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West Ham have shown interest in making a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah this summer.

How much is Trevoh Chalobah worth?

According to the Guardian, David Moyes is in the market for a new centre-back and has shortlisted Chalobah as a possible option.

The 24-year-old is also being targeted by Internazionale, and faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

It was previously reported the Chelsea hierarchy was open to selling Chalobah, who is now behind teammates Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Levi Colwill in the pecking order.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to head into the season with four centre-backs in the squad, but this plan has been thrown into question due to Fofana’s long-term injury.

With Badiashile also to miss the start of the season through injury, the Argentine doesn’t want his defensive options further depleted.

Nevertheless, Chalobah remains a target for the Hammers, and he could be available for around £25m.

The £50k-per-week gem could be swayed by a move to the London Stadium as he will be eyeing an England debut ahead of the Euro 2024 tournament next summer.

West Ham also have Harry Maguire and Taylor Harwood-Bellis on their radar this summer, according to the same report.

Who can Chalobah replace at West Ham?

The 6 foot 4 titan has been at Chelsea since 2007 and is one of the very few academy prospects to make a notable breakthrough into the first team.

His career in West London began in emphatic fashion when he netted on his Premier League debut in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season.

In total, he has made 63 appearances across all competitions for the Blues, and although he isn’t a regular starter, he has emerged as a dependable squad option.

Last campaign, Chalobah was Chelsea’s second most-used defender (only behind Silva) and occasionally deputised at right-back for the injured Reece James. On that evidence, he'd provide David Moyes with plenty of versatility, something that could be key as the Irons embark on another voyage in Europe this season.

Former manager Graham Potter is one notable fan of the Englishman’s composure and positional awareness, saying: “I’ve been very impressed from day one. He’s trained really well, very professional, very determined. He’s an impressive character, very focused on his football. He’s a bit of a soldier.”

From a West Ham perspective, someone of this durability and versatility would be the perfect long-term replacement for Angelo Ogbonna.

The Italian is in the twilight years of his career and looks set to struggle with another year of domestic and European football.

The 35-year-old only started 13 Premier League matches last season and Moyes opted for alternative defenders in the crucial, latter stages of the club’s Europa Conference League triumph.

Chalobah can be deemed a certified upgrade due to his superiority in a number of metrics. Defensively, the Chelsea star outranks Ogbonna for tackles per 90 (1.71 vs 0.8), interceptions per 90 (1.28 vs 1.24), and blocks per 90 (0.92 vs 0.8).

Moreover, the former Ipswich loanee is also far more accomplished on the ball, comfortably trumping the veteran for pass completion per 90 (88.1% vs 80%), progressive passes per 90 (3.65 vs 0.8), and progressive carries per 90 (1.01 vs 0.00).

Judging by these statistics and his profile, If West Ham can persuade the Chelsea owners to sanction Chalobah’s departure, it would be an extremely shrewd piece of business.

Nottingham Forest former loanee Dean Henderson 'will' return to the City Ground on a permanent basis this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Dean Henderson going to Nottingham Forest?

According to Telegraph Sport, Nottingham Forest are 'locked in talks' to try and bring Henderson back to the City Ground on a permanent deal following his loan spell at the club in 2022/23.

The report states that Henderson is their preferred goalkeeping target if a fee can be agreed between themselves and Manchester United while Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Jose Sa is an alternative target.

Last term, £100k-a-week earner Henderson made 20 appearances for Nottingham Forest and managed to keep six clean sheets, as shown by Transfermarkt.

Manchester United are expected to strike a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, which will then offset Henderson's exit according to talkSPORT, who claim on Twitter: "BREAKING: The deal to sign André Onana is now set to be sealed in the next 24 hours to allow him to join MUFC on their US tour. Dean Henderson is then expected to be sold to Nottingham Forest. – talkSPORT sources understand."

Evidence that Henderson could be set to exit Manchester United is further supported by the fact that the Red Devils are keen on bringing in Urawa Red Diamonds stopper Zion Suzuki, according to respected journalist Romano, who recently revealed on Twitter: "Manchester United are working on Zion Suzuki deal. Japanese goalkeeper is one of 3 options as backup GK and talks are now taking place on player side."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano has indicated that Henderson's pending transfer to Nottingham Forest is close to being completed.

