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Aston Villa could be "able to activate a deal" to land Ferran Torres this summer if they wait for "the back end of the transfer window", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Aston Villa transfer news – What's the latest on Ferran Torres to Aston Villa?

What Unai Emery has achieved at Villa is nothing short of remarkable. Taking the side from a potential relegation scrap to a scrap for European places, he has completely turned the club around, and it looks as if some major players in Europe could be on their way to Villa Park over the summer.

So far, the West Midlands side have already welcomed Belgian international Youri Tielemans through the door from the recently relegated Leicester City, a player that only last year was heavily linked to Arsenal.

However, the player touted with a move to the Claret and Blue that might just excite the most fans is Barcelona and full Spanish international Torres.

The Daily Mail have reported that due to the Catalan club's dire financial situation, the 23-year-old could join the Villains on a season-long loan with an option to buy for just £21.5m.

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Ferran Torres to Aston Villa?

Jones was clear that the player himself has been very upfront about his desire to remain at Barcelona, which could make it harder for Villa to get a deal done. However, he points out that a deal could be made easier if he isn't given much playing time come August.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think the Ferran Torres one could still become interesting. He obviously doesn't want to leave Barcelona, and it seems like he's made that pretty clear. But the deeper we get into this transfer window, the more I wonder if he might actually end up leaving.

"I mean, if we get to a situation whereby the season in Spain begins in August, and he's not in the picture, and you get him towards the back end of the transfer window. I wonder if that's when Villa might be able to activate a deal like that."

Would Ferran Torres be a good signing for Aston Villa?

Torres, who has been hailed as "world-class", would be a brilliant signing for this new-look Aston Villa side and be a true signal of intent that they are here to stay among the big boys of English football.

It would also be the perfect way for the Foios-born dynamo to reignite his career following a tough few years in Catalonia. The former City gem hasn't been bad for the La Liga champions, he just hasn't been able to start as frequently as he may have hoped would be the case back in 2021.

According to WhoScored, he only started 14 La Liga matches last season, coming off the bench 19 times, averaging an overall rating of 6.48 across all his league appearances.

His underlying numbers are still impressive, with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing him in the top 12% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, the top 15% for non-penalty goals and non-penalty expected goals, all per 90.

He has impressed for the national side as well, with former Spain manager Luis Enrique saying: "He is one of the players whose crosses are the best in LaLiga."

If Villa can get this deal over the line, they might be fighting for more than just Conference League football next year.

Sunderland's search for a new striker has gone continental as the Championship side have reportedly targeted a move for Sochaux striker Eliezer Mayenda.

What players have Sunderland signed this summer?

The Black Cats were quick off the mark in bringing in a quartet of players each aged 20 or under, as centre-backs Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt, attacking midfielder Jobe Bellingham and striker Luis 'Hemir' Semedo all arrived last month.

Manager Tony Mowbray has made clear he is after another goalscorer ahead of the new campaign, though, having seen Amad Diallo return to parent club Manchester United, while Ross Stewart will not be fit enough for the start of the season.

That effectively leaves the untested Hemir, who did not play any minutes at senior level for Benfica, as Mowbray's only real recognised centre-forward to start against Ipswich Town on August 6.

The Wearside outfit were priced out of a move for Ellis Simms, who starred on loan at the Stadium of Light in the first half of last season, and they are also reported to have missed out on Rijeka's Matija Frigan.

However, French publication Foot Mercato suggests Sunderland are very interested in signing Mayenda, who made the breakthrough at Sochaux in Ligue 2 last season.

Who is Sochaux striker Eliezer Mayenda?

Mayenda has been capped once by Spain at U17 level, but it is in France he has learned his trade. The 18-year-old came through Sochaux's academy and played 15 times in the French second tier last season, scoring once.

That goal return is pretty underwhelming on the face of it, but he only played 292 minutes – as per FBref – which is the equivalent of a little over three full matches.

