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The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa boss Dean Smith’s future.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the Villa manager is coming under increased pressure following a difficult start to the Premier League that has seen the Midlands club lie in the bottom half of the table.

And now, Preece has suggested that the next two games in the Premier League – against West Ham and Southampton respectively – could hold the key.

He said: “Villa have lost five from nine so pressure’s beginning to mount on the boss, of course it is. Smith’s once-indestructible grip on the job loosened as soon as Wolves won it in stoppage time 10 days ago.

“I dread to think what could happen if Villa lose their next two before the international break, which will take them to seven defeats from 11. That simply cannot happen. The next two games are huge in terms of Villa’s season – even at this early stage.

“I do believe Smith’s the right man for the job. He must prove his credentials once again here, though. It’s down to the boss to get a huge reaction from his players now. They badly let him down at Arsenal after he backed them to the hilt in his pre-match presser.”

Make or break for Dean Smith

After picking up an impressive win away at Manchester United a few weeks ago, things have rapidly taken a turn for the worse for Smith and Villa.

They followed up that 1-0 victory at Old Trafford with three successive defeats in the Premier League, and the manner of each of those losses would be the real shock.

Spurs were in a bad spell of form themselves under Nuno Espirito Santo, the Wolves defeat came as a result of a truly remarkable late collapse after leading 2-0, and the Arsenal loss was galling for its first-half shambles.

It’s no surprise then that the pressure has well and truly ramped up on Smith, and if things don’t improve markedly in terms of both their performances and results, then he could well find himself being one of the Premier League’s early managerial casualties.

Villa fans will be concerned about their side heading into this weekend.

Meanwhile, Villa must sell this star amid rival interest…

With Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou having to deal with something of an injury crisis over the first few months of his reign at Parkhead, the 56-year-old Hoops boss will undoubtedly be delighted that the tide has started to turn in his favour regarding the return of his stricken players.

Indeed, the trio of Adam Montgomery, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Mikey Johnston all made further steps in their respective recoveries in the recent 2-0 Europa League win over Ferencvarosi TC, with all three of the previously sidelined players getting more minutes behind them on Tuesday afternoon.

However, regarding Johnston in particular, it was not simply more game time the winger managed to get under his belt against the Hungarian champions, but an extremely impressive performance too.

Completed eight passes

Despite being brought into the game late in the second half, with the 22-year-old featuring for a grand total of eight minutes against Ferencvarosi, the former Scotland U21 international was full of energy upon his introduction – with Sky Sports News journalist Anthony Joseph dubbing the forward as “lively”.

It is easy to see why, as the £900k-rated man managed to have 13 touches of the ball, complete eight passes – one of which was a key pass – and create one big chance despite his extremely limited amount of time on the pitch.

The £9k-per-week winger also completed both of his attempted dribbles, won both of his two attempted duels and hit the target with his one shot at the Ferencvarosi goal.

These returns saw Johnston earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.7, rather remarkably ranking him as the third-best player to feature in the match.

As such, considering Liel Abada’s contrasting display, Postecoglou will certainly have a decision to make as to whether the forward deserves to start against St Johnstone this weekend. Despite the impressive performances of goalscorers, Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi, alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, it was the 22-year-old Scot who finally proved his worth to Celtic on Tuesday, after what had an extremely frustrating campaign up until now.

In other news: Anonymous £2.7m-rated Celtic flop who lost 90% duels failed Ange in Europa League win

Tottenham Hotspur are set to compete with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for the prospective free transfer of AC Milan’s Franck Kessie in January, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Tuttomercatoweb), and the trio of suitors may have been given some encouragement following recent developments. 

The Lowdown: Contract problems 

Since his permanent move to AC Milan in 2019 following a two-year loan spell, Kessie has been linked with a move to top clubs across Europe. 

The 24-year-old, who has made 44 appearances for the Ivory Coast national team, hasn’t appeared for the Serie A side since his brace earned all three points at the end of May against Atalanta.  He is yet to feature for Stefano Pioli’s side this season after helping his nation to the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games in Tokyo during the summer. 

With his contract running out next summer, the interest in Kessie is set to increase during the upcoming 12 months. 

The Latest: Contract roadblock

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Tuttomercatoweb), Kessie has rejected a contract extension from Milan worth €6.5m (£5.57m) a year. 

The Italian newspaper reported that the midfielder wants €8m (£6.86m) a year plus €2m (£1.7m) in bonuses, and Spurs are said to be keen on the midfielder, who scored 13 goals in 37 league appearances for the Rossoneri last season. 

Milan will be fearful of losing one of their key players for nothing like they did with Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) and Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter). 

Kessie claimed in July that he wanted to stay at Milan ‘forever’ but has now rejected a new deal with the club.

The Verdict: Perfect Box-to-Box 

Kessie’s quality has been clear to see since he arrived at the San Siro. Last season he carried an 89% pass completion per match whilst making 2.07 blocks per game. 

