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Southampton will travel to Aston Villa tonight when the Premier League returns to action and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be quietly confident that his side can snatch some points on the road against Steven Gerrard’s fragile side.

The Saints have started the season with two wins and a draw, sitting comfortable in 12th, but were beaten last time out in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With regards to injuries, the Austrian boss noted only Romeo Lavia as the main new absentee after suffering an injury in their clash against Chelsea.

Tino Livramento is still on the mend following his ACL injury, but Hasenhuttl stated that “it looks good” with regard to the time scale on recovery.

New signing Duje Caleta-Car is in with a chance of starting, as is Ainsley Maitland-Niles who also joined this summer.

With these absentees considered, here’s how we expect Southampton to line up against Aston Villa tonight…

We expect to see three changes to the team that fell to defeat against the Old Gold, with Hasenhuttl throwing some new faces into the starting lineup.

Those changes will start at the heart of defence, as we expect Caleta-Car to be handed his debut. The “strong” 25-year-old could be given a chance against an underperforming Villa side.

He will likely partner the impressive Armel Bella-Kotchap, who will both sit in front of the ever-present Gavin Gazunu in goal.

Kyle Walker-Peters and Romain Perraud will continue as full-backs.

We also expect another change in the heart of midfield, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles to be handed a full debut too alongside captain James Ward-Prowse. They will hold down the midfield, whilst Joe Aribo stars just in front of them as a second striker.

Adam Armstrong is expected to drop out in favour of the tricky Moussa Djenepo, whilst Mohamed Elyounoussi will continue on the opposite flank.

That leaves Che Adams as the lone out-and-out striker, with the Scotland international having bagged four goals in just six games in all competitions this season.

Newcastle United are believed to have joined the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk, with the Ukraine international attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies have ‘set their sights’ on the 21-year-old ahead of a potential January move, with manager Eddie Howe said to be an ‘admirer’ of the explosive youngster.

The report suggests that the Tynesiders will be seeking a new attacking addition in the winter window, despite having only recently completed the club-record capture of Sweden international, Alexander Isak.

As for Mudryk, the highly-rated winger had been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer, while Everton are also said to have had an offer of around €30m (£26m) rejected.

The player himself has only recently suggested that it would be a “dream” to make the move to England, although any suitor is likely to have to fork out more than €50m (£43m) if they are to reach an agreement.

On fire

That may appear a hefty fee for a player who remains relatively inexperienced at senior level – having made just 52 club career appearances to date – although all the recent evidence points to a player who could well go from strength to strength as the years’ progress.

Having come through the youth system at Shakhtar, the five-cap menace has gone on to lay on 12 assists and register four goals in just 31 appearances in all competitions, having also spent time on loan at Desna Chernihiv and Arsenal Kyiv.

The 5 foot 9 speedster has notably made a fine start to the current campaign having laid on five goal contributions in as many games in all competitions thus far, having seeming been unaffected by the rampant speculation regarding his future.

The dynamic forward has notably been “on fire” in the Champions League in the group stage so far – in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig – scoring twice and laying on two assists in the opening two games.

Shakhtar’s most recent meeting with an in-form Celtic side saw Mudryk net a stunning goal on the counter to help secure a 1-1 draw, with the youngster tearing away from Josip Juranovic before lashing an effort past a helpless Joe Hart.

Such clinical, devastating brilliance off the left flank has also seen the £13.5m-rated ace likened to Brazilian icon Neymar, with it no doubt a real testament of his quality that he has been compared to a player who has registered 286 goals and 178 assists in what has been a stellar career to date for the 30-year-old.

With Newcastle having previously been linked with the Paris Saint-Germain superstar, the northeast side could well find a more attainable alternative in the form of Mudryk, with the emerging talent set to help bolster Howe’s current forward options.

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni is unlikely to move to Real Madrid until 2023, acting as a potential boost for the Reds in their pursuit of the player.

The Lowdown: Tchouameni interest hotting up

The 22-year-old is one of Europe’s hottest properties at the moment, having caught the eye with a string of excellent performances for Monaco this season.

