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Aston Villa are closing in on the permanent signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

As per the transfer insider, the Midlands outfit appear keen to exercise the buy option in the Swede’s loan deal, with the 32-year-old having joined the club on a temporary switch from Serie A side AS Roma back in January.

Writing on Twitter about the situation regarding the 56-cap international, Romano revealed that an agreement is close: “Aston Villa are getting closer to find full agreement with AS Roma on Robin Olsen deal. Buy option clause for €3.5m expected to be triggered soon, as Aston Villa want to keep Olsen at the club. Talks in progress, the deal could be completed soon.”

The £1.8m-rated giant had spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield United, prior to moving to Villa Park, having also played the role of understudy to Jordan Pickford at Everton the year prior.

Supporters delighted

It may not prove to be quite as exciting as the club’s other summer business – having already snapped up Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho – yet supporters will no doubt be delighted to see the proactive attitude to Steven Gerrard’s squad rebuild, with the former Rangers boss seemingly wanting to get his transfer dealings done swiftly.

With further additions also in the pipeline, amid links to soon-to-be free agent Luis Suarez, the former England skipper appears to be receiving substantial backing in order to put his stamp on the squad, with expectations for next term now likely to have sky-rocketed.

As for Olsen, there may not be too many fireworks over a player who was technically already at the club and had made just a solitary Premier League appearance during his six-month loan stint, although he will no doubt provide quality cover to undisputed first-choice, Emi Martinez.

The 6 foot 5 stopper’s solitary top-flight outing came in that remarkable final-day defeat to eventual champions Manchester City at the Etihad, with the visitors squandering a two-goal to help hand Pep Guardiola’s men the title.

The one-time Malmo man had hardly been culpable for any of City’s excellently crafted goals – nor did he deserve to be on the receiving of an awful, post-match assault from a home supporter – with Villa’s problems this term having largely been among the defence, rather than between the sticks – shipping 54 goals in the most recent campaign.

A veteran at international level, Olsen also provides valuable experience to a dressing room that is beginning to overflow with top-class talent, with his presence in the dressing room potentially set to prove vital next term.

As for supporters, they will likely be glad to see the deal wrapped up quickly, so that the club can prioritise other areas of need.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has now shared an exciting Tottenham Hotspur transfer update with manager Antonio Conte seemingly getting the club’s full backing.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes major upgrades…

After he sealed a Premier League top four finish and the riches of Champions League football, it appears Spurs will go all out to ensure Conte’s desired transfers are fulfilled.

Their £150 million equity increase will be used to back the Italian after his brilliant first season in charge with the club already confirming two new signings in Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals.

It is believed that Lilywhites transfer chief Fabio Paratici is now after a left-sided central defender with Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni among Conte’s top targets.

The Latest: Sheth shares exciting update…

According to Sky reporter Sheth, Spurs are now ‘in talks’ to sign the 23-year-old with both Conte and Paratici keen to get business done in early fashion.

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He explained (via Twitter):

“Tottenham in talks with Inter Milan to sign central defender Alessandro Bastoni. Antonio Conte & Sporting Director Fabio Paratici keen to get majority of transfer business done before pre-season. Bastoni played for Conte when Inter won Serie A title in 2020/2021.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

While Bastoni is reluctant to leave the San Siro, a major bid will apparently make chairman Steven Zhang green-light a sale – specifically around €70 million (£60m).

Tipped as Italy’s next generation defensive star after Giorgio Chiellini, the Serie A starlet has also been called ‘technically brilliant’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy.

If Spurs can make Bastoni their third signing after Forster, it’s safe to say this would be the club’s best start to a summer window before it’s even opened.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’, says insider! Find out more here.

Manchester United have made an offer to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, according to David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s impressive Premier League return

Eriksen made a move back to England with Brentford at the beginning of the year, penning a contract until the end of the season.

It didn’t take long for Eriksen to catch the eye with the Bees, with Gary Neville labelling the midfielder’s passing as ‘out of this world’.

The 30-year-old won seven games in 11 starts with Brentford, contributing to five goals mainly from a slightly deeper midfield role than we’re used to seeing him. He is now weighing up his next move, and it looks as if Erik ten Hag is keen to bring the Denmark international to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Ornstein’s reveal

Ornstein took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide a significant update on Eriksen’s future.

The reliable reporter revealed that United have ‘made an offer’ for the midfielder, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong still a priority.

