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Aston Villa are ‘in the queue’ to sign wantaway Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah in January, according to Ekrem Konur. 

The lowdown

Nketiah has yet to make the matchday squad for a Premier League game this season, having picked up an ankle injury just before the campaign started.

His only first-team minutes have come in the Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon, a game in which he scored.

Last season, the England Under-21 international was limited to just four Premier League starts.

Significantly, his contract is up come the end of the season and, according to a report from David Ornstein in August, ‘there is no sign’ of a forthcoming extension.

Arsenal may, therefore, be under pressure to sell their £14.4million-rated asset in January amid the risk of losing him for free.

The latest

Nketiah ‘plans to leave’ The Emirates at the turn of the year because he ‘wants regular first team football’, Konur says.

Villa can expect to face competition from newly-promoted Brentford and from Leeds United, where Nketiah had a spell on loan during the 2019/20 season.

The verdict

It certainly looks as if Nketiah will be leaving the Gunners, but it’s hard to see Villa being his next destination.

If he wants to be playing week-in, week-out, then he surely won’t go to a club where he’ll be behind two other strikers – Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins – in the pecking order.

Perhaps Villa should look in-house if they want to bolster the first team’s attacking ranks. Cameron Archer has been particularly impressive.

In other news, fans flocked to this update on Leon Bailey.  

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien as new manager Patrick Vieira continues to overhaul the first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, a source has revealed that the Eagles are keen to secure the 22-year-old’s services this summer, with fellow Premier League club Leeds United also credited with an interest. Marcelo Bielsa’s side reportedly tabled an opening offer of around £3m for O’Brien, and the Argentine is said to be “exasperated” that Leeds are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations.

However, the standoff in talks appears to have opened the door for Palace to swoop in. The report claims that the Terriers initially demanded £10m for their prized asset but would now likely accept a seven-figure fee.

O’Brien has entered the final 12 months of his current contract at the John Smith’s Stadium, so he may be available in a cut-price deal, although Huddersfield do have the option of triggering a one-year extension clause.

Imagine him and Gallagher

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, O’Brien has established himself as one of Huddersfield’s most promising midfielders, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 82 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit.

Vieira has already bolstered his midfield engine room options in the shape of Conor Gallagher on loan, but with James McCarthy departing and Cheikhou Kouyate linked with an imminent exit, the former Nice boss may need added reinforcements for the upcoming campaign.

Therefore, Palace chairman Steve Parish must swoop for O’Brien, snatching a much-coveted transfer target from under Leeds’ nose.

The youthful pair would add energy, technical ability and running power to the Eagles’ midfield, attributes which have been desperately lacking in recent years as Roy Hodgson’s side grew old together.

Palace have been targeting young, exciting acquisitions in the current window, changing the landscape at Selhurst Park in the process, and O’Brien should certainly fit into the makeup of the new-look side.

It remains to be seen whether the Eagles follow up their interest with a formal offer, but many supporters must surely be hoping that they do.

In other news… Get it done: Palace must swoop for “dangerous” 21 y/o prodigy, Vieira will love him

Antonio Conte may have discovered a new secret weapon at Tottenham Hotspur after Ryan Sessegnon delivered an exciting cameo on his return from injury this weekend.

Spurs moved into seventh place with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Leeds United on Sunday evening and the Italian will surely be buoyed by what he saw from several of his key players, including Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilon, who both scored rare goals.

But perhaps in the 21-year-old dynamo he now has a threat that not many will have seen as he has only made 15 appearances since his £25m move from Fulham in the summer of 2019.

He spent last season on loan to Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, where he proved to be a reliable influence at left wing-back and almost as if it were by chance, it’s a system that the Lilywhites will be building upon under Conte.

Sessegnon provided two goals and three assists, whilst averaging two tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 0.7 key passes per game in the German top-flight, as per WhoScored, which suggests not only is he a threat going forward but he can do some very solid defensive duties, too.

