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Unai Emery could be set to make his first big foray into the transfer market as the new Aston Villa manager…

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, Pau Torres has been named as a top target for the Midlands giants, who were given the green light to pursue the star by the new boss.

Villa plan to keep tabs on the centre back over the coming months, with a view to purchasing him either in January or next summer.

The report also states that his value stands at £40m, which is similar to the figure that was touted to both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United as they fought for his signature last summer.

He can light up Qatar

Having excelled at Villarreal under Emery, he could now be set to truly showcase his talent on the world stage as he travels to Qatar to compete with Spain for the World Cup.

The 25-year-old already has experience competing in elite competitions, having played a huge role in his side’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals last season.

A defensive stalwart, Torres could be the perfect man to come into Villa Park and help instantly implement a style he will know well.

He has featured 149 times for the Yellow Submarine, with last season’s league campaign particularly impressive given his average SofaScore rating of 7.09 and 11 clean sheets.

Although this season has not been quite as impressive (but still boasts a 7.02 rating), he still shows the ball-playing capabilities that make him one of the world’s most sought-after defenders.

He averages 22 carries per 90 and paired with his 0.8 key passes per game, Torres can actually be an offensive threat despite being a centre-back.

The fact Emery is so desperate to reunite with him is not a surprise, given what he said last season on the 6 foot 2 machine: “Pau Torres is an amazing player”, he began. “I think he’s going to play at the highest level, he’s playing now in the national team but he can play in the top teams in Europe very soon.”

With his form and this glowing recommendation, there is no doubt that any success Spain has at the World Cup will be built around his solid defence.

It would be a dream signing for his compatriot, to usher in the new era at Villa with a bang.

Leeds United forwards Joe Gelhardt and Wilfried Gnonto will both be involved against Leicester City this evening, Adam Pope reports.

The Lowdown: Gnonto’s absence

Jesse Marsch has selected both Gelhardt and Gnonto in a Premier League matchday squad just once, with the Italy international missing out against Arsenal on the weekend.

Gelhardt came off the bench late on in the 1-0 defeat, with Leeds somehow coming away from Elland Road empty-handed.

The Whites are now preparing for a trip to the King Power Stadium this evening, and it looks as if both exciting young attackers will make the 20-man squad.

The Latest: Pope’s post

Pope was present at Marsch’s pre-match press conference at Thorp Arch on Wednesday.

He relayed updates from the Leeds boss on Twitter, saying that Gnonto and Gelhardt will both be ‘involved’.

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The Verdict: Good to see

Both Gelhardt and Gnonto appear to be future stars, so it’s exciting that the pair will both make the squad this evening.

You’d presume that they’ll get the nod for a place on the bench, and should Leeds’ struggles in the final third continue, they may be called upon earlier than usual.

Gnonto is still awaiting his first-team debut, so tonight could be the perfect time for Marsch to unleash the deadline-day signing as the Whites look for a first away win of the season.

Celtic may well be ruing their sale of defender Jeremie Frimpong, with the highly-rated full-back having since gone on to sparkle since his move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen back in January 2021.

The Amsterdam-born starlet had originally arrived in Glasgow for a reported fee of around £1m from Premier League side Manchester City, with the move having been something of a gamble at the time with the youngster having not made an appearance for the Etihad outfit at senior level.

That risk ultimately paid off, however, as the 5 foot 7 menace swiftly made his mark for the Old Firm side, warming himself to the club’s support with his energetic and relentless approach, as well as for his memorable post-match interview following the League Cup final triumph over Rangers just a matter of months into his time in Scotland.

The infectious ace had given away a penalty and was subsequently shown a red card in that showpiece victory, although was still lauded for his “outstanding” performance by manager Neil Lennon, who also dubbed him a “top, top player.”

The diminutive machine would go on to make 51 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership side, laying on three goals and an impressive haul of eight assists before sealing an £11.5m switch to Germany.

While that fee represented a sizeable profit from the Hoops’ initial investment, Frimpong’s impressive displays since then have seen his value rise to around £31m, according to CIES Football Observatory, with that a marker of just how much he is flourishing in his new surroundings.

Since moving to the BayArena just over 18 months ago, the 21-year-old has gone on to become a key figure at his current club, scoring six times and registering 12 assists in just 60 appearances across all fronts to date.

The current campaign has proven particularly profitable for the £35k-per-week starlet as he has scored four goals and laid on two assists in just 13 games thus far, including a recent brace in Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge in the win over Schalke at the weekend.

The former City man – who registered his two assists in the shock Champions League win over La Liga side Atletico Madrid earlier this season – is a hugely “enjoyable talent to watch” in the words of broadcaster Daniel Childs, with his name having even been linked to Manchester United of late.

