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Aston Villa have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one mooted transfer target this week…

What’s the word?

Earlier in the month, the Midlands outfit were linked with a move for Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, with 90min (via Caught Offside) claiming that Villa were among several top-flight teams interested in a move.

It now appears as if they have been given the green light to secure his signature.

According to Football Insider, the Premier League champions have told him that he’s free to leave for the right price, two years after his £40m arrival from AFC Bournemouth.

Newcastle United and Chelsea are also keen on the Dutchman.

Another centre-back needed?

One of Steven Gerrard’s biggest issues at Villa Park last season was in his backline, having inherited the squad from Dean Smith back in November. He managed to steer them away from the relegation zone to finish in 14th place but he’ll be wanting more this season.

The former Rangers boss has already taken steps to improve defensively, signing quite the coup in Diego Carlos from Sevilla. However, just the one addition may not be enough when you consider the fact that both Ezri Konsa and Kourtney Hause are currently injured.

Villa have been linked to several centre-backs in recent weeks, including Liverpool star Joe Gomez but reports suggest that he is set to sign a new contract at Anfield, leaving him an unlikely option for the club.

Ake, though, is evidently available and could be an interesting solution.

“Nathan is a quality defender,” claimed Citizens director of football Txiki Begiristain upon signing him.

“He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth, and I am so pleased we’ve managed to bring him here. He’s strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s setup.”

Indeed, over the course of his career, the Netherlands international has proven to be a very reliable colossus at the back – as per WhoScored, he’s won an average of 2.1 aerial duels, 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, whilst also excelling with the ball at his feet, managing an 84.8% passing accuracy.

Meanwhile, statistical website FBref liken him most to some proven Premier League options, such as Joel Matip, Harry Maguire, Ruben Dias and John Stones.

Also lauded for being an “amazing player” by former Cherries teammate Steve Cook, it’s clear that Ake would add a lot to Gerrard’s defence heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Now that sporting director Johan Lange has been given the green light to make his move, it would be silly not to. His current market valuation of £25m by CIES Football Observatory surely makes him an affordable option indeed.

AND in other news, Villa could find their next Coutinho as NSWE plot offer for £175k-p/w “maverick”…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has now given the green-light for his side to try and seal yet another signing this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs not stopping…

The Lilywhites are currently enjoying their busiest transfer window of the last decade as a plethora of deals are already signed, sealed and delivered.

Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici are seemingly working in tandem to make some big moves ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge of the north Londoners.

Spurs, having qualified for the Champions League next season, were subsequently handed a £150 million equity increase to tackle what has been an unprecedented transfer market thus far.

The Latest: Conte green-lights another move…

Now, according to reports out of Turkey, it appears Conte has his sights on yet another signing.

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Indeed, Fanatik claim the Italian has given his personal green-light for Tottenham to move for Besiktas wing-back Ridvan Yilmaz.

This comes after a Spurs official was sent to run the rule over Yilmaz earlier this year with Conte now apparently approving a swoop for Besiktas’ defensive ace.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Amid Conte’s apparent desire to sign a wing-back on both flanks, right and left, could Yilmaz be an astute option for the left?

The 21-year-old has already managed call-ups to the Turkey national team at such a young age and his contract situation, which expires in 2023, could put Paratici in a very strong negotiating position.

Besiktas can hardly afford to demand extortionate fees for their left-back and perhaps Tottenham could be about to take full advantage, securing a cheap squad option who can grow and develop into a first XI player over time.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of landing Nathan Ake in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, Manchester City have decided that they will cash in on the Netherlands international if an acceptable offer comes in for him in the coming weeks.

The report claims that Tottenham, the Magpies, Chelsea, Aston Villa and West Ham are among the teams now keen on a deal for the gem.

It is stated that the Cityzens will not allow him to leave on loan and will only green light a permanent exit for the £41m defender, giving Dan Ashworth the chance to snap him up.

Imagine him & Sven Botman

The former Brighton chief can land a solid defensive duo for Eddie Howe by signing Ake to partner him with Botman, who recently joined from Ligue 1 side Lille.

Newcastle confirmed the arrival of the Dutchman on Tuesday and they can find an excellent partner for him in a deal to sign his fellow countryman.

The versatile Manchester City machine is a proven performer in England and would be a superb addition to the squad next season. His international teammate Virgil van Dijk dubbed him “underrated” and his statistics in the Premier League certainly suggest that he deserves to be recognised for his performances.

In the top-flight last term, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.08 in 14 outings. He won 66% of his individual duels and completed 91% of his attempted passes as he showcased both his defensive strength and his reliability in possession.

Ake has played in nine Premier League seasons throughout his career and – in the seven years the data is available for – a SofaScore rating of 6.82 is the lowest his performances have ever dipped. This shows that he has delivered quality displays on a remarkably consistent basis over the years, which is why he would be a star for the Toon.

