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It will cost AS Roma a lot of money to get Douglas Luiz out of Aston Villa this summer, journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast.

Luiz is currently being linked with a move to the Stadio Olimpico, with The Telegraph reporting that Roma are interested in the 23-year-old.

According to the newspaper, Jose Mourinho wants to add Luiz to his squad after the buy-back option that Manchester City held expired.

Midfield certainly looks to be an area the Portuguese manager is trying to strengthen at his new club. As well as Luiz, Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka is also said to be a target for Roma in this transfer window.

Regarding Luiz, though, the Giallorossi are not looking at small money, Hatfield has warned.

“I think Villa see him as an important part of the team,” the Express & Star journalist said. “It would take a lot of money to draw him away.

“He’s been important to them. It’ll be very surprising to see him go.”

The stats back up the above. Last season, Luiz proved crucial when it came to retaining the ball.

As per WhoScored (10 starts minimum), no Villa midfielder averaged more passes per league game (42.9) than the Brazilian or recorded a higher pass success rate (85.7).

Some Liverpool supporters have been reacting negatively to a report claiming the Reds are interested in signing Lyon star Houssem Aouar.

Gini Wijnaldum’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain means Jurgen Klopp could be on the lookout for a new midfielder this summer, in order to retain depth in his squad.

While Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are strong options, the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are injury-prone and Curtis Jones is still learning his trade.

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According to ESPN journalist Julien Laurens, Liverpool are one of a host of Premier League clubs keen on signing Lyon midfielder Aouar this summer.

The 23-year-old scored seven times in Ligue 1 this season, also registering three assists, proving to be a creative force for the French side.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are also believed to be keen on snapping up the £37.8million-rated Frenchman.

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Liverpool fans unhappy with fresh Aouar rumour

Despite Aouar’s talent, the rumour has been met with negativity by these Liverpool fans on Twitter, with some claiming his form has dipped and one supporter saying he is too ‘weak’ defensively.

“Nah, thanks”

Credit: @MPelucha

“This guy was really good, but his form dipped quite a lot. His defensive contribution is also weak, so I’m not quite sure that he can be Gini’s replacement, but he’s still a good player”

Credit: @SchwarzHertz

“I don’t think Aouar has the work rate/ethic to make it in our system. He also said Arsenal and Tottenham are in pole position”

Credit: @wearewinnin

“He is overrated due to his market value”

Credit: @Indian_1122

“We don’t need another midfielder, how about getting replacements for Salah, Mane and Firmino when they go missing this season”

Credit: @LordBossCavey94

“I’d be surprised at this. He hasn’t developed at all in the way Liverpool would have hoped for when they watched him a few years back”

Credit: @charlie_griff90

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a summer move for a Euro 2020 star. Find out who it is here.

Get French Football News’ Adam White has tipped Arsenal target Houssem Aouar to excite Gunners fans and even compared the creative midfielder to a World Cup winner.

Mikel Arteta’s side are thought to be edging closer to concluding the transfer of Lyon’s Aouar.

Ligue One expert White feels the 23-year-old would shine at the Emirates Stadium and sees similarities with Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta.

Arsenal have reignited their interest despite Aouar turning the Gunners down last year.

Lyon have reportedly revealed they will accept a fee in the region of £25million this summer, which is far less than their asking price 12 months ago.

Although north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the situation, it appears Arsenal are in the driving seat to acquire the Frenchman’s services.

Aouar made 33 Lyon appearances last season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

White feels Aouar would be a hit at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I’m a big fan of Aouar. I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield.

“He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit and former Spurs ace Paul Robinson has shared his excitement at an announcement involving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what could be a financial boost for the club.

The Lowdown: Spurs announce Joshua vs Usyk blockbuster…

As announced by Spurs, the Tottenham Hotspur stadium will open it’s doors and play to host one of the biggest heavyweight boxing fights of the year in Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk on September 25.

Chairman Daniel Levy, speaking to the Lilywhites’ official site, explained how this is a ‘huge occasion’ for Spurs’ new ground and one which could showcase the arena’s ability to host world class sporting events.

Tottenham have missed out on millions of pounds worth of revenue from the stadium’s closure over this past year and announced an ‘irrecoverable’ loss of £63.9m last November (Evening Standard).

They also missed out on hosting other big sporting events, like the NFL for instance, in what was a ‘big financial blow’.

