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Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is eyeing a swoop for Rangers and Croatia star Borna Barisic in the transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Premier League side are one of a number of teams who are set to watch Barisic in action during the EUROs, after the left-back initially missed the game against England.

Football Insider claim that Villa, along with the likes of Arsenal and Wolves, are all in the market for a new senior left-back this summer, and that Barisic is someone who they will be keeping tabs on.

Superb signing for Dean Smith

With 56-assists to his name over his career, Barisic has been a chief creator for a number of years now, and has only added to that part of his game since moving to Scotland to join Rangers.

The Croatian was superb in the campaign just gone by, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions, helping the Gers to the league title and stopping arch-rivals Celtic’s chances of lifting their tenth consecutive trophy in a row.

Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae was full of praise for Barisic, saying: “He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Meanwhile, the sporting director at his former club, Osijek, Alen Petrovic said: “Borno isn’t just the best left-back in Croatia but the whole region. I’ve watched him all my life and he is the best crosser of the ball in the country.”

While Matt Targett was a permanent fixture in Smith’s starting line-up last season, the lack of real cover for him was particularly worrying, with Neil Taylor the only other recognised, senior left-back.

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Bringing in Barisic would give the Villa boss some much-needed depth on that flank, and the club’s fans should be buzzing at the prospect of seeing him deliver some superb deliveries into the box for the likes of Ollie Watkins to feed off next season.

Not only could he raise Targett’s game to another level through sheer competition, but if given the chance to start, Barisic would offer a real exciting attacking dimension that could leave fans purring.

Meanwhile, Villa should gazump their Premier League rivals for this star…

Divock Origi will definitely leave Liverpool in the summer transfer window, reports reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Origi exit expected

The Belgian has enjoyed a truly memorable Reds career, rarely being a key player but popping up with a long list of massive goals along the way, both in the Premier League and Champions League.

With Origi out of contract at the end of the season, he is expected to move on, with AC Milan looking highly likely to be his next destination.

It will allow the 27-year-old to be a regular elsewhere, potentially further fulfilling his promise, having been described as ‘world-class’ and a ‘monster’ by Jurgen Klopp.

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The Latest: Pearce confirms imminent move

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Pearce confirmed that Origi would definitely be moving on once this campaign reaches this conclusion:

“Divock Origi will leave Liverpool this summer.”

The Verdict: Undisputed Liverpool legend

When the time finally comes for Origi to leave Liverpool, he will receive a wonderful and deserved send-off from the supporters, having become a Reds legend.

His cult hero status can almost work against what a top-quality attacker he is, though, with the forward scoring 41 goals and 173 appearances in total, not to mention registering 17 assists.

It makes perfect sense for Origi to move on, given his lack of playing time, and it would be heartwarming to see him performing as a key man elsewhere.

In other news, David Ornstein has confirmed some key Liverpool news. Read more here.

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Daniel Pinder, who is editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, claims Denis Zakaria would be an upgrade on Manchester United midfielder Fred if the Red Devils were to sign him.

Zakaria has been a standout performer for Borussia Monchengladbach over the last two season as they qualified for the Champions League last season for only the third time in the club’s history.

The 24-year old has been linked with both Manchester City and Manchester United as the two clubs look to improve their midfield area with the former needing to replace Fernandinho and their rivals wanting more than a combination of Fred and Scott McTominay.

Speaking on if he would be an upgrade on Manchester United’s current midfield and what Zakaria is like as a player, Pinder exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’d be an upgrade on Fred definitely, but I think he might be quite similar to McTominay in the fact that they both like to get forward, run to the edge of the box and be there for crosses.

“So, he would be an upgrade on Fred, but I’m not sure how it would work alongside McTominay if it was to happen.”

The Switzerland international has the ability to play as either a central midfielder or even a centre back, which he has done under Marco Rose at Monchengladbach.

Man United have been rotating their midfield duo depending on who the opposition is with Fred, McTominay and Nemanja Matic all getting regular minutes.

