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Pablo Villanueva is set to be confirmed as Unai Emery’s assistant at Aston Villa, according to The Express and Star.

The Lowdown: Emery and Villanueva

Villanueva has been part of Emery’s coaching staff for a number of years now, beginning at Sevilla back in 2014. The former Cordoba manager has since worked with the 50-year-old at Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Villarreal.

The 46-year-old was classed as a technical assistant and assistant manager at the Estadio de la Cerámica, and it looks as if his association working with Emery will continue in the Premier League.

The Latest: Villa appointment

The Express and Star shared a story on Thursday morning, the day after Emery’s first training session, regarding his backroom team.

They stated that the Villa manager ‘has brought an eight-strong backroom team’ with him to the Midlands, although several members were not involved in his first training session as they ‘continue to await work permits’.

The report adds that the staff have yet to be confirmed by Villa, but Villanueva and goalkeeper coach Javi Garcia are set to be part of Emery’s team.

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The Verdict: Good news

Villanueva seems to be a trusted member of Emery’s backroom team in recent years, with the new Villa manager winning a number of major honours with the 46-year-old by his side.

Therefore, this update on Villanueva should come as welcome news for all involved at Bodymoor Heath and especially for Emery, providing that work permits are granted.

He has previous experience in the Premier League alongside Emery at Arsenal, so he’ll already know all about the demands of English football, and hopefully he can help the Villa boss to turn things around in the coming months and years.

Celtic could choose to sell defender Cameron Carter-Vickers ‘if the price is right’, according to former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: CCV at Parkhead

Having played a key role in the Hoops’ Premiership and Cup triumphs whilst on loan last season, the 24-year-old signed a four-year deal at Parkhead this summer after Tottenham agreed to a £6m fee for the centre-back.

The United States international has once again impressed this term, having made eight appearances in the Scottish top-flight and a further three in the Champions League, captaining the side against RB Leipzig recently (via Transfermarkt).

The Latest: McAvennie’s claim

Having impressed and solidified his position in Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI, McAvennie has warned the Green and White fans that no player, including new arrival Carter-Vickers, can guarantee their stay at Parkhead.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former Hoop claimed:

“Carter-Vickers is doing very well at Celtic and he could not get a game at Tottenham.

“Whether it is a difference in the game down there, I think he is doing very well.

“Every team up here is a selling club, if the price is right. If you get a price that Celtic say yes then anyone will be gone.

“Every time Celtic have a good player everyone says they want to leave but I would not be too concerned about it.”

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The Verdict: Great signing

When looking at Carter-Vickers’ underlying stats, Celtic’s summer coup appears all the more impressive.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the defender ranks in the 95th percentile for pass completion, in the 87th percentile for progressive carries and in the 83rd percentile for interceptions, showing strength and composure on both sides of the ball.

Having been dubbed ‘immense’ by BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton, the likes of the USA international will always be attracted by the lure of the big-money leagues and their clubs.

However, now enjoying his football at Parkhead after a tough time at Spurs, Carter-Vickers seems pretty far down the list of players who would be itching to move.

Newcastle United have endured and enjoyed the highs and lows of the transfer market over the years with a number of failures and successes in windows gone by.

One player the club struck gold with was the signing of French right-back Mathieu Debuchy. The defender joined the Magpies from Lille for a fee in the region of £5m in January 2013.

Alan Pardew, who was in charge of the club at the time, hailed the signing and explained what he would offer on the pitch, saying:

“He is an established top international player and it is a real coup for this club that we now have him at St James’ Park.

“Mathieu will add real quality to our team, in terms of his ability, character and experience and I am sure he will quickly become a firm favourite among our fans too.”

He arrived in England after amassing a whopping 308 appearances for Lille in his home country, playing regular top-flight football after coming through their academy set-up and making his debut for France prior to joining Newcastle.

The full-back almost immediately became a regular in the Toon side after joining in January as he played 14 times in the second half of the 2012/13 Premier League campaign, making 4.7 tackles and interceptions per outing.

At the start of 2013/14, Pardew praised the right-back’s commitment out on the pitch, saying: “He puts his life on the line every time in every game he plays.”

