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Aston Villa must finally land Shakhtar Donetsk star Manor Solomon in the January transfer window amid comments from his agent.

What’s the story?

Reports back in the summer of 2020 suggested that Dean Smith’s side were one of a number of teams, including those in the Premier League like Arsenal, who were interested in signing the Israel international.

Now, according to AS Roma Live, Villa are still following Solomon ahead of a potential move, and his agent has now indicated that a transfer away from Shakhtar could be on the cards sooner rather than later.

He said: “Last summer Shakhtar refused any offer but it could only be a matter of time. I am confident that he can aspire to very high levels and that he can play in another city next year. We will see in January where the team will be. There will be opportunities being a market window.”

Another exciting signing for Villa

Having already snapped up the likes of Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey over the summer transfer window just gone by, landing Solomon would simply add to the vast amounts of talent Smith would have at the top end of the pitch.

The 22-year-old was in impressive form for Shakhtar last season, scoring 11 goals in 35 games in all competitions, including some very eye-catching performances in the Champions League.

He netted in both games against Real Madrid in the group stages as Donetsk shocked the European giants twice, and that points to a real big-game mentality that both Smith and Villa’s fans will love.

Described as someone with “real quality”, Solomon is a wing wizard, able to travel with the ball so quickly and commit opposition defences. The 22-year-old is direct and always looking to penetrate, much like Villa fans have already seen with Bailey, and he averaged 2.7 successful dribbles per game at an astonishing accuracy of 80% in the Champions League last year.

In fact, former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has even tipped him to enjoy a big future in the Premier League, saying: “Sure! There are no players like him who can easily dribble past players. He’s getting better all the time, he’s a professional guy.”

The £18m-rated flier could add yet another exciting attacking dimension to Villa’s side.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have another exciting academy starlet in this teenager…

Liverpool are mooted to have looked at Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse as a potential transfer option during the recent transfer window, as reported by GOAL.

Starting off the new term in blistering fashion, the 26-year-old has shone for the Saints, registering three goal contributions in four games; one goal and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Owing to his fantastic form, it may come as little surprise to hear that other clubs were interested in his services during the summer.

Liverpool were reportedly one of the clubs that looked at Ward-Prowse in the summer transfer period, potentially as a replacement for former icon Georginio Wijnaldum who has recently departed Anfield [GOAL].

Of course, Ward-Prowse signed a new five-year deal at St Mary’s last month, putting to bed any speculation that he might leave the South Coast club for the time being [Southampton FC Official].

In light of this news, it was no wonder that plenty of Liverpool fans took to social media to vent their fury at recent developments.

Liverpool fans react:

Replying to LFC Transfer Room on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the Ward Prowse links:

“This is so annoying. It’s already in the past. Transfer window already shut. Can we focus on being competitive this season?”

Credit: @AchiyaLarry”Can you just stop now? That’s all we have been hearing for the past 4 months & here we are with only 1 signing.”Credit: @Jordan_KloppEra”Every player in the League was watched by us in the window lads, get it right”Credit: @LFC_Lewis66″Liverpool are not serious on signings, we are like Arsenal”Credit: @trustwealthy106″Interested FC”Credit: @Okotb22″Prepare yourself for more and more of this shameless PR and leaking tactically news to deceive fans. Never expected FSG to bring themselves this low. There was no need comparing our position#LFC”Credit: @VonTheRedIn other news, Liverpool fans fume after a fringe member of the squad was not sold during the window. Find out more here.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Stuart Dallas will be part of the Whites’ squad for their game against Liverpool this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Dallas not in recent Northern Ireland squad

Dallas is a pivotal part of the Leeds squad, with the Northern Irishman playing in every single Premier League game last season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists upon the Whites’ return to the top flight.

He has played every minute of the current season for his club, registering an assist in the opening day defeat to Manchester United as he continues to provide the goods for Bielsa’s side.

However, over the recent international break, the 30-year-old missed Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying win in Lithuania due to ‘personal reasons’ and the winger remained at home, withdrawing from Ian Baraclough’s squad.

