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TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa’s reported interest in Rangers midfielder, Joe Aribo…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider revealed that the 25-year-old is a “target” for the Midlands outfit this summer, with Steven Gerrard and co believed to be on the hunt for a new midfield addition.

Amid reports linking the Nigeria international to Villa Park, Crook stated: “I was told when I was out in Seville for the Europa League Final that Joe Aribo was a target for Aston Villa, so that doesn’t surprise me at all. I think he’s the type of young player that Steven Gerrard thinks he can mould and improve.”

The 12-cap gem – who is also believed to be the subject of interest from a handful of other Premier League sides – has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal, with reports suggesting he could command a fee of around £10m.

Supporters will love it

That figure would no doubt represent something of a bargain for the Villans, while also seeing the Ibrox side rake in a tidy profit on the former Charlton Athletic man, having signed him for just £300k during Gerrard’s stint in charge in Glasgow back in 2019.

Managing to secure the services of such a talent for what could be considered pocket change in the modern, footballing market would surely go down well with supporters, as it would allow the club to invest more significantly in other areas of concern, notably at centre-forward.

Aribo’s arrival would not only be an astute business deal for NSWE, however, with the £9m-rated gem undoubtedly a hugely exciting talent, having blossomed during his three-year stint with the Old Firm giants.

Having been integral to the club’s title triumph last year under the current Villa boss, the most recent campaign saw the £14k-per-week brute kick on once again, playing a vital role in the Scottish Premiership side’s surge to the Europa League final, where he notably netted in the showpiece.

Despite the eventual disappointment of that defeat to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men would go on to claim the Scottish Cup just a few days later with victory over Hearts, bringing to an end a fine individual campaign that saw the London-born ace net nine goals and provide ten assists in all competitions.

The 6-foot menace – who has previously been dubbed a “joy to watch” by Gerrard – would no doubt add additional steel and class to an already immensely talented Villa midfield, while his invaluable versatility will no doubt see him quickly become a popular figure among the club’s support.

Having scored 20 goals and provided 18 assists in 112 games under the Englishman during their time together in Scotland, the hope will be that he can replicate such promising form should he link up with the Liverpool legend once again in the coming weeks.

That would no doubt be a hugely exciting prospect for supporters.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy have intervened in the club’s transfer activity as the Lilywhites line up ‘exciting’ player talks, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Paratici busy…

Spurs, after completing a £25 million deal to sign Premier League star Yves Bissouma recently, are now setting their sights on more key additions.

The Evening Standard claim a right-wing-back, central defensive star and new striker are the current priorities in north London as transfer chief Fabio Paratici gets moving.

Three major incomings, including Bissouma, have already been confirmed with both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster preceding the Mali international on Bosman deals.

The Latest: Sky share big update as Spurs line up ‘talks’

Following this plethora of activity, it appears Spurs have set their sights on another move as they line up talks.

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According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, sharing news on Twitter, Lilywhites hierarchy have even intervened as chairman Daniel Levy ‘personally’ drives a deal for Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence.

He explained:

“Tottenham set for further talks over signing Djed Spence. Daniel Levy personally driving this deal as Fabio Paratici concentrates on other targets. Initial talks did not find agreement but Spence wants #Spurs move.“

The Verdict: Exciting…

The 21-year-old, called a ‘perfect player’ for manager Antonio Conte, seriously impressed whilst on loan at Nottingham Forest over 2021/2022.

Spence was a key figure in their promotion push and his status as a homegrown player could also help Tottenham balance the books in terms of their worrying quota.

Called an ‘exciting player’ also by members of the press (Marc Williams, Basford United head of media), it’s little wonder Levy has personally intervened and is attempting to strike an agreement.

Leeds United are believed to have made an offer for Paris Saint-Germain Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The Lowdown: Kalimuendo a bright talent

The 20-year-old is a big young attacking talent with a bright future ahead of him, outlining his quality during a two-year loan spell with Lens.

Kalimuendo scored 12 goals in 27 starts in Ligue 1 last season and coach Franck Haise has described him as the ‘prototype striker’ in the modern game, while European football expert Antonio Mango hailed him as a ‘superstar in the making’.

With Leeds in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this summer after the injury woes of Patrick Bamford last season, an exciting rumour has emerged.

The Latest: Leeds make offer

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the Whites have submitted an offer in the region of €20million (£17.1m) for Kalimuendo.

PSG are thought to be ‘amenable’ to a deal coming to fruition, not seeing him as a key man moving forward, but they want various clauses in the deal, including a buy-back option.

The report reaffirms that Raphinha ‘will leave’ and says the PSG gem is earmarked to help Jesse Marsch ‘reshape’ the attacking ranks at Thorp Arch.

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The Verdict: Snap him up

Kalimuendo could be a hugely exciting summer arrival at Elland Road, bringing much-needed firepower to the squad, as well as partly filling the void left by the outgoing Raphinha.

He can play both on the left-hand side and in a central role, with that versatility likely to appeal to Marsch, and he would also be a long-term acquisition who should only improve in the next three or four years.

Incredibly, the youngster ranks in the 99th percentile for forwards across Europe’s top leagues when it comes to pass success rate, showing impeccable composure in the final third for such a young player.

