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Aston Villa are in for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma, Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth reports. 

The lowdown

Villa have already agreed one January deal, with Philippe Coutinho set to arrive on loan from FC Barcelona.

And now it seems Bissouma, who’s made a century of Premier League appearances for Brighton since his arrival from LOSC Lille in 2018, is on their radar.

The Mali international, valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt, is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The latest

‘Aston Villa [are] interested’ in Bissouma, Sheth tweeted, with the midfielder now into the final 18 months of his contract.

However, he did note that Graham Potter ‘expects’ all his players to remain at Brighton this month.

The verdict

Bissouma would be a magnificent signing for Steven Gerrard and Villa. He’s a ball-winning machine, ranking in the 94th percentile among positional peers for tackles per 90 and the 91st for interceptions (via FBRef).

BBC Sport’s Gary Lineker has described him as ‘exceptional’, while former team-mate Eder has described him as a ‘powerful’ presence with ‘huge potential’.

‘Elite clubs’ have been monitoring him – the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been ‘credited with interest’ – and so this would be a real coup.

It’s worth stressing, though, that The Seagulls seem to have no plans to sell.

In other news, fans react to interest in this winger. 

Leeds United have received a triple injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford at Elland Road this afternoon.

What’s the word?

In Friday’s press conference, Marcelo Bielsa confirmed Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk will be available for selection once again over the weekend following their respective fitness woes.

“It’s likely Patrick and Luke [Ayling] will be available on Sunday. Pascal [Struijk] has a knock around his hip, but we think he’ll also be available,” Bielsa revealed to reporters during his pre-game press conference.

Marcelo Bielsa will be delighted

News that all of Bamford, Ayling and Struijk could return to the matchday squad against the Bees will leave Bielsa feeling absolutely delighted, given their importance to the first-team squad.

Leeds have a great opportunity to secure consecutive victories in the Premier League for the first time this season when they take on Thomas Franks’s newly-promoted charges over the weekend.

Raphinha’s injury-time penalty last time out snatched all three points against Crystal Palace, but their performance level still left significant room for improvement.

Therefore, Bielsa will be relieved that the returning trio will once again be at his disposal.

Last term, Bamford finished as the west Yorkshire outfit’s top scorer with a hugely impressive 17 strikes in the Premier League, while Ayling and Struijk also played a pivotal part in their success. ,

As per Whoscored, Ayling averaged 2.8 tackles per league game throughout 2020/21, bettering all of his teammates tallies, and Strujik notched up 3.1 clearances, also outperforming all of his colleagues.

With Leeds currently just three places and five points above the relegation zone having played a game more than 18th-placed Burnley, securing a positive result against Brentford could be crucial to the Whites’ season, meaning Bielsa will warmly welcome the trio’s comebacks.

And, in other news…Bielsa could repeat Gelhardt masterclass with Leeds swoop for 20 y/o “manager’s dream”

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Arturo Vidal to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to reports from Chile (via Sport Witness), which claim that Antonio Conte has made contact with the Inter Milan midfielder regarding a switch to North London in the winter window.

The report goes on to suggest that, after speaking with a source close to the 34-year-old, the Chile international would be open to a move to the Premier League side, as one of his dreams has been to feature in the top flight of English football.

Speaking about Tottenham’s interest in Vidal, the source said: “His former Inter coach, Antonio Conte, contacted the player to find out his availability to arrive in London. Arturo has always wanted to play in England and the option of arriving in London is something that he doesn’t dislike either.”

Spurs must move

While it is true that Vidal is a player who is very much already well into the twilight years of his career at the top level of the professional game, it is undeniable that the midfielder would nevertheless make a fantastic addition to Conte’s current options in the middle of the park.

Indeed, the £8.5m-rated man played an important role for Inter over his 23 appearances Serie A appearances in the club’s title-winning campaign last season, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.9 shots and making 0.4 key passes per game.

The £86k-per-week central midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 27.8 passes and winning 2.8 duels per fixture.

These returns saw the player who himself said “many try to imitate” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.80, with his performances playing a key role in helping I Nerazzurri seal their first scudetto in 11 years.