Spurs currently have a couple of gifted centre-midfielders in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp, but with doubts having circulated over Tanguy Ndombele’s future, the arrival of Kessie would be an added bonus to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad. 

Former Milan striker Antonio Cassano even lauded the midfielder as “intelligent” and “devastating” earlier in the year during one of the best seasons of his career, and we will have to see whether the Lilywhites can beat the pulling power of PSG or Liverpool next summer. 

In other news: Many Spurs fans have been raving about one of their summer signings – find out more here.

Aston Villa youngster Cameron Archer has put pen to paper on a new contract, the club have confirmed.

The 20-year-old’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season, but he’s now inked a fresh four-year agreement.

Why is there excitement over Archer?

Archer, who can play as a centre forward and as a winger, has been directly involved in 23 goals (scoring 16 and assisting seven) in 34 appearances for Villa’s Under-23s.

And he’s made an instant impact at the senior level this season, having been handed opportunities to impress.

He bagged a hat-trick on his full debut against Barrow in the EFL Cup, and was also on target in the next round against reigning European champions Chelsea.

What’s more, Archer was named player of the group stage in the EFL Trophy after scoring six times in three games against Football League opposition.

The official Aston Villa Twitter account made the announcement on Friday evening, and here’s how fans reacted.

Many Villa fans erupt over Archer news

“YESSSSSS”

Credit: @lmechegaray

“SUIIIIIIIIIIIII”

Credit: @will_avfc

“Brilliant news! Protecting the club’s future”

Credit: @7500toHolte

“Now this has made my day. The work rate, the dedication, the confidence, you Mr Archer are something special. Congratulations”

Credit: @aaron_canham

“Wonderful stuff”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“Incredible scenes”

Credit: @_joe1874

“Oh my yessss”

Credit: @1874lucy_

In other news, fans react to links with this CL defender.

Celtic target Jean-Kevin Augustin was more highly regarded than Odsonne Edouard and Moussa Dembele when the trio were younger, French football expert Adam White has told The Transfer Tavern.

Augustin is currently being linked with a move to Celtic, with French outlet Homme du Match recently claiming that the Glasgow club are interested in signing the Nantes striker this summer.

Meanwhile, Edouard is, of course, currently at Celtic, while Dembele finds himself at Lyon following a successful two-year spell with the Bhoys between 2016-2018.

The trio, all French, are around the same age. And, according to White, it was Augustin who French football once had the highest hopes for.

“I think in terms of talent, Augustin was perhaps out of those three players, when he was younger, the most highly regarded,” the Get French Football News writer said.

Things, however, have not quite gone to plan for the 24-year-old. For example, during a loan spell with Leeds United in the Championship, he played just three times and failed to score a single goal.

Augustin has also had his struggles at Nantes, though that has been partly down to him having long Covid-19, so he should be given more time there. But if both parties do decide it is best for them to go their separate ways, then perhaps he could revive his career at a club like Celtic.

Celtic have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Royal Antwerp right-back Aurelio Buta, according to The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Buta links

Celtic are on the hunt for a new right-back this summer and have been linked with a move for Buta for a number of weeks.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano was the man who initially shared the Hoops’ interest in the 24-year-old more than three weeks ago.

Reports since have claimed a £3m deal has been agreed between the two clubs, with personal terms believed to be the main issue.

The Latest: Antwerp inclusion

The Daily Record shared an update on Buta to Celtic on their live transfer blog on Saturday (16:16).

They shared the news that the Portuguese defender has been included in Antwerp’s official squad list, titling the news as another blow for the Hoops.

Claims of a deal being agreed between the two clubs were mentioned once again, with personal terms still yet to be agreed.

The Verdict: Time is ticking

Celtic don’t want to be left in a position where a deal for Buta falls through and leaves them with no time to add to their right-back ranks.

Anthony Ralston has been an ever-present figure in Ange Postecoglou’s side recently, so if the Royal Antwerp defender doesn’t want to accept the Hoops’ best offer, then they should move on.

Other right-backs such as Josip Juranovic, George Baldock and Fabricio Bustos have also been linked with a move to Celtic Park, so the Hoops may need to set a deadline for Buta before looking elsewhere.

In other news: Transfer listed: ‘Destructive’ Celtic-linked ace missing on Saturday as Hoops link resurfaces

Plenty of Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that Bukayo Saka could replace Phil Foden in England’s starting line-up for their clash against Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

The Three Lions face the Czechs as they continue their Euro 2020 campaign. They have already qualified for the round of 16 after picking up four points from their first two games (Sky Sports), but it is unclear in which position they will progress from the group – a win would see them finish top.

Foden has started both games for Gareth Southgate’s side at the tournament so far but he has been unable to make any real impact (WhoScored). According to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, he could be replaced by Arsenal youngster Saka for tonight’s clash.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on Foden’s impending omission.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Foden news

“Hahahaha.. Let the drama begin. Twitter is going to be fun tonight.”

