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Steven Gerrard has dropped a huge contract update on one of his Aston Villa players…

What’s the word?

Speaking to Birmingham Live, the 42-year-old claimed that there has been “tentative talks” between the club and Douglas Luiz.

The midfielder had been linked with both AS Roma and AC Milan, and with just one year left on his £52k-per-week deal, there was a real worry that he would leave on the cheap.

The Villa manager also noted the difference between this contract dispute and that of Carney Chukwuemeka, who has since joined Chelsea, saying: “It’s very much different. I think Douglas has had a real positive pre-season. I think he’s happy at Aston Villa.”

Gerrard needs him

Although it is an understated claim from the manager, the news that there are simply talks ongoing to try and tie down the Brazilian will be pleasing for Gerrard.

The 42-year-old has been vocal in his praise for the midfielder ever since Dean Smith’s dismissal last November, calling him “a fantastic player, really talented” and one who he rates “extremely highly”. We want to keep all of our best players around. and many have praised the manner in which Gerrard has got a tune out of the 24-year-old at Villa Park.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell said of the duo’s relationship: “Luiz has always been a brilliant player. He is shining under Gerrard because there seems to be more onus on him. Gerrard knows the position inside out.

“He probably watched him in training and said, ‘Listen, I expect a little bit more from you.’ Luiz is doing it which is great.”

Previously labelled a “fantastic talent” by 90min’s Graeme Bailey, Luiz featured in 34 of Villa’s 38 league games last season, offering up a respectable five goal contributions from his deep midfield role.

The hard-working maestro was also solid defensively for the Villans, with one interception and 1.7 tackles per game highlighting him as an integral all-rounder for the team. Those averages put him in the top six in Gerrard’s squad for both metrics in 2021/22, marking him out as a crucial presence at the club.

To lose a player of his quality and importance for a reduced price or even on a free transfer due to contract disputes would be a massive shame for Villa.

Gerrard clearly thinks highly of the midfielder going by the aforementioned quotes and the 24-year-old’s regular presence in the team, and the manager will hope that the ongoing contract talks are successful given how he needs the Brazilian’s steel in midfield.

Everton are one of the clubs interested in signing Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update by reliable journalist Adrian Kajumba.

The Lowdown: Semenyo stars for Bristol City

The 22-year-old has been one of side’s best players in recent times, proving to be a regular supplier of end product in the final third.

Semenyo chipped in with an impressive tally of 20 goal involvements last season (8 goals, 12 assists), Nigel Pearson also described him as a ‘nightmare to play against’.

It could be that the Ghanaian has outgrown City, with Premier League interest now emerging, including from Everton.

The Latest: Everton linked with move

According to Kajumba, writing for The Daily Mail, the Blues are eyeing up a summer move for Semenyo, with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth also battling to acquire his signature.

The Eagles are ‘prepared to pay £12million’, although City are likely to demand £15million.

The youngster’s current deal expires at the end of next season, which could force his club to sell this summer, rather than risk losing him for free in 2023.

The Verdict: Exciting attacking option

While some may turn their noses up at a move for Semenyo, due to him being a Championship player and never playing in the Premier League, someone like Ivan Toney is proof that players can make the step up to the top flight.

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Semenyo could be an exciting young addition for Everton, adding more vibrancy to the attack and bringing versatility, such is his ability to thrive both out wide and centrally.

The City man is coming into the best years of his career and he could provide Frank Lampard with much-needed squad depth, given Richarlison’s exit, Anthony Gordon’s potential departure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s current injury.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring William Mikelbrencis to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Loic Tanzi, with the L’Equipe journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, as well as 2. Bundesliga side Hamburger SV, Victor Orta has now submitted an official bid for the FC Metz right-back.

However, Tanzi goes on to suggest that, should the 18-year-old opt for a move to Germany ahead of one to the Premier League, he would have an immediate place in the Hamburger starting XI, while first-team opportunities would likely be much more limited at Elland Road.

In his post, the journalist said: “Leeds have also made an offer but in Hamburger, William Mikelbrencis will have a place as soon as he arrives in the first team.”

The next Aarons

Considering just how promising a talent Mikelbrencis evidently is, in addition to the fact that Orta is well-known for his desire to bring the most exciting youth prospects to Elland Road – as evidenced by his signings of both Sonny Perkins and Darko Gyabi in the current transfer window – it is not hard to understand why the Spaniard would be keen on a move for the 18-year-old.

