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Aston Villa have made contact with Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma ahead of a possible summer move, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: January links

Steven Gerrard was busy during his first window as Villa boss, making four senior signings. It could have been five, however, as Brighton rejected an official offer from Villa for Bissouma.

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Labelled as a player with ‘bundles of ability’ by former teammate Dale Stephens, Bissouma will be entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Seagulls in the summer, and it looks as if Villa are already making a head start on a possible deal.

The Latest: Source drops update

Football Insider dropped an update on Villa and Bissouma on Thursday morning after being informed by a recruitment source.

They claim that Villa have made contact with the player’s representatives and have asked to be kept up to date with his situation. Brighton are braced for bids, with Villa willing to spend over £150m on new signings ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge.

The Verdict: Midfielders needed

Villa have just six midfielders on the books at this moment in time, two of which are youngsters Jacob Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Morgan Sanson is also reportedly set to be let go, so Villa could be short of options if they don’t add to their midfield ranks.

Gerrard has found success in a 4-3-1-2 system in recent months, making central midfield reinforcements crucial, so going after Bissouma in a possible cut-price deal could be a strong starting point in what could be a busy summer.

In other news: ‘I understand…’ – Insider now drops Villa update as Lange makes enquiry to Europa League club. 

Arsenal’s scouting department could be set for a much-needed overhaul in the summer.

The Gunners recently dismissed former sporting director Sven Mislantat who did enjoy some success in the transfer market – signing the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lucas Torreira. Arsenal are eager to find a replacement ahead of another important transfer window in the summer. Reports from the Mirror suggest that Roma’s Monchi will be offered the chance to reunite with Unai Emery at the Emirates.

Working together at Sevilla, the duo enjoyed a fruitful spell at the club and Monchi is considered one of the world’s best in his position. His appointment could lead to a raid on his current employers to lure some of their top stars to England. Strengthening the Arsenal attack could be a priority with Henrikh Mkhitaryan failing to reach expectations since joining from Manchester United.

One man the Gunners should be targeting is Roma wonderkid – Cengiz Under. Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old earned a reputation as one of Europe’s hottest properties after rising through the youth ranks in Turkey. After impressing for Basaksehir, Roma paid £12m to bring him to the Serie A in the summer of 2017.

Under has continued to develop at a rapid rate in Italy, netting seven league goals in just 15 starts during his debut campaign. The youngster has been a crucial player for his side yet again, netting three goals in the Champions League as well as three goals and five assists in the league. A tricky winger with an eye for goal, Under is blessed with tremendous technical ability and would add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack.

Previously reported back in January (via Fotomac) to have had a bid snubbed by Roma, Arsenal have to splash the cash in order to upgrade on Mkhitaryan.

Still developing and improving, pairing him with Aubameyang in the Gunners front line would be a frightening prospect.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?

Everton have further fortune in their favour after their fantastic FA Cup win at the weekend, with a fresh update on injuries handing Frank Lampard a huge boost in the Premier League challenge that lies ahead of the new manager.

What’s the word?

The ex-Chelsea boss took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back in training with the squad and will be available for the upcoming fixture against Newcastle United this evening.

Lampard simply said: “Dominic’s in the squad, so, Dominic has been training for the last few days.”

The striker had been confirmed last week as unavailable for the FA Cup clash with Brentford last Saturday afternoon after sustaining a knock, but quickly returned to training and will now be in contention for a place in the team at St James’ Park.

Fans will be delighted

Calvert-Lewin has cemented himself as a fan favourite at the club thanks to his attacking output since he joined the club in 2016 when he was signed for just £1.5m.

He has been worth his weight in gold with 56 goals and 16 assists in 179 appearances for the Toffees.

The 24-year-old has been instrumental for the side and continues to have a presence Everton seem to struggle without, almost seven years into his time at Goodison Park, which is something we have witnessed this season with Calvert-Lewin missing the majority so far through injury.

The star striker has scored three goals this term so far of which were scored consecutively in the first, second and third games of the season, in which they won two and drew one. Sadly his momentum came to an end when he sustained a quadriceps injury and a fractured toe at the beginning of September.

Since then, it has been downhill for the Toffees, winning just two games in the Premier League in Calvert-Lewin’s absence, conceding 11 more goals than they have scored in their campaign, so his return will surely be a huge boost for the team and for Lampard, as he considers his starting XI tonight with a desperately needed win the outcome the new manager will be hoping for.

