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After bringing him to the club back in the summer of 2015, then Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood made it clear just how “delighted” he was at getting a deal done for Jordan Veretout.

He said: “He has played over 140 games in Ligue 1 and is a really exciting young player. I know Veretout is very highly rated over in France, so we are delighted to get this deal over the line.”

But a year later however, and things hadn’t turned out the way either the player or the club would have wanted at Villa Park, with the team going through a roller-coaster period of managerial changes and relegation from the Premier League as well.

In the end, the Frenchman was shipped out on loan, before eventually sealing a more permanent exit away from the club when he joined Serie A outfit Fiorentina for around £6m in 2017.

Since then, he has been nothing short of incredible, enjoying an impressive rise which is now seeing him shine for one of Italian football’s biggest clubs in AS Roma – the kind of upturn in form that surely has Villa fans wondering ‘what if?’.

Last season saw him develop into an elite goal-scoring midfielder, netting ten times in 29 games in the Serie A alone, including a match-saving brace against Juventus in a 2-2 draw.

This campaign has seen him start off in a similar fashion, bagging three goals in just two league games – a couple of those came in a win against his former club Fiorentina.

It’s no surprise, then, that his market value has shot up considerably, with Transfermarkt now rating him at £29.7m – almost five times the amount for which Villa actually sold him.

While things didn’t quite work out at Villa Park, there were some behind the scenes who did see his potential, with caretaker manager Kevin McDonald, in particular, saying: “Jordan is a wonderful passer of the ball. He will get better. And he is looking to impose himself in training games. Now he has to do that over a period of time. If he does that, he will be a very, very good player.

“Glenn Hoddle didn’t have to run up and down the pitch. But he was the most wonderful passer this country had in a long, long time. It’s not about being a holding midfielder or an attacking midfielder – Jordan needs to be a midfielder who gets on the ball more than anybody else in the team.”

Niggling injuries didn’t help his cause, but the 28-year-old didn’t even take to the pitch for any of Villa’s last seven Premier League games of the 2015/2016 season, not even making the matchday squad in four of them.

When you see the way he is shining now, though, there must surely be a sense of regret that they couldn’t keep hold of Veretout or ever get to see the best of him at Villa Park.

Given Dean Smith tried to sign a new central midfielder this summer in Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, had Villa not cashed in on Veretout, they may well have had that part of their squad addressed.

Meanwhile, fresh details have emerged on this Aston Villa swoop…

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has tipped Bailey Wright to feature from the start in the Black Cats’ trip to Fleetwood this weekend in the absence of Tom Flanagan.

The Lowdown: Wright is an experienced head at the back for Sunderland

Becoming an important squad player in the northeast, the Australian has made 51 appearances during his time at the Stadium of Light, scoring twice [Transfermarkt].

He has previously earned high praise for his impact at Sunderland, once being labelled as a ‘great signing’ by his former manager Phil Parkinson [The Northern Echo].

He has now been tipped to get the nod for the Wearsiders’ trip to Fleetwood this weekend, with defensive counterpart Flanagan suspended for the clash.

The Latest: Phillips believes Wright should get the nod versus Fleetwood

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, former England striker Phillips was very complimentary about the Australia international

He said: “100 per cent Wright starts. It will be a straight swap. Bailey Wright came on at the weekend when they were trying to shut up shop so he’s got minutes under his belt.

“It’s a big blow losing Flanagan because he’s formed a great partnership with Doyle. They really compliment each other well.

“They have an understanding. Their distances are always spot on. They look tight. The back four on the whole look like a good unit.

“I think it will be a straight swap with Bailey Wright and I have no problem with that because he has experience and leadership qualities. The minutes at the weekend will have really helped him. Hopefully he has got rid of that rustiness.

“He’s shown that he is a top defender. We saw that before he got injured at Oxford last season. He’s a great player to have in the background and it’s a big opportunity for him to stake his claim in the starting XI again.”

The Verdict: Wright should start for Sunderland on Saturday

Rightfully, Phillips points to Wright’s experience and ability to lead the backline as a key factor as to why he should get the nod this weekend.

So far this season, the 29-year-old has made seven appearances for Lee Johnson’s men in all competitions [Transfermarkt]. His most impressive quality within this timeframe has been his capability to sniff out danger, averaging 4.5 clearances per game thus far in the current campaign [WhoScored].

As the Black Cats gear up for another crucial battle in the context of their promotion aspirations, Wright may well be the best option at centre-half as they aim to shut out the Fleetwood attack.

In other news, a significant clause has appeared in a Sunderland players contract. Find out more here.

