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Aston Villa are ‘still interested’ in signing Chelsea’s Ross Barkley this summer, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Surplus to requirements

Barkley, who Frank Lampard described as ‘first-class’ back in 2020, is into the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract.

The attacking midfielder is reportedly free to find a new club which would bring an end to his four-and-a-half-year stay with the Blues.

Villa took the 28-year-old on loan for the 2020/21 campaign, and it appears as if Johan Lange is keen on bringing the player back to the Midlands.

The Latest: Phillips’ post

Phillips took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon to provide an update on Barkley’s situation.

The journalist, who linked Villa with a move last weekend, confirmed that Steven Gerrard’s side are ‘still interested’ in a transfer but face competition from the likes of Brighton, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton, while Celtic have now made a ‘permanent’ offer.

The Verdict: Avoid?

Barkley has scored 52 senior goals for club and country during his career, three of which came when playing for Villa. However, Gerrard seems fairly well-stocked when it comes to attacking midfielders with Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia, so a move for Barkley doesn’t appear to be crucial.

The club could be better off looking to bolster their central midfield or centre-forward ranks instead, with Gerrard using a 4-3-1-2 system in the win over Everton.

Should he continue with that system, you could argue that Barkley would be third choice behind Coutinho and Buendia, so may not get much game time.

Wolves are open to the idea of selling centre-back Willy Boly to Nottingham Forest this summer, reliable journalist Steve Madeley has claimed.

The Lowdown: Boly a Wolves stalwart

The Ivory Coast defender has been a strong performer for the Old Gold over a sustained period of time, helping them return to the Premier League in 2018 and making 147 appearances in total.

However, Boly has become a less important figure in recent years, mainly because injuries have continually hampered his progress in frustrating fashion.

At 31 years of age, it could also be that his best days are behind him, with his current contract expiring next summer.

The Latest: Madeley makes Boly exit claim

Taking to Twitter in sharing a piece for The Athletic, Madeley confirmed Forest’s interest in Boly and added that Wolves could allow him to move to the City Ground. He tweeted:

“As per @JPercyTelegraph, Wolves have rejected a Nottingham Forest bid of around £1m for Willy Boly. Get the impression they would consider selling but not at that price nor without having a replacement lined up.”

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The Verdict: Right time to sell?

Boly will always be a hero to Wolves fans, given the quality and commitment that he has provided over the years – former Molineux defender Joleon Lescott previously called him an ‘instrumental’ presence at the back – but it now feels like the right time to sell.

A colossal presence during the memorable 2019/20 season when he featured regularly for the Old Gold and won four headers per game, the Ivorian’s number in that regard was 50% lower last term as he managed only 10 league appearances [WhoScored].

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With the likes of Max Kilman and Nathan Collins now being preferred at the back, it is difficult to see the 31-year-old getting much of a look-in under Bruno Lage, barring injuries to the current starters.

The fact that Boly is into the final year of his contract also means that now is the last realistic opportunity for Wolves to earn a transfer fee for him, rather than losing him on a free transfer in 2023.

Manchester City have been known to splash out vast transfer fees to bring new players to the club over recent years.

One player for whom the club once broke their record transfer fee to sign is Rodri, who came in from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019.

With 155 appearances for the Citizens to his name, the Spaniard has scored 13 goals, provided ten assists and won two Premier League titles.

As the latest summer transfer window draws to a close, the remaining days until Thursday’s deadline could give Pep Guardiola the chance to bring in someone who could be their next version of Rodri.

One man who has been mentioned with a move to the Etihad Stadium recently and who could fit this bill is AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer.

After making 77 appearances for Empoli, in which he scored two goals and provided six assists, the 24-year-old joined his current club in 2019. Since then, the Algerian has played 107 times for the Rossoneri across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and seven assists.

To give an insight into what sort of player Bennacer is and how he operates on the pitch, legendary former Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi had this to say about the midfielder earlier this month: “He’s always ready to press the opponents and shorten the space between the lines. Also, he is good at moving the ball quickly. The speed of touch is fundamental in modern football.”

Having also been described by Giuseppe Bergomias a figure who “dominates in the middle on the pitch due to his personality and technical qualities”, only Sandro Tonali (309) made more midfield pressures for Milan than the Algerian (213) in Serie A last season. 