Indeed, despite Metz’s relegation from the French top flight last season, the £1.8m-rated talent still managed to catch the eye over his nine Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, helping his side keep one clean sheet, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.2 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and taking 0.7 shots per game.

These returns have generated a great deal of interest in the teenager’s services this summer, with Atalanta, Eintracht Frankfurt, Cologne and Stuttgart all reported to be keen on the youngster, alongside the likes of Leeds and Hamburger.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the £1k-per-week defender also ranks in the top 23% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for assists per 90, in addition to the top 18% for pressures, the top 24% for shots, the top 38% for dribbles completed and the top 43% for progressive carries over the last 365 days.

These metrics see FBref list Norwich City’s £20m-valued Max Aarons – the 22-year-old right-back who has been linked with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich following a number of particularly impresses in dribbles completed, progressive carries and pressures over the past 12 months.

As such, should Orta manage to get a deal for the France U18 international over the line this summer, the Spaniard could well have unearthed the new Aarons for Leeds – a prospect that is sure to delight the Elland Road faithful and Jesse Marsch alike.

Wolverhampton Wanderers technical director Scott Sellars is looking at bringing a youthful talent to Molineux as he looks to give Bruno Lage another transfer boost.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, who has tweeted regarding the Premier League club’s interest in 19-year-old midfielder Maximo Perrone: “Wolverhampton Wanderers are negotiating with Vélez to buy Máximo Perrone.

“The English are looking to reach an agreement and, if they do, the 19-year-old footballer will stay at the Fortín until the tournament ends.”

Lage looks like he is set to add another midfielder to his squad at Wolves, although it won’t be until he completes the season with Velez Sarsfield.

He’s Redondo 2.0

Following a quiet start to the transfer market, Lage appears to have motored into gear recently, adding Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Guedes to his squad.

Although both seem to be excellent signings and should improve the team as time goes on, the club still haven’t won in this season’s Premier League, losing twice and drawing against Fulham, with just one point from a possible nine heading into the match against Newcastle on Sunday.

Making a move for Perrone appears to be a good piece of business, with the youngster already impressing at Velez, playing 22 times and scoring three goals, while adding another two assists as he has helped his side reach the Copa Libertadores semi-finals.

His performances and style of play have drawn comparisons with former Real Madrid and Argentina midfielder Fernando Redondo, with Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig saying that Perrone is similar to the 53-year-old.

The long-haired Argentine played 397 times for Real Madrid, AC Milan and Tenerife during a glittering career as he won the Champions League three times, as well as triumphing in Serie A and La Liga. He featured for Argentina at the 1994 World Cup and won the Copa America with his country the previous year.

If Perrone manages to achieve even half of what the 53-year-old did in his career, then he could consider that a success. A move to Europe should certainly help his cause and Wolves could be the ideal destination, as there would be significantly less pressure than at the kind of clubs that Redondo represented and he can develop at his own pace.

The 19-year-old has been lauded as a “top talent” and Lage should be sealing this deal as quickly as possible.

Derby County have joined the race to sign Sheffield United striker William Osula, according to reports in the last 24 hours. 

The Lowdown: Left out of midweek squad

The 19-year-old was omitted from Paul Heckingbottom’s matchday squad for the Blades’ 4-0 victory over Reading in midweek having been in the 18-man squad for their previous clash against Luton, which could suggest that a deadline day exit might be on the cards.

Several other League One clubs – including Rotherham United, Lincoln City, Burton Albion and Ipswich Town – have been credited with an interest, but it now appears that the Rams are attempting a late hijack in the final hours of the transfer window.

The Latest: Derby eye late Osula move

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon (via Football League World) on Wednesday night, Derby are now ‘in the running’ to sign Osula, with Liam Rosenior ‘wanting two strikers’ before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight.

It’s stated that the Rams manager would like a ‘more experienced figure’ to complement James Collins and David McGoldrick, but they are willing to ‘utilise the loan market’ to get a deal for the Blades starlet over the line.

The Verdict: Not enough experience

Osula is yet to feature for Sheffield United’s first team this season, and whilst he might have plenty of potential judging by the widespread interest in him, this isn’t a deal that Derby should consider pursuing any further.

The Dane has only scored one goal throughout his career at senior and youth level, and it’s likely that he wouldn’t get as much game-time as he’d like with Rosenior seemingly chasing a senior forward to come in.

