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Aston Villa have reportedly moved ahead of their rivals in the battle to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski, as Steven Gerrard plots further summer additions.

What’s the word?

As per The Athletic, the Villans are the ‘early favourites’ to sign the 29-year-old in the upcoming window, with the centre-back set to be available on a free transfer as his current £70k-per-week deal nears its expiry.

The Englishman had been retained in January by the Turf Moor outfit despite reported interest from Newcastle United, although his influence could not help the Lancashire-based club avoid a return to the second tier after a final day defeat to the Magpies.

While interest from the Tynesiders remains – as well as from Everton – it is Villa who appears to be to providing the most ‘substantial competition’ – as per this latest report – with recent speculation insisting that the Midlands side are already in talks regarding an agreement.

Gerrard’s perfect fit

Although NSWE have recently confirmed the capture of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, it would seem that there could well still be further defensive reinforcements to come prior to the start of next season, with Tarkowski the solid presence needed to shake up the Villans’ backline.

Recent reports have suggested Gerrard could be looking to cash in on both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa after a somewhat disappointing campaign that ended with a 14th place finish, with the shaky defensive unit shipping 54 Premier League goals in all.

The departure of the pair would then heighten the need for the arrival of another central defender, with the Burnley man offering vital top-flight experience to come straight into the starting XI, while the aforementioned Carlos may need something of a bedding-in period.

With just two caps for the Three Lions, Tarkowski has failed to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans in recent years, although he remains arguably one of the most consistent defenders in the division, notably averaging 5.2 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions in 35 outings in the 2021/22 campaign.

Equally compared to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues the £19.8m-rated colossus also compares favourably, ranking in the top 1% for blocks and aerials won, as well as in the top 3% for tackles made.

For all the emphasis on attacking play among top-flight managers, having a player in tow who is willing to do the dirty work is crucial, with a no-frills approach sometimes needed even if it may not be pretty on the eye.

At Rangers – where Gerrard won the Scottish Premiership title – the Liverpool legend favoured a stubborn, defensive approach, albeit while demanding his full-backs to offer a threat in attack, putting a greater onus on the centre-back pairing to provide cover and security.

In that regard, Tarkowski is a real safe pair of hands and will likely look to get the ball to the attacking talents ahead, while he himself can also pose a threat in the final third, as he ranks in the top 1% among those in his position for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Having that ability to impact proceedings in both boxes will likely be hugely attractive to the Villa boss, with the “outstanding” brute – as he has been dubbed by Sean Dyche – the type of player needed at Villa Park, even if he may not be the most high profile figure.

IN other news, “I’m told..”: Journalist drops big AVFC transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing – opinion

American journalist Tom Bogert believes Leeds United will ‘try’ and sign RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams.

The Lowdown: Aaronson done

The Whites haven’t wasted any time in strengthening Jesse Marsch’s side after they avoided relegation on the final day. Long-term target Brenden Aaronson is now officially a Leeds player after he joined from FC Salzburg in a deal worth £25m.

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Bogert was the journalist who broke the news regarding Aaronson minutes after Leeds beat Brentford, and he feels another USA international could now be of interest in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Adams next?

Bogert was asked by a Leeds fan on Twitter late on Thursday evening if any more Americans could follow Aaronson to Elland Road.

He thinks the Whites will ‘try’ to sign Adams but wasn’t sure regarding rumours on Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest.

The Verdict: Phillips partner?

Adams, who Marsch hailed as ‘special’, is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play on the right-hand side. The pair worked together at New York Red Bulls and Leipzig, with the 23-year-old making 71 appearances under the Leeds boss, contributing to ten goals in the process.

Holding midfield additions appear to be needed love the next few months, even if star man Kalvin Phillips remains at the club for Marsch’s first full season.

Phillips is the only defensive midfielder on the books at this moment in time, so if Marsch wants to implement a 4-2-2-2 system, Adams could be an ideal partner for the England international.

In other news: Radz and 49ers think it could be ‘huge’: Leeds now working behind the scenes on second move

Newcastle United have been linked with a swoop for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Record, the Tyneside club are interested in bringing the Portuguese shot-stopper to St James’ Park this summer.

A product of Porto’s youth system, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 146 appearances for the club across their senior and youth teams.

With 68 senior appearances to his name, the £14k-per-week goalkeeper, who was labelled “superb” by podcaster Zach Lowy on Twitter, has kept 27 clean sheets.