Indeed, his goal return of 0.31 every 90 minutes was bettered only by three Sunderland regulars in the Championship last season, though the teenage talent's sample size is of course a lot smaller.

While clearly a player of high potential, talk of Sunderland signing Mayenda may not exactly get supporters' pulses racing.

However, the same was very much true when the Black Cats signed Stewart from Ross County in January 2021. The Scotsman was far from a prolific scorer at that stage, having netted just 15 times in two-and-a-half seasons with the Staggies.

That return included just two goals in 19 appearances in the first half of the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership season, and he would net only two times in 11 League One outings upon joining Sunderland.

But Stewart truly kick-started his career in 2021-22 when scoring 24 times in 46 games to fire Sunderland to Championship promotion. The 26-year-picked up from where he left off last season by scoring 10 and assisting three in 13 games, before being struck down by a season-ending Achilles injury in January.

That team-high return of 0.86 goals or assists per 90 minutes – Simms was next highest with 0.56, for perspective – will be tough for Stewart to match once he is back up and running for Mowbray's side.

Mayenda also cannot be expected to score and assist at that rate should he join, but Sunderland clearly see something in the 5 foot 11 youngster, who could well become the Black Cats' latest transfer success story.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane has reached a personal "agreement" to join Bayern Munich and won't be tempted by any other side, according to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg.

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham?

Spurs are facing the distinct possibility of losing their talismanic forward within these next 12 months, either this summer or next depending on developments.

Kane is out of contract in 2024, meaning Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy must weigh up whether to sell him this year or let him leave for nothing next summer – if fresh terms can't be agreed.

The 29-year-old was seriously linked with a transfer to Premier League heavyweights Man City two years ago, with Pep Guardiola's side lodging £100 million bids in the summer of 2021.

Those offers did little to sway Levy into a deal, as Spurs were in a very strong position given he still had three years on his contract at the time.

The situation now is far more precarious, and given Kane's desire to win silverware, it has been reported that German giants Bayern Munich are trying to tempt him to the Bundesliga.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, speaking to the press recently, admitted he has received no assurances over Kane's future at N17.

"No, I haven't had any assurances [over Kane's future] and I wouldn't expect any assurances because with these kind of things you're never dealing in definites or certainties," said Postecoglou.

"I'm trying to concentrate on the things that I know right now, and what I know right now is that Harry's part of this squad. He's looking forward to coming back to training, getting among the players back in here and we start working together."

Sharing an update on his future, reporter Plettenberg of Sky has some news on Twitter, with Kane apparently reaching a Bayern "agreement" behind-the-scenes.

The England star is apparently "convinced" he can win the Champions League with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel in Bavaria.

"As reported: Harry Kane made 100 % clear that he only wants to join FC Bayern," said Plettenberg.

"He’s not considering a move to another club abroad. It’s an agreement between Kane & Bayern.

"Kane is convinced that he can win the Champions League with Bayern & Tuchel."

Adding to that, Plettenberg has since Tweeted that Levy has met up with some Bayern officials.

He said: "Yes, some Bayern bosses have visited Daniel Levy in London yesterday – confirmed. Understand it was a good meeting, good atmosphere."

He added: "It was important for Bayern to show respect to Levy. Kane was informed of the visit."

What's been said about Harry Kane?

The former Leyton Orient loanee has broken both Jimmy Greaves' all-time goal-scoring record at Tottenham and Wayne Rooney's previous best haul for England.

Kane is, without doubt, Spurs' most crucial asset and losing him would be an almighty blow.

"I am happy for him because we are talking about a world class striker,” said former Spurs manager Antonio Conte on Kane.

“He deserves the best because he's a great worker, hard worker… this is not normal because usually the players that have talent many times don't like to work hard because they have talent.

“When you see him work in this way, and for sure you have the desire to continue to work, to work very hard. For this reason, I want to tell him thanks because he's always a big example for everything."