He enjoyed a superb season as he played 29 matches in the league and chipped in with one goal and four assists from right-back, whilst averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.44 – placing him second in the Newcastle squad, with Yohan Cabaye (7.48) the only player with a higher average score.

Debuchy made a whopping 5.7 tackles and interceptions per game for the Magpies and topped the charts for the club in that statistic, which shows how important he was to the defensive structure of the team.

His sublime form at St. James’ Park caught Arsenal’s eye and Arsene Wenger swooped to sign him in the summer of 2014 for a fee in the region of £12m.

This means that Newcastle made a profit of £7m on Debuchy despite only having him at the club for 18 months, which illustrates how much of a bargain their initial deal to sign him from Lille was.

The Magpies struck gold by signing the Frenchman in 2013 and enjoyed a season-and-a-half of excellent performances from him at right-back before pocketing a sizeable chunk of change.

Manchester United are a club famed for their production of youth talent, having enjoyed notable success throughout their history by promoting from within, with the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92 the most prominent examples of that impressive record at Academy level.

For every Gary Neville, Paul Scholes or Marcus Rashford, however, there are those who failed to make the grade or simply fell through the cracks in the Red Devils’ youth system, with the Football League littered with former United prospects who never made an impact for the club at senior level.

In most cases, the Old Trafford outfit have rarely been left to rue their decision to let players depart at a young age, with few academy assets having come back to haunt them over the years.

One such figure who may well be a source of regret is that of Jack Harrison, with the Englishman having joined the club at the age of eight, before departing for life in the United States six years later.

The current Leeds United star has recently revealed he had a “sliding doors moment” at the age of 14 as he opted for pastures new, having been fearful of joining the lengthy list of talent that had failed to force their way into the first-team reckoning.

While it was the Stoke-born gem’s decision to depart, United may well be ruing their failure at not doing more to keep him at the club, with the fleet-footed winger having since gone on to prove his quality in the Premier League.

Having sought out life in America in his early teens, the 5 foot 9 menace was subsequently snapped up by MLS side New York City FC in 2016, going on to register 24 goal contributions in just 61 games for the club, while notably impressing teammate Frank Lampard who dubbed him a “revelation” at the time.

Frustratingly for those at United, Harrison was then signed by rivals Manchester City in January 2018, before joining Championship side Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of that season.

While that loan move failed to prove fruitful as the dynamic forward made just four appearances, his subsequent switch to Elland Road has showcased just what a talent he truly is, having signed on an £11m permanent deal last summer after three successive loan spells with the Yorkshire side.

That stint has seen the 25-year-old register 54 goal contributions in 172 games in all competitions, having proved vital in firing the club back into the top-flight under former boss Marcelo Bielsa during the 2019/20 season, scoring six goals and laying on eight assists in that triumphant campaign.

The step up to life in the top tier has since been a smooth one for the “explosive” gem – as dubbed by current boss Jesse Marsch – with 17 goals and 12 assists to his name in the Premier League thus far, netting eight in each of the last two seasons.

Such has been his impressive form of late, the £15k-per-week winger was even the subject of interest from Newcastle United over the summer, with the Magpies believed to have made an offer in the region of £34m for his signature.

That bid was swiftly rebuffed with a more recent report suggesting that Leeds will likely demand around £50m if they are to part ways any time soon, with it no doubt a great source of frustration that the Red Devils let such a valuable asset leave for nothing just over a decade ago.

Wolves have been boosted in their quest to sign Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos this summer, with the Portuguese giants willing to sell the 21-year-old for €40m (£33.9m).

The Lowdown: Wolves keen on Ramos

The Old Gold are badly in need of bringing in some added attacking firepower before transfer deadline day on 1 September, having scored just once in their opening three Premier League games this season.

Ramos has been linked with a move to Molineux of late after bursting onto the scene at Benfica and scoring seven goals in the Primeira Liga last season.

A new update suggests that Wolves have a good chance of getting their man in the coming weeks.

The Latest: Wolves receive Ramos transfer boost

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], Benfica want to keep hold of Ramos this summer but there is ‘no guarantee’ of the two-time champions of Europe keeping hold of him, with the report adding that they would sell him if a €40m (£33.9m) offer is tabled.

