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Aston Villa ‘have had constructive talks’ with midfielder Douglas Luiz over the possibility of signing a new contract, The Telegraph’s John Percy reports.

The lowdown

Of the six Villa players whose contracts are due to expire in 12 months’ time, Luiz is regarded as the most valuable by Transfermarkt (£34.2million).

As it stands, he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign suitor come 1 January.

Villa have signed a new defensive midfielder this summer in the form of Boubacar Kamara, but clearly they’re still intent on tying Luiz down, three years after his move from Manchester City.

The latest

Percy took to Twitter on Friday to afternoon to reveal that Villa have been in positive discussions with the Brazilian over an extension.

He’s attracting ‘interest from clubs across Europe, including in the Champions League’.

Perhaps that’s created an additional sense of urgency for Aston Villa, who are ‘hopeful he will stay’.

The verdict

As per Spotrac, Luiz sits around the middle of Villa’s earning list at present. There are 11 players who take home more than his roughly £33,00 per week.

He may not be pushing the very highest bracket with a new deal – Danny Ings leads the way on £120,000, while Tyrone Mings and Bertrand Traore fetch around £80,000 – but he’ll be expecting a considerable uplift.

That’s because he’ll understand his value to the team, having started 31 of their 38 Premier League matches last season.

Ex-Villan Gabriel Agbonlahor said in March that Gerrard had ‘transformed’ Luiz and unlocked some ‘outstanding’ performances and so losing him now would definitely be a blow.

Leeds United are still keen on signing a new striker this summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has provided a fresh update on the situation as the Yorkshire giants look to bolster Jesse Marsch’s playing squad before deadline day on September 1st.

He said during a Q&A with supporters ahead of Leeds’ final pre-season fixture against Serie A side Cagliari:

“Transfer-wise, a new striker is still the thing Leeds need most.

“Charles De Ketelaere is finally in the process of sealing a move to AC Milan, the transfer he always wanted, so Leeds won’t get their first choice.

“Some of the links still stand, though – Arnaud Kalimuendo and Martin Terrier remain of interest.”

Exciting news

It’s no secret that the American head coach is crying out for further depth up front as he is heading into the new campaign with only one senior option in Patrick Bamford.

The England international missed the majority of last term with a string of injuries, resulting in a lack of alternatives in the attack. The likes of Dan James and young striker Joe Gelhardt had to cover in his absence.

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Truth be told, this has long been a problem at Elland Road, dating back to the midst of Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, where moves for Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Kevin Augustin were effectively failures.

Leeds have also missed out on De Ketelaere, as Hay outlines, so the need to find another striker is key and in the aforementioned Ligue 1 duo, the Whites could find the perfect solution.

Terrier was in electric form last season, where he delivered 21 goals and seven assists for Stade Rennes and just as Pete O’Rourke told Football FanCast last month, he would be a “real coup” for the club.

Meanwhile, Kalimuendo has also been delivering in front of goal but isn’t likely to break into the PSG starting XI when there’s Kylian Mbappe and now Hugo Etikite.

As per Transfermarkt, he bagged 13 goals across Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. Such form has led scout Jacek Kulig to describe him as “absolutely deadly” and “very prolific.”

Leeds’ continued interest in the duo will surely leave supporters around Elland Road absolutely buzzing as either of the pair could become their seventh signing of the summer, with director of football Victor Orta already delivering this window.

AND in other news, Journo reveals exciting Leeds transfer update…

Newcastle United have reportedly not given up hope of signing Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, despite having been rebuffed by the Foxes thus far.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, in his CaughtOffside column via Substack, the Magpies are set to make a further attempt to sign the 25-year-old this summer, having already seen two bids rejected thus far – the latter of which totalled a fee of around £50m.

The transfer insider wrote: “Newcastle will push again for the transfer of James Maddison after having two offers rejected. It’s a tricky deal, though, because Leicester insist there is no price for Maddison – Brendan Rodgers has publicly commented that Maddison is not for sale.”

As Romano alluded to, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has seemingly attempted to quash any speculation regarding the Englishman by stating he is not for sale, albeit with some quarters suggesting that a £60m offer could be enough to tempt the Midlands side into letting him depart.

