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Aston Villa are expected to have a busy summer, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi set to join Unai Emery in the business room.

The Villans have been linked with a host of talent following the end of the Premier League season, as the transfer window officially opened on Wednesday.

News emerging this week linked a Bundesliga star with a move to Villa Park in a talent that could significantly improve Emery’s blossoming side.

What’s the latest on Manu Kone to Aston Villa?

As reported by the Daily Mail, Aston Villa have ‘registered an interest’ in Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone.

The midfielder has been linked to Liverpool as well as Wolves from the Premier League, with his value reported to be in the region of £35m.

Having joined Monchengladbach in 2021, the Frenchman is contracted to the club until 2025, while his side have the option to extend by an additional year.

What could Manu Kone offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as being a “one-man army” in midfield by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old has had an impressive individual season in the Bundesliga.

In 30 league appearances, Kone maintained a 54% success rate for total duels, averaging a monstrous 7.4 won per game, via Sofascore.

The young talent could be a revelation in Emery’s midfield in an area that has been transformed by the Spaniard at Villa Park, particularly through the form of Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian maintained an average Sofascore match rating of 7.10 this past season, cementing himself as the controller in the engine room and ranking as the club’s best individual performer.

With the Bundesliga ace rumoured to be wanted at Villa Park, Emery could unleash a duo in deep midfield that could dominate the Premier League with their innate defensive ability in a critical area.

Kone averaged 2.5 tackles per game with Luiz averaging 2.0 in the English top tier, communicating the dominance the pair share when playing in midfield.

Slightly contrasting strengths suggest that the pair could complement each other perfectly in a partnership, with the Frenchman more skilled in progressive play, as conveyed through his average of 5.73 progressive passes per 90 to the Villa star’s 4.55 (via FBref).

Another dominating factor that the 22-year-old could bless Emery with at Villa Park is his dribbling ability, having been lauded as “magnificent” and “press-resistant” by U23 scout Antonio Mango for his talents on the ball.

Such praise is supported by the Colombes-born gem averaging 1.97 successful take-ons per 90 – numbers that rank him in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe in this area, making him an asset to have in defensive midfield.

The Borussia whiz has been linked to Liverpool ahead of the opening of the transfer window, though considering the pull factor the partnership of Emery and Monchi could bring to Villa, the future of Kone is one to track closely.

The future of Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace is yet to be determined, but the latest update in the saga may shed light on where the Ivorian winger will end up next season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Eagles star has not agreed terms with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr, at this stage. He tweeted:

"Wilfried Zaha has not agreed terms with Al Nassr at this stage. Saudi club has approached him but nothing done.

"Understand Zaha’s priority remains European football, attracting strong interest from Champions League clubs."

Which clubs want to sign Wilfried Zaha?

Indeed, Zaha’s future is more likely to reside in Europe, with the winger prioritising European football at his next club.

Zaha signed a 5-year contract in 2017 worth an estimated £26 million, per Spotrac.

That £130k-per-week contract runs out this summer, and Zaha’s future is still up in the air. Palace have made their intentions clear that they want to keep the player and have tabled a whopping £150k-per-week offer for the club hero to stay on at Selhurst Park.

Zaha has attracted interest from the Middle East, especially from Saudi Arabia.

Saudi clubs are set to splash the cash this summer, with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo both signing for clubs in the Saudi Pro League in the last six months.

But Romano has stated that Zaha is more attracted to the prospect of playing in the Champions League than a move to Saudi Arabia.

Atletico Madrid are the latest European side Zaha has been linked with, as they look to rebound after a difficult 2022/23 season under Diego Simone.

What club should sign Wilfried Zaha?

The romantic ending to the Zaha saga would be for the winger to stay at Crystal Palace. But how realistic this is would be a different question.

Zaha has spent almost his entire career at Palace since breaking into the senior team through the academy in 2009.

The long-serving Eagles star helped fire Palace to promotion from the Championship in 2013, scoring two memorable goals in the playoff semi-final win over rivals Brighton. That season, Sir Alex Ferguson made Zaha the final signing of his tenure at Manchester United, but the transfer proved to be a failure.

Zaha made just two Premier League appearances for United and was loaned out to Cardiff City in 2014 where he made 12 appearances, per Transfermarkt.

In total, the 30-year-old dynamo has made 458 appearances for The Eagles, scoring 90 goals. Wilfried is a club legend and a fan favourite, and to see the winger finish his club career at his boyhood club would be part of the romance football is lacking in this current era.

Arsenal are eyeing a Premier League gem ahead of the transfer window, as Mikel Arteta prepares for a busy summer in charge at the Emirates.

The Spaniard will hope to continue the Gunners’ status as title contenders next campaign – something he could ensure of by signing a name that has been linked to the club since January.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Arsenal?

