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Aston Villa owners NSWE will hand Unai Emery a ‘huge’ January transfer budget, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: £400m+

Villa have spent big since returning to the Premier League back in 2019, with Emery the third top-flight manager under NSWE after Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard.

The club have spent more than £400m since 2019/20, with Villa’s eight most expensive signings of all time all joining in the last three years.

It looks as if more big spending is around the corner, though, with Villa looking to climb away from the relegation zone under Emery.

The Latest: ‘Huge’ budget

FI reporter Wayne Veysey shared a story on Thursday morning, revealing that Villa will hand Emery a ‘huge’ January transfer kitty.

He added that NSWE have made it clear to Emery they will back him with another round of big-money additions.

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The Verdict: Exciting times

Villa haven’t had the best of starts to the season and are still without an away win, so it’s good to see that NSWE have made promises to Emery about improving the squad.

You’d expect the new Villa manager will want a few fresh faces in the New Year, with one eye on the summer window ahead of his first full season.

It’ll be interesting to see which areas of the squad he wants to bolster, with Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino already being linked.

West Bromwich Albion have been seen plenty of names swirl around the rumour mill since last week’s dismissal of Steve Bruce, with there being so many that every brand of manager has been linked.

However, the overwhelming theme of the majority of candidates is both their age and philosophy, which largely seem to align.

Excluding the two obvious anomalies in Chris Wilder and Sean Dyche, who were always going to be linked to this position, names such as Russell Martin, Carlos Corberan, Rob Edwards and Steven Schumacher all boast wildly different profiles from the aforementioned two.

They are tactically adept, enjoy playing a fluid brand of football, have youth on their side and have far less experience than Dyche and Wilder.

One man who manages to combine more of a blend of the two is Scott Parker, who despite still only being in the embryonic stages of his managerial career has already overseen the promotion of two Championship clubs.

His first success came with Fulham, where the 42-year-old took them up but then struggled to maintain their top-flight status.

Then just last season he did the same with AFC Bournemouth but was not given a proper chance to keep them up.

For a side that’s only goal is to ensure promotion, to appoint someone like Parker who has a track record yet does so with style could be a masterstroke.

Especially with some of the talent they have at their disposal, most notably Taylor Gardner-Hickman.

Just last weekend he proved what he could do when handed a start in his favoured midfield position, following months of being forced to plug gaps by Bruce.

A goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Reading marked their first victory in eight matches, as he outlined his creative qualities.

With the way Parker often likes to play, with a single-pivoted 4-3-3, the 20-year-old could excel in either of the more advanced central midfield roles due to his apparent versatility.

It was a waste to put a player who Richard Beale claims “brings energy” in the back four, and already the tweak is seeing everyone reap the rewards.

If Parker is to take the job, his first action must be to hand the youngster a spot in his midfield. Should he start to truly unlock his potential, it could be a dream for West Brom as an academy graduate potentially fires them back to the Premier League.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) reportedly have a ‘good chance’ of signing Marco Asensio for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Free agent next summer

Asensio’s contract at Real Madrid expires next summer, meaning that he can leave the Spanish capital as a free agent at the end of this season.

The St. James’ Park outfit were linked with a move for him in the summer transfer window, and could now look to revisit that in January given his contract situation.

The Latest: January move?

According to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), FC Barcelona have joined the race to sign Asensio but also present are the Magpies, Arsenal and AC Milan.

Los Blancos do not want to strengthen their biggest rivals, meaning that Eddie Howe’s team have a ‘good chance’ of securing his signature ahead of the Catalans in January, with the winter window seen as the ‘last opportunity’ to make money off of his departure.

The Verdict: Get it done

It is hard to imagine that Asensio is still only 26 years of age given what he has won in his career so far, and so signing a player of his calibre could work wonders in terms of the North East club’s long-term project.

Hailed as a ‘spectacular‘ player by his former agent Horacio Gaggioli, the Spain international is capable of producing moments of magic, and he has even been likened to superstar Lionel Messi in the past by former Madrid director Jorge Valdano.

Nonetheless, with 50 goals and 24 assists for Madrid (Transfermarkt), Asensio could certainly add another dimension and injection of end product to the Tynesiders’ attack.