Many Sunderland fans were left slamming the display of Elliot Embleton in their 6-0 loss away at Bolton Wanderers in League One on Saturday afternoon.

It was a day to forget for manager Lee Johnson and his team, in what could turn out to be a very damaging defeat in the race for automatic promotion up to the Championship.

Embleton was just one of a number of poor performers for the Stadium of Light faithful, missing with both of his shots at goal, while he also failed to record a single successful dribble and lost possession of the ball eight times (SofaScore).

He also recorded fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, highlighting his lack of impact from an attacking point of view.

Sunderland fans slam Embleton

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter going as far as to claim that he was a ‘passenger’ in the match, criticism which is certainly backed by the numbers:

“Gooch, Embleton awful. Offer nothing”

Credit: @LeeSafcMiller

“Elliot Embleton did absolutely nothing in that half. A passenger far too often for long spells in games.”

Credit: @Michael35507062

“Can’t believe I haven’t seen anyone talk about how bad Embleton has been recently it’s like playing with 10 men. He takes the kick off then just disappears for 10 minute intervals”

Credit: @tazzlor___

“Gooch, Embleton, Neil not good enough, I get the home grown craic but come on!!!!”

Credit: @ChristopherT198

“Embleton and Gooch very lucky to survive half-time.”

Credit: @_toosb

“Dan Neil poor, Embleton poor, Gooch dire!! And that back like is horrible. We look vulnerable every time we have an attack against us!!!”

Credit: @leech_tom

In other news, find out transfer update has Black Cats buzzing here!

According to a report by the Sun, West Ham United are leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers star Adam Armstrong alongside Fulham – with manager David Moyes looking to bolster his forward options this summer. 

The Lowdown: Moyes on the striker chase

As well as prioritising a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard (Claret & Hugh), and more recently a new goalkeeper (talkSPORT), West Ham are on the hunt for a prolific forward who can strengthen their attacking options for the 2021/2022 season.

The Irons are just one point away from securing qualification for the Europa League next campaign and manager Moyes will need to bolster his squad with new players in key positions.

The Latest: West Ham hot on heels of Armstrong

Bringing the latest, a report from the Sun details how West Ham are currently leading the pack to sign Armstrong this summer alongside Fulham – but they may have to fork out around £25 million to get a deal done.

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It is said that both Brighton and Everton are also in the race for his signature but the two London sides are currently favourites ahead of them.

Rovers have been attempting to tie their star man down with a new deal but to no avail, and with just one year remaining on Armstrong’s current deal, the Ewood Park side are close to cashing in.

The Verdict: £25 million, a bit steep?

Valued at £25m, it could be argued that such money should be put to better use elsewhere.

A permanent move for Lingard could cost around that amount and the goalkeeping position is also said to be an area Moyes wants to strengthen ahead for next season.

If the Irons are going to shell out £25m on a striker, supporters may want it to be someone with more top flight experience, even if Armstrong has managed a brilliant 28 goals and five assists in the Championship over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor touted Armstrong as a potentially ‘perfect signing’ for West Ham, but we’re inclined to disagree with the former Premier League striker’s verdict given the price tag involved.

In other news: West Ham make approach to sign ‘outstanding’ £120,000-per-week attacker, find out more here.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has dropped an update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Emile Smith Rowe.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are intent on signing the Arsenal starlet this summer, having already seen two bids for the England U21 international turned down by the Gunners.

And now, writing initially on Twitter, Preece said: “Back on the #avfc beat after some time off as pre-season training begins at Bodymoor Heath today. Expecting around 18/26 first-team players to be in + youngsters. Worth noting Traore had groin surgery 3 weeks ago. Transfers: Villa still pushing hard for Smith Rowe.”

Villa fans will be buzzing

Speaking on the Pitch to Post Preview Podcast earlier last season, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said: “Emile Smith Rowe has come in and been a revelation. They needed someone to light the flame, give them that spark.

