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Aston Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the Spaniard took over before the World Cup last year, the club have vaulted into the top half of the Premier League table and have serious ambitions of European football ahead of next season.

Under Steven Gerrard, the Midlands side looked as though they would be fighting a relegation battle this term, but the appointment of Emery has been a stroke of genius and he has managed to get a few players back to their best.

Tyrone Mings has been someone who has improved since the World Cup, managing to grab a couple of assists while looking a lot more composed at the heart of the defence and this has been a big factor in Villa’s recent run.

Another player who has been transformed is Oliie Watkins.

The striker, who cost £28m in 2020 under Dean Smith, has been spectacular under the 51-year-old, scoring 11 goals since December alone, turning into one of the most inform strikers in the division, and he is also reportedly close to signing a new contract which would surely see his value soar.

How much is Ollie Watkins worth now?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke recently spoke to Football FanCast regarding the striker and how Villa have now valued him at £70m, saying:

“He’s doing it on a consistent regular basis for Aston Villa right now and probably his price tag is looking at around the £70m mark, at least, for Ollie Watkins.

"They are in talks over a new contract with him and I’m pretty sure they’re hopeful that they can get that sorted out because he is becoming a key man under Unai Emery.”

Watkins has chipped in with five assists too and the 5 foot 10 machine has also created two big chances, made 0.8 key passes per game and has taken 2.3 shots each match, suggesting his game is more than just scoring.

Pundit Trevor Sinclair previously lauded the player as being “lethal” and he is certainly justifying that praise this term with his scoring habits pushing Villa towards an unlikely European spot.

Smith certainly hit the jackpot over the player back in 2020, even though £28m at the time raised a few eyebrows.

With the news surrounding a potentially improved contract and the fact O’Rourke is claiming the hitman could be valued at around £70m, it has definitely been a wonderful piece of business by the club.

Manchester City are ‘keeping an eye on’ Romeo Lavia for a potential summer transfer swoop and have a buy-back clause over the likes of Manchester United, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Lavia impressing

Pep Guardiola allowed Lavia to leave in the previous summer transfer window, with the central midfielder joining Southampton on a five-year contract, and he has since gone on to establish himself as an important player on the South Coast.

The 19-year-old has started in each of the Saints’ last nine games, having forced his way back into the team since recovering from a hamstring injury, and he could now be set for a swift return to Man City, perhaps replacing either Rodri or Ilkay Gundogan, who have both been linked with exits.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s update

Speaking to GiveMeSport about the youngster’s future, O’Rourke said: “I believe they do have a buy-back option in his contract from when they sold him to Southampton, so that would give them first refusal on any potential deal for Romeo Lavia.

“It’s one they’ll be keeping an eye on, he has been with a number of top clubs, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all been linked to him as well. And if Southampton do go down, I think they’ll face a real fight to keep hold of him.”

The Verdict: Get it d0ne?

Lauded as a ‘special talent’ by former Southampton boss Nathan Jones, the starlet has already proven he has what it takes to perform at Premier League level, and so City should undoubtedly look to use their buy-back clause.

The Belgian particularly specialises in the defensive side of the game, ranking in the 96th percentile for blocks per 90 over the past year compared to his positional peers, indicating he could be a viable long-term replacement for Rodri, if the Spaniard leaves the club.

With an average Sofascore rating of 6.84, the maestro is ranked as the second-best performing Southampton midfielder in the Premier League, behind only captain James Ward-Prowse, which is a stellar effort considering he is only 19-years-old.

Guardiola was wise to let Lavia leave in order to gain first-team experience, but the time is right to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium.

Southampton ‘could move’ for Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller, who is also wanted by Newcastle, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Saints youth transfer policy…

The Saints have adopted a transfer policy of signing young and exciting players in recent transfer windows with owners Sport Republic signing no players over the age of 25 last summer.

2022 saw a plethora of exciting starlets sign with Southampton as the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Romeo Lavia, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Samuel Edozie among others put pen to paper on moves to St. Mary’s.

The Premier League relegation-battlers seemingly have one on future seasons with these additions with news now emerging on their links to a ‘rising star’.

The Latest: Southampton eye Lennon Miller…

According to Football Scotland, Southampton have now joined Newcastle in their interest for Motherwell’s exciting teenager Miller.

The forward has garnered quite a reputation north of the border and it’s claimed Ruben Selles’ side ‘could move’ for him after adding him to their transfer shortlist.