As such, with Conte looking to repeat his work at Inter by also restoring Tottenham to glory in the current campaign, it would indeed appear highly advisable for the 52-year-old coach to bring a player who played a key role for him in Italy to North London this January.

Under the management of the Italian, it is not difficult to imagine the midfielder going on to play a crucial role for Spurs in the middle of the park in the second half of the season.

In other news: Conte could save THFC millions by unleashing “quality” 18 y/o gem who has “great feet”

Tottenham Hotspur aren’t afraid to pay the asking price for mooted January target Weston McKennie, according to reports in Italy…

What’s the word?

Calciomercato.it claim the American midfielder is ‘on the list of potential exits’ from Juventus this winter and Spurs are amongst the teams monitoring his situation ahead of a possible swoop.

The Old Lady value him in the region of €30m (£25m) to €35m (£30m), with both sporting director Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte keen on his signature.

Premier League rivals West Ham United are also linked with interest by the report.

Bye-bye Alli

The 23-year-old has gone from outcast to a regular under Massimiliano Allegri, starting three of their last four Serie A outings and in return, he current rates out as his seventh-best performer, as per WhoScored ratings.

McKennie has been dubbed a “leader” and an “outstanding talent” by ex-Schalke boss David Wagner, one that is capable of playing any central midfield role required, making him a very intriguing fit for Conte’s system, which relies more on the middlemen than wingers.

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“In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga,” he added.

His versatility is reflected by his numbers across several key statistics, with WhoScored describing his strengths as primarily being his defensive contribution.

In the Serie A this campaign, he’s attempted 2.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions (third-best), 1.3 dribbles and 1.6 shots per 90 minutes, showing he’s all over the pitch contributing in abundance.

This makes the £22.5m-rated star a much better fit for the Italian boss than someone like Dele Alli, who has been much-maligned in recent times.

Last month, The Athletic revealed that for the very first time, Spurs would be open to offloading the struggling 25-year-old midfielder and after failing to start either of Conte’s first two matches in charge, it’s hard to imagine things have changed much.

McKennie could be his replacement in the engine room, one that would be of much more use to the 52-year-old.

AND in other news, £25m-rated flop has handed Antonio Conte a fresh dilemma at Spurs…

Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka will not sign a new contract at Villa Park, according to The Guardian.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

Chukwuemeka, described as a player who ‘can do everything in midfield’, was handed his first Premier League start earlier this season in a 0-0 draw with Brentford.

However, the 18-year-old hasn’t featured in the top flight since, with his current deal in the Midlands set to expire in 18 months’ time.

According to The Guardian, Chukwuemeka has decided that his future doesn’t lie with Villa and therefore won’t be penning fresh terms under Steven Gerrard.

The report adds that has put the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United on alert over a potential future move.

Villa fans react

Well-known page @villareport shared the update regarding Chukwuemeka on Twitter on Friday evening.

This is what some had to say, with many unhappy at losing a possible future star and one labelling it as ‘huge’.

“Delete”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“Pain”

Credit: @Dowlerzzz

“This is huge. I know he has time to change his mind etc. We need to be offering these youngsters, that we are spending £m’s on buying & training, a clear way through. JJ is becoming a 1st team player, the rest need minutes too.”

Credit: @Bense1980

“Ridiculous if true”

Credit: @T_AVFC

“Dean Smith has blood on his hands the guy is the next Pogba”

Credit: @Leonnyoung

“Huge mistake by us.”

Credit: @dpfinna

In other news: BBC Radio 5 Live pundit tips Villa to sign 24-assist beast who ‘Gerrard likes’ as links emerge. 

Leeds United have been boosted by the news that rumoured transfer target Marcelo will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with audacious Marcelo move

The Whites were linked with a stunning move for the Brazilian earlier in the year, but he ended up staying put at Madrid for another year.

Marcelo has enjoyed a stunning career at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning four Champions League titles and five La Liga crowns, among other trophies.

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The Latest: Brazilian set to leave Madrid

There has now been an update on the 33-year-old’s future in Spain, with El Nacionel Web reporting that this will be his last season at Madrid.

When the campaign reaches its conclusion, Marcelo will then be able to leave on a free transfer, which could potentially alert Marcelo Bielsa.