Since October’s international break, the young gem has been stuck on the treatment table but after returning to training last week, Conte selected him in his matchday squad before bringing him on in the place of the knackered Reguilon in the 79th minute.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-news-updates-transfers-antonio-conte-thfc” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

In just 11 minutes, he enjoyed ten touches of the ball, made two of his three passes, put in an interception and won 100% of his aerial duels, via SofaScore.

As quickfire cameos go, that was certainly a major source of encouragement, particularly as he played left wing-back and that’s likely going to be his best role under Conte going forward.

Once dubbed a “big, big talent” by former Cottagers teammate Stefan Johansen, it’s time for Sessegnon to finally repay the investment chairman Daniel Levy made in him over two years ago.

The £18m-rated wide man was also lauded by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick as being “lively and encouraging” in his post-Leeds column, whilst further reports claim Sessegnon has “impressed” Conte on the training pitch.

All the stars are aligning for the rarely-seen 21-year-old to play a big part under the Italian but only time will tell if he can actually kick on this time.

AND in other news, Conte eyes “dominant” £54m-rated “Rolls-Royce”, he could be Spurs’ new Jan Vertonghen…

Everton will be hoping to end a four-game winless run when the Premier League resumes this weekend, but they’re set to face a tricky test in the shape of reigning champions Manchester City.

Rafa Benitez’s charges have already experienced a season of two halves in the opening weeks of 2021/22, losing just one of their opening seven top-flight fixtures before picking up a single point from a possible 12.

A draw against Tottenham Hotspur last time out halted a streak of three consecutive losses, but a much-needed win will be hard to come by when they visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The two sides faced off three times in all competitions last season after they were pitted against each other in the FA Cup, with the Citizens comfortably winning all three encounters with an aggregate score of 10-1.

One player who started every game in the one-sided trilogy was Gabriel Jesus, and the £90,000-per-week beast played a pivotal part in the Manchester side’s success, grabbing a goal and an assist against the Toffees.

His 14th-minute strike in the 5-0 thrashing in the last game of the season extended his impressive record against Everton, taking his tally to eight strikes in nine appearances when lining up to take on the Blues.

For context, only 12 players have scored more against the Toffees than Jesus in the entire club’s history.

With City’s plethora of attacking options cutting opposition’s defences open at will this term, Benitez faces a near-impossible task of keeping the likes of Phil Foden, Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva at bay, but perhaps it’s Jesus who he should be most concerned about.

This season, the 24-year-old has almost been exclusively used out wide rather than in his typical centre-forward position, making him more elusive and harder to mark.

Jesus’ unwavering work ethic also makes him a nightmare for full-backs and opponents looking to push forward, an attribute that Pep Guardiola holds in high regard.

“He is exceptional and he has a key role for us for many years and been a big part of the huge success we’ve had every season,” the Spanish tactician remarked.

“Sergio was injured and played a few games last season. Always when Sergio was fit he was an important part of the team. He was incredibly recognised by me.

“He was a proper striker and Gabriel is a proper striker.

Football has a quirky habit of repeating itself and producing patterns over a number of years, and Everton are going to have to be on their best form to prevent Jesus from becoming their new nemesis.

And, in other news…EFC may repeat Iwobi disaster by signing “lacklustre” £140k-p/w dud, Brands must avoid

Some Liverpool supporters have been reacting positively to Fabinho’s hilarious impression of a Scouser in a social media post.

The start of the 2021/22 season is edging closer all the time, with excitement building ahead of the Reds’ Premier League opener away to Norwich City next month.

The majority of Liverpool’s squad are now back in pre-season training, although some are still enjoying some time off after their involvement in summer tournaments.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

One of those is Fabinho, who helped Brazil reach the final of Copa America, which they lost to arch-rivals Argentina.

On Sunday, the 27-year-old was taking part in a fan Q&A on Instagram and a video emerged on Twitter of him doing an impression of a Scouser, as requested by a supporter.