The Latest: Robinson excited by Tottenham Hotspur Stadium news…

Reacting to the announcement of Joshua vs Usyk in north London, Robinson has claimed this is indeed a ‘massive deal’ for Levy and one he will be over the moon with.

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“This is exactly what Daniel Levy wants,” he explained to FI.

“It is what the stadium was built for. This is not just a stadium for Premier League football. It is a stadium to host worldwide events.

“The deal with the NFL is huge. That has been a big success. Now we are going to see the boxing there. It is a massive deal for the club, commercially and financially.”

The Verdict: Big boost for Spurs…

Much has been made of Tottenham’s financial woes off the pitch and their need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy this summer, so news of a timely revenue booster like this huge fight will be very welcomed.

Spurs had to take out a £175 million loan through the Bank of England last year to combat coronavirus revenue losses, and although that has now been paid off, fans will be overjoyed that their state of the art new stadium can now be used to benefit the club in several ways going forward.

In other news: ‘News regarding Tottenham’…Sky Sports drop live TV transfer claim, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to have opened talks to sign Caleb Chukwuemeka from Northampton Town, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Contract offers turned down

Chukwuemeka is a player attracting significant interest in recent months, with the forward catching the eye with some strong displays for Northampton Town’s academy teams.

Football Insider have labelled him as a ‘rising star’, with the 19-year-old previously attracting interest from Scottish giants Rangers, who recently won the league title under the management of Steven Gerrard.

Chukwuemeka’s current deal with Northampton Town is set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and it is claimed that he has rejected the Cobblers’ attempts to tie him down to a new deal.

The latest: Talks with Spurs underway

Spurs have reportedly opened talks with Chukwuemeka over a potential agreement this summer, although it remains to be seen as to what stage they’re at with negotiations on a deal.

Football Insider’s Spurs source has claimed they are discussing offering one of their own young players as part of a potential swap deal, which could make the deal more appealing for Northampton Town.

Spurs’ scouts have reportedly been impressed with Chukwuemeka’s performances during pre-season, with it being claimed that there is a sense that he’s progressed to a new level.

The verdict: A shrewd move for the future

This could turn out to be a smart bit of business for Spurs.

Chukwuemeka has evidently got something about him if he’s attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including a club with the stature that Spurs currently have, as well as Gerrard’s Rangers – the Ibrox manager knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Obviously this wouldn’t be a deal that would be for the first-team straight away, with the forward not having any experience under his belt in the Premier League.

But in terms of a long-term vision, it’s a signing that could pay off in future seasons for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side if the youngster fulfils his potential.

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is reportedly interested in bringing OGC Nice defender Youcef Atal to South East London [Foot Afrique].

In 2020/21, the Algerian right-back impressed for his current employers, registering three goal contributions in 22 appearances in all competitions; one goal and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be set to have a decision to make on his future owing to recent reports.

Atal is said to be the one of Vieira’s main priority targets as Palace manager, and he could potentially make his move for the 25-year-old in the near future [Foot Afrique].

The former Arsenal captain signed the Nice man back in 2018 when he was manager of the Ligue 1 outfit.

Now on his radar once again, no wonder loads of Crystal Palace fans took to Twitter to share their opinions on the news.

Crystal Palace FC fans react:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet PALACE XTRA, here is what some Eagles fans had to say about recent events:

“What a signing he would be. Very versatile”

Credit: @Tyler34036371

“Yes please”

Credit: @TheEagleDC

“We can dream..”

Credit: @WilfzSZN

“On my knees for this”

Credit: @FiachraFurlong

“Class but afcon”

Credit: @saucysakho12

“OMG”

Credit: @CPFCH10

In other news, Crystal Palace fans react to a coaching update.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned Manchester United replacing Paul Pogba with Saul Niguez would be a backward step.

With just one year left on his United contract, Pogba continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford. According to Sky Sports, Paris Saint-Germain could make a move for the Frenchman soon.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star claims the Red Devils are interested in signing Saul in a potential £50m deal and are ready to go all out for his signature if they do end up losing Pogba.

That, however, would be a massive step in the wrong direction, according to Palmer. The ex-Leeds United player told TT:

“I think that’s a backward step if you’re letting Pogba go and bringing in somebody like that.

“Listen, he’s technically very good and he’s a good football player, but he’s not on the same level as Pogba. So for me, it’s a non-starter.”

The above may very well be the case, but United have a decision to make because of Pogba’s contract situation.

