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Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has made a claim regarding the club’s pending moves for Rangers forward Rory Wilson and Hearts midfielder Ewan Simpson.

The Lowdown: Wilson and Simpson deals

NSWE have already forked out just over £49m on four summer signings ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge at Villa Park.

It now looks as if the club are looking to bolster their academy ranks, with sporting director Johan Lange closing in on moves for the aforementioned duo from the Scottish Premiership. Villa look set to pay Rangers £350,000 for Wilson, while midfielder Simpson is set to cost £250,000.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece took to Twitter on Friday evening to say that there is ‘lots happening’ at Villa’s academy.

He revealed that there is ‘a lot of excitement’ regarding the pending moves for Wilson and Simpson, which are set to be announced next week.

The Verdict: Future stars?

Wilson netted 49 goals at youth level last season, while Simpson is widely regarded as a potential star in the making, so it’s no surprise to see excitement within Villa ahead of the moves that they lined up last year.

Wilson is 16 years of age and Simpson will turn 16 next month, so you’d expect that the pair will go straight into the club’s under-18s with a view to breaking into the under-23 setup over time.

We have seen recently with 18-year-old Tim Iroegbunam that academy additions can quickly break into Gerrard’s first-team plans, so these names could be one to keep a close eye upon over the coming years.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has now revealed the latest details of ‘talks’ going on at Newcastle United to try and sign Hugo Ekitike this summer.

The Lowdown: Dragging on…

The story of Ekitike potentially moving to St. James’ Park has been dragging on ever since the season ended, with reports that they are closing in on a deal for the Reims striker.

However, a move has not materialised as of yet, casting doubt over whether it will get done before the new campaign starts, with some reports even claiming they are ready to move on.

The Latest: Talks ‘difficult’

Taking to Twitter, Sheth has revealed that the North East club are ‘still in talks’ over Ekitike, although they have been ‘difficult’ and they are ‘prepared to walk away’ if further progress is not made:

“Newcastle United still in talks over Reims striker Hugo Ekitike – but are prepared to walk away if progress isn’t made. Told talks have been difficult. PSG interested. Other clubs keen too.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that a move for Ekitike has not gotten over the line yet, and that the Tynesiders could even walk away from the deal after so much time spent on one target.

Hailed as a ‘very special’ talent by his manager Oscar Garcia, some in France believe that the French teenager could become the ‘next Mbappe’, after bursting onto the scene in a similar vein to the PSG superstar with 11 goals and four assists last term (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, this is a deal that the Magpies will not want to see slip through their fingers, and so they will now be hoping for a breakthrough in discussions over the coming days.

Leeds United have enjoyed a productive transfer window so far with the Whites sealing the signings of three new faces. However, there is plenty of work left to do for Victor Orta and co.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish publication Marca, via TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of the sides interested in signing Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones.

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They suggest that the £110k-per-week earner has also taken the fancy of Southampton and newly-promoted Fulham.

Jones is still under contract by United and is valued at just £2.7m by Transfermarkt.

Their next Woodgate?

Leeds United need to add far greater depth and quality to their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign as they aim to have a much smoother run of things after their worrying relegation battle.

In Jones, however, Marsch may be on the verge of making his first transfer mistake since taking over at Elland Road.

He has recruited smartly so far in the shape of Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen but the signing of the Red Devils defender would be a puzzling one.

Sir Alex Ferguson once suggested that he could be one of the greatest ever players to don the famous red jersey at Old Trafford but a quite horrendous streak of injuries has led to a rather disappointing and frustrating playing career for a man who is now 30 years of age.

That is still a great age for a centre-back but the fact of the matter is that he’s now incredibly unreliable from a fitness point of view.

Jones has played just four times in the last two years, which comes down to both a lack of quality and his injury record.

The former England international has had 22 separate issues since signing for United which means he’s missed a whopping 1239 days of action. That also amounts to a rather incredible 205 matches.

All of that suggests he could be Leeds’ next Jonathan Woodgate. The former defender turned manager played 137 times for the Yorkshire club, the most appearances he made for any side.

