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Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the club’s interest in Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai on social media.

According to Hungarian outlet Blikk, relayed by Birmingham Live, Villa have joined a number of sides in the race for the 23-year-old centre-back.

Fellow Premier League sides Leicester City and Newcastle United are showing an interest, along with Italian duo Lazio and Napoli.

Szalai, who is valued at just £3.33m by Transfermarkt, would reportedly cost around £21.5m this summer.

The 6ft 3in ace only made the move to Fenerbahce back in January and has turned out on 15 occasions for his new side, scoring once.

But it seems as if the Hungary international, who can play as a centre-back or a left-back, could be on the move once again in 2021.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared Birmingham Live’s report on social media on Friday regarding Szalai.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one describing the interest as ‘great news’.

“No idea who he is, but 23 years old fits the bill. I trust our scouting team.”

Credit: @JackJenningss_

“Great news, we’re in desperate need of another centre half!”

Credit: @Marvelousavfc

“Never heard of him before now”

Credit: @ged_egan

“Yes please anyone has to be better than that error prone lump Mings!”

Credit: @Larterlia

“I’d get Tuanzebe back , knows the club and fans and Mings and wouldn’t cost 23 mill”

Credit: @Antz_Evans

“Yeah right we’re see…”

Credit: @terryreid2

In other news: Club source shares major news on Jack Grealish’s Aston Villa release clause, find out more here. 

A number of Aston Villa fans have been having their say on Dean Smith’s comments regarding midfielder Ross Barkley.

Barkley arrived on loan from Chelsea at the start of the season but has badly fallen out of favour under Smith in recent months, despite Jack Grealish’s injury problems.

Up until the end of February, when fit, the 27-year-old was a regular starter. However, Barkley has been left out of Smith’s last eight Premier League starting line ups, having to make do with a place on the bench, even with the club missing star man Grealish in a position one might expect Barkley to fill.

This has led to speculation over a potential permanent deal now being off the table. Smith was asked about Barkley following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, to which he said:

“He’s got another two years left on his contract at Chelsea and that’s not been discussed at all.”

Villa fans react

Those rather blunt comments were shared on Twitter by @AVFC_News on Thursday lunchtime.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with some speculating if there are problems off the pitch at Villa Park.

“Is there a problem in the dressing room at the moment because their was certainly a problem with Big T and Ross last night for all too see.”

Credit: @tw1708

“Something’s not right within the club Smith has a big job on his hands coming up in the summer!! As Barkley not alone, you could class another 4/5 players that have been dog for us!!!”

Credit: @MarkPau86473828

“Plague and avoid spring to mind. He’s just not a good fit for us”

Credit: @Villandrew

“He just appears to be coasting out the rest of the season with us with minimal effort it’s sad to see as he has such potential”

Credit: @Cypher79C

“Thank the high heavens there is a god”

Credit: @av_reece

“That’s a very polite way of saying no way Jose”

Credit: @HoItender

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at Purslow’s ESL comments, find out more here. 

According to a report by Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘working’ to sign Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard but face stiff competition from Serie A giants AS Roma and Juventus.

Tottenham working to sign Vestergaard

Indeed, as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb, Spurs are one of the clubs competing to land the 1.99m (6 foot 6) colossus but Roma should be meeting with the player’s representatives next week. As well as the Giallorossi, Tottenham will also have to compete with Juventus, who have Vestergaard very much on their agenda for next season.

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy are maintaining a keen interest, however, and may well compete for his signing this summer as the 28-year-old becomes a figure in high demand.

There has been no shortage of teams eyeing a move for the Saints defender, with Spurs now said to be working on his possible acquisition this summer.

Transfer Tavern take

Speaking earlier this season, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl described Vestergaard as ‘absolutely phenomenal’ due to his physicality and prowess in the air. Also, former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood called him ‘outstanding’ for his form earlier in the campaign in an interview on Sky Sports (via Anfield Watch).

All these plaudits, plus his average of 4.1 clearances per game in the Premier League this season, point to him being a potentially fruitful acquisition for Tottenham if they can land him.

He is valued at a meagre £16.2m by Transfermarkt in what could be a bargain price for such an experienced, capable defender.

In other news: What Mourinho told Tottenham players after being sacked, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been left deeply frustrated, following claims that Jadon Sancho could sign if Mohamed Salah leaves.

The Reds have endured a season to forget, failing to defend their Premier League title and now looking highly unlikely to finish in the top four.

One of Liverpool’s biggest issues has been their wastefulness in front of goal, with the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino under-performing to a huge extent – the Reds have scored just four goals from 13.78 expected goals (xG) at Anfield in 2021.

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Jurgen Klopp may feel he needs to bring in another attacker this summer, bringing freshness in the final third and putting pressure on their big-name stars.

According to Bild, Liverpool are potentially interested in signing Borussia Dortmund forward Sancho, with his performances catching Klopp’s eye.

It is claimed that he would likely only join of Salah moved on to pastures new, however – something that would of course be a major blow for the Reds.

Liverpool fans unhappy at transfer rumour

These Liverpool fans are not impressed by the update, taking to Twitter to show their frustration at the club seemingly at risk of cashing in on Salah.