A player currently thriving at the elite level – as he ranks in the top 2% for both progressive carries and dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues – Frimpong looks set to enjoy even greater success in the coming years, leaving the Hoops to rue their decision to sell when they did, particularly for what now appears a relative bargain price.

Fulham have made contact to sign Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij next summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Attracting interest

The centre-back will be out of contract with the Italian giants in 2023, and the fact that he could available on a free at the end of the season has alerted several Premier League clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have both been credited with an interest in the 30-year-old, though a new name has now entered the fold in the race for his services, and it’s coming from Craven Cottage.

The Latest: Fulham eyeing De Vrij

According to FC Inter News (via Sport Witness), Fulham have ‘contacted the entourage’ of De Vrij, and are ‘ready to move’ for him should he not agree to fresh terms with Inter.

The Dutchman is believed to ‘still prefer’ to remain in the Serie A, though the club have ‘frozen all talk’ of a new deal, which has now ‘opened the door’ for Marco Silva’s side, who are considered a ‘valid track’.

It’s stated that the Cottagers have the sufficient ‘money to invest’ and could offer their target ‘important sums’ to entice him to England.

The Verdict: Massive coup

If Fulham could pull off the signing of De Vrij, it would be a massive coup for everyone associated with the club given the profile of player he is.

The 6 foot 2 star, who Antonio Conte once said was ‘like Bonucci’, has Champions League experience under his belt and has made a name for himself on the world stage.

Knowing that he would be a guaranteed starter would surely give the Cottagers the advantage over their fellow competitors, so this will definitely be one to watch in the months ahead.

West Ham United could be set to swoop in and steal a target from under the noses of their Premier League rivals…

What’s the word?

According to Italian publication Tutto Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur target Ruslan Malinovskyi could be a new target for the Hammers.

Reportedly available for around €35m (£29.5m), David Moyes is seemingly keen to add an offensive midfielder to his ranks, with rumours swirling surrounding their interest in Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta.

Spurs have shown an interest in the Ukrainian during the transfer window, and just a few days ago it was revealed that the player would prefer a move to the Lilywhites. West Ham will therefore need to act quickly if they are to secure his signing.

Imagine him & Scamacca

If Moyes could tempt Malinovskyi, he would have two of Serie A’s most exciting talents of last season at his disposal.

Gianluca Scamacca scored 16 goals last term in Italy’s top flight and was signed as the natural successor to the ageing Michail Antonio up top.

Perhaps adding a former Serie A rival in the creative midfielder would help him to acclimatise, while also feeding the Italian marksman with stellar deliveries to really help him thrive in England.

The 29-year-old scored six goals and set up five for Atalanta last term in what his manager Gian Piero Gasperini described as an “important season”, with his offensive output being one of the best in Europe.

He ranked in the top 6% among positional peers for shot-creating actions, while his average of 5.88 progressive passes per game put him in the top 4%. He therefore lives up to Gasperini’s suggestion that he is a “decisive” talent.

To have this kind of creativity just behind the lethal Scamacca would be a stroke of genius for the Irons, who would benefit from seeing the goals spread out from their talismanic Jamaican and Jarrod Bowen.

The Italian’s lethality is outlined in his regularity of non-penalty goals, for which he ranks in the top 8% among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months.

Having started the season well again for Atalanta, scoring one goal and setting up another in just two outings whilst averaging two key passes per game, it seems clear that the £21k-per-week star is destined for another great season.

To combine him with Scamacca makes perfect sense, and it could be an important prospective signing for a Europe-chasing West Ham side who have not started the season well.

Arsenal are said to hold a long-term interest in Pedro Neto and according to recent reports, the north Londoners have even made an enquiry.

“If they decide to stay in the Premier League, I think Pedro Neto could be one to look out for,” transfer insider Dean Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

“There have been some enquiries made along that path and I think that’s one that might get talked about a little bit more in the next week or so.”

Indeed, the Gunners are thought to be keen admirers of the Portugal international and given their search for wide additions, it could be a wise decision from technical director Edu Gaspar and his recruitment staff to launch an offence in the coming weeks.

The Brazilian chief missed out on one of his key targets, Raphinha, earlier in the window as the former Leeds United dynamo opted for a dream transfer to FC Barcelona.

Other names that have been linked to the Emirates Stadium include PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby.

However, it is the Wolverhampton Wanderers star that makes the most sense but only if he can be lured from Molineux before September 1st.

Similar to Saka

According to FBref, the 23-year-old is most comparable to current Gunners sensation Bukayo Saka in terms of statistical profile and that has to be encouraging news indeed.

The Wolves gem is someone who likes to get on the ball and influence the game in the final third, as summed up by his 8.58 progressive carries per 90 and 6.15 touches in the opposition box per 90, which sees him rank within the top 12% of his positional peers across Europe.

