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Aston Villa are hoping to tie down Douglas Luiz after initial struggles over a new contract.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim that the club has opened contract talks with the player.

Since signing from Manchester City in 2018 he has impressed at Villa Park, and the club are hopeful of striking an agreement.

This will come as welcome news to Villa supporters, as the club reportedly rejected three offers for the Brazilian in January. This new contract will help to finally put any transfer speculation to bed.

It could be Villa’s most important signing

Although Steven Gerrard has been desperate to improve his Aston Villa squad in his first summer transfer window, to truly build upon a season a side must retain their prized assets.

One such asset is Douglas Luiz, who has impressed since he first signed for the Villains.

He has offered a dependable pair of legs beside the brawn of John McGinn in midfield, adding a Brazilian flair with a dependable workmanlike behaviour that had served Dean Smith so well over his tenure.

The 24-year-old featured 34 times in the Premier League last season for Villa, contributing to five goals along the way. Despite being linked with a move away from Villa Park he was still integral to their side.

It is therefore unsurprising to see his 6.89 average SofaScore rating rank him in the top ten amongst his teammates.

He is a consistent performer that underpins a hardworking core at Villa, and keeping him at the club alongside the new talent added will be imperative for any future success.

He does not excel in one specific area, as neither his offensive nor defensive output is anything of note. However, his all-around performances are what led Martin Lawrence to dub him “outstanding”.

Lawrence continued by claiming that Luiz “will play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe before long,” but Gerrard and Villa fans will be hoping that this summer is not the time.

The £52k-per-week maestro is quietly one of Villa’s most important players, and the club would be foolish to allow him to leave on the cheap due to a contract dispute.

Although plenty of highly rated talent has joined the Midlands outfit this summer, tying down Luiz could be their biggest signing so far.

AND in other news: Lange plotting Villa move for “complete” £30m titan, he’d be Gerrard’s own Yaya Toure.

Everton have confirmed the signing of three new players so far this summer, and a potential new transfer target has now been named by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, the Toffees are interested in signing Rennes midfielder Martin Terrier.

Taylor tweeted: “Everton & Leeds showing interest in Stade Rennes forward Martin Terrier, who hit 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season.

“Rennes executive president Olivier Cloarec is adamant 25-year-old, who is valued at around €40m, wants to stay.”

Imagine him & McNeil

Frank Lampard is in desperate need of players who can come in to not only offer availability but also high quality ahead of their return to Premier League action next week, and Terrier could be the perfect signing to get the Toffees back where they want to be.

The French midfielder has been outstanding for Rennes over the last 12 months, with his performances having a huge impact on the Ligue 1 club’s 2021/22 campaign as they finished fourth, just five points shy of Marseille in second.

Over 37 appearances last term, the 25-year-old scored 21 goals, delivered three assists and created five big chances, making 1.1 key passes and 1.5 tackles and taking 2.4 shots per game, along with winning the majority of his duels (53%).

Terrier, who was dubbed “bright” and a “team player” by Julien Stéphan, ranked second for shots on target and was the third-highest scorer in the entire French top flight in 2021/22, proving that he is a real attacking threat and could be a valuable asset for Lampard next season.

The Toffees manager could establish a formidable attacking partnership between new signing Dwight McNeil and the £34m-valued Rennes star if he joins the squad on Merseyside next season. The ex-Burnley winger’s selfless and creative attacking approach would be phenomenal combined with Terrier’s hunger for goals.

With that in mind, the signing of the 25-year-old would be a major coup for Everton if Farhad Moshiri can execute a deal for the Frenchman this summer; and if the Rennes maestro can bring his attacking prowess to the Premier League, the Toffees could be in a position to comfortably compete at this level.

AND in other news: Thelwell in Everton talks to sign “very talented” £25m dynamo, he’s Richarlison 2.0

Journalist and reliable source Daniel Taylor of The Athletic has now backed a ‘surprise’ Nottingham Forest transfer twist involving former Man United star Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Reds make move…

The Englishman seems set to be one of the biggest free agent deals of this window as he continues to attract interest from a host of clubs both in the Premier League and abroad.

ESPN recently claimed that alongside Everton, Tottenham and West Ham, clubs from the USA, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi have all expressed interest in signing Lingard this summer.