The report adds that Eddie Howe’s billionaire club have also been linked with a move for the 16-year-old.

The Verdict: Exciting talent…

Miller stands out as a very exciting talent, already breaking club records.

Indeed, the teenager became Motherwell’s youngest ever player to make his senior debut this season, all the while impressing at international youth level for Scotland.

Tartan Army followers will recall a sumptuous goal against England with Miller lobbing the keeper from behind his own half way line – a strike which clinched him the 2021/2022 Scotland Goal of the Year award.

He also went on to represent his country at the Under-17 European Championship despite being just 16 with all signs pointing towards a future star.

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt an injury blow as Michael Beale has confirmed that John Lundstram will not be available for their game at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Rolled ankle

Lundstram was pictured in a moon boot at Ibrox last Saturday, after he was forced off injured in Rangers’ 2-1 win at home to Ross County.

Beale confirmed that the central midfielder rolled his ankle, and it looked like a ‘nasty’ injury as he came off the pitch.

The Latest: Not available

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match against Partick at Ibrox on Sunday, Beale has confirmed that Lundstram ‘won’t be available’ due to his ankle injury, but he should be back to play Livingston away in the Scottish Premiership next Saturday:

“Lundstram won’t be available this weekend and should hopefully be back for the Livingston game.

“He took a sore one on his ankle. He will definitely be back for the final at the end of the month.”

The Verdict: Big blow

It is certainly a big blow for the Gers to see Lundstram not available to be in the squad against Partick.

Beale labelled Lundstram as a ‘really important’ player for him after talking about his injury after the Ross County clash, and claims that he was ‘fantastic’ in their previous win against Hearts.

The Englishman was also praised for his performance by parts of the media, as he made a team-high three interceptions, and was accurate in all three of his long ball attempts (SofaScore).

Lundstram also recorded one clearance and tackle, and achieved an impressive 87% pass accuracy.

It looks like he was entering a good patch of form, and there is no doubt that he will be missed against Partick.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos could still sign a new contract to remain at Ibrox Stadium, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Morelos’ future in doubt?

At the beginning of January, Stephen McGinn told the Go Radio Football Show Podcast that he thought Morelos’ time with the Gers was soon to be ‘over’, after more than five-and-a-half years at Ibrox, initially arriving in June 2017.

It was recently reported that Turkish club Konyaspor were ‘exploring the opportunity’ to sign the striker, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, however the latest update indicates that he is not interested in a move.

The Latest: Open to new deal

According to a report from Football Insider, the Colombian is not considering a move to Turkey before their transfer window closes on Wednesday, and he has knocked back interest.

It is then claimed that the 26-year-old is actually open to signing a new deal to remain with the Teddy Bears, with the club refusing to give up hope on extending his contract beyond the end of the season.

The Verdict: Get it done

‘El Bufalo’ has a fantastic record in front of goal at Rangers, netting on 121 occasions in 255 appearances, while he has also registered 56 assists in that time, displaying his playmaking talents.

There were signs earlier in the season that a move may have been the best outcome for both parties, with the marksman clearly out of favour with former manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, appearing from the bench in his first 11 Scottish Premiership outings.

However, the ‘terrific’ forward, as hailed by Sky Sports producer Andrew Dickson, has been given a new lease of life under Michael Beale, scoring five goals and recording three assists in his last seven league games.

As such, it is fantastic news that Morelos is now open to signing a new deal, and Rangers should look to offer him acceptable terms at the earliest opportunity.

Liverpool are interested in a number of midfielders after a stark decline in form and fluidity under Jurgen Klopp, and could now move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Matheus Nunes.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are indeed looking to return for Nunes after agreeing a £44m fee in the summer, but the expectation is a deal will be revised in the summer, when the Old Gold would be willing to grant a departure, having signed the player in a record £42.2m deal mere months ago.

The indication is that Klopp and co are set on striking a deal for the right player, despite the glaring dents in the club’s weathered armour, and will bide their time if it means acquiring the signature of their most desired target.

Forget Musah

The Premier League giants are seeking clarity on the efficacy of their formerly imperious system, with the intrinsic tenacity and guile evaporating from Anfield like sodden clothes in the sun, and Nunes has been distinguished to become the new central focal point, re-establishing cohesion, with recent reports linking Liverpool with a move in 2023.

