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Aston Villa could begin talks with the representatives of River Plate next week over Julian Alvarez, according to respected Radio Continental journalist Sebastián Srur on Twitter.

The Argentina international is said to be eyeing a move to Europe this window to advance his career [Birmingham Live].

Completing an outstanding 2020/21 campaign, the versatile offensive talent registered 11 goal contributions from 20 outings; four goals and seven assists [Transfermarkt].

Roughly translated, Srur claimed the following on Twitter: “Aston Villa, interested in Julian Alvarez. It will be necessary to see if they advance with a concrete offer. There may be meetings next week in England.”

Of course, Aston Villa have already been very prominent in the summer window, having broken their transfer record to acquire Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City [BBC].

Additionally, the Villains have brought in Ashley Young on a free transfer and could now be set for a third signing as Alvarez mulls over his future.

As you can imagine, loads of Villa diehards took to Twitter to revel in this latest news.

Villa fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet villareport, here are how some supporters summed up their feelings about these recent developments, with one fan even comparing the youngster to Lionel Messi.

“The next messi in my books, get it done”

Credit: @GreaseSZNN”Trust me he’s unreal watch him most weeks”Credit: @rossmow6″I need a signing now. Next week is too far and I’m too excited for news”Credit: @myburneraccou11″I love these kind of deals”Credit: @_porsalin”YES!!!!!!”Credit: @MilanRnic1″Get it done, decent young talent”Credit: @stubz14In other news, Aston Villa fans react to a Jack Grealish update.

The transfer saga of last year from a Celtic point of view was with Fraser Forster.

The 6 foot 7 behemoth of a goalkeeper had enjoyed a spectacular campaign on loan at Parkhead but would leave the Hoops in search of becoming the number one at his parent club.

It was a blow for the Bhoys as Southampton looked to reintegrate him back into the first-team set-up at St Mary’s.

With Forster out the door, the hierarchy turned their attention elsewhere. They moved decisively to sign Greece international Vasilis Barkas.

He set Celtic back a sum of £4.5m after he joined from AEK Athens but that fee has rather wasted.

Barkas has played just twice in the league since January and has made a number of high profile errors. Unfortunately, he’s not been the only one.

Scott Bain has been questionable between the sticks as well. He was at fault for two goals during the club’s defeat away at Sparta Prague in Europe and let the mistakes engulf him again in the second part of the season.

Bain was beaten by a rasping effort from Alfredo Morelos during their 4-1 drubbing against Rangers but he should have done more to react in time and potentially beat the ball away.

After such a torrid campaign from a defensive point of view, Celtic should look at bolstering their goalkeeping ranks.

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One player linked with a move to Paradise is Benjamin Siegrist. However, with incoming manager Eddie Howe’s expertise in the English game, he could look towards Asmir Begovic instead.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast earlier this week, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie claimed the experienced stopper should be on Celtic’s wish list: “Begovic, you know, he’s a big player. Again, he’s had a very good season at Bournemouth. I do feel that, yes, the goalkeeping area is certainly a massive must for me. Begovic is a very, very good goalkeeper,” he stated.

“There are lots of goalkeepers out there that would certainly be attracted to go into Celtic,” Hendrie concluded.

You can understand why the Bhoys would be appealed by his name. Begovic is somebody who’s been around for a while now but at the age of 33, he still has plenty left in the tank as a goalkeeper.

The Cherries figure is capped 63 times by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while he’s played for both Chelsea and AC Milan. Thus, the ‘keeper knows how to perform and thrive in high-pressure situations. He also knows what it means to play for a club with lofty ambitions.

Standing at 6 foot 6, he is a man-mountain between the posts, an attribute that judging by Forster’s height would prove beneficial at Lennoxtown.

He also comes highly recommended by Howe.

Begovic played 62 times under the Englishman at Bournemouth and earned a glowing review for his performances from the incoming Celtic boss.

Speaking in 2019 after he dropped the stopper, he praised the veteran for his attitude and mentality: “He’s the ultimate professional, Asmir.”

Celtic have lacked leaders this season, a player who can pull their teammates aside and help them to improve their game.

The Hoops linked goalkeeper feels like a player with that kind of good-willed nature to his personality.

Not only would he be an important addition on the pitch but he’d be fantastic in the dressing room.

Howe wouldn’t be going too far wrong by arriving in Paradise and making Begovic his first signing, it’s something he must do.

