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The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has delivered a major transfer update on Aston Villa’s forgotten man Conor Hourihane.

What’s the story?

The Republic of Ireland international struggled to get much game-time at Villa Park in the first half of the season in the Premier League last year, playing just 228 minutes of top-flight football before his departure for Swansea on loan deal in January.

Now, Evans has revealed that Hourihane “is expected to generate a healthy transfer fee — and profit on the £2m he cost to buy from Barnsley back in 2017 — if he moves this summer”.

Hourihane must go

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of a game against West Ham earlier last season, Villa manager Dean Smith was quick to acknowledge that it was difficult for Hourihane.

He said: “Conversations can be difficult but if you’re just speaking to the players with honesty then you usually find a way through that.

“We’d played two, won two and Conor had come off in both games. We signed Ross (Barkley) and I felt we needed to go a different way against Liverpool given who we were playing against. I explained that to Conor and, yes, he was disappointed because he had been involved in the first two games but we felt we’d brought in a real, high-calibre, different type of player.”

The fact Smith felt perfectly happy to let the £40k-a-week Hourihane leave the club on loan for the second-half of the season paints a real story of just how far down the pecking order he is at Villa Park.

It would be the best move for all parties for him to leave on a permanent transfer this summer, especially with the club also having brought in Morgan Sanson in the January transfer window too.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a transfer update on this Premier League player Villa are targeting…

Everton will need to get better at taking the chances they create as they have conceded more goals than they have scored this season, leaving them 15th in the Premier League going into the new year.

The attacking prowess at Goodison Park has been spectacularly flat since the arrival of Rafael Benitez in the summer, which can be put down to injuries to key attacking players like Dominic Calvert Lewin, as well as inconsistencies in the squad.

Despite the struggles Everton has faced in the first half of the season, two of the signings that Benitez made in the previous transfer window, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, are currently the two top scorers for the club this season. Therefore, the Spanish manager definitely has an eye for what can work in attack and should use that nous when dipping into the transfer market this month.

One player who has been linked to the club is former Arsenal star, Aaron Ramsey, who has been reported to be leaving Juventus in a matter of days, with the Welshman only going back to Turin to say goodbye to his team-mates.

It was reported earlier this week that a swap loan deal for out-of-favour Lucas Digne could be on the cards, but it now looks like Ramsey will be making different plans in the coming days and weeks, and the Toffees manager should be capitalising on the 31-year-old’s impending departure from Serie A.

The attacking midfielder has an impressive 148 goals and assists throughout his career, compared to current Everton midfielder Tom Davies, who despite being eight years Ramsey’s junior can only boast 19 goal contributions from 190 career appearances.

Davies’ team-mate Abdoulaye Doucoure would thrive with a player like Ramsey by his side, as the pair could form a deadly midfield partnership to take the Toffees back where they belong in the top half of the table by the end of the season.

Doucoure’s strength in positioning is one of his best attributes, as well as his ability to offer creativity and goals from midfield, with two goals and four assists so far this season.

Combining those strengths with Ramsey’s consistently outstanding passing accuracy from playing in many midfield positions, and his experience of elite competitions, could be a huge threat for Everton’s opponents in the second half of the season. Benitez must do everything he can to try and make it happen this month.

In other news: Everton start given green light to return as training pictures emerge

Rangers have been handed a fresh injury lift over John Lundstram…

What’s the latest?

Gio van Bronckhorst has revealed that the Gers midfielder trained on Friday and is set to be back in action in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Lundstram was taken off in the first half on Sunday in the Premiership as he struggled with a knock, but he has now recovered from that in time to be in contention to play in the European quarter-final second leg clash against Braga.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, the Dutchman said: “Lundstram is training today so hopefully available for tomorrow.”

Van Bronckhorst will be elated

This update will surely leave the Gers head coach feeling elated, as having Lundstram available will be a huge boost to his team.

The ex-Feyenoord boss may have been fearing the worst when the midfielder was forced off the pitch in the 26th minute against St Mirren on Sunday. Steven Davis was pressed into action in the first half of the 4-0 win and the Rangers chief may not have been expecting Lundstram to be back in action quite so soon.