Meanwhile, Botman averaged a score of 7.10 in Ligue 1 for Lille. He completed 88% of his passes and won 66% of his individual duels, after averaging a scoring of 7.08 and winning 68% of his battles in the 2020/21 title-winning campaign for the French outfit.

Now, imagine both of them dominating opposition attackers and then building play up from the back to develop a progressive, attacking, style of play at St. James’ Park next season.

It is an exciting prospect and Ashworth has the chance to make it a reality after being given the green light by Manchester City to make a move for Ake happen.

AND in other news, Ashworth eyeing NUFC swoop for “dangerous” £30m dynamo, just imagine him & Wilson…

Manchester City have been linked with a summer move for Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.

What’s the news?

After the news originally broke from Sky Sports journalist Dirk Schlarmann on Twitter, Fabrizio Romano shed further light on the matter.

He tweeted: “Manchester City are really interested in signing Stefan Ortega, as called by @Sky_Dirk today. Been told there’s a verbal agreement in place with City to sign as [a] free agent #MCFC

“Deal depends on Zack Steffen to find a good solution on the market, but Ortega’s waiting for City.”

Back in 2007, Ortega joined Bielefeld’s under-17 squad from fellow German club KSV Hessen Kassel. The shot-stopper also had a three-year spell with 1860 Munich before returning to Bielefeld in 2017.

Overall, the 29-year-old has made 220 appearances for his current side, keeping 65 clean sheets in the process. However, with his contract at the club set to expire next week, it seems as though he has played his last game for them.

Guardiola will be delighted

Ortega’s latest season with Bielefeld was a rather disappointing one, as the club were relegated from the Bundesliga with just 28 points on the board.

However, he showed throughout the campaign just how capable a goalkeeper he is. Over 33 league games, the German racked up more saves (124) than any other shot-stopper in the league and could also boast the second-highest save percentage (73.3%) in the division.

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that Pep Guardiola would be delighted to have such an experienced and capable goalkeeper in his squad as a backup option for Ederson.

As for Zack Steffen, the fact that he only managed two clean sheets in his nine appearances for the Citizens last season across all competitions could be why the club have been looking to bring Ortega in this summer.

With that in mind, if the German is seen as City’s number two goalkeeper for the future, it could be worth the American making a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer and join a club where he would be guaranteed regular game-time.

In other news – Terms agreed: City now closing in on “refreshing” £30m signing, Pep will be buzzing

Aston Villa are likely to be watching Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher closely this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider suggested that the Midlands outfit will be “keeping tabs” on the Englishman in the current window, should it become clear that he won’t feature under Thomas Tuchel next term.

After a positive loan stint at Crystal Palace last term, the 22-year-old is set to return to Stamford Bridge for pre-season, although O’Rourke admitted that Villa will be in the mix in case his situation changes: “I think Villa and a number of Premier League clubs will be potentially looking at Conor Gallagher this summer.

“He was a massive success at Crystal Palace last year, he’s broken into the England squad, but if he’s not going to play for Chelsea, I’m sure most of the Premier League would probably sign Conor Gallagher if he became available.

“So, I’m sure Aston Villa will be no different. I’m sure they’ll be keeping tabs on his situation at Stamford Bridge just like most of the Premier League will be.”

A return to Selhurst Park has been teased by Eagles chairman Steve Parish, while Everton boss Frank Lampard is also said to be keen on the youngster, although any interested party is likely to have to fork out around £50m to secure a permanent swoop.

Villa’s own Bellingham

With the Villans seemingly on the hunt for further midfield additions – despite having already signed Boubacar Kamara – Gallagher would no doubt be an ideal fit, having proven his worth following an eye-catching season with Palace.

The one-time Swansea loanee bagged eight goals and provided a further three assists from his 34 Premier League outings, with such form even attracting the interest of England boss Gareth Southgate, who has since welcomed him into the international fold.

His displays have also drawn comparisons to compatriot Jude Bellingham, with the pair sharing a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, according to FBref.

The fact that the teenager is a former Birmingham City man may not go down too well with the Villa support, although it is hard to deny just what a special talent he is, having belied his years with a string of impressive and mature displays for both club and country in recent times.

Already a “leader” at Borussia Dortmund – according to veteran teammate Mats Hummels – the 18-year-old has been instrumental over the past few seasons since his £25m move from St Andrews in 2020, notably scoring six goals and registering 14 assists in all competitions last term for the Bundesliga side.

The £49k-per-week starlet also compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 3% for dribbles completed, progressive passes received and touches in the attacking penalty area, showcasing his undoubted knack for surging forward from his midfield berth.

Gallagher clearly has similar attributes as he ranks highly in the same metrics, ranking in the top 8% for dribbles completed, the top 11% for progressive passes received and the top 7% for touches in the attacking penalty area, with the all-action gem proving a relentless presence in the centre of the park.

