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Aston Villa have shown over the past few years just how capable they are when it comes to spending money on bringing new players to the club such as Emi Buendia, Danny Ings and Lucas Digne to name just a few of their more recent recruits.

With the summer transfer window set to open for business at the end of the season, it seems as though a clue has emerged as to what the Villans could be looking to do during the window.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones had this to say about Villa and what he thinks they will be doing during the summer window.

He said: “I think there will be quite a lot of exits at Villa. I think that [Steven] Gerrard will almost demand that because he needs to get a grip on this squad and have it reflect his own identity and personality.”

Fans will be buzzing

Taking into account how the Midlands club moved a number of their current players out on loan deals during January such as Matt Targett, Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Wesley among others, these are the sort of players that would seem the likeliest to be sold on a permanent basis in the summer if they aren’t likely to be regular first-team players.

If those did depart permanently, then fans would surely be delighted considering their previous exploits in the Midlands.

With the likes of Trezeguet and Wesley only managing to score a combined total of 15 goals in 90 appearances for the club between them, there’s a good chance that they not be seen as having the sort of attacking quality that is needed for the current Villa boss to reach his ambitions of taking the club into Europe.

Seeing this sort of ruthlessness and getting rid of some of the deadwood currently on the books at the Midlands club would also presumably make a lot of fans happy as well, especially if better-quality players come in to replace whoever leaves.

However, even some of the individuals currently in the squad could be in danger of getting moved out if they don’t fit in with Gerrard’s plans or aren’t seen as being of good enough quality to play for the club.

If Villa are looking at getting rid of a significant number of players during the summer, this surely suggests that they would then need to look at bringing some new faces in as replacements. That is an eventuality that would surely excite supporters as they gear up to see who joins the club in what would be Gerrard’s first summer transfer window as their manager.

Having been linked with mega-money moves for midfielders Yves Bissouma and Wilfred Ndidi this summer, if the Villans are able to pick up as much money as they can from selling their deadwood, they could then use whatever money they pick up to fund a move for either of those two players.

In other news: Forget Cash: “Overlooked” 66% duel-winning AVFC machine was SG’s “driving force” today – opinion

There is no doubt that Steven Gerrard has really revitalised Aston Villa since his appointment as manager, with the club soaring back up to 11th, level on points with two games in hand over Crystal Palace in 10th.

The loan signing of Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho was a masterstroke from the Liverpool legend, who contacted his former teammate and persuaded him to join the Midlands club in a bid to revive his career.

Villa have now won three of their last six, and are putting on some very impressive performances, including the weekend’s 4-0 win at home to Southampton – who themselves have had a very good season too under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

However, Coutinho’s footballing intelligence and quality proved to be too much for the Saints defenders to handle, as he created one goal and scored another himself, taking his tally for the season so far in the Premier League to three goals and three assists in just seven appearances.

He should have had two more goals to his name though, after missing a couple of big chances – as well as creating two big chances – with compatriot Douglas Luiz burying one of them.

Despite some critics like Chris Sutton, who labelled him as a “flat-track bully” in a recent interview on Radio 5 Live, Coutinho has won over the fans of Villa and pundits, particularly former defender Micah Richards who replied to Sutton’s comments, saying: “That is one of the worst things you’ve ever done.”

Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Gerrard wants to make the deal permanent, saying: “Steven Gerrard would love to keep Philippe Coutinho at Aston Villa.

“Buy option clause available for €40m – [the Villa] board wants to wait until May and then make final decision, while they’re happy with Coutinho.”

Coutinho ranks in the top 3% among attacking midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for carries into the final third per 90 (3.26), as well as top 10% for percentage of dribbles completed per 90 (63.3%) and top 11% for expected goals per 90 (0.42).

The quality he has brought to the team as been invaluable, and fans will be desperate for Gerrard and the board to trigger the buy option in the summer ahead of a potential push for European football qualification next campaign.

They simply have to make him a permanent part of the furniture if they want to move to the next level.

In other news: Gerrard can finally axe Villa’s £38k-p/w “nightmare” by unleashing 19 y/o sensation

West Brom have been pretty active in the transfer market over the past few years, with some players being brought in for substantial amounts of money.

As tends to be the case with some players at most clubs, not all players end up being worth the money that gets paid to buy them in terms of what they manage to produce on the pitch.

One figure that falls into this category for the Midlands club is striker Kenneth Zohore, who joined the Baggies back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Cardiff City in a deal worth a reported fee of £8m.

Since then, the 28-year-old, who is currently listed as the highest earner at the Hawthorns with a weekly wage of £26k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has only made 23 appearances for the club across all competitions in which he has netted only five goals.