As reported by London World earlier this week, Arsenal are ‘preparing’ a new bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The 21-year-old has been on the north Londoners' radar since January, where the Seagulls rejected multiple bids for the ace.

London World suspects that the Gunners will bid around £75m for the midfielder, a fee that was rejected by the club in January.

The report states that Brighton’s stance is ‘clear’, as they have an agreement to sell the player due to his wishes.

What could Moises Caicedo bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as a “machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old is sought by the Gunners for reasons that are extremely clear.

As per Sofascore, the midfielder has maintained an average match rating of 7.08, placing him among the club’s top five performers this campaign.

The Ecuadorian would be a valuable asset for Arteta to add to his midfield, especially with rumours surfacing placing Jorginho’s future at the Emirates in doubt.

The Italy international has won an average of 55% of his total duels this season with 4 per game – numbers that are less impressive in comparison to Caicedo, who averages 58% with 5.9 won per game, via Sofascore.

Despite rumours being premature regarding the 31-year-old’s future this summer, Arteta could replace and upgrade the former Chelsea ace with the Brighton gem, enforcing a new-found level of stability to his midfield.

The 21-year-old wins a huge average of 64% of his aerial duels per game compared to Jorginho’s 49%, suggesting that he would be a better option for Arsenal in terms of physicality alone.

Although identified for his passing abilities, the Gunners wouldn’t be missing the expertise of the Italian’s distribution as much as expected in replacing him with Caicedo.

As per FBref, the youngster has maintained a higher rate of pass completion than the experienced Jorginho this campaign, averaging a rate of 88.5% per 90, placing him in the top 6% of midfielders in the league in this area, with the Arsenal ace scoring 85.8%.

Arsenal have wanted the services of Caicedo for months, and with him due to become available this summer, Arteta must act fast to guarantee his involvement at the Emirates next season, with other clubs queuing to capture his signature.

It is imperative that Celtic tie manager Ange Postecoglou down to a new deal immediately, says former Scotland boss turned Sky Sports pundit Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou works his magic

The Australian enjoyed a fantastic first season in charge at Parkhead, guiding his side to both Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup triumphs.

Postecoglou has become an instant hero at Celtic, carrying himself with class, but it is worth remembering that he only signed a one-year deal at the club.

That means his future remains up in the air, with a new contract not yet signed.

The Latest: New deal vital

The Glasgow Times have however reported that contract talks are underway behind the scenes, and giving his reaction to Football Insider, McLeish urged Celtic to sort Postecoglou’s future as soon as possible:

“Given what he’s done in the season just gone by, he obviously deserves it. What are we saying, it’s a flash in the pan? He acted very quickly under absolute massive pressure and set about (with his job).

“To be fair, the Celtic board helped him in backing him for all these players he knew that came into the club. There was a wee stutter at the beginning but you know what he did after that. That is great credit to him.

“That brings suitors to the table. That’s why I think Celtic would be very wise to tie him up.”

The Verdict: Surely it happens?

Postecoglou is on a rolling deal at the moment but Celtic simply have to agree a long-term deal with him, ensuring he remains manager for the foreseeable future.

He has already made such a positive impact at Parkhead, winning two trophies and guiding the Hoops back into the Champions League, and he could potentially oversee a glorious period in the club’s history.

Losing him after one year doesn’t bear thinking about and it still feels likely that Postecoglou’s future will be sorted sooner rather than later.

In other news, a pundit has dropped a Celtic exit claim. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could launch a move for Marc Guehi this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who claimed that the Crystal Palace colossus is among Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte’s central defensive shortlist, where other names such as Alessandro Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol feature.

Unfortunately for Spurs, the 21-year-old signed a long-term deal to 2026 at Selhurst Park, so he would not come cheap.

CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, currently estimates his worth to be around €70m (£60m).

Two birds with one stone

As Gold goes on to state in his report, Guehi would hugely help two of Conte’s big issues at Spurs. The first is their need for a new centre-back and the second is their need to bolster their homegrown quota.

The former Chelsea graduate recently earned a senior call up to Gareth Southgate’s England side and has captained Patrick Vieira’s Eagles at times this season.

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So with the north London outfit looking to improve their homegrown numbers, Guehi instantly fits the bill.

Only three other players outscored the 21-year-old centre-back in southeast London in terms of average WhoScored rating for the season. It was his ball-playing ability that shone through, though.

As per FBRef, the Englishman made 61.7 live passes per 90 at an accuracy rate of 87.5%. And when you then throw in defensive figures of 1.62 tackles and interceptions, and 1.28 blocks per 90, he emerges as a pretty solid all-rounder; one that would suit Contes’s system to a tee.

