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Aston Villa have reignited their interest in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

That’s according to The Telegraph’s John Percy and Sam Wallace, which unsurprisingly has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

The reliable reporters shared the update on the morning of deadline day, revealing that a ‘key decision’ is set to be made today over a late January move or whether to wait until the summer.

Villa reportedly had a £25m bid turned down earlier this month for the Brighton midfielder and failed in their pursuit of Rodrigo Bentancur, but it seems as if they could attempt a late swoop for the Mali international.

Bissouma is now back from the Africa Cup of Nations and has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, with both Manchester United and Tottenham also credited with a late interest on Twitter.

Villa fans react

Well-known fan feed @villareport relayed Percy and Wallace’s claim on Twitter. It had these Villa supporters excited, with many urging Johan Lange to push through with a late deadline day deal.

“DO IT TODAY!”

Credit: @JordAVFCx

“Lange at the back post”

Credit: @avfctom_

“Would be unreal if we get him”

Credit: @GW_94

“Get it done today!!!!”

Credit: @SamSamchilton9

“Pleaseeeeee ”

Credit: @_JackAvfc

“Don’t play with my emotions, he’d be class”

Credit: @Mattachu_Avfc

In other news: ‘Hats off to the board’ – Sky Sports man purrs at ‘amazing’ out-of-the-blue Villa transfer news. 

Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka will not sign a new contract at Villa Park, according to The Guardian.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

Chukwuemeka, described as a player who ‘can do everything in midfield’, was handed his first Premier League start earlier this season in a 0-0 draw with Brentford.

However, the 18-year-old hasn’t featured in the top flight since, with his current deal in the Midlands set to expire in 18 months’ time.

According to The Guardian, Chukwuemeka has decided that his future doesn’t lie with Villa and therefore won’t be penning fresh terms under Steven Gerrard.

The report adds that has put the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United on alert over a potential future move.

Villa fans react

Well-known page @villareport shared the update regarding Chukwuemeka on Twitter on Friday evening.

This is what some had to say, with many unhappy at losing a possible future star and one labelling it as ‘huge’.

“Delete”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“Pain”

Credit: @Dowlerzzz

“This is huge. I know he has time to change his mind etc. We need to be offering these youngsters, that we are spending £m’s on buying & training, a clear way through. JJ is becoming a 1st team player, the rest need minutes too.”

Credit: @Bense1980

“Ridiculous if true”

Credit: @T_AVFC

“Dean Smith has blood on his hands the guy is the next Pogba”

Credit: @Leonnyoung

“Huge mistake by us.”

Credit: @dpfinna

In other news: BBC Radio 5 Live pundit tips Villa to sign 24-assist beast who ‘Gerrard likes’ as links emerge. 

Steven Gerrard nearly selected Ashley Young as a number 10 for his first game in charge at Aston Villa, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed. 

The 36-year-old had apparently impressed the new boss in the Bodymoor Heath training sessions leading up to the clash with Brighton.

Gerrard considered rewarding him with a start in the attacking midfield role, but ended up selecting Jacob Ramsey, Marvelous Nakamba and John McGinn as a trio instead. Emiliano Buendia slotted in on the right wing.

Could Young get more minutes in an unfamiliar role?

Young has made seven Premier League appearances since he returned to the club in the summer, three of them starts.

Deploying him as a number 10 would certainly have raised eyebrows, given that over the course of his 628-game senior career, the 36-year-old has only played in that role four times, each of those coming as far back as the 2010/11 season.

Nevertheless, Young will hope to make himself impossible to overlook for the trip to Crystal Palace next Saturday.

Fan feed Villa Report relayed Evans’ revelation, and here’s what some supporters made of it, with a largely negative reaction and a couple of responses drawing unflattering comparisons with Steve Bruce, who was much-maligned during his reign as Villa manager.

These Villa fans baffled by Gerrard’s consideration of Young at number 10

“Had to check this wasn’t a fake account”

Credit: @M10Packed

“What in the Steve Bruce is this?”

Credit: @lukewoodyy

“Good lord, Stevie G or Steve Bruce?”

Credit: @billazor

“Blimey”

Credit: @douglasluiz

“This is not a tweet I thought I would be seeing in 2021”

Credit: @WeDoingAVilla

“Bruh no thanks”

Credit: @Stefan__19

In other news, Gerrard’s latest transfer target has emerged

As per Mundo Deportivo, relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United have an exact bid amount in mind to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier in January.

The Lowdown: Magpies eye moves…

The first transfer window of the new PIF era is dawning, with Newcastle supporters arguably curious to see whether their new owners will back Eddie Howe with major incomings during the month.

Currently in the midst of a relegation battle, their business after the New Year could be crucial in maintaining their hopes of staying in the Premier League and kickstarting an interesting age for the club.

They have already been linked with some major signings, including Trippier, with the latest from Spain detailing just how much Newcastle could be willing to spend on his capture.

The Latest: Newcastle willing to table £25.3m…

As per Mundo Deportivo (relayed by Sport Witness), the Magpies are willing to table an eight-figure bid of £25.3m to sign Trippier for Howe next month.

