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Aston Villa were given a green light in their pursuit of PSV’s Ivorian midfielder Ibrahim Sangare last week.

Earlier this month, a report from Sky Sports issued a claim from a close source detailing Sangare’s ambition that he wants to play in England’s top flight.

Those claims have been reiterated by the player himself who said: “Playing in the Premier League is not only a dream of mine but a dream of every footballer. That is the biggest and most important league in the world.”

In what is a double boost for Villa, it is said that the 24-year-old has a €35m (£30m) release clause in his contract.

Imagine him & Kamara

Considering his contract expires in the summer of 2025, this is a relative bargain for a player of his standard.

In Sangare, we are talking about a player that Gerrard is crying out for. A hardworking and positionally smart midfielder who can stabilise Villa alongside Boubacar Kamara, both in the possession-oriented and transitional phases of the game – more so in the defensive third.

He would also make for a phenomenal alternative to Yves Bissouma – a very similar kind of player who they seem to have missed out on, with the Malian almost certainly heading to Spurs.

The Ivorian, who has been described as the “complete package”, shines as a ball-winner, achieving 2.8 interceptions per 90, whilst drumming up an average of 2.2 successful tackles per game also. Compared to Bissouma, he edges his 2.34 interceptions per 90 and falls short of the Brighton midfielder’s elite average of 3.11 tackles per game.

Though they are indeed similar players who stabilise the midfield with their defensive solidity and allow others in the engine room more space and opportune to get forward.

With an average of 65.1 accurate passes per 90, he offers stability in possession and would allow a more attack-minded player like John McGinn some attacking freedom, due to his desire to sit deep.

He’s the exact type of player that Gerrard would love and he could well be the cherry on top in what has been an astute bit of business at Villa Park this summer.

In other news: AVFC now given green light to seal “huge” £10m summer signing, Gerrard will love him 

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Takumi Minamino to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Wolverhampton Wanderers are now leading the race to sign the Liverpool forward this summer, with the Molineux club said to have made contact with the Reds regarding a £17m move for the Japan international.

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The report added that the likes of Leeds, Fulham, Southampton and AS Monaco are all keeping a close eye on the winger’s situation ahead of a potential move of their own in the coming weeks, but it is clear that Wolves now hold an advantage in a deal for the former Red Bull Salzburg star.

Marsch will be gutted

While it is true that Minamino has not had the impact he would have hoped for after his £7.25m move to Liverpool in January 2020 – making just 55 appearances for the Reds, with only 21 of these coming as starts – the news that Wolves are now leading the race for the 27-year-old will nevertheless have left Jesse Marsch fuming.

Indeed, over his 22 outings under the American’s management at Salzburg, the £10.8m-rated winger proved just how clinical he can be in the final third when given the chance, scoring nine goals and registering 11 assists during the 48-year-old’s stint in Austria.

Furthermore, while the £72k-per-week attacker was not afforded a great deal of first-team minutes this season, he still managed to turn in some very impressive metrics. FBRef data showed that Minamino averaged 1.45 goals, 0.88 non-penalty xG, 0.25 xA and 1.13 npxG+xA and made 30.5 pressures per 90 minutes in 2021/22.

Indeed, it is abundantly clear that, when he’s given the opportunity to impress, the Japanese forward often does so. It is also evident that Marsch is a coach who knows how to get the best out of the 27-year-old when looking at their mutual time in Salzburg.

As such, should Wolves go on to beat Leeds to the £17m signing of the player who Klopp dubbed an “outstanding” talent this summer, it would undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the 48-year-old American. Therefore, we believe that Victor Orta simply must sanction a swoop for Minamino in the coming days.

AND in other news: Graham Smyth reveals Leeds transfer development now “seems likely”, supporters surely buzzing

Sunderland are set to embark on their first Championship campaign since the 2017/18 season and will be looking to avoid relegation at the first attempt.

Alex Neil and Kristjaan Speakman will be working hard to improve the squad in the coming weeks and months in order to give themselves the best chance of competing in the second tier.

One player who has been tipped to make a move to the Stadium of Light is young Tottenham centre-forward Troy Parrott, who spent last season on loan at MK Dons in League One.

Former Black Cats striker Stephen Elliott has suggested that a move to Wearside would suit the 20-year-old, saying: “For him to keep improving, he needs to move himself up a level. I think somewhere like Sunderland – they need a couple of strikers – they’ve got Ross Stewart there at the moment but he could do with a little help in there.

“I think if Troy Parrott came to Sunderland, I think he’d embrace playing for a club like that with the big crowds, the atmosphere at the games and that feeling of doing well there and thriving there. He looks like the type of player that thrives on playing on the big occasion and I think it could be a really good move.”

Sunderland’s own Harry Kane

By securing a deal for Parrott, either on loan or permanently, Speakman can find the club’s own version of the England captain.