He came through the academy of Leeds but after leaving, saw his career plagued by injuries, just like Jones.

Such was his frustration that he turned to desperate measures such as botox and boiled grass in a bid to end his ‘injury hell’ when he was at Real Madrid.

Both defenders have endured sorry careers, spending more time on the treatment table than out on the pitch. That once led Rio Ferdinand to dub Jones a “waste of time” in a rather harsh assessment of the player’s time at Man United.

However, what that should tell the hierarchy at Leeds is that he’s a player not worth investing in this summer.

AND in other news, Marsch could secure the next £33m monster as Leeds eye “wonderful” 49-goal starlet…

According to an evening report by The Daily Mirror, West Ham United are interested in signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse this summer.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse rumours

Back in January, the Spanish media reported that a number of Premier League clubs, including the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, were all interested in signing the Saints midfielder this summer, who has been dubbed ‘unbelievable’ by teammate Oriol Romeu.

More recently, Irons insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that the Hammers are expected to make an offer for the England international over the coming months, whilst Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici is also keen on making a deal.

The Latest: Irons interested

According to a Wednesday night report by The Daily Mirror, West Ham manager David Moyes is indeed keen to bring Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium this summer.

After his side’s impressive semi-final run in the Europa League, Moyes is looking to strengthen his squad further for another season in Europe, and the Scotsman has identified the Saints midfielder as a stellar addition to his starting XI.

Following the retirement of club legend Mark Noble and with the uncertainty surrounding Tomas Soucek’s future, West Ham are hoping to secure another midfielder ahead of next season.

The Verdict: Great signing

Hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as ‘the best free-kick taker’ he has ever seen, Ward-Prowse would certainly fit Moyes’ system, as the Irons could utilise a set-piece specialist to target the likes of Michail Antonio and Soucek – if he stays – in the box.

As per FB Ref, when compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 27-year-old ranks in the 92nd percentile for expected assists and in the 90th percentile for shot-creating actions, the type of creativity any manager would love to have.

Therefore, if utilised correctly, Ward-Prowse could be a fantastic signing for Moyes, who is in need of additions after a dismal January window.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter reveals latest on Nayef Aguerd deal

Newcastle United have been linked with a transfer move for AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), the Magpies have shown “concrete interest” in signing the centre-back this summer.

After originally joining Jose Mourinho’s side on loan from fellow Serie A club Atalanta in January 2020, the defender signed for Roma on a permanent basis last summer.

Overall, the 23-year-old has made 101 appearances for the Giallorossi across all competitions, chipping in with six goals and two assists along the way. This season saw the Brazilian make 34 appearances for Roma in Serie A, leaving only two other outfield players having played more minutes in the league, highlighting how important he is to the team.

In terms of what he offers at the back, he racked up the highest average for interceptions per game (1.8) and the second-highest average for clearances per game (2.8).

Labelled an “outstanding” player by journalist Josh Bunting on Twitter, Ibanez reportedly has a release clause of €80m (£69m).

Imagine him & Burn

Newcastle showed during the January transfer window how beneficial it can be to bring in a solid defensive figure and how much of an impact that can have on the season.

After signing Dan Burn from fellow Premier League side Brighton at the end of January, the Toon then went on to only lose five league games, having won just once before the winter market opened.

Despite making just 16 league appearances for his new club, the 30-year-old ended the season with a higher average of clearances per game (6.1) than any other Newcastle player. This is also the highest average out of all players in the Premier League to have started more than five league games this season.

Now that Eddie Howe has the chance to add a fairly young but very capable defender to his squad once again this summer, this will give the 44-year-old the chance to establish what could be a formidable duo at the back between Ibanez and Burn.

With the Tyneside club reportedly showing an interest in the Roma defender, they should now be thinking of capitalising on that interest and seeing if the Giallorossi would be willing to negotiate a deal for the player.