A man in demand, the ex-Red Devils star is now also a major target for Forest and manager Steve Cooper with Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian recently breaking news that they’re advancing in negotiations.

The Latest: Taylor backs ‘surprise’ news…

Taking to Twitter, reporter Taylor of The Athletic has now backed this ‘surprise’ transfer twist out of the City Ground.

He explained:

“It’s true: Nottingham Forest really are trying to sign Jesse Lingard.

Talks underway and #NFFC willing to break pay ceiling for former Man Utd and England player. Lingard has been speaking to West Ham but Forest trying to close surprise deal.”

The Verdict: Ambition…

Having already completed ten major signings this summer, it appears Forest’s ambition is showing no sign of stopping after their long-awaited promotion back to the big time.

Signing Lingard on a Bosman, especially when factoring in his brilliant spell on loan at West Ham over 20/21, would come as a really shrewd piece of business and may well be the cherry on top of a fantastic window.

Leeds United are closing in on a deal to bring Sonny Perkins to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to The Secret Scout, who revealed on Twitter that, despite the reported interest of Tottenham Hotspur – of whom the 18-year-old is known to be a life-long supporter – Victor Orta is now edging closer to sealing the forward’s signing on a free transfer ahead of the north London club, with a deal expected to be completed in the very near future.

In their tweet, it is said: “Sonny Perkins to Leeds… soon. Leeds have heavily invested in buying top players for PL2. It will be interesting to see as they have top strikers at the club.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect Perkins undoubtedly is, the news that Orta looks set to land the England under-18 international ahead of Spurs this summer is sure to have left both the Elland Road faithful and the club’s Spanish director of football buzzing.

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Indeed, those in the know appear to have exceptionally high expectations for the versatile forward, with James Marshment backing him to become a “£30m player” in the next few years and ExWHUemployee claiming that, during his at West Ham United, the club’s academy coaches believed the youngster could become the “next Declan Rice.”

It is not difficult to see why this opinion is held of Perkins, as the £1.08m-rated talent highly impressed during his time spent with the various youth teams in east London. He scored nine goals and registered four assists over 21 Premier League 2 outings last season.

As such, should Orta indeed manage to beat Tottenham to the striker’s signature this summer, and Perkins subsequently continues his remarkable development upon making the step up to the professional game, the Whites could well have another Joe Gelhardt or Sam Greenwood on their hands next season.

That prospect is sure to be incredibly exciting for all involved with Leeds, not least Jesse Marsch himself.

AND in other news: Orta set to bid for “outstanding” Leeds target after big development, Marsch needs him

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has said that it would be a ‘massive coup’ if Leeds United were able to bring PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Leeds still keen?

The Whites have announced two new signings in the last 48 hours in midfielder Tyler Adams and winger Luis Sinisterra.

That has taken their summer spending to £95m, with six arrivals through the door, but it looks as if there could still be one more in the 23-year-old from PSV.

Reports have claimed that Leeds may still look to sign another forward despite bringing in Sinisterra, with Gakpo – who was  called a ‘sensational player’ by Football Oranje editor and Dutch football expert Michael Bell – one of three players mentioned.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke said that it ‘would be a massive coup’ if Leeds were able to bring Gakpo to Elland Road, given the number of English giants also being linked with him recently.

The reporter outlined:

“If Leeds were able to win the race for Gakpo, I think it would be a massive coup for them considering some of the biggest clubs in Europe have been linked. The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been mentioned with Gakpo in the not too distant past as well.”

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The Verdict: Centre-forward instead?

Gakpo can play anywhere across the front three, scoring 44 senior goals for club and country, although the majority of his appearances have come as a left winger.

Leeds are now well-stocked with wide options in a potential 4-2-2-2 system under Jesse Marsch, so it could make sense to look at a more central attacking target.

Patrick Bamford missed the majority of last season through injury, so bolstering the club’s centre-forward ranks could be a wiser move instead of another versatile wide forward in what appears to be the final piece of the summer jigsaw at Elland Road.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now ‘confident’ of signing Armando Broja for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: ‘Active interest’

It has been reported that the St James’ Park club have an ‘active interest’ in the 20-year-old, but they are waiting to see if Chelsea would be willing to let him go this summer.

