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Aston Villa have made a late offer for Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey.

That’s according to Italian outlet Il Resto Del Carlino, and as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have flocked to the update on social media.

Hickey was linked with a move to Villa Park earlier this month, with Gregg Evans believing that a swoop for the highly-rated Scottish teenager was more likely in the summer.

However, it seems as if NSWE and club CEO Christian Purslow have decided to launch a formal bid for the 19-year-old late in the winter window, possibly due to the fact that Matt Targett is set to join Newcastle until the end of the campaign.

Il Resto Del Carlino revealed that Bologna have turned down a €10m (£8.3m) offer from Villa which included a 20% sell-on clause.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful on Twitter relayed the claims of a move late bid for Hickey on deadline day. Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply…

“Anyone actually watched him on a consistent basis? Numbers look good mind. Would make the Targett deal make sense.”

Credit: @Hiddenvillian93

“Oh my, say it again faithful”

Credit: @AvfcTalkTime

“So that’s why Targett can leave… Makes some sense. Come on Purslow, pay up.”

Credit: @villaman12345

“GET IT DONE”

Credit: @KishinJay

“Double it boys, idc”

Credit: @AlexPickworth1

“Bro make it happen. Send a 15 mil bid in”

Credit: @ZM_AVFC

In other news: ‘Hats off to the board’ – Sky Sports pundit purrs at ‘amazing’ out-of-the-blue Villa transfer news

After falling to a 3-1 home defeat against Chelsea on Boxing Day, Aston Villa’s next Premier League outing sees them take on Brentford at the weekend after their midweek clash against Leeds United was postponed due to a virus outbreak within the Yorkshire club.

Looking ahead to the match against Thomas Frank’s side, against whom Villa could only secure a 1-1 draw in their previous league meeting back in August, it seems as though Steven Gerrard’s side could welcome back a player who was not involved in the weekend’s defeat to the Blues.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report from The Athletic by Gregg Evans, Villa midfielder John McGinn missed the Chelsea game through illness “but is expected to be back” for the match against Brentford next weekend.

Given how McGinn has started in each of his 16 Premier League appearances this season, with three goals and two assists in the process, it shows just how important he is to the side.

Also, the 27-year-old’s overall performances have proved what a crucial figure he is for Villa, with WhoScored listing him as their highest-rated player with a season rating of 7.18 based on his league performances throughout the campaign.

A welcome return

With all this in mind, it would surely be a big boost for Villa to have McGinn, who Evans said “can help make a difference,” back in the side for the match against Brentford, which would duly delight the supporters as well.

Gerrard has also previously shared his admiration for the Scotland international by saying that he feels like he is  “the lucky one that’s able to work with him and try to improve his game.”

Moving forward, with the Brentford match on the horizon, this would be a great opportunity for Villa to put their defeat against Chelsea behind them and secure another win to help push them further up the table.

If McGinn is ready to play again, he would surely give his side a better chance of securing all three points, as they haven’t won either of the two league games that he’s missed so far this season – one of which was against the Bees four months ago.

In other news: Luke Hatfield reveals his big transfer “worry” for Villa in January, fans must be scared

We’re a little over a week into the new year and it appears Leeds United still have nothing in the pipework when it comes to incomings this month…

What’s the word?

Ahead of the Whites’ FA Cup clash with Premier League rivals West Ham United earlier this afternoon, The Athletic’s Phil Hay dropped a worrying five-word update on their transfer matters.

When asked if the Yorkshire outfit were ‘down the line’ with any additions yet, the ever-reliable reporter responded:

“Very quiet on that front,” he said.

Signings needed

This will surely cause a bit of anxiety amongst the Elland Road faithful, if not some anger as it’s evident just how bad the club’s recruitment team need to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad.

Typically, United have never spent much, if at all, during the winter transfer window, especially under director of football Victor Orta and the Argentine head coach.

However, that is something that has got to change as the 66-year-old’s playing squad has been ripped through by injuries this season.

For example, he had as many as nine first-team players missing against Arsenal last month and that’s barely changed, with both Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt picking up knocks this week.

Patrick Bamford has spent the vast majority of the season on the sidelines, without a backup, meaning Bielsa has had to deploy players out of position up top, such as Daniel James and Jack Harrison.

Whilst another midfielder is surely high on the agenda, having been on the lookout for one over the past few windows.