The Latest: Dallas back in Leeds squad for Reds visit

As per Leeds Live, Bielsa ‘confirmed that Stuart Dallas would be part of the 20-man squad’ ahead of the Whites’ Premier League clash with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Elland Road this afternoon.

With the specific reasons behind his exclusion from Baraclough’s squad over the international break not publicised, Dallas seems to have managed the situation well and is set to be involved in today’s fixture.

Raphinha can also feature after the threat from the Brazilian FA was waved and the Brazilian will join his national team-mates Alisson and Fabinho in participating. Leeds duo Junior Firpo and Mateus Klich could also return after overcoming recent viral infections.

The Verdict: Good news for Bielsa

Dallas’ importance to the Leeds squad has been perfectly summed up by former Leeds Player of the Year Jermaine Beckford, who labelled the Northern Ireland international ‘the linchpin’ in Bielsa’s side – not surprising considering his very impressive 2020/21 goal tally for a defensive player.

His match average of 1.3 interceptions this season is the fourth-highest in the squad, indicating that the 30-year-old also carried out his defensive work diligently in addition to providing a clear attacking threat.

Having all his best players available against Liverpool will please the manager, with Leeds giving the Reds two good games last season, including last season’s thrilling 4-3 defeat in the season opener at Anfield a year ago today and a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in this fixture in April.

Whether Dallas starts after his absence for his nation is yet to be revealed, but Leeds fans will surely be pleased to at least see his name mentioned on the squad list, raising the firm possibility that he will be in action this afternoon.

In other news, Leeds remain interested in this summer transfer target

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton has revealed he is worried about the lapses of concentration the Gers experienced during their Champions League third qualifying round defeat to Malmo.

The Lowdown: Gers lose to Malmo

The Gers had the chance to reach the Champions League group stages after winning the Premiership last term, and they faced Swedish champions Malmo in the third qualifying round.

However, the Light Blues lost 2-1 in both games, meaning they dropped down to the Europa League instead.

The Latest: Hutton shares fears

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who remains the Gers’ record sale (The Scotsman) since making the £9m switch to Tottenham in 2008 (The Mirror), shared his worries over the lapses of concentration.

He said it will be a big concern for Steven Gerrard at Ibrox:

“The biggest worry is lapses in concentration really, so far.

“I mean, if you go all the way back to the first game, those defensive mistakes. I thought Rangers had got rid of them, especially last season. They were so strong.

“To take the game back to Ibrox, they knew what they had to do. They started off really well. It’s the best I’ve seen them in a first-half performance in the competition.

“Malmo going a man down, everything was in Rangers’ favour. They came out the second half and they just didn’t look the same. There wasn’t the same intensity, they looked a little bit fearful at times.

“Whenever there was a lot of pressure on them, they didn’t look the same Rangers team to me. To lose two goals from two throw-ins, I think that’s what’s going to really hurt the most.

“I thought they eradicated those sort of mistakes a couple of seasons ago. To see them come back and then get nervous after that, that’s probably the most worrying thing for me. Probably Steven Gerrard as well.”

The Verdict: Need to improve

The worrying thing from those two matches was that the Gers effectively lost the game in the same way. During the first match, they conceded twice in four minutes at the start of the second half, while they shipped two in two minutes in the second clash.

If you want to compete at the highest level, you simply cannot switch off – the game can be won and lost in a matter of moments.

Gerrard will have been livid with this way his team imploded in a short amount of time not once but twice. Perhaps the current Gers squad just aren’t quite ready for the Champions League yet, but they still have the chance to reach the Europa League group stages instead if they can get past Alashkert.

In other news, Rangers fans rage at these club struggles.

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are monitoring Angers midfielder Angelo Fulgini, according to The Daily Mail.

And, as to be expected, the latest transfer link has had a number of Eagles fans talking on social media.

The Daily Mail claim that Palace have now entered the race for the 24-year-old, with Angers braced for Fulgini to leave in the current window.

Fulgini, who is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt – the highest it has been in his career, is also wanted by clubs in France and Spain.

The central midfielder has made 124 appearances for his current employers, scoring 19 times and registering 13 assists since 2017.

