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Aston Villa are a prestigious club, and one of the most decorated in English football.

They have lifted plenty of silverware, although it has not been since 1996 that they last won a major honour, namely the League Cup.

Despite this lack of success in the modern era, they are a club who have boasted some incredible talent at various points in their recent history.

Supporters will not soon forget the quality of Christian Benteke, Fabian Delph and Jack Grealish in a hurry, but one who might go somewhat under the radar is Gary Cahill.

Having come through the Villa academy, the centre-back featured just 31 times across four years in the first team.

Clearly deemed not good enough at a time when Martin Laursen and Olof Mellberg held down starting spots, he was sold for just £5m to Bolton Wanderers in January 2008. It was likely chalked up as a good piece of business, and the Midlands club moved on without him.

However, after impressing for four years in Lancashire, Premier League giants Chelsea came calling.

The £7m fee paid was already an increase on what Villa initially got, but what he would go on to achieve would rub further salt into their wounds. Cahill became a mainstay for the Blues, featuring 290 times for six different permanent managers.

The 36-year-old led an illustrious career and eventually became captain of a club which won two Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, two Europa Leagues, one League Cup and the coveted Champions League during his time in west London.

He became something of a legend at Stamford Bridge, with Thierry Henry labelling him “a leader” whose versatility had surprised him.

To think just how far Cahill has come, from a Villa reject to winning almost every trophy possible in club football, suggests that the Midlands club may have made a mistake all those years ago.

He eventually left Chelsea to join Crystal Palace, admitting his sadness in an emotional interview before detailing: “I’m proud of what I’ve done here and what I’ve achieved in such a short space of time.”

His career is certainly one which should inspire pride, whilst those who frequent Villa Park will instead feel a regret that it was not them who he inspired to glory.

Aston Villa managed to act promptly to find their replacement for Steven Gerrard, and will only have to go two matches with Aaron Danks in charge.

However, the 37-year-old stand-in did lead Villa to their only win in their last five Premier League fixtures, as they thumped Brentford 4-0 last time out.

Despite the majority of the previous reign being disappointing, there was one shining light in recent weeks that the 42-year-old manager was responsible for.

Having signed last summer under Dean Smith, Gerrard had this season deployed Ashley Young as a stand-in left-back whilst Lucas Digne was injured.

And, during this time, the 37-year-old has excelled.

The veteran offers vast experience down that flank and has been involved in the club’s only three wins of the current campaign.

He even has a goal to his name, as his long-range scorcher salvaged a point against Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

SofaScore has highlighted his impressive performances, as the former Manchester United man boasts an average rating of 7.21.

Therefore, despite the reported return to action of the Frenchman this weekend, Young must not be displaced for their trip to Newcastle United.

Whilst averaging 1.1 key passes per game, Young also makes an average of 2.0 tackles and 1.6 clearances. He has been the perfect modern full-back since he entered the starting XI – most likely due to his years spent in a more advanced winger role.

Meanwhile, Digne’s performances have only seen him gain a 6.81 average SofaScore rating, with the defender yet to score or assist this campaign.

The decision to start Young was one of Gerrard’s rare successes during his stay at Villa Park and must be upheld by Danks with Unai Emery likely to be watching.

Journalist Alex Shaw tweeted back in 2017 that the former Manchester United winger was a “fantastic squad option to have” and it is pleasing that five years on that remains true.

The new manager, as well as Danks this weekend, must rely on mature and experienced heads to guide his team into this new era which promises so much.

That is why he must stay in the team for the foreseeable future until Digne rightfully earns his spot back.

Sunderland journalist for The Northern Echo Scott Wilson has been left bemoaning an injury update on Aji Alese.

The Lowdown: Injury pile-up

Tony Mowbray gave an update on the fitness of Lynden Gooch after he missed their 2-0 loss away at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Tuesday night, claiming that the club are ‘hopeful’ that his injury is minor after suffering a ‘bit of bruising’.

However, his post-match update on Alese sounded more serious, after the defender limped off in the second half.

Mowbray admitted that Alese ‘might have twisted’ his foot in the challenge that forced him off, and added that he may even need a scan.

The Latest: Wilson reacts

Taking to Twitter this morning, Wilson bemoaned the injury update on Alese, claiming that it was ‘more bad news’ for the Stadium of Light outfit:

“More bad news for SAFC from last night as Tony Mowbray admits Aji Alese may need a scan on the foot injury that forced him off at Blackburn.”

