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Aston Villa will pay Rangers an initial £350,000 for teenage striker Rory Wilson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Wilson links

Wilson has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park over recent months after scoring 49 goals at youth level last season.

Romano has been on top of the story in recent days and claimed last week that Steven Gerrard’s side were set to sign the Scot on July 1.

The 16-year-old has already signed a six-figure boot deal with Adidas, and it looks as if Villa will be writing a six-figure cheque to Rangers for the forward’s services.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Friday morning to lift the lid on the finances involved in a deal.

The transfer expert revealed that a ‘full agreement’ has been reached between Villa and Rangers that will involve a £350,000 fee – it could rise to £1m with Premier League appearances.

The Verdict: Steal

A total of £1m is peanuts in today’s market, and it looks as if Villa have got their hands on a future star in Wilson. He scored for fun at youth level last season and is clearly highly rated for Adidas to snap up his services already, so could lead the line for the U23s next season with a view of breaking into the first-team setup in 2023/24.

Wilson looks set to become the club’s fifth summer arrival and first at academy level, and over time, it could be looked back on as an excellent piece of business similar to Tim Iroegbunam’s move from West Brom last summer.

In other news: ‘Perfect’ – Sky Sports man buzzes as NSWE now enter in-house Villa ‘talks’ for ‘outstanding’ ace. 

It is a matter of time until Nottingham Forest sign goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan this summer, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

The Lowdown: Henderson heading to Forest?

The Englishman has found himself behind David De Gea in the goalkeeping pecking order at Manchester United, so a move away this summer makes perfect sense.

Forest have been strongly linked with signing Henderson on a temporary basis, as they prepare for the likely loss of current stopper Brice Samba.

A fresh update from Romano now suggests that the deal is essentially done, in what is surely music to the ears of Reds supporters.

The Latest: All but done

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Romano dropped a short and sweet update when discussing Forest’s pursuit of Henderson:

“Dean Henderson will join Forest, matter of time.”

The Verdict: Perfect move for all parties

Barring a surprise late twist, this feels like a move that is a certainty in the coming days, with all parties benefiting moving forward.

For Forest, it will allow them to acquire the services of a top-class ‘keeper who has one cap to his name for England, and has been hailed as ‘insane’ and ‘exceptional’ by former Sheffield United teammate Sander Berge.

As for Henderson himself, it may give him a chance to make a late push for England’s 2022 World Cup squad, should he excel at the City Ground, while United could see it as great experience for one of their most talented young players.

The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell has revealed that Jack McConnell now wants to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Down the pecking order

Light Blues manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst can already call upon Allan McGregor, Robby McCrorie, Jon McLaughlin and Kieran Wright as goalkeeping options for next season, leaving McConnell firmly down the pecking order.

The 18-year-old has never made a senior appearance for the Gers, and his long-term future now looks set to be away from Ibrox.

The Latest: McConnell wants to leave

Taking to Twitter, Campbell has revealed that McConnell is now ‘on the lookout’ for a new club this summer and would be ‘interested’ in a move outside of Scotland in order to advance his career.

The journalist tweeted: “Rangers goalkeeper Jack McConnell is on the lookout for a new club. He was the 18s’ first pick last season and was in goal as they won the Scottish Cup. Only 18 and has good distribution. Is understood to be interested in a move outside of Scotland to further his career.”

The Verdict: It’s for the best

Moving McConnell on is certainly in the best interests of both player and club.

With four goalkeepers in front of him, it just seems very unlikely that he would get a chance in the first team anytime soon, so he needs to play at a club where he will get regular game-time.

Incidentally, the teenager also shares the same agent as Borna Barisic, who has been linked with a move away from Rangers this summer, so perhaps his agent could help negotiate a move out of Ibrox for McConnell.

Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has revealed that persuading Joe Gomez to sign a new deal is a ‘key target’ for Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward.

The Lowdown: Aston Villa interest

It has been widely reported that Aston Villa are interested in signing the 25-year-old this summer, as their manager Steven Gerrard looks to raid his former club.

The defender only made 21 appearances in total across all competitions last season, fewer than Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate (Transfermarkt), and has seemingly fallen down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.

The Latest: Contract talks

Taking to Twitter, Dorsett has revealed that Gomez is now in ‘fresh talks’ over a new deal at Anfield, and convincing him to sign on is a ‘key target’ for Ward.

The journalist tweeted: “Joe Gomez in fresh talks over a contract extension at #lfc. Securing his future is a key target for new sporting director Julian Ward. Klopp wants to keep him. No approach from #avfc or elsewhere as yet, I’m told.”

The Verdict: Surprising

It does seem surprising that both Ward and Klopp would want Gomez to sign a new deal, given his lack of game-time at Liverpool.

Being 25 years of age, boasting substantial Premier League experience (87 games) and given his homegrown status, the Reds could demand a sizeable fee for him in the current transfer window, especially if they sell him to a domestic rival.

Gomez surely has ambitions of making England’s World Cup squad too, having not played for the Three Lions since 2020, so it would perhaps be a surprising move from him if he chooses to stay put.