New signings Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli will also be available for the league fixture for the first time and it will be interesting to see if Lampard will stick or twist with his winning team from the FA Cup clash at the weekend.

In other news: Lampard could sign Broja in the summer

Newcastle United are keen on signing Aston Villa youngster Tristan Goodridge, according to Birmingham Live, and he’s even played for the Magpies’ youth team already.

The Lowdown: Targett and Coutinho…

The Magpies have been linked with a number of Villa players in 2022, the first being Matt Targett.

As we know, the left-back is currently on loan at St. James’ Park, with Newcastle reportedly already agreeing a deal over a permanent move for the 26-year-old.

Eddie Howe’s side have also been credited with an interest in Philippe Coutinho, who Villa have the option to sign full time in the summer. Newcastle are reportedly ready to offer the Brazilian a £1m bonus and have started talks over a possible summer swoop.

The Latest: Goodridge’s Newcastle trial

Birmingham Live shared a story on Saturday afternoon, looking at Villa youngster Goodridge.

They revealed that the left-winger has already been on trial with Newcastle and played in a Premier League 2 game against Middlesbrough on Friday evening, with Villa’s rivals keen on making a move permanent.

The Verdict: Makes sense

Goodridge is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa, who seem to be willing to let the teenager depart.

A move away from the Midlands could make sense for all involved, with the 19-year-old looking to break into a first-team squad in years to come.

That may well not be with Villa, who seem to have Jaden Philogene-Bidace, currently on loan at Stoke City, above Goodridge in the pecking order when it comes to young wide talents.

In other news: Steven Gerrard now wants ‘frustrating’ star sold this summer after storming off – report. 

Back in January of 2019, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side were reported to be extremely interested in the signing of a relatively unknown right-back, who went by the name of Timothy Castagne.

Indeed, The Daily Record claimed that the Hoops had made the Atalanta full-back their top priority in the winter window, with Rodgers viewing the Belgium international as a direct replacement for Mikael Lustig – who looked as if he would be leaving Parkhead at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

However, despite offering £8m for the then-23-year-old’s services, the Bhoys failed to get a deal over the line for the promising defender, with Atalanta believed to be looking for a figure in the region of £12m in order to sanction the right-back’s sale.

And, in May of 2019, after finding himself much more involved with Gian Piero Gasperini’s first-team squad, Castagne himself revealed just how close he came to joining Celtic, stating: “It’s incredible how quickly things in football can change.

“In December, I wasn’t starting any games and there was an £8m move to Celtic on the table. It looked like I was leaving, but the club wanted £12m and the deal collapsed.

“Since then, having not played for 13 games, I played just about every other game and we qualified for the Champions League. So it’s been an unbelievable turnaround for me.”

However, flash forward 16 months and Castagne would eventually find himself playing for Rodgers, although not at Celtic Park.

Indeed, in September 2020, Leicester City parted with £21.5m in order to bring the then-24-year-old full-back to the King Power, since which time the Belgian has gone on to establish himself as a first-team regular with the Premier League side.

Furthermore, his prominence in the English top-flight has also seen his market value soar, with the £63k-per-week defender now being worth around £25m in today’s market – something that will undoubtedly leave an incredibly sour taste in Celtic mouths.

Indeed, while £12m certainly would have been an eye-catching fee for the Hoops to cough up for a little-known right-back, the 26-year-old who Gerry Taggart dubbed a “proper player” has since proven he would have been well worth the outlay – both financially and in terms of performance – leading us to believe that Celtic had something of a nightmare when missing out on the full-back in 2019.

AND in other news: “Understand that…”: Journalist drops big transfer update, it’s bad news for Celtic

Aston Villa must seal a summer swoop for £9m-rated Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, and he would make a great partner for Ollie Watkins.

Villa were interested in bringing Nketiah to the club ahead of January but a move never materialised, but they can’t make the same mistake this summer and must secure his signature before another club do.

According to Birmingham Live, Villa are still interested in the 22-year old who has made 87 appearances for Arsenal and been directly involved in 22 goals. To have played that amount of games at such a young age is impressive, he has a long career ahead of him and we think he would make a worthy investment.