Fabinho is heard saying “Want some chicken, lad?” in what is an excellent impression, illustrating that he has integrated nicely into the Merseyside community.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-8/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans love Fabinho’s impression

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the Brazilian’s “outstanding” Scouse accent.

“Class”

Credit: @ethanabs_

“I LOVE HIM, I LOVE HIM, I LOVE HIM, I LOVE HIM, I LOVE HIM”

Credit: @adamwhite_01

“Outstanding from Fabs”

Credit: @ParisPinney

“Yes Fab”

Credit: @hells_bells_10

“Absolutely superb”

Credit: @GregThompson7

“Fabinho is too funny! Great accent!”

Credit: @kop_girl77

In other news, two clubs are reportedly interested in signing one Reds player this summer – find out who it is here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Everton defender Michael Ball has hit out at Carlo Ancelotti, suggesting that he failed during his short spell at Goodison Park.

The Italian recently departed Everton to make a shock return to Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane’s decision to walk away from the Spanish giants.

Given his profile and what he has accomplished in the game, big expectations came with Ancelotti’s Everton appointment at the end of 2019.

He also brought in a couple big-name players in James Rodriguez and Allan, only adding to those expectations. However, in the end, Ancelotti was only able to guide the Toffees to a 10th-placed finish in his only full season with the club.

“I think he’s bottled the whole project,” Ball told FFC. “I feel it was a great opportunity for him to show what a top manager he is. He’s won trophies everywhere, but he’s always had the wealth and he’s always had the players.

“Could he bring Everton from a mid-table team to the European spots? That was his ambition; that was his target. He failed to do that.”

Quite frankly, Ancelotti’s exit was disappointing, especially given that he has been so vocal with his criticism of the failed European Super League, something his new employers were at the heart of.

That being said, understandably, players and managers will always find it hard to say no to a club of Real Madrid’s size.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has delivered an insight into the decision to let Aston Villa star Frederic Guilbert join Strasbourg on loan on transfer deadline day.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side had a fairly quiet deadline day after a more hectic summer transfer window saw the likes of Emi Buendia, Danny Ings and Leon Bailey, among others arrive, and Jack Grealish of course leave.

One piece of business the Midlands club did do however, is sending Guilbert back to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, where he spent the second-half of last season on loan at.

And now, in a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece responded to a question about why the Smith decided to let him go, saying: “Not sure, just doesn’t fancy him at all. A shame because he seems a good guy who always put it all on the line for Villa.”

Villa fans will be frustrated

Writing for The Athletic last year, Gregg Evans said of Guilbert: “I agree, there’s potential, but it seems like Smith has seen enough and favours others.”

A number of Villa fans have already made their feelings clear about Guilbert on several occasions, first slamming the decision to actually let him leave on loan for Strasbourg back in January and suggesting they should’ve kept him, then urging Smith to give him a chance in pre-season earlier this summer after his impressive spell away.

The fact that both Evans and Preece have declared that Smith just isn’t the biggest fan of the full-back is sure to frustrate fans who would have been hoping to see him in action for Villa, and challenging Matty Cash for a first-team spot, or just providing a back-up option for him.

This latest update from Preece is a “shame” as Preece says, and it’s one that won’t have gone down too well with Villa supporters.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed this Aston Villa starlet will sign a new contract…

Norwich City are reportedly interested in signing seasoned Portugal international William Carvalho before the summer transfer window closes.

The Lowdown: Carvalho forges strong career

The 29-year-old has enjoyed an impressive career to date, winning Euro 2016 with Portugal and making 68 appearances for his country overall.

Carvalho, who is a defensive midfielder, is currently plying his trade at La Liga side Real Betis, where he featured in 27 league matches last season.

The Latest: Norwich linked with move

According to Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre on Thursday morning [9:13am], Norwich are in talks with Carvalho over a summer move to Carrow Road.

It is noted that the Canaries are keen to strengthen in the heart of their midfield and see the Betis man as one of a number of potential targets.