He too has also been dubbed a “leader” by Ashley Cole, despite his youth, with the former West Brom appearing unfazed by the transition to life at the top level – much like the Dortmund ace.

With Bellingham clearly out of reach for even the most elite clubs, Gerrard can capture an ideal alternative in the form of Gallagher.

IN other news, Deal Imminent: AVFC now “set to sign” fifth summer addition, Gerrard will be buzzing

Everton are expected to have a busy summer transfer window following a disappointing season in the Premier League, and now a new update has emerged with one particular player on Frank Lampard’s transfer wish list.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph, Everton are interested in signing Harry Winks this summer but are looking to loan the player.

As per the report, the Toffees are likely to be unwilling to pay the £20m transfer fee that Tottenham Hotspur are demanding but would be interested in taking on the player for a season-long loan spell instead with an option to make it permanent.

Imagine him and Doucoure

There is no doubt that Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements, with Donny van de Beek’s loan deal coming to an end and Fabian Delph set to leave the club this month when his contract expires meaning the midfield could definitely use some fresh legs.

Winks has been falling down the pecking order at Spurs ever since Antonio Conte arrived with the player only making substitute appearances since March, but has put in 30 appearances overall in all competitions so Everton will have a general idea of his current strengths and weaknesses.

In his 19 Premier League appearances for the north London club this season, the 26 year old has an impressive pass accuracy of 92% in his own half, with one assist and three big chances created, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (51%) and successful in the majority of his dribbles (53%).

The midfield maestro has been the recipient of high praise from Paul Robinson who claims Winks “dominates” when he gets the opportunity to play.

Robinson told Football Insider:

“For me, I think Harry Winks is one of the best of the bunch. He dominates the game, defensively and offensively he offers you both and his ball retention, the stats speak for themselves.”

If Everton were to agree a deal with Daniel Levy to acquire Winks’ services next season, Lampard could stabilise the midfield by forming a well-oiled partnership in the centre of the pitch between the Spurs midfielder and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

He could deliver balls to the Toffees ace who takes on a more advanced midfield role and gallops forward more regularly than the more reserved Winks.

Ultimately, despite the struggles for game-time that the England international has faced with Tottenham, it could be a shrewd piece of business if Farhad Moshiri could secure a loan deal for the player ahead of next season.

AND in other news: Offer accepted: Everton closing in on 1st summer signing, Lampard will be ecstatic

Despite signing the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara and Robin Olsen, Aston Villa are keen to sign yet another player as they continue their aggressive transfer strategy.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Express and Star, who claim that Steven Gerrard is closing in on a deal for 16-year-old striker Rory Wilson as he looks to raid his former club Rangers,

It is said that the move will cost Villa just £300,000, which covers the development fee for the Rangers star.

The next Duncan Ferguson

Wilson’s potency in-front of goal is no joke. At just 16-years-old, the starlet has scored 49 goals for the Gers’ youth team last season alone and is expected to join the likes of Ben Chrisene, Josh Feeney and Tim Iroegbunam as starlets who were signed for six-figure fees.

The latter broke into Gerrard’s first team and earned himself a new five-year deal, with his path to regular first team football seemingly set in place. Villa will be hoping that Wilson can tread that same path.

Being Scottish and highly rated at that, the Rangers youth product naturally draws comparisons to talent in relation to his nationality, with his goal record for the Gers’ youth team pointing in the direction of Duncan Ferguson.

Ferguson did not enjoy a positive spell at the Ibrox and of course, unlike Wilson, was not an academy product.

Though the 16-year-old’s aggressive style up top is not too dissimilar to Ferguson’s and of course, with the current Everton first-team coach being the all time Premier League top Scottish goalscorer with 68 goals scored throughout his time in England’s top flight.

Wilson will be keen act on this comparison and get somewhere close to his goal haul – particularly after getting a taste as a prolific goalscorer at youth level.

Villa are showing real intent to break into the Premier League’s top six, and whilst they have made signings that will immediately slot into the first team, they are clearly thinking about the future with a signing as promising as Wilson who has been described as a “goal machine” by Jonty Colman.

In other news: Ashley Preece: AVFC have “astonishing” £25m gem on their radar, he’s Gerrard’s dream

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is set to get his first summer transfer window in charge of the club underway on Friday as the market opens for business.

The Gers head coach joined midway through the 2021/22 campaign and led the team to the Europa League final and the Scottish Cup trophy.

He will now be hoping to improve his squad with a view to winning the Premiership title and going as far as possible in the Champions League next term.

One player Ross Wilson must now bring in to help him is Chelsea central midfielder Billy Gilmour on a season-long loan.

The Gers have been linked with a swoop for their former academy gem and the club must do all they can to snap him up.