Saka is very similar in this regard, having averaged 7.92 progressive carries per 90, which ranks in the top 15% of wingers, and 7.01 touches in the opposition’s penalty area, which is better than Neto as he ranks inside the top 5%, also via FBref.

The pair also like to get a shot off, meaning they regularly create a goal threat for their respective teams, with Neto averaging 3.24 shots per 90 and Saka managing 2.87 shots per 90.

It’s clear that both players are very similar in terms of playing style and that would make Neto a fantastic fit for manager Mikel Arteta and his playing style, given just how big of an influence the England international has been.

Last season, no one contributed to more goals than Saka (11 goals, seven assists) as he led the team for shots per game (2.6) and ranked second for creating key passes (1.8 per game), as per WhoScored.

Neto has suffered from injuries in recent times, the latest being a serious knee problem that saw him miss the majority of last season as he was restricted to 463 minutes of Premier League action.

But the winger, who has been lauded as a “superstar” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher and a “very special talent” by his colleague Jamie Redknapp, is evidently a proven threat in the big time and one that would need little time to settle in heading into a hectic fixture list.

His presence on the left would also allow Saka to be deployed in arguably his best position on the right flank. A front three of Neto, Saka and Gabriel Jesus is a mouthwatering prospect.

Edu must do whatever he can to secure the £18m-rated dynamo before the end of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Arsenal eyeing swoop for £50m “huge talent”, he’s clear of Pepe…

Glasgow Rangers have agreed a deal to sign centre-back Ben Davies, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

The lowdown

Liverpool paid £1.6m to sign the 26-year-old midway through the 2020/21 season, in the midst of a defensive injury crisis.

However, the Englishman never made a competitive appearance for the Reds, spending the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Sheffield United.

Davies is set to become Rangers’ sixth new signing of the summer, following on from wingers Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence, centre-forward Antonio Colak, attacking midfielder Malik Tillman and centre-back John Souttar.

He may be viewed as a replacement for defender Calvin Bassey, who is about to seal a move to Ajax.

The latest

Joseph tweeted on Sunday evening that ‘Rangers have agreed a deal worth £4m’ for Davies.

The ‘initial fee is understood to be £3m’, with a further £1m payable if ‘achievable add-ons’ are triggered. The add-ons are tied to the number of appearances that Davies makes and the level of success that Rangers enjoy.

The verdict

In Davies, the Light Blues are signing a player who was previously a target for their arch-rivals Celtic. Indeed, the Hoops were actually on the verge of signing him last year before Liverpool swooped in late on.

There was even talk earlier this summer that Ange Postecoglou’s side remained interested in the 26-year-old, so it may frustrate them that it’s the Gers who now look set to be the club to bring him to Glasgow.

Encouragingly for Rangers, though, recruitment analyst Liam Henshaw billed Davies as ‘the cream of the crop’ among EFL centre-halves. He also labelled the 26-year-old a ‘terrific’ player who will be able to help Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side to build attacks, as he is ‘progressive in every sense’.

This seemingly imminent move will continue a busy period at Ibrox, with journalist Andrew Dickson noting that there has been ‘so much activity in last two weeks after barely any at all… for more than a month’.

Liverpool have reportedly held a long-term interest in Raphinha, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the player’s future.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea have tabled a bid for Leeds United star Raphinha.

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Romano tweeted last night: “Chelsea have already sent an official proposal to Raphinha and his agent Deco to discuss personal terms as Boehly wants to be fast to avoid problems. Work in progress.”

Following up this morning with further details:

“Raphinha – Chelsea proposal, on the table since yesterday night. Boehly wanted contract bid to be sent right after £60m agreement with Leeds. Contract offered until June 2027.”

Supporters will be gutted

With the doubt surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool beyond the 12 months remaining on his contract, Raphinha was thought to be a worthy replacement for the Egyptian star with bids from Anfield reported to be rejected so far, supporters will surely be gutted to see the Brazilian go to a Premier League rival.

The winger has been impressive with his performances for Leeds United over the last two seasons after joining the West Yorkshire club upon their promotion into the top flight in 2020.

Raphinha has scored 22 goals and delivered 13 assists during his time at his current club, with a goal contribution every 168 minutes, but it’s not just his consistent goal contributions that make him an ideal player for the future at Liverpool.

According to FBref, in the Premier League last season Raphinha ranked ninth for shots on goal (85), crosses completed (90) and shot-creating actions (119), as well as ranking seventh for key passes (65), proving that the 25-year-old is a consistent attacking threat with the potential to compete to be one of the best forwards in the league.