While Liverpool have held an interest in the 24-year-old Nunes for a considerable amount of time, the interest in a new addition to bolster the central ranks stretches across a multitude of avenues, with Valencia’s precocious engine Yunus Musah also attracting attention from Julian Ward and co.

The 20-year-old has made 86 appearances for his Spanish outfit since arriving from Arsenal’s youth academy in 2019, and while he is blossoming into a figure that could indeed earn a move to one of Europe’s most prominent outfits, Liverpool’s current woes might be better remedied with the signing of his Portuguese positional peer.

Nunes has not quite hit the ground running since his introduction to life in the English top-flight, only recording a Sofascore rating of 6.76 after making 17 Premier League appearances, although his 83% passing accuracy and 0.9 key passes per match indicate a creative prowess lying dormant, that Klopp could certainly unleash.

As per FBref, the 11-cap star ranks among the top 15% for touches in the attacking box and the top 5% for progressive passes received throughout Europe’s big five leagues, illustrating an offensive nature that will only enhance the Reds’ prospects of success.

And with the £88m-valued Musah considered a comparable player by the statistical site, it’s clear that Nunes’ more established skill set would be better suited to steer Liverpool away from the current obscurity – and commanding a relatively similar fee, the Anfield hierarchy would do well to target the Wolves midfielder.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola lauded Nunes as “one of the best midfielders in the world” once, a true testament to the recognition of his skill set that would only continue to blossom under Klopp’s sagacious tutelage.

With Klopp showing diligently in the past that he can identify premium talent from outfits a step behind the Merseyside outfit, such as the signings of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton and Gini Wijnaldum from Newcastle United – both integral components to the recent prosperous period – Nunes could be the perfect heir to the vacant throne in the centre of the Anfield park, with someone of his robust, progressive nature needed t0 ensure a blip does not worsen, sending the good work tumbling into the abyss.

Arsenal could make a move for Leandro Trossard this month, according to reports…

What’s the word?

talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook has revealed that the Gunners are “monitoring” the 28-year-old’s situation ahead of a potential swoop, though arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur also hold an “interest” in signing him.

Brighton and Hove Albion recently triggered a one-year extension in Trossard’s £40k-per-week contract to keep him at the club until 2024.

It remains to be seen how much the Seagulls would want for the Belgian international, especially as he was absent for their recent FA Cup win over Middlesbrough. CIES Football Observatory currently value him at around €20m (£18m).

Perfect Mudryk alternative

A lot has been made of the north Londoners’ transfer plans, with attacking reinforcements seemingly high on the agenda – not only finding a solution to Gabriel Jesus’ injury but also providing further depth to the wide positions.

One of the heavily mooted targets is Mykhalo Mudryk, though reports suggest that Shakhtar Donetsk are holding out for a whopping £90m, which – you’d imagine – be a large chunk of the budget.

Trossard could be a viable and cheaper alternative and perhaps one that would be much more reliable, given his exploits in England already.

Indeed, the 28-year-old dynamo – who was once dubbed as a “wizard” by journalist Charlie Haffenden – managed to deliver eight goals and three assists in 2021/22 and has continued that free-scoring form into the current campaign, where he has already scored seven goals and laid on three assists, including an impressive hat-trick against Liverpool.

Whilst Mudryk has gone toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in the Champions League, there is no knowing how the Ukraine wonderkid will adapt to the Premier League, and how quickly, given the Gunners are five points clear in the title race.

Trossard could slot straight in as a backup option to the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka – of which the former has been likened to the Belgian in terms of statistical profile, whilst Phil Foden and Wilfried Zaha are other comparable players, and both have their own unique links to Arsenal in some way.

Foden used to train under Arteta at Manchester City, whilst Zaha has often been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Therefore in Trossard, sporting director Edu Gaspar could well find the perfect alternative to Mudryk this month as he would surely be available at a fraction of the price, given his £18m valuation.

AND in other news, After Felix: Arsenal must swoop for £130k-p/w “game-changer” who gave Emery nightmares…

Everton have found themselves struggling in the Premier League once again this season despite Frank Lampard’s efforts to improve the team with eight new signings in the summer.

Indeed, there have been some positives to take from the recruitment ahead of the current campaign with James Tarkowski and Conor Coady forming a formidable defensive partnership very quickly into their arrival at Goodison Park.

