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Aston Villa are eyeing a move for a former player, as reports link Adama Traore with a potential return to Villa Park.

Unai Emery and Monchi have teamed up in the Midlands to orchestrate a stellar transfer window so far, however, the duo could face their first summer disaster by opting to secure the services of the Spaniard well known in the area.

Is Adama Traore a free agent?

Following the expiration of his contract with Wolves, the winger is officially a free agent this summer.

As reported by Football Insider, the 27-year-old could be part of a ‘surprise move’ for the Villans, who look to obtain another attacking talent following the addition of Moussa Diaby.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Valued at €9.6m (£8.2m) by FootballTransfers, the Spaniard’s value has decreased significantly since his £18m move to Molineux in 2018, which should be a red flag for Villa’s pursuit.

How good is Adama Traore?

Described as a “beast” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the winger is one of the most challenging figures for defenders to come up against in one-versus-one situations on the flanks, however, his threat tends to end prematurely.

In 157 appearances for Wolves, the 5 foot 11 graduate from the infamous La Masia set-up netted just ten goals in the Premier League, highlighting his inefficiency in producing from his take-on efforts.

The Spaniard made just ten Premier League appearances for Villa during his time at Villa Park, ending a lacklustre stay with a move to Middlesbrough after just a year.

A return for the winger could be detrimental to the project that Emery is building with the club, with the player providing very little in his end product throughout the years in the top tier.

Earlier this year, pundit Jason Cundy posed the question on talkSPORT whether Traore was the “most frustrating player a manager could have”, with his poor form in registering goals and assists being a recurring theme for the explosive winger.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the Villans have obtained the services of a lacklustre player with sufficient talent, with Philippe Coutinho’s future in doubt after failing to live up to expectations at Villa Park.

The Brazilian has netted six times in the Premier League in 39 appearances for Villa, making for frustrating viewing for the side who expected to capture the once magical aura of the winger.

Emery could avoid a repeat of the disaster of the Coutinho transfer by swerving a move for Traore, who, unlike the former Liverpool ace, doesn’t have past accolades to fall back on to support his claim to form.

Throughout his career, the Spaniard’s highest-scoring season in England came in the 2017/18 campaign, in which he netted five times for Middlesbrough in the Championship.

For Villa, the ambition showed already in the window and on the field last term should be continued throughout the entirety of the summer, making a move for the dud could halt the tempo.

The club are reported to have the finances to bring in a further winger of moderate value, giving Emery and Monchi further options beyond exploring a deal to restore Traore’s stay in the Midlands.

تحدث تشابي ألونسو المدير الفني لفريق باير ليفركوزن عقب الفوز التاريخي والتتويج بلقب الدوري الألماني للمرة الأولى في تاريخ النادي، وكسر هيمنة بايرن ميونخ على اللقب التي استمرت 11 عامًا متتاليًا.

وحقق باير ليفركوزن فوزًا بخماسية دون رد أمام فيردر بريمن، ليتوج باللقب قبل انتهاء المسابقة بخمس جولات.

وقال ألونسو في مؤتمر صحفي بعد المباراة: “الأمر لم ينته بعد، سنرى إلى أي مدى يمكننا الذهاب، لدي شعور جيد حيال ذلك، ولدينا أهداف عظيمة ما زلنا نريد تحقيقها، لكن يمكننا التفكير في ذلك يوم الثلاثاء، اليوم وغدًا، علينا أن نحتفل”.

وأضاف: “أريد أن أكون بالقرب من اللاعبين، وأتحدث معهم، وباعتباري لاعب سابق أعرف ما يشعرون به”.

وتابع ألونسو: “لدي تعاطف وتواصل مع اللاعبين، وهو أمر مهم في غرفة تبديل الملابس، أحاول الحفاظ على هذا التواصل مع الفريق”.

وتابع بشأن كسر ليفركوزن هيمنة بايرن ميونخ على اللقب: “هذه الكأس ملك لكثير من الناس وعلينا أن نستمتع بها، ربما يكون من الجيد بالنسبة للدوري الألماني وكرة القدم الألمانية أن تفوز الفرق الأخرى، وإنه لمن دواعي سروري أن نكون نحن”.

وأصر: “هذه لحظة خاصة للغاية بالنسبة للنادي، الفوز بالدوري الألماني لأول مرة منذ 120 عامًا هو شيء استثنائي”.

وأتم: “اللاعبون هم الأفضل، هذا هو الفريق الأفضل، أنا فخور جدًا بهم جميعًا، إنه شرف لنا، شرف أن أعمل في مثل هذا النادي”.