West Ham United are also thought to be interested in signing the Albania international, while Southampton could return for him following his loan spell at St Mary’s last season.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘confident’

Taking to Twitter, Scott Wilson has revealed that Newcastle are now ‘confident’ of beating the Hammers to Broja’s signature, but Thomas Tuchel has not decided whether the youngster will join up with Chelsea for their pre-season tour of the United States.

The Magpies journalist tweeted: “#NUFC confident of being able to beat West Ham for Armando Broja – but waiting for Chelsea to make a decision on striker. Broja returns to training at Chelsea this week – with Tuchel then deciding whether he’ll go to US for tour…”

Expanding in his latest piece for The Northern Echo, Wilson added that it remains to be seen whether it would be another loan deal for Broja or a permanent move, as he would cost in the region of £20m-£25m.

The Verdict: Get it done

With West Ham seemingly breathing down Newcastle’s necks, signing Broja is a deal that the Tynesiders needs to get done as soon as possible.

Hailed as a “dangerous” player by Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, and with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp commending his “incredible pace and strength”, the 6 foot 3 colossus has already shown how much of a handful he is for defenders, scoring nine goals in a Southampton shirt last term.

Also, he is still only 20 years of age, so he has plenty of time to develop into an elite striker at Premier League level.

Celtic need to have at least three strong strikers next season if they want to make an impact in the Champions League, according to journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Lacking a true target man

The Hoops enjoyed a superb 2021/22 season, regaining the Premiership title, but that’s not to say that everything was perfect at Parkhead.

Ange Postecoglou didn’t possess a truly ruthless marksman in his ranks, with the goals shared out among the squad and Kyogo Furuhashi leading the way with 20 in all competitions.

It is an area which could be improved upon in the coming weeks, especially with a return to the Champions League group stage next season for the first time since 2017/18.

The Latest: Joseph makes transfer claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Joseph highlighted attack as a key area of focus for Celtic in the transfer market this summer.

He claimed:

“If Celtic want to really make a mark in Europe and do well, whether that’s finishing third in the Champions League and getting into the Europa League and having a run there, then they will need at least three solid number nines.”

The Verdict: Attacking firepower required

Joseph is quite right in his assessment, with the addition of a couple of bona fide penalty box predators having the potential to take this Celtic squad up another level next season.

The Scottish champions could certainly do with signing at least one such player, in order for Postecoglou to have a genuine target man as an option, with Champions League defences unlikely to be too scared of the Hoops’ current attack.

It would be a huge shame if Celtic’s hard work comes undone after such a great season, once again exiting Europe’s premier club competition at the first hurdle, and possibly even suffering in the Premiership because of a lack of firepower, too.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies are now set to abandon their pursuit of the centre-forward as Ligue 1 giants PSG enter the race for his signature.

He tweeted: “Sven Botman due on Tyneside ahead of £32m move but I’m told deal for Hugo Ekitike is all but dead. Sources say agent demands were “ridiculous” & it appears PSG interest is now genuine. Newcastle ready to move on to other targets.”

This comes after Keith Downie recently told GIVEMESPORT: “I mean, it was described to me yesterday as Newcastle are getting frustrated because the whole transfer has been difficult. And I think that’s putting it lightly, to be honest. I think they are getting frustrated.”

Eddie Howe will be gutted

The Toon boss will be gutted by this news as it means that he will not – as it stands – be able to select Ekitike in the Premier League next season.

Howe would surely love to help the young striker develop and fulfil his potential in the years to come as the gem has shown extraordinary promise at such a young age.

The Frenchman recently turned 20 and enjoyed a stellar campaign in his first full season in the French top-flight as he scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 15 Ligue 1 starts for Reims.

He has shown that he has the quality to score goals on a regular basis at senior level, despite his lack of experience in the professional game. Now, imagine what he could do with more game time under his belt and, potentially, better players around him…

Howe will be frustrated that he is not going to be the manager to work with Ekitike to help him grow, as this latest update suggests, and will be gutted because his arrival would have been a much-needed boost to the squad.

In the Premier League last season, no Newcastle player scored more than eight goals and only one player managed more than five in the division. The Magpies did not have a go-to marksman over the course of the entire campaign and Ekitike’s statistics in France indicate that he has the potential to be that player.