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The Verdict: Shrewd move

United could do with midfield additions following confirmed exits for Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, leaving Bruno Fernandes as the only recognised senior attacking midfielder.

Eriksen would give Ten Hag another high-quality attacking midfield option who has plenty of experience in the Premier League and in Europe.

He’d also be able to turn out in a deeper role or out wide, and after showing last season he still has the quality to star in England, a free transfer could turn out to be an excellent piece of business.

In other news: Same agent as Ronaldo: Man Utd now close to ‘special’ signing, move is ‘imminent’. 

Manchester United chiefs met with the agent of Christian Eriksen in recent days, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Eriksen a free agent

Eriksen is set to become a free agent at the end of the month when his Brentford contract expires. He has impressed back in England with the Bees, contributing to five goals in 11 games as a central midfielder.

The 30-year-old normally plays in an attacking role, though, and was hailed as ‘out of this world’ by Gary Neville for his passing.

David Ornstein stated recently that United have made Eriksen an offer, and Romano has shared what he knows in regards to a possible Old Trafford move.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Romano shared details of ‘a direct discussion’ with Eriksen’s agent, believing that a move is a ‘possibility’.

However, the transfer expert then name-checked both Brentford and Tottenham as competitors when it comes to Eriksen’s services.

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“With Christian Eriksen, they had a conversation, a direct discussion with his agent Martin Schoots a few days ago, they discussed about a potential contract, so it’s a possibility, but Tottenham and Brentford are also pushing for him to go next season.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

United will have just one senior attacking midfielder on the books in Bruno Fernandes from July, with Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata set to leave.

Therefore, bringing in Eriksen on a free transfer appears to be a no brainer. The Denmark international could even play anywhere in attack for Erik ten Hag if required and would bring bundles of Premier League experience.

A cut-price move for Eriksen may also mean that United can put more money into a deal for primary target Frenkie de Jong, so hopefully, the club can get this one over the line.

In other news: ‘They’ve looked at him’ – talkSPORT man drops huge Man Utd transfer claim involving ‘lethal’ ace. 

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Emerson Royal is being eyed behind the scenes by Atletico Madrid for a summer transfer.

What’s the news?

According to Sky Sports, the La Liga club have a long-standing interest in the player and are looking to bring him to Madrid this summer.

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Spurs signed the full-back from Barcelona last August in a deal worth €30m (£25.8m) on a five-year contract.

Throughout his debut season at the north London club, the Brazilian made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and delivering one assist in the process.

Terrible news for Spurs

In his 31 Premier League appearances, the 23-year-old ended up making more tackles (86) than any of his team-mates, also finishing in the top three for blocks (56), clearances (79) and successful pressures (126), as per FBRef.

Meanwhile, from an attacking point of view, only Heung-min Son (65) delivered more crosses than Royal (60). This highlights just how useful he can be up and down the pitch and why it would be terrible to lose him after just one season at the club.

Despite some question marks being raised over his ability to play in the Premier League at times last term, to get rid of him this summer without letting him have the chance to get a pre-season with Antonio Conte and show what he can do in the 2022/23 campaign would be a very bad look for the club.

Should the player join Atletico and become a pivotal figure for them, there could be some regret from Tottenham, while it would leave them weaker in that area of the squad.

Also, with Diego Simeone’s side having previously lured one of Spurs’ full-backs in the shape of Kieran Trippier in 2019, there would surely be some Spurs fans who wouldn’t want to see lightning strike twice in that regard.

There should be no thoughts from anyone at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium about letting Royal go this summer, and they will surely consider the interest from Atletico as terrible news.

Given his young age and the path that Conte could now make for him in terms of improving his game and being better suited to playing in England at a high level, the 23-year-old could be an exciting prospect for the Lilywhites to have in their ranks for the foreseeable future.

In other news: Conte could finally axe Spurs’ £42m “liability” by signing “complete” £27m-rated titan

West Ham United are seemingly attempting to seal another summer signing as news comes to light involving Villarreal forward and former Championship star Arnaut Danjuma.

The Lowdown: West Ham get busy…

As per Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Irons and their manager David Moyes could be ‘very busy’ this summer as the east Londoners allegedly set their sights on ‘at least’ six potential upgrades.

This comes after West Ham sealed a deal for Morocco international centre-back Nayef Aguerd, while it is believed that the Hammers have also made an offer to Jesse Lingard.

Moyes apparently wants to bolster his attacking options, and news has now come to light involving a new transfer target.

