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Aston Villa submitted an offer for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma and were then joined in the running by Antonio Conte’s Tottenham, it has been revealed.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from 90minwho claim that Aston Villa were in the running ahead of Spurs, who now seemingly have a £26m agreement with Brighton over the Malian midfielder, despite entering the race at a later date.

As per a report by Graeme Bailey who took to his personal Twitter page; “Aston Villa held talks but [the] player indicated preference to move to London.”

Gerrard surely upset

The signing of Bissouma would have represented an astute level-up in the engine room for Aston Villa and Gerrard will be aware of this, considering his desire to move for the 25-year-old.

Bissouma would have fit right into Villa’s aggressive transfer approach this summer and, more so, would have bolstered their defensive numbers quite drastically.

With an average of 3.11 tackles per game, 2.34 interceptions and 2.17 clearances per 90, Bissouma has put up some numbers that demonstrate his defensive excellence in the centre of the pitch, bettering N’Golo Kante’s respective numbers of; 2.74 tackles, 2.09 interceptions and 0.61 clearances per 90. A real statement from the Malian man.

The 25-year-old would certainly have bolstered Villa’s resistance and helped them improve on their average of 1.4 goals conceded per match – a metric that sees them ranked 11th in the Premier League, five places below Brighton.

Under the guidance of a tactician like Potter, defensive astuteness has been drilled into Bissouma and makes him a real destroyer in the engine room.

In fairness to Villa, they were in the queue first and bided their time over his availability, willing to spend some of their transfer kitty on the number 8 wearing midfielder. Though, they cannot help their location and as such will miss out on what is defensively elite player, something that will leave Gerrard rather upset.

In other news: Lange could land the new James Milner as AVFC plot bid for “athletic” £14.4m-rated gem 

Morgan Sanson has failed to win over Aston Villa fans since his switch from Marseille and it seems as if he could be on his way out of Villa Park this summer.

What’s the word?

Reports from earlier this year tipped Sanson for an exit after a disappointing spell in England, which has seen him make just 20 appearances in all competitions, in which he has failed to score or assist.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Josh Holland said:

“I think Tyrone Mings will be given another chance at Villa; I don’t think he’s been that bad to be sold. But Sanson, I think he’s more or less done.”

Villa supporters will be buzzing

Given Sanson’s less than impressive performances, Villa fans will surely be glad to see the back of Sanson and will be hoping that the club can recuperate a good portion of the £16m they paid Marseille to sign him in 2021.

The 27-year-old is contracted at Villa Park until 2025, so fans will be desperate to see him leave for a fee before then, otherwise, the club will continue to pay him for sitting on the bench.

With Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara having already joined Villa on permanent deals so far this summer, playing time will perhaps be even harder for Sanson to come by next season, and it will surely be best for all parties if he departs.

Last season saw the Frenchman make just ten appearances in the top-flight, seven of which came from the bench, as he averaged a disappointing 6.34 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranked him as the second-worst player in Villa’s squad of those to make at least ten appearances, which shows just how poor he has been for the Villans in his time at the club.

Fans will be hoping that Holland’s claim is true and that Sanson is on the brink of leaving the club as unfortunately it simply hasn’t worked out for the former Marseille man in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Gerrard can unleash Villa’s next Grealish in teenage sensation

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt a potential setback in their pursuit of Chicago Fire goalkeeper, Gabriel Slonina…

What’s the word?

Bruno Lage’s side have been linked with a move for the American stopper in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that the Molineux outfit were eyeing a £3m deal for the 18-year-old starlet.

However, any hopes of progressing negotiations have been dealt a blow by the latest update on the teenager’s situation from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that newly-crowned European champions Real Madrid are preparing a bid for his services.

Writing on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that: “Exclusive: Real Madrid are preparing opening bid for talented goalkepeer Gabriel Slonina, born in 2004. Chicago Fire are waiting for the first proposal to arrive soon for USMNT goalkeeper.”

Supporters gutted

Although Los Blancos are yet to make a concrete offer for the 6 foot 4 giant, their interest will likely all but end any hopes of the Old Gold pulling off a deal, such is the historical weight and financial muscle that the La Liga side possesses.

That update will no doubt prove a huge disappointment to Wolves supporters, with the club in need of an able deputy to current number one Jose Sa, following the departure of veteran stalwart John Ruddy.