“FSG started their plot to sell one of the best players in PL era”

Credit: @LuminousHelios

“They are really trying to force Salah out”

Credit: @Rsvpchuki

“SALAH SHOULD BE THE LAST ONE WE LET LEAVE US”

Credit: @radzjeewa7

“There is no “replacement” for Mo Salah. He is a one of a kind player”

Credit: @starwart1

“Please no”

Credit: @_MrChase

“Salah doesn’t want to leave but it seems we want to cash in. Disgusting club”

Credit: @Nirishred

In other news, some Liverpool fans have written off one Reds player, following a poor season. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa are eyeing a summer transfer move for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe.

What’s the story?

The £7.2m-rated ace is a familiar name at Villa Park, having played under Dean Smith during their time together in the Championship, and it appears that the manager is keen on enjoying a reunion with the centre-back this summer.

According to Football Insider, Villa are plotting a summer swoop for Tuanzebe as they look to bring in a new defender to replace Bjorn Engels, who looks set to depart the Premier League club.

The report added that Tuanzebe has been made one of Villa’s top targets and that “he fits the profile the recruitment team are seeking of a proven defender with Premier League experience who also has the potential to improve”.

Dean Smith rates him

Under Smith, Tuanzebe played 19 times for Villa as they sought to earn promotion from the Championship, and his impressive displays caught the eye of the Villa boss, who said at the time: “He is a terrific guy. He’s got a terrific attitude, that is the thing which will stand him in good stead with his career. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Smith added: “He has got great pace, he is a big prospect. I have known of him anyway playing through the junior ranks at England and watching his progression through that, and he looks a good player.”

While he hasn’t had much of a look-in at United this season – he’s only played 15 times for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side – one of those games came in a superb 2-1 win over PSG in the Champions League, with the manager reserving special praise for the youngster that night.

He said: “Axel’s a tremendous defender, a great leader. He’s come through the academy and we’ve known for years that he’s going to be a top player for us and he’s got the character and the attitude that a Man United player should have. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities, he’s a top defender.”

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It’s no surprise, then, that Johan Lange is eyeing up a summer swoop for Tuanzebe.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for this 6 foot 5 giant…

Interest is growing in Derby County centre-forward Martyn Waghorn ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claimed that Ipswich Town are considering a move for the £1.8m-rated 31-year-old as the striker looks likely to become available on a free transfer upon the expiry contract at Pride Park this summer – unless the Rams offer him a new deal.

Waghorn must go

So far this season, Waghorn has been in rather disappointing form over his 31 Championship appearances for Wayne Rooney’s side, with the 31-year-old scoring just three goals and registering three assists, as well as losing an average of 64% of his duels and giving away possession of the ball 8.1 times per game.

The £7,900-per-week forward also averages of a mere 0.3 interceptions, 0.5 tackles and wins possession 0.2 times per game, demonstrating his overall lack of commitment to the cause – something which is also reflected in his average SofaScore match rating of 6.62, ranking him as the Rams’ 11th-worst performer in the second tier.

As such, regardless of what league Derby happen to be playing their football in next season, it would seem as if they would not be any worse off without Waghorn on their books, as the former Ipswich forward – whom Frank Lampard signed for £5.04m in 2018 – does not appear to be giving anywhere near 100% for the side, something which would more than likely continue to be the case if he were offered a new deal in the summer.

If we were Rooney, the 31-year-old – of whom Ryan Conway has previously, and somewhat surprisingly, claimed he would “never question his work-rate”, as well as dubbing the forward a “problem” for defenders – would be getting nowhere near the starting XI for the crucial fixture against Sheffield Wednesday coming up on Saturday, where defeat would ensure that Derby will be playing their football in League One next season

In other news: Rooney must avoid Derby swoop for 29 y/o flop who “plays like he’s on roller-skates” – opinion

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting negatively to reports that the Reds could look to sign Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.

The Reds have had a season to forget, with their Premier League title defence evaporating after Christmas and a top-four finish now even looking unlikely.

There is a feeling that Jurgen Klopp needs to delve into the transfer market this summer, adding a freshness to his squad after such a demoralising campaign.

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Liverpool’s midfield is arguably their most well-stocked area of the pitch, with the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, Thiago, James Milner Curtis Jones and Naby Keita all options this season,

The Reds were linked with a move for Berge (via The Liverpool Echo) and it has now been reported by Sky Sports that he could leave the Blades this summer, with his release clause dropping from £45million to £35million.

This has led Sports Illustrated to link the Reds once again, who could see it as the perfect opportunity to grab a replacement for Wijnaldum.

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Liverpool fans react to Berge latest

These Liverpool supporters don’t want to see the Reds make a bid for the Norwegian however, even at the reduced price, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts after the news was shared by @LFCTransferRoom.

“Please no”

Credit: @PhilPhenom

“Not at that price. Please. No”

Credit: @NocturnalPsycho

“No”

Credit: @kingkaz_7

“Good player but £35m is still too much for him”

Credit: @shirish18sharma

“This has to be a joke right, moves like the QE2 in a ploughed field”

Credit: @ScottWalker11

“I really hope not!!! He isn’t Liverpool gravy”

Credit: @ThiagosFather89

In other news, a journalist has confirmed Liverpool’s interest in one world-renowned player. Find out who it is here.