The Latest: West Ham in talks for Danjuma…

According to Relevo and their journalist Toni Juanmarti, the Premier League club have set their sights on Dajuma after his impressive first campaign in La Liga.

They claimed that West Ham are negotiating the Dutchman’s signing for €36m (£31m) ‘plus variables’, adding that Moyes will have the ‘last word’ on whether or not it goes through.

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The Verdict: Make the move?

As the Hammers seemingly wait on the green light from Moyes, we believe that the Scotsman needs to give this transfer serious consideration.

Called “near enough unplayable” earlier in the 2021/22 season by pundit Owen Hargreaves, Danjuma finished the campaign as Villarreal’s biggest provider of goals and assists combined (WhoScored).

He also averaged their most attempts at goal per 90 in the Spanish top flight and ranked as one of their top five best-performing players according to WhoScored metrics.

If the Irons could successfully complete a deal for the Netherlands international, it’s safe to say that Unai Emery’s loss would be Moyes’ gain.

Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has provided an update on the club’s pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Darko Gyabi.

The Lowdown: Gyabi linked with Leeds

Victor Orta has been a long-term admirer of the 18-year-old and made previous enquiries regarding his availability, which were turned down.

However, Leeds appear to have made their move after City had a £42m offer for Kalvin Phillips accepted last month. The Athletic claimed when the news broke on the 26-year-old that Leeds were working on a separate £5m deal for Gyabi, who was due to undergo a medical on Friday.

The Latest: Smyth’s update on Gyabi

Smyth shared a Q&A for The Yorkshire Evening Post on Saturday, answering numerous Leeds-related topics.

One fan asked the journalist about the hold-up over an announcement for Gyabi. Smyth said that ‘finalising paperwork’ could be a reason for the delay, but he reassured the supporter that ‘everything is agreed’ and a medical has been passed.

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The reporter commented:

“Finalising paperwork, at a guess, or simply following the convention of announcing on a Monday rather than on a weekend, but he had his medical and passed it. Everything is agreed and Darko Gyabi will become a Leeds United player. Likely to be Monday at this rate.”

The Verdict: Under-23s addition?

It looks as if Gyabi could be announced as a Leeds United player in the next 24 hours, and you’d expect that Jesse Marsch would want to see the midfielder in the under-23s initially.

The 18-year-old will leave Manchester without a senior appearance to his name for City, although he will arrive in Yorkshire with an impressive youth record.

Gyabi contributed to 15 goals in 39 appearances for City’s under-18s and under-23s, so another impressive campaign at youth level could see him break into Marsch’s first-team plans in the foreseeable future.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Moussa Diaby in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies have been tracking the French forward for an extended period of time and could secure a deal for him if they are able to loan in another player.

He Tweeted: “NUFC interest in Diaby is long standing but an initial approach last month saw them back off over asking price. Same with Calvert-Lewin. That interest undoubtedly remains because he’s a quality player they’ve scouted extensively but Leverkusen would have to lower price I think.”

The reporter followed that up by saying: “If NUFC can do a loan for someone that would free up more money to splash out on another attacking player. Lots of plates spinning at the moment but as of the weekend there was nothing close to happening on incomings or outgoings so….”

Can finally axe Miguel Almiron

By snapping up Diaby from Leverkusen, Newcastle can finally axe Miguel Almiron from the squad after an unimpressive spell on Tyneside.

The attacker joined from MLS outfit Atlanta in January 2019 and has struggled to find his best form in the Premier League.

He failed to register a goal or assist in ten matches in his first campaign before managing eight goals and three assists in 70 games between 2019/20 and 2020/21.

Last season, the £74k-per-week dud scored one goal and did not provide any assists in 30 top-flight outings – starting 19 of those games.

These statistics show that Almiron has not been good enough in the final third as he has struggled to both score and assist goals for the Magpies.

Meanwhile, Diaby – who could cost up to £50m – managed 13 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last term – creating a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

This came after he produced four goals and ten assists – creating 11 ‘big chances’ – in the previous campaign, showing that he is progressing as he gains more experience at the top level.

Chronicle editor Aaron Stokes claimed that the winger has “electrifying pace” and is “fearless” in possession of the ball, which is reflected in his statistics as he has the confidence to continually try to make things happen.

Diaby’s sublime record in the German top-flight suggests that he has the potential to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch and eclipse what Almiron has done since joining – allowing the Magpies to axe the latter from their team.

