from the middle of the park as he showcased his ability to contribute in the final third.

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Defensively, he put himself about as he made 3.2 tackles and interceptions and won 3.9 duels per game for Steve Cooper’s side. This shows that he works hard off the ball to win possession back for his side and can be an asset at both ends of the pitch.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson lavished him with praise in the 2021/22 campaign, saying:

“Garner has been exceptional at Forest. He is an example of why players get sent out on loan.

“He can play at the top level and I think he has proven that at Forest. I don’t think he’s one that will go straight into the Man United side but I think there is a first-team role there for him and he will feature next season.”

These comments show that the eye test matches the statistics as a former professional was impressed by his displays and he had outstanding stats.

Therefore, Leeds fans will now be gutted that the club has ‘no chance’ of being able to sign Garner. The 21-year-old would have been an exciting signing for the club but Victor Orta will now need to identify alternative targets in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Orta can now seal “eye-catching” Leeds signing with £20m bid for “sensational” talent…

An MLS and USMNT insider has now lifted the lid on a clause in the contract of James Sands that he claims Glasgow Rangers ‘will trigger’ to keep him at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: 18-month loan

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team signed Sands on an initial 18-month loan from New York City FC back in the January transfer window.

They hold an exclusive option to buy the central defender, but the price was not disclosed by the Gers upon their announcement of his arrival.

The Latest: Clause revealed

Taking to Twitter, USA national team insider Tom Bogert has now revealed that the buy-out clause for Sands is set at $6m (£4.8m), which he claims that the Light Blues ‘will trigger’:

“Was told Rangers’ purchase clause for on-loan NYCFC and USMNT defender James Sands is $6 million. Dunno if there was a loan fee too or not. I would assume Rangers will trigger that. Think he’ll be really good this year.”

The Verdict: Activate

Given that Sands is only 21 years of age, his market value is sure to go up, and so paying just £4.8m for him could well turn out to be a bargain in a few years’ time.

The USA international played a total of 14 times for the Teddy Bears over all competitions last season, including in the UEFA Europa League final, and is clearly a squad player that van Bronckhorst values.

Nonetheless, there is a chance that Calvin Bassey could leave this summer, and so the Dutch manager will need enough centre-back options going into the new campaign.

In other news, find out who RFC have now been ‘contacted’ over signing here!

Liverpool have made contact with the representatives of Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, according to Spanish outlet Sport. 

The lowdown: Man in demand

Unsurprisingly, as the one time £135.5million ace’s contract heads towards its conclusion, Dembele has been attracting plenty of interest.

Out of contract on July 1st (Transfermarkt), despite the best efforts of Barcelona to keep the skilful French forward, there is yet to be an agreement on terms and as such the 25-year-old will soon be free to negotiate with clubs across Europe.

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Having previously watched on from a distance, the Reds may now have thrown their hat into the ring to sign the World Cup winner…

The latest: ‘Finally’ Liverpool act

As per Sport, Liverpool are said to have ‘finally’ made contact with the 27-cap France star’s entourage regarding the possibility of a move to Merseyside.

It’s claimed that Dembele is ‘studying various proposals’ with one of them now being from the Anfield club as well as interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

The report also states that Jurgen Klopp could be preparing for life after Mane and therefore would view the winger once dubbed a ‘devastating player’ by journalist Andy West as a potential replacement in the Reds’ squad.

The verdict: Risk free option

Albeit plagued by injuries since making the switch to Spain, missing 102 matches in total, Dembele remains a fearsome prospect when fully fit and would represent a risk-free piece of business without what would be a lofty price tag in normal circumstances.

Capable of playing on either wing as well as centrally and therefore adding to the firepower at Klopp’s disposal, the versatile forward holds a stylistic likeness to well renowned attacking names such as PSG superstar Neymar and Bayern Munich duo Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry (Fbref), making the Frenchman a major coup, particularly on a free transfer.

Directly contributing to 15 goals in a relatively injury-free 2021/22 campaign, new Liverpool transfer guru Julian Ward should be all over adding Dembele to the ranks as a priority this summer.

In other news, one Liverpool player has hinted at a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United and Arsenal have emerged as suitors for Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.

The Lowdown: Homage to Catalonia?