His most productive season came during the previous campaign, scoring ten times and providing four assists in 36 appearances.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Fulgini on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

These Palace fans were all excited, with one labelling him better than Conor Gallagher, who has also been linked with a Selhurst Park switch.

“Better than Gallagher”Credit: @SamWaters1994″OH MY GOD I have no clue who he is”Credit: @localpIastic”Omg he’d be so much better than Gallagher”Credit: @unIocaIpIa9tic”OMG YESSSSSSS”Credit: @CPFC_GH”Omg yes”Credit: @Connormzz”Vieira pull will secure it”Credit: @kade_bladeSE25

In other news: ‘Gutted’, ‘Oh no’ – Many CPFC fans react as ‘funny’ news is confirmed. 

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to sell enigmatic forward Anthony Martial this summer amid interest from Italian champions Inter.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, Inter have identified the highly-rated 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku.

The report states that should the Belgium international complete his return to Stamford Bridge, the Nerazzurri will look to sign Martial on a season-long loan deal.

It goes on to state that although United’s preference is to offload Martial on a permanent deal, they would agree to a loan move as long as it included an obligation to buy in 12 months’ time.

The Old Trafford outfit are set to demand around £50 million for the versatile striker, a fee which would see the club recuperate the outlay they splashed out on the Frenchman six years ago.

Solskjaer would be fuming

Martial has often split opinion since arriving on English shores back in 2015, with inconsistent and lethargic performances often being sandwiched between moments of genius.

However, it seemed as though the former Monaco ace had gone up a level in 2019/20 when he bagged an impressive 23 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils.

He even added a further 12 assists in his 48 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, highlighting Martial’s ability to create as well as stick the ball in the back of the net.

Unfortunately for the France international, though, he was unable to build on his outstanding showing last season, with injury ending his campaign in March after he contributed to just 15 goals in 36 outings.

The arrival of former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and the outstanding end-of-season form of Edinson Cavani threaten to push Martial down the United pecking order, but football director John Murtough could be heading for a transfer nightmare if he sanctions his sale.

While Martial can be incredibly frustrating at times, it’s important to remember his age and the immense pressure that comes with leading the line for the 20-time English champions.

At just 25, Martial has already racked up 78 goals and 50 assists in 258 fixtures for United, extremely respectable returns for a player who is yet to reach his peak years.

Yes, the £40.5m-rated gem may not be the first name on Solskjaer’s teamsheet next season, but the Norwegian tactician would surely be fuming to see him depart for San Siro this summer.

If United are going to challenge for major honours and fight on multiple fronts, then they’ll need significant strength in depth all across the pitch, and Martial offers that in multiple positions.

He has plenty of time to mature and develop into a consistent performer and Murtough may come to regret sanctioning any exit.

And, in other news…Journo drops exciting transfer update that’ll leave Man Utd fans absolutely delighted 

Carlton Palmer is adamant Rafa Benitez could persuade Euro 2020 star Lorenzo Insigne to join Everton before the transfer window closes.

Benitez was appointed as the Toffees’ new boss in June and has made three signings – in the form of Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Demarai Gray – since taking charge.

But Benitez is now looking to make a marquee signing to satisfy the Everton supporters and the Merseyside club are being heavily linked with Napoli talisman Insigne.

The creative midfielder is regarded as a legend at the Serie A club, having made 397 appearances and notched 109 goals.

He also shone at Euro 2020, starting six clashes and claiming two goals as Italy broke England hearts to be crowned European champions last month.

Benitez worked closely with the 30-year-old during his time in charge of Napoli and former Premier League midfielder Palmer insists Insigne would be interested in a move to Goodison Park despite the close ties to his current employers.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Palmer said: “The Premier League is the biggest and best league in the world, so of course he would leave for Everton.

“Working with a manager that you’ve had success under is always an attraction for a player.

“Everton are a massive club which is fantastically well supported.”

Celtic and Crystal Palace have both approached free agent Diego Costa, according to French football website Homme du Match.

The Lowdown: Costa’s downfall

The Spanish striker, who has scored 191 goals for club and country during his career, left Atletico Madrid midway through the previous campaign.