Tchouameni, who is adept in either a number 6 or number 8 midfield role, has started 31 matches in Ligue 1 in 2021/22, winning 2.3 aerial duels per game in the French top flight.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with signing the youngster, but they aren’t alone in expressing an interest.

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The Latest: Liverpool given Tchouameni boost

According to Marca reporter Jose Felix Diaz [via Madrid Zone on Twitter], Real Madrid prefer to wait until next year to sign the Frenchman, telling him as much.

That has been declared unlikely to happen, though, with Monaco ready to sell Tchouameni to the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain well before then.

The Verdict: Sign him soon

This is an undoubted boost for Liverpool, with one of Tchouameni’s main suitors seemingly ruling themselves out of contention this summer, so they must move quickly to ensure that they capitalise on Real Madrid’s dithering.

The lure of joining such an exciting group of players at Anfield must surely appeals to the Monaco gem, along with the small matter of playing under an iconic manager in Jurgen Klopp.

It certainly feels as though Liverpool are in pole position to snap up a massive prospect – he has been hailed as the ‘best’ midfielder in Ligue 1 by his former manager Niko Kovac – and he is someone who could hopefully be a monstrous presence in the Reds’ midfield for many years to come.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped some key Liverpool team news before Villa. Read more here.

Nottingham Forest’s U18 youth team have had a phenomenal season with the side competing in the FA Youth Cup final on Wednesday night, but despite losing the trophy to Manchester United there is a bright future for the individuals in the team.

Steve Cooper has also had a great season with the senior team who will take on the challenge of the Championship playoffs this weekend and if successful, the side could earn themselves a spot in the Premier League next season for the first time in over two decades.

With that being said, it could be a golden opportunity for the youngsters who have been shining in the youth set-up to prove their worth and gain a chance to play in the top flight should the club prevail in their promotion efforts over the next few weeks.

One player who has been a stand-out star for the U18 team is centre-forward Detlef Esapa Osong, who was hailed a “threat” by journalist Andy Kelly for his impressive performances in the academy this season.

The 17-year-old striker has scored 12 goals and contributed two assists in 20 appearances, but his most notable goal contributions have come in the FA Youth Cup with the youngster being absolutely crucial to the team’s advancement in the competition.

Esapa Osong scored twice in the sixth round 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers, scoring another brace and bagging an assist in the 3-1 semi-final victory over Chelsea, proving that his attacking output is effective when it matters and despite his age plays well under pressure, which will surely catch Cooper’s eye.

The centre-forward’s efforts haven’t gone unrecognised as he was offered his first professional contract by the club to secure his future and the young talent was thrilled to sign on with The Reds.

Esapa Osong spoke out on signing the terms (via Nottingham Forest Official):

“I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity.”

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Forest so far and now I’m eager to keep learning and keep improving as much as I can.”

With that being said, the English goal-machine clearly has a bright future ahead of him and could become first team striker Keinan Davis’ heir if he carries on with the impressive performances he has displayed for his team this season, and there will surely be opportunities for him to prove his worth to Cooper in the not so distant future.

AND in other news: Imagine him & Johnson: Cooper must seal Forest swoop for “magic” 20-goal livewire

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport have now shared a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

As backed by The Athletic, Inter’s colossal centre-half is firmly on the radar of Spurs as manager Antonio Conte aims to upgrade his defensive options for 2022/2023.

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The Premier League top-four chasers have apparently earmarked the signing of a centre-back signing as one of their priorities ahead of the looming summer window, drawing up a list of targets with Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig at the ‘top’ of it.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici will face a difficult task in bringing big names like these to Hotspur Way but CDS (via Sport Witness) have now shared a very encouraging update.

The Latest: Lilywhites line up ‘major bid’…

According to the publication, Conte’s side are ‘ready to pounce’ and make a ‘major bid’ to sign Bastoni with Spurs’ boss now set to ‘order’ Paratici to move.