He stated: “For sure United will bring in a new backup goalkeeper because the intention is to let Dean Henderson leave for Nottingham Forest in the coming days.

"There is still a conversation between United and Forest on the final fee.

"But I think in the end Henderson will become a Nottingham Forest player and they will bring in a new backup goalkeeper.”

Who else are Nottingham Forest keen on bringing to the City Ground?

Nottingham Forest are fond of a transfer incoming at the City Ground and it wouldn't be a surprise to see a few more arrivals in the East Midlands before competitive action gets underway this campaign.

The Scottish Sun claim that Rangers full-back Borna Barisic could be on his way to Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £2 million after betting charges were brought against Harry Toffolo by the FA that are expected to result in a ban for the 27-year-old.

90min report that Nottingham Forest alongside Fulham are leading the chase to sign Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who enjoyed an excellent campaign for Burnley last term as they cruised to the Sky Bet Championship title.

Southampton striker Che Adams is a target for Nottingham Forest; however, the Tricky Trees will face competition from Everton, Burnley and Leeds United for the Scotland international, as per TEAMtalk.

His current employers are open to initiating a sale this window to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract runs out at St Mary's Stadium in 2024.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly finalising a deal to bring Matt Doherty back to Molineux, as Julen Lopetegui seeks defensive upgrades this summer.

The Irishman spent a total of 10 years in the Midlands and now looks to be on his way back to the club after three years away.

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that the 31-year-old would undergo a medical ahead of his free transfer, after a short-lived spell at Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse relayed that the right-back would sign a three-year deal at Molineux, with the club set to target free agents and loan deals this summer.

What will Matt Doherty bring to Wolves?

Doherty is a player that needs little introduction in Wolverhampton, a strong servant of the club for a decade, the Irishman was present and pivotal in the Old Gold’s charge back to the Premier League and success in the top tier.

Across 302 appearances for the Midlands side, the Dublin-born ace was there for the trials of League One and Championship football to Nuno Santo’s drive to the Premier League and Europa League, with many fond memories at the club.

After departing the Midlands, game time became a struggle, recording just 44 appearances in the league for Tottenham Hotspur, to then becoming a stranger in Madrid with just two LaLiga appearances for Atletico following his January switch.

A figure that will be welcomed back with open arms, the veteran wing-back offers a host of experience, as well as a host of qualities that could undeniably bolster Lopetegui’s bid to get the side back in the top half of the table.

The 2022/23 campaign showed a level of stagnancy in the squad, in a side depleted in confidence following Bruno Lage’s mishaps at the start of the season.

Installing competition to his side will be critical in Lopetegui’s bid to get the squad to peak form ahead of next term, which could be pivotal in getting the best out of a host of underperformers.

There was a lot anticipated of Nelson Semedo following his £36.8m move from Barcelona to Wolves in 2020, however, the Portuguese has struggled to consistently live up to the levels expected in a player of his calibre.

Adding Doherty to the mix at right-back could force the 29-year-old to up his individual game, with the Irishman proving to be a higher performer than the former La Liga gem in his final season at Molineux.

In the 2019/20 campaign, Doherty was at the heart of all things progressive on the right side of Nuno’s defence.

The £74k-per-week "machine", as lauded by The Athletic's Tim Spiers, contributed to seven goals from the back, scoring four and assisting three in 32 appearances that term, as per WhoScored.

Despite being away from the Midlands for three years, the Wolves hero could find his place in the starting eleven restored under Lopetegui, with him proving to pose a bigger threat than Semedo.

When comparing the Premier League seasons of the Portuguese last season and Doherty’s final year at Wolves, it’s clear to see just how influential the Irishman can be.

As per FBref, the 31-year-old averaged 5.01 progressive passes and 2.38 progressive carries per 90 in 2019/20, compared to the former Barcelona man’s 3.76 progressive passes and 1.71 progressive carries last campaign.

The former Spurs defender averaged higher than Semedo in terms of interceptions too, averaging 1.27 to his 0.99 per 90, communicating the levels the 29-year-old must hit to remain as first choice at Molineux.