Liverpool have reportedly submitted a bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and the Brazilian could be the next Fabinho in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Matheus Leal, the Reds have offered £20m to the Birmingham-based side for Luiz, as they look to ease their midfield woes ahead of the transfer deadline.

He suggests that while Luiz is keen on changing clubs, Villa are expected to hold out for an increased fee, which is in line with their reported €35m (£30m) asking price from earlier in the summer.

In full, he said: “Liverpool have made an offer of £20 million for the midfielder, who welcome the change of team. Aston Villa play hard and look to win a little more.”

Klopp confirmed last week that he felt Liverpool needed another central midfielder following the loss against Manchester United, as injuries to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago and Naby Keita have left the Merseyside club very short of options in the middle of the park.

Liverpool’s next Fabinho?

While it is unlikely that Liverpool will have to replace Fabinho any time soon, as the former Monaco man is still only 28, having a long-term heir to the Brazilian in the squad is certainly not a bad idea for Klopp.

Since he joined the Reds in 2018, he has gone on to make 175 appearances for the club, in which he has contributed 11 goals and eight assists, helping Liverpool to win the Premier League and Champions League.

Luiz, meanwhile, has impressed for Villa since joining from Manchester City in 2019. The 24-year-old has made 115 appearances for the Villans, contributing six goals and eight assists.

Indeed, rival boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Luiz last year, saying:

“He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong.”

Luiz and Fabinho registered very similar defensive statistics in the Premier League last season, especially regarding tackles per game (1.7 vs 1.6), with the pair demonstrating they are combative defensive midfielders in the top flight.

They were also very alike in two other defensive metrics; interceptions per game (1 vs 1.4) and fouls per game (1.1 vs 1.4).

Therefore, they are both players who evidently love to get stuck in and use their physicality to dominate in midfield, while their reading of the game is also exemplary.

Therefore, if Liverpool do bring the Aston Villa man to Anfield this summer, there is no reason why he can’t emulate his Brazilian compatriot.

Nottingham Forest are showing ‘serious’ interest in Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi and have even made a first bid, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Forest linked with Malinovskyi

The Reds were linked with a move for the 29-year-old earlier in the week, with the club seeing him as someone who could further take their midfield up a gear.

Malinovskyi has won 49 caps for Ukraine and made 128 appearances for Atalanta, registering ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) in Serie A last season.

While Forest are yet to get their man, a new update suggests that they are pushing hard.

The Latest: Interest ‘serious’, bid made

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], the Reds are ‘serious’ about bringing in Malinovskyi, having ‘already made’ a €15million (£12.6m) bid for him.

Atalanta want ‘closer to €20m (£16.9m)’ though, and the level of interest in the Ukrainian means they can drive up his price.

It is stated that he ‘could indeed be the next to go’ from the Serie A club this summer, however, giving Forest hope.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Malinovskyi’s pedigree speaks for itself, given his international experience and the fact that he has made nine appearances in the Champions League in the last two seasons.

That being said, Forest just need to make sure they don’t overbuy in the summer transfer window, to a point at which Steve Cooper has too many options all of whom need bedding into an unfamiliar system.

Midfield does still arguably look the most in-need area for reinforcements, but a move for Cheikhou Kouyate looks all but done and Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala have already been added.

Everton have reportedly made contact regarding a move for Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet, with the Toffees in dire need of new reinforcements this summer.

What’s the word?

As per BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher, the Merseysiders are believed to be among a handful of Premier League clubs who are “in talks” to sign the 25-year-old in the current transfer window. The player is believed to be available for a fee in the region of £17.5m, owing to a release clause in his existing deal at Turf Moor.

Writing on Twitter about the race to sign the Ivorian gem, the transfer insider noted: “Maxwel Cornet future will be decided this week I’m told, he will leave Burnley. Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Everton and 1 more unnamed club are in talks for the Burnley player, All pushing hard and keen on securing, best offer wins”.

As Fletcher mentioned, it would appear that the former Lyon man is set to move on from the Clarets following their recent drop into the second tier, having only arrived in Lancashire in a £12.9m deal last summer.

Supporters will love it

Following the club’s dramatic escape from relegation on the penultimate day of last season, the hope among Everton supporters would have been to see significant investment made in the playing squad this summer in order to avoid another relegation dogfight next term.

