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Sergio Gomez is an entirely viable option for Aston Villa.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail who claim that the 21-year-old is still on Aston Villa’s “list” as a young but experienced understudy option for Lucas Digne.

After the sale of Matt Targett to Newcastle United, Digne is undoubtedly the first choice left-back, with Gerrard looking to embed competition for places in order to maintain a level of desire within the squad.

The Anderlecht left-back is rated at around £9m, as per Transfermarkt.

Gomez x Watkins

Barcelona youth product, Gomez, has found his feet in the Belgian top-flight, chipping in with five goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances throughout his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.

Operating throughout Vincent Kompany’s 4-4-2 system as an offensive left-back, he has gathered more goal returns in the league this season than Digne has managed throughout the last two Premier League campaigns and has quite simply been “on fire” as put by Stefan Buczko.

With 65 chances created, Gomez surpasses Digne’s squad-topping 52 chances at Villa, with the Spaniard’s 15 big chances created almost double that of Villa’s top ‘big chance’ creator Emi Buendia, with eight in the season just gone.

His offensive acumen is astonishing and represents what would be an unorthodox, but entirely prosperous, partnership with Ollie Watkins, who has enjoyed two solid Premier League campaigns back-to-back.

Watkins finished as Aston Villa’s top-scorer for the second season in a row and despite possessing athleticism and agility, has slotted into the role of a poacher with relative ease.

With an average of just 33.51 touches per game, he is reliant on teammates to create chances, so you can imagine the field day he would have if Gomez was operating on the left flank.

As a versatile asset, Gomez can occupy more advanced positions, so it would not be a shock to see him deployed as a left-midfielder at times.

But ultimately, he shines in defence and has proven himself as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects.

Gerrard needs to wrap this deal up.

AND in other news: Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez 

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has revealed that Southampton will only allow Adam Armstrong to leave the club if they find a suitable replacement.

The Lowdown: Championship interest

The 25-year-old first made the step up to the Premier League when he joined the Saints from Blackburn Rovers last summer, but has failed to make the impact many hoped for, scoring just two goals in 28 appearances in all competitions during his debut season at St. Mary’s.

Even though the striker still has three years remaining on his contract on the south coast, The Sun have reported that Championship clubs Watford and Middlesbrough are both weighing up the possibility of a loan move.

It’s stated within the article that the forward is reluctant to drop down to a lower league, creating a roadblock for the two potential suitors, and it sounds like Hasenhuttl won’t let him go easily either.

The Latest: Crook breaks inside update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook provided an update on Southampton’s transfer stance regarding the future of Armstrong. He said:

“Adam Armstrong, I’ve been told, would only be allowed to go if they get another striker in.

“At the moment, there’s no real interest in moving him on.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

With Armando Broja having returned to Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell, not to mention the fact that Shane Long’s contract expired earlier on Friday, Che Adams and Dan N’Lundulu are now the only other senior strikers on the books, so Southampton can’t afford to let Armstrong go.

Despite not having a successful first campaign in red and white stripes, the £13.5m-rated gem has got an outstanding track record in front of goal, having netted 28 times in just 40 outings for Rovers in 2020/21, via Transfermarkt.

If he can get a good pre-season under his belt, there’s always a chance that he will be able to replicate that form for the Saints next term as Hasenhuttl looks to guide his team back towards a top-ten finish.

The summer transfer window is now in full swing and Glasgow Rangers are yet to make a first-team addition to the squad.

John Souttar has arrived on a free transfer from Hearts but the deal was agreed, as a pre-contract, in January, which means that Ross Wilson has not sanctioned any moves since the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Light Blues chief still has plenty of time to add to Gio van Bronckhorst’s Premiership squad, though, and the club have been linked with a number of players.

Gers podcaster Andy Barnett recently told the Heart & Hand podcast that the club have been eyeing up a move for 18-year-old midfielder Oscar Gloukh.

He outlined: “I can tell you that apparently Rangers scouts were in my home. That’s along with scouts of over 40 teams at the Israel-Austria under-19 game, which Israel won 4-2.

“They were meant to be looking at Oscar Gloukh, who I’ve seen play in person and is an absolutely superbly talented youngster, a wonderkid.

“He came on for Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the final third of the season and was just the best player in the league in the final third. He scored against Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel-Aviv which are the two biggest games and there was meant to be clubs from La Liga as well as Rangers looking at him last night.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly want £8m for the gem, and Wilson can land the Gers their next Ianis Hagi by securing a deal to sign him in the coming weeks and months.