The obvious links between the two players are that they are both Tottenham academy graduates who play up front and both spent time on loan at Millwall early in their respective careers.

Along with that, they are both strikers who are equally capable of scoring and assisting goals from the number nine position.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Kane won the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award in the Premier League with 23 goals and 14 assists. Meanwhile, Parrott has just enjoyed an impressive year out on loan with MK Dons in League One as he offered a glimpse of what he can be capable of at a higher level.

Keith Andrews said that the youngster is “flying” with Ireland at international level. The striker has three goals in 13 matches for the Boys in Green so far, which shows that he can handle the pressure of playing for his country.

At the age of 20, the £7k-per-week gem is in the early stages of his career and has the potential to develop further and hit higher numbers with his contributions in the final third.

Sunderland must now act on Elliott’s advice and swoop for the youngster, who has been dubbed “incredible” by compatriot and former MK Dons team-mate Connor Coventry, as he can develop into the Black Cats’ own version of Kane – scoring and creating goals in equal measure in the Championship.

AND in other news, Speakman eyeing SAFC deal for “top quality” £33k-p/w wizard, imagine him & Pritchard…

Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has admitted that a permanent move away for Jamie Shackleton ‘cannot be ruled out’.

The Lowdown: Summer of change

It has been a busy month at Elland Road after Leeds secured their Premier League status on the final day of the 2021/22 season. The Whites have already brought in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca and are now keen on signing Club Brugge star Charles de Ketelaere.

There looks set to be a number of departures as well, with Manchester City and Leeds agreeing a £42m fee for Kalvin Phillips, while Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

Shackleton, who Marcelo Bielsa previously described as ‘energetic’, could well follow the duo out of Elland Road as he enters the final two years of his contract.

The Latest: Smyth’s claim

Smyth shared a transfer state of play on Sunday morning for The Yorkshire Evening Post, looking at possible replacements for Phillips.

He then looked at potential outgoings and said that Shackleton ‘is another who could seek opportunities elsewhere and a permanent move away cannot be ruled out’.

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The Verdict: Makes sense?

Shackleton has been in and around the first-team squad over the past four seasons, making 78 appearances for Leeds, but he has never nailed down a starting role under either Bielsa or Jesse Marsch, featuring from the off in only 19 league games.

He is now 22 years of age, so playing regular senior football appears to be imperative at this stage of his career.

Capable of playing in midfield or at right-back, Shackleton could potentially be an asset for a Championship club, and it looks as if his future will be one to watch over the coming months.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester City right-back Issa Kabore, according to The Guardian.

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Belgian outfit KV Mechelen in 2020, Kabore was immediately sent back on a season-long loan deal before spending the 2021/22 campaign at Ligue 1 side Troyes.

The 21-year-old Burkina Faso international, named the best young player at AFCON earlier this year, has been a long-standing target at the City Ground and could be the alternative option to the seemingly Tottenham-bound Djed Spence.

Now, it appears as though the Forest hierarchy have stepped up their pursuit of Kabore as Steve Cooper’s squad begins to take shape…

The latest: ‘In talks’

As per The Guardian, Nottingham Forest are believed to be ‘in talks’ with the 27-cap star regarding a potential move.

It’s claimed that Kabore has ‘attracted interest from several Premier League clubs’, as well as Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

The report confirms that the two clubs are ‘yet to reach an agreement’ over a transfer fee for the youngster hailed as a ‘fantastic talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy earlier this year.

The verdict: Make it happen

Under contract at Man City until 2025 (Transfermarkt), if the Reds were able to reach a permanent transfer for Kabore then it would be a superb piece of business instead of using up another loan spot on the talented full-back.

Last season, the marauding sensation – who is equally adept as either a conventional right-back or as a right-sided midfielder – earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.7 duels and completing 1.5 successful dribbles on average per game in the French top-flight.

With the likelihood of a move for Spence scuppered by the admiration from Tottenham and a swoop for Liverpool starlet Neco Williams seemingly some way off, bringing Kabore to Trentside is certainly a viable option for Forest.

Nottingham Forest are getting stuck into the summer transfer window ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s next steps.

What’s the latest?

According to the senior writer for The Athletic Daniel Taylor, Nottingham Forest will make a bid for Lewis O’Brien with the midfield becoming a priority for the club.

Taylor tweeted:

“Midfield now priority for NFFC (and wing-backs). Forest will go in for Lewis O’Brien at #HTAFC as well as Harry Toffolo. Others also targeted.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited to see Forest making so many moves in the transfer market to bolster and improve their team ahead of a difficult challenge upon their return to the Premier League next month, as they can put themselves in a great position to compete with the right signings.

O’Brien has had an impressive season at Huddersfield Town, with his performance helping the side get to the Championship play-off final at Wembley only losing out to, ironically, Nottingham Forest at the last hurdle to crush their dreams of promotion back into the top-flight.