Two touches are all it took for Odsonne Edouard to score his first goal for his new club after packing his bags and leaving Celtic behind.

The Parkhead hero was a dominative figure inside the penalty area for the Hoops and after finally earning his move south of the border, the former Bhoys striker has continued his career in ruthless fashion.

Edouard was a late substitute as Crystal Palace defeated Tottenham last weekend and in the process of taking just five touches of the ball in a ten minute period, he found the net twice.

Coincidentally, the forward isn’t the first Frenchman to flee the nest and go onto greater things.

Moussa Dembele left Celtic on a permanent basis in the same summer that Edouard became a proper part of the furniture in Glasgow.

His subsequent rise is something that Edouard will look to for hope but Dembele’s chance of returning to Glasgow has been robbed.

He was set to play for Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night when they take on Rangers but he has been ruled out of the clash with an injury.

It’s fortunate news for the Gers because Dembele has been in wonderful form this season, scoring four goals in five outings.

This comes after his time at Lyon looked in doubt. He was loaned out to Atletico Madrid last term but scored just once in all competitions for his parent and loan club.

More often than not, Dembele has been in the goals though. New teammate Xherdan Shaqiri described him as “one of the best” in Europe this week and it’s evident why.

The 25-year-old has beaten the goalkeeper on 49 occasions in 113 appearances for the French club and in the process, has seen his value increase rapidly since leaving Celtic.

During the 2019/20 season, his market valued per Transfermarkt soared to an eye-catching £45m, a rise of £25.3m for the £55k-per-week earner. That came as he hit the back of the net 24 times in 46 outings.

However, his price has rapidly decreased to below what Celtic sold him for in 2018. Lyon pounced to acquire his services for £19.7m but after a dismal 2020/21 campaign, he is now rated at £18m.

On that evidence, the Hoops did quite well to get what they did for him. However, given his renewed ruthless streak this term, that value is expected to rise again.

He could also join Edouard in the Premier League soon.

Regular links with Arsenal have occurred and judging by their heritage of French strikers, Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord and co, he’d be an exciting signing.

AND in other news, Postecoglou must unleash Celtic’s “tricky” rarely-seen 19 y/o after big Hoops blow…

When Rafa Benitez was announced as the new manager of Everton Football Club, it was apparent that he’d need a quickfire start devoid of controversy.

News of his appointment had not gone down well with Toffees supporters due to his allegiances to the red side of Merseyside but fortunately, Benitez was able to prevent negativity and prove them wrong.

Everton started the season in flying fashion and after the opening four matches of the season, they were level on points with the league leaders.

Yet, proceedings have gone downhill since. They have lost Dominic Calvert-Levin, Richarlison, Seamus Coleman and Jordan Pickford to injury.

They were swatted aside with ease by Aston Villa last weekend and now they are out of the Carabao Cup too.

The Goodison Park outfit had a genuine chance of winning this competition but they went out in the worst way possible; on penalties.

As expected, Benitez fielded a team that combined youth and experience, but unfortunately, it was his senior heads that let him down the most against QPR.

Twice the Rs took the lead but Everton fought back before losing on penalties.

One of the worst displays came from £100k-per-week Alex Iwobi. The winger has done little to justify his £34m price tag since arriving from Arsenal with just five goals to his name at Everton.

He wasn’t involved in any of the goals against QPR as he turned in a languid display.

With Demarai Gray not starting and Richarlison ruled out, this was an ideal opportunity for the Nigerian to prove his worth, especially against Championship opposition.

However, he flopped for Benitez in a performance that severely let the manager down.

During his 90 minutes on the field, Iwobi completed two dribbles and also provided two key passes but typically, his end product was ultimately lacking.

His pass success rate of 75% was extremely disappointing while the winger was also feeble in physical situations.

Iwobi won just 22.2% of the defensive duels he was involved in, winning only two all night. In surrendering possession 13 times, he also lost the ball every 3.1 touches.

Against a team in the second-tier, the former Arsenal gem should have been running rampant. Sadly, he never looked like threatening their backline.

AND in other news, Everton rocked by big blow after weekend development, Benitez will be seething…

Former Leeds United star David Norris insists that Raphinha has every attribute required to play as a number 10 for the club this season.

The Brazilian has been a bright spot for Marcelo Bielsa’s side despite their poor Premier League form.

Leeds have yet to win a game and have been thumped twice, 5-1 by Manchester United and 3-0 by Liverpool.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian has scored three times and has been electric at points with his running and his trickery.

Raphinha has played as a right winger throughout the season but Transfermarkt stats show that he has played as a number 10 for Leeds in one previous game, in a 1-0 win over Everton in which he scored the winner.