The La Liga side terminated his deal, with Costa scoring twice in seven appearances during the 2020/21 season. Costa, valued at £54m back in 2018 by Transfermarkt, is now valued at £5.4m by the site and is still without a club.

He netted just twice in 16 league fixtures in 2018/19 and five in 23 games in 2019/20.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-10/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Celtic approach

According to Homme du Match, both the Hoops and Crystal Palace, now led by Patrick Vieira, have approached the striker.

The report, shared on Friday evening, claims the 6 foot 1 striker could still render some services before calling time on his career.

The Verdict: Surely not…

Celtic may well be after a forward this summer, with Odsonne Edouard still searching for a Parkhead exit.

However, surely a move for Costa wouldn’t materialise. He has been on upwards of £150,000-a-week since 2015, with Celtic’s highest earner Callum McGregor on £20,000-a-week.

It would be good fun to see Costa line up in a Glasgow Derby, but unfortunately, we can’t see this one gathering pace due to his previous salary demands.

In other news: Reporter reveals Celtic ‘talks’ for 6ft ace on Thursday evening; he wants Parkhead move. 

Derby County are closing in on a deal to bring Teden Mengi back to Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that Wayne Rooney’s side are nearing the completion of a season-long loan deal for the Manchester United centre-back.

The news comes following the English Football League’s announcement that they will not be appealing a verdict given by an independent disciplinary commission regarding the club’s policy on the amortisation of player registrations, meaning that the Rams will be playing their football in the Championship next season.

Rooney will be delighted

With the completion of a deal for Mengi appearing to rest on which level of English football Derby would be participating in next season, the fact that the Rams will remain a Championship side, and subsequently the green light being given for the 19-year-old to make a return to the club this summer, will have delighted Rooney.

Indeed, despite being thrown into a Derby side in freefall during a loan spell at the club last season, Mengi nevertheless impressed over his nine Championship appearances for the Rams last term.

In the second tier, the £1.35m-rated man helped his side keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, one tackle, 2.4 clearances and winning 3.8 duels per game.

These metrics saw the player Rooney dubbed a “fantastic” centre-back earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.67, playing a key role in the club’s survival from relegation to League One.

As such, with the 35-year-old undoubtedly looking to build a team in the summer transfer window that is capable of much more than simply securing survival next season, the return of the £600-per-week England U19 international is certainly an excellent way to begin Derby’s recruitment drive.

In other news: Nixon drops significant Derby County off-field update, Morris will be fuming

Leeds United have been linked with a move for Sampdoria winger Mikkel Damsgaard after a string of impressive displays at Euro 2020.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato (as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post), the Whites have joined several other Premier League sides in the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.

The likes of Leicester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in Damsgaard, who reportedly has a £34 million price tag.

The next Raphinha

TV2’s football expert Martin Mikkelsen labeled him “magical” during commentary back in January this year, and the youngster has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Since making the move from his homeland 12 months ago, Damsgaard has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in European football.

After bagging two goals and laying on four assists in 35 Serie A appearances last term, the Denmark international played a pivotal part in his country’s run to the semi-finals of the European Championship.

Two goals and one assist in five games for Kasper Hjulmand’s men seemingly caught the eye of several of the continent’s top clubs, and it seems as though Marcelo Bielsa is Damsgaard’s latest admirer.

No categories

The Leeds manager has achieved impressive results at Elland Road over the last few seasons with flying wingers occupying the flanks in West Yorkshire.

Brazilian wide man Raphinha took the Premier League by storm in 2020/21, excelling under the reign of Bielsa, and Damsgaard could be the next flying forward to benefit from the enigmatic tacticians tutelage.

A ninth-placed finish on their return to the top-flight was a magnificent achievement for Leeds, but the addition of the Scandinavian talent could propel them further up the table.

Damsgaard’s proposed arrival would see him lineup alongside the likes ofRaphinha and Patrick Bamford in the Elland Road outfit’s forward line, and that’s an attack that would strike fear into any Premier League defence.

And, in other news…Bye-bye Costa: Bielsa could sign Leeds’ new Harry Kewell in “magnificent” £20k-p/w gem