The 23-year-old scored three goals, delivered three assists and created four big chances as he showed off his immense attacking skills.

He also made one key pass, 2.2 tackles and took 1.1 shots on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (51%) while he was successful in completing the vast majority of his dribble attempts (70%).

This output over his 43 Championship appearances proves that the young midfielder is capable of being a consistent nuisance for his opponents in both attacking and defensive play, something Steve Cooper would highly value in his Forest team next season.

Former Huddersfield manager Carlos Corberan even branded the player “special” in a press conference last season, praising O’Brien’s versatility and effectiveness in positioning.

Corberan claimed (via Yorkshire Live):

“It’s not only the fact that Lewis O’Brien can compete at a top-level every single time he plays whatever position he is on the football pitch, it’s how he reacts to how you make him play in different positions.

“There is what makes him a special player and that is the fact that means I don’t see limits in his career and I don’t see limits in his potential.”

With that being said, the signing of O’Brien would be a major coup for Nottingham Forest as he is not only clearly very talented but can offer Cooper the depth in a number of roles, which could see him become a very valuable asset to the manager in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: David Ornstein drops huge NFFC transfer development that’ll excite supporters

Leeds United have quite the history of academy graduates, from Champions League winners to serial title lifters. When you think of the Leeds academy these days, the name Kalvin Phillips is the main name that springs to mind. The defensive midfielder was voted England’s Player of the Year in 2021 following Euro 2020, where he starred next to Declan Rice.

Phillips follows a long line of successful graduates, and will be hoping to replicate the success of players like James Milner, especially following his move to Manchester City.

With that said, we decided to take a look at Leeds United’s academy graduates that went on to make the most first-team appearances, using TransferMarkt.

Jonathan Howson (223)

Most Premier League fans will remember Johnathan Howson – mostly known as Johnny Howson – for his time at Norwich City. But, before then, the midfielder managed to feature 223 times for the Leeds United first team after graduating from the academy.

Kalvin Phillips (233)

The defensive midfielder has been through it all with the Yorkshire club, from promotion to survival in the Premier League. He’s now making the gigantic step up to Man City, and the Elland Road faithful will no doubt wish him well. 

Ian Harte (280)

Played a part in the Leeds side that reached the UEFA Cup last four twice in the space of two seasons between 1999 and 2001. Fans at Elland Road will particularly remember Harte for his appearances in the aforementioned games, and his stunning free-kick goal against Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions League last eight first leg.

Gary Sprake (304)

Making 304 appearances for Leeds United, Gary Sprake has his place in the club’s history. Most fans will remember the shot-stopper for a couple of his biggest mistakes, however. One came against Liverpool in 1967, when his attempted throw resulted in the ball somehow landing in his own net.

Eddie Gray (328)

With two league titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup to his name, it’s fair to say that Eddie Gray’s 328 appearances were a roaring success. The Leeds legend won almost everything there is to win during his time at Elland Road.

Jack Charlton (332)

The late great Jack Charlton made an impressive 332 appearances for Leeds United, where he managed to win several honours – one league title, to one FA Cup and one League Cup. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders to ever play for the Yorkshire club.

Peter Lorimer (442)

Like Gray, Peter Lorimer won it all in English football, from league titles to the FA Cup. He played for the club in arguably their best era and in 442 appearances found the back of the net a total of 133 times.

Norman Hunter (447)

Part of the 1966 World Cup-winning England squad, Norman Hunter also made 447 appearances for Leeds United, and is one of the club’s greatest legends. He had plenty of success at Elland Road, too, winning two league titles alongside an FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.

Paul Reaney (499)

One appearance shy of the 500 mark, Paul Reaney will forever have his place in Leeds United history. During his time at the Yorkshire club, he managed to win everything there is to win in English football. In the club’s history of right-backs, Reaney is up there amongst the very best.

Gary Kelly (501)

The academy graduate with the most Leeds United appearances, Gary Kelly made 501 in total. When it comes to Premier League appearances, too, no player has made more in a Leeds shirt than Kelly. The right-back was simply Mr Consistent at Elland Road, and more than earned his place in the club’s history.

According to Football Insider, West Ham are weighing up a move to sign former Monaco defender Djibril Sidibe this summer.

The Lowdown: A free agent

The 29-year-old will be available on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with the Ligue 1 side after turning down the opportunity to sign a new deal in a bid to try and secure a move to the Premier League.

The right-back is no stranger to the top-flight, having previously had a loan spell at Everton during the 2019/20 season, and a return to England could now be on the cards amid interest from two potential suitors, particularly the London Stadium.

The Latest: West Ham considering Sidibe move

In an article published by Football Insider, it’s claimed that West Ham, alongside newly-promoted Fulham, are both ‘plotting moves’ for Sidibe.