For someone who would likely be nothing more than a bench-warmer, there’s no point in the Rams cashing out, so they should instead focus their attention on an attacker who will be able to make a genuine impact on the starting XI every week.

Newcastle United have a couple of days left to complete their remaining business in the summer transfer window…

The Magpies have brought in four players so far and may look to further strengthen their squad before Thursday night’s deadline.

Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Matt Targett have all come through the door on permanent deals, and a creative midfielder appears to be on their to-do list.

It was recently reported that the Toon are eyeing up a swoop to sign Hakan Calhanoglu from Inter as an alternative to Lucas Paqueta, who has signed for Premier League rivals West Ham.

Inter are said to be open to selling any player for the right price, and that could open the door to a late deal for the Turkey international.

Newcastle must now land the £150k-per-week wizard as Eddie Howe could land his own version of Manchester City magician Kevin De Bruyne by bringing him to St James’ Park.

The Belgian recently caught the eye against the Magpies as he created three ‘big chances’ and registered one assist in the 3-3 draw earlier this month.

He is a world-class creator who can unlock any defence with his stunning range of passes and intelligence in possession. Out of all of the players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days, De Bruyne ranks in the 99th percentile for assists, xG assisted and shot-creating actions per 90.

This shows that he is one of the best players in his position when it comes to consistently creating high-quality chances.

Calhanoglu could come in at St James’ Park and provide a similar level of creativity after catching the eye in Serie A.

His former Milan manager Stefano Pioli, who once hailed him as “exceptional”, previously heaped praise on his build-up play, saying: “Calhanoglu is a leader of this team. He’s a leader on the pitch, he’s an intelligent player. Lately, we have faced teams that have closed the spaces and therefore, sometimes, I have had to lower him even though I want to keep him high.

“He knows how to marry perfectly with the game of his teammates. I have great respect for him and with intelligent players, you can play great games. He has the qualities to have some more goals.”

Like De Bruyne, the Turkish gem ranks in the 99th percentile for assists, xG assisted and shot-creating actions per 90 out of all of the players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days, with FBRef also listing the pair as being stylistically similar.

The 28-year-old could therefore be a world-class creator for Newcastle, as he has proven over the last year to be one of the best attacking midfielders around at slicing open defences and creating goals for his team-mates.

Newcastle must now push to land Calhanoglu in the final couple of days of the transfer window in order to give Howe his own version of De Bruyne on Tyneside.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces a few contract dilemmas as Glasgow Rangers manager over the coming months, with the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, and Ryan Jack all in the last year of their Ibrox deals.

These should all be players that the Dutchman will be desperate to keep for as long as possible, unless a big money offer comes in, particularly for Kent or Morelos.

One player who Van Bronckhorst might have to think long and hard about, however, is Filip Helander, and the 47-year-old should be ready to part ways with the defender.

Rangers must ditch Helander

Having joined the club from Serie A side, Bologna, in the summer of 2019 for a fee of £4m, Helander formed a solid partnership with Connor Goldson at the heart of the Light Blues’ defence.

The 2020/2021 season was a particular highlight for the player, playing 22 Premiership matches as the team, led by Steven Gerrard, won their first league title in a decade.

Rangers only conceded 13 league goals during the whole campaign, a British record and Helander was an integral part of this side, ranking eighth out of the whole squad as per WhoScored.

Unfortunately, the 29-year-old, who is earning £14.5k-per-week, is far too injury prone to warrant a long-term deal.

In just over three seasons, Helander has missed a grand total of 64 games for the club over a 314-day period. That’s a staggering amount, which included 31 matches last season as Van Bronckhorst had to play natural left back, Calvin Bassey, in a centre-back position to compensate.

Having not featured at all this season, and with the signings of Ben Davies and John Souttar arriving in the summer, the side already looks able to cope without him going forward.

Furthermore, youngster Leon King has broken into the first-team squad and already looks like an exciting talent. If Helander stayed at the club, it could mean yet another defender ahead of him for a place in the starting XI.

There are, of course, many variables Van Bronckhorst will need to consider. Helander is an excellent option to have at the heart of the Ibrox side’s defence without a shadow of a doubt, but with the Swede seemingly on the treatment table more often than the pitch, it will be tough to justify an extended contract. Next year should finally be the time that his time at Rangers comes to an end.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane could end up making a shock move to rivals Chelsea if he doesn’t sign a new deal, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: Kane’s future up in the air

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club for a long time, with Bayern Munich now being strongly associated with a possible swoop for the England captain.