AND in other news, Forget Soro: Celtic already have their Scott Brown heir in 6 ft 6 “man mountain”…

West Brom are reportedly interested in signing veteran Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty this summer.

The Lowdown: Baggies search for new signings

The Baggies suffered a dispiriting return to the Premier League last season, with relegation sealed last month and another year in the Championship on its way.

West Brom are now planning for life in English football’s second tier, not only looking for a new manager to replace Sam Allardyce, but also eyeing up potential signings.

The Latest: Lafferty linked with move

According to Football League World, the Baggies are one of a host of clubs keen on acquiring the signature of Lafferty, who is currently a free agent after a spell at Kilmarnock.

The 33-year-old, who has scored 20 goals in 82 caps for Northern Ireland, is also wanted by Cardiff City, Middlesbrough, Derby County, Birmingham City, Ipswich Town and Wigan Athletic.

The Verdict: A shrewd acquisition

While age isn’t necessarily on Lafferty’s side, he could still be a shrewd signing for West Brom. His experience are pedigree are both undeniable – he has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by international colleague Steven Davis.

It is somewhat of an intriguing move as he hasn’t exactly been a clinical goalscorer at club level, scoring just four goals in 39 appearances in his spell at Norwich City, for example.

However, in many ways, West Brom could see it as a win-win scenario – if Lafferty is a success, it could help them return to the top-flight, and if he struggles, his experience could still prove valuable to younger forward players learning their craft.

In other news, there has been another key update regarding West Brom’s search for a new manager. Read more here.

Lee Ryder has shared some promising insight from observers of the potential takeover of Newcastle United on arbitration.

The Lowdown: Arbitration date set

A date has now been set for the pending arbitration case between the St. James’ Park faithful and the Premier League over the failed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The arbitration hearing has been set for July on an expedited basis, with the top flight been granted an extension to respond to the North East club’s separate anti-competition case against them.

The Latest: Ryder shares arbitration insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has shared that some observers of the bid believe that the arbitration decision will come much sooner than the one on the anti-competition claim, and that the result of arbitration could mean that the PL would be told that their original takeover decision would have to be reversed.

Given that the original decision was to fail the takeover, this would give it another chance to be completed.

The Verdict: Promising for takeover

The fact that the league could be told to reverse their original decision can only be seen as promising for the potential takeover, as it means that there is still a possibility for it to be completed.

Although the timing of the arbitration case is not ideal, given that it falls in the middle of the summer transfer window, a positive result would be a big step in its potential revival.

Nonetheless, at least there is now a date set in stone for that hearing, meaning that the Tyneside club can now prepare fully for it once the 2020/21 season ends, with the hope that it will be resolved at least before the end of the transfer window so that they know what kind of calibre of player they may be able to bring in.

In other news, find out whose display versus Sheffield United was slammed here!

According to a report by Eurosport, West Ham United and GSB are now likely to sound out Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud with an offer as his contract nears expiry.

The Lowdown: Moyes on the striker hunt

After West Ham manager David Moyes failed to get his hands on a striker in January, much has been made of the Irons finally strengthening that position in the summer window.

Indeed, club insider Claret & Hugh believes that both a new forward and permanent deal for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard are at the very top of Moyes’ priority list.

The Latest: Giroud enters the fray…

The striker saga now appears well underway as Eurosport bring news of West Ham’s interest in Chelsea forward Giroud.

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Giroud is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, meaning the Hammers could feasibly sign him on a free deal amid difficult financial circumstances caused by coronavirus.

As such, journalist Dean Jones, writing for the outlet, believes West Ham are now ‘likely’ to sound out the 107-cap international with an offer to swap Stamford Bridge for the London Stadium.

However, the club face stiff competition for Giroud in the form of Italian giants AC Milan – who are believed to already be looking into a possible agreement.

The Verdict: Ideal signing?

The 34-year-old’s haul both domestically and at international level is something to be praised.

Indeed, Giroud has netted 44 goals over his plethora of caps for France and holds a fairly solid goalscoring record in the Premier League with 90 goals in 255 appearances overall.

The towering 6 foot 3 forward has also attracted pretty lofty praise from Gary Lineker, with the pundit lavishing Giroud as ‘the most underrated striker in the game.’ (via Twitter).

However, if Moyes wants a long term solution, Giroud may not be the most credible option given his age – with reported striking targets such as Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham arguably worth an investment which could pay off long into the future.

In other news: West Ham fans rave over this official club announcement, find out more here.

Speaking in a Q&A for football.london, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has dropped an enticing managerial claim involving Fulham boss and ex-Lilywhite Scott Parker.