Liverpool will need to begin to prepare for the expected departure of Salah next summer, and if the worst-case scenario does occur, a player like Raphinha might not offer the same number of goals as the Egyptian winger, but he could surely develop in the team whilst offering a number of talents he has already displayed.

With that being said, it is now looking likely that Raphinha will make the move to Chelsea which will require FSG to look elsewhere for their potential Salah replacements ahead of next summer, something that will leave supporters rather gutted.

AND in other news: Klopp can land his own Tchouameni as Liverpool now plot £5m offer for “absolute star”

Leeds United have been given a major boost in their pursuit of Liverpool forward, Takumi Minamino…

What’s the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Japan international “will leave” Anfield this summer after two-and-a-half years at the club, with the 27-year-old having been signed from Red Bull Salzburg back in January 2020.

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Writing on Twitter about the 42-cap gem’s future, the transfer insider revealed that the player is attracting interest from potential suitors: “Takumi Minamino will leave Liverpool this summer, plan hasn’t changed. Three clubs have opened talks to explore potential permanent move – Minamino’s gonna decide soon.

“Price tag for Minamino deal will be around €17m.”

While no clubs have been named by Romano, the one-time Cerezo Osaka man has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in recent times, having worked under manager Jesse Marsch during his stint in Austria.

Thus, with the news that he will certainly leave Anfield behind, they have been handed the green light to contact Liverpool and seal a swoop.

Another Aaronson

The American coach could well utilise that aforementioned connection to try and bring the £10.8m-rated speedster to Yorkshire this summer, having already worked his magic to bring two other former Salzburg men to the club in Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson.

The move to prise Minamino from Jurgen Klopp’s side would no doubt mirror that of the latter man, in particular, with the pair both progressive, forward-thinking attacking players who can cause havoc in the final third, with Marsch appearing to be keen to reshape a squad built by Marcelo Bielsa into his own image.

Under the 48-year-old’s watch, the current Reds man previously scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in just 22 games for the Austrian outfit, with the hope being that he can replicate that former once again for the Whites.

It has proven a tricky spell on Merseyside for the £72k-per-week gem in recent times, having made just 21 starts in 55 games in all competitions for the club thus far, notably only making a solitary top-flight start in the 2021/22 season.

That being said, the “unbelievable” marksman – as he has been dubbed by teammate Joe Gomez – still managed to score three goals from his 11 league outings, having also plundered seven goals from his nine domestic cup appearances, proving that when handed the chance he can make an impact in English football.

The Leeds boss also clearly knows how to get the best out of the versatile, 5 foot 9 ace, with there seemingly little wrong in the former RB Leipzig coach bringing in players that he is familiar with, even if such deals have been seen as underwhelming by some.

With doubts over the future of talisman Raphinha, the arrivals of the likes of Aaronson – and potentially Minamino – could help Marsch form a fresh and exciting attacking unit, and one that will be able to quickly adapt itself to his style of play.

IN other news: Leeds now plotting swoop for “reliable” £22k-p/w starlet, he’s the new Dani Alves

According to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham could ‘definitely’ make a move for Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Cornet’s release clause activated

The 25-year-old first made the switch from Ligue 1 to the Premier League when he put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Clarets last summer, and despite being the Turf Moor outfit’s top goalscorer this season, he was unable to prevent his side from relegation.

According to The Telegraph, David Moyes is considering a deal for the versatile striker in the coming weeks, but could be set to face some serious competition in the race for his signature, with fellow top-flight rivals Everton registering interest in the Ivorian.

The report also states that a £17.5m release clause has been activated due to Burnley dropping into the Championship.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s West Ham transfer admission

O’Rourke says he can definitely see West Ham attempting to sign Cornet, but feels like there will be multiple clubs chasing his signature. He told GiveMeSport:

“I could definitely see West Ham making a move for Cornet. This relegation release clause makes Cornet very attractive to a number of clubs, not just in the Premier League but probably abroad as well.

“I think Cornet had a good debut season in the Premier League for Burnley; he was one of their better players.”

The Verdict: Ideal attacking alternative for Moyes

The 25-cap international, once dubbed a “fantastic” player by former teammate Chris Wood, originally started out playing in the left-back position with former side Lyon, and has racked up game time in a whopping seven different positions during his career.

He proved to be an effective option up top in his first full campaign for the Clarets, scoring nine goals and registering two assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s been reported that Moyes is planning a significant overhaul this summer, with a new striker believed to be very high up on his transfer wish-list to provide backup for Michail Antonio.

As the Scot prepares to revamp his squad ahead of the start of the new season, Cornet might well be the perfect option to bolster his attacking ranks, as his versatility means he will not be wasted on the bench when Antonio is fit and firing.

In other news… a reliable journalist has revealed an interesting conversation he’s had with one of West Ham’s summer transfer targets.