Taking into account his lack of game time and goals for the Baggies since his arrival, it’s safe to say that the centre-forward has been draining Guochuan Lai’s bank account of £11.5m from his transfer fee and weekly wages combined from the 137 weeks he’s been on the books at West Brom.

Labelled as a “lazy” player in the past by his former Cardiff manager Neil Warnock, it’s surprising that the Midlands club still have the attacker in their ranks and haven’t moved him on either in the previous summer or winter transfer windows on a permanent basis after his loan spell with Millwall last season.

With 17 league appearances for the east London club during the 2020/21 campaign, the Danish international could only find the back of the net twice and ultimately earn himself an underwhelming overall performance rating of 6.38, making him one of the lowest-rated players to start more than two league games according to WhoScored.

Moving forward, having played in seven games with the U23s this season, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not Steve Bruce gives the striker a chance in the first team between now and the end of the campaign.

If the Baggies boss doesn’t give him an opportunity to play and isn’t likely to next season either, it could be the best option for all parties if they try to sell him to another club and get back some of the money they shelled out for the disappointing 28-year-old.

In other news: Steve Madeley drops worrying update on 20-goal “diamond”, WBA fans will be fuming

Rangers, and by extension their sporting director Ross Wilson, are preparing to make a six-figure bid for Aberdeen starlet Lancelot Pollard, according to The Scottish Daily Express.

The lowdown

Pollard, a 15-year-old attacker, has worked his way up through the youth ranks with the Dons, even featuring for their under-18 side.

Having won the club’s Young Talent of Month award in October, he’s regarded as one of the leading talents in their academy.

Rangers are planning for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first summer transfer window at the helm after he took over from Steven Gerrard in the autumn.

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The latest

Reliable reporter Scott Burns, a long-serving journalist for The Scottish Express, says that Rangers are ready to submit a six-figure offer for Pollard to win the race for his signature.

They know that there’s ‘big interest’ in the player and therefore feel pressure to get the deal over the line.

Liverpool are actively pursuing Pollard, while Manchester United have been monitoring him too.

The verdict

The fact that six-figure fees are on the table for a player so young speaks to his potential, as does the interest of three heavyweights.

Pollard is seemingly levels above the other players in his age bracket, hence Aberdeen’s decision to fast-track him.

If Liverpool were to match Rangers’ offer, then it could come down to which club can offer the player the clearest long-term path to first-team football.

While he’s unlikely to be in the senior picture for a good while yet, it’s definitely a name worth remembering.

In other news, Frank McAvennie reacts to transfer developments involving Rangers and a PL club.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was spotted with his ‘head in his hands’ after what Sadio Mane did during the Reds’ crucial 1-0 victory away to Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Big three points…

Clinching a major three points in the Premier League title race, the Reds have now leap-frogged rivals Man City to the top of the league as they await the result of Pep Guardiola’s trip to Leeds United this afternoon.

Liverpool managed battle their way past the in-form Magpies who attempted to make life tough in the second period, coming after midfielder Naby Keita opened the scoring on 19 minutes.

It could’ve been more for Klopp’s men, however, with Mane missing a few chances to extend Liverpool’s advantage and put much-needed breathing room between the two sides.

Following one of those gaping opportunities, ultimately squandered by the Senegal international, the BBC spotted how Klopp reacting during what was an off-day for Mane.

The Latest: Klopp furious…

As per the BBC Sport Live Feed (63 minutes), Klopp couldn’t believe the 30-year-old side-footed a chance just past the post after Joe Gomez’s cross found him on the edge of the area.

They explained: “Jurgen Klopp has his head in his hands, he can’t believe the forward has missed.

“Joe Gomez does brilliantly down the right and finds Mane arriving on the edge of the box, but he side-foots wide of the post.”

The Verdict: Poor day for Mane…

The £100,000-per-week star, it’s safe to say, didn’t enjoy his best outing at St. James’ Park.

As per SofaScore, Mane won just 1/6 of his total duels, losing a big 83% of them, whilst also failing to complete a single take-on – ranking in as Liverpool’s worst-rated starter with a 6.5/10.

It’s little wonder Klopp saw fit to replace him with Mohamed Salah near the 70th-minute mark, but given Mane’s phenomenal performances over 2021/2022, it’s fair to say he can be forgiven as Liverpool take a big three points this afternoon.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Journalist raves as Liverpool eye ‘statement’ signing for Klopp! Find out more here.

Celtic haven’t had many issues when it comes to scoring goals in the SPFL this season.