Parker, who has attracted praise for his job at Craven Cottage despite them fighting relegation, has also been touted as a ‘future England manager’ by former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara (talkSPORT).

Alasdair Gold drops Scott Parker claim

Appearing to be highly rated through the media, one Spurs supporter wondered whether Daniel Levy would ever consider appointing Parker amid the pressure surrounding current boss Jose Mourinho.

Replying to the query, Gold dropped a rather enticing claim on the former Tottenham midfielder.

“He’ll certainly be one for the future if he keeps developing as a manager,” explained Gold.

“He’s got a lot of friends at Spurs, having impressed with the U18s, and they’ll be keeping a close eye on his career.”

Transfer Tavern take

Former Fulham player Jim Hicks, who tutored Parker through his professional coaching license, labelled him as one of the ‘exceptional’ managers he has taught when speaking to the Athletic. 

He has also been heralded by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as part of the ‘new generation’ of young English managers who have ‘courage’ to play with a style of ‘pace and organisation’ (Man City club site).

Whilst he is displaying lots of promise, Gold’s claim that he is one for the future is likely an apt prediction – any potential successor for Mourinho, if the Portuguese is given his marching orders, would arguably need more experience at the highest level.

In other news: Tottenham make enquiry to sign £225,000-per-week star, find out more here.

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Declan Rice could leave West Ham this summer, should the Hammers get an offer they can’t refuse.

Rice has been one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League, with his impressive form catching the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.

The 22-year-old is currently out injured following a knee problem sustained whilst away with England, with the Hammers’ victory at Wolves ending his two-year run of consecutive minutes played in the league.

Strong recent reports believe that Manchester United are leading the race to sign the Hammers midfielder, and are going to use on-loan West Ham attacker Jesse Lingard to improve their attempts of bringing Rice to Old Trafford.

David Moyes recently said that it would take the ‘Bank of England’ to lure Rice away from the London Stadium this summer, but Bent told Football FanCast that if West Ham were to receive a huge offer for the England man, it could help them improve their squad significantly.

He said: “Chelsea and Manchester United, they’re big sides. It depends on the price, if they get a big fee for him, it could be a lot of money for West Ham to go out and buy two or three players.

“He’s definitely one they won’t want to lose, but it depends on the price.”

David Moyes should urge West Ham United to sign Aaron Ramsey this summer after Steve Howey claimed that a move to the London Stadium “would suit” the Juventus midfielder.

Former Newcastle ace Howey has been speaking exclusively with Football Transfer Tavern amid widespread rumours linking the Welshman with a return to the Premier League.

Ramsey only moved to the Serie A at the end of his Arsenal contract in 2019, but has struggled to establish himself at the Allianz Stadium, where he earns £400,000 per week.

West Ham is one potential destination for the midfield maestro, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Irons could make a move as Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici weighs up avenues to clear space in Andrea Pirlo’s squad.

Crystal Palace are also monitoring Ramsey’s situation, while Everton have allegedly been offered the Wales international for €15m (£13m). The 30-year-old has been suggested as Georginio Wijnaldum’s replacement at Liverpool as well.

Newcastle even tried to sign Ramsey last summer, only for the Cardiff City product to reject a move to St James’ Park, and Howey doubts that he would take up the Toon’s offer this year if a return to the capital with West Ham is possible.

“I think it would suit him, it’s London. I can’t see him coming up north, if I’m being brutally honest. I think that could be a good one,” Howey said.

“Jesse Lingard, would he want to go back to Manchester United? He’s gone to West Ham and absolutely turned it around, because he was disappearing and disappearing fast [at Old Trafford].”

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It remains to be seen how highly Juventus value Ramsey come the summer and which clubs are willing to offer the Welshman a return to the Premier League, but Moyes should ensure that West Ham are near the front of the queue.

Ramsey’s time in Turin may have been blighted by injuries which have left the Old Lady considering moving the midfielder on at the end of the season, but he was a creative maestro in the Premier League.

Over 11 seasons at the Emirates Stadium and 262 top-flight appearances for Arsenal, Ramsey was involved in 91 goals (40 scored, 51 assisted) and never ended a campaign with less than five goal involvements between 2011 and 2019.

Only Lingard (six goals, four assists) and Tomas Soucek (nine goals) have been involved in more than five from central midfield positions for West Ham this season, with each of Pablo Fornals’ involvements (three goals, three assists) coming from wide roles.