Inducing competition could be a hit for Lopetegui to get his side progressing again, and with the experience of Doherty on the horizon, the Spaniard may have struck the perfect deal.

Arsenal have largely enjoyed a successful start to the summer window, tying up a move for Kai Havertz amidst pressure from Real Madrid, and then battling off Manchester City to secure a deal for Declan Rice.

Even Jurrien Timber's imminent signing marks a massive success, given the strong interest Manchester United showed in the Dutchman last summer before opting for Lisandro Martinez.

Therefore, it could be argued that Mikel Arteta's sole failure of the window thus far was failing to tempt Ilkay Gundogan to also join his revolution.

The German international, whose contract was due to expire this summer, was unsurprisingly coveted by plenty of Europe's elite. Pep Guardiola wanted him to re-sign, whilst Barcelona were also in the race for the man who had just captained his side to an infamous treble.

Despite the Gunners continuing to be linked too, it was instead the Catalan giants who convinced the 32-year-old, with his switch to Camp Nou confirmed just last month.

It was a missed opportunity to secure a serial winner, and a top-quality technical operator who could have further improved a system that helped the north London outfit lead the Premier League title race for so long.

However, such has been their intelligence in the market already, an alternative has cropped up who arguably boasts far greater value given the longevity promised should they acquire Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo.

Whilst his reported €40m (£34m) price tag might prove a stumbling block, the 21-year-old would help fill that advanced central midfield role for potentially the next decade, with Arteta able to morph the Spaniard in his image.

What type of midfielder is Gabri Veiga?

Last season for the Cityzens, Gundogan featured 51 times across all competitions. Despite having enjoyed finer goalscoring seasons in the past, it felt like few had been as important as the ones notched on their way to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles.

As such, his tally of 11 goals and seven assists underpins a legendary campaign for a man who will go down in history at the club.

However, his importance to Guardiola's system was not solely tied to these figures, as his intelligence and ability to retain possession helped enforce their stranglehold on possession throughout matches.

Their revolutionary philosophy was largely upheld through his presence beside Kevin De Bruyne, as a floating central midfielder to link play and pop up in between the lines.

As such, when compared to other midfielders across Europe, the former Borussia Dortmund maestro ranks in the top 12% for pass completion and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, via FBref.

He would accept the ball in tight areas, and still keep the play ticking over.

Although Veiga has enjoyed a far more all-action term for his boyhood club, there is precedent to believe that he could easily be moulded into such a role, given the assets he already boasts.

Having recorded 15 goal contributions last season in La Liga, already the figures are comparable to Gundogan's. However, he too ranks in the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, suggesting this ability to float into space and take possession.

Such an ability to ghost into these areas even led journalist Euan McTear to brand him "dangerous" when speaking to Zach Lowy about his form.

Combining this with the 77% pass accuracy in the league, that can easily be improved upon, and those attributes that made Gundogan so successful are all there for Veiga to work with too.

Despite his price tag being far more than the free transfer they could have got, this Spain U21 international would arguably mark better business given the bright future he boasts.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Romeo Lavia this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the midfielder ahead of next season.

How much will Romeo Lavia cost?

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are in "concrete" talks to sign the Southampton midfielder.

Plettenberg took to Twitter to reveal: "Talks between Liverpool & Lavia are concrete and ongoing. Understand there is no agreement in terms of salary conditions yet.

"As reported: His price tag is around £50m Klopp wants him! Very press-resistant player – even in high-pressure situations, he loses the ball only once out of 10 times."

It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool were prepared to wait to sign Lavia in a bid to convince Southampton to lower their expensive £50m asking price for their player, however, it is looking like the recently relegated club are not willing to budge on their valuation.

As a result, FSG must sanction the move and put their trust in Jurgen Klopp to develop Lavia into another superstar that can bring more success to the Merseyside giants in the future, just like the German coach has done many times before.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

The Reds have already secured deals for two explosive attacking midfielders, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both joining the squad at Anfield, however, bolstering the deeper roles in the midfield set-up would be advantageous.

There has been mounting speculation that Thiago Alcantara could be making an exit this summer; the Liverpool star is now in the last year of his contract and interest could present an opportunity to cash in, paving the way for Lavia to replace him.

