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An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their interest in adding a central defender to their squad during the January transfer window…

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Unai Emery has his eye on Real Madrid centre-back Nacho Fernandez after failing to sign him whilst he was the manager of Villarreal.

The report claims that the ex-Arsenal head coach is now looking at the enforcer again as a potential target for Villa heading into his first window in charge of the club.

It is stated that Fernandez is considering his future with Carlo Ancelotti’s team due to his lack of game time on the pitch this season, with his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Upgrade on Ezri Konsa

Emery could land an upgrade on current Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa by swooping for the Spain international, whether that is on a cut-price deal in January or on a free transfer in the summer.

Fernandez, who turns 33 in January, could be an excellent addition to bolster the defensive ranks in the short term, whilst using his experience and quality to help the younger defenders at the club develop their own performances.

In the immediate future, he could be a better option for Emery than Konsa. The former Brentford stopper endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.74 across 29 Premier League appearances, completing 86% of his attempted passes and winning 64% of his individual duels.

Meanwhile, the Spanish ace averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.95 in 28 outings in La Liga for Real Madrid, winning 56% of his battles and completing 93% of his passes.

The £129k-per-week enforcer, who former manager Zinedine Zidane hailed as being “important” whenever he plays, has the quality to perform at a higher standard than the Englishman on a consistent basis, whilst he could also be a more reliable option in possession based on their respective passing statistics.

Fernandez has made 3.24 tackles and interceptions per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days. Whereas Konsa has averaged 1.65 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the same time and this indicates that the Spaniard reads the game better than the current Villa man and is, therefore, more likely to cut out opposition attacks.

Emery must now push for the club to snap up the Real Madrid defender in January as his statistics since the start of last season suggest that he would be a sizeable upgrade on what he currently has to work with on the right side of the defence.

Liverpool ended Napoli’s 21-game unbeaten run at Anfield last night when they delivered a 2-0 victory in front of the home support in the Champions League, but it’s not all good news for the team.

What’s the latest?

Jurgen Klopp took to his post-match interview to give an update on James Milner who sustained a head injury in the 48th minute of the clash with the Italians last night.

When asked about the midfielder’s condition, the Liverpool boss told the media:

“Don’t know. He seems to be fine now but we have to probably do further checks.”

It could be a big blow for Liverpool

Although Milner isn’t always the first name on the team sheet, it could be a big blow for Liverpool if the veteran midfielder can’t recover before the game with Tottenham Hotspur in north London this weekend.

It is no secret that Liverpool have struggled with injury issues in the centre of the pitch this season with Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo all sustaining problems over the first few months of the new campaign.

Arthur is the only aforementioned player who is still sidelined, however, there has been another scare as Jordan Henderson was omitted from the Champions League squad on Tuesday night.

It was confirmed the Liverpool captain trained alone in the gym instead of joining his teammates on the grass in the lead-up to the final Champions League group stage game, but there has been no confirmation as to whether Henderson has picked up a knock or whether he will be available for the clash with Spurs this weekend.

As a result, the injury to Milner could leave the squad weakened in terms of experience on the pitch if the skipper is unavailable for selection too in a game where picking up points is essential for the Reds.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the Premier League table following two consecutive defeats to Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, and are now eight points adrift of Newcastle United in fourth which is a troubling situation for Klopp.

Indeed, the Merseysiders will now not be able to break into the top four before the World Cup commences next month with just two league fixtures remaining but they will be hopeful that stealing as many points as possible in the meantime can start to close the gap slightly before they return to action after Christmas.

That task, however, will be a lot trickier if they don’t have the services of Henderson and Milner.

Sunderland have been handed an injury boost involving Everton loanee Ellis Simms.

The Lowdown: Early setback

Tony Mowbray confirmed earlier this month that the 21-year-old could face another three weeks or more ruled out after suffering a setback in his recovery from an injury to his big toe.