The Whites preserved their Premier League status after winning 2-1 away to Brentford last weekend, on what was a huge day for the club.

Raphinha did his more than his fair share throughout the campaign, leading Leeds’ scoring charts with 11 league goals and firing home a vital penalty in the aforementioned victory over the Bees.

It is widely expected that the 25-year-old will depart for Spain this summer, however, having reached a natural conclusion at Elland Road and with Barcelona eyeing up a move.

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The Latest: MUFC and Arsenal twist

Taking to Twitter late on Wednesday night, Longari claimed that Manchester United and Arsenal could throw a twist into the battle to sign the Brazilian:

“Raphinha first offer rejected by #Leeds. Barca have priority but watch out for the Premier (#Arsenal and #Mufc).”

The Verdict: Barca or nothing?

It is wholly understandable why a move to Barca would appeal to Raphinha, with some of his country’s greatest-ever players representing the club, whether it be Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or Romario.

It would be hard to begrudge him a switch to the Catalan giants then, but it is tough to see him heading to United or Arsenal, especially with the former being Leeds’ bitter rivals.

Meanwhile, the Gunners failed to qualify for the Champions League in 2022/23, so Raphinha is unlikely to leave a club he loves only to be plying his trade in the Europa League next season.

Moving to Barca still feels likely but if that doesn’t materialise it could give Jesse Marsch hope of keeping hold of one of his star men.

In other news, a transfer expert has talked up a Leeds signing happening this summer. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Ivan Perisic to the club in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to James Olley, with the ESPN journalist revealing on Twitter that Spurs are exploring a deal to sign the versatile Inter Milan midfielder on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign, with Fabio Paratici said to have already made contact with the 33-year-old regarding a potential switch to north London.

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In his tweet, which included a corresponding report for ESPN, Olley said: “THFC are exploring a deal to sign Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan on a free transfer. Juventus considered the front-runners but Spurs have made contact.”

“Physical monster”

Considering just how impressive Perisic has been for Inter at left wing-back this season, and with Sergio Reguilon being heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent weeks, it is unsurprising to learn that Spurs are keen on a deal for the Croatia international on a free transfer this summer.

Indeed, over his 34 Serie A appearances this term, the £125k-per-week talent has been in breathtaking form for Simone Inzaghi’s side. He has scored seven goals, registered seven assists and created 13 big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 1.2 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The 33-year-old has also impressed in a defensive capacity, making 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and one clearance and winning 3.6 duels (at a success rate of 54%) per match.

These returns have seen the player who Siavoush Fallahi dubbed a “physical monster” and Adam Digby labelled “superb” average an excellent SofaScore match rating of 7.27, not only ranking him as Inter’s third-best performer in Serie A but also the joint 13th-best player in the league as a whole.

Furthermore, according to FBRef data, the 113-cap Croatia international ranks in the top 2% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, along with the top 3% for npxG, the top 3% for shots, the top 1% for xA, the top 1% for npxG+xA, the top 5% for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for progressive carries.

As such, it is clear that Perisic would be something of a monster for Antonio Conte’s side at left wing-back, leading us to believe that Paratici must do everything possible to convince the 33-year-old of a switch to north London this summer.

AND in other news: Spurs handed injury boost as Hotspur Way update emerges, Antonio Conte will be buzzing

Aston Villa are among the leading contenders to sign Atletico Madrid forward Luis Suarez this summer, according to reports from Spain. 

The lowdown: Suarez exit confirmed

Having joined Los Rojiblancos in 2020, the 35-year-old has already confirmed that he will be leaving the Wanda Metropolitano following the conclusion of the current La Liga season.

Since signing for Diego Simeone’s side, Suarez has scored 34 times in 81 outings, taking his club senior goal tally to 436 across spells with Nacional, Groningen, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona and now Atletico.

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Now it appears that a reunion with former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard could be on the cards in the upcoming transfer window…

The latest: Villa interested in Suarez

As per Spanish sources, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Sevilla all ‘want to sign’ Suarez.

It is claimed that Gerrard ‘wants to meet again’ with the 132-cap Uruguay star in order to ‘fight to qualify for European competitions’ next season.

The report added that ‘several teams’ have shown an interest in the 35-year-old, who has ‘everything’ according to Gerrard when naming his best team-mates from his illustrious playing days.