The source states that the Irons and Cottagers are ‘keen’ on the player as a result of him being a free agent, as well as the fact that he has the ‘versatility’ to play at both right-back and left-back.

The Verdict: Get it done

David Moyes already has Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal available for selection in that right-back position, but the latter has had a slump in form after returning from injury, so it’s not surprising to see the boss looking for a new addition.

Sidibe, once dubbed an ‘unbelievable’ player by former Everton caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, is someone who possesses plenty of energy and can provide impetus both defensively and offensively, having averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.9 successful long balls per league game last season, via WhoScored.

The Troyes-born talent is a FIFA World Cup winner having lifted the coveted trophy with France back in 2018, and the fact that he can cover both flanks is a huge advantage for Moyes when it comes to squad depth, making a short-team deal for zero initial cost a no brainer.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to Newcastle United’s attempts to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney this summer. 

The lowdown: Magpies interested

A report from iNews claims that the Toon are among the suitors for Toney during the ongoing window after failing to sign Alexander Isak, although Brentford will be holding out for offers in excess of £40million for their prized asset.

Formerly a member of the youth system in the North East, the 26-year-old marksman has forged a prolific career for himself including fruitful spells at Peterborough, Northampton Town and Scunthorpe prior to finding a permanent Premier League home in London.

Upon hearing about the interest in bringing Toney back to St James’ Park, one intrigued onlooker has suggested that it could be the ideal option for all parties…

The latest: Robinson reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Tottenham and England stopper turned Sky Sports pundit Robinson endorsed the potential transfer swoop from the Magpies.

He said: “Toney is a very good player. He is yet to take the Premier League by storm but his opportunities were limited last season. He did not get the amount of chances he did in the Championship.

“In the Championship you get more games and the level of opposition was not as good so he was getting more chances. He is a top player though and I have no doubt that he can do it at the top level. If Newcastle are looking at him, he would be a great signing for them.

“The players they have in behind. They could create chances for him. Toney is a finisher. He knows where the goal is. He could do a job with quality players around him.”

The verdict: At the right price

At a reduced asking price from the currently mooted £40million valuation, Toney would be the ideal candidate to bolster the central attacking ranks at St James’ Park, offering support to Chris Wood and Callum Wilson as Dwight Gayle seemingly nears the exit door.

Strong, direct and capable of running in behind a defence, the workmanlike striker has been described as ‘exceptional’ by Peterborough icon Barry Fry in the past and took to life in the top-flight with apparent ease when netting 12 times and supplying five assists last season from 33 appearances.

Furthermore, boasting an enviable penalty record, having never missed a spot-kick since signing for Brentford, scoring all 17 efforts, the ever-bullish Toney – who has also been indexed to Manchester United this summer – would be a surefire option for Howe when it comes to choosing who is on duty from 12 yards.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to highly regarded Premier League names from the past and present such as Raul Jimenez, Che Adams and Alvaro Negredo (Fbref), the talented marksman certainly appears to have what it takes to make the next step in his career and a return to Tyneside, where there remains unfinished business, could be the ideal landing spot.

Southampton got through their previous Premier League campaign with 43 goals scored across their 38 matches.

This left only six other clubs, including the three relegated teams, to have found the net on fewer occasions than the Saints.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has already made a move to try and make his team a deadlier attacking side by securing a deal for Sekou Mara. After scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 36 appearances for Bordeaux, the 19-year-old joined Southampton on a four-year deal on Monday.

Should Hasenhuttl want to add another striker to his ranks before the transfer window closes, one man who has been linked with a move to St Mary’s recently and who would give the Austrian the chance to form a deadly attacking duo alongside Mara is Liam Delap.

In the 2019 summer transfer window, Manchester City signed the 19-year-old from Derby County’s youth ranks. Since then, the striker has made 60 appearances for the Citizens across their senior and youth teams, scoring 46 goals and providing 16 assists along the way.

Hailed as an “exceptional” striker by City boss Pep Guardiola, it’s easy to see why the Saints are reportedly looking to make a £23m bid for the teenager, even after apparently having an initial bid rejected by the Premier League champions.

Should the Manchester club allow the youngster to make a permanent move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, or even allow him to leave on loan, this could be an excellent piece of business from the south coast club in what has already been a rather productive summer transfer window.

In terms of linking up and creating a partnership with Mara, a duo of two 19-year-old strikers aiming to make names for themselves in England’s top flight could be just what the Saints need to make the team a force to be reckoned with at the top of the pitch.

It would also help to freshen up the team even further after already seeing some new faces join the squad this summer.

Southampton should use the remaining weeks of the current summer transfer window to see what it would take to persuade Man City to let the striker move to St Mary’s, as his clear attacking talent and knack for goalscoring could be vital for Hasenhuttl’s side.

AND in other news – “Saints want…”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge transfer update that supporters will love