“He’s an academy boy and you can see he’s doing a great job, the fans love him. I hope with Odegaard coming into the club, that doesn’t stop him being instrumental in what they’re doing. But I’ve been so impressed with him, I love his work ethic, I love the way he runs with the ball, he’s been a breath of fresh air for this team, exactly when they needed it.”

And, his former manager on loan at Huddersfield in the Championship a couple of seasons ago, Danny Cowley, even made some impressive comparisons with Villa’s very own talisman, and England star Jack Grealish.

He said: “He has got that little bit of Jack Grealish about him. He’s got the ability to square defenders up and go past them like they’re not there. He’s so hard not to get excited about, he has potential to be world-class.”

Having already tied up a deal for Norwich’s Emi Buendia, adding another attacking, creative player like Smith Rowe to go along with the Argentine and Grealish would create a mouth-watering list of options for Smith to use next season in the Premier League.

Given supporters have already made it clear just how excited they would be were Smith Rowe to join, it’s exactly why Preece’s latest transfer update, that Villa are still pushing hard to get Smith Rowe, will have Villans fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Matt Maher has dropped an exciting Aston Villa transfer update…

The Express and Star journalist Matt Maher has dropped some exciting news involving Aston Villa.

What’s the story?

While new signings will, of course, dominate the news cycle during the summer transfer window, Dean Smith’s side have moved quickly to ensure that the future of their academy players also remains bright, confirming that several youngsters have put pen to paper on new deals.

And after relaying the news, Maher has also now dropped an update on one of those players, in particular; Kaine Kesler.

Writing via his official Twitter account, he said: “#avfc have handed 18-year-old Kaine Kesler, who captained their youngsters to glory in last season’s FA Youth Cup final, a five-year professional contract. New deals too for Mungo Bridge, Akos Onodi, Viljami Sinisalo, Myles Sohna, DJ Sturridge and Tyreik Wright.

“Will need to look back in the books for confirmation but pretty sure Kesler’s five-year pro deal is the longest #avfc have ever given an 18-year-old. Jack Grealish, for context, signed a four-year contract after just turning 19 in 2014.”

Villa fans will be buzzing

The fact that Kesler has signed the longest pro deal of any teenager in the club’s history – even surpassing that of Villa talisman Jack Grealish – is a real indication of the kind of high regard that the 18-year-old is held in.

The right-back, who can also play further forward too, was instrumental as Maher says in captaining Villa’s youth side to FA Youth Cup success, wearing the armband in a 2-1 triumph over Liverpool in the final.

He was also, of course, involved in the ‘senior’ side’s FA Cup third-round clash against Jurgen Klopp’s men, when Villa’s youngsters had to step in to replace the usual first-team stars .

Here on FFC, there have been numerous calls for Smith to unleash Kesler in the Premier League already, and the success he enjoyed with the youth sides last season should surely see him into the manager’s plans ahead of the new campaign, especially with Ahmed Elmohamady having departed this summer.

Plenty of Villa fans have already made it clear just how much they rate him when they urged Smith to start him against Manchester City towards the end of last season.

News that Kesler has signed a five-year contract, and thus ensuring his long-term future is at Villa will surely have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been handed an encouraging transfer update…

Newcastle United have the perfect chance to cut their losses on Miguel Almiron amid a recent transfer update.

What’s the story?

The Paraguay international has endured another difficult Premier League season thus far, scoring no goals and providing no assists whatsoever in the nine games that he has played in all competitions.

Now, ABC journalist Bruno Pont has relayed information from Miguel Angel Caceres that the Magpies ace likes the owners of La Liga side Elche, and that he could be one of the players the Tyneside club lets go next season.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Almirón likes the owners of Elche de España, the 27-year-old Paraguayan footballer has been performing at a high level in the Premier League for several seasons. However, he could be one of Newcastle’s sacrifices for next season.”

Get rid

Speaking last summer, former Premier League goalkeeper Chris Kirkland exclusively told FFC that Almiron’s struggles to adapt to life in England has been one of the main issues behind why the Paraguayan has yet to hit the heights.