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The Verdict: Box office signing

In truth, it is hard to see Marcelo ending up at Leeds, given his likely wage demands, but it would be hugely exciting he did make the move to Elland Road, with the Spanish media hailing him as a ‘genius’ in the past.

He would bring with him a winning mentality that few possess, following so much success in his career, and he still has a few years left in him at a high level.

The thought of him marauding down the left flank is a mouthwatering one, providing competition for Junior Firpo, but it would be a major surprise if it happened.

In other news, Phil Hay has revealed another Leeds player is struggling with an injury. Find out who it is here.

Journalist Darren Lewis has tipped West Ham United to buy real quality if  Daniel Kretinsky ends up purchasing a 27% stake in the Hammers.

The Lowdown: Kretinsky eyes Irons stake

Over the past few days, it has emerged that the Czech investor is interested in buying a 27% stake in the east London club (via The Guardian).

As of yet, however, there has been no official comment from the club or from the businessman himself.

The Latest: Big times ahead

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Super Sunday Matchday (via Hammers.news), Lewis predicted big times ahead for the Irons as he discussed the possibility of Kretinsky investing in the club and the subsequent potential for lucrative signings in the January transfer window. He said:

“What it does, it provides the ability for West Ham to go into a transfer window where they are going to look at quality, rather than making up numbers, with a degree of confidence.

“He (Kretinsky) is a guy who is very canny with his investments, he’s got other business interests as well outside of football.

“He’s generated a lot of optimism within the West Ham fanbase because they’re feeling now that with a guy like that coming into play suddenly they can start to think about the club matching David Moyes’s ambition…

“Now what the new investment enables them to do is go into a transfer window looking to attract – and they will be able to attract – the kind of quality player that will hopefully take the club to another level.”

The Verdict: Wait and see

Of course, the rumours that there could be a new investor at the club will surely have delighted many West Ham supporters. David Gold, David Sullivan and Karen Brady, are the current owners, and it is fair to say they are far from popular among many Irons fans.

Worth €3.4bn (£2.9bn, via Marca), Kretinsky is not quite on the level of Roman Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour, for example, but fresh impetus and points of view may be exactly what West Ham need to move to “the next level”, as Lewis put it. Should the deal go through, it promises to be an exciting time ahead for the Hammers, who are already flying as it is.

In other news, many West Ham fans love this news about Mark Noble

Carlton Palmer has offered his thoughts on speculation over Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa’s future.

What’s the talk?

Former Leeds midfielder, Palmer, has allayed fears that the club could lose manager Bielsa to Barcelona.

The Lillywhites head coach has been linked with the top job in Catalonia recently, but Palmer believes that he will stay at Elland Road for at least another season.

He told This is Futbol:

“Well, like I say, you can never say never, but there’s always going to be rumours. If you’re a manager that’s done well or if you’re a player that’s doing well, there’ll be rumours about you.

“I think Bielsa is one of those people. He seems a pretty straight up, straight down type of guy. He’s committed to Leeds for another season and he works from season to season.

“I think unless something drastically happens in terms of his arrangements with the hierarchy at Leeds in terms of recruitment and bringing players in and being able to do the job the way he wants to, I see Bielsa staying at Leeds for another season at least.”

Fans will be buzzing

Leeds fans will surely be buzzing to read this claim from Palmer following speculation over Bielsa’s future at the club. Losing the ex-Marseille manager would be a gigantic blow for the Whites and one that could leave fans feeling devastated, given what he has achieved in his time in Yorkshire.

He has taken the club from years of wallowing in the Championship to playing fast-paced, exciting, football and thriving in the Premier League.

Instead of turgid, boring, football in the second tier playing the likes of – with all due respect to them – Barnsley, Rotherham and Wigan each week, Leeds are going toe to toe with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea as they compete in the top tier week-in-week-out and that is largely down to Bielsa’s work.

The head coach led Leeds to a third-placed finish – averaging 1.80 points per game – in his first campaign at the club in the Championship, losing in the play-offs to Derby. He was then able to build on that and secure the title the following year, averaging 2.02 points per game as Leeds won the league ahead of the likes of West Brom, Fulham and Brentford – highlighting his influence over the years.