Therefore, he would give Howe’s team a lift at the top end of the pitch with his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

The club must now source alternative targets and ensure that they are able to bring in a new number nine before the end of the window.

AND in other news: “My understanding…”: Keith Downie drops NUFC claim that’ll leave supporters gutted

Leeds United have been linked with a summer move for Burnley defender Nathan Collins.

What’s the news?

According to a recent transfer report from talkSPORT by Alex Crook, the Whites are joined by fellow Premier League clubs Wolves and Aston Villa in monitoring the Irishman’s situation at Turf Moor following the Clarets’ relegation.

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Having worked his way through Stoke City’s youth ranks, the centre-back joined Burnley last summer in a deal worth a reported fee of around £12m.

Throughout his debut season at Turf Moor, the 21-year-old only made 19 league appearances but was still able to show how capable a defender he can be in the top flight. In those 19 games, Collins won 23 tackles and made 48 blocks, 37 interceptions and 102 clearances, as per FBRef.

His overall performances in the league earned him a season rating of 6.89/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player at Burnley. By the same metric, this rating would have made him the second-highest rated outfield player in Leeds’ squad for 2021/22.

Labelled an “incredible talent” by Irish journalist John Balfe on Twitter, Collins was praised for a “sublime” goal that he scored for the Republic of Ireland earlier this week by his national team boss Stephen Kenny, which shows that he can be just as formidable in front of the opponent’s goal as he is in his own penalty area.

Marsch badly needs him

Taking into account how Leeds conceded 79 goals throughout their latest Premier League campaign, leaving only rock-bottom Norwich City (84) with a worse record, it’s safe to say that the Whites and Jesse Marsch could do with adding some defensive reinforcements to their ranks this summer.

With that in mind, Collins could be the perfect fit for Leeds given his young age and clear ability to be a solid defender in the Premier League.

In fact, no other club in the top flight faced more shots on target (219) than Leeds last season, highlighting their need to bring in someone who can snuff out any danger or prevent the goalkeeper from having to make as many saves.

Burnley presumably won’t want to see another defender leave the club this summer following the recent departures of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, but if an opportunity to sign the £9m-rated Irishman crops up, the Whites should be all over it ahead of their Premier League rivals.

In other news: Leeds now eyeing “complete” £25m “Rolls-Royce”, he’s the perfect Phillips replacement

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, according to football.london. 

The lowdown: Top talent

Formerly of Flamengo’s youth system, the 24-year-old made the move to Europe in 2019 for €35m (£30m) when AC Milan snapped up the talented Brazilian (ESPN).

Having directly contributed to just four goals in 44 appearances in Italy, he was sold to Lyon in 2020, where he has recaptured his best form with 34 goal involvements in 78 outings.

Following strong interest from Newcastle United in recent months, it now appears as though Tottenham are also pursuing the Brazil international…

The latest: Spurs interest in Paqueta

As per football.london, Tottenham are said to have been ‘tracking’ Paqueta for some time.

Along with the Brazilian, who was hailed as a ‘special footballer’ by journalist Jacob Schneider during a Europa League clash with Sparta Prague, the report takes an in-depth look at the targets for Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte this summer as the Italian duo attempt to strengthen the squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It’s also claimed that the north Londoners have shown an interest in Leicester City star James Maddison, soon-to-be free agent Jesse Lingard and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson as candidates to bolster the attacking midfield department.

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The verdict: Make it happen

With the wantaway Steven Bergwijn looking increasingly likely to move on this summer and Bryan Gil’s future still undecided, adding another attack-minded midfield option to Conte’s ranks would be a worthwhile venture.

Last season, Paqueta scored 11 times and provided seven assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, earning a superb 7.13 Sofascore rating whilst winning 7.3 duels, making 1.2 key passes and taking 2.5 shots per Ligue 1 match in the process.

Holding a strong stylistic likeness to illustrious names such as Hakim Ziyech, Marco Reus and Thomas Müller (FBRef), the 33-cap Brazilian would offer supreme versatility, with an ability to play on either flank, as a number 10, centre-forward and as a more conventional central midfielder.

Valued at £31.5m and under contract in France until 2025 (Transfermarkt), this would be an expensive deal for ENIC, but one which would make a lot of sense.

In other news: ‘Very recently’ – Tottenham hold talks over signing ‘one of the top strikers in England’! Find out more here.