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Aston Villa still have a ‘decent chance’ of signing legendary striker Luis Suarez in the summer transfer window, according to transfer window expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Suarez a free agent

The 35-year-old is a free agent after his contract at Atletico Madrid expired, allowing him to join a new club on a free transfer in the next few months.

Villa are one of the clubs who have been linked with an audacious move for Suarez, with Steven Gerrard of course knowing him well from their time together at Liverpool.

There is sure to be competition for the Uruguayan this summer but a positive update has emerged from a Villa perspective.

The Latest: Villa have ‘decent chance’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Gerrard’s men remain right in the hunt to snap up Suarez:

“I think there is still a decent chance that they sign Suarez, and I think that Gerrard will be ideal for him, and I think that works vice versa too.

“It doesn’t mean that Suarez has to start every game, but having him as an option, having him as a game-changer, literally, is like something in your armoury that is amazing for the amount of pressure there’s going to be schedule-wise next season.”

The Verdict: Worth the gamble

Granted, Suarez’s best days are undoubtedly behind him but he remains an incredibly gifted footballer capable of creating moments of sheer genius. Gerrard once hailed him as ‘phenomenal’, and he’s racked up over 400 goals in his club career, with an equally impressive 240 assists.

The Uruguay legend could come in as a squad player, proving to be a great impact substitute in certain matches and also bringing a winning mentality to the squad.

The Gerrard factor certainly gives Villa a better chance than if he wasn’t the manager and it would be a signing that would cause excitement among the fanbase regardless of his minutes, given his status as one of the best players of his generation.

In other news, Aston Villa are interested in signing a former England international. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Christian Eriksen recently and the Danish midfielder could be Erik ten Hag’s very own version of Kevin De Bruyne should he make the move to Old Trafford.

According to the Mirror, United have joined the race to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur man this summer after his impressive performances at Brentford last season.

The 30-year-old joined Thomas Frank’s side on a free transfer in January on a six-month contract and would be available on a free transfer this summer unless the Bees can convince him to sign a new deal.

The Denmark international showed his class in 11 Premier League appearances, contributing one goal and four assists, earning him an impressive 7.37 average rating from WhoScored.

This was comfortably better than anyone else in United’s squad last season, so it seems clear that he would add some much-needed quality and creativity to ten Hag’s midfield.

During his career so far, Eriksen has registered an impressive 162 assists, with particularly impressive spells at Ajax and Spurs, so he could be a great option for United to have next season as they look to improve upon a dreadful 2021/22 campaign.

In fact, FB Ref suggests that Eriksen’s style of play is extremely similar to Manchester City’s talismanic midfielder De Bruyne, and if he were anywhere near as impressive as the Belgian was for Pep Guardiola’s side last season, then he would surely be a quality addition.

Both Eriksen and De Bruyne’s strengths, according to WhoScored, include key passes, long shots and taking set-pieces, while both are also 30-years-old and vital for their country’s midfield, so the similarities are clear to see.

Considering the “unbelievable” midfielder is available on a free transfer this summer, the Glazers would be crazy to not consider making him an offer, as he could prove to be ten Hag’s version of De Bruyne next season.

And, in other news… MUFC now in talks to sign £51m-rated “incredible talent”, he’s a huge Rashford upgrade

Glasgow Rangers have now made an enquiry to bring Josh Tymon to Ibrox, according to Football Insider's sources within the club.

The Lowdown: Left-back wanted

With the futures of both Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey in doubt, it looks as if the Gers are targeting a new left-back this summer.

They have scoured the English Championship for top talent on the cheap quite recently, notably pinching John Lundstram after he left Sheffield United, and Tymon could be another player to add to the list.

The Latest: Tymon enquiry

As per Football Insider, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team have made an 'enquiry' over the possibility of signing Tymon, and a source from the Light Blues has revealed that they have officially registered their 'interest' in the Stoke City defender.

His current deal does not run out until 2025, but the Championship side may be forced to sell some of their top assets this summer, including Tymon.

The Verdict: Depends on Bassey and Barisic

Whether the Teddy Bears should make a move for Tymon will depend on if they keep hold of Bassey and Barisic. If one or both of them were to go, then the Englishman would be a worthy replacement.

Earning £10,000-per-week at Stoke, he would not be among their highest earners, and comes back off of a stellar season where he hardly missed a kick.