When comparing the positional peers' outputs over last season, the Saints talent came close to Thiago in several key attributes including pass completion rate (86.2% v 86.2%), progressive passes (102 v 120), blocked passes (22 v 22), shot-creating actions (41 v 41) and aerial duels won (41.2% v 36.8%), as per FBref.

The Manchester City academy graduate has already started to earn high praise for his influence at St Mary's, with former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes lavishing Lavia with compliments on his deep-lying playmaking skills:

"He has got a pass in his locker and he is big and strong and likes to defend. He does not want to get forward too much and sits in front of the back four and sets the play in motion from there."

Whilst Rio Ferdinand also had a positive opinion on the player:

"He is a young player who can do both sides of the game, equally good defensively but also once he is one the ball he has tremendous feet and can pass it."

Fabinho and Stefan Bajcetic have returned to pre-season training and are expected to stay at the club for next season, so should Thiago depart in the coming weeks it would make more sense for the Belgian midfielder to replace him whilst Bajcetic continues to compete to be the successor to his Brazilian teammate.

With that being said, the signing of Lavia would be a big addition for Liverpool in their pursuit build a midfield for the future and if Lavia can continue his development he could be an incredibly valuable Thiago replacement.

Newcastle United are believed to have been handed the opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid winger, Yannick Carrasco, with the 29-year-old currently facing an uncertain future in the Spanish capital.

What's the latest on Carrasco to Newcastle?

According to the Chronicle's Lee Ryder, the Magpies have been suggested as a 'possible destination' for the Belgian this summer, with the 5 foot 11 ace said to be 'unsettled' in his current home.

As Ryder notes, Mundo Deportivo reported last week that the St James' Park outfit were among the clubs who have been offered the chance to acquire the one-time Monaco man, with a fee of around €19m (£16.3m) having been moted.

According to Ryder, while Atleti are believed to be keen to keep hold of the experienced wideman, the La Liga side would seemingly not stand in Carrasco's way if he could find a new home ahead of next season, with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Should Newcastle sign Yannick Carrasco this summer?

It is seemingly understandable that Diego Simeone's side would be reluctant to part ways with the 66-cap international this summer, with Carrasco having enjoyed a positive 2022/23 campaign in which he chipped in with ten goals and five assists in 44 games in all competitions.

That tally of 15 goal contributions was only matched or bettered by Miguel Almiron (15) and Callum Wilson (23) among those in Eddie Howe's squad last season, indicating just what an astute capture it could be to bring the versatile ace – who can also feature at wing-back – to the Premier League.

Any fears over whether the £125k-per-week marksman – who boasts a haul of 91 goals and assists in 263 games across all fronts for his current side across two spells – can replicate that form in English football could well be eased by his apparent likeness to Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, according to Opta's Player Radars.

The duo are notably alike due to their willingness to impact proceedings and hurt the opposition at the top end of the pitch, with the pair both ranking among the very best in Europe's top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Equally, the two men also share the ability to offer a real creative threat from the flanks, with Carrasco – who has been hailed as "complete" by Simeone – ranking in the top 20% for chances created while Saka ranks in the top 12% in that regard, ensuring that the Belgian could provide quality service to the likes of Wilson and Alexander Isak.

In the case of the Gunners ace, the Englishman has utilised his creative brilliance to lethal effect of late having registered 11 assists last season, as well as proving rather clinical in his own right after chipping in with 14 goals from his 38 top-flight outings.

The 21-year-old – who only recently bagged a hat-trick for the Three Lions against North Macedonia – has proven himself to be a truly "exceptional" talent for both club and country of late, according to national team boss Gareth Southgate, with it likely to be a coup if Howe can find his own version of the fleet-footed wizard.

While Carrasco – who typically operates on the left wing – would not represent a long-term option due to his age, the Magpies would certainly benefit from having his Saka-esque brilliance on the flanks next season.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is plotting moves to improve his squad after the club finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table last term.

The Argentine head coach has been appointed as the long-term replacement for Graham Potter after Frank Lampard saw out the season on an interim basis, and is reportedly looking to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

It was recently reported by the Daily Mail that the Blues are planning to step up their negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion to land central midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer.