While Kane appears largely happy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his contract expires in the summer of 2024 and there is no sign of him extending his stay just yet.

While a move abroad seems most likely if he were to depart Spurs, a surprise switch to Premier League rivals hasn’t been ruled out.

The Latest: Chelsea move discussed

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Barclay claimed that the idea of Kane going to Chelsea is plausible, amid recent reports that new Blues manager Graham Potter is a big admirer of the 29-year-old.

The journalist said of the Spurs striker:

“You would think that the nearer it gets to the end of his contract, pretty much any club in the world – barring maybe someone like Manchester City just because they’ve got Erling Haaland now – would be interested.

“It doesn’t surprise me with Chelsea. Obviously, they need a long-term number nine because of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s age, so that wouldn’t surprise me.”

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The Verdict: Surely he wouldn’t?

While some Spurs fans may not find it difficult to begrudge Kane a move to an overseas club like Bayern, seeing him exit for Chelsea would be a different scenario altogether.

The rivalry which exists between the two clubs is difficult to overcome, particularly with both clubs now competing for Champions League football annually, so to see Tottenham’s star player join one of their biggest adversaries would be sore to take for the N17 faithful.

It still feels more likely that Kane will end up signing a new deal, with the 29-year-old enjoying life under Conte with 26 goals in 45 appearances during the Italian’s reign so far.

Right now, the idea of him joining Chelsea seems incomprehensible.

Journalist Dean Jones has been reacting to more injury woes for Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard.

The Lowdown: Kamara and Digne join Carlos

Marquee summer signing Diego Carlos is sidelined for the foreseeable after he ruptured his Achilles in the first home game of the season against Everton.

Villa’s luck with injuries hasn’t improved, with midfielder Boubacar Kamara suffering knee ligament damage prior to the international break against Southampton.

Left-back Lucas Digne also suffered a possible stress fracture to his right ankle with France, however, reports since have suggested that the injury isn’t as bad as first feared and that he could return in mid-October.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Jones labelled Kamara and Digne joining Carlos in the treatment room as ‘hugely significant’, adding that it won’t help Gerrard and his Villa side ahead of the trip to Elland Road.

“Losing all three of them is hugely significant. I mean, Gerrard knows that this side are already on the uncomfortable side of tight margin games, and this isn’t going to help them because they’re such key players in what he’s been working towards and hoping for this season.”

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The Verdict: Not good

Villa haven’t had the best of starts to the season and have struggled for goals, scoring just four times in seven games.

Injuries haven’t helped, but with Kamara ruled out of Sunday’s trip to Leeds and Digne unlikely to feature, we could see two new signings make their respective debuts.

Leander Dendoncker could come into midfield in place of Kamara, while Ludwig Augustinsson may well be in line to replace Digne, so at least Gerrard has experienced cover in the two injury-affected areas, but it’s not ideal knowing the trio have all suffered injuries after just seven league games.

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Richard Cawley, who revealed in a recent article for the London News Online that, after missing Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend, Joachim Andersen looks set to once again miss out against the Whites, with the centre-back being yet to recover from a calf injury picked up last Friday.

Huge boost

Considering just how important a part of the Palace side Andersen has become since his €27m (£23.5m) move to Selhurst Park this summer, the news that the 27-year-old is now set to miss Sunday’s meeting is sure to come as a huge boost to Jesse Marsch.

Indeed, over his six Premier League appearances so far this season, the £26m-rated defender has been a rock at the back, helping the Eagles keep one clean sheet, in addition to making an average of 1.7 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 9.8 clearances and winning 6.0 duels – at a success rate of 71% – per game.

The £97k-per-week talent has also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal and creating one big chance, as well as enjoying an average of 77.8 touches of the ball, making 47.3 passes – at a success rate of 81% – finding his man with 7.0 long balls and completing 0.7 key passes per fixture.

These returns have seen the 19-cap Denmark international average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.38, not only ranking him as Patrick Vieira’s best performer in the league but also as the second-best centre-back – behind only Thiago Silva – and the 17th-best player overall in the top flight of English football as a whole so far this season.

As such, with Andersen being a huge threat in both penalty areas, it is clear to see that the absence of the defender will come as a huge boost to Marsch’s chances of returning to Elland Road with all three points in tow – a result that the Whites desperately need having now gone four games without a win.