Further cover in defence wouldn’t go amiss either as there is seemingly a new centre-back absent with every passing week.

Leeds cannot afford to leave their business late either as it increases the risk of them overspending on one or two targets, as well as the prospect of missing out on them too.

It’s certainly a worrying that it’s quiet, even if it’s merely a week or so into the month. The club have had plenty of time to identify additions, so they should be busier than this.

AND in other news, Bielsa must ruthlessly axe Leeds’ “shocking” £47k-p/w passenger, he’s not good enough…

Patrick Vieira has a very important game coming up this weekend at Selhurst Park against Everton, where the Eagles could really do with taking all three points after losing their last three games.

The south Londoners currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, just six points clear of the relegation zone. Whilst not appearing to be in immediate danger of the drop currently, it would be reassuring for Vieira if his team could pick up a few more points to go into the New Year full of confidence.

One player who will be hoping to come in and make a positive impact on the team this weekend is Will Hughes. The next game against Everton could be the perfect opportunity to refresh the side and offer starts to players who haven’t had much chance to make an impact. Especially during the current losing streak, making some changes could inject a new lease of life into Vieira’s side on Sunday.

Hughes was signed this summer, completing a move from Watford to Palace in a three-year deal believed to be between £6m and £10m, but he has failed to get much game-time so far with only one appearance in the Premier League this term.

The £6.3m-rated gem sustained a minor back injury in early November and also competes with James McArthur for a spot in the team. However, the Scot has picked up a hamstring injury, so Vieira will need to shuffle the pack and could give Hughes a rare start this weekend.

Vieira has been full of praise for the 26-year-old upon his arrival to the club, saying: “He’s a player that we know quite well. He’s really comfortable on the ball. He’s a really good link with the play going forward. I’m really glad and really pleased to have him in the squad.”

Unfortunately for Palace, if they lose to Everton they could fall as far as 16th, should Southampton and Leeds take at least a point from their games this weekend, and this is a position that Vieira will be hoping to avoid, especially with the advantage of being at home.

Hughes could offer a fresh impetus to the midfield for the Eagles this weekend, and if picked he would have a point to prove to his manager as he seeks to gain a more regular spot in the team.

In other news: Vieira must axe this Palace player in January

Wolves enjoyed a 1-0 away at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Wednesday night thanks to a goal from Romain Saiss.

It was a lovely curling ball by Ruben Neves to put him through, and a delicate touch from the Morocco international to give the Midlands club all three points against the Seagulls.

However, Neves was one of a few WWFC players who may not have been best pleased with their overall individual performance, as The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst players (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for Bruno Lage’s team on the night.

With the transfer window coming up and injured players like Pedro Neto not far off a return, underperforming players may well be looking over their shoulder as the competition for places heats up…

Ruben Neves

The 6.9 rating given by SofaScore given to Neves seems very harsh considering his immaculate assist, but other aspects of his game means he ranks third here.

The central midfielder lost out on all six of his duels – hardly ideal for a combative midfielder – while he also failed to record a dribble, clearance, interception or tackle in the middle of the park.

He also lost possession of the ball on 15 separate occasions, the fourth-most out of any of his teammates.

Nelson Semedo

Despite being given the same rating (6.9) by SofaScore, Semedo ranks in second because of Neves’ assist.

The Portuguese international lost six duels, the same as Neves, and also made no interceptions, key passes, accurate crosses or long balls from the right wing-back position.

Semedo gave the ball away 17 times in total, the most out of any Wanderers player, and his lack of good deliveries into the box was extremely disappointing.

Francisco Trincao

Trincao was rated as the worst player for the Molineux faithful by SofaScore (6.4), and even the fans were particularly critical of his performance.

The winger lost four of his duels, while he was also unsuccessful with three of his dribble attempts, and never produced a key pass, accurate cross or long ball.

Trincao lost the ball 16 times, the joint-second most out of his teammates, which pretty much summed up his night.

In other news, find out what injury news has been bemoaned by Wanderers here!

Antonio Conte wants Tottenham Hotspur to sign Weston McKennie, who is a very familiar name to sporting director Fabio Paratici…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim the 52-year-old manager ‘appreciates’ the Juventus midfielder ‘a lot’ and envisions him becoming ‘the new [Arturo] Vidal’ under his stewardship.