Respected journalist Ben Jacobs has made a claim regarding the contract situation surrounding Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. 

The lowdown: Jota a Liverpool success

Signed from Wolves for an eye-opening £41m in 2020 (BBC), the Portugal forward arrived on Merseyside as a proven Premier League operator, having already netted 16 times in 67 outings as a winger for the Midlands club.

The 25-year-old has since gone from strength to strength on Merseyside, directly contributing to 43 goals in 85 appearances so far for the Reds, playing a key role in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes last term.

Currently earning a reported £120,000 per week (Salary Sport), the Anfield hierarchy are now seemingly ready to offer Jota a reward for his fine form with a lucrative new contract…

The latest: ‘Matter of priority’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs has claimed that the fresh terms for the 26-cap Portugal star are now high on the list of priorities for FSG and Julian Ward, whilst also dismissing much of the speculation around potential incomings at Liverpool.

The CBS Sports journalist said: “Liverpool will also look to offer Diogo Jota improved terms as a matter of priority. Most of the other names currently being linked with Liverpool are just rumour or agent talk with little substance.”

The verdict: Richly deserved

Despite Jota being under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), this is another example of the Anfield hierarchy rewarding players for their form and ensuring that the club’s prized assets are content with their status among the highest earners, a list now topped by Mohamed Salah.

Last season, Jota scored 21 times and provided eight assists from 55 appearances across all competitions, showcasing a potency in the final third as well as exceptional durability. Those two factors will be pivotal to Jurgen Klopp’s squad in what looks set to be another gruelling campaign in 2022/23.

‘unstoppable’ by team-mate Andy Robertson following an 8.80 Sofascore-rated display against Leicester in February containing two goals, two key passes and three tackles – may be required to interchange with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez as a striker and a left winger moving forwards.

Whatever his role, there can be little doubting that Jota is deserving of a new bumper contract at Liverpool.

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘leading the chase’ to sign Southampton teenage sensation Tyler Dibling.

The Lowdown: Upcoming prospect

At just 16 years of age, Dibling is an upcoming prospect at St. Mary’s Stadium, where he scored eight goals and made a further five assists in 22 games in total for their youth teams last season (Transfermarkt).

Hailed one of the academy’s ‘shining’ stars by Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, he has even been likened to global star and Saints academy product Gareth Bale by some supporters, after netting a hat-trick of Bale-esque long-range strikes against the Magpies in the Premier League 2 back in April (Hampshire Live).

The Latest: ‘Leading the chase’

Taking to Twitter, journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit, as well as Chelsea, are now ‘leading the chase’ to sign the young attacking midfielder/winger:

“Newcastle and Chelsea are leading the chase for Southampton teenage sensation Tyler Dibling.”

The Verdict: Exciting

Potentially adding a star in the making in Dibling to their academy should be very exciting for the Toon Army – Football Insider called the youngster a ‘sensation’ and ‘huge talent’.

They have already splashed the cash on the likes of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett to go into their first team, but building up the academy is just as important in their long-term project, something Amanda Staveley has publicly stated already.

Having played against their youth sides, Sibling should be able to settle in fairly quickly, and the England U16 international will certainly be a player to keep an eye on for Eddie Howe as he develops.

Leeds United are looking to sign a new left-back following an injury to Junior Firpo during pre-season…

What’s the word?

The Whites have already sealed six new arrivals in this summer’s transfer window and their seventh could well be a new full-back, according to the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic.

He revealed to his podcast this week:

“They’re certainly looking at left-backs. They know now that Firpo will be out for about eight weeks, it’s going to take him into the start of the season probably into September.

“They have been really happy with Leif Davis, how he’s done in pre-season initially, and also how he’s done out in Australia, but I might have said already, the thing with Davis is that you can’t see categorically that he can’t play there and isn’t good enough to play that but you can’t say categorically that he is either.

“And he’s young, he hasn’t played much at all in the past season. They definitely need another option there without a doubt and they are looking.”

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Marsch needs a left-back

The left-back position has been a contentious problem at Elland Road for a while now.

Firpo is currently Jesse Marsch’s only senior option in the role, though the likes of Stuart Dallas, Leo Hjelde and Pascal Struijk have all been deployed there in his absence before.

However, there is also the caveat that the former FC Barcelona man just isn’t good enough to be a consistent starter in the Premier League, making the need for a new arrival even more important.

“All he seems to do is get booked all the time. I think he’s up to 10 yellow cards or something. You don’t expect that from a player coming from Barcelona; you expect a bit of class, a bit of maturity, a bit of leadership, and he’s provided none of that, really,” once claimed The Mirror’s David Anderson.

“I think he’s been a big let-down. You’re looking around that changing room thinking, ‘Who’s going to step up and do it for us now?’ And you’d be looking at someone like him, but he’s just not. In fact, if anything, he’s been more of a liability for Leeds.”