Alas, at present it would appear that Frank Lampard’s side have only been weakened by the £60m departure of former talisman Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur, while the club’s solitary incoming at Goodison Park has been that of experienced centre-back James Tarkowski on a free transfer.

However, reports that the 29-year-old could be joined at the club by former team-mate Cornet should raise the excitement levels among the Everton faithful, with the £13.5m-rated man seemingly the type of player who can make an instant impact next season.

The £44k-per-week speedster offers undoubted quality in the final third, having chipped in with nine goals and one assist in his 26 Premier League outings last term, notably providing a goal and an assist against Lampard and co in the 3-2 victory for Burnley in April.

While largely deployed as an attacking left-back during his previous spell in France, the 25-cap machine proved himself a real menace in a centre-forward role under both Sean Dyche and Mike Jackson last term, having also shown his ability to feature on either flank.

That versatility will help to ease the blow of the departure of the aforementioned Richarlison, with the Toffees in need of another dynamic attacking presence who can feature all across the front line.

Indeed, the club appear to be in desperate need of additional quality, with their recent 4-0 defeat to MLS outfit Minnesota United in pre-season showcasing that an improvement upon last term is not a guarantee, as the threat of relegation remains a distinct possibility.

In truth, what will most please supporters about the potential Cornet deal will simply be that the club are making moves to strengthen, having been frustratingly inactive in the summer market thus far.

AND in other news – “We hear…”: Journalist drops major transfer update on £30m Everton target, it’s bad news

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Memphis Depay…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who revealed an update on the situation to GIVEMESPORT this week. He said:

“He definitely would be a luxury signing, he fits that bill. I don’t really see this as a good fit, I think it’s a bit too risky. He’s been offered to them; I know that much. But I don’t think they need him to be honest.”

Reports in Spain have also suggested that the Premier League side are prepared to pay around £15m for the Dutch international, with LaLiga outfit Barcelona demanding slightly more.

Moura upgrade

It is also true that Spurs perhaps do not need Depay, after all, they have added Richarlison to a frontline already containing Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son but it could be a valuable opportunity to still upgrade.

Steven Bergwijn has departed to Ajax, whilst it appears that Bryan Gil is still not ready for the step up to the Premier League. It leaves Lucas Moura as the only alternative to the first-string quartet.

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But the Brazilian has struggled for form ever since that wonderful night in Amsterdam.

Across the last two Premier League seasons, Moura has only scored five goals in 64 appearances and has done little else – per FBref, he ranks in the 74th percentile for progressive passes and 75th percentile for progressive carries, meaning there are much better options in his position right now in Europe.

Depay is one of those.

The 28-year-old, who earns a reported £158k-per-week, ranks inside the top 3% for progressive carries (7.37 per 90) and the top 6% for progressive passes (3.26 per 90), as well as the top 8% for dribbles completed per 90 (1.76).

Once lauded as a “special talent” by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, it’s clear that Depay is a quality player – even if it’s one that Spurs shouldn’t be desperate for – however, given that they have been offered him, they must consider signing him as on the above evidence, he’s better than someone like Moura.

Strength in depth will be required with Spurs in the Champions League, so the £34m-rated marksman could be a smart signing after all.

AND in other news, Paratici begins talks for “unbelievable” £34m Spurs target, it’d be a “super signing”…

Despite recent reports to the contrary, West Bromwich Albion are no longer believed to be interested in signing soon-to-be-free agent Tom Lawrence.

What’s the word?

That is according to an update from Joseph Masi (as per Express and Star), who believes that there is no truth to the reports linking Albion with a move for the former Derby County star.

Masi believes that the Baggies are not interested in signing the 28-year-old, with Bruce’s squad said to be “well stocked with players who can play on the right and left wing”.

It is instead claimed that the West Brom manager is searching the market for a striker who can compete with and provide cover for Daryl Dike.

Supporters will be gutted

Despite Derby’s dismal relegation to League One, Lawrence enjoyed a great campaign on a personal level, registering the highest seasonal returns of his career so far with 11 goals and five assists in 38 league games.