Standing at 6 foot tall, it’s no wonder the defender has been lauded as an “absolute tank” and “massive” by England U21 shot-stopper Josef Bursik.

He alongside Cristian Romero and fellow countryman Eric Dier, who was surprisingly snubbed from the latest Three Lions squad, could make for a formidable trio heading into next season.

English talent does come at a premium in the Premier League but when they can fix two glaring problems, then it should be money well spent. Paratici and co must seriously consider Guehi this off-season.

AND in other news, Contact made: Romano reveals Spurs talks for 8-figure “wonderkid”, he’s “unbelievable”…

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage must brutally sell Morgan Gibbs-White this summer and could get up to £20m for the player.

What’s the story?

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook spoke to GIVEMESPORT and said: “If he’s a player they can get £20m for they might see that as a good investment and a chance to rebuild.”

The 22-year-old had an exceptional loan spell with Sheffield United this past season, and helped them secure a play-off place before they lost out in the semi-final to eventual winners Nottingham Forest.

Wolves could sign him on a new contract, but with big clubs such as Serie A champions AC Milan interested, now is a good time to cash in.

He won’t make it at Molineux

Gibbs-White has risen through the ranks at Molineux and is one of the latest successes from their academy. He has had two loan spells with his most recent one at Sheffield United impressing the most.

He made 35 Championship appearances for The Blades and was directly involved in 20 goals during that time. Those are impressive numbers, and he’s been described as a “catalyst” in the EFL by journalist Laurie Whitwell. However, you have to put it into perspective.

They were one of the best teams in the division last season and it would be difficult for the Englishman to replicate that standard in a much tougher Premier League.

If he remained at Molinuex it would be hard to see where he would fit in. Wolves usually play a formation of three forward players so he would either have to be moved out wide or be put in a deeper position.

This would risk not getting the best out of him, as has been seen previously, particularly under Nuno Santo.

Gibbs-White isn’t necessarily a bad player, but if Wolves can get a good fee for him, then it makes more sense for them to use that to improve other areas of the team rather than keep a player who will likely be on the bench.

In the 86 appearances he has made for the Old Gold, he’s only scored three and assisted one, which ultimately proves that he isn’t good enough to stay at Molineux.

IN other news: Wolves now already heading for huge summer transfer disaster, Lage will be furious…

Leeds United have been linked with a move for Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner, Transfermarkt report.

The Lowdown: Wagner profiled

Wagner, valued at a cut-price £2.7m, has been with the MLS side since 2019 but is out of contract at the end of the calendar year, meaning he could move for cheap this summer.

The 25-year-old can also play as a left-midfielder and has made 104 appearances for his current employers.

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He’s scored four times and registered 13 assists while in America, and it looks as if Jesse Marsch is keen on a move for his services this summer.

The Latest: Leeds links

Transfermarkt shared a story regarding Leeds and Wagner on Thursday morning after being informed by a source close to the situation.

They claim that the Whites are keen on his services, where he could become an ‘important part of the club’s rebuild’ under Marsch, Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani.

Relegation rivals Burnley and Championship side Middlesbrough are also name-checked with an interest.

The Verdict: Firpo replacement?

If Leeds go down on Sunday, you’d expect there will be plenty of change over the summer with a number of high-profile exits, with Radz and Orta needing to revamp the squad to give Marsch the tools fit for the Championship.

Junior Firpo, the club’s marquee signing last year from Barcelona, could well be one to leave due to his poor first season in Yorkshire where he has picked up 11 yellow cards, so it looks as if Wagner may come in to replace him.

Leeds have a track record in recent years of getting left-back additions wrong, with Firpo and Laurens De Bock perfect examples, however, Wagner has been described as ‘one of the best left-backs’ in the MLS, so an under-the-radar move for the German could be shrewd and cheap when you look at his contract situation.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon has shared big news regarding the future of Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The Lowdown: Saints’ goalkeeper situation

Both Alex McCarthy and Forster headed into last summer with just 12 months left on their contracts at St Mary’s.

The former agreed fresh terms with the club before the beginning of the campaign, agreeing to a new three-year deal, but the latter was not offered a new contract at that time.

Due to McCarthy suffering a thigh injury in December, Forster has since made 19 appearances in the Premier League this season. A number of these performances received huge plaudits from opposition managers; this includes the likes of Mikel Arteta, who described the 34-year-old’s display against Arsenal last month as “exceptional”.

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The Latest: Sheldon shares Forster news…

After a string of fantastic performances, it was rumoured that Forster may have done enough to secure himself a new contract with the club.

However, Sheldon reported for The Athletic that Southampton will inform the 34-year-old that they won’t be extending his stay at St Mary’s.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a link to his corresponding article, Sheldon claimed: “Excl: Southampton intend to sit down with goalkeeper Fraser Forster at the end of the season to inform him he will not receive a new contract.”