The prospective transfer is at the ‘mercy of the laws of the market’ and Wolves are among the ‘interested parties’ in the 21-year-old.

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The Verdict: Worth the money

While Wolves would clearly have to break the bank to sign Ramos, they have just received big money for Morgan Gibbs-White and could duly afford to sign the 21-year-old, whose goalscoring returns have been described as ‘outrageous’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

With Raul Jimenez’s output diminishing since his horrific skull fracture and goals a constant struggle for Wolves in general, the Benfica youngster is someone who could provide potency in the final third, proving capable of thriving up top or in a number 10 role.

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Given his age and his long-term potential, Ramos could mature into a formidable player for Bruno Lage’s side if he moves to the Black Country, helping to add a fresh new dimension to their attacking game.

Crystal Palace are considering a transfer bid for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to London World’s Rahman Osman.

The Lowdown: Hudson-Odoi wants loan move

Hudson-Odoi made 11 Premier League starts last season under Thomas Tuchel but hardly featured in the second half of the season following an Achilles injury.

The 21-year-old, who Tuchel once hailed for a “perfect” pass last year, didn’t feature in the opening weekend win at Everton despite travelling and reportedly wants to head out on loan before the deadline closes.

Selhurst Park could well be a destination for the England international, who is apparently attracting plenty of interest from up to 20 clubs.

The Latest: Palace keen

According to Osman, Palace are exploring an offer for Hudson-Odoi, with Wilfried Zaha linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

The report claims that the Eagles are looking at the potential finances involved when it comes to the Blues winger.

The Verdict: Zaha replacement?

It seems as if Zaha’s future is a hot topic of conversation every summer, and this year has been no different with rumours of a move to Chelsea.

The Ivorian is into the final 12 months of his Palace contract, so the coming weeks could be Steve Parish’s last chance to bring in a substantial fee for the player.

Hudson-Odoi may well play a role in a potential move when it comes to Chelsea’s interest in Zaha, and who knows, he could become the Palace star’s replacement out wide.

Nottingham Forest are eyeing up a move for Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Kamara a key player for Rangers

The 26-year-old has stood out as one of the Gers’ most important players in recent years, playing his part in them winning the Premiership title in 2021 and reaching last season’s Europa League final.

Kamara has made 159 appearances for Rangers in total, registering 18 goal involvements (eight goals and 10 assists) and once being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard.

He is reportedly open to a new challenge this summer, though, and Forest could be in the mix to snap him up.

The Latest: Forest eyeing up move for Kamara

According to 90min, Forest have made ‘enquiries’ about Kamara, although Bournemouth and Brighton are also mentioned as potential suitors.

The player himself is open to moving to the Premier League, even though his current Rangers deal does not expire until the summer of 2025.

The Verdict: Another great midfield option

Forest have made huge strides throughout the summer transfer window, strengthening all over the pitch to ensure that they can compete in the Premier League.

Kamara could be a brilliant addition, complementing fellow new signing Jesse Lingard by starring in a slightly more disciplined midfield role, using his intelligence and technical quality to good use.

The 46-cap Finland international enjoyed a hugely impressive 90.8% pass completion rate in the Premiership last season, along with averaging 1.1 tackles per game, which shows what he could bring to Cooper’s side if he moves to the City Ground.

Aston Villa are reportedly pressing ahead to sign Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.

The Lowdown: Gomez links

Villa were heavily linked with a move for Gomez during the January transfer window, however, as we know, a deal never materialised.

Rumours have continued throughout the year, though, with Steven Gerrard thought to be keen on a move once again last month.

Labelled as a ‘sensational’ player with ‘outstanding speed’ by Jurgen Klopp, Gomez is still yet to pen new terms at Anfield and is into the final two years of his contract, and it looks as if Villa are still keen to take advantage of his situation.

The Latest: Transfer update

The Daily Express relayed a report from The Daily Star on Wednesday evening regarding Villa and Gomez.

They claimed that Villa are now ‘pressing ahead’ in their pursuit of the defender after Gerrard gave the club the green light over a potential deal.