Juventus winger Federico Chiesa would prefer to join Liverpool instead of Newcastle United this summer, according to a new transfer update.

How much does Federico Chiesa earn?

The 25-year-old, who currently earns £149,000 per week, has already enjoyed a successful career, most famously winning Euro 2020 with Italy and proving to be an influential performer for them at the tournament.

At club level, Chiesa has also impressed, initially coming to mainstream attention with some impressive performances for Fiorentina, which earned him a move to Juventus. He has registered 42 goal contributions (22 goals and 20 assists) in 94 appearances for the Turin giants, proving to be a potent threat in attack.

That being said, the Italian hasn't always managed to nail down a regular starting berth for his current club, with injuries and form sometimes getting in the way. His current deal expires in the summer of 2025, but it could be that he is allowed to join a new team in the current transfer window.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Chiesa in the recent past and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.

Could Liverpool sign Federico Chiesa?

According to journalist Marco Guidi, who was speaking to TV Play [via Sport Witness], the Italy international could be a potential target for both the Reds and Newcastle. Bayern Munich are also in the conversation, with his preference being to seal a move to a 'top club':

“The player would be more inclined to sign for a classic top club, such as Liverpool or Bayern Munich. If Newcastle have the economic strength they will try to take Chiesa. The Newcastle option could only be taken into consideration at the end of the transfer market, in the case of few offers on the plate."

There is no doubting Chiesa's pedigree as a footballer, with the Juve man a hugely dangerous attacking player on his day – Cristiano Ronaldo even reportedly wanted him to join him at Manchester United when he returned to Old Trafford for a second stint at the club.

Former Italy defender Alessandro Pierini has described his compatriot as "world-class" in the past, adding that he "has all the ability and desire of a great player", and there is no doubt he could be a new attacking hero at Liverpool.

The Reds are already extremely well-stocked in that area, however, with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo all representing strong options, so it would be a surprise to see the club fork out big money on Chiesa, especially when midfield and defence are more important areas to strengthen.

In the future, Chiesa could potentially be a great signing, especially with Salah's contract slowly running down, but it is hard to see how he would start matches on a regular basis and remain happy with so much competition for places already.

It would, therefore, be a big surprise to see him in a Liverpool shirt ahead of the new Premier League season, unless one of the attackers suddenly leaves, which isn't expected to happen.

Manchester United would be willing to apply a slight "discount" on the asking price of Harry Maguire should a club that he wants to join come in for him this summer, claims Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Manchester United this summer?

After a slow start – one dominated by takeover talk – the transfer window has been a relatively straightforward success for United this summer.

The deal to sign Mason Mount from Premier League rivals Chelsea might've dragged on longer than fans would've liked, but with the fee rising to just £55m, it could yet ultimately work out in their favour.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Following Mount's arrival, the club turned their attention towards Inter's highly rated No 1, Andre Onana, signing the Cameroon international for £47m.

With two new first-teamers already sorted before August and the potential of a deal for Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund, the club now have the luxury to focus on selling a few players – one of whom could be former captain Maguire.

The 30-year-old has had a rough couple of years at Old Trafford, practically becoming the poster boy – fairly or unfairly – of United's defensive frailties in that time.

This period of misfortune was compounded by the removal of the club's captaincy earlier this month, a move that – whilst feeling inevitable – signalled what may be considered as the end of the former Leicester City star's time with the Red Devils.

According to BBC Sport, the three-time European champions are willing to let the Sheffield-born star leave this summer if he so wishes, but they have also rejected a £20m offer from West Ham United as they value him at £40m – half of what they paid for him four years ago.

However, there is reportedly some flexibility on his valuation should a club that the player wants to move to come in for him this summer, per Sky Sports' McAdam.

He explained the situation on Sky Sports News, saying:

"Manchester United are looking for around £40m, but they would be prepared to compromise slightly if there was a club that came to the table and Harry Maguire was keen to join them – so there could be a little bit of a discount, shall we say.

