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Aston Villa are now expected to pursue Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell, according to Sky Sports.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been sharing their thoughts to the update on social media.

Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City appears to be finalised, with Sky Sports suggesting Villa will go for Cantwell.

The Canaries and Villa have a good relationship following the deal for Emiliano Buendia earlier this summer, however, Norwich do not want to lose the 23-year-old so close to the start of the new campaign.

The report claims that it will take a significant bid for Cantwell to leave Carrow Road, as Norwich have the option to extend the attacking midfielder’s deal by a further 12 months next summer.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Sky Sports’ claim on Cantwell on Twitter. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many below not exactly keen to see Cantwell arrive at Villa Park.

“if we pay 40m for cantwell with the 100m from JG , I will be livid. 25m max.”Credit: @bbqguy21″Make my day even worse why don’t you”Credit: @Kierancarroll_”Don’t think he’s worth 40 million though, maybe 20 to 25, would rather see jwp”Credit: @AndyPacey10″Meh. Perdro Neto should be the target.”Credit: @AndyServiceI1″Think we could be more ambitious.”Credit: @Mattqu”Biggest downgrade ever”Credit: @danpotts27

In other news: ‘All happening’ – Many Aston Villa fans react as ‘great’ news is confirmed. 

Southampton have announced the signing of Romain Perraud from Brest, and the French left-back could prove to be a key addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

It was confirmed by BBC on Friday that the 23-year-old had joined on a four-year deal, and it seems likely that he will be a regular starter for Hasenhuttl next season as the Saints begin life without Ryan Bertrand.

The Austrian seems delighted with his second addition of the summer – following Theo Walcott making his switch from Everton a permanent one – as he was full of praise for Perraud, saying: “This is an important first signing for us. Clearly, left-back is an area in which we were looking to strengthen and we have tracked Romain for a long time because he fits our profile for this position very well.

“He is a high energy, robust guy with good aggression who will bring lots of energy to our play. He has good quality with his delivery from wide and is very competitive with his defending.

“Completing the transfer before the start of pre-season allows him to start training with us immediately, learning our way of playing and tactical behaviours. I think Romain will fit in well with us and we can help him develop his game further and maximise his potential.”

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The young defender was in excellent form for Brest last season as he made 36 appearances in Ligue 1, contributing three goals and seven assists and averaging a solid 6.84 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

James Ward-Prowse, who also supplied seven assists, was Southampton’s top creator in the Premier League last season, so Saints fans will be hoping that Perraud can add some attacking threat to their team.

When you consider that Bertrand and Kyle Walker-Peters managed no goals and just three assists between them in the top flight last season, it seems clear that the Saints needed to strengthen at full-back, and hopefully the Frenchman will be able to add some more attacking impetus down the left-hand side.

A few more signings might be needed if Southampton are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle next season but Perraud certainly looks to be a promising addition at Staplewood, and Saints fans will surely be delighted to see him join up with the squad.

In other news… Offer rejected in January, now wanted by Spurs: Saints missed out on £18m “warrior”

According to Calciomercato, Fabio Paratici has already tried to sign Italy number one shot stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Paratici appointment…

The 48-year-old has been confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new sporting director, working under chairman Daniel Levy.

Paratici has a good reputation in masterminding some noteworthy transfers at former club Juventus, including the certain acquisition of superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo (The Athletic).

As such, there have been no shortage of reports detailing his transfer plans for Spurs, with Calciomercato now dropping a huge claim involving Donnarumma.

The Latest: Paratici tried to sign Donnarumma…

As per the Italian outlet, he has already made an attempt to sign the star keeper for Spurs this summer.

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However, Paratici was rebuffed in his efforts despite making ‘several’ phone calls to agent Mino Raiola.

In the ‘last few days’, he apparently made repeated attempts to negotiate with Donnarumma’s representative over a possible move to north London.

There was also strong interest from Barcelona, but it now looks like the 22-year-old is destined for Paris-Saint Germain and a link up with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Currently away at the Euros with Italy, Donnarumma will apparently undergo his PSG medical ‘next week’ after the Azzurri take on Switzerland (Fabrizio Romano).

The Verdict: Big loss…

As Spurs contemplate the future of long-time number one Hugo Lloris, a swoop for Donnarumma certainly would have been quite the coup.

He conceded just 38 goals in 37 Serie A matches over 2020/2021, keeping an impressive 14 clean sheets in that time (Transfermarkt).