At one stage, the 27-cap American looked destined to leave the Serie A giants this January but an exit is a little less certain after a breakthrough into the starting XI under Massimiliano Allegri in recent months.

However, the report claims that ‘anything can happen’ if Juventus receive a good offer for his services. It remains to be seen what sort of fee that could be, though Transfermarkt currently value him at £22.5m.

Watch out Skipp

Whilst Conte is said to be a massive fan of young Hotspur Way graduate Oliver Skipp, the arrival of McKennie in north London would certainly put his place amongst the starting XI at risk.

That ‘Vidal role’ is similar to what Mousa Dembele was so expertly deployed in during his time at the club, and the 23-year-old could certainly become a comparable player to the Belgian if he joins the club.

Described as an “outstanding talent” by former Schalke 04 boss David Wagner, McKennie is capable of being an absolute powerhouse across the engine room. “In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga,” he added.

No other central midfielder is averaging a better WhoScored rating (6.73) for Allegri this campaign, whilst he attempts 2.2 tackles, makes 1.2 interceptions and manages 1.3 dribbles per 90 in the Italian top-flight.

This shows that not only is he a dominant ball-winning maestro but one that can drive the ball forward to contribute in the final third, much like Dembele under Mauricio Pochettino all those years ago.

Also dubbed a “leader” by Wagner and a “rock” by ex-Juve boss Andrea Pirlo, McKennie would be. an astute signing for sporting director Fabio Paratici to make but the consequence may fall at Skipp’s feet due to the two players occupying the same position.

It would be hard for Conte to axe Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as he is currently their best-performing player in the Premier League, earning a 7.15 rating, which is even more than top goalscorer Heung-min Son.

Therefore, it’s likely that the 21-year-old gem is most at risk, having garnered a rating of just 6.46, even if that’s a little unfair on his true performances.

Although, later down the line a duo of Skipp and McKennie could grace the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for years to come. It’s just in the short-term that he could be impacted severely, should the American join in January.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals behind-the-scenes Antonio Conte claim that Spurs fans will love…

As per Calciomercato.it, another development has emerged in the race to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and it involves West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye McKennie move…

As per recent claims, the USA international is very much on manager David Moyes’ radar as he looks to build upon West Ham’s dream start to 2021/2022.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Top of their Europa League group, third in the Premier League and still fighting in the Carabao, Moyes may need reinforcements in January amid a congested fixture calendar.

McKennie is said to be one name on West Ham’s list, and according to a recent claim by Football Insider, the groundwork has already been laid for his signing.

As well as this, the 23-year-old is said to be ‘very keen’ on a move to London and the Premier League.

Now, Calciomercato.it have brought another update on his situation at Juve and the Irons are mentioned once again.

The Latest: West Ham make approach…

As per their sources, West Ham have ‘already asked for information’ on McKennie as they remain firmly in the race alongside London rivals Tottenham.

In another enticing claim, they hint GSB and recruitment chief Rob Newman are not deterred by Juve’s asking price for the player – which could reach up to €35 million (£29.4 million).

The Verdict: Get it done?

A versatile ace even capable of playing at centre-half, perhaps McKennie could come as the surprise solution to back up Angelo Ogbonna following his injury.

The Italian defender ruptured his ACL in West Ham’s 3-2 win over Liverpool before the international break, prompting links to the likes of James Tarkowski as Moyes eyes some cover.

At 23-years-old with plenty of sell-on value, McKennie’s maximum £29.4m fee could be worth the investment judging by his past credentials and resurgence under Massimiliano Allegri this season.

After a mixed start to 2021/2022, even marred in some off-field international drama at one point, the starlet has turned things around in Turin – reinventing himself as a favourite in Allegri’s starting eleven (SB Nation).

Lauded as a ‘leader’ by his former Schalke boss David Wagner, we believe a swoop for McKennie certainly shouldn’t be ruled out in January – especially if West Ham have no qualms paying the asking price.

In other news: ‘Increasingly likely’…Sky reporter breaks news on ‘clinical’ striker in boost for West Ham, find out more here.

Crystal Palace extended their unbeaten run to three games in the Premier League after securing a draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

It could have been even better for the Eagles, though, as Patrick Vieira’s charges were just moments away from securing all three points before Alexandre Lacazette struck deep into injury time.