With 34 games done and dusted, the Hoops have found the net 81 times, making them the deadliest attacking team in the league.

To further highlight just how much of an attacking threat Ange Postecoglou’s side have been in this campaign, the Bhoys have racked up a whopping total of 707 shots at goal, 41 more than the second-best.

Putting that further into perspective, that’s more than double the likes of Livingston, Ross County, Dundee and St. Johnstone have had in the same period of time.

One figure at the Parkhead club that hasn’t been particularly prominent in an attacking sense in comparison to the other forward players is Albian Ajeti.

With seven league appearances to his name throughout this campaign, the striker has only managed to have nine of those 707 shots at goal, with only four being on target.

Now that the season is drawing to a close and the summer transfer window is set to open for business, this could provide Postecoglou with the perfect opportunity to get rid of the 25-year-old and potentially bring in a suitable replacement for him.

Having been linked with a move for SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy in recent weeks, he could be the right person to come in and finally push the misfiring Ajeti out of the club.

In this current Ligue 1 campaign, Mendy has found the net 16 times in 31 appearances, showing that he has a knack for scoring goals in one of Europe’s top leagues.

To further highlight his attacking prowess, out of the 68 shots he’s had at goal, 35 of them have been on target, meaning that the £1.8m-rated centre-forward is a real nuisance for opposition goalkeepers.

Labelled as a “problem” for Celtic in terms of his style of play in the past by Frank McAvennie, Ajeti has clearly not been able to prove himself to the Hoops boss this season, meaning that his future at the club could be in doubt.

Heading into the summer transfer period, if the Bhoys can work out a deal to bring Mendy to Celtic Park and get their current striker’s £18.5k-per-week wages off their books, this could be an ideal situation for all parties involved.

In other news: “Has his eyes on a move”: Worrying Celtic transfer claim emerges, Ange will be fuming

Leeds United could already have their next Liam Cooper within their youth ranks.

The Whites’ U23 setup were unfortunately relegated from Premier League 2 this season but in their most recent outing, a 2-2 draw against Arsenal’s academy, there was one youngster who impressed in Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen.

‘Some brilliant tackles and blocks as the last man or in the penalty box during a goalmouth scramble or two. Could have won it with some dancing feet of his own in the latter stages,’ wrote LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who also graded him an 8/10 in his post-match ratings.

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No player was rated higher and it was even better than first-teamer Jamie Shackleton and the likes of Leo Hjelde and Nohan Kenneh.

The 17-year-old, who turns 18 in June, signed his first professional contract at Elland Road back in the summer, penning a deal until 2023. Despite being in his late teens, Mullen will be part of the U23s squad permanently going forward.

Indeed, he has made 11 appearances at centre-back in Premier League 2. His form and potential has caught the eye at the international level too, as he has seemingly emerged as a regular for Scotland U19s.

“I’m a player who reads the game quite well and I like to defend on the front foot, I want to keep learning under the coaching staff and become a better player in general,” the talented youngster revealed to Leeds’ official website.

Meanwhile, ex-defender Ben Parker has been left impressed by the teenager, telling the LS11 podcast in January 2021: “Young Mullen came in at centre-half. He’s a player who we snapped up from Liverpool, predominantly he’s been with the under-18s. Only a young lad. I thought he did ever so well with Cresswell.”

Also lauded as “really strong” by his former youth coach turned first-team assistant Mark Jackson, Mullen could well become the true heir to Cooper’s throne at Elland Road.

Considering the veteran has missed time with injury and will be 31 by the time next season starts, it could be wise to develop the 17-year-old with this in mind going forward.

The young Scot could well replace the 13-cap international in the coming years.

AND in other news, Forget Rodrigo: Orta must ruthlessly axe “inexcusable” £55k-p/w Leeds flop this summer…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has admitted that the club are hoping to sign Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay this summer.

The Lowdown: Aberdeen green-light sale

The Whites are on the verge of relegation with just two games remaining but appear to be making a head start when it comes to potential summer signings.

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One of those could be Ramsay, with reports at the end of April claiming Leeds have been granted permission to talk with the Scot as they plot a ‘multi-million pound’ move.

Aberdeen are ready to cash in on the 18-year-old and have green-lighted a possible move to Elland Road to bring in some much-needed funds.

Liverpool have also been name-checked with an interest in the ‘unbelievable’ (Ryan Taylor, Daily Express journalist) full-back, who has made 33 appearances for The Dons this season.

The Latest: Hay’s post

Hay took to Twitter on Friday morning to share a story on The Athletic regarding Ramsay. He said:

“This got a bit lost yesterday but Calvin Ramsay at Aberdeen is one of the players Leeds United hope to sign in the next window.