The Englishman has impressed when called upon by Mikel Arteta this season, particularly in their recent derby victory over Chelsea where he scored a brace.

Following this display his boss Mikel Arteta said he has been “unfair” on him, eluding to the lack of game time he’s given to the youngster. It’s that lack of game time that could see him leave the club in search for more regular minutes, with Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

His contract expires in June and there is another offer on the table but he looks set to leave for free. Not paying a transfer fee makes signing him even more attractive and a lot less risky, so much so that it’s a surprise other clubs aren’t in for him.

Former England star Michael Owen has heaped praise on Nketiah calling him a “goal-machine” who has a “hunger to score”.

If he made the move to Villa Park then he would be lining up alongside Ollie Watkins. He’s been a menace since he arrived from Brentford for £30.6m in 2020 and is the top scorer for the West Midlands side this season.

They could form a formidable partnership that would give the Villans the best chance at achieving Steven Gerrard’s aim of ‘bringing European football back’ to the club.

When you compare the two players they both excel in different areas meaning that they could each contribute to the team in unique ways.

Watkins is better when it comes to shots on target per 90 minutes with 0.92 compared to 0.84, whereas Nketiah beats him when it comes to goal creating actions per 90 with 0.42 compared to 0.22.

Ultimately not much can go wrong and if Villa want to improve their forward line in the summer then he is the best option for them.

IN other news: Aston Villa now plotting bid for £18m-rated “phenom”, he’s the “new Yaya Toure” – opinion…

Tottenham have a ‘pronounced interest’ in Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala ahead of a possible summer move and even hold one major advantage in the race.

The Lowdown: Juve icon on the way out

The 28-year-old has been a great player for Juve over the years, standing out as one of Serie A’s premier attacking players.

Dybala has scored 113 goals in 287 appearances for the Turin giants, not to mention chipping in with 48 assists, outlining the creative side of his game, all while racking up an incredible five league titles and seven domestic cups.

The Argentine’s Juve deal expires at the end of this season, however, and it looks highly likely that he will enjoy a fresh challenge after Fabrizio Romano revealed he is not expected to pen new terms.

The Latest: Spurs eye up summer move

According to But! Football Club [via Sport Witness], both Spurs and Atletico Madrid have a ‘pronounced interest’ in signing Dybala this summer.

While it is also stated that Inter Milan are the current favourites to sign him instead, the article says the fact that Fabio Paratici signed Dybala for Juve ‘could give them (Spurs) an advantage in any race, as would the presence of Antonio Conte as manager’.

The Verdict: Is he worth it?

Dybala has enjoyed an outstanding career – he was once described as a ‘great player’ by Lionel Messi, which speaks volumes – and he would be an exciting, high-profile arrival at Spurs, called a ‘world class’ and ‘massive’ would-be signing by former Lilywhite Paul Robinson.

Admittedly, the Argentina international turns 29 later this year and has had injury problems throughout his career, but he can be a sprinkling of stardust for Antonio Conte, providing match-winning moments when Harry Kane and Son Heung-min cannot.

His ability to thrive in a No.10 role could even help Son and Kane become even more potent, with his pedigree at a top European club proven over an extended period of time.

In other news, Tottenham have reportedly sent officials to watch two players. Find out who they are here.

Wolves could find themselves short on midfield options this summer with Leander Dendoncker reportedly available for transfer, while Ruben Neves could also be heading through the exit door with Barcelona keen on the Portuguese midfielder – who is viewed by the La Liga giants as the heir to Sergio Busquets.

With another key playmaker in Joao Moutinho expected to leave at the end of the season too upon the expiration of his contract, manager Bruno Lage could be forced into the transfer market to spend a hefty amount on replacements, who he will have to fast-track into the first team and help adapt to the Midlands as quick as possible.

Youngsters like Luke Cundle could also make the step up and become first-team regulars, but one player that could have helped the squad massively was homegrown Slovakian midfielder Christian Herc, who left permanently at the start of the season for Swiss side Grasshoppers.

Deemed surplus to requirements and not good enough for Lage’s plans, the then-22-year-old managed to secure himself a move to a top-flight European league in a team with a healthy connection to the Midlands club.

At Grasshoppers, based in Zurich, he has been joined by Wolves loanees Bendeguz Bolla, Bruno Jordao, Hayao Kawabe, Sang-bin Jeong and Leo Bonatini, as well as former centre-back Georg Margreitter, who played at Molineux between 2012 and 2015.