However, with the Merseysiders now teetering on the edge of the relegation zone – just one point shy of the bottom three after losing their last three consecutive outings – there is no doubt that some careful assessments will need to be made when the January transfer window opens later this week.

Frank Lampard will be desperate to continue to strengthen his team when the opportunity arises in the new year, although he may already be about to lose one of his newly-signed players over the next few weeks too.

It has been reported that super agent Jorge Mendes is pulling the strings to remove Ruben Vinagre from his season-long loan deal with the Toffees after failing to gain consistent game time at the club and is already assessing his player’s options with another loan move elsewhere not being ruled out.

It’s safe to say that Vinagre has struggled to make himself known in Lampard’s squad since joining in the summer and is clearly not capable of competing with Vitaliy Mykolenko for the starting spot in the left-back position in the eyes of the Everton manager.

The rarely-seen dud – who has a £17.6m price tag if Everton wanted to buy him after his loan spell – has only made two Premier League appearances over their first 16 outings averaging at just 15 minutes performance.

During those opportunities, Vinagre has been effective in his role by completing 100% of his dribbles and winning 67% of his duels combined, as well as averaging one tackle per game.

However, if Lampard doesn’t see him as a player who can be part of the future at Goodison Park it is pointless to hold on and would mutually benefit both the club and the player if they parted ways sooner rather than later.

With that being said, the January transfer window will be full of opportunities for Lampard to improve Everton’s performances over the second half of the season by not only offering the manager the chance to strengthen key roles but also to clear out players who do not fit his philosophy for a successful future.

Aston Villa are in the race for out-of-favour Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, according to an update from journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Wolves interest

The 23-year-old has found himself slipping down the pecking order at Atletico in recent times, warming the substitutes’ bench far more often than he would like.

Cunha has only started twice in La Liga this season, and not at all in the Champions League, and he has been linked with a move to Wolves, who are believed to be leading the race for his signature.

As Unai Emery looks for new signings, however, it looks as though he could put his La Liga nous to good use and put Villa firmly in the mix for the talented Brazilian.

The Latest: Villa join the race

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Taylor claimed that the Villans are keen on adding Cunha to their squad in the near future:

“In terms of clubs interested, I know Villa are looking, Leeds as well. Leeds actually looked at him before he went to Atletico Madrid.

“But I do expect Wolves to be in the box seat for that one, but obviously there’s no agreement to date, which does leave the door open to someone else.”

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The Verdict: Exactly what is needed

Cunha’s stock may have fallen of late but he is an excellent footballer with eight caps to his name for Brazil, even dubbed the new Roberto Firmino for his versatility, work rate and audacious skills.

With Villa in need of an attacking spark, the Atletico man could provide exactly that, proving equally capable of thriving on the flanks or centrally, and scoring 15 goals in just 16 appearances for Brazil’s Under-21s.

Cunha would surely jump at the chance of being a star man at a new club, while the lure of playing for Emery, and in the Premier League, could further boost Villa’s hopes.

Everton target Boulaye Dia ‘doesn’t score enough goals’ to make the move to the Premier League, according to journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: World Cup standout

The Senegalese starlet has recently been at the World Cup having represented Aliou Cisse’s nation, where he grabbed one goal in four starts before getting knocked out in the last 16 by England.

The 26-year-old is currently out on loan at Salernitana from Villarreal but has been linked with a switch to Goodison Park once his spell ends, with a fee in the region of £17m required to secure his services.

The Latest: Aarons’ comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, however, Aarons claimed that Dia hasn’t been prolific enough in the final third to prove himself as a centre-forward, regardless of other areas of his game being strong.

“Dia has been good at coming deep and linking the play a little bit more. He links it up well, he’s pretty strong.

“He’s a bit of a threat in front of goal but he doesn’t score enough goals. In his career he’s not scored enough, that’s one thing he can improve on. But his link-up play has been very impressive.”

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The Verdict: Bit harsh?

Everton’s target has been dubbed a ‘handful’ for defenders by journalist Dean Jones, and looking at his numbers, claims that he’s not effective in the final third may be a little harsh.

The Oyonnax native already has eight contributions to his name this season (six goals and two assists) in just 14 appearances (Transfermarkt).

The Toffees have collectively only netted 11 times this campaign, which shows the significant impact Dia could have up top, so while he may not have the most prolific career record, he would surely be an upgrade on the struggling Neal Maupay.