The former Norwich City man had helped the club to promotion from the Championship during the 2017/18 campaign, although was subsequently dislodged by the now-departed Rui Patricio, before the arrival of Sa who replaced his fellow Portuguese last summer.

With the latter man having since thrived in his debut Premier League campaign – making the fourth-most saves in the division – there is little need to acquire a replacement this summer, although in Slonina they would likely have been able to acquire a player who could well usurp him in the future.

While the Illinois-born gem is something of an unknown quantity for those unfamiliar with MLS, he has seemingly caught the eye after a breakthrough last year or so, with his standout displays even reportedly catching the eye of Chelsea earlier this year.

The £2.7m-rated gem has started 14 games for his current side so far this term, conceding just 20 goals, keeping five clean sheets and averaging a solid two saves per game, showcasing just what a talent he already is, rather than necessarily being just a player for the future.

That is the view of current Chicago assistant coach Frank Klopas, who lavished the youngster with praise back in October after his emergence into the first team:

“He’s so young, it’s amazing. Maybe in 10, even 15 years, we’ll be talking about him and say, he’s hit his prime now.

“It’s scary how good this kid can be and you know what, he deserves only the best. He’s a great kid. He’s very grounded, he’s very mature, and he’s got a tremendous, tremendous upside and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Such a glowing reference will only add to the fury of the Wolves faithful, with the Midlands side seemingly set to miss out on an immensely promising prospect who could have been a mainstay of the squad for years to come.

All is not lost just yet, but with Madrid in the mix, any hope looks set to be extinguished.

IN other news: Lage must now brutally sell Wolves’ £20m “catalyst”, he won’t make it at Molineux…

Richarlison has been linked with a move away from Everton for months following a disappointing season at Goodison Park, however, a new update has emerged on the Brazilian’s future.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Real Madrid are not interested in signing Richarlison this summer.

This comes as a big twist to the tale following widespread reports that the Spanish side were indeed hoping to sign him over the summer months.

Di Marzio now claims that after Los Blancos lost out on Kylian Mbappe, they currently have no plans to take on another winger this summer after sporting director José Angel Sanchez and owner Florentino Perez held a meeting to discuss the transfer window strategy moving forward.

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt the news that Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Richarlison will delight supporters as he has been crucial for the Toffees in one of their most difficult seasons to date and has become a fan favourite at the club.

Despite the relegation worries throughout the season, the 25-year-old stepped up when it really mattered for Everton, scoring six of his ten Premier League goals in his last ten appearances making him the top goal contributor for the Toffees in 2021/22.

The Brazilian’s goals and assists this season compared to the players around him has ultimately saved the club from a spell in the Championship next season, something that supporters will be massively grateful for and it would be hard for fans to see him go after delivering impressive performances when it mattered most.

Richarlison has been a big hit at Goodison Park since he arrived in 2018, and has been one of the very few transfers that have worked out for Farhad Moshiri, scoring 53 goals and delivering 14 assists in his 152 appearances, so losing him this summer would be a huge loss and it would take a lot of work to replace a consistent goal threat of his quality.

With that being said, Real Madrid are not the only club that have reported interest in signing the attacker ahead of next season with Manchester United already making an approach to sign him last month. Therefore, Frank Lampard will need to do everything to convince the star to stay on Merseyside next term.

AND in other news: Everton still face uncertainty over £18m-rated “rock” who Lampard can’t afford to lose

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has ‘decided to leave’ the club this summer, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Bayern interest

News recently emerged that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have shown an interest in signing Mane as the Senegalese ace’s deal heads into its final 12 months.

Despite remaining coy when asked about his future in the build-up to Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, the 30-year-old now appears to be coming towards the end of a six-year spell on Merseyside.

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That’s after a fresh update from one renowned journalist has claimed the man signed for £34million from Southampton in 2016 (BBC), has come to a decision over where his future lies…

The latest: ‘He’s ready’

Taking to Twitter, Romano has claimed that Mane is now ‘ready’ to move on with Bayern Munich once again mentioned as the leading contender to acquire his services.

He said: “Sadio Mané has decided to leave Liverpool this summer. He’s ready for a new experience after many special years with Reds – it will be confirmed to the club. FC Bayern are strong contenders – but it’s still open and not completed as Sadio wanted to wait for the final.”

The verdict: Monumental blow

Although an exit of this magnitude has been in the offing for some time now, it’s no less hard to take when it seemingly becomes a reality.