"But it's still going to be in and around £40m."

How good is Harry Maguire?

It can be rather easy for footballers to quickly pick up reputations for being a liability or the weak link; someone the fans blame for every little mistake.

Think Shkodran Mustafi at Arsenal, Timo Werner at Chelsea and certainly Maguire at United.

That said, these players weren't really good enough for their teams, but they also weren't quite as disastrous as fans of that team would have you believe.

In Maguire's case, it's hard to argue that his last two seasons have been anything but a massive disappointment, and yet when you look at his numbers, things don't look anywhere near as bad as you might have initially thought they would.

According to WhoScored, the England international averaged a match rating of 6.59 across his 16 league appearances last season and a solid, if unspectacular, 6.65 across his 30 appearances the season before that.

While nothing amazing, his underlying numbers are also what you would expect and want from a Premier League centre-back.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the 6 foot 4 titan sits in the top 11% for blocks, the top 12% for aerial duels won, the top 13% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, the top 17% for attempted passes, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 16% for progressive passes received per 90.

His national team performances have also been brilliant over the last few years, making it into Sky Sports' Team of the Tournament for the previous World Cup and the official Euro 2020 XI.

These consistent performances for the Three Lions led to manager Gareth Southgate saying: "What are his strengths? Well, he's technically a fantastic footballer with the ball.

"He's a very strong leader in the team. His physical stature, the aerial challenge is one – we haven't got anybody else with that physical presence.

Ultimately, while he hasn't lived up to the expectations that came with his record-breaking transfer four years ago, he hasn't been quite as bad as some have made out, and leaving United might just be what's best for all involved.

Chelsea will 'have an eye' on Kylian Mbappe's precarious situation at Paris Saint-Germain as co-owner Todd Boehly won't want to miss out on a 'golden nugget' in the market, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Which clubs are keen on Kylian Mbappe?

According to 90min, Chelsea, alongside other clubs in Europe, have been offered the chance to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer as Paris Saint-Germain try to facilitate a sensational exit from the Parc des Princes for the France international.

Both Chelsea and Liverpool would be open to bringing Mbappe to the Premier League; however, there is no indication that the £1.1 million per week ace would like to take his next career step in England. Real Madrid are believed to be his favored destination as his contract at Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain ticks closer to expiration next year.

Of course, Mbappe rejected the chance to speak to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after Paris Saint-Germain granted permission for Mbappe to speak to the club following a monster £259 million bid for his services, as per L'Equipe via The Guardian.

Mbappe, who has been labelled as an "alien" by Marca, does not intend to extend his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and his current employers hold belief that he has already shook on an agreement to join global superpower Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024.

RMC Sport via The Daily Mail claim that Paris Saint-Germain expect Real Madrid to make an 'extremely low and insulting' offer for Mbappe between now and the transfer deadline.

Last season, Mbappe recorded some extraordinary numbers, scoring 41 times and laying on ten assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones thinks that Chelsea co-owner Boehly will 'know the terms needed' to bring Mbappe to Stamford Bridge.

Jones stated: “I would be amazed if Liverpool got Mbappe to be honest and I’m sure I’m not alone on that. And I have heard a few whispers that Real Madrid will get involved in this very soon.

“Chelsea for sure know the terms needed and that’s just Todd Boehly making sure he doesn’t miss out on a golden nugget.”

What next for Chelsea?

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be aiming to tie up his final loose ends in the transfer market as he gears up for the excitement of his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

In an unexpected turn of events, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku could be involved in a player-plus-cash swap deal that could see Serbia international Vlahovic arrive in west London for £38.5 million, according to The Daily Mail.

The Blues have been swift in their transfer business this window, which is a trend that has continued with regard to AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, who looks like he is on his way to the club in a deal worth £38.57 million after both parties came to an agreement, as per BBC Sport.