The Verdict: Versatile

Gomez, who turned 25 last month, has experience of playing anywhere at the back and has even been compared to new Villa signing Boubacar Kamara by Football Transfers.

Villa now have five senior centre-back options after a move for Diego Carlos, however, they are short at full-back, meaning Gerrard may have to rely heavily on Lucas Digne and Matty Cash at left-back and right-back respectively.

Therefore, bringing in Gomez, who can play on both sides, would give the Villa boss another option in both areas, and it looks as if the club will push to finally get a move over the line for the defender who has experience at the highest level for club and country.

Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele is attracting interest from Ligue 1 side Brest, according to a report in the last 48 hours from French outlet Foot Mercato. 

The lowdown: Teenage sensation

Following a debut in a 2–1 victory against Hearts when aged just 16, the fledgeling teenager has remained on the periphery of the Hoops’ squad ever since.

In the time that has passed the England and Scotland youth international has made nine further first-team outings for the Glasgow giants, opening his account in a 4-0 victory over St. Johnstone last year.

Now, as Dembele’s contract heads steadfast towards its conclusion at the end of the month (Transfermarkt), one potential suitor has emerged from the ether…

The latest: Brest keen

As per Foot Mercato, Brest are ‘one of the options’ for the one-cap England Under 18 starlet.

It’s claimed that the French top-flight outfit are ‘well placed’ to add Dembele – who was hailed as ‘exceptionally good’ by Dutch legend Ruud Gullit – to their squad this summer.

The report definitively states that the London-born ace’s future lies ‘elsewhere’ having spent four years a part of the setup at Lennoxtown.

The verdict: Another one?

Despite failing to make the desired impact after bursting onto the scene, Dembele remains a supremely talented individual with plenty to offer moving forwards, proven by playing a pivotal role in the Bhoys’ development side.

There has been a worrying trend developing in recent times as some of the most prodigious, highly thought of talents – such as now Liverpool revelation Ben Doak – move away from Celtic Park before they’ve had the chance to truly blossom.

In order to address the problem, the Hoops and Ange Postecoglou need to show that there is a pathway to first-team action for those nurtured in Glasgow so that the club can maintain a nucleus of its best homegrown youngsters for a longer period of time.

As for Dembele, after making just two appearances during an injury-ravaged 2021/22, it may bear out that the £225,000-valued winger was unlikely to make the grade at the Scottish Premiership champions anyway – time will tell.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has delivered an update regarding West Ham United and their pursuit of Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.

The lowdown: Loan sensation

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a successful period on loan at the London Stadium in 2021 before returning to Manchester in the hope of earning regular football at his boyhood club.

However, following a run of nine goals and five assists in east London, form whch saw the 29-year-old recalled to the international fold, the versatile attacker barely featured upon returning to Old Trafford.

Now set to become a free agent after a forgettable ending to the 2021/22 campaign for him and the Red Devils, West Ham have been linked with a reunion, and one journalist has suggested that it is a distinct possibility.

The latest: Talbot on Lingard

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Talbot claimed that the two parties still have some negotiating to do in terms of Lingard’s salary but didn’t rule out the move.

He said: “I think they probably have to meet in the middle somewhere with regard to the wage and how it’s done. He can’t have the same wages he was on at Man United.

“I think he’s a very capable attacking midfielder. There are some legs to it obviously, and I think he’d do well for them.”

The verdict: No-brainer

Given Lingard’s track record under David Moyes at West Ham, this has to be regarded as an attractive proposition for all parties concerned, as the Irons attempt to strengthen their squad and the 32-cap England international looks to revive a stuttering career once again.

Still holding a perceived market value of £18m (Transfermarkt) despite a lacklustre season in which he scored just twice in 22 appearances, his quality, experience and ability to operate in numerous positions would make the 29-year-old a shrewd acquisition for the Hammers.

Should this move come to fruition, the absence of any transfer fee means that GSB should be willing to offer more in wages to the player who was hailed by journalist Simon Peach for his ‘absolutely outstanding’ form during his previous time in east London.

In other news: West Ham ‘in talks’ to sign ‘amazing’ forward for Moyes…find out more here