According to their information, the England international also wants to return to his homeland and the Premier League, as Atletico also contemplate selling to bolster their own transfer kitty.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The right-back, labelled ‘sensational’ by former Celtic and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie (Football Insider), would certainly strengthen Howe’s defensive options and Newcastle’s survival chances.

Trippier would come with a plethora of experience performing on the biggest stages in world football and the 35-cap international’s exploits at the 2018 World Cup with England are well known.

His free kick against Croatia in the semi-finals of the tournament is one indicator of his technical quality, while he has also averaged an impressive 2.7 tackles per 90 over three Champions League starts this season (WhoScored).

That’s more than any Magpies defender has managed in the English top flight by comparison and it will be interesting to see whether PIF will truly back Howe with his addition to the squad.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC are now ‘most likely’ to sign here!

Some Liverpool fans have played down the idea of Philippe Coutinho making a return to Anfield as the Brazilian’s future continues to be discussed.

The 28-year-old became one of the standout Reds players during the early years of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, producing consistent brilliance in the final third.

In January 2018, however, Coutinho decided to trade Liverpool for Barcelona, viewing the Nou Camp as a dream destination and seemingly seeing the La Liga giants as a step up in quality.

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Instead, Klopp’s men reached the Champions League final a few months after the playmaker’s exit, winning the competition the following year and then clinching Premier League glory in 2019/20.

Liverpool have enjoyed one of the best periods in their history without Coutinho around, but on the flip side, he has had a nightmare at Barca, making just 90 appearances in three-and-a-bit years and even being shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich.

According to Sport, Barca are looking to offload the Brazil international this summer, with a return to England potentially on the cards. The report claimed that the Catalan club still owe around €50m (£) in instalments of the £142m transfer fee from 2018 and are desperate to try and clear large debts promptly, particularly with Coutinho being one of the highest earners in their squad.

Liverpool fans don’t want Coutinho return

These Liverpool fans don’t want to see Coutinho back at Anfield, however, providing their thoughts via Twitter.

“He’s not worth 50m now”

Credit: @AroelRoenaldo

“No”

Credit: @Hablechina

“Nah. Way past his prime. For Barca and Bayern not to want him, we don’t need him.”

Credit: @Sir_Charles_E

“No, he shouldn’t come back”

Credit: @HopelessBaby

“No thanks”

Credit: @Tom92855662

“Wouldn’t touch him. Too quick to leave first time round. He’d be an expensive waste of money that we don’t need or can really afford”

Credit: @DavidPa50276463

In other news, many Liverpool fans were gutted over one incident this weekend. Read more about it here.

There was a lot of scepticism from Manchester City fans in the summer when their club paid £65 million to sign Benfica centre-back Ruben Dia,s but the Portuguese international has now established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet under Pep Guardiola.

Ahead of the 23-year-old’s arrival at the Etihad, some City fans voiced their displeasure with his potential signing on Twitter, suggesting that they were ‘underwhelmed’ by the signing.

However, opinions on the 23-year-old have quickly changed as he has enjoyed a superb debut season in the top-flight for Guardiola’s side, forming an incredible partnership at the back with John Stones.

The Portuguese international has averaged a solid 6.97 rating for his performances in the top-flight, with the Citizens keeping a remarkable 23 clean sheets in the 38 games he has featured in for the Citizens in all competitions so far this campaign.

City fans have been singing his praises on Twitter for most of the season now, as his performances have helped Guardiola’s side establish themselves at the top of the Premier League, whilst they are still going strong in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Therefore, it is easy to see the change in mood from a lot of City fans following Dias’ signing, as surely few would have predicted just how much of an impact he would have in his debut season.

It is fair to suggest, therefore, that despite some of the critisism he recieved at the time, sporting director Txiki Begiristain delivered another masterclass when signing the £63 million-rated centre-back last summer.

And, in other news… 13 duels won: £150k-p/w City star was Pep’s best performer vs Everton

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Mohanad Jeahze to Parkhead in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scottish Sun, who claim that Ange Postecoglou is on the lookout for a new left-back this summer, in order to provide Scotland international Greg Taylor with competition for his starting spot next season.

The report then goes on to state that the 56-year-old Bhoys boss has identified Hammarby’s Mohanad Jeahze as his primary target in the position, with the Allsvenskan defender’s side believed to be willing to part with the 25-year-old for a figure in the region of £2m.

He’s perfect for Angeball

Considering just how impressive Jeahze has been for Hammarby following his 2020 switch from Mjallby, it is not difficult to see why Postecoglou would be interested in the signing of the left-back this summer.

Indeed, over his 27 Allsvenskan appearances last season, the £900k-rated full-back was a bundle of creativity on the left flank, scoring one goal, registering seven assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.4 key passes, taking 0.5 shots and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

The Iraq international also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 3.7 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per fixture.

These metrics saw the 25-year-old average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.24, not only ranking him as Hammarby’s best performer in the league but also as the joint 15th-best player in the division as a whole.

In total, the left-back has notched a total of two goals and 12 assists over his 55 appearances in all competitions for the Swedish side – incredibly impressive returns for a defender.