“Liverpool want the 18-year-old too and he’s getting close to make-your-mind-up time.”

The Verdict: End of Ayling?

Should Leeds end up back in the Championship next season, you’d expect that they would have to offer Ramsay regular first-team football for him to choose Elland Road over Anfield.

Therefore, Luke Ayling’s future could be in serious doubt ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge. He’ll turn 31 in August and will be into the final 12 months of his Leeds deal.

Cody Drameh would also be an option for Marsch following his impressive loan spell at Cardiff City, and it looks unlikely he’ll leave if the Whites find themselves in the second-tier next season, meaning Ayling may have to make way for the next generation in Ramsay and Drameh.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now planning for the Championship as contact made to sign £5k-p/w flop – opinion. 

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed that the club are set to open new contract talks with goalkeeper Adam Davies during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Contract extension available

The 29-year-old arrived at Bramall Lane on a short-term basis in January from fellow Championship rivals Stoke City, but despite his contract with the Blades being set to expire this summer, his deal does contain a clause that would allow the club to trigger an extension.

The United boss recently confirmed that there are six or seven different positions that he wants to address in preparation for next season, with one of those being in the shot-stopper department, but following a new update, it seems as though that might not necessarily signal the end of the line for Davies.

The Latest: Club set to hold talks

When speaking during an interview with The Star after Sheffield’s Championship play-off semi-final defeat against Nottingham Forest, Heckingbottom revealed they are set to hold talks behind the scenes:

“We have an option on him. Those include Adam.

“We’ll be speaking with him soon. His contract runs out shortly and so we’ll be sitting down and talking with him.”

The Verdict: International ambitions

Despite the Blades initially being keen on getting the move done at the start of the New Year, Davies is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Yorkshire outfit and is currently behind Wes Foderingham in the pecking order for that number one shirt.

The Welshman is part of Robert Page’s international squad, but has only been capped on three occasions, and so if he wants to stake his claim in representing his country in the World Cup later this year, he might have to consider whether or not he will receive enough game time to achieve his ambitions should he decide to stay.

Heckingbottom clearly has a strong vision in terms of the profile of player he wants in the building to make another push for promotion next season, but whether Davies will continue to be one of those yet remains to be seen.

Command performance from spinners capitalises on Threlkeld’s 70 not out

ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-2021Thunder 185 (Threlkeld 70*) beat South East Stars 130 (Jones 5-33) by 55 runsLeft-arm spinners Hannah Jones and Alex Hartley produced bewitching spells as Thunder ended their Rachael Heyhoe Flint campaign with a 55-run win over South East Stars at Beckenham.Former England World Cup winner Hartley bamboozled the hosts with turn and bounce in a mesmerizing display taking 2 for 17 to start Stars’ demise, but if she edged the door ajar it was spin twin Jones who truly kicked it open with 5 for 33.It meant the Charlotte Edwards Cup winners never threatened to chase down a target of 186, Kalea Moore top-scoring with 35.Thunder’s total of 185 all out in 47 overs owed much to Ellie Threlkeld’s unbeaten 70 made off 92 balls with six fours, leg-spinner Dani Gregory bowling beautifully for 2 for 23 from her 10 overs.Hartley was almost unplayable from ball one, finding not only prodigious amounts of turn but exaggerated bounce, creating confusion in the minds of all Stars’ batters.The hosts had already lost Chloe Brewer and stand-in skipper Alice Davidson-Richards with just 23 on the board when Hartley began her mesmerizing spell. It soon proved too much for Alice Capsey, who skied a catch to cover.At the other end, Jones had Grace Gibbs caught, before pinning Kirstie White lbw, but it was Hartley who claimed the crucial wicket of Moore, the ball turning away from the all-rounder who could only poke it into the hands of point.Phoebe Franklin and Kira Chathli hit some late defiant blows, but Jones continued to pick them off and they came up well short.Earlier, Threlkeld stood tall while all else fell around after Thunder won the toss and opted to bat.Coming in at No 3 after the run-out of Seren Smale, the 22-year-old produced the only innings of substance all day, successive fours in one over from Moore two of five in a 50 which came up in 71 balls.While she prospered others came and went, Gregory’s delightful mix of flight and spin accounting for Natalie Brown and Laura Marshall as the visitors slumped from 84 for 2 to 90 for 5.Threlkeld pushed on to 70 not out, but only Liberty Heap who made 19 and Alice Dyson 13 could stay with her for long as Thunder were bowled out with three of their 50 overs left unused.