The Romania international, who was also dubbed a wonderkid in his younger days, has produced 15 goals and 21 assists in 85 games for the Light Blues so far, playing as a number 10 and a winger.

In Gloukh, Rangers can find their next exciting young attacking midfielder to burst onto the scene at Ibrox. Despite only turning 18 in April, the prospect has already played 10 games for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first team, scoring three goals, and has been capped 21 times by Israel at various youth levels.

The number 10 has shown great promise at such a young age, with journalist Sam Tighe dubbing him “clever”, and this suggests that he has the scope to continue progressing and make it as a professional. He has many years left ahead of him to hone his skills and he can absorb tips from Hagi to help him fulfill his potential.

Wilson must now take a gamble on the ‘wonderkid’ and see if Van Bronckhorst can coach him into becoming the new version of the Romanian in Glasgow in the years to come.

AND in other news, “Understand..”: Jordan Campbell drops Rangers exit claim that’ll delight Gvb…

Tottenham have been very active in the summer transfer window as they have moved quickly to strengthen their squad in the off-season. 

Fabio Paratici is not willing to be complacent after the 2021/22 team secured Champions League football by finishing fourth in the Premier League and has made moves to improve Antonio Conte’s group.

Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, and Ivan Perisic are all already through the door before the first game of pre-season, with all of them arriving on permanent deals.

Spurs may not be done yet, though, as they continue to be linked with a host of players across the globe in a variety of positions.

90min recently claimed that the club have enquired about a potential swoop for Everton goalkeeper – and Richarlison’s former teammate – Jordan Pickford. However, it is also stated that their interest is not live at this moment in time as they aim to tie up a deal for Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet.

Masterclass deal

Whether a deal comes now or in January, or even next summer, Paratici can land a masterclass for Tottenham by securing the England international’s services.

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Everton paid Sunderland £30m to sign him in 2017 and it remains to be seen how much it would now take to snap him up now, but the Lilywhites must attempt to bring him in as he can be Hugo Lloris’ long-term replacement. 

The Englishman is seven years younger than the Spurs captain and can come in with a view to taking over from him in the long-term, whilst also challenging him in the immediate future.

Ex-Toffees striker Marcus Bent previously backed the shot-stopper, saying: “He’s a young boy. He’s done wonders for the team, he’s England number one.

“He’s made mistakes, but all keepers make mistakes. But he always bounces back because he’s strong, he’s mentally strong.

“I don’t think changing him will change anything. Maybe getting in a number two to help him improve on and off the pitch, but he’s still growing. I think he’ll still do really well next season.”

Pickford played 35 matches in the Premier League last term and only made one error directly leading to a shot or goal, saving 67% of the shots against him. This came after the ‘keeper made four errors leading to shots or goals in the previous campaign, showing that he has become more reliable over time.

Lloris, meanwhile, allowed mistakes to creep into his game as he made three errors in the top-flight last season for Tottenham.

This suggests that Pickford, who has been dubbed “unreal” by journalist Joe Crann, can be a steady pair of hands to take over from the Frenchman if he can continue to avoid making blunders, and that is why it would be a masterclass from Paratici to bring him in as the eventual successor to the skipper.

AND in other news, Conte approves move for “incredible” £9m signing, he’d give Spurs an “extra dimension”…

Leeds United are ready to pay up to £31.6m for Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere, according to The Mirror’s David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Opening bid

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian in recent weeks as the club look to enhance Jesse Marsch’s attacking ranks.

Reports from Belgium claimed that Leeds had made an opening offer worth an initial €30m (£25.7m) plus bonuses for the 21-year-old, who caught Pep Guardiola’s eye last season as he left the Manchester City manager ‘impressed’ when the Premier League champions took on Club Brugge in Europe.

The figures when it came to add-ons weren’t mentioned, although Anderson has now provided a clear update on what a transfer could be worth.

The Latest: Anderson’s update

In a story for The Mirror, reliable journalist Anderson stated that Leeds are willing to meet Brugge’s £25.6m asking price and would include a further £6m in add-ons.

That would make the Belgium international the club’s most expensive signing of all time, according to Anderson, eclipsing the £30m spent on Rodrigo two years ago.

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The Verdict: Raphinha funds to be used?

It seems as if Raphinha could be on his way out of Elland Road over the coming weeks, potentially to Barcelona, although Leeds previously accepted an offer from Chelsea in the region of £60m.

Should the Whites bank that amount for the Brazilian, it would take their summer income to around £103m after Kalvin Phillips joined Manchester City.