The Verdict: Big blow

Given that the Wearsiders have already lost Gooch to injury recently, as well as the likes of Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms, Alese potentially being out long-term would be another big blow.

The 21-year-old, who has played at centre-back, left-back and left wing-back already for the Black Cats, has started the last seven games in the Championship including against Blackburn (Transfermarkt), showing how much faith Mowbray has in him to perform wherever he is on the pitch.

He has been praised in the media in some of his recent displays, and given the form that he is in, supporters will be praying that Alese’s injury is not too serious.

Journalist Miles Starforth has been lamenting the injury blow sustained by Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

The Lowdown: Isak’s absence

Despite Magpies manager Eddie Howe noting the visible progress made by the 23-year-old in his recovery from a thigh injury, the Sweden international was once again rendered unavailable for the Toon’s Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.

Due to this injury, Isak has played in fewer than half of Newcastle’s top-flight games since he arrived on Tyneside this summer, and it now seems that he is set for an even longer spell on the sidelines at St James’ Park.

The Latest: Starforth’s reaction

After reports emerged of Isak’s injury absence at the weekend, Starforth was left to rue news that he heard about the Swede’s potential return date.

Taking to Twitter, the Shields Gazette journalist claimed: “The loss of Alexander Isak, potentially until after the Premier League breaks for the World Cup, is a huge blow for Newcastle.”

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The Verdict: Massive loss

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the striker statistically ranks in the same bracket as RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku (via FBRef).

At just 23 years of age, the Swede has already scored 74 goals in senior club football, having also amassed 37 caps and nine goals for his country.

Since signing for the Tyneside outfit in a club-record £63m deal, the forward has suffered from a series of unfortunate injuries.

Therefore, news of an extended absence will come as a blow for Newcastle fans, who are still waiting for Isak to be truly unleashed at St James’ Park.

Wolves have made no approach for Mainz 05 manager Bo Svensson as their search for a new boss goes on, the 43 year-old has told the local press in Mainz.

The Lowdown: Svensson linked with Wolves job

Wanderers relieved Bruno Lage of his duties last Sunday after the disappointing 2-0 defeat away to West Ham in the Premier League.

Since then, a host of names have been thrown into the hat as Wolves look for a replacement, and Svensson, who learned his craft under Thomas Tuchel, is one of those who has been linked with taking charge.

The up and coming coach is currently in charge at Bundesliga side Mainz and has shone there, finishing an impressive eighth in the league last season.

The Latest: No approach made

According to quotes provided by Main Spitze [via Sport Witness], Svensson has played down any suggestion that he will join Wolves, saying there has been no contact with them:

“I was not contacted by this club.

“At the moment, I have a lot of work here anyway and am asked to give everything here. But I also know that things can change quickly in football. What happens to me if I don’t win any of the next ten games? Will they still stick with me then?

“But these things are not so essential because they are hypothetical questions. Because you never know in football how things will develop.

“But I can say very well in the here and now that I feel very comfortable and it’s very good for me to face the challenges, even if, like at the moment, things don’t go very, very well once.”

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The Verdict: Lopetegui feels likely

While Svensson is doing a good job at Mainz – an ‘outstanding’ one in the words of Jurgen Klopp – it still feels unlikely that he will be Wolves’ new manager, considering his overall lack of experience at the highest level.

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In comparison, the far more renowned Julen Lopetegui looks like the strong favourite to replace Lage at Molineux, especially after leaving Sevilla in midweek.

It looks like a development that is coming together nicely and Svensson may benefit from staying put for now, rather than being thrown into a pressurised Premier League job so early on in his career.

Leeds United could still complete the signing of FC Zurich youngster Wilfried Gnonto despite the rumours going quiet in the last week.

The Lowdown: Gnonto rumours

The 18-year-old is making a name for himself at his current club, already registering 22 goal contributions (12 goals and ten assists) in 73 appearances, despite his tender years.

Gnonto has been described as a player who ‘can do everything’ by Italy manager Roberto Mancini, having also scored once in four caps for the Azzurri.

The teenager attacker looks set to outgrow Zurich in no time and it could be that a move to the Premier League is on the horizon, as strong links to Leeds popped up earlier this month.