In comparison, Rodri topped City’s list for the same statistic by making 254 pressures in the midfield third of the pitch.

Both players also came third in their respective squads in terms of the number of passes they played into the final third of the pitch, with Bennacer making 94 passes and the City star making 242.

Overall, as another young midfielder who is currently making a name for himself at one of Europe’s big clubs, a switch to the Etihad this summer for the Milan ace could mirror the Spain international’s 2019 move to City and give the Premier League champions their next version of the 26-year-old.

Liverpool could look to the Championship to solve their midfield issues…

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, the Reds will focus their pursuits on Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge rather than the reported Douglas Luiz.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he claimed: “Klopp finally admitted they need some help in that area. I’ve not heard Douglas Luiz myself, but I heard they were interested in Sander Berge at Sheffield United.”

He is reportedly available for £35m which owes to a release clause.

Forget about Luiz

The hulking Norwegian has been a midfield colossus since signing for the Blades in 2020.

Still just 24 years old, Berge struggled for fitness and did not feature much during their stint in the Premier League.

However, since dropping down to the Championship he has proved how, with his immense physicality and wonderful technique, he would be a much better option for Jurgen Klopp than Luiz.

The Brazilian only boasts five goals and seven assists in his 106 Premier League appearances, whereas Berge last season scored five and assisted three, albeit in the second-tier.

For a side that dominates possession like Klopp’s to opt for the more offensive-minded midfielder would be integral.

It is especially important given how Fabinho will likely lock down the deeper role for many years to come, whereas Thiago and Jordan Henderson are 31 and 32 years old respectively.

Berge’s season has started in a similar fashion, with two goals and two assists in just seven games, whilst also boasting 1.3 key passes per game as well.

He could be the added piece of firepower needed to unlock the deep defences Liverpool often face, using his technique and brute strength to bully down the door.

Conversely, Luiz has started this season with just 0.5 key passes per game, creating zero big chances. His lack of forward-thinking would not make him a good fit at Anfield, where they would prefer the all-action style of the Sheffield United man.

In terms of how Klopp hopes to play, with an entertaining and attacking style, as well as with the type of midfielder that he is in need of, all signs point towards signing Berge over Luiz.

Tottenham Hotspur could be back in the frame for Josko Gvardiol next year, Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic writes.

The lowdown

Spurs’ London rivals Chelsea tried to sign Gvardiol in the final knockings of the summer transfer window.

As per The Athletic, they held talks with RB Leipzig over a deal that would have been worth £60.5million.

But the Bundesliga club then significantly upped their asking price to £77.8million, before tying the Croatian down to a new contract and thwarting the Blues.

The 20-year-old has now been tied down until the summer of 2027 in a move that may increase his value even further.

The Athletic reported back in the spring that Gvardiol is top of Antonio Conte’s list of possible long-term centre-back additions.

The latest

Pitt-Brooke took to Twitter to tell Tottenham fans that Gvardiol’s name could certainly resurface in future windows.

Spurs are ‘big fans’ of the Croatian and may well factor in the hotly-contested race for his signature, alongside the Blues.

“Certainly one to keep an eye on for 2023,” he said. “Chelsea and Tottenham obviously both big fans of his and they’re not the only ones.”

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The verdict

Gvardiol’s potential sale could be one of the biggest moves of the next calendar year.

He looks a special prospect, and that’s reflected by his nomination for Tuttosport’s 2022 Golden Boy Award, given to the best Under-21 player on the continent.

Compatriot Ivica Olic has called him ‘extraordinary’ and says ‘all the top clubs in Europe know about him’, while former Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche has billed him ‘one of the greatest European defensive talents’.

Spurs may have signed Clement Lenglet from FC Barcelona, but that’s only a loan deal, and so there may be a vacancy for Gvardiol come the end of the season.

Manchester United are reportedly set to miss out on signing Wolves star Ruben Neves next summer, with Barcelona now looking like his most likely destination.

The Lowdown: Neves linked with United move

The Red Devils were linked with a new central midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro eventually coming in.

One player who was also tipped to move to United was Neves, who looked highly likely to leave Wolves after waving goodbye to the fans at the end of last season. Instead, the Portuguese ended up staying put, however, with a 2023 exit now on the cards.

The Latest: Barca switch looks likely

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Neves is convinced that he can secure a move to Barcelona next summer, joining the Xavi revolution at the Nou Camp.