They stated that the club have already had one offer of £60m rejected by the fellow top-flight side and that the Seagulls are hoping to rake in a fee in excess of £80m for the Ecuador international, although it remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to match their demands or not.

However, with Manchester United now reportedly turning their own attention to Caicedo, Pochettino could be forced to change his plans. That may well prove fruitful though if they sign a "monster" – as he was described by journalist Benjy Nurick – in Romeo Lavia from relegated Southampton.

What is Romeo Lavia's style of play?

The Belgian defensive midfielder is a reported transfer target for the Blues, although Arsenal are said to be leading the race for his signature at this point in time, and is available for a fee in the region of £50m.

This means that the club could snap him up for as much as £30m less than the Brighton star, which has the potential to be a terrific move by Chelsea as the Saints youngster is two years younger and has shown great potential in the Premier League.

In the player radar below, as provided by Opta, Caicedo clearly excels at winning possession back for his side and Lavia is a player who has displayed similar destructive attributes.

These metrics indicate that both players are able to be defensive anchors for their respective teams in the middle of the park as they are capable of consistently breaking up opposition attacks at Premier League level.

The Southampton star has averaged 3.77 tackles and interceptions combined per 90 over the last 365 days for his club and this stacks up well against the Brighton enforcer's 4.48 tackles and interceptions in the same period. In may not be quite as many as Caicedo, but Lavia has won more blocks and made more clearances per 90 than the Ecuadorian.

Therefore, he could well be an excellent alternative to Caicedo as, at two years younger than the 21-year-old, he has already proven himself to be a defensive force in the top-flight of English football.

Lavia is a proven performer and, at the age of 19, has plenty of time left ahead of himself to develop and improve with Pochettino's coaching.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay big money to sign Internazionale's Nicolo Barella this summer and his club are seriously worried about losing their superstar midfielder.

Which midfielders are Liverpool linked with?

The Reds really struggled in the middle of the park throughout last season, with far too many players either below their best or unavailable because of injury, whether it be Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

It is essential that major additions are made in that area ahead of next season, and with Alexis Mac Allister already brought in from Brighton, the early signs are certainly promising.

The likes of Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone and Romeo Lavia have all been linked with moves to Liverpool, and Barella is another whose name has been thrown into the mix in recent months. Now, a new update further suggests that the £154,000-a-week Italian could be a genuine target for the Reds this summer.

Are Liverpool signing Barella?

According to Il Tempo [Paisley Gates], Liverpool are willing to pay as much as £68.7m to sign Barella in the coming weeks, seeing him as a great option to bring in and bolster their midfield. It is reported that Premier League clubs are believed to be keen on continuing their "looting of Serie A", which is where the Reds' interest in the Inter star is mentioned.

Manager Simone Inzaghi is believed to be "trembling" at the thought of losing one of his most prized assets, with Liverpool happy to go big on Barella, spending the same amount as Newcastle are on Sandro Tonali in the process.

Barella could arguably be about the perfect midfield signing for Liverpool this summer, possessing all the attributes that Jurgen Klopp loves in his players. He is supremely gifted technically, registering six goals and assists apiece in Serie A last season, but he is also hard-working, averaging 1.9 tackles per game in the Champions League in 2022/23, as Inter reached the final.

At 26, he is a player at the peak of his powers, and should be for the foreseeable future, and Liverpool snapping him up and slotting him into one of the No.8 roles would be ideal.

Former Reds striker Peter Crouch recently said the Italy star has "got great feet, (is) tenacious as well and is decent in the tackle", while Klopp himself is clearly a big fan after he called the midfielder "top class".

Brendan Rodgers is now in his second stint in charge of Celtic after the club confirmed his arrival on a three-year deal to replace Ange Postecoglou this week.

The Northern Irishman won seven trophies in less than three years, between 2016 and 2019, during his first spell in Glasgow and will now be hoping to replicate that success this time around.

He will be able to use the current summer transfer window to bolster his squad and ensure that the team is capable of playing in his 4-2-3-1 system but the experienced coach will also be able to enjoy some of the extremely talented players who are already at his disposal.

Could Jota thrive under Brendan Rodgers?

