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Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to make a sizeable contract offer to Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez, in order to try and tempt the Chilean into a return to the Premier League.

What’s the word?

That’s according to La Tercera, with the Midlands outfit named as one of the clubs who are believed to be interested in signing the 33-year-old this summer, with the player set to be allowed to depart by the Serie A side despite having a year remaining on his existing deal.

The report suggests that NSWE are willing to ‘match the current salary’ that the former Arsenal man takes home in Italy, with the 146-cap star reportedly raking in around £175k-per-week at present.

The veteran ace has been at the San Siro since joining, initially on loan, from Manchester United in the summer of 2019, having spent just 18 months with the Red Devils following his high-profile switch from the Emirates in January 2018.

Imagine him and Coutinho

Some may question the wisdom in bringing in a player no longer in his pomp, although were these reports to prove accurate it would represent another major coup for manager Steven Gerrard, with the 42-year-old having already demonstrated his immense pulling power this summer.

One notable signing in the current window has been that of former Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian playmaker joining from Barcelona on a £17m permanent deal, having spent the last six months on loan at Villa Park.

The “creative genius”, as he has been described by pundit Phil Thompson, has already shown a flickering of his quality in a claret and blue jersey thus far, chipping in with five goals and three assists during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

The thought of a player who once cost £142m ending up with the Villans would have seemed laughable a few years ago, yet it now appears he could even be joined by a player who was once raking in a reported £400k-per-week at Old Trafford in Sanchez.

Two huge names, but undoubtedly two huge talents, with the latter man having sparkled during his previous stint with the Gunners, proving himself one of the most deadly forwards in the division during his three-and-a-half-year stay in north London.

While his subsequent switch to the Theatre of Dreams failed to work out – as he provided just 14 goal contributions during his time with United – his overall Premier League record remains hugely impressive, as he netted 63 goals and provided 31 assists in 154 appearances, while also providing 396 crosses and creating 52 big chances.

Not just a creative influence, however, the diminutive forward also impressed with his aggressive and relentless all-round approach, having been rightly dubbed a “warrior” by Liam Canning.

Once also described as “electric” by pundit Martin Keown, the £3.15m-rated ace may not quite be what he once was in the present day, although he can still deliver a moment of magic when needed, having scored five goals and provided two assists in the league last term, despite only starting seven games.

Making a move for what is now a fading force may not be particularly wise, yet it would no doubt be worth it just to see both him and Coutinho share the pitch together, with the mercurial duo adding that sprinkling of star quality that can excite a stadium.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Sunderland are ‘in the hunt’ for another centre-back this summer and have joined ‘the race’ to sign Leeds United youngster Charlie Cresswell, claims Chronicle Live journalist Matty Hewitt.

The Lowdown: Ballard’s arrival

After a proposed transfer to Burnley fell through last week, Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard has agreed to join the Black Cats on a permanent deal.

The 22-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan in the Championship with Millwall, where he made 30 appearances in the league for the Lions.

Despite never making an appearance for Arsenal’s first-team, the defender has ten international caps for Northern Ireland under his belt and looks like a shrewd signing for Alex Neil’s side.

The Latest: SAFC want another CB

According to Hewitt, Sunderland are also interested in Cresswell, as they look to add another central defender to their ranks.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “SAFC are in the hunt for another centre-back this summer and are reportedly in the race to sign LUFC youngster Charlie Cresswell.”

Millwall are also in the mix to bring the Leeds youngster to the second tier.

The Verdict: Great signing

When called upon by Leeds to play for the first-team, Cresswell has fared well. The 19-year-old made five appearances in the Premier League last season, for which he averaged a respectable 6.50 SofaScore match rating.

In fact, after the defender made his debut in the English top-flight, Leeds presenter and podcaster Joe Wainman was full of praise for the youngster (via This Is Futbol): “These centre-backs that are not fit or are looking to come back into the side, they need to be worried, because that boy, for me, was unbelievable and I don’t think he should come out of the side.

“He’s a mainstay now, for me. I thought Cresswell was class, genuinely class.”