He said: “Well he’s struggled. He hasn’t adapted, has he? It’s a risk when you’re buying players from abroad. It is a big risk because they can be very good players but moving abroad, moving away from your family, bringing your family over, the different language, all of it has a massive effect.”

The £75k-a-week earning ace’s appalling record of just 13 goals and five assists in 100 games for Newcastle, is simply not good enough, especially in this new PIF-led era at St James’ Park.

The Magpies will no doubt be embarking on a massive spending spree in the upcoming transfer windows, and getting rid of the deadwood and under-performing players will surely be on the agenda too.

Almiron fits into that category of players at Newcastle, and quite frankly, has become just a passenger and liability at the club given his inability to provide any kind of real end product or consistency.

PIF must make a ruthless call and get rid at the earliest possible opportunity. If the club are serious about taking that next step and moving forwards, then axing below-par players like Almiron is the logical decision to make, and ensure they aren’t being held back.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a move for this record-breaker…

Serie A expert Conor Clancy doubts Euro 2020 star Mikkel Damsgaard has the ability to replace either Mo Salah or Sadio Mane at Liverpool.

Damsgaard impressed during the tournament, reaching the semi-finals with Denmark and scoring twice along the way, including a world-class free-kick against England in the last four match at Wembley.

He has now returned to Sampdoria in Serie A and there are various reports suggesting that he could move on in this transfer window for a significant fee.

Liverpool have been linked with a potential move, that would cost in excess of £30m, but Clancy has his doubts as to the viability of the 21-year-old being a hit at Anfield.

Damsgaard remains a young player and he has had just one season in the top-flight, moving to Sampdoria from FC Nordsjaelland at the beginning of the most recent campaign.

He went on to make 35 appearances, scoring twice and registering four assists, and Clancy, the editor in chief of Forza Italian Football, does not think that he would be able to match the output of superstars Salah and Mane.

He said: “I’m not sure. I’ll never see Damsgaard scoring the number of goals that Mane scores or Salah scores.

“And I’m not sure if he’s as bustling as Mane would be off the ball but he’s more of a playmaker rather than one of the players in that front three.”

Gabriel Jesus has enjoyed a superb start to the season for Manchester City and is flourishing in a new role in Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Brazilian forward had to endure a summer of hearing that, following Sergio Aguero’s exit, Manchester City didn’t possess a striker in their squad and needed to add someone such as Harry Kane.

He was linked with a move to Juventus as the Citizens looked to raise transfer funds earlier in the summer but he ended up staying at the Etihad Stadium and has certainly proved his worth in recent games.

After starting on the bench in City’s opening Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur, the 24-year-old has started each of the last two matches on the wing and has seriously impressed in the 5-0 wins against Norwich City and Arsenal, contributing one goal and three assists.

According to WhoScored, only Rodri has a higher average rating for the champions so far this season, with Jesus tied with Jack Grealish in second after averaging a superb 7.85 rating in his three appearances thus far.

In the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, City have needed a creative outlet in their team and the Brazilian has certainly stepped up, averaging 2.7 key passes per game so far this season, a huge improvement on the 1.1 key passes per game he averaged last term.

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With Ferran Torres likely to feature at centre-forward this season, Jesus has moved out to the wing with great effect and looks set to be a key player in Guardiola’s side, keeping the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling out of the team against Arsenal.

The former Palmeiras man has come under criticism for his finishing in the past but looks much more dangerous in a wide position where he can best showcase his ability on the ball, so it looks like something of a masterstroke by Guardiola to alter his position.

The Spaniard certainly rates Jesus highly and sang his praises last season, dubbing him the “unsung hero” in Manchester City’s side.

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Certainly, after what will have undoubtedly been a tough summer for Jesus, it is good to see him earning due plaudits for his superb performances in the early weeks of the season.

In other news… Pep may already have his next David Silva at Man City in “very intelligent” 18 y/o