The 28-year-old’s participation in training on Friday suggests that he is fit enough to feature against Braga, which will delight Van Bronckhorst as Lundstram’s recent form has shown that he is a key player for the club, particularly in Europe.

In the Europa League this season, only four other outfield players have averaged a higher SofaScore rating than the ex-Sheffield United man – Alfredo Morelos, Leon Balogun, Ryan Kent and James Tavernier.

He has averaged an impressive score of 6.97 in the competition across 10 appearances. In those matches, he has won 60% of his duels and made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game, which shows that he has provided a solid defensive base to allow the attackers to go about their business in the final third.

In the Premiership, he has averaged a score of 6.88 across 25 appearances, starting 16 games. He has completed 90% of his attempted passes whilst making 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game, which shows that he has been consistently delivering solid performances domestically and in Europe throughout the campaign.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be eager to be able to name him in the starting XI against Braga at Ibrox on Thursday night. The English midfielder has shown that he is built for the big occasion, netting a stunning goal against Borussia Dortmund, and the statistics suggest that he can have a big say in this upcoming quarter-final match-up.

AND in other news, From £4.5m to £25m: Wilson had huge Rangers howler over “remarkable” 12-goal gem…

Leeds Live’s Beren Cross has delivered an update on Leeds United’s pursuit of John Swift ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports in The Sheffield Star, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have their eye on the attacking midfielder, along with the likes of Newcastle United and Brentford.

Cross has now delivered an update on where things currently stand with a potential move for Swift.

He said: “Swift will certainly be a player Orta and Bielsa are aware of. An English talent at 26 with an expiring contract is hard to ignore. After a few injury issues across the past few seasons, he has continued to play well this season and led from the front with Reading. Evidently, he will leave there in January for a smaller fee or wait to go for nothing next summer.

“It is fair to say he has outgrown the Berkshire club. I am not aware Leeds have ever shown strong interest in taking Swift to Elland Road, and that includes the Championship days. Now, in the Premier League, Swift is unproven and could be considered a risk. The finances would not be an issue, but is he that much better than what Leeds already have and does he have that box-to-box profile Leeds need alongside a Rodrigo in the middle?”

Would be an exciting addition for Leeds

Swift has a track record of offering a goal-scoring threat from attacking midfield, managing an impressive 63 goal contributions in 181 games. in fact, his start to the current campaign for Reading has been quite incredible, netting eight goals in 17 matches in the Championship as well as chipping in with seven assists.

Speaking back in August after a 2-1 win over Preston, Royals manager Veljko Paunovic said of the 26-year-old: “Now he’s back, it is important we keep him healthy and motivated as he is now because that will help us a lot.

“He is super talented and he showed an urgency that he wanted to decide the game. The first couple of passes to Azeez and Joao were fantastic vision and execution of the final pass – something we’ve missed in the past. We missed those slick combinations through the middle when we progress forward so that’s something we have to keep up.”

That ability to come from deep and find the back of the net – he has scored 40 senior goals in his professional career thus far – would add a different dimension to Leeds’ side.

The fact that Bielsa and Orta will be “aware” of Swift and his progress at Reading could be crucial to potentially making a move for him in January when the transfer window opens again.

He’d certainly be an exciting addition for Leeds fans.

Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a transfer battle for this Brazilian ace…

As per Calciomercato, some news has come to light on a ‘top summer priority’ for Tottenham Hotspur and their manager Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs targets identified?

Sharing a transfer update earlier this month, The Athletic lifted the lid on Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s list of summer targets for a real priority position.

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According to their sources, the Lilywhites have identified strengthening their left-sided centre-back ranks as a real priority, with a few big names reportedly on their agenda.

Writing on Twitter, Jack Pitt-Brooke claimed that Joško Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Sven Botman (Lille) and Nico Schlotterbeck (SC Freiburg) are all targets, along with Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

Sharing an update on the latter, Calciomercato have made a claim involving Conte.

The Latest: Conte ‘probes’ for Bastoni…

As per their sources, backing The Athletic’s claim, Conte has personally given the green light to the signing of a left-sided centre-back, suggesting the move to Paratici.