World-class

Previously dubbed “world-class” by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for his set-piece prowess, Maddison could well become the star attraction at St James’ Park were to make the switch before the September deadline, having proven himself an elite performer in recent times at the King Power Stadium.

The former Norwich City man – who joined his current side on a £20m deal back in 2018 – has scored 45 goals and provided 33 assists in 171 games in all competitions for the Foxes, cementing himself as the key creative force in Rodgers’ side.

Last term proved particularly fruitful as the £45m-rated maestro scored 12 goals and registered eight assists in 35 Premier League games, recording a stunning average match rating of 7.32 in the process, as per SofaScore – the highest among his current teammates.

The £110k-per-week sensation has also got the new season off to a strong start after registering an assist in the 2-2 draw with Brentford on Sunday, teeing up teammate Timothy Castagne with a delicious and inviting corner kick.

Such a moment of quality will have caught the eye of those back in the northeast, with the 5 foot 9 gem only serving to rubberstamp just why Eddie Howe and co are so desperate to sign him, with Newcastle currently crying out for more attacking reinforcements.

At a club which has seen the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Peter Beardsley thrive in a playmaking role in years gone by, Maddison could prove to become the next world-class figure to take on that mantle.

The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh has revealed some promising transfer news from inside Newcastle United, and also given some updates on potential outgoings.

The Lowdown: Howe transfer update

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of his team’s match away at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend, Eddie Howe admitted that the North East club are ‘no closer’ to making any new signings.

They have already brought in goalkeeper Nick Pope, central defender Sven Botman and left-back Matt Targett, and will now of course be focusing on strengthening the attacking areas of the pitch, but nothing is close yet.

The Latest: One more incoming

Writing for The Athletic, Waugh has revealed that there is ‘confidence internally’ that at least one more signing will be made before the transfer window closes, though it remains a total mystery who that will be.

On potential outgoings, the journalist added that one of Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie is ‘likely to leave’, while Matt Ritchie is ‘keen’ to return home to the south coast.

Matty Longstaff is also ‘expected’ to leave on loan, but Elliot Anderson will stay following the hamstring injury picked up by Jonjo Shelvey.

The Verdict: Promising

It is certainly promising to hear of at least one more arrival coming through the doors at St. James’ Park.

The Tynesiders also need to trim their squad in order to free up space, and having four senior goalkeepers means that at least one of them needs to leave.

Ritchie only played plethora of midfield options mean that Longstaff should also be let go on loan.

Nonetheless, this promises to be a very busy last few weeks at the Toon as the window draws to an end.

Nottingham Forest and Everton look set to miss out on Brighton striker Neal Maupay to Fulham, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Maupay interest

Last month, The Athletic reported that the south-coast side had received a £15m bid from Serie A side Salernitana for the 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer.

For Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United, Danny Welbeck was selected to start up front, with Deniz Undav coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Maupay remained on the bench for the entirety of the game, and this was followed as he was also omitted from Graham Potter’s match-day squad for the Seagulls’ draw with Newcastle last weekend.

The Latest: Ornstein’s news

Ornstein has shared the latest news surrounding the Frenchman’s future in the Premier League.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Fulham in advanced talks to sign Neal Maupay from Brighton in £15m deal. Still work needed so not done, but discussions advancing towards agreement. #FFC now firm favourites for 26yo striker ahead of Nottingham Forest & Everton.”

The Verdict: Blow for Forest?

With manager Steve Cooper looking to add further depth to his striking options before the window closes in September, the news Fulham are pulling away in the race to sign the 26-year-old will come as a blow to his transfer plans.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Maupay ranks in the 91st percentile for pressures and in the 87th percentile for pass completion (via FBRef), illustrating suitable characteristics to excel as an attacker in a Cooper side, tidy in possession and pressing from the front.

Hailed as a ‘goalscorer’ who is ‘always switched on’ around the box by Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira, the striker, who has netted 26 times in the English top-flight, would have added top level experience to Cooper’s inexperienced squad.

Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Blackpool winger Josh Bowler this summer and the former Everton man could be a superb addition to Marco Silva’s squad.