AFC Bournemouth keeper Asmir Begovic also raved over his capabilities in an interview with the Guardian last year, calling him ‘phenomenal’ and a ‘huge talent’ who has enjoyed a ‘remarkable’ rise.

Indeed, the colossal keeper could have even joined Spurs on a free deal given his AC Milan contract expires at the beginning of next month.

Alas, Paratici’s bold attempt ended in failure with PSG and Pochettino reportedly winning the race – a real shame as Spurs aim to start a rebuild.

In other news: ‘Sources close…’ – Journalist lifts lid on exciting Tottenham transfer development, find out more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keeping a close eye on free agent striker Diego Costa, according to UOL journalist Bruno Andrade.

Costa’s contract at Atletico Madrid was terminated at the end of December, and he has been a free agent ever since.

The Spaniard agreed to rip up the deal six months early after marking only two La Liga starts prior to Christmas.

He has, of course, played in the Premier League before, enjoying a three-year spell at Chelsea from 2014 to 2017.

Costa landed two titles in that time and scored 52 goals in 89 appearances.

Lage assembles his striking options at Wolves

Bruno Lage, newly appointed as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor at Molineux, will evaluate Costa with a view to a possible move.

Wolves are set to welcome striker Raul Jimenez back into the fold next season after he missed much of the 2020/21 campaign with a fractured skull, while teenager Fabio Silva is also an option in the forward ranks.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the Costa report, and here’s how fans reacted.

These Wolves fans excited by links to Costa

“With Mosquera signed and rumoured now on Ruben Semedo and Diego Costa, I think Lage is looking to add a bite down the spine. Just what we need.”

Credit: @gjp12775

“He’s on the same plane as Talisca”

Credit: @Greener099Sam

“Yes please”

Credit: @MrAndyLowe

“Surely we go for it”

Credit: @TomWWFC_

“Please let this happen Jeff”

Credit: @mjp467

“Oh get him in”

Credit: @wwfcglover

In other news, Ruben Vinagre may be sacrificed to make room for this signing.  

With Rafa Benitez’s arrival at Everton on the verge of completion, the Spaniard can begin thinking about how he can strengthen this squad for an assault on the top six.

It will be no easy task for a club that has fallen short of qualifying for Europe. Not since the days of Roberto Martinez have they managed to come anywhere close to ending up in the top four.

What’s the word?

With Robin Olsen heading back to Roma after the conclusion of his loan spell, it might be argued by the Everton hierarchy that they need to bring in a goalkeeper.

According to Football Insider, that could well be Sergio Romero.

The Manchester United stopper is out of contract tomorrow and thus, can be acquired on a free transfer by any willing suitor.

The report states that the Toffees have offered him a lucrative contract in order to move to Merseyside this summer.

Everton tried to sign the 96-cap Argentine on loan last summer and have now renewed their interest.

Rafa’s first mistake

At first glance, signing someone like Romero to play back up to Jordan Pickford is a smart idea.

The Argentina international has had a fabulous career at the top level and is still very much a dependable figure between the sticks.

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Commenting on the ‘keeper’s qualities, his United teammate Eric Bailly stated: “Sergio has immense talent. Being number two to David [de Gea] is very difficult but in spite of the small number of matches he plays in when he does he proves himself and shows that at any given moment the coach can count on him.

“It’s very important for us to have a keeper who is always ready to take advantage of an opportunity and he does that every time.”

Romero would prove a useful form of council for Pickford as he strives to improve his game after an impressive European Championships.

However, rather than handing out a lucrative contract to someone reaching the end of their career, Benitez must look towards the future when he becomes the new manager.

21-year-old goalkeeper Joao Virginia earned three starts for the Toffees last term and is now in a position where he should be earning more opportunities.

The Portuguese has had an unrivalled football schooling, developing within the Arsenal youth academy and training under Arsene Wenger to learning from Carlo Ancelotti last term.

Though, if Romero arrives then it’s difficult to see how the youngster ever breaks through on a regular basis. Virginia would save the club a hefty sum of money, particularly if the Everton target’s salary is going to be expensive.

Benitez should forget about this deal and focus his attentions elsewhere.

AND in other news, Benitez can make an instant impact at Everton by signing “exceptional” 33-goal monster…

Alex McLeish has backed Matheus Pereira to replace Pablo Hernandez at Leeds United should they be able to sign him in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Leeds eye Pereira

As per the Daily Express, the Yorkshire club are among the long list of teams keen on snapping up the West Brom star following their relegation from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship.