During his time under contract at the West Midlands club, he spent the second half of the 2017/18 season and the entirety of the 2018/19 campaign on loan in his homeland, before spending the next two seasons playing in Czech Republic, and during his first loan spell with DAC Dunajska Streda, he said: “I think I’ve developed in every way on the pitch.”

Now aged 23, he has averaged a 7.03 match rating according to SofaScore in the Swiss Super League, and has started 25 of the 26 games he has appeared in for the club this season, scoring three goals and assisting four more – becoming a key man for the club throughout this season, with just Mamadou Kaly Sene averaging a higher match rating in the Grasshoppers squad.

His impressive form this season has not only earned him his first cap for Slovakia, but has also shown exactly why Nuno Santo and then Lage should have given him more of a chance to impress, and even if he was still afterwards not part of either of their plans, the exposure to first-team Premier League football could have improved his £1.35m valuation.

In other news: Nearly signed for £15m, now a 0 goal flop: Wolves struck gold over “desperate” 25 y/o

Leeds United have no intention of selling star winger Raphinha in the summer transfer window, despite strong rumoured interest in his services.

The Lowdown: Raphinha linked with numerous moves

The futures of both the Brazilian and Kalvin Phillips have dominated the Whites headlines of late, with the pair both linked with moves away from Elland Road.

Raphinha has been a magnificent player for Leeds since arriving from Rennes in 2020 – teammate Dan James has claimed he can do ‘absolutely anything’ as a player – but the lure of a move to a bigger club could turn his head this summer.

It looks as though the Whites won’t make it easy for other teams to entice the winger elsewhere, though.

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The Latest: Positive update emerges

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Andrea Radrizzani and Co. do ‘not intend’ to let one of their most prized players move on to pastures new at the end of the season.

That will especially apply if Jesse Marsch’s side avoid relegation, with the Whites currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table and seven points clear of 18th-place Watford, having played one game more.

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The Verdict: Avoiding relegation imperative

While it is positive to hear that Leeds are being stubborn in their efforts to keep hold of Raphinha, it is still so difficult to see him being persuaded to stay if the Whites are in the Championship next season.

The 25-year-old surely won’t accept that, especially with some of Europe’s top clubs watching him closely, and it would almost seem unfair to refuse him the chance to leave. For that reason, among many others, Marsch’s men must avoid the drop.

Should Leeds still be in the top-flight in 2022/23, Raphinha might feel that 12 more months at Elland Road makes sense, before eventually moving on to a natural next step in his career.

In other news, a transfer expert has dropped a key Kalvin Phillips claim. Read more here.

Liverpool are set for a disaster if £10.8m-rated striker Divock Origi departs the club for free when his contract expires this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds star is set to leave Anfield when his contract expires in June and AC Milan are the club leading the race to sign him.

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He’s been used off the bench by Klopp many times during his tenure and has become a fan favourite at the club, with his boss even calling him a “legend”. He’s more of an important player to the squad than you might initially think so it’s important they do all they can to keep him.

He’s an important team player

One thing that Liverpool have had more of this season is squad depth, and when they are challenging on all fronts being able to rely on this and field different options is crucial.

That’s why Origi is a player who matters so much to their success, not only does he have a proven track record of coming off the bench and making an impact in games, but he also offers something very different up top from the other strikers at the club.

The 27-year old arrived from French club Lille in 2014 for £11.4m and is the second longest-serving player at the club currently, behind only the captain Jordan Henderson. He’s made 173 appearances in that time and been directly involved in 58 goals, his biggest coming in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Because of this impact in big games, to see him leave on a free transfer would be a blow and it would also leave Klopp in a desperate search for a replacement.

His longevity is one of the things that has earnt him legendary status at Anfield, he proved key when he came on yesterday for their Merseyside derby victory over Everton, scoring the second goal. This took him six league goals against the Toffees at Anfield, with Steven Gerrard the only Liverpool player ever to have scored more in the derby at home.

Although he may not be a regular starter in Klopp’s side, he certainly is one of his favourite players and losing him will massively weaken Liverpool.

IN other news: Sources: Liverpool agree terms to sign “special” £36m-rated ace, Klopp surely buzzing – opinion