The Argentine was then able to take the next step at Premier League level by keeping Leeds in the top-flight following their promotion. Leeds finished ninth in the 2020/21 season, averaging 1.55 points per game across the campaign.

This is why fans will be buzzing at the prospect of Bielsa staying at Leeds for the rest of this term and then potentially for another year, at least.

He has shown that he is an influential figure at the club as he has achieved relative success in both the Championship and Premier League, which is why supporters will surely want him to stay at Elland Road and would be gutted if he left to join Barcelona.

AND in other news, Fresh development emerges on “unlimited energy” beast that’ll leave Leeds fans excited…

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has backed an exciting Tottenham Hotspur claim involving Oliver Skipp.

The Lowdown: Skipp set for new deal?

As per recent developments, it appears the impressive Spurs starlet could now be handed fresh terms at N17 after a brilliant start to 2021/2022.

Indeed, as per The Athletic, Tottenham ‘would like’ to extend Skipp’s current contract which, as it stands, is set to expire in June 2024.

The midfielder wowed on loan at Norwich City last season and has gone on to become a fixture in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

The Latest: Gold backs exciting claim…

Now, speaking in a football.london Q&A, Gold has backed this claim when asked by a supporter if Spurs could extend his deal.

“I think it’s just a matter of time,” he explained.

“He’s a key starter now and he’s only going to get better. He loves it at the club and is a far more developed player than the one who signed a four year deal 15 months ago, so I think that will be sorted sooner rather than later.”

The Verdict: Get it done now…

The Englishman has been one of Tottenham’s bright sparks over what has been a mixed start to Nuno’s debut campaign as manager.

Making the third-most tackles per 90 on average for Spurs in the Premier League, the tenacious youngster has also been a composed and assured presence in front of the back four – managing an eye-catching 90.5% pass accuracy (WhoScored).

Called ‘remarkable’ by Canaries boss Daniel Farke after his stint at Carrow Road, tying him down to fresh terms is arguably a necessity and Gold’s claim certainly comes as an exciting one.

In other news: ‘Crazy’, ‘Get rid’…Sky Sports pundit erupts over dressing room leak involving senior Spurs players, find out more here.

When it comes to left-sided defenders, Everton have been extremely fortunate over the last decade or so.

At first, the Toffees had the ever-reliable and consistent Leighton Baines in their ranks.

The former England international was a wonderful presence at left-back, pioneering what has become a staple of modern football; an offensive full-back.

Baines was a capable defender but gift him the ball inside the penalty area or just over 18 yards from goal and you were in trouble.

The defender scored 39 times for Everton, primarily from dead-ball situations, while he also created 67 strikes for his teammates.

However, back in the summer of 2018, the club made attempts to replace him.

It was Marcel Brands’ first summer as the club’s director of football and one of his greatest investments from that year is still at the club.

That happens to be Lucas Digne, a player cut from a similar cloth as Baines.

The left-back hails from Paris rather than Merseyside but his free-kick taking ability is similarly marvellous.

He signed for a fee of £18m three years ago and has gone from strength to strength since. Never really afforded a proper opportunity at Barcelona, he has become one of the most exciting defenders in the Premier League.

Speaking about the Frenchman last term, Jamie Redknapp said: “You need good quality, you need good crosses, they need to have assists and he [Digne] is an exceptional player.

“He puts it into great areas all the time, a little bit like Robertson. He looks like the sort of lad you want in your team because he gets stuck in as well. He can play in a back three as well.”

Linked with Manchester City in the last year, it’s fair to say that Brands struck gold in bringing the full-back to Goodison Park.

Now rated at £31.5m via Transfermarkt, Digne’s transfer value has risen considerably by £13.5m after arriving in English football.

A move away might well cost any willing suitor more but it’s evident to see why. He is a rampant threat down the left and has contributed five goals and 20 assists in 117 outings for the club.

The archetypal modern defender, Digne has a wonderful technique that separates him from many other players who feature in the same role.

Providing they can keep at the club in the next few years, he will be vital to Rafa Benitez’s ambitions of bringing European football back to Goodison.

AND in other news, Rafa must swoop for “special” £25m gem who’s terrorised Everton…