The Verdict: Sign him up, Norwich

Carvalho could be an excellent signing for Norwich – he was once hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former Portugal manager Paulo Bento – following a tough start to their Premier League season.

He possesses a wealth of experience at the highest level and is an expert at sitting in front of the back four and providing a shield for the defence – something that Daniel Farke needs desperately after conceding eight goals in two top flight matches.

Carvalho’s international success speaks volumes and he could have a positive impact on those around him, not to mention hopefully still having a number of years left in him at the top level.

In other news, Norwich have been linked with a move for a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their transfer bid to sign Kristoffer Ajer in the summer window.

The Lowdown: Newcastle have low budget

The St. James’ Park faithful are reportedly only going to have a mere £8-10m transfer budget to work with once the market opens.

Thus, they will need to be looking at bargain deals, and according to the Daily Record, Steve Bruce reckons that they can sign Ajer from Celtic for around £8m.

The Latest: Newcastle stepping up Ajer bid

As per the Daily Record, the North East club are stepping up their bid to sign Ajer, as Bruce looks to pip Norwich City to his signature early on in the window.

Both Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez are moving into the final year of their current contracts on Tyneside, and so a new central defender is needed.

Bruce has sent scouts up to Parkhead to watch Ajer play on a number of different occasions, and reckons that the Magpies can sign him for £8m, but the Hoops are looking for around double that.

However, they know that they may need to cash in on him with his deal running down in Glasgow, as Ajer and his representatives are currently assessing all options, including a potential move to the Premier League.

The Verdict: Newcastle must sign Ajer

The Toon must look to sign Ajer at all costs, especially if they can snap him up for a mere £8m, which would fit in nicely with their reported budget and promises to be an absolute bargain.

Described as an ‘outstanding’ player back in March by former NUFC ace Lee Clark, who managed him during a loan spell at Kilmarnock, the Norway international is surely ready to make the step up to the top flight, now aged 23.

Standing at a mammoth six-foot-six-inches tall, Ajer would have no problems at all in adapting to both the aerial and physical demands of the division, and at only now entering his prime, he certainly has a lot of potential still left to be fulfilled.

In other news, find out what ‘fascinating’ takeover insight a sports lawyer has dropped on arbitration here!

Manchester United travel to London in a clash against their top-four rivals Arsenal, that could make or break their pursuit for Champions League football next season.

Ralf Rangnick’s side have the opportunity to make some progress in the Premier League if they can seal a victory over the Gunners this afternoon – with the Red Devils currently sitting in 6th, three points behind both Tottenham and Arsenal.

With that in mind, the interim boss must get into the game early and select the right players to give Manchester United the best chance of taking all three points from The Emirates home today, and one player who should not be near the starting line-up is Marcus Rashford.

Rashford was shocking in the midweek clash at Anfield, with the 24-year-old making just 11 passes and having no attempts at goal over the 90 minutes of the humiliating 4-0 defeat – with this performance not being a one-off for the winger this season.

The £180k-per-week flop was dubbed “absolutely terrible” by Glen Waddle following Man United’s exit from the Champions League last month: “Marcus Rashford looked absolutely terrible when he came on. Why do they keep playing him when he doesn’t want to be there, supposedly? I don’t get that.”

Rashford has only managed four goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, while averaging a shocking 0.5 shots on target per game, losing the majority of his ground and aerial duels (65%) and missing two big chances in his 23 appearances, proving that there is no way Rangnick should be relying on the winger in the game today.

Luckily, the German coach confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for selection and is back in training following compassionate leave, which means Rangnick can deploy a front three of Jadon Sancho, Ronaldo and Anthony Elanga instead – leaving Rashford on the bench.

The return of Ronaldo will surely give this lacklustre Man United team the vital boost they need to have an advantage in getting the victory in North London this afternoon, and the opportunity should not be squandered to close the gap on their opponents in the league table by starting players who can’t be relied on in this important clash.

AND in other news: Ten Hag targeting £42m talent as his first MUFC signing, it could be bye-bye Maguire