In addition, Bastoni is apparently a target, with the Italian head coach now ‘probing the hypothesis of re-embracing one of his pupils’ at Spurs.

The Verdict: Make a move?

The £122,000-per-week defender, who has been tipped as an international heir to Italy footballing legend Giorgio Chiellini, could seriously boost Conte’s defensive options and come as a long-term addition at Tottenham.

Just 23 years old, the Nerrazzuri defender was a regular under Conte as his Inter side lifted the 2020/21 Scudetto, starting 33 Serie A matches in that triumphant campaign.

It’s clear that Bastoni is favoured by the Spurs manager, and with Italian football experts like Kaustubh Pandey (Get Italian Football News) calling him ‘world class’, the centre-back may well be a brilliant prospective addition in north London.

In other news: Tottenham could strike ‘imminent agreement’ for ‘magical’ £25m striker! Find out more here.

Liverpool’s James Milner has made more fouls per 90 minutes than anyone else in this season’s Premier League, WhoScored data shows.

Milner has started three top-flight matches so far this term, lining-up in midfield for the opening day win at Norwich and then slotting in at right-back against Crystal Palace and Manchester City in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Should Milner’s fouls have led to a red card?

He was at the centre of controversy against his former club City last time out. After being booked in the 42nd minute, he escaped a sending off for a challenge on Bernardo Silva in the second half. Pep Guardiola said after the game that he believed Milner should have been given his marching orders.

Jurgen Klopp has said that he hopes to have Alexander-Arnold back available for selection after the international break, when Liverpool are due to travel to Watford before facing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Fan feed Anfield Edition relayed the statistic about Milner’s foul concession, and here’s what some Reds supporters made of it, with one fan describing his tendency to give away free kick as an “accident waiting to happen”.

Liverpool fans express Milner concern

“He is lucky we weren’t down to 10 against City. Thank God the refs were shook off Anfield.”

Credit: @MauUprising

“Great servant and incredible work ethic but we need to move on from him.”

Credit: @ReneOuld

“Never…I would never have guessed…an accident waiting to happen.”

Credit: @Dazmay66

“He will cost Liverpool precious points this season which is why he mustn’t be used as a full back.”

Credit: @johnhak7

“That’s because he’s old and slow. Coaching role methinks.”

Credit: @StephenMcCaig2

“Get rid of him”

Credit: @LaVillanelle

In other news, many Liverpool fans were left livid as this Reds ace was snubbed.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that Leon Bailey will once again be missing from action ahead of their match against Spurs in the Premier League.

What’s the story?

The Jamaica international has had a mixed start to life at Villa Park following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen, with injuries causing him to miss a couple of games in late August.

After making his recovery, Bailey showed exactly what he could bring to the table with an electric cameo against Everton, scoring one goal and setting up another as Villa ran out 3-0 winners.

However, after being forced off though injury just minutes after coming on against the Toffees, the 24-year-old looks set to be ruled out until after the international break; and speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of today’s fixture, Smith has delivered an update on the winger.

The manager said: “I’m hopeful that he will start training during the international break, and we will assess him then.”

Villa fans will be gutted

After initially seeing Bailey go down with injury, former Villa defender Alan Hutton responded by saying: “He’s a little bit different to some players because he’s so explosive. That’s kind of a red flag. You need to be careful, especially if you’re coming back from a hamstring injury or things like that. He’s that quick off the mark that he needs to be right.

“The intensity of the Premier League is massive so it’s always going to put strain on your body. They’re going to have to be careful with him, he is playing catch up.”

Hutton concluded: “I’m sure over the coming weeks, depending on how bad he is, they’ll take their time with him and try bed him in really slowly.”

Bailey’s display against Everton showed just why he can be a real game-changer for Villa with his sheer pace and skill, and coming up against a struggling Spurs side, he surely would have relished today’s contest.

Villa fans will no doubt be gutted at seeing him miss out today.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update…

Lee Ryder has claimed that Newcastle United could sign Tom Davies in a potential swap deal with Sean Longstaff before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Davies linked before

The St. James’ Park faithful were reportedly linked with a move for Davies in last summer’s window, before he ended up staying at Everton.