And Norris believes that the star has the ability to thrive as a playmaker at Elland Road, should manager Marcelo Bielsa decide to deploy him in such a way throughout the remainder of the campaign.

He said: “I think a lot of the wingers with that type of quality and the way he plays can play as 10s. I think a lot of teams, you will see a winger who can drop in at 10 or a 10 out on the wing because of the type of players they are and the way they play.

“It will be making sure they get him on the ball, find him in them pockets, where he can turn and do his stuff, which will be on him as well. But from what I’ve seen of him, and I like him, I think that 10 role could suit him really well.”

A number of Manchester United fans have slammed the performance of Luke Shaw in their 1-1 draw to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

Andros Townsend managed to earn a point for the visitors after Anthony Martial had scored in the first half, and many of the Old Trafford faithful felt that the England left-back was largely at fault for the equaliser.

The former Southampton defender found himself completely out of position as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team were ripped apart on the counterattack, and Townsend’s strike ended up coming down his flank.

Shaw did not have his best game by his standards, losing out on six of his duels, and he also lost possession of the ball on 17 occasions, the joint-third most of any of his teammates (Sofascore).

Man Utd fans slam Shaw

These Red Devils supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one United fan even going as far as to claim that the 26-year-old was ‘pathetic’ yesterday:

“Luke Shaw is also low key horrible at actual defending. Basically left his position and left Townsend free.”

Credit: @chisomilokah

“Shaw was absolutely pathetic.”

Credit: @SAKhaaan

“Shaw very poor, clearly unfit but the stupid puppet started him. Just sack the stupid Mr Yes”

Credit: @Cherif227

“Shaw has been terrible”

Credit: @ChoteyMamu

“That was shocking from Shaw for the goal as well”

Credit: @Paulwarwick84

“Fred got bullied there but Shaw is so far out of position it’s laughable.”

Credit: @blainewitten

In other news, find out whose display against Everton was also slammed

West Ham could have to pay more than £22million to sign Club Brugge youngster Charles De Ketelaere, according to journalist Mo Messoudi.

The Lowdown: West Ham linked with De Ketelaere move

The Hammers are reportedly interested in signing the 20-year-old, according to a story earlier this week, with Everton also linked with a move.

De Ketelaere is one of Belgium’s most exciting emerging talents, already scoring four times in the Jupiler Pro League this season, as well as registering two assists.

The Latest: Journalist makes big claim

If West Ham are genuinely keen on making a bid for the Belgian, however, they are expected to have to break the bank to acquire his services.

That’s according to Messoudi, who told Gazet van Antwerpen [via West Ham Zone] that they would have to pay more than the £22million Rennes spent on Jeremy Doku, which is the current outgoing transfer record in Belgium:

“Club Brugge used him smartly last season, and he did not burn out. They allowed him to rest at the right time and put him on the bench. Now, De Ketelaere is reaping the benefits.

“As an attacking all-rounder, he’s even (Club Brugge’s) top scorer.

“For me, De Ketelaere is the most valuable player in Belgium at the moment. I am sure he will break the outgoing transfer record set by Jeremy Doku.”

The Verdict: Worth the money?

De Ketelaere is clearly a special young talent, so West Ham could be wise to take a gamble on him and pay a huge amount of money.

He has already made 85 appearances for Brugge, despite his tender years, with 11 goals and 13 assists in that time proof that his game also contains substance.

De Ketelaere has scored once in two caps for Belgium, too, suggesting a bright international career awaits him, further highlighting why West Ham would be wise to make a move.

In other news, a journalist has made a transfer claim regarding one rumoured West Ham target. Find out who it is here.

Noel Whelan has revealed his excitement over Leeds United’s proposed expansion plans at Elland Road amid Phil Hay’s recent £250m claim.

What’s the story?

During a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay revealed that the club are completely committed to redeveloping Elland Road and increasing the capacity there, even suggesting that those inside the club feel it could bump up the annual revenue over £250m.

And now, in response to that news, Whelan has revealed his excitement about Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s future.

He said: “This would be huge. The demand for tickets at Leeds means everything is sold out. Even for League Cup games, you’ve got 36,000 there and that just shows the strength of the fanbase and the excitement around the club at the moment.

“It’s a massive step forward, for revenue through tickets and sheer strength in numbers with the support. If they increased the capacity to 55,000, they would sell it out week-in, week-out – there’s no doubt about it.

“The other part of it is the possibility of holding World Cups and European Championships in this country – you want the stadium to be part of hosting these games. It’s another step forward and another progression for the club.”