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

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo (via Daily Mail), the Premier League champions are set to enter the race to sign the defender alongside Chelsea and Barcelona.

After making 70 senior appearances for his previous club Bordeaux, in which he scored four goals, the Frenchman made his way to Sevilla in 2019. Since then, the 23-year-old has made 133 appearances for the Spanish club across all competitions, chipping in with nine goals and three assists.

To highlight his defensive capabilities, in his 150 league appearances since the 2017/18 season, the France international has won 93 tackles and made 201 blocks, 171 interceptions and 646 clearances.

Looking at his La Liga performances last term, only Diego Carlos ended the campaign with a higher average of clearances and blocks per game than Kounde among the Andalucians’ squad.

In terms of his overall performances, the centre-back earned himself an overall season rating of 6.92/10 from WhoScored, making him Sevilla’s second-highest rated player. This shows how capable he is of playing at a high level for one of Europe’s top clubs and why the likes of City, Chelsea and Barcelona are reportedly after him.

Forget Ake

Hailed as a “sensational” player by journalist Marcus Bring, Kounde would reportedly be allowed to leave Sevilla this summer if an offer of €65m (£54m) comes in for him, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Nathan Ake has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, so should the Dutchman find himself moving to Stamford Bridge this summer, this could clear a pathway for the Citizens to launch a move for Kounde as his potential replacement.

If Ake does end up waving goodbye to the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks, a move for the Sevilla defender could be a great next step for City so that they don’t go into the new season with one fewer senior figure at the back.

However, with the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, any centre-back who potentially joins City this summer would likely have a challenge on their hands in terms of getting regular game-time.

AND in other news: Guardiola can land Aguero 2.0 as Man City eye £154k-p/w dynamo who’s “one of the best”

Former Premier League striker and BBC Radio host Noel Whelan has backed Liverpool to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham in 2023. 

The lowdown: Jurgen Klopp speaks

As the Reds returned to training for pre-season ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, manager Jurgen Klopp opened up on the perennial links with a move for Bellingham, stating that the only issue with the teenager was that he is ‘not on the market’ this summer.

Those comments from the Anfield boss will no doubt add further fuel to the already fever-pitch speculation that the 19-year-old will be heading to Merseyside in 2023.

Outside of Klopp and sporting director Julian Ward reentering the market for an alternative or potentially even a stop-gap, that would mean the Liverpool midfield department is made up of Thiago, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson in terms of senior frontline options this season, with the depth provided by younger players.

The latest: ‘Number one target…’

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Leeds United frontman and BBC Radio show host Whelan has claimed that the riches at Klopp’s disposal mean they can afford to wait for Bellingham.

He said: “They’ve gone out and spent quite a lot of money this summer. Carvalho has come in, and they’ve spent a staggering amount on Nunez as well – which is their answer to the Erling Haaland deal.

“The question is – do they need any defensive midfielders? They’ve got Milner, Henderson, Fabinho, as well as other players who can make an impact. Do they need to force a transfer through for the sake of it?

“We know who their number one target is. It’s Jude Bellingham – and they’ll be moving for him next year. Man City might have made their move a bit earlier by getting Kalvin Phillips in – but Liverpool may be waiting until next season in order to get their man.

“I don’t expect it to weaken Liverpool this season if they do wait around. I’m not expecting it to be a one-horse race. It’s still going to be an intriguing and exciting season in the Premier League.”

The verdict: Worth the wait

If it is as simple as Bellingham or no one this summer, it would be worthwhile in the long run to wait for the 15-cap England sensation, given the potential in the short term and the longevity on offer.

Perhaps a midfield addition could still be necessary in this window if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should force a move away before the deadline, but that is not currently the case.

Already an established performer for club and country, the prodigiously talented star was hailed as an ‘extremely intelligent’ and ‘sublime’ operator by journalist Josh Bunting following an 8.50 Sofascore rated display which included a goal, assist and five successful dribbles in a 2-1 victory over Besiktas during the 2021/22 campaign.

Overall, Bellingham has directly contributed to 34 goals in 134 senior outings in what is still a fledgeling career, highlighting an eye for impacting matches in the final third.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to Liverpool’s own Keita, Lazio superstar Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Barcelona wonderkid Pedri (Fbref), the former Birmingham prospect looks certain to enjoy a fruitful and distinguished time at the elite level and the Reds will want to be the platform on which all of his talents can be harnessed, even if that means waiting a year.