The striker has Championship in mid-September as he continues his recovery ahead of the Black Cats’ next set of fixtures.

The Latest: Simms ‘back on the grass’

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of Sunderland’s match at home to Wigan Athletic in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, Mowbray has confirmed that Simms is now ‘getting back on the grass’, adding that the 21-year-old ‘felt fine’ when he got back on the treadmill for the first time.

The Black Cats boss stated (as per Sunderland Echo on Thursday): “Ellis is getting his boots on today and getting back on the grass. He’s been on the treadmill and he felt fine so he’s getting his boots on and going outside.”

The Verdict: Big boost

It is certainly a big boost for Sunderland to have Simms back out on the grass as he looks to speed up his recovery.

The Wigan game will likely come too soon for the 6 foot 3 forward, but he could now look to target a return to the Stadium of Light over the next week or two.

Having wowed his former manager Alex Neil with two goals on his Black Cats debut in the 3-2 win at Bristol City in August, Simms has only featured three times under Mowbray so far, so the 21-year-old will want to impress his new boss in training in order to get back into the team.

Celtic have reportedly twice missed out on the chance to land current Aston Villa striker Danny Ings over the last decade, with the Parkhead outfit likely ruing their inability to sign a player who has been a real potent threat in front of goal in recent years.

The Winchester-born marksman was reportedly a target for the Old Firm outfit prior to the January transfer window in 2014, with then-Hoops boss Neil Lennon said to have sent assistant coach Gerry Parker to watch the Englishman in action for Burnley.

No move came to fruition, however, as the centre-forward ended the 2013/14 campaign with an impressive haul of 21 goals and seven assists in 41 Championship games, with the Glasgow side ultimately signing Leigh Griffiths in that winter window – a player who enjoyed a mixed stint with the Scottish giants.

After subsequently impressing in the Premier League the following season at Turf Moor – scoring 11 league goals – Ings was then snapped by Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side on a ‘free’ transfer in 2015, albeit with the Anfield outfit forced to fork out around £8m in compensation.

After three, injury-plagued years on Merseyside that saw him make just 25 appearances in all competitions, the 5 foot 10 menace was ultimately snapped up by Southampton on an initial loan deal in 2018, albeit with the Hoops having reportedly been keen on a deal themselves.

Amid that speculation, however, then-boss Rodgers had quashed suggestions that he was looking to reunite with the forward at Celtic Park, with the Northern Irishman insisting that he had ample depth in the striking department in the form of Griffiths, Odsonne Edouard and Moussa Dembele.

That decision not to pursue a deal ultimately backfired as the Scottish Premiership side saw Dembele depart for Ligue 1 side Lyon in the same window, while Ings went on to sparkle during his time at St Mary’s.

The one-time Bournemouth striker scored 46 goals in just 100 games during his time with the Saints – having signed permanently in 2019 – after emerging as one of the league’s “most prolific strikers” in the words of writer Daniel Bettridge.

A move to Villa Park followed last summer for the “phenomenal finisher” – as dubbed by pundit Noel Whelan – with the 30-year-old having since registered 16 goal contributions in just 38 games for the Midlands side.

It will no doubt remain a real source of frustration for those at Parkhead that they were unable to land a player who now has 110 club career goals to his name, with such an asset likely to have sparkled north of the border.

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.

Journalist Simon Phillips has stated that the signing of Che Adams is Frank Lampard’s ‘top priority’ for Everton.

The Lowdown: Everton exploring offer

It has been reported that the Goodison Park outfit are ‘exploring’ a loan-to-buy offer for the 26-year-old and that Southampton would be willing to let him go, using the funds to bring in a new striker.

The Merseyside club have been linked with the likes of Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi and Brentford’s Ivan Toney in recent days, as Frank Lampard desperately looks to sign a centre-forward before the transfer window closes.

The Latest: Adams is Everton’s ‘top priority’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips has shared that Adams is Lampard’s ‘top priority’ in terms of Everton’s list of striker targets.