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is in discussions with Chelsea and could be brought in as competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, talkSPORT understands.

West Ham United have made a phone call to “enquire” about Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke and have already received a response, according to The Evening Standard's Dom Smith.

When did Dominic Solanke join Bournemouth?

The Premier League centre-forward first arrived at the Vitality Stadium from Liverpool back in 2019 and since then has gone on to become an integral member of their first-team squad, clocking up a total of 174 appearances during his four years on the south coast.

England’s former youth international still has another three years to run on his contract with Andoni Iraola’s side, but having emerged as their second-highest goalscorer in the top-flight last season, his impressive performances have alerted the board at the London Stadium.

Read The Latest West Ham Transfer News HERE…

Football Insider recently reported that the Irons, specifically David Moyes and Tim Steidten, have earmarked the 25-year-old as an ideal replacement for Gianluca Scamacca who has now completed his move to Atalanta.

However, if the following update is to be believed, whilst contact has since been made, it's unlikely that a deal will take place having had a change of heart after learning what the conditions of the deal would look like.

Are West Ham signing Dominic Solanke?

Taking to Twitter, Smith revealed that West Ham have spoken to Bournemouth to see whether they would be open to selling Solanke this summer, but were met with the firm stance that he wasn't in the shop window, and E20 chiefs weren't happy with the price tag that was brought up in conversation:

"I understand a West Ham representative phoned AFC Bournemouth on Friday 28 July to enquire about Dominic Solanke availability. #AFCB said he is not for sale, and #WHUFC were put off by their valuation of him so made no bid. Hammers in [the] market for a striker after Scamacca [joined] Atalanta."

How many goals has Dominic Solanke scored?

In the Premier League last season, Solanke racked up an impressive 13 goal contributions (seven assists and six goals) in 33 appearances, which shows how prolific the striker can be, so the fact that West Ham have walked away from this deal may be a huge mistake.

The Reading-born talent, who’s sponsored by Adidas, also recorded a total of 76 shots over the course of the campaign which was more than any other of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, highlighting his constant desire to find the back of the net.

Bournemouth’s £50k-per-week earner is also a versatile operator with his ability to be deployed everywhere across the frontline and even as an attacking midfielder, so he would have been a fantastic option for the Scottish boss to have at his disposal.

Furthermore, Solanke has “excellent” hold up play and movement in and around the opposition’s penalty area, according to journalist Josh Bunting, but this is yet another attractive attribute that the club will have to cope without having immediately rejected the thought of an offer meaning that they are now likely to turn their attention towards other targets.

Last summer, Leicester City paid the price for failing to adequately act in the transfer market.

The 2016 Premier League champions failed to replace Kasper Schmeichel or Wesley Fofana, spending just a measly £15m on Wout Faes.

Consequently, the Foxes now find themselves in the Championship and face the unenviable task of escaping one of Europe’s most taxing leagues.

This year, they are looking to avoid past mistakes, adding Harry Winks, Conor Coady, Stephy Mavididi, Mads Hermansen, and Callum Doyle to the squad.

The latest name who looks set to be added to this impressive rebuild is Cesare Casadei.

What’s the latest on Cesare Casadei to Leicester City?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands outfit have agreed a loan deal for the Chelsea midfielder.

The Italian is set to undergo a medical this week, with head coach Enzo Maresca playing a crucial role in the transfer as the Blues believe he will allow the youngster to develop in the best possible way.

"Leicester City have agreed loan deal for Cesare Casadei to join from Chelsea — as revealed in the morning," he tweeted. "Deal in place and medical this week, if all goes to plan. #CFC believe Maresca will be crucial to help Casadei develop best way.

"Here we go."

Would Cesare Casadei be a good signing for Leicester City?

Before joining the west Londoners in 2022, the 19-year-old gem spent four years with Inter Milan and in his latest season with the Nerazzurri in the Italian Primavera Championship, he bagged 18 goal contributions.