To further highlight his talent between the sticks, Costa ended his latest campaign at Porto with the joint-lowest rate of goals against per 90 minutes (0.67) in the Portuguese top flight from 33 appearances.

Also, with 66 shots faced, he made 47 saves to help his team secure the league title and end the season with fewer goals conceded (22) than any other side in the division.

Bye-bye Darlow

In terms of a potential move to Newcastle this summer, this could give Eddie Howe the chance to finally get rid of one man in his squad who didn’t get much of a look in since the former Bournemouth manager was appointed on Tyneside, namely Karl Darlow.

In just eight league appearances this season, all of which came between September and November, the 31-year-old failed to keep even one clean sheet and ended up conceding 15 goals in total.

After his performance in Newcastle’s 3-3 draw against Brentford last November, Toon legend Alan Shearer said that Darlow looked “nervous” throughout the game, which could be why Howe took him out of the team for the remainder of the season thereafter.

Taking all this into account, getting rid of the Englishman and bringing in the young Porto shot-stopper could be a great bit of prospective business from Newcastle yo freshen up this part of Howe’s squad ahead of next season.

While Martin Dubravka seems to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the moment, there’s every chance that Costa could well provide some competition for the number one spot should he find himself leaving the club where he has spent the entirety of his career so far and joining Newcastle this summer.

In other news – “From what I gather…”: Craig Hope drops NUFC claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing

BBC pundit Carlton Palmer says it will be a difficult task for West Bromwich Albion to try and sign Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien this summer.

The Lowdown: Baggies interested in O’Brien

The 23-year-old has progressed his way through the ranks at The John Smith’s Stadium after first joining the club at U11s level, and ended up breaking his way into the senior first-team to become an integral part of the Terriers’ starting XI – he’s now racked up 131 appearances.

Carlos Corberan’s side narrowly missed out on securing promotion to the Premier League in a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the Championship play-off final last month, so given the fact that Huddersfield will be spending at least another season in the second-tier, interest in the midfielder has risen.

The Baggies are just one of the clubs believed to be eyeing up a potential move during the upcoming window.

The Latest: Palmer plays down West Brom chances

Palmer claims that West Brom wouldn’t stand much of a chance of securing O’Brien’s signature because he’s been ‘told’ of several competitors in the league above. He told Football League World:

“There’s a lot of Premier League clubs interested in him.

“I’ve been told Leeds, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Brighton, Southampton are all keen to sign him.

“So if there’s a release clause then it’d still would rule West Brom out, I would have thought unless he decides that he wants to play regularly.

“And if he believes that West Brom is the team for him to play regularly, and there is a release clause, and West Brom could meet that release clause at £10 to 15 million, I think it’s something that they would be interested in.”

The Verdict: Hawthorns an unfavourable destination

O’Brien was a standout performer in Huddersfield’s promotion-chasing season and played a massive role in helping his side achieve a place in the top six.

The Colchester-born talent was involved in every single one of the Yorkshire outfit’s 46 league games on the footballing calendar, and chipped in with three goals and three assists, via WhoScored. iNews correspondent called him a ‘terrific footballer’ last month and tipped him for success in the Premier League regardless of Huddersfield’s fate.

There’s no doubt that the £3k-per-week starlet would be a great creative addition to Steve Bruce’s midfield ranks, but the lure of the Premier League might just prove to be too good of an offer for the Baggies target to turn down, with the Hawthorns probably an unfavourable destination if he’s got ambitions to play at the highest level.

In other news… West Brom are reportedly working on a deal for a Premier League maestro.

Leeds United are now looking to sign FC Schalke forward Rabbi Matondo, according to Bild.

The Lowdown: Matondo profiled

Matondo is a Wales international who can play anywhere across the front three. The 21-year-old left Manchester City for Schalke back in 2019 in a deal worth £8.1m and has made 32 appearances for the German side.

He spent last season on loan in Belgium with Cercle Brugge and now has 13 senior career goals to his name. A return to the UK appears to be a real possibility this summer, though, with Elland Road a potential destination alongside fellow countrymen Dan James and Tyler Roberts.

The Latest: Leeds links

German outlet Bild shared a transfer update regarding Matondo on Tuesday evening. They claimed that Leeds are one of three Premier League clubs keen on the attacker after Cercle Brugge refused to make a loan move permanent.

Matondo would cost in the region of €4m (£3.4m), with Schalke open to a quick transfer to give them some ‘financial leeway’.