Whilst from a business perspective cashing in on the £72million valued ace now when there is still scope to receive a decent transfer fee makes sense, losing a player who contributed a magnificent 23 goals and five assists during 2021/22 is a damaging loss to the Anfield attacking ranks.

Where the club has perhaps been at its best in recent years has been in the recruitment department, as well as enduring maximum value from players sold. In this instance, this will be the first major test for Julian Ward in his new role as Sporting Director.

The Senegal star once hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by football writer Liam Bekker has netted 120 goals in a red shirt and to replace someone of that goalscoring prowess is no easy task. Despite the January arrival of Luis Diaz and the threat of Diogo Jota, an addition is surely imperative if Liverpool are going to fight on all four trophy fronts once more under Jurgen Klopp.

In other news: Liverpool are ‘willing’ to sanction move for La Liga starlet. Read more here

Liverpool are interested in signing Porto midfielder Otavio during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour that emerged this week.

The Lowdown: Otavio shines for Porto

The 27-year-old has continued to be a key figure for Porto this season, producing a host of influential performances in his wide attacking role.

Otavio has registered an impressive 11 assists in 32 Primeira Liga appearances, as well as making nine appearances in the Champions League and Europa League combined.

Whoscored list him as being ‘very strong’ at creating scoring chances through both his passing and individual skill.

It could be that the Portuguese looks for a new challenge at the end of the season as he is approaching his prime and yet to test his mettle in a major European league, and Liverpool could well be in the conversation.

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The Latest: Liverpool in contact

According to A Bola [via Sport Witness], the Reds are one of a number of English clubs to have sent officials to watch Otavio in action and make contact with his club.

Julian Ward and co. have the player ‘referenced’ ahead of a potential move, with Manchester United and Newcastle United two of the other clubs mentioned in the report.

It is also stated that a move to Liverpool almost happened last year and an offer was even sent from Anfield, but Otavio’s Porto teammate, Luis Diaz, ended up joining in January instead. As we know, new Reds transfer guru Ward was instrumental in the capture of Diaz.

They say the two clubs have now had ‘even more communication’ since then, and the player has a €60m (£51m) release clause.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

While Otavio is clearly an excellent attacking player – he grew up idolising Brazil legend Ronaldinho – it is questionable as to whether or not Liverpool need to spend big on a player of his ilk this summer.

Jurgen Klopp already some several world-class attacking players at his disposal, so it is hard to see how the Porto man would fit into his regular plans.

The only way it could work is if Klopp used him in more of a central midfield role, potentially slotting into the right-sided No.8 berth that the likes of Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita take up.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Aston Villa have been hit with a potential setback in their hunt for Marseille’s star midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, via Birmingham Live, who claim that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are set to “close” a deal for the 22-year-old.

Kamara is set to become a free agent in the summer, with Villa touted as one of the potential clubs vying for his signature, in what was seemed to be an open race between Gerrard’s side and Atletico Madrid.

Though, according to the report, it looks as though the France starlet has signed a pre-agreement with Simeone’s side ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Supporters will be gutted

The saga surrounding Kamara’s future, amidst interest from Aston Villa, has seemingly circulated for months. And with Gerrard looking to strengthen in the holding midfielder position, it will come as a big blow to not only him, but the Villa faithful.

Kamara boasts some serious numbers this season, so it is not wonder as to why Villa have been chasing the signature of the 22-year-old.

In comparison to Douglas Luiz, Kamara outdoes the Brazilian in the majority of metrics. The Frenchman’s passing stats are a particular standout, with his 72.09 average passes completed per 90 at a completion rate of 79.23% massively outdoing that of Luiz’s measly total of 39.69 passes per 90, with an average of 83%.

Whilst their defensive metrics are similar, with Kamara just pipping Luiz overall, it is his ability in possession that would make him such a good asset for a Villa side who look to dominate the ball, but have struggled somewhat this season – as can be seen from their rank of 14th place in the average possession charts, with just 46.2% possession averaged across 36 games.

Kamara’s average of 89.51 touches make him a metronome in the engine room, with his 60.54 carries better than the likes of Declan Rice, who has averaged 48.61 per 90.

Villa will be gutted at what will seem like a missed opportunity for NSWE to bag a star who displays potential akin to world-class.

In other news: “His priority..” Romano drops exciting transfer claim, it’s great news for Aston Villa