Credit: @lalitmanaswi

“Gareth Southgate.”

Credit: @dembyy

“Don’t ever replace Phil Foden, EVER”

Credit: @Lou_MCFC02

“What a joke”

Credit: @Matt_J_Benham

“It is finished then”

Credit: @_official_gee

“How can you start him in front of Grealish or Sancho, joke of a manager”

Credit: @Bruynetime

In other news, lots of Man City fans want the club to sign this Euro 2020 star in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Santo has received a big injury boost ahead of their return to Premier League action this lunchtime…

What’s the latest?

According to the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, young midfielder Oliver Skipp is hoping to be fit to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park today after he was forced off with injury during international duty in midweek.

The 20-year-old will be assessed ahead of the match but it’s thought that the injury may not be as bad as first feared, thus opening up the possibility of him retaining his place in the starting XI.

Major boost

This will come as huge encouragement to Nuno and others associated with the club.

The Portuguese head coach is facing a bit of a nightmare situation right now with several of his key stars likely to be unavailable for this encounter, so to have Skipp fit would be a massive boost.

He will be without the services of South American trio Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero and Davinson Sanchez, who are all in Croatia to avoid having to quarantine upon their return to the UK following international duty.

Meanwhile, a trio of wingers in Steven Bergwijn, Heung-min Son and Ryan Sessegnon are doubts heading into kickoff, leaving Nuno with a threadbare squad.

That is something he would not have wanted to come back to after the break, considering that his team sit top of the table with a 100% win record. They are yet to concede this season but Sanchez’s absence means that the manager will have to change the backline for the first time since the campaign started.

Having Skipp available in front of the defence will certainly bolster their chances of continuing their fine form.

The Hotspur Way youth product has averaged 2.7 tackles per game this season, a feat only bettered by one other player at the club, so he has clearly made his presence felt in the engine room since being given the opportunity this term.

Nuno will surely be buzzing by this latest update.

AND in other news, Nuno could find Spurs’ “new Eriksen” by unleashing “unbelievable” £27m-rated sensation…

Aston Villa can demand any fee they want for Manchester City target Jack Grealish this summer, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned.

Grealish continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City. In fact, ESPN recently reported that Pep Guardiola views the England international as important as Tottenham’s Harry Kane, another rumoured target.

The same outlet also claims that Villa value Grealish at £100m, and Palmer believes the Midlands club are well within their right to ask for that sort of money for their captain.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Grealish’s future, the ex-England player said:

“It’s very difficult to put a price on players. You’re talking about Jack Grealish, Villa are saying now he’s worth over £100m. You’re taking him into the Ronaldo bracket at that money.

“But, you know, he’s signed a new contract and they can ask for whatever money they want for him.”

For that kind of money, Grealish could find it difficult to secure a transfer before the start of the new season if he does really want out.

However, as Palmer mentioned, he signed a new long-term contract not too long ago, so it really is not unfair for Villa to ask for the fee that is currently floating about.

Liverpool striker Divock Origi is preparing to leave Anfield this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Yet more heroics from Origi

The 27-year-old was once again the hero for the Reds on Sunday as Jurgen Klopp’s side overcame Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby, scoring once and playing a pivotal role in the build-up to Andy Robertson’s opening goal.

The Belgium marksman has developed a happy knack of turning up when he’s needed the most and now has six derby goals to add to a Champions League final strike and a stunning brace in an unforgettable 4-0 victory over Barcelona.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-29/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, despite multiple iconic moments from the 27-year-old, it appears that the end could well be nigh for Origi at Anfield…

The latest: Romano provides Origi latest

Taking to Twitter to cite Klopp’s glowing words on the enigmatic Belgian, reputable journalist Romano confirmed that the 32-cap international is heading towards the exit door.

The reporter tweeted: ‘Jurgen Klopp: “We will miss Divock Origi – if he leaves, he will explode wherever he goes. He is a world-class striker, he is a legend and will stay a legend forever”. #LFC

‘Origi will leave Liverpool in June – AC Milan are leading the race to sign him as free agent.‘

The verdict: Time to say goodbye

Liverpool have certainly gotten their money’s worth from the £10m spent when bringing Origi to the club from Lille in 2014 (BBC). During his time on Merseyside, the Belgium striker has scored 41 goals and provided 17 assists in 173 outings as a Red.

However, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all ahead of him in the pecking order and Takumi Minamino also somewhat in the cold, it has become apparent that opportunities will be few and far between for the man once described as a ‘monster’ by Klopp following a last-gasp winner against Wolves in December.

Out of contract in July (Transfermarkt), so far this season Origi has netted six times in 16 appearances across all competitions, and his latest derby exploits would suggest that should AC Milan indeed be the benefactors, the Serie A outfit would be landing a big-game striker for nothing in transfer fees.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.