There were even claims Victor Orta had agreed personal terms with the player, but all went quiet over the last week.

The Latest: Leeds backed to seal deal

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer insider Dean Jones believes a deal will still happen, with Leeds seeing the Italy starlet as a long-term project:

“I can see it happening. I don’t know that this necessarily changes the dynamic of their starting XI or anything like that. I think this is more of a development signing.”

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting long-term addition

This would be a potentially superb piece of transfer business by Leeds, acquiring the signature of a hugely gifted young prospect with a high ceiling.

Gnonto has already shown what a force he can be at just 18 years of age and Jesse Marsch may feel he could turn the Italian into a future hero at Elland Road.

Eventually, Patrick Bamford is going to be replaced at Leeds and the Zurich man could battle with similarly exciting young prodigy Joe Gelhardt into the future, or even forge a devastating partnership with him.

Aston Villa have been tipped to make a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Tanguy Ndombele, with manager Steven Gerrard still on the lookout for a new midfield addition.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke – as per This is Futbol – the Villa boss would be keen to try and revive the Frenchman’s career by plotting a swoop this summer, despite the 25-year-old’s struggles in north London in recent times.

The transfer insider stated: “I’m sure Steven Gerrard would fancy that he might be able to get the best out of Ndombele, because we just haven’t seen it during his time at Tottenham, with the player failing to live up to that price tag after signing from Lyon.

“But there’s obviously a talented player in there, and maybe if somebody could get that out of him, you could have a real bargain this summer.”

As per the report, the Midlands side are believed to have made an enquiry about the former Lyon man back in January, albeit with the seven-cap gem ultimately returning to the Ligue 1 outfit on a short-term loan deal.

Recent reports have suggested that he could be available for another loan exit this summer, with three years still to run on his existing contract.

Real bargain

As O’Rourke alluded to, the capture of the mercurial midfielder – who arrived at Spurs on a £63m deal three years ago – could well prove to be something of a bargain for the Villans this summer, with the player possessing undeniable quality despite having not always shown it of late.

Currently out of the picture under Antonio Conte, Ndombele has failed to impress a string of managers during his time with the Lilywhites, making just 63 Premier League appearances for the club thus far, scoring six goals and providing just five assists.

While rarely handed the chance to shine, the fleet-footed ace has shown brief glimpses of his sparkling talent during his frustrating stint in England, notably netting a stunning dinked effort against Sheffield United back in January 2021.

Such instinctive, rare quality has unsurprisingly seen him likened to compatriot Paul Pogba by former Lyon boss Bruno Genesio in the past, such is his technical talent and physical prowess.

Pogba also endured a rocky road period in the Premier League during a turbulent six-year stay at Manchester United, prior to his recent return to Juventus, although the 29-year-old has for so long been noted as one of the best midfielders in the game, having also been an integral asset in his nation’s World Cup triumph four years ago.

Like the now former Red Devils man, Ndombele has that unpredictable, off-the-cuff nature that can make him so joyous to watch but also so frustrating in equal measure, although it is that uniqueness that makes him such a high-quality asset.

That style of play has also seen the £27m-rated ace lauded by West Ham United skipper Declan Rice, with the England international stating that the 5 foot 11 menace is something of a “street footballer” due to his confidence with the ball at his feet, while also insisting that £120k-per-week gem is “one of the toughest” he has played against.

That praise will no doubt pique the interest of Gerrard and co, with the Liverpool legend potentially able to find the midfielder that he has been looking for in Ndombele

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on his transfer ‘wish list’, says reliable journalist Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Conte’s centre-back pursuit

Before the summer transfer window opened, the Lilywhites boss was touted with an interest in a whole host of different central defenders.

According to The Athletic, Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan were the Italian’s top choices; two players who are among Europe’s best on the left side of a back three.

However, Spurs are still yet to bring in a left-sided centre-back on a permanent deal. Instead, they seem to have momentarily settled on Clement Lenglet, who arrived at Hotspur Way on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The Latest: Gold’s claim

In a QnA for football.london, Gold was asked whether Spurs have ever been interested in Guehi from Palace. In response, the journalist claimed:

“Spurs absolutely love him and I reported earlier in the summer that the 22-year-old was one of the names on their centre-back wish list. He plays mainly on the left of central defence where Tottenham now have Davies and Lenglet, although the latter can play in the centre if required.