The Catalan giants see the 25-year-old as Sergio Busquets’ natural replacement, with the legendary midfielder leaving at the end of the current campaign. The report confirms that United ‘contacted the agents’ of Neves this summer but to no avail.

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The Verdict: Tough competition

The lure of Barca is huge for most players, arguably especially for Brazilian and Portuguese footballers, considering some of the icons from those countries who have played for them down the years.

For that reason, it has always felt difficult for United to get their man instead of the La Liga heavyweights, which is perhaps why they signed Casemiro instead.

It is a potential blow for Erik ten Hag, though, considering Neves’ playmaking qualities in the middle of the park, but there will be other top-class options out there next year.

Southampton have recruited well over the years, with plenty going on to sell for big money and reach the top of the game.

This period of fine acquisitions unsurprisingly has brought about many cult heroes at the St Mary’s Stadium.

Not only will Saints supporters look back upon these players fondly, but the way in which they have often take the Premier League by storm leads supporters of rival clubs to also reminisce.

One player which certainly stimulates this feeling within both camps is Italian marksman Graziano Pelle, who excelled during his short two-year spell on the south coast.

Standing at a hulking 6 -foot-3, the now 37-year-old was blessed with fine technical ability and could score goals with both feet and his head.

It made the fact that he was brought in for just £9m in 2014 even more ludicrous after he had just scored 55 goals in 66 games for Feyenoord.

The Saints currently have just seven goals in their opening seven Premier League fixtures, and if they could add the prime Italian to their side now, they would have all the ingredients for a side capable of challenging the status quo.

In his debut season, he scored 12 goals and assisted twice, helping fire his side to a seventh-place finish and a spot in the Europa League for the coming season.

Whilst they would not get past the qualifying rounds, Pelle scored another 11 in the league but this time offered up seven assists too as they squeezed into sixth place that year.

With each season it was clear he was improving, with the quality of goals becoming higher and higher. He was described as having produced “another magical display” back in October 2014, outlining the frequency with which he was performing at such a standard.

His form also earned him an international call-up, where he would score nine times in just 20 appearances for Italy.

However, when China came calling for the 30-year-old, it became a financial incentive that he simply could not refuse.

Pelle ended his growth at Southampton with a move to Shandong Luneng, but what they wouldn’t give to have a man of his quality back up front for them now.

Since the sale of Danny Ings, they have struggled for guaranteed goals, with Armando Broja offering a stop-gap last season whilst on loan from Chelsea.

Ronald Koeman played a blinder when he brought Pelle in, and Ralph Hasenhuttl would surely love to have him back now in his prime.

Former Scotland international Alan Hutton has talked up Liverpool-linked young star Mykhaylo Mudryk, calling him an ‘outstanding talent’.

The Lowdown: Liverpool set to scout Mudryk

The 21-year-old is arguably maturing into one of Europe’s most exciting young players, producing some superb performances for Shakhtar Donetsk.

Mudryk has been linked with a host of top clubs in recent times, such is his ability, and Liverpool are one of those who have been tipped to snap him up, with reports that Anfield scouts are set to watch him up close this week against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

With the Reds enduring a tough start to the season, a January move could potentially come to fruition.

The Latest: Hutton praises Mudryk

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton admitted that Mudryk could find it hard to play every game for Liverpool but talked up the idea of him moving to Anfield.

The BBC radio pundit said:

“The only thing with Liverpool is you see the players that they’ve already got.

“The likes of [Luis] Diaz, is he [Mudryk] going to go there and play? I think he’s an outstanding young player. He’s only 21, he’s lightning quick, and he makes things happen. He just picks up the ball and glides past players and before you know it he’s in the box having a shot.

“He started this season really well, I had the opportunity to watch him a couple of times so it doesn’t surprise me that all these teams are looking at him.

“His next move, for him to develop, he’ll want to play games. He won’t want to go to Liverpool to just sit on the bench. That being said, it makes you better when you’ve got competition like that. It’s really down to the fee and where he fancies but he’s an outstanding talent.”

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The Verdict: Sign him up, FSG

Some players come along who look truly special and Mudryk is one of those, boasting effortless natural ability and being able to beat players and produce consistent end product.