However, doubt resides over Lingard’s future at the London Stadium as the Hammers could not agree a purchase clause with Manchester United when signing the England international on loan, and recent reports suggest that the Red Devils would now demand £30m.

Moyes also has a lack of depth behind Soucek and Declan Rice in the holding role – which the latter’s lateral knee ligament injury has made clear – with Mark Noble the only natural senior cover.

West Ham could plug two gaps with one stone by signing Ramsey this summer, and add a high-calibre option to Moyes’ squad who Gunners icon Ray Parlour has lauded as “a brilliant player” and expects will “probably finish his career in England”.

AND in other news, West Ham land major boost in race to sign “complete” £11m-rated target for free…

Southampton have been linked with a move for Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy recently, but who would be the better permanent signing between him and Theo Walcott?

Theo Walcott

Walcott has spent this season on loan with Southampton and is widely expected to complete a permanent move to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in the summer, having won over the Austrian with his performances this season.

The Athletic claimed that the Saints are looking to complete a deal for the 32-year-old this summer, despite him managing just two goals and three assists in 17 Premier League starts so far this season.

The former Arsenal man would bring a wealth of experience with him and already knows the squad and manager well, but given that he will turn 33 next season, he may prove to be a relatively short-term option for the Saints.

Jacob Murphy

According to Football Insider, Southampton are keen on signing the Newcastle United winger this summer, and the Toon could accept an offer as low as £3m for his services.

The 26-year-old has impressed in his recent performances at right wing-back, so he would offer Hasenhuttl some versatility in his squad and potentially some cover for Kyle Walker-Peters.

Murphy has two goals and two assists in the top flight this season and is only one goal contribution behind Walcott, despite making significantly fewer starts (10) than the Saints winger and playing in a much more defensive role.

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Who would be the better signing?

Despite Walcott most likely being available on a free transfer this summer, he reportedly earns £100,000 per week at Everton, so he could cost Southampton a lot of money in wages if he makes the permanent switch to St Mary’s.

Murphy reportedly earns £25,000 per week at Newcastle, so whilst the Saints may have to pay the £3m fee to bring him in, he would be significantly cheaper in terms of wages.

The Newcastle United man would also be more of a long-term option in Hasenhuttl’s side and offers much more versatility than Walcott, who arguably no longer possesses the pace to play as a central striker. That latter attribute is something which Murphy could offer in spades.

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Therefore, rather than breaking Hasenhuttl’s transfer policy to bring in a player such as Walcott who is perhaps well past his best, the Austrian manager should focus Southampton’s resources on signing Murphy this summer.

In other news… Gao Jisheng could be set for huge Southampton blow as European giants eye “exceptional” gem 

Southampton’s decision to sign Jan Bednarek for just £5 million from Lech Poznan in 2017 is looking to be more and more like a masterstroke by the Saints, with former sporting director Ross Wilson deserving a lot of credit for his role in the negotiations.

Southampton brought in the centre-back for the minimal fee in the summer of 2017, as he became Mauricio Pellegrino’s first signing at the South Coast club.

He would end up outlasting the Argentine manager and he has become a key part of Southampton’s first-team under Ralph Hasenhuttl in recent seasons.

The Polish international has now made 108 appearances for the Saints, in which he has contributed three goals and four assists.

Bednarek was a big part of Southampton’s impressive form earlier in the season, forming a solid partnership with Jannik Vestergaard in central defence and he has been one of the first names on the team sheet under the Austrian’s management.

Having established himself as a quality defender at both domestic and international level, it is no surprise that Bednarek’s market value has significantly increased during his time at Southampton.

At the time of his signing, the centre-back was valued at just £4.5 million, whereas the 24-year-old is now valued at £22.5 million, which shows why his acquisition was excellent business by the South Coast club.

Bednarek is still relatively young for a centre-back, so it would not be a surprise to see his value continue to rise over the next few seasons and whilst it might be tricky for the Saints to keep hold of him if he attracts interest from a top club, it looks like they’re almost guaranteed to make a serious profit on him should he leave.

Therefore, you could definitely say that it was something of a masterclass by Wilson to bring in Bednarek for just £5 million back in 2017, considering his excellent performances in his first four years with the Saints.

To sign a player, see him have great success then either sell him for a big profit or keep him for years to come is exaclty what clubs like Saints want to do in the market. There’s no doubting that getting Bednarek was a masterstroke.

And, in other news… Southampton can sign their next Mane with £8.5m swoop for 18-goal beast