The 52-year-old has allegedly placed his former Nerazzurri star at the top of his wish list with the outlet even going as far as to say he’s already ‘waiting for him in London’.

While Spurs will have to pay between €60-70 million (£51m-£59m) for his signing, the north Londoners are believed to be in ‘pole’ position.

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

The 23-year-old comes with a stellar reputation, even lauded as a ‘defensive genius’ and ‘mature beyond his years’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy (GiveMeSport).

Bastoni’s numbers back tags like these, standing out as one of Inter’s top ten Serie A performers over 2021/2022 whilst averaging the second-most interceptions and third-most clearances per 90 (WhoScored).

The £122,000-per-week star has many years ahead of him at the top level and it’s hardly surprising Conte has now prioritised his capture at N17.

In other news: Offer imminent: Tottenham ready ‘sensational’ player move as club plan 50% discount…find out more here.

Manchester United are close to a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in a major update shared on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Contact made

Erik ten Hag previously worked with the 25-year-old at Ajax and has made a head start on an Old Trafford rebuild by terminating his deal with the Dutch giants six weeks early.

The Red Devils made contact over a deal for De Jong earlier this month, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

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Romano stated earlier this week that Champions League football was a priority for De Jong, something United can’t offer at this moment in time, however, it looks as if there has now been a big breakthrough in talks.

The Latest: Move close

The Faithful MUFC translated an update from well-known news outlet Corriere dello Sport on Thursday regarding De Jong.

They state that De Jong is next to pack his bags at the Nou Camp after Philippe Coutinho’s permanent move to Aston Villa and won’t be the last due to Barcelona’s financial situation, adding that a transfer to United is now close.

The Verdict: Ten Hag set to get his way

Should this report prove accurate, then it looks as if United are edging closer to a first major transfer under Ten Hag. The United manager wanted to change De Jong’s mind over a reunion in England and is keen on his services for his ‘tactical ideas’.

It appears like he may now get his way, and you’d like to think that De Jong may not be the only midfielder to arrive, especially as Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are out of contract, while Nemanja Matic is also set to leave over the coming months.

De Jong could be the club’s only out and out central midfielder, joining holding midfielders Scott McTominay and Fred and attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes, which just shows that more is required.

In other news: Man Utd source: Sensational transfer twist as Erik ten Hag now hijacking move for ‘golden boy’. 

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now eyeing up a move to bring Ross Stewart to Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Great season

Stewart has come off the back of a great season with Sunderland, helping them win promotion from League One up to the Championship.

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He scored no fewer than 26 goals in total over all competitions, double the next best at the club in Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead with 13 (Transfermarkt), and has potentially now earned himself a big move away from the Stadium of Light.

The Latest: Rangers interest

According to the print edition of The Daily Mirror (via The Sunderland Echo), the Teddy Bears are one of four clubs that are now eyeing a move for Stewart, with Middlesbrough, QPR and Sheffield United also thought to be in the hunt.

However, the Black Cats would like to tie him down to a lucrative new deal that would make him their best-paid player.

The Verdict: Sign

Given the size of the clubs, and their recent exploits in getting to the UEFA Europa League final, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team should have enough pull to lure Stewart in.

He has Loch Ness Drogba‘ in likening to the Chelsea and Premier League legend.

At six-foot-two, Stewart would cause problems for any defence in the division, and as SAFC podcaster Philip West puts it, he is a real ‘menace‘.

Nonetheless, the striker is only 25 years of age, and so the summer presents the perfect time for the Light Blues to snap him up right in his prime.

In other news, find out which ‘special’ talent Gers are now ‘interested’ in here!

Wolves have been boosted in their efforts to sign Joao Palhinha this summer, with the Sporting CP midfielder increasingly likely to leave the club.

The Lowdown: Never-ending Palhinha links

It feels as though barely a day goes by without the Wanderers being linked with a move for the 26-year-old, as they eye up possible Ruben Neves replacements.

The Wolves fan favourite looks nailed on to leave Molineux summer, leaving a gaping void in the middle of the park, and it appears as though Palhinha is viewed as the man to fill it.