Imagine him & John Lundstram

Van Bronckhorst can form a dream midfield pairing by putting Gilmour next to John Lundstram as their respective styles can complement each other well.

In the Premiership, the Gers man won 60% of his individual duels and made 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game as he showcased his combative nature and ability to win the ball back for the team.

Offensively, he did little to progress the play, though, as he averaged 0.4 key passes and 2.8 long passes per game for the Light Blues.

Gilmour, meanwhile, provided 1.0 key passes and 3.4 long passes per game in the Premier League on loan at Norwich, showing that he has the quality on the ball to make things happen from midfield.

Graeme Souness previously heaped praise on the £28k-per-week maestro’s ability in possession, saying: “He doesn’t give the ball away. He’s got that fantastic habit for a midfield player of passing the ball to the same colour shirt. He keeps the ball in tight spaces and kept Scotland ticking over.

“He’s a fabulous little football player and when you factor in that last season he only made five starts in the Premier League for Chelsea, he’s not played a lot of football and he came into what was a hothouse of a game – high tempo, loads of pressing – and he managed to stay there.”

Off the ball, however, is where he has been found wanting at times. He lost 53% of his duels in the top-flight for Norwich and averaged one aerial duel won every two games, showing that he struggled with the physicality of the division.

Pairing him with Lundstram will mean that Rangers have one midfielder capable of being the defensive anchor ahead of the back four and the other being capable of driving the team forward and being a creative force in attack.

Wilson must now work with van Bronckhorst to land a deal for Gilmour so that the Gers have the option of fielding this dynamic duo in the 2021/22 campaign.

AND in other news, Wilson plotting Rangers swoop for “consistent” £5m enforcer, GVB would love him… 

Wolves have been boosted in their efforts to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with a fresh report claiming that they are favourites to land him.

The Lowdown: Constant Palhinha transfer links

In recent weeks and months, the Old Gold have been continually linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who appears to be a primary transfer target.

Palhinha has grown into a vital player for Sporting over the years and has become arguably their most important midfielder, making 27 Primeira Liga appearances in 2021/22.

A fresh update further suggests that the Portuguese gem could be plying his trade at Molineux next season.

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The Latest: Wolves favourites to sign Palhinha

According to Correio da Manha [via Sport Witness], Wolves is Palhinha’s ‘most likely destination’, giving Bruno Lage’s side an undoubted boost in this particular transfer pursuit.

However, it is also claimed that the ‘deal depends on’ whether or not they are happy to pay €30m (£25.5m) for his services, which is a possible stumbling block.

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The Verdict: Surely it happens now?

It increasingly looks as though Wolves are in pole position to get their man this summer, with Palhinha potentially being a seamless replacement for the exit-linked Ruben Neves.

A top-class player could be required to come in for the current Molineux hero and the 26-year-old Sporting midfielder is exactly that, enjoying an 84.3% pass completion rate across six Champions League appearances this season.

Losing Neves will clearly be a blow for Lage if he goes, but signing Palhinha would certainly help to make up for that loss, with the Portugal international described as a ‘special’ player by his manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, a key update has emerged regarding one Wolves player’s future. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has shared a promising update on the club’s transfer plans after a ‘huge’ development this week.

The Lowdown: £150 million injection?

On Tuesday, some very significant news came out of Hotspur Way, with ENIC and chairman Daniel Levy announcing a seismic £150m capital increase ahead of the summer window.

After Spurs head coach Antonio Conte guided the Premier League club to a place in next season’s Champions League qualification pot, it now appears that he could be set for a financial windfall in his bid to attack the transfer market.

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Some members of the press, such as BBC journalist Simon Stone, have described this as a ‘significant’ development, given that the £150m can be invested into transfers and player salaries. Fabrizio Romano also described the news as ‘huge for Tottenham’, with Gold now sharing a ‘big’ update on the Lilywhites’ transfer plans.

The Latest: Gold shares promising update…

According to the football.london reporter, the ‘bulk’ of this £150m will be used to back Conte in the summer, as well as funds from player sales.

Sharing his article in a ‘big piece’, he explained (via Twitter): “Understand the bulk of the £150m, as well as funds from sales, will be ploughed into backing Conte in this coming window.”

The Verdict: Very important…

A list of potential targets have already been drawn up ahead of transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s crunch meeting with Conte in Italy, including the likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Gleison Bremer, Djed Spence, Christian Eriksen, James Ward-Prowse, Kalvin Phillips and Gabriel Jesus (The Telegraph).

If Spurs are serious about providing Conte with what he needs ahead of his first full season at Tottenham, the cash injection will come as massive for Paratici and co in what is shaping up to be a very exciting summer.

Indeed, few would have envisaged this positivity at N17 after the unceremonious sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo late last year.

In other news: ‘Told Spurs are ready…’ – Kilpatrick shares another exciting update for supporters! Find out more here.