As such, with Jeahze evidently being a talent who is incredibly creative, boasts an impressive reading of the game and is extremely capable with the ball at his feet, it is not difficult to understand why Postecoglou would be keen to bring the defender to Celtic Park ahead of the Hoops’ 2022/23 campaign – as the Hammarby star appears to be a perfect fit for Angeball.

And, if the Iraqi is indeed available for as little as £2m this summer, the 25-year-old sensation could very easily go on to join the Greek-Australian’s ever-increasing list of impressive budget buys.

AND in other news: Celtic must secure “mouth-watering” deal for “outstanding” £6.5m gem, Ange loves him

After picking up a hugely impressive 3-1 win away at Southampton last time out, Mikel Arteta will be hoping his Arsenal side can continue their Premier League rise when they take on Manchester United at the Emirates.The Gunners have been on a bit of a roll in recent weeks, with five wins in their last six league games, but do head into the game against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side with a couple of injury concerns, none more so perhaps than Thomas Partey.The Ghana international has endured a difficult debut campaign in English football, with injuries restricting him to just ten appearances for his new club.And after being forced off with an issue mid-way through the second-half of the Gunners’ win over the Saints, there were some questions about whether he would be available to play against United.Now, Goal journalist Charles Watts has delivered a huge boost on the eve of the game, confirming that Partey has “recovered well”, and that he is “expected to be fit to face United”.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the United game on Thursday, Arteta said: “I don’t know (whether Partey and Emile Smith Rowe would be fit for Saturday). They had some discomforts in different parts, Thomas and Emile, and we will have to see how they evolve. We still have some days until the game but not long so let’s see how they recover.”

But with Watts confirming that Partey is all set to go, that will no doubt have the Arsenal boss absolutely buzzing. The former Atletico Madrid star has already shown in his limited game-time how he can be a major game-changer for the Gunners – Roy Keane tipped him to become the north London side’s modern-day Patrick Vieira after his superb performance in the 1-0 win against United at Old Trafford.

Partey’s availability is a huge boost to Arsenal and Arteta.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sign their perfect Lacazette successor in this striker…

Southampton are the latest side to have been linked with a move for Ryan Gauld ahead of the summer transfer window, and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, the Saints have joined the race to sign the former Dundee United man after his impressive spell with Portuguese side SC Farense.

The likes of Norwich City, Sheffield United, Brentford, Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City and Brighton have all been linked with the 25-year-old, who is available on a free transfer, as his deal at Estadio de São Luís is set to expire in June.

Would he be a good signing?

Gauld has had a very strange career thus far, signing for Sporting Lisbon from Dundee United when he was just 18-years-old and earning comparisons with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for his style of play.

Whilst things wouldn’t work out for him with the current Liga NOS champions, as he made just five appearances, he has rebuilt his reputation with Farense in recent seasons.

In 71 appearances for the Portuguese side, he has contributed an impressive 20 goals and 12 assists, including nine goals and seven assists in the most recent season, which helped him average a superb 7.19 rating from WhoScored.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

Therefore, it is no surprise that he is attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window, as he could be a bargain option for any Premier League or Championship side.

There are certainly a lot of similarities between Gauld and Southampton ace Stuart Armstrong, as both were youngsters at Dundee United, both are attack-minded players and both could arrive at St Mary’s in bargain deals, as the Saints paid just £7m for Armstrong from Celtic in 2018, which has certainly proved to be an excellent signing.

Therefore, the potential arrival of Gauld, who has been described as a “top player” by one of his coaches at Farense, could well end up being a repeat of that Armstrong signing, so is one that Martin Semmens should definitely be looking to complete.

And, in other news… £6m down the drain: Southampton potentially cost new signing, Hasenhuttl surely fuming

In recent comments made on Patreon, ExWHUemployee provided an update on the fitness of West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski ahead of the Hammers’ Premier League fixture against Leeds United.

So far this season, Fabianski has been in fine form for David Moyes’ side, with the 35-year-old conceding just 29 goals and keeping eight clean sheets over his 24 Premier League appearances, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.85 for his efforts.

However, after having his arm stood upon in training, the Poland international was ruled out of the Hammers’ 2-1 loss to Manchester City last Saturday; but in recent comments made on Patreon, ExWHUemployee revealed that the shot-stopper is ‘expected’ to be back for the club’s fixture with Leeds next week.

He said: “First team keeper Fabianski is expected to be available for the game against Leeds next Monday.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Should Fabianski indeed be deemed fit enough to feature against Marcelo Bielsa’s side next Monday, it will undoubtedly be a boost for David Moyes, as the Irons’ second choice ‘keeper Darren Randolph also suffered an injury scare during the City fixture – although Randolph himself stated that he was “fine” after the match.

However, considering that Leeds have scored an impressive 43 goals in the Premier League so far this season, one would assume that if his first-choice ‘keeper is given the all-clear, Moyes will not hesitate in awarding Fabianski an immediate return to the first team.

In other West Ham United news, many fans wanted this Premier League ace after a contract claim – find out more here!