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Over recent years, Aston Villa have not been shy when it comes to spending money on new players to help strengthen their squad.

They signed the trio of Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia in the previous summer transfer window for a combined total of £89.84m according to Transfermarkt, and followed that by splashing £25m on Lucas Digne this month.

With that in mind, there’s no doubt that the Midlands club is capable of paying vast sums of cash in the transfer market when they think they need to.

Looking ahead to the remainder of this current window or even towards the summer window, one figure that Villa could look to bring in that would certainly add an extra attacking dynamic to Steven Gerrard’s team is Bayer Leverkusen’s 18-year-old attacking-midfielder Florian Wirtz, who Villa have been linked with in the past.

Despite his young age, the teenager, who is currently valued at a whopping £63m by Transfermarkt, has made 70 senior appearances for Leverkusen across all competitions, managing to score 17 goals and provide 20 assists along the way, highlighting the attacking talents he has.

Labelled as the “total package” by Germany head coach Hansi Flick in terms of his ability on the pitch, Wirtz has managed to rack up five goals and nine assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season.

Furthermore, he’s earned an overall performance rating of 7.41/10, making him Leverkusen’s second-highest rated player according to WhoScored, which would also comfortably make him Villa’s highest-rated player by the same metric.

With previous reports claiming that Villa’s current teenage attacking-midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka will not be signing a new deal at the Midlands club due to his lack of game time, his potential exit from Villa Park could pave the way for the club to launch a move for Wirtz to see if he would have a better chance of competing for a place in Gerrard’s side than Chukwuemeka.

Given the goals and assists he’s managed to deliver for Leverkusen so far in his short career, it wouldn’t be too difficult to see Wirtz getting regular playing time if he can have a similar sort of attacking impact in the Midlands.

In other news: Sky Sports drop fresh Aston Villa transfer update, Lange could be making a big mistake – opinion

According to transfer ‘insider’ Graeme Bailey, writing for 90min, West Ham United have set their sights on a fresh target as news emerges on Lille defender Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defensive crisis…

Injuries to both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have prompted David Moyes to search for new centre-back signings in the looming January transfer window.

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Premier League trio James Tarkowksi, Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Phillips are the most heavily linked with a move to the London Stadium as things stand, but that hasn’t stopped other names from entering the fray.

Recently, a report from Italy claimed that West Ham could set their sights on Torino powerhouse Gleison Bremer, Juventus outcast Daniele Rugani or Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic (Calciomercato).

Now, as per 90min, it appears that Moyes and transfer chief Rob Newman have another new name on the agenda.

The Latest: Transfer insider breaks news…

According to transfer insider Bailey, writing for 90min, West Ham have made a pre-January approach to sign Ligue 1 sensation Botman in the form of an enquiry.

It is believed that the 21-year-old is attracting plenty of interest, especially from Newcastle who have made him a top target, while the Dutchman’s agents have also made known his possible availability.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Lille have apparently slapped a price tag of around €25m-€30m (£21.2m-£25.4m) on their star defender (La Gazzetta via Milan News), and for that price he would be an absolute steal.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, team-mate and former Irons defender Jose Fonte is a huge fan, apparently calling Botman a ‘machine’ and a man ‘who doesn’t make mistakes’ behind the scenes (via Planet Football).

The Dutchman has also averaged an impressive 4.6 clearances per 90 in the French top flight this season, with only Kurt Zouma bettering those numbers for West Ham in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Botman is also a more accurate passer of the ball out from defence than any of Moyes’ current crop, finding his teammates 85.8% of the time, highlighting a degree of composure at such a young age.

His ceiling appears to be vast, with a maximum cost of £25.4m looking like an absolute steal.

In other news: Newman also exploring offer to sign ‘underrated’ £28.8m ace who’s now keen to join West Ham, find out more here.

Celtic look set to complete the signing of Johnny Kenny in the coming days.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Sligo Champion (via Football Scotland), who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s side look to have won the race for the 18-year-old centre-forward, who is expected to sign for Celtic in the next few days.

The report goes on to state that Hibernian were also extremely interested in a move for the Republic of Ireland U19 international this month – with the youngster even said to have watched Hibs in action against Dundee back in December – however, the Bhoys are now believed to have agreed a €150k (£125k) plus add ons deal for the Sligo Rovers starlet.