Marcelo Bielsa may well be looking to sign a new attacking midfield player after confirming the departure of Hernandez this summer, and Pereira could fit the bill.

The Latest: McLeish claims Pereira can replace Hernandez

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, who is now a pundit after a successful managerial career, has backed Pereira to make the move to Elland Road from the Hawthorns, and thinks that he has the capabilities of replacing Hernandez for the Whites:

“Absolutely brilliant. A very technical player and I think it would be a great acquisition that I can see happening.

“You would think he would be very much available due to the fact West Brom are in the Championship now. 

“Nobody wants to be likened to somebody else. You want to be your own man. Pablo has had a fantastic career but he is getting to an age where the legs are affected a wee bit. 

“That can be very visible at times. It is right you get a new pretender. A new kid on the block continuing the marvellous work he has done. Also, adding to Leeds’ terrific entertainment levels.” 

The Verdict: Leeds must sign Pereira

The Whites must take advantage of the Baggies’ relegation and sign Pereira at all costs.

The Brazilian could be available for a decent fee given that Albion will not be able to demand as much being in the Championship, and at 25 years of age, the investment would be for the future as well.

Pereira scored no fewer than 12 goals and made a further six assists in 34 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season for a struggling side (Transfermarkt), highlighting his capabilities, and in a better team, he could well shine.

Hernandez has no doubt been a great servant to LUFC, scoring 36 times and supplying a further 41 assists in 175 matches in total over all competitions across the last five consecutive terms (Transfermarkt), but at 36, it is no surprise to see them let him go.

Nonetheless, Pereira certainly has the potential to perform for Leeds as well as Hernandez did, and more.

In other news, find out which ‘unstoppable’ international LUFC have set their sights on here!

Writing on Twitter, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared news regarding West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku, with the Congolese ace now looking likely to miss the rest of the season.

Indeed, as per the source, the 27-year-old is unlikely to feature again before the end of 2020/21 despite only recently coming back from knee surgery. Responding to a query from a supporter, Ex wrote: “He is likely to be out for the rest of the season now. His knee hasn’t recovered well from the operation he had and fluid had to be drained from it.”

Masuaku missed a large portion of the season – 20 games to be exact (Transfermarkt) – in order to resolve an issue with his knee which had been bothering him for years. However, due to fluid build-up around the area, his return at Wolves last month has been quickly followed by another spell on the sidelines.

Ex has told followers not to expect the defender to play again this season and many West Ham fans are seething at this news on social media.

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While some profess their heartache at Masuaku’s latest injury blow, others are in disbelief that he is on the treatment table yet again.

Check out a flavour of their verdicts from social media below.

West Ham fans seethe as ExWHUemployee shares news

“Needs to go and be replaced with a more robust player this summer, almost as bad as Carroll/Wilshere.”

Credit: @josh_whu

“I swear this happens to a lot of our players after surgery. Who are these absolute butchers that we let operate on our players?”

Credit: @SamInStockwell

“Never been sure of him if I was honest..has flashes but reminds me of Said ..unreliable? That’s a question. Not a statement”

Credit: @Ralph28244587

“Another player rushed back from injury then?”

Credit: @Jack_disley

“It is so WHU. He was showing arguably his best form in a system that suited him. Gets injured and I am sure the original assessment was 2-3 months but ends up being season ending.”

Credit: @IanDeakin16

“Arthur injured a lot, decent player at LWB but if he needs to be sold to fund a LB I think we should do it.”

Credit: @Stuuu_0628

“Genuinely crushed by the Arthur news”

Credit: @stephenlott

In other news: Many West Ham fans were buzzing over this journalist’s ‘brilliant’ update – find out more here.

There have been reports suggesting that Manchester City could offer Tottenham Hotspur Gabriel Jesus as part of a swap deal for Harry Kane, but he must still add more goals to his game, according to former City full-back Michael Ball.

As clubs attempt to muster up enough money to buy Kane, a swap deal may not be a bad move for Spurs as they could soften the blow left by their star striker if he does depart, should they get a striker in return from Man City.

Jesus, who reportedly earns £90,000-a-week, was signed in 2017 and many expected him to become the heir to Sergio Aguero’s throne when he left City. However, despite the club’s all-time record goalscorer being set to depart this summer, it appears that Pep Guardiola wants another striker at the club thus not fully trusting Jesus.