Andrea Radrizzani has already spent £95m on six new Leeds signings, so a £31.6m move for De Ketelaere could take the club’s net spend this summer to around £23m, which would not be a bad return.

Steven Gerrard should do all in his power to try and lure Conor Gallagher from Chelsea to Aston Villa.

Pete O’Rourke had recently touted the midfielder with a move to the Midlands and claimed that it would “definitely be a huge signing for Villa” should they manage to pull it off.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine 2021/22 season whilst on loan at Crystal Palace, racking up 11 goal contributions across his 34 league appearances.

His ability to excel for a Palace side who finished 12th suggests that he could help propel Villa up the table should they fork out the reported £50m asking price for him.

Furthermore, he could strike up a formidable partnership in midfield with John McGinn. The two would offer a perfect blend of creativity, hard work and tough tackling to cause problems for any opposition midfield.

Last season, the Scotsman managed seven goal contributions as his team finished a disappointing 14th. However, with a number of summer additions and a full pre-season under Steven Gerrard, there is promise surrounding Aston Villa.

It is this promise which could tempt Gallagher, who would slot right into the three-man midfield.

Last season, the England international ranked in the 93rd percentile for pressures per 90 minutes among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, outlining his willingness to do the dirty work.

The thought of him lining up alongside McGinn, who averaged 16.31 pressures alongside sitting in the 85th percentile for tackles per 90, paints the picture of a balanced midfield which only needs one complementary addition to perfect it.

Summer signing Boubacar Kamara could be that man, and Gerrard could have one incredible midfield on his hands.

Gallagher was lauded for his performances last season, being labelled “unreal” by Mark Duffy and “unbelievable by Nizaar Kinsella. Journalists, pundits, players and staff all recognised his qualities, and he would represent an amazing coup for Villa.

In terms of SofaScore ratings, both McGinn and Gallagher boast similarly impressive scores. The former enjoyed a fine personal season and recorded a 7.29 average rating, while Gallagher managed a 7.08 rating. With these two paired in midfield, Villa would ne virtually guaranteed a high level of consistency and unparalleled graft.

It’s easy to imagine that these two would work perfectly together in midfield, and despite the astronomical price tag on the Chelsea gem, the added goals and graft from the centre of the park alongside McGinn’s consistency could be the difference which propels Gerrard’s side up the table in 2022/23.

AND in other news: Reliable journalist now reveals huge transfer development, Villa supporters will be gutted

Malcolm Ebiowei is already making a huge impression at Crystal Palace following his move from Derby County in the summer and it seems as if he could be a big part of Patrick Vieira’s first-team squad next season.

What’s the word?

The 18-year-old joined on a free transfer from financially-stricken Derby earlier in the summer and has caught the eye with his pre-season performances thus far.

While he has very little experience in senior football it was perhaps expected that he would return to the Championship on loan next season, however, it seems as if he could now play his part in the Premier League, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

On Twitter, the transfer insider said: “Patrick Vieira, happy with Malcolm Ebiowei’s impact at Crystal Palace. No plan to let him leave on loan, as of now – Ebiowei could really have a chance at Palace already this year. Vieira wants to work closely with Ebiowei to become an important player for the future.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Crystal Palace fans will also have been impressed by the glimpses of Ebiowei in pre-season, with this clip of him sitting down Fred in the Eagles’ pre-season defeat to Manchester United no doubt whetting the appetite of supporters.

Although Vieira is already blessed with a lot of young exciting talent out wide, such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, it is a long season and Ebiowei will no doubt get opportunities to impress at Selhurst Park.

Given that he was able to impress in a relegation side last season in his first taste of senior football, contributing one goal and two assists in just 16 appearances, earning a solid 6.85 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

If he can live up to his obvious potential and start to impress in Palace’s side next season, then signing him on a free could prove to be a superb piece of business by the Eagles.

AND in other news: Vieira can unearth Palace’s Zaha heir in teenage star with “a little bit of X-factor”

Wolves youngster Luke Cundle will be able to leave Molineux on loan during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Cundle an exciting talent

The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young players at the Wanderers’ disposal, having caught the eye with his performances for the first team and in the academy.

Cundle has made seven appearances for the senior side to date, while he has also scored nine goals and chipped in with 13 assists in 52 matches for the Under-23s.

Playing time is still going to be tough for the midfielder at Wolves this season, however, so a temporary move looks on the cards.

The Latest: Loan move expected

According to Football Insider, Wanderers are ‘ready’ to send Cundle out on loan this summer, with a number of EFL clubs interested in signing him.