The verdict: No-brainer

Whilst there is a danger of Villa Park becoming somewhat of an Anfield alumni reunion having already secured a permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho, adding Suarez to the squad would be a huge boost ahead of next season.

The Uruguayan has scored 13 times and registered another three assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign, earning a 6.89 Sofascore rating from 34 La Liga outings whilst taking 1.6 shots per game.

Still holding a market value of £9m from Transfermarkt, signing Suarez on a free transfer to play second fiddle to frontline duo Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings would have to be regarded as a sensational piece of business if Villa can pull it off.

In other news: Former Villa boss reacts to £50m+ plus price tag for ‘fantastic’ ace

Liverpool have been handed a boost to their chances of signing AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, as per a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Strong interest

As the Reds continue their quest for more silverware this season, away from matters on the field new sporting director Julian Ward is already hard at work outlining the summer’s top targets.

Recent reports have heavily linked the Anfield club with a sensational swoop for Tchouameni, while Calvin Ramsay is also thought to be a main target as Jurgen Klopp attempts to further strengthen an already well-stocked squad.

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Now as the Ligue 1 campaign heads into its own final two games with Monaco currently sitting third and in next season’s UEFA Champions League as a result, the French outfit may already be bracing themselves for life after their highly sought after 22-year-old.

The latest: Monaco now ready to sell

As per a recruitment source at FI, Monaco are believed to be ‘putting together a list of targets’ in order to replace Tchouameni this summer.

The report calls it a ‘major development’ and a ‘boost’ for Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, whilst elsewhere Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have both been tipped to challenge for the defensive midfielder’s signature.

It’s claimed that the youngster, described as ‘exceptional’ by French football journalist Julien Laurens, has ‘excited’ talent spotters of the Premier League clubs and Monaco are now ready to cash in.

The verdict: Win the race

Put simply, given the levels of competition from England and indeed Europe’s elite, Liverpool and moreover, FSG, must do everything in their power to win the race for the exciting eight-cap France star.

So far this season, Tchouameni has scored five times and provided two assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, taking his overall career tally to 130 senior domestic outings despite his tender years.

Holding a market value of £36million and under contract in France until 2024 (Transfermarkt), if indeed Monaco are preparing for a sale then Liverpool must do whatever it takes to bring in the combative ace, who is already an experienced operator for both club and country.

In other news, journalist drops contract claim regarding Liverpool star. Read more here.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp must ruthlessly axe “influential” club captain Jordan Henderson as he is the weakness in their midfield and a better replacement is needed in the summer.

On the chalkboard

Liverpool are fighting on all fronts at the moment and are hunting down an unprecedented quadruple. But they face stiff competition from Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League, and they veered slightly off course in the title race when failing to beat Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.

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Henderson was one the players who failed to shine in the game at Anfield and was substituted after 65 minutes being replaced by Diogo Jota. He failed to make a single tackle in the whole time he was on the pitch and barely contributed. Furthermore, he gave up possession of the ball every five minutes which will have been a key factor in the team dropping points.

Whilst his leadership and strong voice in the dressing room might go unmatched, there’s only so many times you can use that as a reason to be playing him.

Henderson has been a vital part of Liverpool’s success in recent years but there is a feeling that his qualities are slightly diminishing, with Roy Keane describing him as a “cheerleader” and questioning why he was in the England squad during Euro 2020.

The 31-year old moved to Merseyside from his boyhood club Sunderland in 2011 and is currently the longest-serving player at the club. He is, and always will be considered a legend in the eyes of the fans, and he has rightly earnt that status. However, he is no longer a player who is capable starting every week for one of the best teams in Europe.

Liverpool have to accept that and Klopp has to make it his priority to bring in a third world class midfielder to sit alongside Fabinho and Thiago next season.

If you compare Henderson to them both he doesn’t produce performances that are close to what they consistently produce. Both players have a higher pass completion percentage that the Englishman and have successfully completed more dribbles.

Henderson’s time at Anfield isn’t necessarily over, but the club need to rely on him less if they are to keep competing at the highest level. He still has a major role to play in the squad as a leader and captain, just not as a player who is a key starter.

IN other news: “Won’t accept less than…”: Romano drops big transfer update, Liverpool must now move…