Albion struggled to find the net last season, finishing as the sixth-lowest scorers in the Championship with just 52 goals, and it was thought that Lawrence would join the likes of summer signings Jed Wallace and John Swift as established Championship assets who could come in and transform the Baggies’ front-line.

Considering the contrasting reports involving both player and club, West Brom supporters must now be gutted at the prospect of missing out on a player who achieved 16 attacking returns in the most recent campaign in the form of 11 goals and five assists.

Also, at the age of 28, Lawrence is approaching his prime footballing years, so there should certainly be more to come from the Manchester United youth product.

It’s a big twist in this transfer link and also serves as a big disappointment, if the claims by Masi are indeed thought to be true.

AND in other news – Bruce can land a huge Livermore upgrade with WBA bid for “excellent” £61k-p/w target

Tottenham have now become the latest side to show an interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Raphinha in demand

Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months, however, a number of Premier League clubs have joined the race due to financial problems at the Nou Camp.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham have all been credited with a summer interest in the Brazilian, who starred at Elland Road last season.

The 25-year-old netted 11 times and registered three assists to help keep the Whites in the top flight, and it looks as if his future could still be in England… but not in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Spurs join ‘big’ race

Adam Crafton of The Athletic took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the Leeds man. He revealed that Tottenham now hold a ‘genuine interest’ in Raphinha ‘in what may be one of the big tussles this summer’.

Leeds are open to the idea of cashing in on the winger, providing their valuation is met, with Elland Road chefs not expecting the player to pen a new deal.

The Verdict: £60m?

Phil Hay has previously stated that it would take a bid of between £60m and £70m to get Raphinha out of Elland Road. It would come as a surprise if a move to Spurs materialised, especially as Antonio Conte likes to use wing-backs, something many questioned when Raphinha turned out in a similar role under Jesse Marsch.

The list of clubs keen on his signature continues to grow, but that shouldn’t alter Leeds’ stance when it comes to an exit. They should continue to demand at least £60m for a player who has impressed in successive Premier League campaigns, and if they receive a fee in that region, the club should look to reinvest that money on attacking reinforcements ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

In other news: As well as Roca: Leeds and Marsch now want to sign ‘incredible’ midfielder; Orta in overdrive. 

Liverpool have reportedly been in a stalemate with their contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah, and now a new update has emerged that could spell disaster for the club next summer.

What’s the latest?

Mirror Football has revealed a stunning new twist in Salah’s future by reporting he has been promised a move to Barcelona when he is out of contract next June.

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As per the report, a verbal offer has been made by the La Liga giants to secure the signing of the Liverpool winger when next season draws to a close and Salah will have completed his contract at the Merseyside club.

It has been further reported that this verbal offer has been the reason that the Egyptian is stalling the signing of a new contract with the six-time Champions League winners, performing a ‘drastic U-turn’ after telling friends that he was ready to pen a new deal with the club.

Klopp will be furious

If it wasn’t enough that Sadio Mane has reportedly made it clear he wants to leave Liverpool this summer, Jurgen Klopp will surely be furious to then lose another one of his best players in 12 months too, something that FSG will no doubt be livid about as well if he departs on a free.

The £90m-rated star has been a goal-scoring monster in Liverpool’s pursuit for success netting 156 goals and delivering 63 assists to his teammates over the last five years. Thus, finding a replacement with the same level of attacking output would be a huge challenge for the club going forward.

Moreover, losing one of the most expensive assets in the squad on a free transfer would be inconceivable in terms of what they could potentially profit on the player if they were to sell him this summer with reports of at least £80m wanted by FSG to let him go before his contract expires.

Liverpool are in negotiations with the player to extend his contract but are reportedly unwilling to pay the forward the £400k-per-week salary he demands, which would put him hundreds of thousands pounds ahead of his team-mates, blowing the entire strict wage structure FSG has prided themselves on for years.

With that being said, the powers at Anfield have a huge decision to make this summer.

Do they take the risk and hope they can reach an agreement with Salah? Or do they keep him for one more season and take the hit of losing the opportunity to profit on the player. Either way, his exit is unlikely to be welcomed by many at Anfield.

AND in other news: “Will go for…”: Fabrizio Romano drops LFC transfer update that’ll excite supporters