In other news: Newcastle eyeing £15m magician Shearer dubbed “magnificent”, he’s better than Almiron

Tullio Tinti has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Alessandro Bastoni.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Sportitalia (via Football Italia), the 23-year-old’s agent revealed that, despite his client being more than happy to remain at Inter Milan this summer, Bastoni will adjust his outlook according to the whims of the transfer market. The Serie A club desperately need to raise funds, while Tottenham are willing to pay the centre-back’s £54m asking price.

Concerning the Italy international’s future, Tinti said: “He is certainly a big fan of the team he plays for, so he will happily remain at Inter. However, he is also a professional. This is football and he has to adjust. It’s clear he is very happy to play for Inter and feels this jersey like a tattoo on his skin.”

Conte will be buzzing

With it being widely reported that Antonio Conte had identified Bastoni as his primary target for a new left-sided centre-back in the summer transfer window, the 52-year-old will surely be buzzing with the defender’s agent seemingly opening the door – in the words of the Daily Mail journalist James Cohen – for Fabio Paratici to move for the Inter starlet.

It is not difficult to see why the Spurs boss is keen to secure a deal for the £60m-rated talent this summer, as Bastoni perfectly fits the bill of the left-footed ball-playing defender that Conte is looking to add to his Tottenham side ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

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Indeed, according to FBRef data, the £122k-per-week youngster ranks in the top 14% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 25% for pass completion, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 22% for dribbles completed, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for pressures over the last 12 months.

As such, Tinti’s hint that the player who LiveScore’s Mitch Fretton dubbed “world-class” may well be forced into leaving the San Siro this summer is undoubtedly fantastic news for Tottenham and Conte, with the 23-year-old’s agent’s comments certainly appearing to indicate that a deal is there to be done for Paratici in the coming weeks.

AND in other news – “For sure..”: Italian journalist drops £100m Spurs transfer claim, supporters will love it

Everton are eyeing up a bid for Brazilian midfielder Eric Ramires as Frank Lampard aims to rebuild his squad ahead of next season.

What’s the news?

According to Ge Globo, the Toffees have made an inquiry over Red Bull Bragantino midfielder Eric Ramires, although the Merseyside club believe his asking price to be too high.

The interest stems from a report by UOL as Lampard aims to bring more talent to Goodison Park. The Brazilian club are unwilling to sell the 21-year-old cheaply as he is in the first year of a four-year contract.

Better than Delph

This news might not be what Lampard would have hoped for, but there is no doubt that Everton could afford the player, who is valued at just £3.6m by Transfermarkt. Even if the Brazilian club want significantly more than that amount, the 43-year-old should be doing all he can to secure the youngster’s services.

Everton urgently need some signings to rejuvenate their squad following their brush with relegation this season. Lampard will be entering his first summer transfer window at Goodison Park with one goal on his mind – improvement.

Signing Ramires would clearly be one for the future due to his age. However, with 84 appearances for his current club and a loan spell in Europe with FC Basel, he doesn’t lack for experience either.

The 21-year-old could be a more prominent member of the Everton squad than Fabian Delph, who made only 11 Premier League appearances this term while earning a staggering £92k-p/w.

Ramires is the much better option going forward. In only six matches, the Brazilian has 1.02 shots per 90 minutes, compared to Delph’s 0.27, and the 21-year-old has played five fewer matches.

The youngster has made five fewer fouls than the ex-Man City midfielder too (six to 11) and also has a slightly better temperament, receiving only one booking in his six matches, while the Englishman has two in 11 appearances.

While he may still be raw, there is no doubting the talent that Ramires possesses, with 14 goal contributions already during his fledgling career, and Everton supporters will surely love another Brazilian at the club to accompany Richarlison.

AND in other news, Lampard could unearth the new Richarlison with Everton bid for “dangerous” £58m talent

Leeds United are ready to make a fresh move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

The Whites know all about O’Brien and have been desperate to bring him to Elland Road in the past. Huddersfield turned down four offers from Leeds for the 23-year-old last summer when Marcelo Bielsa placed him at the top of his wish-list.

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Since then, O’Brien, labelled as a ‘special talent’, has been a regular for The Terriers, mainly playing in defensive and central midfield roles and even captaining the club on a number of occasions.