Since moving to the English capital, he made 13 appearances for the U21 side, before joining Reading on loan until the end of the season, where he featured 15 times, scoring once.

However, it has been on the international stage where the 6 foot 1 engine has most ruthlessly demonstrated his dazzling potential – in May 2023 at the U20 World Cup, Casadei scored seven goals, made nine key passes, and won 56% of his duels. His ridiculous showing at this tournament meant he received the Golden Ball and Golden Boot, as the most valuable and top scorer of the competition, despite his nation losing against Uruguay in the final.

Maurizio Viscidi, Italy’s National Youth Team Coordinator, has observed Casadei’s endearing from the U16s to the U19s, praising his hugely unique talent, saying:

“He’s been the one with the greatest aptitude for attacking runs and goalscoring. And he’s also strong in the air, something that’s unusual among younger players. Given his ability to enter and give a presence in the area he’s the strongest player currently within the Azzurri’s youth sector.”

Leicester have truly got their hands on a rising star, who can excel in the Championship alongside the effervescent and improving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The Englishman made his breakthrough into the senior side in 2021 and has featured in 60 of the club’s last 79 league games.

His latest performance for the Foxes in their 2-1 comeback victory over Coventry City on the opening day of the Championship season was an absolute clinic of accomplished, all-round midfield play.

The 24-year-old maestro scored both goals, made three key passes, registered five accurate long balls, won 80% of his duels, and recorded two tackles, as per Sofascore.

Coventry manager Mark Robins subsequently felt that Dewsbury-Hall would be “one of the best players at this level" this season.

Therefore, having Casadei and Dewsbury-Hall in midfield – two indomitable workhorses with a potent eye for goal – is a formidable prospect that could easily elevate the Foxes back to where there they belong.

Hailed as a “diamond" by Inter’s U18 coach Andrea Zanchetta, Chelsea fans will be keenly watching Casadei’s development and his possible blossoming relationship with Dewsbury-Hall.

Everton are looking at concluding two transfers in the coming days with Sean Dyche, Farhad Moshiri and co seemingly busy as the market nears its conclusion in a few weeks' time.

Who do Everton want to sign?

Reports on Sunday afternoon suggest that Everton's interest in Leeds winger Jack Harrison is now 'very advanced'. That said, he is not the only forward on Dyche's radar after the season kicked off this weekend.

Indeed, according to Football Insider on Saturday, they are working on securing Portuguese attacker Beto on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, with talks advancing over the past few days.

The Toffees have been monitoring his situation all summer but were reluctant to meet his €30m (£26m) price tag, though an initial short-term contract could work in their favour.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Everton's Premier League campaign began with a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham this weekend, accentuating the need for offensive reinforcements despite the signings of Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti.

Everton could repeat the signing of Richarlison by luring Beto to Goodison Park, with the Brazilian leaving the club for Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal last year but departing as one of the club's most distinguishable stars of recent memory.

How many goals did Richarlison score for Everton?

Arriving from Premier League rivals Watford in 2018 for £50m, the 26-year-old scored twice on his competitive debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers to kickstart a 53-goal haul across 152 outings while plying his trade on Merseyside, with former manager Carlo Ancelotti claiming he is "among the best forwards".

Standing at 6 foot, the 44-cap star – with 20 goals for Brazil – is not the tallest of forwards but utilises his aerial dominance superlatively, ranking among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

Hailed as a "warrior" by former Spurs boss Antonio Conte, the £90k-per-week gem brings an imposing element to his game and this is something that Beto could replicate under Dyche's wing on Merseyside, with the 52-year-old's management style focussing heavily on aerial dominance and dogged determination.

How good is Beto?

Standing at 6 foot 4, Beto is a taller figure and has averaged 1.8 shots and 2.2 aerial wins across the duration of his career, as per WhoScored, but has hit double-digits across all four league campaigns of his career, including 22 goals across his two years in Serie A.