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The Verdict: Worth a punt?

Pep Guardiola previously hailed Matondo when he was coming through at the Etihad, so a low-risk move could be a shrewd one by Leeds chiefs due to his age, versatility and impressive plaudits.

Matondo is actually represented by the same agency as six Leeds players, so should the Whites agree to fork out £3.4m, a transfer could perhaps be wrapped up in quick time, which would suit Schalke.

Victor Orta is closing in on a third signing of the summer in Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca, and it looks as if Matondo is on the radar to possibly become the fourth.

In other news: Next step now taken on Kalvin Phillips leaving Leeds in big development. 

Sunderland are reportedly now fighting a number of other clubs in the Championship to sign Jack Rudoni this summer.

The Lowdown: Player of the Year

The 21-year-old was AFC Wimbledon’s Player of the Year (POTY) last season, having scored 12 goals and provided a further seven assists from midfield across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Dubbed an ‘excellent’ player by former Dons manager Mark Robinson after an impressive performance against Wycombe Wanderers last term, Rudoni has gone from strength to strength; and given their relegation to League Two, he could now be set for a move away from southwest London.

The Latest: Bid made

As per The Sun, Sunderland have now made a £1m bid to sign the youngster, which has since been rejected by AFC Wimbledon.

Fellow Championship clubs Huddersfield Town and Bristol City have also seen bids turned down for the 6 foot 1 ace, who could be sold for the right price.

The Verdict: Sign him

Alex Neil’s team have already seen first-hand what Rudoni is capable of, having come up against him in League One, so he is a player who could slot nicely into this Sunderland side.

While the Championship is another step up from the third tier, the youngster will surely want to prove that he can play at a higher level, having done so well for a relegated team.

Also, he is only 21 years of age, so he has the potential to get even better with the Black Cats over the coming years if he makes the move to Wearside.

In other news, find out who Sunderland have now held ‘talks’ with over signing

West Bromwich Albion could have the green light to launch a move to sign Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury this summer.

What’s the news?

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Leicester journalist Jordan Blackwell had this to say on the current situation regarding the midfielder and his immediate future at the King Power Stadium.

“Leicester would definitely be open to him leaving. As [Brendan] Rodgers put it quite bluntly not too long ago, they would prefer a sale, as there is no benefit to them to loan him out. Rodgers was of the opinion that he’s not going to make significant enough progress at a loan club that he would come back a much better player.

“If there is not enough interest in a club stumping up a fee for Choudhury, and a loan is the only option, Leicester would be open to that if the club were willing to pay a hefty chunk of his wages. He only has one year left on his contract at Leicester and so if he was to leave permanently, it would not take a huge fee to get him.”

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Baggies were looking to secure a deal for the Foxes midfielder this summer.

Now that it has been claimed by Blackwell that Leicester would be willing to allow the 24-year-old to leave in some capacity this summer, this could give the Hawthorns outfit the green light to launch a move for him.

Bruce would be thrilled

Taking into account how Steve Bruce was reportedly very keen to sign the player when he was still in charge of Newcastle United, the possibility of getting him this time around would surely be great news for the Baggies boss.

Since that prior interest, the midfielder has improved heavily, with more top-flight outings proving key in that. Indeed, should the Englishman find himself donning a West Brom shirt in the coming weeks, the his 53 Premier League appearances could make him a valuable asset for the Baggies in the dressing room and out on the pitch.

This is an Albion side who simply have to achieve promotion next term and sealing moves for proven players at a higher level, it will certainly help them achieve more compared to the dreadful 2021/22 season they had.

Praised for his “sensational” performances in the past for Leicester by his current manager, Choudhury could give Bruce’s side an extra boost in a vital area of the pitch.

The Leicester man’s ability to break up play and then lay off a pass isn’t too eye-catching but Bruce’s side must get the simple things right next term; Choudhury can help them do that.

In other news: Bruce can form “clinical” duo as West Brom eye swoop for “impressive” £5.4m-rated wiz

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, West Ham are now ‘increasingly confident’ that Alphonse Areola will sign a permanent contract at the London Stadium.

The Lowdown: From Paris to London

The Frenchman arrived in the Premier League when he joined the Irons on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, and hugely impressed between the sticks when given a run in the starting XI, which was mostly during the club’s multiple cup runs.

There was an option to buy included, and it sounds as though David Moyes is keen to retain his services for the new campaign and beyond after what he’s seen from the goalkeeper.