Kalimuendo also has four goals in 10 caps for France’s Under-21 side, further highlighting his potential, and Leeds should do all they can to bring him in, even if a buy-back clause isn’t ideal.

In other news, Leeds have stepped up their chase to sign a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur are battling Manchester United for the signature of Ajax winger Antony, according to The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney. 

The lowdown

United are interested in reuniting Antony with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, Delaney says.

He arrived in Amsterdam from native club Sao Paulo in the summer of 2020 for a fee of £14.2million. Under Ten Hag, Antony won the Eredivisie twice, as well as the 2020/21 Dutch Cup.

The 22-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, is now valued at £31.5million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Delaney writes that Ten Hag and United ‘face competition’ from Spurs for the Brazilian attacker.

Conte would appear to be at a disadvantage without the personal connection to the player but, significantly, the club are prepared to offer Steven Bergwijn to Ajax as part of the deal.

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The verdict

Even though Antony has a prior relationship with Ten Hag, Spurs’ willingness to include Bergwijn in the deal could swing it in their favour.

That’s because Ajax clearly possess a strong interest in the former PSV Einhoven man, having seen a £17million bid rejected earlier in the summer.

The hope for Spurs, of course, is that Antony would represent an upgrade off the back of his impressive 2021/22 campaign.

The nine-times-capped international was directly involved in 22 goals (scoring 12 and setting up ten) in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Adding the ‘elegant’ playmaker (in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig) to a squad that already includes Dejan Kulusevski would be a real statement. Conte would have an elite level of attacking depth at his disposal.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals talks for a ‘star’ target.

Journalist Shay Lugassi, chief editor for the Barca Times, has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye centre-half…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly eyeing a new centre-back before pre-season begins with both the Italian and club chief Fabio Paratici eager to get business done early.

A move for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni now seems unlikely with the player’s agent confirming the 23-year-old’s intention to remain at the San Siro for 2022/2023.

As such, Paratici’s scattergun approach may come into play with the Lilywhites now linked to many alternatives – including Villarreal star Pau Torres and Lenglet.

The Latest: Spurs ‘open’ to loan deal…

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According to Lugassi, Spurs are now ‘open’ to sealing a loan move for France international Lenglet – but there is an issue with his salary demands.

Sharing news on the 26-year-old, he explained (via Twitter):

“If something was not understood, Tottenham are OPEN to getting a loan deal but the problem is the salary.”

The Verdict: Go further?

If Spurs can whittle down these proposed wage problems, Lenglet could be a solid option at little cost if they can secure a temporary deal.

Called a ‘top player’ by Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps, he is a composed and assured figure at playing out from the back, averaging an impressive 91% pass accuracy over his 21 La Liga appearances last season (WhoScored).

That’s better than any Spurs player in Conte’s squad managed over 21/22, but that being said, a ‘world class’ potential signing like Torres would arguably excite fans that bit more.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Insider says Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…find out more here.

Leeds United are chasing another young talent as well as George Hall and Sonny Perkins, The Athletic’s Phil Hay reports. 

The lowdown

Reports revealed last week that Leeds are looking to tie up deals for young duo Hall and Perkins, who are currently on the books of Birmingham City and West Ham United respectively.

They’ve always made sure to allocate funds to strengthening their academy teams, and even after Jesse Marsch replaced Marcelo Bielsa as manager, this year is no different.

Leeds were relegated from the Under-23 Premier League last season after finishing in 13th place, while they wound up ninth in the northern division of the U18 PL.

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The latest

In a mailbag piece for The Athletic, Hay told Leeds supporters that they ‘can expect to see more additions to the academy ranks’.

On top of Hall and Perkins, ‘they are also on the trail of at least one other young prospect’ based in England.

Their policy of recruiting at youth-level seems to be ‘intensifying’, Hay notes.

The verdict

Leeds snapped up a number of prospects last summer.

Among the new arrivals were Lewis Bate, who joined from Chelsea in a £1.6million deal, and Leo Hjelde, signed from Celtic.

Bate and Hjelde would make seven first-team appearances combined in their first season at the club, including five in the Premier League.

In total, Leeds handed 1,073 minutes of top-flight playing time to teenagers, the fourth-highest figure in the Premier League.

While that may partly have been result of the team’s injury woes, you could also argue that it shows that the system is working, with academy talents ready to step up if required.

In other news, Jermaine Beckford reveals conversations with Leeds players about Phillips’ future.

Sheffield Wednesday have rejected a bid from Atletico Talleres for attacking midfielder Josh Windass, according to reliable journalist Alex Miller.

The Lowdown: Windass’ future up in the air

The Owls suffered a disappointing end to the season after failing to get out of League One, with attention now turning to transfer activity this summer.

One player whose future is up in the air is Windass, who has been a strong servant for Wednesday, scoring 17 goals in 65 appearances overall for the club.

The 28-year-old’s current deal at Hillsborough expires next year, and there has been a seven-figure bid tabled by Argentine club Atletico Talleres in recent days.