With such impressive – albeit brief – experience at the highest level, this could be a great signing for the Black Cats.

Alexander Isak is on Newcastle United’s radar, according to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones. 

The lowdown

Newcastle had hoped to sign young striker Hugo Ekitike from Reims after agreeing a £25million deal.

But that move is thought to be all but dead after the Magpies were hit with ‘ridiculous’ demands by the player’s agent.

Real Sociedad’s Isak, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, is still fairly young himself at 22. The centre-forward signed a new contract last summer that runs until 2026 and contains a £77million release clause.

The latest

Newcastle are now ready to move onto other targets after losing patience with Ekitike’s camp.

Isak is one of the players that the club’s recruitment department have considered, alongside Chelsea forward Armando Broja and Italy number nine Gianluca Scamacca.

However, a fee of more than £40million is likely to be ‘prohibitive’ given that Newcastle are operating under Financial Fair Play constraints.

The verdict

You can see why Newcastle are interested in Isak. He reached double figures for goals last season (ten), taking him to 43 in 128 appearances overall for Sociedad.

But he offers more than just end-product. He’s also effective when it comes to running with the ball, ranking in the 95th percentile among positional peers for dribbles completed and the 77th for progressive carries (via FBRef).

He’s of a similar mould to the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Dusan Vlahovic, a quick and powerful forward with deceptively good feet.

Isak impressed the watching world at the European Championships last summer, with Gary Lineker calling the Sweden forward an ‘exceptional talent’.

Perhaps they might stick with Callum Wilson and Chris Wood as their no. 9 options for the moment and revisit Isak in a future window, when the price tag has hopefully dropped well below the initial release clause.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has revealed that the Magpies are keen on a deal to sign the defender, with PIF now plotting a swoop to beat Chelsea to his signature.

He Tweeted: “Sevilla sporting director Monchi on CFC interest in Kounde: “They have to look for two or three central defenders. They don’t have many, but there are also more English clubs and clubs from other countries that are looking for central defenders.”

Brown ended the tweet by saying: “NUFC also interested.”

It has previously been reported that the Spanish outfit may be willing to part ways with him for a fee in the region of £60m, whilst his release clause is €90m (£76.6m).

Imagine him & Sven Botman

By securing a deal to sign Kounde, Newcastle can form a rock-solid centre-back partnership by playing him next to Sven Botman.

The Magpies signed the Dutch defender from Lille earlier this summer and PIF can now find him an excellent partner at the back.

Spanish football expert Euan McTear previously hailed Kounde, saying: “He’s still so young, he’s got energy, great positioning too. All the centre-backs, not just in Spain I think, but if you look around Europe, he’s got to be one of the highest prospects.”

Football Espana editor Alan Feehely dubbed him a “baller” and  European football analyst, Marcus Bring described him as “sensational”, which shows that he has been catching the eye in La Liga in recent seasons. 

His statistics in the 2021/22 campaign suggest that he deserves praise for his displays, as you can see in the graphic below…

The Frenchman also enjoyed a strong campaign in 2020/21 as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.08 in La Liga, winning 61% of his duels.

This shows that the 23-year-old has the quality to perform to a high-level week-in-week-out in a major European league, which is something Botman has also proven himself to have.

In the 2021/22 Ligue 1 campaign, the former Ajax man averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 as he won 66% of his individual battles. He also averaged a score of 7.08 in the previous term – proving that he is not a one-season wonder.

Therefore, both players are young, consistent, strong, centre-backs and can form the backbone of Eddie Howe’s team for many years to come.

PIF must now work hard to beat off interest from Chelsea in order to land a deal for the Sevilla defender before the end of the window.

AND in other news, NUFC may pursue “big money” move for “frightening” £80m gem, supporters surely excited…

West Ham will be hoping to carry the momentum gained from last season -one in which they reached the Europa League semi-finals and finished seventh in the Premier League – into the upcoming season.

David Moyes faces a difficult task, but he has started off the summer transfer window extremely well, bringing in a couple of new faces, with surely more to come.