Dan Lawrence scored his second century of the season as Essex gained a slender first-innings lead over Surrey before rain curtailed the day

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Chelmsford28-May-2017
Scorecard”If Dan Lawrence goes big” is a phrase you hear a lot around Chelmsford. There are long- and short-term implications. They have him pegged as the next Essex player to represent England and the next in a long line to do them proud. But when a punter uttered that phrase at the car park gates, he meant today.Essex still trailed Surrey by 154 runs and their hopes of safety rested in the hands of a 19-year-old. He allayed fears early doors with a four off his legs that eased them past the follow-on target. Then, with a single to cover off his 199th ball, he brought up his second Championship hundred of the season and sixth of his career.Without his 107 which spanned from lunch on day two to a similar time on day three, Surrey would have been able to turn the screw on Essex. Instead, the visitors were the ones who welcomed the rains most when played was called off with 26 overs still to play.A lot of younger players take to county cricket with ideas above their station. Even the ones that crack it early tend to have the odd patch when age can be a handy excuse for fair-weather attitudes. But Lawrence, in a first-class career only a couple of seasons old, has already developed a reputation as a kid for a crisis.All runs are equal but some matter more than others. Already this season, Lawrence has a seven-hour vigil against Lancashire under his belt: 141 unbeaten runs to fend off the advances of James Anderson, Kyle Jarvis and Ryan McLaren.Essex have never had doubts over Lawrence’s ability: his maiden Championship hundred, also against Surrey, came at the age of 17 years and 290 days and, crucially, at No. 3. While he started out as an opener and spent most of 2016 at No. 5, he says four is his best position, backing his ability to see off the new ball and also motor on from a good start. Responsibility that the club are happy to give him and he is more than happy to embrace.Dan Lawrence made his sixth first-class hundred•Getty Images

So it was no surprise to hear how frustrated he was that he didn’t make this hundred “a big one”. He was trapped in front by Stuart Meaker, trying to make moves into the leg side, with Essex still 113 behind. Luckily by then skipper Ryan ten Doeschate was comfortable enough to open his shoulders, run hard – there aren’t many quicker in the domestic game – and punish any minor error in judgement from Surrey’s bowlers, who had begun to feel the toil of the best part of two days in the dirt.Ten Doeschate’s first half-century of the season was soon followed by Neil Wagner’s first for Essex – and seventh of his first class career – which was frenetic early and devastating later. He took a particular shine to the offspin of Amar Virdi, twice taking a brace of fours off him in an over. The second, back-to-back in the 128th over, brought Essex level with Surrey’s 369.Virdi, though, was able to take solace from his opening three wickets in professional cricket. The all important first came when he tempted a drive out of James Foster and span one sharply through his gate. The second came with the assistance of Ben Foakes, whose sharp work stumped an unbalanced Simon Harmer. The third, that of ten Doeschate, was a clever bit of bowling: using the turn on offer to change his angle to around the wicket and strike the right-hander in front. A debutant spinner who bowls 36 overs on a flat track and returns three wickets and an economy rate of 2.27 is something to be celebrated far beyond Surrey’s domain.Lawrence felt, in no uncertain terms, that weather had saved Surrey from returning on the final day four down for not very many. A handful of near-misses – he counted three drops – allowed Rory Burns to remain unbeaten overnight. Mark Stoneman wasn’t so lucky when he was caught brilliant by Alastair Cook at first slip, who dived in front of where second slip might have been to take an excellent one-handed catch. Surrey lead by 41 and, perhaps, if runs come easy, could entertain a declaration. Essex, of course, eye a simple chase. The pitch, though, might have the final say.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo – Muhammad Usman struck six fours and a six•Peter Della Penna

Half-centuries from Ghulam Shabber, Rameez Shahzad and Muhammad Usman underpinned UAE’s 82-run victory over Papua New Guinea in Abu Dhabi. Mohammad Naveed and captain Rohan Mustafa, meanwhile, made cameos as UAE ran up 292 for 5. Spinners Ahmed Raza and Imran Haider then claimed combined figures of 7 for 79 to dismiss PNG for 210.PNG, though, had started positively in their chase with Tony Ura and Vani Morea adding 82 for the first wicket. Legspinner Haider then claimed three wickets in three overs to jolt PNG. Raza, the left-arm spinner, smothered the middle order further with the lone source of resistance coming from Sese Bau who contributed with 42 off 51 balls. The last five wickets tumbled for six runs as PNG were bowled out in 47.3 overs.Having been inserted, UAE lost Mohammed Qasim early to Chad Soper, but a string of fifty stands from the middle order shaped the innings. Shabber was circumspect, making 50 off 96 balls while Shahzad, Usman and Naveed went at better than a run a ball as UAE threatened the 300 mark. Seamer Alei Nao picked up 2 for 47 on ODI debut.

An update has emerged on Manchester City and their attempts to bolster their defensive options after their treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

What's the latest on Josko Gvardiol to Man City?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Citizens are set to advance their attempts to land RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol this summer.

Pep Guardiola is pursuing a deal to sign the Croatian ahead of next season and the club will need to pay at least £85m in order to secure his signature.

The reporter said: "Manchester City will keep working on Joško Gvardiol deal next week. Talks will enter into advanced stages with Leipzig with new verbal bid. Exclusive story from yesterday: personal terms, 100% agreed. Gvardiol said yes. Leipzig want at least €100m."

Where would Josko Gvardiol fit in at Man City?

Guardiola often deployed a system last season that had four out-and-out central defenders across the back four and Gvardiol could easily slot in on the left side in either position.

The 21-year-old has experience playing as a central defender and as a left-back in his career and the talented youngster could come in as a big upgrade on Nathan Ake in the latter role.