It seems as if they could revisit their previous interest this summer, as the new 2021/22 Premier League season draws ever closer.

The Latest: Swap deal?

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Tyneside journalist Ryder has claimed that Longstaff could be used in a swap deal to bring Davies to the North East.

The move has been played down at this moment in time, but it has not been ruled out.

The Verdict: Avoid

It seems a bit unnecessary for the Tyneside club to swap Longstaff for Davies, as they are both very similar players.

They both managed no goals and just one assist in the top flight last term, and while Davies, lauded as an ‘excellent’ player by pundit Paddy Kenny back in June, averaged more interceptions, clearances, blocks, dribbles and passes per game, Longstaff averaged more tackles, shots, key passes, crosses and long balls (Whoscored).

Put simply, they are both tenacious midfielders with an eye for a pass, but little potency going forward and plenty of room to develop their games further.

Longstaff is also a local boy and so the Toon Army would not be pleased in letting one of their own go, unless a much better replacement was brought in.

Thus, the Magpies should only look to add Davies to their squad if Longstaff was not included as part of a deal.

In other news, find out which Premier League NUFC are ‘desperate’ to sign here!

Crystal Palace shared images of defender Nathan Ferguson on their official Twitter page on Thursday.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans were quick to react to the update on social media.

Ferguson was brought to Selhurst Park back in July 2020 after his deal with West Brom expired.

It has since been revealed that Palace have to pay just £900,000 in compensation to the Baggies, however, the 21-year-old is still yet to turn out in red and blue.

The defender has suffered multiple injuries during his time with Palace, with the latest coming back in May when he tore his achilles, but it seems as if Ferguson may well be close to finally making his Eagles debut after being pictured on the training ground.

Unsurprisingly, fans are extremely excited to see what will certainly feel like a new signing finally donning the Palace shirt.

Palace fans react

This is what these CPFC supporters had to say in reply to the club’s official post regarding Ferguson, with many happy and one labelling it as ‘fantastic’.

“Oh I’m emotional”

Credit: @Kevbartleyy

“OMG Today is a good day”

Credit: @DrizzyCPFC

“Fantastic to see – keep going Nathan”

Credit: @LukeRemnant

“Omggggggggg barclays ain’t ready”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @SWPalace

“This makes me so happy to see! What a journey!”

Credit: @Tolcheey17

“Comeback SZN!”

Credit: @DeePalace_

In other news: ‘Would be mad’ – Many CPFC fans stunned as ‘stupid’ transfer news emerges.

Speaking to Sky Sports, pundit Sue Smith has raved over a ‘huge boost’ out of north London involving Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min.

The Lowdown: Son contract confirmed…

Reports had indicated that the 28-year-old agreed to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Football Insider recently reporting that terms had been finalised and a deal ‘done’.

Now, as announced today, Son has indeed extended his deal in north London – signing a four-year contract which will run until 2025.

The Latest: Smith raves over ‘huge’ Son boost…

Speaking to Sky, Smith has raved over the announcement whilst predicting Spurs supporters will certainly be ecstatic with the development.

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As well as this, she describes the news as a ‘huge boost’ for the Lilywhites.

“I think it’s a huge boost for everyone linked with Spurs,” she explained to the broadcaster.

“It’s just a huge boost like I say, he’s such a good player to watch, I really enjoy watching him every week in the Premier League.

“He’s vital to Spurs’ attack, I think when they go forward in terms of his running with the ball, his running without the ball, his assists, his goals.

“He’s a really intelligent player and Spurs fans will certainly be happy that he’s been tied down.”

The Verdict: Absolutely massive…

Given Spurs supporters have been waiting for the better part of 9 months for Son to officially extend his stay, with reports emerging as far back as October 2020, this certainly comes as massive bit of news.

The South Korea star was, by some distance, Tottenham’s second-most important player behind Kane and even managed to get into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

Amid the noise surrounding Kane and his future, news of Son committing his future is definitely a welcome update – if the talisman does depart, Son will become the face of the club.

In other news: ‘Massive’, ‘Exactly what Levy wanted’…Sky pundit has also raved over this Tottenham Hotspur Stadium announcement, find out more here.