Many supporters have also been disappointed by Firpo’s performances since arriving in west Yorkshire, so they will surely be delighted – if not buzzing – by this latest update from one of the most trustworthy sources when it comes to all things Leeds.

The club have already splashed the cash on six signings, including the major acquisitions of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams.

Whilst it remains to be seen exactly who can fill that left-back void, it’s positive to see Leeds being proactive with just two weeks to go until the start of the new Premier League season.

AND in other news, Orta can now seal “real coup” as Leeds plot bid for £34m target, he’s better than De Ketelaere…

Newcastle United are ‘keen’ to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja on a season-long loan with the view of making the deal permanent next summer, according to reliable journalist Scott Wilson.

The Lowdown: West Ham pull out of Broja deal

Having returned early from the Blues’ pre-season tour of the United States, the Albania international looked set to sign for London rivals West Ham.

However, due to Thomas Tuchel’s reluctance to sanction a sale, the Hammers eased their interest in the striker, deciding to pursue options elsewhere.

As a result, the Irons turned to Gianluca Scamacca, who agreed to join the club after a £35.5m fee was accepted by Sassuolo.

The Latest: Wilson’s news

Wilson, chief sports writer for The Northern Echo, has shared an update on Broja’s future.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist said:

“TRANSFER LATEST: Armando Broja’s future plunged back into uncertainty after West Ham shelve interest in Chelsea striker. NUFC still keen on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent switch next summer…”

The Verdict: Great long-term signing

If Newcastle can secure the 20-year-old on loan with an agreement to make the deal permanent next summer, this would be a fantastic long-term signing for Eddie Howe.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the forward ranks in the 86th percentile for aerials won, in the 82nd percentile for interceptions and in the 81st percentile for dribbles completed – he is an all-action presence who presses from the front and takes the game to his opponents.

With the Magpies desperate to sign an extra attacking player this window, the arrival of Broja at St James’ Park would be welcomed, given his ‘devastating’ ability to exploit open spaces in the final third.

The Athletic’s Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has shared Rennes’ demands for striker Martin Terrier. 

The lowdown

The 25-year-old largely split his minutes between the centre-forward and left-wing positions last season. He played 17 matches through the middle and 25 out wide, showcasing the kind of versatility that Leeds may have valued in former transfer target Charles de Ketelaere.

He joined Rennes from Ligue 1 rivals Lyon in the summer of 2020 and is still under contract for another three years.

Leeds have done business with the French club in the recent past, signing Brazilian winger Raphinha for £17m in 2020 before turning a huge profit from his move to Barcelona earlier this summer.

The latest

Hay tweeted that Jesse Marsch and Leeds are still ‘waiting on a striker’ ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

In the attached article for The Athletic, the writer assesses some potential candidates, among them Terrier.

Hay wrote that Leeds ‘like’ the Frenchman, but they also know that he will cost ‘in excess of £30million’. The report added that, given that the Rennes forward is no longer in his early 20s, there may be concerns about his resale value from Leeds’ end.

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The verdict

Is Terrier worth that fee?

Based on his 2021/22 campaign, you’d have to say yes. He scored 21 goals and provided four assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances, finishing joint-third in the division’s scoring charts and earning a place in the Team of the Year.

It’s not just end-product that he offers. He can bring the qualities of a winger to the centre-forward position, recording standout volumes of progressive carries and shot-creating actions. With exceptional quantities of defensive actions too, he’s similar in profile to the likes of Kai Havertz, Christopher Nkunku and Diogo Jota.

European football writer Tim Williams called his efforts in 2021/22 ‘phenomenal’ and says that Terrier may feel that it’s ‘now or never’ if he wants a big Premier League move.

Could Leeds be tempted to move away from their customary model in this instance?

Wolves star Ruben Neves now looks ‘increasingly likely’ to remain a Wanderers player beyond the transfer window, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Neves’ future unclear

The 25-year-old looked to have potentially played his final game for Wolves last season, having waved an emotional goodbye to the supporters after their final home game.

Neves has been continually linked with moves away from Molineux throughout the summer, with Barcelona and Manchester United both backed to sign him.

Now, a huge update has emerged that could bode well for Bruno Lage, following their Premier League opener against Leeds United.

The Latest: Keen delivers positive update

Taking to Twitter, The Express & Star‘s Keen claimed that a Neves stay now looks on the cards, in what is a significant claim:

“Ruben Neves looks increasingly likely to stay.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“398117″]

The Verdict: Massive news, if true

Many Wolves supporters may have been resigned to the idea of Neves moving on this summer, so this will come as an enormous boost just as the season gets underway.

[freshpress-poll id=“399044″]

The Portuguese maestro is arguably the first name on Lage’s team sheet these days, given his quality in the middle of the park – he enjoyed an 84% pass completion rate in the league last season – and the best years of his career should still be ahead of him.

Neves staying would lessen the need to bring in another midfielder, even if a new signing wouldn’t go amiss, and it would give the entire club a lift, suggesting they are still capable of keeping hold of talismanic figures, not succumbing to the lure of elite clubs.