The Latest: Areola closing in on move

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Areola’s move is now ‘getting closer’ to being completed as the club continue to hold talks. He wrote:

“West Ham are finally progressing in talks to sign Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal, agreement now getting closer – positive feelings on player side too.

“West Ham are increasingly confident as Areola deal will cost around €12m.”

The Verdict: Fantastic track record

With Nayef Aguerd already having put pen to paper with the Hammers, Areola is now likely to become Moyes’ second official signing of the summer, and it’s easy to see why the boss was desperate to keep hold of him.

Despite only making 15 appearances in goal across all competitions due to being the second-choice option to Lukasz Fabianski, the 29-year-old kept a total of eight clean sheets, as per Transfermarkt, highlighting that he rarely makes any mistakes when named in the starting line-up.

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse must have been given some kind of assurance that he’ll receive more game time if he committed himself to the club moving forward, but this is a hugely positive step in the right direction and one that sets West Ham up for a big few weeks of business.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou managed to end his debut season in charge of the Bhoys in a rather successful fashion.

In addition to taking the SPFL title away from Rangers and back to Parkhead, the Hoops also ended the campaign with the best attack and best defensive record in the division.

With 38 games played, Celtic scored 92 goals and conceded just 22, which is 12 more than Rangers scored and nine fewer than they conceded.

One figure in the squad that didn’t contribute that much to Celtic’s impressive season was Christopher Jullien.

Despite missing the majority of the season through injury, the defender – who has had one performance back in 2020 labelled as a “shocker” by Tam McManus – didn’t get that much of a look in when he was available.

He ultimately only played 16 minutes of action for his side, which came during their 4-0 win over Raith Rovers in the Scottish FA Cup back in February.

This, and the fact that a report from The Athletic claimed that the club would be willing to let the £20k-per-week centre-back leave the club this summer, doesn’t make the chances of him featuring much for the Hoops moving forward look particularly high.

With that in mind, if the Frenchman does end up waving goodbye to the Parkhead club this summer, one figure that they have been linked with recently that could be a good replacement for Jullien is Ben Davies.

Last season saw the Liverpool centre-back spend the campaign on loan with Sheffield United in the Championship.

During his time with the Yorkshire club, the centre-back made 22 appearances in total, in which he made 29 interceptions, won 18 tackles and ended the campaign with an average of 2.6 clearances per game.

This shows the sort of defensive credentials the Englishman, who has been described as “outstanding” in the past by Preston North End executive Peter Risdale, has and why he’d be a useful asset for the Hoops.

Moving forward, if Postecoglou wants to add another centre-back to his ranks that can act as some competition for the likes of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, then Davies could be the ideal candidate to come in and make a stake for a place in the side, especially if Jullien ends up leaving.

AND in other news: Celtic now given green light to sign “incredibly fast” £5m talent, Ange surely buzzing

A big claim has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of landing Youri Tielemans in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the Magpies are capable of offering the Belgian international enough money to make him consider a switch to Tyneside.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“They’ve obviously got the financial backing to go out there and sign the best players, and I’m sure they could make a lucrative offer to Tielemans if they do pursue a move for the Belgium international.

“That will be the way that they will try and persuade him to make the move to St James Park ahead of other clubs.”

Supporters would love it

This claim will surely leave Toon supporters buzzing for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it highlights the financial strength that PIF have given the club in the transfer market. Instead of shopping in the bargain basement, Newcastle can afford to make offers that other teams are unable to match – tempting players into making a move to St. James’ Park.

Magpies supporters would also love it if Eddie Howe managed to bring Tielemans in ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as he would be an exceptional signing.

The gem, who signed for Leicester for £35m from Monaco, is a proven Premier League performer who would come in and instantly improve the team.

Brendan Rodgers previously hailed the maestro’s talents, saying: “He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see.”

In four top-flight campaigns in England, the Belgian international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.00 or higher in each season. Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes was the only Newcastle central midfielder with a score higher than 6.93 last term, showing that Tielemans would improve Howe’s options in the middle of the park.

He has also shown that he can chip in with contributions in the final third, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists in the 2020/21 and 2022/23 seasons combined.

Supporters would surely love to see a proven, consistent, talent – with potential to grow at the age of 25 – arrive through the door this summer. He has the quality to make a big impact on the team and the fans will be hoping that a ‘lucrative’ offer is made for him in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Newcastle given green light to pursue £58m gem who’s “exploded”, imagine him & Wilson…