The Gunners started the game brightly and dominated the opening 20 minutes, deservedly taking the lead after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacted quickest to a Vicente Guaita save following Nicolas Pepe’s curling effort.

But Palace improved after a slow start and began to dominate possession against their north London rivals, although they struggled to create any real chances in the first half. 

However, that soon changed following the interval. Christian Benteke continued his good record in games against Arsenal with a well-taken equaliser, smashing the ball into the corner of Aaron Ramsdale’s net after Jordan Ayew robbed Thomas Partey of possession. 

The visitors once again stole the ball off their hosts to take the lead, with Conor Gallagher dispossessing Albert Sambi Lokonga in his own half before executed a perfect counter-attack, resulting in Odsonne Edouard hammering in a shot via the underside of the bar.

It was an impressive performance from Vieira’s charges despite Lacazette’s late equaliser, and there was a surprise star of the show leading the line for the capital club.

As per SofaScore, Benteke was awarded a match rating of 7.6 out of 10 for his efforts, the highest total received by any player on the pitch. And when taking a closer look at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The Belgium international struck the target with both of his shots during the 90 minutes, successfully completed both of his dribbles and won eight of his ten duels (80%), highlighting his effective and efficient performance at the top end of the pitch.

He bullied the Arsenal defence with his monstrous presence and not for the first time, beat the goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium.

Benteke hadn’t found the back of the net all season until Monday night, but his expertly taken strike will fill him with confidence in the weeks ahead and provide Vieira with another viable source of goals.

And, in other news…Parish must seal Palace move for “phenomenal” £5.85m-rated gem, fans will be buzzing 

Tottenham insider John Wenham has made an interesting claim on Christian Eriksen possibly returning to the club under Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Creative issues; Eriksen’s absence

As we all know, Tottenham parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday after just 10 Premier League games in charge. Conte has today been appointed as the man to replace him in the Spurs dugout, and one of his first tasks will be to click Tottenham back into gear in an attacking sense.

Spurs rank 19th in the Premier League for goals scored and 17th for xG, and one man who could help to remedy that is Eriksen, who contributed to 159 goals during his six-and-a-half years in north London.

The Latest: Premier League return, Wenham reacts

A report from The Telegraph towards the end of October suggested that Eriksen could go back to the Premier League due to Italian health rules stopping him from making a playing return with Inter Milan following his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.

This is what Spurs insider Wenham had to say to Football Insider regarding a potential return, seemingly backing Conte to go after Eriksen:

“If Conte comes in, there is one transfer I would love to see.

“I’m just speculating here. Would Christian Eriksen fancy coming back?

“There is a story going around about him not being allowed to play in Italy.

“Obviously it’s amazing that we can even talk about him coming back because what happened to him during the Euros was awful.

“Tottenham should be exploring that and how it could work. If I could bring back one former player from the last 10 years, he’s the man.

“I hope Tottenham are looking into that and have the lawyers doing their due diligence on whether that would be possible.

“I would watch out for this one.”

The Verdict: Smart move?

Tottenham’s first team squad appear to be stuck in a bit of an attacking rut, so bringing in a player who knows plenty of the current squad and has had success in north London could be a wise move.

Eriksen scored 69 times and registered 90 assists for Tottenham, but the 29-year-old is yet to play this season.

On that basis, it could take the attacking midfielder a while to get back up to speed in England, but his arrival could give Spurs a much-needed boost.

In other news: Spurs meet with club of £45m-valued ace with 14 goals in 17 games ahead of possible January move. 

Ex-Everton star Michael Ball was disappointed with the club’s transfer window despite their fine start to the season.

The Toffees have been impressive under the management of Rafael Benitez thus far in 2021/22.

They have taken 13 points from their opening six games, only being beaten by Aston Villa, and they are subsequently sitting fifth in the Premier League table.

However, Everton kept their powder largely dry when it came to spending money in the summer, instead relying on free transfers to strengthen the squad.

Demarai Gray was the only player who came into the club for a small fee, with the other signings Andy Lonergan, Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Salomon Rondon all coming in on frees.

As a result, Ball does not think that the club have enough quality and depth in their squad, as they look to enjoy a successful first Premier League season under Benitez’s management.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “The transfer window has proved where we are right now. The quality and depth in the squad is just not there.

“There’s players there that have been knocking on the door, wanting opportunities and they’ve let themselves and the manager down, and they’ve let the fans down numerous times.”