If the France international does not put pen to paper on a new deal, then the club, of course, risk losing him for nothing next summer. Furthermore, perhaps selling now is something they will have to seriously consider.

Newcastle United have now been backed to sell Allan Saint-Maximin to a rival club in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Saint-Maximin ‘unsettled’

At the end of July, Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards claimed that Saint-Maximin was ‘unsettled’ at St James’ Park and has a valuation of £70m+.

The Daily Mirror also reported earlier last month that Everton will make a £50m bid for the Frenchman if they end up losing Richarlison to Real Madrid before the summer transfer window ends.

The Latest: Sale backed

Speaking to Football Insider, former Celtic and West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie has backed the potential sale of Saint-Maximin to the Toffees, providing that they have the money to sign him. He said:

“I can see that happening.

“There’s no bigger club than Newcastle but why on earth would you want to stay there?

“They don’t have any chance of challenging for anything, they aren’t going to win a trophy.

“I always thought they would but they never have. They have got worse under Bruce and Saint-Maximin is an incredible talent.

“He caused them all kinds of problems at Goodison last year.

“If Rafa does want him, and Everton have the money, that’s a deal I can see happening.”

The Verdict: Keep

Newcastle could get a lot of money by selling Saint-Maximin, which could then be used to reinvest in other areas of the pitch and thus make the overall squad stronger, but they will never forgive themselves if they sold him to a top-flight rival.

The winger has proven how important a player he is to the Magpies, as they lost eight of the 17 matches for which he was absent from the team from in all competitions last season, winning just four (Transfermarkt).

Were the Toffees able to sign him over the next few weeks, then there would be little time for Newcastle to replace a player of his calibre, and it would give Steve Bruce a huge headache going into the new campaign.

In other news, find out which Premier League club have agreed a fee to sign this NUFC prospect

Patrick Cutrone is one Wolves player Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield expects to leave the club before the transfer window slams shut.

The Italian striker joined from AC Milan back in the summer of 2019 when Nuno Santo was manager, but has failed to make much of an impact at Molineux.

Less than a year later, Cutrone was swiftly shipped out on loan to Fiorentina before following that up with another temporary spell away, this time at Valencia.

In total, the 23-year-old has made just 14 league appearances for Wolves, scoring two goals.

Speaking to FFC about Cutrone’s future at Molineux, Hatfield said:

“It would surprise me [if he had a future in black and gold]. He’s just not had a good time at Molineux at all, Patrick Cutrone.

“I think fans really tried to give him that welcome, you know, as a striker you want him to perform. But coming from abroad is always hard.

“Ultimately, it’s one that hasn’t worked out for Wolves or the player. I think they’d be keen to let him go for the right price.”

An exit for Cutrone does look inevitable. Raul Jimenez is back from injury, while you would also expect Fabio Silva to be given plenty of opportunities up front this season given how much Wolves have invested into the young Portuguese striker.

Furthermore, considering how things have worked out at Molineux so far and where he is likely to be in the pecking order, perhaps a permanent move elsewhere is best for Cutrone.

Graham Roberts has told Manchester City to pay £160m or they simply won’t sign Harry Kane this summer.

The Premier League champions have made just one bid for the England captain of around £100m, which was rejected by Daniel Levy, who values him in excess of £150m.

Tottenham want to keep their star striker despite his off the field actions having missed training in a bid to push a move to City.

Kane later came out and denied missing his return to Hotspur Way but was then left out of Spurs’ opening day victory over Pep Guardiola’s men, although his lack of a pre-season could have been the reason for his exclusion – with the 28-year-old only joining the rest of his teammates on Friday.

Reports from The Times believe that City are set to return with an improved offer, although it’s still less than Tottenham’s asking-price, which means it’ll most likely be rejected by Levy.

Several Manchester City plays have seen their names thrown into the ring as part of a possible deal to bring Kane to the Etihad Stadium.

But Roberts exclusively told Football FanCast that City simply must pay the money or look elsewhere:

“All they have to do is pay £160m, that’s it. There’s no good throwing in Sterling, Silva, Laporte, those players are on mega wages. Sterling hasn’t signed a new contract because he wants £400,000 per-week.

“Pay us what Harry Kane is worth, Pep Guardiola should stop talking about players who aren’t his. If he wants him, come up with the money, and I’m sure the club will sell him to you.

“But are you going to pay what he’s worth? He’s worth £160m, pay it.”