Rodgers has a player at Celtic who could be his next James Maddison in the form of Jota, whose quality was described as "scary" by former Hibernian forward Tam McManus, with the Portuguese talent potentially set to thrive next term.

The Hoops boss worked with the England international during his time at Leicester City and enjoyed great success in deploying the ex-Norwich ace as an attacking midfielder or out wide on the left.

Maddison racked up 49 goals and 33 assists in 166 matches for the 50-year-old gaffer. He also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.32 across 35 Premier League outings in 21/22, which was their last full season together, and contributed with 12 goals and 11 'big chances' created.

Jota primarily plays off the left flank and is able to cut inside onto his favoured right foot, in the same way that Maddison did when he was asked to play there by Rodgers.

The £17k-per-week hotshot, who pundit Alex McLeish once dubbed a "revelation", could be the figurehead of the Celtic manager's attack, akin to how the English maestro was for him at the King Power, based on his form for Postecoglou in 22/23.

Scottish Premiership defenders should be scared of the 24-year-old dynamo after his incredible performances in the season just gone as the number 17 produced 11 goals and 11 assists from 13 'big chances created' across 33 league outings.

The exciting ace, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.45, also caught the eye during the 21/22 Premiership campaign as the forward scored ten and assisted ten in 25 starts, proving that his 22/23 contributions were not a flash in the pan.

These statistics show that the ex-Benfica prodigy has the quality required to carry the attacking load in terms of both goalscoring and creating in the final third, which is exactly what Maddison did – as shown by his form under Rodgers at Leicester.

Indeed, it is clear that the 50-year-old head coach may already possess his next version of the mercurial Foxes star.

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a Serie A ace, in a signing that could significantly improve Unai Emery’s side.

The Villans are due to have a busy summer, with Monchi unveiled as president of football operations, the Spaniard has thrived alongside the Villa coach in transfer windows prior.

A host of talent has been linked to Villa Park already, with the latest being a notorious name in Europe.

What’s the latest on Hirving Lozano to Aston Villa?

As reported by Football Insider earlier this week, Aston Villa are showing ‘attention’ to Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.

The report claims that the Mexican has been ‘shortlisted’ as a ‘top target’ for Emery, who could be available this summer with just one year remaining on his contract in Naples.

Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke added that the Midlands club are seeking attacking options that can ‘slot’ into the first team set-up.

What could Hirving Lozano bring to Aston Villa?

Praised as being a “beast” by former Pachuca sporting director Marco Garces, the 27-year-old has been explosive for both club and country over the years of his career so far.

In 383 domestic career appearances, the Mexican has contributed to 184 goals through scoring 113 and assisting 71, as well as finding the net 17 times for his country in 64 caps, via Transfermarkt.

With it being reported in Spain that the player has a fragile relationship with the Napoli board, a move could be on the cards this summer in news that could excite those at Villa Park.

Back in January, Emery admitted his desire to seek a “specialised winger”, something that Lozano could provide him with in abundance, excelling in skills necessary for a dynamic wide player in the Premier League.

As per FBref, the Napoli gem averaged 2.13 successful take-ons per 90 in Serie A this campaign, notifying his strengths in carrying the ball and providing an added threat to the final third from the flank.

Likened to Lionel Messi by Marcel Brands, via football.london, who scouted the talent during his time at PSV, the electrifying wide player could be a perfect asset to Villa particularly if deployed alongside Youri Tielemans.

Villa confirmed their agreement to sign the Belgian from Leicester City following the expiry of his contract this summer, gaining a player with innate creative ability and one hailed a “phenomenon” by former Anderlecht man Pär Zetterberg for his silky play in midfield.

The 26-year-old offers a threat to those ahead of him through his passing attributes, as highlighted by his numbers in the Premier League this season.

As per FBref, the former Foxes sensation averaged 1.15 key passes per 90 in Leicester’s depleted side as well as recording an average of 6.49 passes into the final third per 90, placing him in the top 8% of Premier League midfielders to do so.

The combination of the Belgian’s passing and play-making abilities paired with the £85k-per-week technician’s strengths on the flank, Emery could unearth a significant boost to Villa’s attack by combining the two.