Tottenham would be getting a totally different striker in Jesus as he does a lot of unselfish work and can play in several different positions, but he does need to add more goals to his game. These are the thoughts of Ball, who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“For a long time he looked like he was going to be the one to take over from Aguero but it’s never materialised. The pressure has been on him this year so I feel sorry for him as he’s not played as a number nine too much, he’s been pushed out wide because he’s an unselfish player.

“Jesus works a lot for the team and it often goes unnoticed. Obviously, he would like to add more goals to his game, but his all-round build-up play is top drawer and he’s clearly a wonderful player.”

The Brazillian striker has an impressive record for someone who has never been given regular game time and starts as he has found the back of the net 81 times in 193 appearances.

Kane delivered a damning verdict in his latest interview with Gary Neville where the 27-year old claimed that he would decide his own future, not Tottenham Chairman, Daniel Levy.

If Celtic want to improve under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou next season then they’ll have to be better in the transfer market.

Of course, a deal for the Australian to become the Hoops’ new manager isn’t concluded just yet but he looks set to be welcomed with open arms to Parkhead this summer.

He looks set to be joined by a new director of football, someone who specialises in player recruitment.

If the Bhoys hierarchy can get this set-up spot on then it would be a solid recipe for success. After all, the vast majority of their transfers 12 months ago haven’t gone down well.

Vasilis Barkas was charged with replacing the man-mountain of Fraser Forster but has never looked comfortable between the sticks for Celtic.

A £4.5m move took place but he lost his place fairly quickly and started just twice since January.

He looked a liability behind the defensive line and thus, Celtic should be looking to find a replacement this summer. After all, the likes of Scott Bain and Charlie Hazard have also made their own individual errors during the 2020/21 campaign.

Forster looks set to remain at Southampton so that won’t be possible but they could sign a like-minded player in Freddie Woodman.

The 6 foot 2 stopper is shorter than Forster but has strong arms and can play out from the back astutely.

He’s been linked with a move to Southampton but the Hoops are also interested in prising him away from Newcastle in the coming months.

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Woodman spent the current campaign on loan at Swansea where he helped the Welsh side to the Championship playoffs.

He didn’t miss a single game throughout the campaign, keeping 21 clean sheets during his 48 outings for the Swans.

An authoritative figure with high standards, Woodman is held in incredibly high esteem.

He’d been tipped to play for the England national team and has already trained with senior members in the Three Lions camp.

However, for a bigger glimpse of his potential, you only need to focus on words from Lee Clark who was in charge of Kilmarnock when Woodman spent a period in Scotland.

“I knew he was an outstanding young keeper and had all the attributes. The tough thing was I had an experienced goalkeeper in Jamie MacDonald in the team — that was causing one or two issues in terms of what I wanted to do,” he began.

“But I knew I was bringing a talented goalkeeper in. Freddie’s communication, his shot-stopping and his distribution skills are second to none. He’s an unbelievable professional and works extremely hard at his game,” Clarke concluded.

With those qualities in mind, he’d be an expert signing for Celtic. They need a goalkeeper after a horrific season defensively; Woodman would surely be a fix.

AND in other news, Celtic can find a new Jullien by signing “special” 6ft4 tank, he’s “one of the best”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Daniel Pinder, Editor-in-Chief at Get German Football News, believes the prospect of Nicolas Gonzalez playing in Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United team could work.

Gonzalez is currently plying his trade for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga and his ability to operate anywhere across the attacking line has seen him become a top talent in Germany with six goals in 15 appearances this season.

The Argentine international has been linked with a move to both Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds this summer with both sides looking to add more quality to their squads in the final third.

Speaking on what makes Gonzalez a great play and why he would be perfect for Bielsa at Leeds, Pinder told FFC:

“This season he has scored six and created two in just 15 games because of injury, and in those games you can see he is still a raw talent but he’s shown glimpses of what he can do.

“The thought of him playing for Bielsa in his system as a pressing forward and harassing defenders, because he never stops running, I think that could work well for Bielsa.”

The 23-year old has had an injury-hit campaign having missed 15 games so far and is currently out with a torn muscle but with Stuttgart mid-table his absence should not affect them too much.

Leeds could look to make another shrewd signing like Raphinha last season when they brought him in from Rennes on deadline day last summer.