The Latest: Miller provides Windass transfer latest

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Miller reported that Wednesday have rejected the offer and want to keep hold of Windass beyond the summer transfer window.

Sharing his corresponding article from The Star, the journalist tweeted:

“EXCL: Sheffield Wednesday look set to resist interest in Josh Windass from Argentine side Atlético Talleres. Bid in region of £1m rejected in strong terms – Windass important to Darren Moore’s plans.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

It looks set to be a summer of real change at Hillsborough, with numerous players who are out of contract due to depart and Darren Moore likely to bring in some new faces.

However, Windass is someone that Wednesday need to do their utmost to retain, with the 28-year-old a valuable player when fit, and someone who can take League One by storm. Four goals and two assists in nine appearances this term was a decent ratio, and his tally would have been much higher if his campaign hadn’t been ravaged by injury.

In truth, it will feel like a bonus if he remains an Owls player for next season – if he does end up leaving, the only positive will be the money received for him, instead of losing him for free next summer.

In other news, journalist Joe Crann has also provided a key Sheff Wed transfer update. Read more here.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Gustavo Hamer to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Coventry Live, who claimed that Brighton & Hove Albion have now joined the Whites in their interest in a move for the Coventry City midfielder – who is reported to be valued at more than £5m by the Championship side – this summer.

The report added that the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Brentford and Norwich City are also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, although the Sky Blues’ chief executive Dave Boddy recently revealed that he is not overly keen on the idea of sanctioning the sale of the Brazi-born Netherlands youth international.

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In comments made earlier this month, Boddy said: “There’s clearly going to be a lot of interest in our players this summer because of the success that we have had, and the success that they have had this season. Market forces will always dictate what happens to players but we will not let players go for anything less than we believe to be the market value.

“We are not looking to sell anybody. We are trying to protect them all and I think we have shown that ambition by extending their contracts during the season. But if people do come knocking they’ll get short shrift unless they come up with the values that we believe the players are worth. And even then we will fight it.

“But the market dictates what players do sometimes. We are not looking to sell and will do our best to protect our assets but we won’t be giving players away, that’s for sure.”

Leeds’ next Phillips

Considering just how impressive Harmer was for Coventry this season, it is not difficult to see why Victor Orta would be keen on a deal to bring the 24-year-old to LS11 this summer.

Indeed, over his 39 Championship appearances in 2021/22, the £2.7m-rated talent was imperious in the heart of Mark Robins’ side. He scored three goals, registered 10 assists and created 14 big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 1.7 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

The £6.5k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing 37.3 passes, 1.2 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 3.7 long balls and winning 3.3 duels per match.

These returns saw the player who Marko Marosi dubbed “unbelievable” and Robins labelled “special” average a fantastic SofaScore match rating of 7.23, not only ranking him as Coventry’s best performer in the league but also as the sixth-best player in the entire division

For comparison, over Kalvin Phillips’ 37 Championship appearances for Leeds back in 2019/20, the £60m-valued midfielder scored two goals, provided two assists and created six big chances, in addition to taking 0.5 shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

The England international also completed 44.9 passes, 1.4 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 5.3 long balls and won 6.4 duels per match, with these returns seeing the £38k-per-week Thorp Arch academy graduate average a SofaScore match rating of 7.28.

As such, it is clear to see that Harmer and Phillips are two players who boast very similar traits, leading us to believe that Orta must do everything he can to land the Dutchman this summer, as Hamer could quite easily prove to be the Whites’ next big thing in the middle of the park.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Leeds United transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Ahead of their return back to Championship football, Sunderland have completed their first piece of summer business in a signing that Black Cats fans will know well.

What’s the word?

As per a report from Chronicle Live, Union Berlin loanee will complete a permanent move to Sunderland in the wake of the club’s promotion to the Championship.

Sunderland’s Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman confirmed the news, saying:

“Leon’s contract will crystallise [into a permanent move] based on us being promoted. We were really pleased with all of our loans. They’ve all had an impact on our team and an impact on our success at different times, and that has been really pleasing.”

Sunderland fans surely elated

Sunderland’s official capture of Germany U20 star Dajaku bodes well for their upcoming fight for Championship survival.

Neil will want familiar faces in and around the dressing room for next season. In some ways, keeping hold of the bulk of the squad, that just achieved a feat that has been four years in the making, will be just as important as adding new faces.

The Black Cats have played it well with Dajaku, allowing him to bed into the side with less pressure and deciding on the deal when they’ve seen his progress up close and personal.

Despite suffering from illness in the final couple of months of the campaign, the 21-year-old still played a big part in their bid for promotion, featuring 22 times and registering eight returns (four goals, four assists) in what has been a successful spell in League One.

With that in mind, it’s evident he has plenty of potential and perhaps with a full season under his belt, he can register even more exciting numbers in the final third.

Dajaku’s versatility is one of his best features, and one that Neil will most certainly take advantage of in the level above, with the former Union Berlin man a player who is capable down either wing, having also performed as a wing-back at Sunderland this season, despite arriving as a forward.

It’s a promising first signing for the Black Cats, and one that Sunderland fans will surely be happy about.

In other news: Major mistake: Sunderland now set for summer disaster on 36-goal “magician”