He stated: “I’ve been told that Che Adams is the top priority there for Lampard at least. But, obviously, at Everton, he’s got the board there, and the decisions are not just Lampard’s.”

The Verdict: Great option

Adams would certainly be a great option for Everton, especially if they can get him on an initial loan basis, which would save them the money to then potentially sign him on a permanent deal next season.

The Scotland international boasts plenty of Premier League two goals away to Leicester City on Saturday afternoon, helping the Saints to come from behind and clinch all three points in a 2-1 win.

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Therefore, he should be able to settle in fairly quickly with a move to Goodison Park, and Lampard would be hoping that the 26-year-old could hit the ground running straight away in the absence of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has claimed that AC Milan have been in contact over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka.

The Lowdown: Milan linked with Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka, who Steven Gerrard has backed to become “a big player for Aston Villa”, was left out of Villa’s pre-season tour of Australia and is into the final 12 months of his contract.

The 18-year-old has failed to agree on a new deal in the Midlands and is thought to be holding out for a staggering £100,000 per week.

That has resulted in Villa placing a £20m price tag on him, with reports last month suggesting that AC Milan are preparing an opening offer in the region of £8.5m.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece was asked by one Villa supporter in a Q&A for Birmingham Live if Chukwuemeka is ‘definitely going’.

The reporter replied by saying that Milan are ‘strong favourites’ for the teenager’s services and have been in contact over a transfer.

Preece stated:

“Carney; sticking point is Villa’s asking price £20m+. Milan simply not paying that. Milan strong, strong favourites to get him; contact has been made. Don’t expect deal to be wrapped up until later this month, though. I can’t see Villa selling to another PL club, either, no matter what the price. Milan very much front-runners.”

The Verdict: Cash in

It could be best for all involved if a deal can be reached this summer, even if it is below Villa’s £20m asking price, as it doesn’t look as if Chukwuemeka will be featuring regularly this season after being left out of the squad for the pre-season tour.

The 18-year-old won’t want to be sitting on the sidelines for the next 12 months, and Villa won’t want to lose their exciting youngster for nothing in a potential pre-contract agreement next January.

Therefore, Milan and Villa meeting in the middle at around £13m-£15m could leave everyone fairly happy.

West Ham United have reportedly made an offer to sign Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, according to Sky Sports. 

The lowdown: Opening offer

Coming off an impressive Italian top-flight campaign, the 23-year-old senior Italy international has attracted the attention of many suitors, including Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and of course, West Ham.

The Hammers have recently stepped up their pursuit of Scamacca and reportedly saw a £28million bid rebuffed by the Serie A outfit as they continue to hold out for a fee in the region of £42.6million.

Now a fresh report has emerged claiming that the east Londoners have made a fresh attempt to strike a deal for the frontman…

The latest: New bid

As per Sky Sports, West Ham are believed to have made a bid of ‘more than’ £34million for the seven-cap star, which could make him their second most expensive signing ever.

It’s claimed ‘positive discussions are ongoing between the clubs’ as David Moyes attempts to strengthen the attacking department at the London Stadium accordingly.

The report also states that the Irons also ‘remain interested’ in Chelsea striker Armando Broja and are ‘awaiting a response’ from Lille regarding Amadou Onana.

The verdict: Positive signs

As it was confirmed that West Ham missed out on the capture of Jesse Lingard after the attacking midfielder joined Nottingham Forest on a one-year deal, another seemingly top target fell by the wayside.

Nonetheless, the Hammers have wasted no time in shaking off the disappointment and instead pressed ahead with a pursuit for the giant 6 foot 5 former PSV Eindhoven frontman who was dubbed ‘deadly’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and a ‘revelation’ by journalist Zach Lowy for his U20 World Cup form.

Last season, Scamacca scored 16 times in 36 Serie A outings, earning an impressive 7.03 Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.1 duels and taking 2.2 shots on average per game – highlighting battling qualities as well as a sharp eye for goal that make him ideally suited to the Irons’ style.