The Scot has added Nayef Aguerd to his side in a £30m deal, along with signing Alphonse Areola on a permanent contract following his loan spell last season from PSG. Additionally, Moyes has secured the signature of Flynn Downes from Swansea City.

Club legend Mark Noble retired following the end of the season and there will need to be some bite added into the West Ham midfield next season, and Moyes should be making a move for one player in particular.

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has been linked with West Ham since last year and a report has claimed that the Serie A side are looking to part ways with the player, and West Ham should be acting fast to make a deal happen.

The American international played 29 times last season in all competitions, scoring four goals, while further displaying his attacking intentions by generating 2.15 shot-creating actions per match.

The 23-year-old was only cautioned once during the whole season, proving he has an incredible temperament, something that Moyes could use in the centre of midfield. His defensive abilities were also demonstrated as he won 46%of his total duels, and made one tackle and 1.1 interceptions per match.

Moyes could form a dream duo of McKennie and Rice if he makes a move for the player, who has been dubbed “irreplaceable” by Stephen Meyer.

McKennie could be available for £35m this summer and Moyes may have to offload a few fringe players in order to fund any potential move.

It has been a great summer in terms of incomings so far and the West Ham faithful will be confident a few more fresh faces can be added.

AND in other news: Pushing to sign: Big West Ham transfer update emerges that’ll delight Moyes…

Nottingham Forest have been handed a green light in their pursuit of Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill, with the teenager believed to be facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 19-year-old “could leave” the west London outfit this summer, with his chances of first-team action in Thomas Tuchel’s side set to be severely reduced as the Blues plot further centre-back additions.

Writing on Twitter about the Englishman’s situation, the transfer guru stated: “Levi Colwill and his camp, exploring options with many proposals on the table as reported three days ago. The plan has not changed: he could leave Chelsea in case two centre-backs arrive after Koulibaly, as expected.

“Chelsea, still working on Kimpembé and Koundé.”

As alluded to by Romano, the promising defender is set to be shunted down the pecking order at his current side, with Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly having already been signed, while deals for Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe are in the works.

While a blow to the player himself, it could no doubt prove a huge positive for those at the City Ground, with the newly-promoted side having been linked with the Southampton-born starlet in recent months.

John Terry 2.0

The £4.5m-rated gem has attracted attention following his impressive form on loan at Huddersfield Town last term, notably averaging 4.1 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game from his 29 Championship outings, proving himself a vital part of the Terriers’ run to the play-off final.

While it was his own goal that ironically handed victory to his potential future club, Forest, in that Wembley showdown, that was a rare low moment in what was otherwise a real breakthrough campaign for the £5k-per-week colossus.

Previously lauded as “one of the most talented players of his generation in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 6 foot 2 brute has seemingly earned the chance to gain regular minutes in the top tier next term, with Steve Cooper and co likely to able to offer that level of involvement that he is craving.

Any move could also see the Midlands side land their own John Terry with a deal for Colwill, with the highly-rated prospect having been compared to the Chelsea legend and one-time Forest loanee in the past.

The youngster even adorned the same shirt number as the former England skipper (26) during his time at the John Smith’s Stadium – albeit with that fact purely coincidental – having also admitted his pleasure at being likened to the Premier League icon, whom he dubbed a “club legend and leader” and “someone every centre-back at Chelsea should look up to”.

It will be no mean feat trying to replicate the success of the now-retired ace, however, with Terry having enjoyed an illustrious career at the elite level during his time with the Blues, racking up 492 top-flight appearances and winning five league titles, having also claimed the Champions League in 2012.

Former international colleague Jamie Carragher has previously lauded the 41-year-old as “the best centre-back of the Premier League era”, having been “massively underrated” with regards to his quality in possession.

Even being mentioned in the same breath as such a legendary figure is a testament to just what a “fantastic” talent young Colwill is – in the words of Kulig – with the hope being that he can continue his development in Nottingham.

Who knows, Cooper could well have his own Terry on his hands if all goes well…

AND in other news – Imagine him & Awoniyi: Cooper can form deadly duo by signing “stunning” £10m star

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Charles De Ketelaere to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who now claim that, despite it being previously reported that AC Milan were the clear favourites in the race for the Club Brugge KV forward, the Serie A side now look unable to be able to meet the Belgian side’s €35m (£30m) asking price for the 21-year-old.