The Verdict: Great free agent up for grabs

Following this news, expect a whole host of Premier League clubs to be making enquiries into signing the former Celtic stopper.

At 6 foot 7 and with six England caps to his name, Forster would be a great addition to many top-flight clubs, either as a backup option or as a number one.

Either way, this will come as a big shock to Saints fans, who may be seeing the 34-year-old line up for the final time in a Southampton shirt against Liverpool tomorrow night.

If, as now seems probable, he is nearing the end of his time at St Mary’s, Forster can hold his head up high over how he has performed in his final season at the club, having been their sixth-best performer this term as per Sofascore.

In other news: Source shares Bright Osayi-Samuel/Saints update

Celtic are once again being credited with an interest in SC Heerenveen full-back Milan van Ewijk ahead of the summer transfer window, as per Dutch outlet Voetbal International.

The lowdown: Previous links

The Hoops were initially linked with the 21-year-old back in March of 2021 – when John Kennedy was in interim charge – prior to the starlet’s £540,000 switch from ADO Den Haag (Transfermarkt).

Since then, the Holland youth international has gone from strength to strength in the Eredivisie and has previously been likened to compatriot and now Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries.

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Amidst interest from across Europe, Celtic have once again been cited as potential suitors for the talented right-back…

The latest: Major interest

As per VI, newly crowned Scottish champions Celtic, PSV Eindhoven, Stade Brest, Lille and QPR are all attentive to Van Ewijk’s situation.

It’s claimed that the Under 21 Dutch ace, who has already made 77 top-flight outings in his homeland, is ‘of interest’ to the Bhoys as Ange Postecoglou attempts to strengthen the Parkhead squad ahead of a season in the Champions League.

Furthermore, it’s suggested that there is a ‘real chance’ the full-back – described as possessing ‘tons of potential’ by journalist Michael Bell – could make another move this summer despite his recent switch.

The verdict: Strength in depth required

Albeit many would point to the rise of Anthony Ralston at right-back this season and question the need for reinforcements, Celtic will embark on a quest for all three domestic trophies next term whilst also needing to compete in the group stages of Europe’s elite competition.

With that in mind, top-level understudies will be required in every position and at present, Postecoglou can only truly call upon Ralston or Josip Juranovic for the big occasions to fill what is a pivotal role in the Greek-Australian’s favoured system.

Capable of playing as a conventional right-back or in a more advanced position, Van Ewijk has earned an impressive 7.02 average Sofascore rating this season, winning 6.1 duels per game and completing 77% of all attempted passes, ticking an abundance of required attributes in both a defensive and attacking capacity that make the Dutchman a viable candidate to add to the Lennoxtown ranks.

In other news, journalist haiils Celtic man with ‘twinkle toes’. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United will reportedly be looking at out-of-contract stars to help aid Erik ten Hag’s proposed rebuild.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun who claim that United do not have a huge war chest prepared for the Dutchman and will expect him to identify players who can be signed on a free this summer.

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In terms of attacking talent, stars such as Paulo Dybala and Ousmane Dembele have been touted as big names who are expected to become free agents this summer amidst their expiring contracts, though according to the report, it is currently unknown as to which potential free signing United could be eyeing up.

Dembele has previously been linked to United with reports last week stating that they have even offered him a contract.

A smart move?

As per the report, United’s budget has taken a hit due to their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and with the potential free-signings that are on offer, ten Hag may resort to an option like £27m-rated Dembele who still has a lot to offer at the age of 24.

With his ability to progress the ball and recent development of his end product, the Frenchman, who has been dubbed a “superstar” by Liam Canning, could provide a real service to United and become their own version of Neymar – who is a similar player this season in terms of metrics according to FBref.

In fact, Josep Maria Bartomeu once went as far as saying that the Frenchman was “better than Neymar” as he hailed the winger’s talent.

With 18 goal returns in the form of 12 goals and six assists over 21 games, Neymar has achieved four more returns than Dembele, who has 14 goal returns in the form of one goal and 13 assists this season over the course of 20 La Liga appearances.

The Frenchman’s average of 5.11 shot-creating actions per 90, is not far off the Brazilian who has registered a match average of 5.91 SCA.

Though in terms of progressive carries, Dembele’s average of 14.03 per 90 surpasses that of Neymar who averages a, still exceptional, total of 10.66 per 90.

With Dembele’s contract expiring at the end of the season, United would be right to look at the free-signing of a player who has achieved very similar metrics to Neymar this season.

In other news: Man Utd plot bid to sign 24y/o who is “reminiscent of Beckham”, Ten Hag surely buzzing