Tymon has earned plenty of plaudits, notably from his manager Michael O'Neill, who has noted how 'quick' and athletic he is.

His ability to beat players down the flank is second to none, and has even earned him the nickname of the 'Nutmeg King', after interestingly completing more nutmegs (14) than any other Championship player last term (StatsBomb).

Nonetheless, Tymon is still just 23 years of age, and so could flourish under van Bronckhorst's management for years to come.

In other news, find out who RFC have now been 'contacted' over signing here!

West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee has shared a latest update regarding the future of on-loan stopper, Alphonse Areola.

What’s the word?

The respected source has revealed that the Frenchman is edging ever closer toward a permanent deal at the London Stadium, having spent the campaign on loan from Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain.

Asked about any fresh news regarding the 29-year-old’s future, the club insider revealed on Twitter that an agreement could be imminent, once wage issues are ironed out: “Hoping to conclude soon but talks still going on over fee/wages.”

That corroborates with an update from Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer guru revealing that the Hammers are set to activate the three-cap international’s buyout clause – the fee said to be in the region of €9m (£7.6m).

Moyes delighted

It may not be a marquee arrival, with the former Fulham man having already been at the club over the past year, yet David Moyes will surely be delighted to be edging closer towards confirmation of a deal, with any manager set to be pleased with getting their summer business done swiftly.

Further additions also appear in the works, amid reports that Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd could be on his way to east London in a £13m deal, with the 26-year-old, Morrocan star strengthening what had been a problem area at times last term.

As for Areola, the World Cup winner will provide adequate cover or even direct replacement to first-choice ‘keeper Lukasz Fabianski, with the 37-year-old still going strong even in his advancing years.

The one-time Real Madrid man could run him close next term, however, if his permanent move is secured, having impressed during the club’s run to the Europa League semi-finals, keeping five clean sheets in his 11 games in the competition, while only missing the first group game away at Dinamo Zagreb.

The £8.1m-rated gem has also previously shown his quality during his stint at Craven Cottage during the 2020/21 season, recording 116 saves in the top-flight – the fifth-most in the division – despite Scott Parker’s side ultimately suffering a swift return to the second tier.

While he only made a single league outing in the most recent campaign – with that solitary appearance coming in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United back in January – he has seemingly shown enough quality in the past to prove a reliable backup option moving forward, or may even usurp the aforementioned Fabianski.

Whatever the case, Moyes will no doubt be delighted to have two goalkeepers of such quality on his books, while the speed of the impending deal will allow them to also prioritise other targets.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Aston Villa are interested in signing Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, according to a report from The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Carlos’ career so far

Signed from Ligue 1 outfit Nantes in 2019, the centre-back has amassed 136 appearances for Sevilla since arriving in Spain.

The 29-year-old also made six outings for the Brazil team which won Olympic gold in Tokyo last year and has previously been a major target for Newcastle United.

It now seems as though Steven Gerrard could be readying an approach to bring Carlos to Villa Park…

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The latest: Villa exploring Carlos swoop

As per The Athletic, Villa are ‘exploring the possibility’ of signing the experienced Brazilian centre-back this summer.

It’s claimed that Gerrard is ‘looking to strengthen his defensive options’ in the Villa squad as the 41-year-old attempts to build a squad capable of challenging in the top half of the Premier League table.

However, the report added that the asking price and salary for the man dubbed ‘amazing’ by journalist Dermot Corrigan following a standout display in the 2020 Europa League final could be a ‘complication’ for Villa owners NSWE.

The verdict: Make it happen

Carlos could be a potentially expensive signing given his £40.5m market value and contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), but his proven quality from 230 top-flight outings in Spain, France and Portugal would be an upgrade on Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause.

During the 2021/22 season, the powerful Brazilian earned a superb 7.09 Sofascore rating whilst winning four duels and making 3.5 clearances per game, helping Sevilla to keep 13 clean sheets whilst also chipping in with three league goals.

His overall rating was significantly higher than the three aforementioned Villa centre-backs, with Mings coming out the best at 6.91 from Sofascore.

Signing a player of the calibre of Carlos would be a stellar statement from the Midlands club as they look to move on to the next phase of their development under Gerrard.

In other news: NSWE now eyeing another defender; Villa chiefs sent to club after Gerrard approves

Manchester United have held internal discussions over a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to Samuel Luckhurst.

The Lowdown: Henderson to depart?