Having predominantly operated as the figurehead of a four-pronged attack for Sassuolo, Scamacca should fit seamlessly into the plans in east London as an alternative option to Michail Antonio.

Sharing a close stylistic likeness with such highly regarded centre-forwards as Jamie Vardy, Victor Osimhen and Tammy Abraham (Fbref), Moyes should be pushing GSB to do all it takes to bring the Italian to Rush Green this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with Pervis Estupinan’s agent regarding a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: Wing-backs wanted

Antonio Conte has already got off to a flying start in the transfer window, having secured the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Clement Lenglet, but it seems as though he’s not done there.

Djed Spence wants to join Tottenham and the Lilywhites are in talks with Middlesbrough over a move, say Sky Sports, and now they’re looking at a wing-back on the other side in the shape of Estupinan.

The 24-year-old still has five years remaining on his contract at Villarreal, but has been linked with a move away from the La Liga outfit, with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs claiming just last month that Spurs were in ‘advanced’ talks with the defender over a switch to the top-flight.

Following a fresh update, this is a deal that now looks highly likely to be on the cards…

The Latest: Spurs make agent contact

In an article published by Spanish newspaper El Periodico Mediterraneo (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Tottenham have ‘identified’ Estupinan as the man ‘Conte wants’ to fill that left-back position.

The source states that the boss is ‘no longer counting’ on Sergio Reguilon, with Spurs having moved him onto their transferable list and ‘awaiting his departure to try to hire’ the Villarreal star.

It’s reported that Fabio Paratici has already ‘started contacts’ with the player’s agent, and ‘will move for him’ as soon as they ‘find a solution’ for Reguilon.

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The Verdict: Lo Celso swap deal

It sounds as though Conte has firmly set his sights on targeting Estupinan, who was once hailed as ‘one of the best left-backs in La Liga’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and whilst it could be a pain waiting to offload Reguilon, there is the chance that the move could get done sooner by completing a swap deal for Giovani Lo Celso.

The midfielder spent the second half of last season out on loan playing under Unai Emery and has been linked with a permanent return after being omitted from Spurs’ pre-season tour squad, suggesting that an exit is looming.

Estupinan’s long contract means he wouldn’t come cheap, but the possibility of Lo Celso going the other way at the same time could play a significant role in whether or not Spurs manage to get this one over the line.

Dubbed an ‘incredible left-back’ by one tactical writer for Breaking the Lines, the Ecuadorian looks an extremely exciting option to replace Reguilon.

Andre Gomes reportedly now wants to quit Everton as they line up Harry Winks as a potential new signing.

The Lowdown: Contact made

It has been reported that the Goodison Park outfit have made contact over the possibility of signing Winks from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

If he does end up joining, then that may pave the way for one or two exits from Merseyside as they look to balance the books and a build a balance squad ahead of Frank Lampard’s first full season in charge.

The Latest: Gomes out?

As per Football Insider, Gomes now wants to quit the Toffees, as they line up a deal for Winks.

A source from the club has revealed that the latter has been identified as a ‘priority target’, and Gomes would be allowed to go if he was brought in.

However, Spurs value Winks at £20m, which may be an issue for Lampard’s team given their financial constraints, and so they would prefer a loan or loan-to-buy deal.

The Verdict: Smart business

Replacing Gomes with Winks would certainly be smart business by the board.

The former has seen his game time limited by constant injury problems, and has not always been fancied by Lampard when he has been available.

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Moreover, he has built a reputation of being a bit ‘careless’ on the pitch, as EFC journalist Richard Buxton has pointed out, and would save them a lot of money given that he earns a whopping £120,000-per-week.

Compared to Winks, Gomes averaged fewer interceptions, blocks, key passes and long balls per game in the Premier League last season, and at 28 years of age, now is the best time to part ways with the Portugal international before his value plummets any further.