This is sure to come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and his Leeds transfer team, as the Spaniard has already submitted a €37m (£31.5m) bid for the Belgium international, with a conclusion to the attacker’s transfer saga looking likely to be finalised in the coming days.

Furthermore, TEAMtalk editor James Marshment also relayed a report from HLN on Twitter, in which the journalist revealed that Milan are ready to give up their pursuit of De Ketelaere, while Leeds are very much still in the hunt for the eight-cap international’s signature.

In his tweet, Marshment said: “HLN in Belgium reporting that Milan are ready to call time on Charles De Ketelaere bid. Brugge have dropped their price to €35m but price remains too steep for Milan to reach. Leeds seemingly very much still in the hunt.”

He added of De Ketelaere: “Still a way to go before he could become a Leeds player, but this is why the Leeds bid has remained on the table. He’s a big talent and one certainly worth waiting for.”

“Worth waiting for”

Considering just how exciting a prospect De Ketelaere undoubtedly is, in addition to it previously looking as if Milan were certain to land the 21-year-old this summer, the news that Leeds now appear to be closing in on a deal for the forward is sure to have left both Orta and the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, based solely on his six appearances in the Champions League last season, FBref rank the £27m-rated attacker in the top 3% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for xA per 90, in addition to the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 16% for passes attempted and the top 19% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

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The £17k-per-week talent also impressed in a defensive capacity, with the 21-year-old also ranking in the top 5% for pressures and the top 9% for tackles per 90 over the past 12 months – a quite remarkable feat considering Brugge were up against Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig in Group A.

The player who Marshment claimed would be an “elite signing” also stole the show over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances in 2021/22, bagging 14 goals, registering nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per fixture.

These returns saw the 7.25, not only ranking him as Burgge’s fourth-best performer in the league but also as the 13th-best player in the Belgian top flight as a whole.

As such, it would very much appear as if Leeds’ persistence over a deal for De Ketelaere could be about to pay off in a very big way, as the youngster is quite clearly one of the most exciting attacking talents in European football at present – not to mention being a signing who would undoubtedly help take the Whites to the next level in 2022/23.

AND in other news: “Deal is agreed”: Journo reveals big Leeds transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Nottingham Forest are believed to be one of the clubs who are pursuing a move for Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet, as the newly-promoted side plot further summer additions.

What’s the word?

According to BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher, the Midlands outfit – along with a handful of other Premier League clubs – have made contact regarding a move for the 25-year-old, with it looking as if the Ivory Coast international is set to leave Turf Moor.

Writing on Twitter about the race to land the 25-cap gem, the transfer insider stated: “Maxwel Cornet future will be decided this week I’m told, he will leave Burnley. Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Everton and 1 more unnamed club are in talks for the Burnley player, All pushing hard and keen on securing, best offer wins”

The former Lyon man – who was signed by Sean Dyche on a £12.9m deal last summer – is reportedly set to be available for around £17.5m due to a release clause in his existing deal with the Clarets.

Imagine him and Lingard

A deal to bring Cornet to the City Ground would represent yet another stunning piece of business in what has been an extensive summer of recruitment for Steve Cooper and co thus far. The 42-year-old has already made 11 signings, with a 12th likely on its way in the form of Orel Mangala.

One of the most high-profile of those new additions is that of former Manchester United man Jesse Lingard, the 29-year-old making a last-minute U-turn to join Forest despite having been heavily linked with a move to West Ham United.

It was with the Hammers that the England international had briefly revived his career during the tail end of the 2020/21 campaign, netting nine goals and providing four assists in just 16 appearances under David Moyes in what was a truly explosive spell at the London Stadium.

While a return to Old Trafford last term ultimately ended in disappointment as he made just two league starts all season, the 32-cap menace will seemingly be chomping at the bit to show his worth and recapture the impressive form that he had shown in east London, as well as in flashes with the Red Devils.