It certainly seems likely that the Sporting man will have plenty of suitors this summer, and now a fresh report from his homeland has offered a boost to any and all interest parties…

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The Latest: Palhinha will move

According to O Jogo [via Sport Witness], Palhinha will definitely move on and ‘change air’ this summer, with an ‘intense’ battle for his signature ongoing.

It is claimed there is ‘hardly’ a chance he stays at Sporting for another season, although he is focusing on international duty with Portugal for the time being.

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The Verdict: Sign him up

In terms of a Neves replacement, Palhinha ticks so many boxes, so he really should be seen as Wolves’ number one transfer target.

Similarly strong on the ball, he enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga in 2021/22, also averaging three tackles per game in the competition – that’s actually better passing and tackling than Neves managed this term.

That highlights how impressive his all-round game is and he has the potential to be a great signing if Wolves get it done, having been described as ‘special’ by manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in the race to sign a striker. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from TuttoMercatoWeb (via TEAMtalk), United have expressed an interest in securing a deal for the midfielder after reportedly being offered the chance to sign him.

While the Red Devils will undeniably need to add at least one new midfielder to their ranks with the likes of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata announcing their departures recently, we feel that the club and Erik ten Hag should not be considering Rabiot as a potential recruit.

After making 227 senior appearances for Paris Saint-Germain in which he scored 24 goals and delivered 14 assists, the 27-year-old joined Juventus on a free transfer three years ago. Since then, though, the Frenchman has found the net just six times and provided a mere six assists in 129 appearances.

His latest Serie A campaign with Juventus provides a good indication of why United should avoid signing the former PSG youngster.

United must swerve Rabiot move

In 32 league appearances this season, Rabiot racked up a passing accuracy percentage of just 82.7%, lower than many of his current Bianconeri team-mates. Also, with just seven shots on target and 39 shot-creating actions throughout the campaign, the £175k-per-week midfielder failed to have much of an attacking impact on the team.

One other important factor is his behaviour off the pitch at times, as he left his previous club on rather sour terms after

Antero Henrique slammed the player for going out to a nightclub not long after PSG were knocked out of the Champions League by United in March 2019.

Henrique said: “

I find the attitude and lack of professionalism of a player like Adrien Rabiot towards the club, his teammates and the supporters unacceptable.”

Taking all this into account, while it does seem like United need to sign some midfielders this summer, the Juventus misfit should not be on their radar, or else it could result in a huge transfer calamity for Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils should instead be looking at other, more reliable midfield options who could come in and help get the club back to where they want to be.

In other news – Bid made: Man Utd now in talks for “spectacular” signing, supporters will be buzzing

Newcastle have approached Leeds United over a potential deal for Jack Harrison, according to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards. 

The lowdown

Leeds paid £11.5million to sign Harrison on a permanent deal from Manchester City in the summer of 2020.

He’s under contract for another two years but is thought to be earning just £15,000-per-week at Elland Road.

A left winger, Harrison has potentially been identified as a candidate to replace Allan Saint-Maximin, with transfer insider Dean Jones revealing last month that Newcastle would listen to offers for the Frenchman in the coming weeks.

The latest

Edwards says that Newcastle enquired about what it might take to sign Harrison.

Leeds responded with demands of £30million, but Newcastle are apparently ‘adamant that they will not be ripped off’ and view that as too much money.

As such, they haven’t taken their interest any further up to this point.

The verdict

Is £30million really too great a price tag for Harrison?

He scored eight Premier League goals last season for a side that finished down in 17th, and the previous year, he had 16 goal involvements in the top flight (8G, 8A). Those are certainly competitive numbers.

What’s more, he’s only 25 years old, so he still has plenty of his peak years ahead of him in theory.

Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer is certainly a fan of Harrison, telling The Athletic’s subscribers in 2020 that he had ‘impressed me hugely’.

It perhaps wouldn’t be a surprise to see another club meet Leeds’ valuation.

In other news, this maestro is willing to bide his time in order to seal a Newcastle move.