New United manager Erik ten Hag is set to be extremely busy over the coming months, and he could now be on the hunt for a new back-up goalkeeper to David de Gea.

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That’s because Dean Henderson may well be on the move to Newcastle, with reports in the week suggesting a transfer to St James’ Park was close.

Should Henderson depart, Ten Hag would be left with De Gea and Tom Heaton after Lee Grant announced his retirement on Thursday.

The Latest: Darlow links

Chief writer Luckhurst shared a story for the Manchester Evening News on Friday morning regarding United’s back-up ‘keeper targets.

He revealed that United are considering a move for Darlow after Newcastle suggested including the 31-year-old as part of a deal for Henderson.

Darlow, described as ‘terrific’ by Steve Bruce, is aware of discussions, with Watford’s Daniel Bachmann another player of interest to United chiefs.

The Verdict: Good move?

As back-up targets go, Darlow could be the ideal man to arrive at Old Trafford. He’s made 33 appearances across the past two Premier League campaigns, taking his tally in the top-flight to 52.

Older than De Gea by just one month, the 31-year-old stood in for Martin Dubravka during the early stages of the 2021/22 season. He was on the bench after Eddie Howe took over, so he could well be open to serving as second choice under Ten Hag.

Bringing him to the club as part of a transfer for Henderson would also give the United boss one less transfer headache as he looks to make some marquee additions.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd & Ten Hag eyeing another Dutch gem along with De Jong and Timber. 

Sunderland have been handed a injury lift over Leon Dajaku ahead of the League One play-off final at Wembley on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Alex Neil has revealed that the 21-year-old is now in contention to make his return to the squad this weekend after working hard to get back to fitness.

He has been out of first-team action since featuring on 19 March against Lincoln and is now fighting to make his final appearance of the campaign against Wycombe on Saturday.

The Black Cats manager told the Sunderland Echo: “Leon has done a lot of work recently, so again it’s one where we’ll see where he is over the next couple of days.”He’s been working hard. We’ve got a plethora of choices now, people who have put themselves into contention. There’ll be difficult choices, but I’ll try and make the right one for what I feel the game needs.” Neil will be delighted

The former Preston boss will be delighted with the German’s potential involvement, as the youngster has the quality to be a game-changer on his day.

Dajaku, who is on loan from Union Berlin, made 22 appearances in the regular League One campaign as he showed glimpses of his ability. The winger started 14 matches and chipped in with four goals and three assists, which means that he was directly involved in a goal for every other start he managed.

This shows that he is capable of having a huge impact in the final third when he is on form. He has proven that he can score and set up goals in English football, and this is why it will be a big boost for the club to have him back fit for the play-off final this weekend.

Neil will be delighted to have another player with the potential to be a match-winner in his squad, whether that’s from the start or off the bench. Dajaku can be a useful player to call upon in a variety of scenarios – a late impact sub, a starter, or to come off the bench if one of the starting XI picks up an injury in the first half.

The 21-year-old may be playing for his future on Wearside, given that he is currently on loan, and this should give him added motivation to make a huge impact on the game at Wembley. He will surely be desperate to get out on the pitch, and hopefully Neil will give him an opportunity to make the difference against the Chairboys.

AND in other news, Sunderland handed huge injury boost ahead of play-off final, Neil surely buzzing…

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is set to miss the opening weeks of the 2022/23 Premier League season after sustaining a knee injury last weekend against Crystal Palace that will keep the Englishman sidelined for 12-16 weeks.

What’s the latest?

As tweeted by Birmingham Live’s Ashley Preece following Steven Gerrard’s pre-Burnley press conference, the 24-year-old has sustained a “serious” knee injury and will miss all of pre-season as well as the opening stages of the next Premier League campaign.

The Villa boss stated: “We’re quite relieved because we thought we were dealing with an ACL” whilst also revealing that Emi Martinez picked up an injury in training and Robin Olsen could be set for his Villa debut in between the sticks.

The Villans have just two matches left this campaign, this evening’s home clash with the Clarets before a trip to Manchester City on Sunday.

However, the injury has come at an awful time for Konsa who will have to work extra hard to catch up for when the new season comes around given him missing out on pre-season training.

Bad news

Although the West Midlands outfit have been frustratingly inconsistent at times this season, Konsa has had a decent campaign this term.