What’s the word?

According to Ryan Taylor of The Express, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth are all in the race to sign the 23-year-old this summer after his superb performances in the Championship last term.

It has been previously reported that any deal for the tricky winger is likely to cost around £2.5m, although Blackpool could be forced to sell for cheaper if Bowler refuses a new deal with the club, as his current contract at Bloomfield Road is set to expire at the end of this season.

Would Bowler be a good signing?

Fulham’s focus this summer has seemingly been on improving the defence and midfield, with only Manor Solomon joining as a wide option thus far. This is perhaps unsurprising when you consider that Silva’s side scored 106 goals in the Championship last season, although they are now without Fabio Carvalho after he joined Liverpool.

The Cottagers have also started the season without the influential Harry Wilson, as the Wales international is sidelined with a knee injury, which suggests that Silva could do with another winger to choose from in his squad.

Bowler was in excellent form for Blackpool last season, contributing seven goals and three assists for the Tangerines as they comfortably stayed up in their first season back in the second tier.

In five games this season, the 23-year-old has scored one goal and averaged an impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which is only bettered by Aleksandar Mitrovic in Fulham’s squad, which emphasises the quality he could add.

Everton coach David Unsworth was full of praise for Bowler during his time on Merseyside, saying:

“Josh Bowler was terrific. We need to get the ball to his feet in the final third and that’s where you see his magic.”

Indeed, Bowler would certainly be capable of moments of magic in Silva’s squad, as his shots per game average (3.8) is again only bettered by Mitrovic (5), while his dribbles per game average of 3.8 is far better than anyone in Fulham’s squad where Neeskens Kebano tops the tree with just 1.5.

Therefore, considering he is young, cheap and homegrown, Silva should definitely look at bringing Bowler to Craven Cottage this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is attracting interest in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that, following Casemiro’s £70m move to Manchester United, Real Madrid are now considering a bid for the Tottenham midfielder. Carlo Ancelotti is known to be a big fan of the 27-year-old, who he attempted to sign during his time in charge of Everton.

The report goes on to state that it is unclear whether Spurs would consider accepting a bid for the Denmark international should Real Madrid press ahead with their interest. It is also said that, following the arrivals of both Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma over the past seven months, Hojbjerg may be concerned about his game-time in N17 ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

A disaster?

Conte is blessed with a number of impressive options in central midfield, including Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr, as well as the aforementioned Bentancur and Bissouma. However, considering just how important Hojbjerg proved himself to be for Tottenham last season, the argument that cashing in on the 27-year-old would be a disaster is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 36 Premier League appearances last time out, the £59m-rated talent was one of Conte’s standout performers. He scored two goals, registered two assists and created four big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 0.9 shots, making 0.7 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

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The £102k-per-week midfielder – who Rob Davies dubbed a “machine” – also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 2.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 3.7 long balls and 63.1 passes and winning 5.1 duels (at a success rate of 58%) per game.

These returns saw the 58-cap international average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.19, not only ranking him as Conte’s fifth-best performer in the league but also as the joint 26th-best performer in the entire top flight.

The 27-year-old has continued this form into the current campaign, with the Dane averaging an even more eye-catching SofaScore match rating of 7.53 over his three league outings so far in 2022/23, ranking him as the 15th-best performer in the division at the time of writing.

As such, it is clear to see that the loss of Hojbjerg would come as a big blow to Conte and his team, leading us to believe that selling the midfielder to Real Madrid – no matter how big the potential offer may be – would be a disaster for Spurs.

Sunderland are now expected to sign Amad Diallo and Abdoullah Ba for new manager Tony Mowbray after already sealing a deal for Edouard Michut.

The Lowdown: Mowbray appointed

The Stadium of Light outfit confirmed the appointment of Mowbray on Tuesday, following the shock departure of Alex Neil to Stoke City.

He has signed a two-year contract at the Wearside club, and oversaw the team’s final preparations ahead of their game at home to Rotherham United in the Championship on Wednesday evening.

The Latest: Triple swoop

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Michael Walker has shared that the Black Cats are expected to sign three new players for Mowbray in Diallo, Ba and of course Michut, who is now confirmed.