The 25-year-old also ranks among the top 20% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 10% for clearances and the top 25% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref, illustrating his Richarlison-like tenacity and relentlessness that could slot into Everton's system seamlessly.

He has been lauded for his "quality" and intelligence by journalist Josh Bunting, and his ten league goals and 1.8 shots per match last term, as per Sofascore, were not bettered by Everton forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Demarai Gray.

With journalist Sam Tighe also waxing lyrical over the ace's ability to "spook defenders", claiming that makes the opposition panic with his brutish presence and physicality, he could emulate Richarlison in his imperious former role at Goodison Park, and could perhaps finally restore some offensive verve to the Toffees' frontline.

We find ourselves two games into the new Premier League season and Everton already look set to teeter along the perilous tightrope of relegation.

The Toffees have only spent €12.5m (£10.6m) on Youseff Chermiti, whilst also bringing in the veteran Ashley Young on free transfer, and Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison on loan.

However, Sean Dyche’s men find themselves at the bottom of the table and crying out for some offensive reinforcements to reverse their ill fortune.

As a result, Everton are linked to one of France’s most exciting and promising talents…

What’s the latest Everton transfer news?

According to Le Parisien, Everton are ‘still talking’ with Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike and his entourage about a possible summer transfer.

It is understood that the 21-year-old has known for two weeks that he has no future at the French juggernaut and needs to find a new club before the window shuts.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

But, AC Milan, Lyon, and West Ham are all interested in Ekitike, with the latter having positioned themselves ‘more concretely’ in the last few days.

The Irons sporting director Tim Steidten has reportedly held a ‘positive’ meeting with the forward and his agents.

Earlier in the window, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Merseysiders were in talks over a loan deal with a mandatory buy-option in the region of €35m (£30m). But, as has been reiterated, there are many clubs keen on the youngster so Everton must accelerate their attempts to conclude this transfer.

Would Hugo Ekitike be a good signing for Everton?

Ekitike, who has been described as “special” by former manager Oscar Garcia, has demonstrated across two full seasons of relatively regular Ligue 1 football that he is a useful and dangerous asset.

In 52 appearances in this division, he has scored 13 times and crafted eight assists, playing as a nimble, hard-working, and effervescent focal point.

The most eye-catching part of his short career was the 2021/22 season with Reims, where Ekitike netted ten goals in 15 league starts.

But, this didn’t come as a surprise to some, with Reims reserve team coach Franck Chalencon lauding the talent:

“Very young, we saw a huge potential, something natural, with a feeling for scoring a goal.

“His main quality? His instinct for goal. It's very rare that Hugo plays a game without creating a chance himself at any occasion. In front of the goal, his ratio is excellent. But he's not only a striker, he can play on the wing, too. Very technical.”

Last summer, the Frenchman secured a loan move to PSG with a €35m (£30m) option to turn the deal into a permanent transfer.

In his first season at the Parc des Princes, he recorded eight goal contributions in 32 matches, and despite joining permanently, he looks set to be offloaded.

Ekitike’s signing would finally be a replacement for Richarlison, who in four years at Goodison Park, established himself as a firm fan-favourite thanks to his dogged work rate, endless running, and eye for goal.

Similarly to Ekitike, he doesn’t possess a mind-boggling goal-scoring record, with 53 goals in 152 appearances for the Toffees, but he was massively important in the effort to avoid relegation.

Former Everton and current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti once claimed that Richarlison is a “modern and complete forward, not very sharp on his feet but coordinated and with great synchronization in the area.”

Therefore, Ekitike could be the long-awaited heir to Richarlison’s loveable, influential, and dynamic throne.

The Merseyside outfit are desperate for this dimension in attack and Ekitike could be the one to provide this for Dyche, though time is running out in the transfer window to finally land the true heir to Richarlison's throne at Goodison Park.