Leeds United’s ambition

With a current capacity of just over 37,000, Leeds have the 11th biggest stadium in the Premier League, behind the likes of Everton and Aston Villa – if their plans to make it a 55,000 seater come to fruition, then that would see them leapfrog a number of big clubs, including that of Liverpool and their home of Anfield.

While a larger stadium isn’t necessarily a guarantee of greater times or success – you only have to look at the likes of Arsenal and Spurs to see that in recent years – it is another major statement of ambition.

As Whelan says, a bigger home could lead to more opportunities both on the pitch and off it, especially in terms of a financial venture. Spurs for example have their agreement with the NFL and hosting games on their turf, pulling in some extra eyes and money from that deal.

If Leeds are to make that next step, then repurposing Elland Road to match their Premier League status and ambition is key, and it’s something that is sure to excite their loyal fans.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

Unai Emery is one of the leading names on Newcastle United’s shortlist of potential Steve Bruce replacements, according to The Times. 

The lowdown

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope says there’s ‘no doubt’ that Bruce will soon be dismissed in the wake of Sunday’s 3-2 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, which has left Newcastle 19th in the Premier League table.

Emery is currently in charge at La Liga outfit Villarreal, who are competing in this season’s Champions League after beating Manchester United on penalties to win the 2020/21 Europa League final.

It was the fourth time Emery had won the competition after an earlier hat-trick with Sevilla, and the 10th major trophy he has won in his managerial career (via Transfermarkt).

The Spaniard has taken 34 victories from 68 matches in charge of the Yellow Submarine, equating to a 50% win percentage, while he has previously managed two huge clubs in Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

He left the Parc des Princes after being informed that his contract would not be renewed, and he was sacked by Arsenal after a seven-game winless run nearly two years ago.

The latest

The report from The Times claimed that Newcastle will ‘step up their search’ for Bruce’s successor this week.

Emery has now emerged as one of the top contenders for the position on Tyneside, with Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and Belgium’s Roberto Martinez also named as principal candidates.

The verdict

It had previously been reported that Newcastle would only pursue out-of-work managers, but now it seems they’re willing to incur the costs of luring a big name from elsewhere.

Emery’s record is mixed and it’s hard to imagine that the appointment would win unanimous approval.

We should remember, though, that the season before things went south at the Emirates Stadium in his last taste of his English football, he had overseen a 22-game unbeaten run, while he had been hailed as an “outstanding” manager by Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

It’s fair to say he’s been rebuilding his reputation at Villarreal, while his trophy-winning record should appeal to Newcastle supporters, who have been starved of major silverware for more than 50 years now.

In other news, could this be a dream hire for Newcastle?

With a total of 14 goals scored in the Premier League with ten games played so far this season, Aston Villa have not struggled to put the ball in the back of the net compared to some of the other teams currently around them in the league table.

However, it seems as though Dean Smith’s side are eyeing up the opportunity to add another attacking talent to their squad in the near future to help strengthen their side going forward.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Ole (via Sport Witness) that Villa have been keeping a close eye on River Plate striker Julian Alvarez over the past year and are apparently willing to negotiate with the Argentinian club over a potential transfer for their attacking star.

The report also claims that AC Milan, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid have an interest in Alvarez alongside Villa, which could make it tough for the Midlands club to potentially secure the player.

Dream move

As a product of River Plate’s youth system, the 21-year-old, who is currently valued at £18m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 88 appearances for the club across all competitions in which he has managed to score 27 goals and provide 23 assists along the way, which is probably why so many clubs across Europe, including Villa, have an eye on the Argentine.

So far this season, Alvarez, who has been described as a “serious” player by Marcelo Gallardo, has managed to rack up an impressive 11 goals and six assists in 14 league appearances, suggesting he’d be a dream signing from an offensive point of view.

The forward really lives up to the aforementioned praise with an average of 2.9 shots and 1.6 key passes per game, showing how much of a danger he is from an attacking point of view. If we line those statistics up with everyone in Smith’s squad, he’d top the charts for both areas.

In terms of a potential move to Villa, we feel that this could be a wonderful signing for Johan Lange and co to secure at Villa Park given their poor run of form, how young Alvarez is and the attacking talent he’s shown at a fairly young age. With that final factor in mind, it could make him a solid long-term replacement for Danny Ings who will be turning 30 in July.

However, with the other clubs reportedly interested in the attacker and the possible hefty price tag that River Plate could put on him given he’s one of their own and in brilliant form at the moment, it could make it a challenge for the Midlands club to secure his signature.

In other news: Ashley Preece has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa’s recent Premier League struggles…