Finally, it is claimed that Kenny will initially link up with Celtic’s B team side in the Scottish Lowland League, in order to further his development before pushing for a place in Postecoglou’s first-team squad at Parkhead.

Fans will be buzzing

With Celtic having already sealed the signings of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi in the January transfer window, the news that the Hoops are not done yet with their winter business is sure to have left the club’s fanbase buzzing.

Indeed, while Kenny is undoubtedly a signing for the future, the 18-year-old is nevertheless yet another exciting addition for the Bhoys, as the sheer amount of potential the forward possesses is evident from his form in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division last season.

Over his 33 league outings for Sligo Rovers last time out, the teenager scored an incredibly impressive 11 goals for Liam Buckley’s side, playing a huge role in helping his club secure a third-place finish in the top division of Irish football – something which guarantees Rovers European football in the upcoming campaign.

As such, while Kenny may be playing with the Celtic B side for the second half of the season, should the striker continue this level of goalscoring form while playing in the Lowland League, it would not be surprising to see him in and around Postecoglou’s first-team squad come the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

In other news: Celtic in advanced talks over “unbelievable” January deal, it’d be Ange’s biggest yet

Taking to Twitter, 90min reporter Toby Cudworth has hinted at a West Ham United advantage in the race to sign Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye bid…

As per recent reliable reports, West Ham seem set to make an attempt to sign the 19-year-old in January.

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90min first claimed that David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman are eyeing a loan-to-buy bid in the winter window, a report somewhat backed by insider ExWHUemployee.

The Irons source, via his website The West Ham Way, said that the club are ‘set to place a concrete offer’ for his services in January.

Sharing another update, Cudworth has made a claim on Twitter and hinted at a West Ham advantage in the race for the Czech youngster.

The Latest: West Ham may be in pole position…

According to the reporter, West Ham are continuing their chase for Hlozek, but a ‘stack of big clubs’ also want him. However, the Hammers may hold a trump card over their competitors thanks to shareholder Daniel Kretinsky’s connections to Sparta Prague.

Cudworth explained:

“#WHUFC also continuing pursuit of Adam Hlozek. A stack of big clubs around Europe want him but the Kretinsky connection may sway things.”

The Verdict: Boost for West Ham?

Given Kretinsky’s status as co-owner and president of Sparta, his recent acquisition of a 27% stake in West Ham certainly comes as a boost in more ways than just financial.

Hlozek is one of Europe’s most promising strikers, racking up 15 goals and 11 assists in just 19 Fortuna Liga appearances last season as he burst on to the scene.

It’s little wonder the teenage talent is attracting so much interest, with his agent Pavel Paska calling him ‘world-class’, and we believe he could be a brilliant signing for West Ham if they can get it done.

Kretinsky’s connection between the two clubs could certainly help in this regard as the Irons aim to continue their growth both on and off the pitch.

In other news: ‘Begging’, ‘Newman finally doing his job’…West Ham fans flock to ‘exciting’ offer claim, find out more here.

As per Allnigeriasoccer.com, yet more contract news has come out of Tottenham Hotspur as talks reach an advanced stage with youngster Tobi Omole.

The Lowdown: Spurs tying up new deals?

Already this week, The Athletic broke news that Tottenham had entered talks over fresh terms for first team mainstay and long-serving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, with his current deal set to expire in 2022 as things stand.

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Manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have been linked with finding his replacement with the latter man even bringing in Atalanta shot stopper Pierluigi Gollini on a season-long loan with the option to make his stay permanent.

As well as Lloris, Spurs are thought to be contemplating a new deal for midfield gem Oliver Skipp after his impressive performances this season (The Athletic).

Now, as per an African source, more contract news has come out of Hotspur Way as a development emerges involving highly-rated starlet Omole.

The Latest: Omole talks advance…

According to the outlet, Spurs have tabled a new contract offer for the 21-year-old as he enters the final six months of his current deal.

Negotiations over his renewal are said to be at an ‘advanced stage’ with the club keen to tie him down as Omole pushes for a first team breakthrough.