“I just wonder whether the price that Palace would ask for the England international, who has a deal until 2026, would prove to be prohibitive and whether they’d even allow him to leave this year.

“Spurs will look for another centre-back if Rodon and/or Tanganga depart in the weeks ahead but I wonder if Guehi would may be one for next summer when I’m sure a number of teams will look at him after the World Cup.”

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The Verdict: Great potential

When looking at the 22-year-old’s underlying stats, his huge potential is clear to see.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Guehi ranks in the top 22 percent for passes and dribbles (via FBRef), displaying the type of ball-playing abilities the elite clubs expect from their defenders.

He has also been hailed as ‘an absolute tank’ by England U21 teammate Josef Bursik, so would seemingly have no trouble with the physical demands Conte places upon his squad.

Having featured in 36 Premier League games last season, Patrick Vieira’s immense trust in the youngster should also say a lot – Wwth such great potential, it’s easy to see why this would be a brilliant long-term signing for Conte.

A major Rangers update from media partners Heart and Hand has revealed some good news coming out of Ibrox.

What’s the news?

The update concerns new contracts for key Rangers players Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, with Official Media Partners of Rangers FC ‘Heart and Hand’ tweeting “Gio confirms talks with Kent and Alfie.” Which is an update that will prove popular amongst the supporters.

Both Kent and Morelos only have a year left on their current contracts and Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be keen to get both secured on long-term deals.

Supporters will be buzzing

The previous few days have been busy for the Dutchman, with Antonio Colak joining the club and bolstering the attacking options whilst Joe Aribo seemingly looks like he is about to leave the club to join Southampton.

The Nigeria international also had a year left on his contract and a fee of around £10m plus significant add-ons is a decent return for someone who doesn’t want to commit their future to the team.

Of course, signing players for £300k and selling them for £10m represents excellent business, but this shouldn’t become the norm at a club like Rangers.  The nature is, however, Scottish football has become a breeding ground for talent which will eventually work its way south of the border.

There has been plenty of interest in Kent and with Sevilla reportedly making a bid for Morelos a few weeks ago, it won’t be long before both depart Glasgow for new challenges.

Keeping them – at least for another season or two- will remain a priority for Van Bronckhorst this summer.

The duo combined for 22 goals and 28 assists last season in all competitions and losing that calibre of player would require the new signings to step up and hit the ground running.

The Ibrox faithful know that excellent players are never at the club for long, they will just have to hope Ross Wilson and Van Bronckhorst work their magic.

AND in other news: Bid prepared: Rangers eye 6-figure swoop for 17 y/o sensation, he can be Jack 2.0

Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola have now made a move for in-demand Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues swoop expected…

The Premier League champions, as per recent claims from Italy, have been expected to swoop for Man United’s transfer target who is also wanted by Chelsea.

De Ligt, an absolute mainstay for Juve last season, has attracted plenty of attention with Guardiola’s side now firmly entering contention to sign the Netherlands international.

This comes amid a potentially huge summer of change at Eastlands as many first team players are either close to leaving or linked with a possible exit.

To counteract the flurry of possible outgoings, sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak have sealed the signings of Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega with Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips also on the way.

The Latest: City move for de Ligt…

According to Calciomercato Web, the Blues have already ‘proposed’ some players in part-exchange to sign de Ligt from Juve.

However, the Old Lady are thought to not be entertaining that approach – with names like 21/22 final day hero Ilkay Gundogan and Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko now floated as potential makeweights.

The Serie A giants, on on top of these players, would also request €40-50 million (£34m-£43m) as City are allegedly ‘notified’ of their demands.

The Verdict: Too much?

The presence of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake as things stand make City’s need for a central defender extremely minimal.

Of course, as the latter man attracts interest from Chelsea, it’s safe to say de Ligt would be a more-than phenomenal replacement in terms of quality.

Winning a 2019 Kopa Award, the £200,000-per-week star has also been called a ‘monster’ by Barcelona star Pedri and finished last season as one of Juve’s best performers by average match rating (WhoScored).

De Ligt also averaged more successful aerial duels per 90 than any of his teammates and completed around 89% of his passes out from the back – highlighting his status as a world class, ball-playing centre-half.

That being said, despite the 22-year-old’s obvious ability, City shouldn’t be pushed into making ludicrous offers.