The Englishman has won 64% of his duels in the Premier League whilst averaging 0.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 2.8 clearances a match in 29 top-flight appearances.

However, the injury could trigger long-term issues for Konsa’s Villa tenure.

There have been reports that the 24-year-old could depart Villa Park this summer with Gerrard planning a major squad overhaul, particularly in defence with his side conceding 50 times in 36 matches this season.

Therefore, Villa may still go ahead and sign new defenders that will beat Konsa to a starting spot whilst the Englishman is now unlikely to be bought this summer given his injury and the uncertainties that could bring.

It’s a major blow for the defender and could lead to an even greater predicament that will surely have supporters gutted.

AND in other news: Signed for £7.6m, now worth £225k: AVFC had a shocker on “hiding” £28k-p/w disaster

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is a doubt for the Villans’ Premier League home match against Liverpool on Tuesday evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to the press, manager Steven Gerrard, as quoted by Birmingham Live, said: “A big doubt for Tuesday. Got a small groin problem. He [Ramsey] won’t be long. We’re hoping to get him involved in the squad at Liverpool but that’s looking ambitious right now.”

The 20-year-old missed Saturday’s 3-1 win at Burnley through the same injury and looks set to continue his spell on the sidelines.

Gerrard will be gutted

Although the former Liverpool captain will be delighted if his former club can win the Premier League title, he will undoubtedly be focused on securing a result with Aston Villa against the Reds.

Therefore, being without Ramsey once again will be a major blow for the Villa boss.

The midfielder has been seriously impressive this term, making 31 Premier League appearances during which he’s scored six goals and registered one assist.

Moreover, the Englishman had previously been subject to interest from Liverpool but recently signed a fresh deal that extends his stay at Villa Park until 2027.

Luckily for Gerrard, Marvelous Nakamba is now fully fit and could make his first start for the West Midlands outfit since suffering a knee injury in the reverse fixture against Liverpool in December.

Having picked up seven points from their last three matches, Villa will be looking to finish the season as strongly as possible with a first top half finish in over a decade still very much achievable.

Moreover, they can put a further dent in Liverpool’s title bid after Jurgen Klopp’s side dropped points on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham at Anfield.

Villa supporters will also be keen to remind people that the last time the Merseyside outfit came to Villa Park in the league, they were hit for seven.

However, Tuesday evening will be a completely different contest and not having Ramsey available will certainly leave Gerrard gutted.

AND in other news: AVFC nearing 1st summer signing in £22.5m-rated “phenomenon”, supporters will love it

Recent reports have suggested that Aston Villa are in the race for Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij, with the Dutchman set to be available for as little as £15m, with just a year remaining on his existing deal.

That news comes amid suggestions that manager Steven Gerrard is eyeing a new left-sided centre-back this summer, throwing into doubt the future of England international Tyrone Mings.

Further rumours this week have also claimed that the current club captain could well be moved on in the upcoming window, with fellow defender Ezri Konsa another name potentially on the chopping block.

Such speculation illustrates a notable decline this season for Mings, in particular, with the 29-year-old having gone from starting group stage games at Euro 2020 to fearing for his place at club level, all in the space of just ten months.

Pundit Danny Mills has previously suggested that the former Bournemouth giant was “fortunate” to earn a Three Lions call up in the first place, while the 44-year-old also more recently slated the Villa man for his current displays, insisting that there “seems to be a mistake in his game somewhere.”

The statistics also prove rather damning, with the £28.8m-rated man part of a backline that has shipped 46 goals this season – the tenth-worst in the division – while he has also given away one penalty and committed one error leading to a goal in the top-flight this term.

In De Vrij then, Gerrard appears to have identified a viable alternative, with the 30-year-old offering a wealth of experience, having made 55 caps for his country as well as being a vital part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

As for this term, as the Italian giants chase a second successive Serie A title, the £116k-per-week “monster” – as he has been described by former Lazio teammate Mauricio – has caught the eye again, averaging 1.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and one interception per game.

Not just impressive defensively – with the one-time Feyenoord man lining up on the left of a back three at the San Siro – he is also comfortable in possession, ranking in the top 5% for pass completion among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

As the current Villa boss seeks to take the ambitious club back towards the European qualification places next season, a quality upgrade such as De Vrij could be what is needed, with £80k-per-week Mings the man who must give way.

IN other news, “Destined for a move”: Journo drops exciting AVFC transfer claim, Gerrard will love it –