It is even said that Conte has been watching the centre-half at ‘close quarters’ as he contemplates handing him a first team senior debut before the end of 2021/2022.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 2, the young defender is said to be highly thought of by Spurs coaches and is adept at playing in a variety of positions – including as a full-back, left-sided centre-back and even in front of the back four (Transfermarkt).

The former Arsenal academy man has been a fixture for the Lilywhites’ Under-23s this season, making 12 Premier League 2 appearances and even getting on the scoresheet twice (Transfermarkt).

Former boss Nuno Espirito Santo clearly saw something in Omole, having called him up to the senior squad on three separate occasions for matches against Rennes, NS Mura and Crystal Palace – highlighting how he has turned heads at Tottenham.

Tying him down is clearly the right move, especially given how left-footed centre-backs are currently a valuable commodity in the game.

In other news: Spurs in pole position to sign ‘perfect’ player for Conte after price tag drops by nearly half, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as some transfer news emerged on Jonathan Ikone.

As per Milan Live, both the Goodison Park faithful as well as West Ham United are ‘seriously considering’ signing the LOSC Lille ace, while AC Milan have also been named as a possible destination.

He was a player who was a mainstay in the team that won the Ligue 1 title ahead of PSG so impressively last season, missing only one game and recording nine goal contributions (Transfermarkt).

Ikone would certainly be an upgrade on Alex Iwobi, given that he has averaged more shots (1.3), key passes (1.1), dribbles (1.1) in their respective domestic leagues so far this term (WhoScored), and the latter has not exactly hit the ground running on Merseyside.

At 23 years of age, the France international has not reached his peak yet as well, and so would be an exciting buy for the Toffees.

Everton fans on Ikone transfer news

These Blues buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he would be a ‘belter signing’:

“Exactly the type we need to go for”

Credit: @notJoth

“Good alternative to Diaz who will be much more expensive now”

Credit: @Shakeitupbaine1

“Be a belter signing like”

Credit: @EFCJosh7

“Oh PLEASE”

Credit: @alfieartist11

“Ooo yes”

Credit: @BobbyW1878

“Bring him”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

In other news, find out what early team news before Tottenham Hotspur has Evertonians fuming here!

Aston Villa are interested in a deal to bring Ryan Kent to Villa Park in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that the new Villa boss, Steven Gerrard, is expected to be heavily backed by Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens in the upcoming winter market, with the 41-year-old hoping to make his former Rangers winger, Ryan Kent, the first signing of his reign at Villa Park.

The report goes on to mention the fact that Leeds United have also held a long-term interest in the 25-year-old forward, however, it is suggested that Gerrard’s relationship with the former England U20 international could be enough to convince Kent of a move to the West Midlands club.

Kent could transform Villa

Considering the rather remarkable player Kent developed into under the guidance of Gerrard during his tenure at Ibrox, the signing of the winger this January could well be something that helps to transform the 41-year-old’s current Aston Villa side into one that reflects his own image.

Indeed, over his 37 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, the £12.6m-rated forward scored ten goals, registered 11 assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Scott Arfield dubbed a “frightening” talent earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.23, ranking him as the seventh-best performer in the top flight of Scottish Football.

The £18k-per-week man has continued this fine form over his six league appearances this season, having already bagged one goal, provided one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.05.

As such, it is clear to see that Kent would be an extremely effective option on the left of Gerrard’s preferred front three, with the winger’s returns only likely to improve if he were to secure a switch to an Aston Villa side that boasts a considerably greater amount of talent than that of Rangers.

And, with reports suggesting that the player who Gordon Strachan compared to Liverpool’s Sadio Mane would be available for a fee of £20m as a result of a buy-out clause in his contract at Ibrox, a move for the 25-year-old would very much appear to be one that Johan Lange could afford to sanction for Aston Villa this January.

In other news: NSWE must avoid AVFC disaster on £30m beast likened to Pjanic, Gerrard would be fuming

Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore appears to have suffered a fresh injury while on international duty with Burkina Faso, as reported by Birmingham Live.

As to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

The 26-year-old has struggled to get his 2021/22 campaign going after suffering a hamstring injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Liverpool back in August.