They are all expected to be at the Stadium of Light tonight:

“Sunderland confirm Tony Mowbray on a 2 yr-deal. The club are also recruiting Amad Diallo, 20, on loan from Manchester United and trying to buy Abdoullah Ba, 19, from Le Havre (almost done). Have loan-to-buy Edouard Michut, 19, from PSG. Expect all 4 to be at stadium Weds night.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for the supporters to potentially see three new faces through the doors as well as Mowbray.

Neil was backed with seven new signings earlier in the window, and it now looks as if the board are prepared to do the same for Mowbray with just a couple of days left in the transfer window remaining.

Nonetheless, with Diallo, Michut and Ba at 20, 19 and 19 years of age respectively, they all have a bright future in the game, and so it is good to see that SAFC are building for the future as well as getting in players ready to tackle the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura ‘could be leaving’ north London, former BBC Radio Leeds pundit Noel Whelan has claimed.

The Lowdown: Contract running down…

The Brazilian joined Spurs in 2018 from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, putting pen to paper on a £23m move to the Premier League and later becoming a fan favourite in N17.

Lucas is best remembered for his heroic Champions League semi-final hat-trick against Ajax in 2019, three goals which sent supporters into raptures and created Spurs history as they reached their first European Cup final.

The attacker is currently sidelined through injury, and despite some fierce competition for places at Tottenham, manager Antonio Conte maintains that the 30-year-old is an ‘important player’ at Hotspur Way.

However, that isn’t reflected in his contract situation, given that his deal expires next summer and there is no sign of a potential renewal.

The Latest: Whelan shares Lucas exit claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-BBC pundit and former Leeds United striker Whelan believes that Lucas could indeed leave Tottenham in 2023.

The 47-year-old said: “Lucas Moura, a very talented player, could be leaving. That could leave a gaping hole for someone like ]Marcus] Edwards to come in and have another chance.”

The Verdict: Stick or twist?

At 30 years of age, if Spurs choose to extend Lucas’ deal, chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici would do so in the knowledge that there would be little sell-on potential in future transfer windows.

However, given his contribution on the pitch, keeping the South American around for the long haul wouldn’t be the worst decision by Spurs, and there are plenty of top clubs who decide to keep hold of aging players.

For example, Premier League champions Manchester City extended Riyad Mahrez’s contract in July, with the 31-year-old now remaining at the Etihad Stadium until 2025.

West Bromwich Albion do not have the most famed academy in the world, but have been known to produce talent that have gone on to have a fine career.

Saido Berahino and Tyler Roberts were both at different points in time solid Premier League footballers, and both rose through the ranks at the Hawthorns.

However now, with the likes of Josh Shaw and Reyes Cleary, there could be a new dawn for the Baggies.

They will be disappointed to have lost what could’ve been their true star in Lino Sousa however, who opted to sign for Arsenal last January and was remarkably handed a place on the bench in yesterday’s comprehensive 3-0 win over Brentford.

Although he is yet to play a huge amount of football, the fact that he featured in Premier League 2 at just 16 years old is a testament to his ability and maturity.

In fact, last season the left-back managed to score twice in just four appearances in that league.

This season, where he already has five appearances, suggests that he will be a mainstay in the Gunners’ U23 side. However, his inclusion yesterday could serve as an indication that this season could be the year for him to finally earn some first-team minutes.

Whilst the limelight may have been stolen by the 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who became the youngest ever player to feature in the Premier League, Sousa will be patiently waiting in the wings for his opportunity to prove he too can make the next step up.

When he does, it will further compound the misery of West Brom, who will have to see one of their young starlets continue to shine outside of their influence.

In the one game that he has played this season where data has been made available since his move to the Emirates, the 17-year-old kept a clean sheet, had 87 touches and had a 94% pass completion rate in their 2-0 win over Cambridge United.

It showed an element of composure way above his age and also demonstrated his willingness to get involved from the left-hand side of defence.

He truly is an “outstanding” talent in the words of Kevin Betsy, and in no time at all the Baggies will surely be left with nightmares over allowing this youngster to slip through the cracks for a measly tribunal fee.