The Latest: Transfer update

Nixon shared a story late on Saturday evening regarding Leeds and O’Brien.

The reliable reporter revealed that Jesse Marsch will sanction a fresh move for the central midfielder and have the cash to meet his £10m release clause.

The Verdict: Luck starting to change?

Leeds have already landed one long-term target in Brenden Aaronson, who has become the club’s first permanent senior midfield signing since 2018.

Victor Orta had been after Aaronson since January and he’s wanted to take O’Brien across Yorkshire for even longer, despite Bielsa making way at the end of February.

It looks as if the Whites will try again, where hopefully, they’ll be able to back up their move for Aaronson with another eight-figure deal.

In other news: Orta now working on bizarre transfer for ‘magnificent’ ace; he has history with Leeds supporters.  

As we head into the final day of the Premier League season it is clear Manchester United have already shifted the focus onto their transfer business this summer, with a new update emerging on a transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Jonathan Shrager, Man United are now “frontrunners” to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber in the upcoming transfer window.

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Shrager tweeted:

“At this moment, Timber to Manchester United is not done, and there is competition from other clubs, but Jurrien’s representation is currently in England to learn about MUFC’s plans.”

Following up with a second tweet to confirm;

“There is a belief that Manchester United are currently the frontrunners to sign Jurrien Timber.”

Ten Hag needs him

There is no doubt that Man United are crying out for changes in the team after yet another disappointing season for the supporters, with the club now falling into its longest trophy drought for 40 years.

One area that has come under major scrutiny is the defensive players in the squad, and when you consider the fact that the Red Devils have conceded the eighth most goals out of the 20 Premier League teams this season, more than newly promoted Brentford and relegation battling Burnley, it is clear that Erik ten Hag needs to sign Timber this summer.

The £35m ace who was hailed a “great leader” by Ten Hag, has been a dominating force for Ajax in their second consecutive title-winning season scoring three goals and assisting twice, with an astonishing 90.8 touches on average per game, winning the majority of his duels (67%) and making 2.4 tackles, 1.4 clearances and 1.7 interceptions per game.

These statistics prove just how much of a threat and presence Timber can be at just 20 years of age, he identifies as the type of player that Man United desperately need to dominate and lead the backline to inspire better performances and ultimately put the side in a position to compete at the highest level again.

Bayern Munich are also linked with wanting to sign the Dutch defender this summer and although Man United should be at an advantage with his former coach holding the reigns at Old Trafford they will need to move fast to not lose out to the Bundesliga side who, unlike the North West club, will play Champions League football next season.

AND in other news: Ten Hag plotting MUFC move for “magic” £40.5m-rated wizard, just imagine him & Ronaldo

Leeds United have been dealt a potentially huge injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brentford this Sunday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to injury analyst Ben Dinnery, who has revealed that Patrick Bamford, who has not featured for Leeds since picking up a foot injury back in March, has a 50% chance of making a return to first-team football in the Whites’ crucial final day trip to west London this weekend.

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Speaking ahead of Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last Sunday, Jesse Marsch said of the centre-forward’s current condition: “Patrick is a little too early to tell, we’ll evaluate that over the next few days.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is true that, even if Bamford is deemed fit enough to feature against Brentford this weekend, the 28-year-old will be nowhere near full match fitness, the suggestion that there is a chance the England international will be able to play some sort of role against the Bees is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £18m-rated striker has already proven this season that, even without having kicked a ball for a matter of months previously, he can make a game-changing impact for the Whites, with the £74k-per-week hitman scoring a last-minute equaliser upon his return from an ankle injury against – as fate would have it – Brentford back in December.

As such, if there is indeed a 50% chance of Bamford making the trip to London this weekend, Marsch simply must risk including the 28-year-old in his 20-man matchday squad, as the forward having a similar impact to his last outing against the Bees could well prove to be the difference between Leeds playing Premier League or Championship football next season.

AND in other news: Made contact last year, now worth £31.5m: Victor Orta’s shocker could cost Leeds £120m