He is yet to start a Premier League game this season but did feature against Everton and Tottenham as a substitute prior to the current international break.

However, it seems as if Traore has picked up a new problem, with Birmingham Live claiming that he missed Burkina Faso’s 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday due to injury.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the news regarding Traore on Twitter on Monday afternoon. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with many frustrated and one labelling the winger as a ‘class player’ while lamenting his injury record.

“Here we go again”

Credit: @deep_645

“Oh”

Credit: @DG_Avfc_2

“Is our whole squad just broken”

Credit: @roberton_sj

“Class player… Made out of Weetabix.”

Credit: @STRACH_AVFC

“No luck fc”

Credit: @buendiazboyz

“El Ghazi to the rescue!”

Credit: @hafizstar

In other news: Smith looking to pip Arteta again as Aston Villa eye move for ace who has the same agency as Mings

Crystal Palace have entered a new chapter in their history under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira, and the Frenchman could oversee a fresh wave of homegrown talent entering the senior ranks.

The Eagles have recently seen their academy facilities upgraded to Category 1 status after significant investment, and the fruits of their labour are already starting to show.

Last season, the under-18s only missed out on the league title to local rivals Fulham on goal difference, with several young stars making a name for themselves through a string of impressive performances.

One of those who caught the eye was 19-year-old midfielder Aiden Steele. The Northern Irishman joined Palace’s youth system in July 2019, but he really burst onto the scene last season.

He started 24 games for the under-18s throughout 2020/21, captaining them on 17 occasions, and was rewarded for his efforts in the engine room with a call-up to Shaun Derry’s under-23 setup.

The teenager has cultivated an enviable reputation for himself within the south London club, with the Eagles’ official website lauding his commitment both on and off the field.

“Steele’s grit and determination in midfield is coupled with professionalism and hard work off it,” his profile reads.

The praise for Steele inside Selhurst Park does not stop there. In a recent interview, youth coach Paddy McCarthy reportedly labelled the engine room operator “an honest and top professional” and someone who is “the first one out and the last one to leave the training pitch.”

His eye-catching displays for the club earned the youngster a call-up to the Northern Ireland under-21s in March for the very first time, but he remains ambitious to go even further in his career.

“I think I probably model myself on Toni Kroos as he has such a great passing range, touch and football brain,” Steele recently admitted. “I love the way he reads the game and can dictate a game with his one and two touch passing.”

With current Palace midfielders Luka Milivojevic, James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate all 30 or over and entering the twilight period of their careers, there could be an opportunity for Vieira to unearth a real gem over the coming years, but only time will tell if Steele gets his opportunity to impress at Selhurst Park.

In other news… Journalist claims “technical” CPFC gem is a “great option” for Vieira, fans will love him 

Fulham have been handed a major boost in their bid to keep Fabio Carvalho at Craven Cottage.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that sources close to the club believe the Cottagers are exceedingly confident that the attacking midfielder will go on to put pen to paper on a new deal in west London, something which would help to dampen the growing interest in the 19-year-old.

Previous reports have claimed that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are keeping tabs on the teenager, while West Ham United, Norwich City, Leeds United and Porto are also reported to be keen on the former England U18 international, whose current contract at Craven Cottage is set to expire at the end of the season.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Carvalho has been for Marco Silva’s side so far this season, in addition to the fact that teams as big as Barca and Real are thought to be interested in the attacking midfielder, the news that Fulham appear confident of tying the 19-year-old down to a new deal is sure to have left fans buzzing.

Indeed, while injury has kept the £225k-rated younger on the sidelines in recent weeks, over the five Championship fixtures he has appeared in so far this term, Carvalho has scored three goals, provided one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots and making 2.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player Silva himself described as a “fantastic” talent average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.30, ranking him as the club’s fifth-best player in the Championship.

As such, it is clear for all to see that losing the services of the teenager come the end of the season, especially on a free transfer, would come as a huge blow to everyone involved with the club, while it is also obvious just how good the news is that the Cottagers believe they will be able to convince the starlet to remain at the club into next season and beyond.

In other news: Report sheds light on “talented” £2.7m-rated dynamo’s Fulham move, he’s a major coup