The Ukrainian has already registered 15 assists in just 32 appearances for Shakhtar, which is a magnificent return, and he could provide Liverpool with some much-needed extra guile.

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He has already made four successful dribbles in the Champions League group stage this season, in addition to scoring twice and setting up another two goals in the competition.

Mudryk can thrive on the left wing and also in a more left-sided central midfield role – using him in the latter at Anfield could give the team a very different and more vibrant feel, considering the doubts which have been aired over Jurgen Klopp’s current options in that position.

Glasgow Rangers appointed Giovanni van Bronckhorst as their manager in November of 2021 and the Dutch head coach has enjoyed a successful time at Ibrox so far.

The Light Blues chief, who spent time at the club during his playing days, led the club to a Europa League final and won the SFA Cup last season, whilst he also secured Champions League group stage football – something Steven Gerrard was never able to achieve – this term.

Not all appointments have worked out for the Gers over the years, though, and one man who found life in Scotland difficult to adjust to in the hot seat was Frenchman Paul Le Guen.

He had won the Ligue 1 title with Lyon in each of his last three seasons in management prior to arriving at Rangers in 2006 and only lasted 23 Premiership matches – winning 11 and losing six – before leaving his post.

His results on the pitch left plenty to be desired and one of his first transfer decisions at Ibrox also turned out to be a huge mistake as he allowed Ross McCormack to leave for nothing.

The then-youngster joined Motherwell on a free transfer after scoring three goals in 13 first-team appearances for the club prior to that summer.

Le Guen seemingly decided that he was not good enough for the senior squad at the time and McCormack has since gone on to enjoy an excellent career.

After joining Motherwell, the Scottish attacker moved to Wales to join Cardiff and scored 30 goals in 88 appearances for the Bluebirds before signing for Leeds United, where he racked up 58 goals and 31 assists in 157 outings.

His form at Elland Road earned him an £11m transfer to Fulham and he was phenomenal for them as he scored 44 goals and provided 22 assists in 100 matches.

He was then at the centre of a tug of war in the summer of 2016 as Norwich and Aston Villa, who had both been relegated from the Premier League, battled it out for his signature. The Villans ended up landing him in a deal worth up to £14m after the Canaries had offered an initial £11m.

This means that he went from leaving Rangers for nothing to being worth a sizeable sum in a short amount of time, having bagged an impressive 132 goals for Fulham, Leeds, and Cardiff combined.

Therefore, Le Guen had a disaster by allowing McCormack to leave as the club missed out on a prolific scorer and creator who went on to accumulate a hefty amount of money in transfer fees throughout his career.

Light Blues fans may look back and wonder what could have been had the attacker been shown an ounce of faith by the French manager and given a chance to impress in the Premiership.

Instead, they had to watch on as he racked up huge profits and goal tallies for his respective clubs in England and Wales.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty must not be doing enough in training to impress manager Antonio Conte, says reporter Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Emerson favoured…

The right-wing-back slot has been a major point of debate so far this season at Spurs with defender Emerson Royal consistently being favoured for the role.

Conte’s favouritism of the former Real Betis star has been questioned with Emerson featuring far more at full-back on that side than any of Tottenham’s other options – namely Doherty and summer signing Djed Spence.

The latter pair have struggled to break past Emerson for Premier League minutes and reporter Brown believes this could be down to behind-the-scenes factors.

The Latest: Brown makes Doherty claim…

The journalist claims something may have gone on with Spence at N17 whilst Doherty will simply not be doing enough to convince Conte in training when compared to his Brazilian counterpart.

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Brown explained to GiveMeSport, when asked about the RWB situation:

“Something has obviously happened there, because it’s clear that Conte did not push to sign Djed Spence and doesn’t think he’s ready and it’s clear Doherty is not doing in training what Emerson is.”

The Verdict: Interesting…

Doherty was thriving at one point towards the back end of last season before his injury, earning rave reviews for his performances under Conte at right-back.

The Republic of Ireland international, called an ‘exceptional player’ by pundit and former Sunderland defender Gary Breen, clearly possesses quality on his day so it’s intriguing to see his lack of game time.

As for Spence, the exciting talent is perhaps still too raw for Conte’s liking but his performances for Nottingham Forest last year back that there is also a good player there.

It will certainly be interesting to see if either man can force their way past Emerson and into Conte’s favour over the coming campaign.