Wolves see it as an ideal opportunity for the youngster to mature as a player, enjoying regular minutes and being tested week in week out in the senior game.

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The Verdict: Ideal for experience

Loan moves can be hugely beneficial for a player’s development, so this update is a positive one, allowing Cundle to enjoy a key chapter in his blossoming career.

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He has been hailed as ‘magnificent’ by James Collins in the past and he is someone who has the potential to light up one of the lower leagues with his quality.

The hope is that Cundle returns to Wolves next summer an even more polished footballer, at which point he could then be considered a genuine part of their first-team plans.

A claim has emerged regarding the future of Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe beyond the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sheffield Star journalist Alex Miller has claimed that a deal to take the Light Blues attacker to League One in England is not likely to happen ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “Nothing particularly fresh in here, I’m afraid, but understand as per @reluctantnicko that Wednesday have had contact with Rangers over Kemar Roofe. Unlikely as things stand – but as ever, things can change quickly. Owls are keeping tabs.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore was recently asked about a move for the number nine and remained coy, saying: “I can’t be drawn into that because they are simply not our players to discuss at this moment.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be delighted

This claim will delight the Ibrox head coach, as he will surely not want to lose the Jamaica international heading into next season.

The club sanctioned the sale of Cedric Itten earlier this summer and Ross Wilson acted swiftly to bring in Antonio Colak from PAOK to replace him. However, allowing Roofe to leave would put Rangers back in a tricky situation with two first-team strikers available for 2022/23.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be keen to keep the ex-Leeds marksman, as it would prevent him and Wilson from scrambling about in the final weeks of the window – whilst the club play competitive matches – to source a replacement.

The Premiership campaign kicks off this weekend and the head coach may want a settled squad from hereon in order to build consistency within the performances.

He would also be gutted to lose Roofe, who has shown that he has the ability to make a big impact for the Light Blues when he is given an opportunity on the pitch.

Last season, the attacker scored 10 goals in nine league starts for the club, playing 21 times in total. He also scored two goals in four Europa League starts, which shows that the talent is there for him to be a real difference-maker for Rangers.

Roofe has proven that he can score regularly for the Gers domestically and in Europe, and that is why keeping hold of him would be a boost to the squad. Van Bronckhorst will be delighted that a move to Sheffield Wednesday is unlikely and may be hoping that it stays that way for the rest of the summer.

AND in other news, After Ridvan: Rangers make contact to land 8th summer signing, supporters will be buzzing…

Glasgow Rangers kicked off their 2022/23 campaign with a 2-1 win away from Ibrox in the Premiership over the weekend.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst was able to field a few of his new signings as John Souttar, Antonio Colak, and Tom Lawrence all started the match, with Malik Tillman coming off the bench.

One player who missed the game through injury was summer arrival Rabbi Matondo and supporters will surely be keen to see him in action sooner rather than later.

The 21-year-old talent scored nine goals in 23 starts in the Pro League on loan at Cercle Brugge last season and registered a goal and an assist at Ibrox in a 3-1 win over West Ham in pre-season.

He is an exciting young player and Rangers can now find the dream partner for him to play alongside for many years to come in a deal to sign Oscar Gloukh from Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The Gers are one of the clubs in the race to land him this summer and Tel Aviv are reportedly looking for a fee in the region of £10m.

Gers podcaster Andy Barnett previously told the Heart & Hand podcast: “They (Rangers) were meant to be looking at Oscar Gloukh, who I’ve seen play in person and is an absolutely superbly talented youngster, a wonderkid.

“He came on for Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the final third of the season and was just the best player in the league in the final third. He scored against Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel-Aviv which are the two biggest games and there was meant to be clubs from La Liga as well as Rangers looking at him last night.”

Talent scout Jacek Kulig also named the gem in his U19’s European Championships Team of the Tournament this summer, as Israel lost to England in the final of the competition.

Barnett’s comments and his performance for his country in the tournament last month highlight his vast potential as an attacking midfielder.

At the age of 18, he has already played 12 times for his club in the first team – scoring three goals – and has been capped by Israel at U21 level. This shows that Tel Aviv believe that he has the quality to perform amongst senior professionals and his goal return suggests that he has handled the step up well.

The youngster could, therefore, be one for the future at Rangers whilst contributing in the present, much like 21-year-old Matondo.

Now, imagine the pair developing alongside each other with Gloukh in the number 10 role and the Welshman out wide on the right. It is an exciting prospect and, hopefully, one that can be turned into reality in the coming weeks.