With the Warrington-born ace already in tow, adding Cornet into the mix would provide Cooper with a really frightening attacking forward line, with the pair set to wreak havoc in attack if paired together next season.

Like Lingard, the Burnley man provides invaluable versatility to feature anywhere across the front, or in a left-back or wing-back role, while also offering much-needed top-flight experience, having shone during his debut campaign for the Clarets last time out.

In 26 league outings during the 2021/22 campaign, the “electric” speedster – as he has been described by journalist Andy Jones – bagged an eye-catching haul of nine goals and one assist, while also averaging 1.8 shots per game.

An undoubted quality attacking presence with a knack for the spectacular, the £44k-per-week sensation could be the spark that’s needed to help keep Cooper’s side in the division beyond next season, with a player of his talents far too good to be stuck in the second tier.

Partnering him with Lingard in attack would not only provide sheer entertainment, but it could prove to be the magic formula to getting results at a higher level.

AND in other news, Romano: Forest get green light to sign “fantastic” £5k-p/w target, he’s John Terry 2.0

West Bromwich Albion will use the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window to try and bring in a new striker.

What’s the news?

In a recent report for The Athletic, Baggies journalist Elias Burke shed some light on the matter.

He said: “Though Karlan Grant’s goalscoring record suggests he would be an able deputy to first-choice striker Daryl Dike, Albion will continue pursuing options in that department until the transfer window shuts on August 31.”

In terms of their business so far this summer, the Baggies have brought in the likes of Okay Yokuslu, Jed Wallace and John Swift on free transfers, in addition to signing Jayson Molumby on a permanent basis following his loan spell at The Hawthorns last season.

The Baggies have also seen some big names leaving the Midlands club over the summer, such as Romaine Sawyers, Sam Johnstone and Andy Carroll.

As the Baggies journalist mentioned in his report, Grant ended the previous campaign as West Brom’s top scorer in the league with 18 goals and six assists to his name.

As for Dike, his season was cut short following his arrival in January after he picked up an unfortunate hamstring injury which ruled him out of the rest of the campaign.

West Brom fans will be buzzing

Now that Burke has revealed that Albion will keep looking for a new striker to bring in before the transfer window closes, this will surely have lots of Baggies fans buzzing to hear that the club want to ensure that they have enough strength and depth in that area of the squad to give them the best chance of winning promotion from the Championship.

Bearing in mind how West Brom ended their previous campaign with fewer goals scored (52) than the likes of Reading (54), Blackpool (54) and Swansea City (56), in addition to recording the lowest rate of shots on target in the division (29.1%), it’s easy to see why Steve Bruce would be looking to add a new centre-forward to his ranks.

If the Baggies can bring in a new striker who can compete against the likes of Grant and Dike for a place in the team, this could potentially end up being the difference between reaching the Premier League or facing another season in the Championship.

AND in other news: Bruce can land Robinson 2.0 with West Brom bid for “clinical” £2.4k-p/w “goal machine”

Nottingham Forest have ‘opened talks’ to sign Southampton striker Che Adams over a summer move to the club, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Adams impresses for Saints

The 26-year-old may have been playing for a fairly uninspiring Saints side last season but he still managed to score seven times in the Premier League in total.

Adams has been a consistent performer under Ralph Hasenhuttl since arriving from Birmingham City in 2019, netting 20 times in 96 top-flight appearances, as well as being called ‘terrific’ by Scotland legend Ally McCoist.

The Latest: Forest eye up move

According to Football Insider, Forest have ‘opened talks’ to sign Adams as Steve Cooper’s big-spending summer continues.

They are reported to be ‘starting negotiations’ with the striker, as they look to beat Leeds United to his signature.

The Verdict: Proven PL quality

If Forest managed to get a deal for Adams over the line, it could be an inspired signing, considering how he has shown that he can perform in the Premier League.

The Scotland international would give the Reds that extra firepower that is needed in the top flight, potentially linking up a great effect with Taiwo Awoniyi and Brennan Johnson.

Whether or not Southampton are willing to sell, or if Leeds get there first, remains to be seen, but this update is proof of the huge strides Forest have made in such a short period under Cooper.