Oliver Skipp impressed for Norwich City during their latest Championship title-winning season and Jon Newsome, who was the Canaries’ player of the season in 1995, has exclusively told Football FanCast that they will still want to sign the Spurs midfielder this summer.

Paul Stewart, who signed for Tottenham in 1988, spoke exclusively to FFC about how Skipp would be a revelation at Tottenham Hotspur next season, but after suffering a foot injury he may find it difficult to be ready for the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

There have been suggestions that Norwich will enquire about signing Skipp again this summer either on a loan or permanent deal as Norwich look to stave off relegation in the upcoming season.

Skipp has earned himself an impressive 6.90 WhoScored rating and Norwich would love to have him back if he is going to be fit for next season, as Newsome spoke exclusively to FFC:

“He had a fabulous season at Norwich and I’m sure the club would be interested in taking him off Spurs’ hands depending on the severity of his injury.

“Whether or not there’s an agreement in place for when he returns to fitness remains to be seen, but I would imagine he’s definitely one of the players that the club will have earmarked as a potential signing.”

Depending on who the new Tottenham manager is for next season, Skipp may find himself handed a chance to prove he is good enough to start for them in the Premier League.

Norwich will be looking to avoid a swift return to the Championship after just one season, much like their last endeavour in the Premier League under Daniel Farke as they finished bottom of the league and 14 points from safety.

According to a report by Football Insider, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a summer raid to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for new club AS Roma. 

The Lowdown: More Spurs exits?

Amid the big Harry Kane exit saga surrounding Tottenham, little is mentioned of other star players potentially heading out the exit door in north London.

Spurs, however, have been warned that, as well as Kane, other big name first teamers could contemplate their futures whilst attracting outside interest.

Tottenham have yet to secure a new manager and map out a plan to rebuild the team in time for the 2021/2022 season, and the threat of losing other key players is the last thing they need.

The Latest: Mourinho plotting raid for Hojbjerg

Now, as per Football Insider, ex-Lilywhites coach Mourinho is said to be plotting a move to sign the 25-year-old for his new club this summer.

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Coming just under a year after he signed him for Spurs, a recruitment source has told Football Insider that Hojbjerg is the only player who Mourinho wishes to prise away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The colossal Dane played every minute under the former Spurs manager before his untimely sacking – with Mourinho now planning to contact Spurs in an attempt to lure Hojbjerg away.

The Verdict: Keep at all costs…

Hojbjerg has, arguably, been Spurs’ best signing of the 2020/2021 season – attracting all sorts of acclaim for his performances throughout the campaign.

The 40-cap star has been an imperative figure, and Mourinho himself was very public in his admiration of Hojbjerg – branding the midfield colossus as a ‘phenomenal player’ and ‘physically very, very strong’ (Goal).

Tottenham podcaster Lee McQueen immediately recognised his quality in the first few months of his time in a Lilywhites shirt, calling him ‘magnificent'(Last Word on Spurs Podcast).

One of the shining lights of an otherwise regrettable campaign for Spurs, supporters will be hoping Hojbjerg doesn’t threaten an exit this summer.

In other news: Spurs hold discussions with this Champions League-winning boss, find out more here.

Aston Villa are eyeing a summer move for Celtic midfielder David Turnbull in the transfer window.

What’s the story?

With the Premier League season now almost over, attentions naturally will be turning towards the start of the summer transfer window, and it appears that Dean Smith already has some targets in his sights.

According to a report from The Scottish Sun, Villa are lining up a £7m move for Turnbull after watching the 21-year-old in action several times this season playing for the Hoops.

The report added that Smith has ‘made a goalscoring midfielder a priority with on-loan Ross Barkley returning to Chelsea’, while they feel he could offer the same value for money as John McGinn when he signed from fellow Scottish side Hibernian.

Imagine him and McGinn

With Turnbull having recently been named in the Scotland squad for the upcoming European Championship, it’s likely that the 21-year-old will line up alongside McGinn this summer – perhaps as a nice little preview before he ends up joining Villa and partnering him at club level, too.

What a prospect that would be.

Just like Villa’s current Scottish dynamo, Turnbull also has an unparalleled level of energy, along with an eye for goal which really marks him out as a top player – this season, he has scored ten goals and provided another eight assists in all competitions.

It’s no surprise that the midfielder has already earned plenty of rave reviews for his ability and work ethic, with former Premier League manager Owen Coyle telling The Scottish Mail on Sunday (14/03 print edition, page 152): “His physical attributes are there. He’s got an unbelievable engine, he goes box-to-box, covers the ground. He’s a team player who works his socks off. I think he’s a manager’s dream.”

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Given the relationship they could build up at international level with Scotland, Smith might be the one to profit greatly if Turnbull arrives at Villa Park this summer and partners him alongside McGinn in the midfield engine room.

Meanwhile, Villa must land this starlet…