RB Leipzig's stopper has proven himself to be an excellent Bundesliga performer and caught the eye with his exceptional performances at the World Cup last year. He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.16 and made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per match across seven outings in the tournament.

The Croatian defender also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 across 29 Bundesliga appearances in 21/22 and made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game.

Ake, comparatively, has not averaged a Premier League rating higher than 7.08 or managed more than 1.9 tackles and interceptions per outing in any of his three campaigns with City to date, which suggests that Gvardiol has the potential to deliver better performances week-in-week-out.

The "monster" – as the aforementioned Romano once described him – could suit the left-back role in Guardiola's new-look system perfectly as he is adept at progressing the ball through dribbles to get his team up the pitch.

He has averaged 1.63 progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 over the last 365 days in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions, in comparison to Ake's 1.41 per 90.

This suggests that the £19k-per-week colossus could also be an upgrade in terms of how he drives the team forward by dribbling past opposition attackers to open up space for the midfielders and attackers to then receive possession.

Gvardiol is also seven years younger than Ake and, therefore, has many years left ahead of him to grow and develop under Guardiola's coaching, which is another reason why City could land a big upgrade on the Dutchman by securing this deal.

Leeds United reportedly see Daniel Farke as a "serious" candidate to take charge at Elland Road this summer, according to a fresh claim.

Who is favourite to take Leeds job?

The search to be the next Whites boss is ongoing currently, with the club working diligently to ensure that the correct appointment is made this time around.

It could be argued that all three of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce were the wrong choices to sit in the Elland Road hot seat, and it has ultimately led to Leeds being relegated from the Premier League.

Since Allardyce's recent departure, endless names have been linked with the vacant Whites job, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard arguably at the front of the queue, along with the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker, to name a few.

Farke is also a name that has recently been thrown into the hat, however, with journalist Phil Hay name-checking Leeds' interest in him on Saturday, and a new update further suggests that their interest is genuine.

Could Farke be the next Whites manager?

According to Sport1, Farke is a "serious" option to become the Whites' new boss, with "loose" talks being held over a move to Elland Road, having parted ways with Borussia Monchengladbach recently.

The takeover of Leeds by 49ers Enterprises has happened at the same time, suggesting they see Farke as more of a strong appointment that the previous owners, although the timing could simply be coincidence.

The former Norwich City manager could be a really shrewd choice as manager by the Whites, considering he has guided the Canaries to two title-winning seasons in the Championship in the past, showing that he is an expert at getting out of arguably one of the most competitive leagues in Europe.

It is imperative that Leeds make a fast return to the Premier League and don't allow years of good work to completely go to waste in no time at all, and Farke is a strong choice for that reason, compared to the likes of Gerrard and Corberan, who haven't achieved as much to date.

It feels like one of the most pivotal summers at Leeds in many years, in terms of picking the right manager and making key signings to take the team forward – in the 46-year-old Farke, the Whites have a reliable choice who could jump at the chance to return to English football.

Chelsea forward Kai Havertz could ‘definitely thrive’ at Stamford Bridge under new boss Mauricio Pochettino, transfer insider Dean Jones has told Football FanCast.

Chelsea news – What’s the latest on Kai Havertz?

Despite scoring ‘that’ famous goal in Portugal to help the Blues win the Champions League in May 2021, life in west London hasn’t gone entirely to plan for Havertz.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star made the £72m switch to England with a lofty reputation and price tag, but he has generally failed to live up to the expectations many had for him.

The last few weeks have seen several transfer rumours linking the German with a move away from the two-time European champions.

Just this week, it was reported in the German publication BILD that Spanish giants Real Madrid were considering the player, as he is a ‘dream player’ for coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that “Chelsea and Kai Havertz are on the same page”, and the Blues hierarchy is “prepared to let him leave.”

However, not everyone is on the same page, and some think that the 6 foot 4 forward can rediscover his form at Stamford Bridge.

What has Dean Jones said about Kai Havertz and Chelsea?

Jones thinks the coaching of Mauricio Pochettino might be just what the Aachen-born dynamo needs to fulfil his massive potential in England and stresses that despite the rumours, Chelsea aren’t exactly desperate to be rid of the player this summer.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist said:

“Think of how Pochettino sides have played in the past, someone like Kai Havertz could definitely thrive, and Chelsea aren’t desperate to get rid of him. I think that’s important to point out.

“He was signed in line with being potentially one of the best forwards in the world over the next five, six years. They still believe he can become that in the right system.”

Should Chelsea keep Kai Havertz at Stamford Bridge?

This depends on the figures involved in any potential deal to move the player on.

Should Real Madrid come in and pay the reported fee of £75m, per Evening Standard, the club should probably cut their losses and move on, especially after their increased spending over the last year.

However, if there are no buyers at that price point, it might be best to give Pochettino a chance to try and improve the player, especially since his underlying numbers aren’t that bad.

According to FBref, when compared to other attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, Havertz sits in the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals and the top 9% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area per 90.

Whilst not exceptional, there is clearly a foundation there for the former Tottenham Hotspur manager to work with.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has said the team has to shake off any satisfaction of having been competitive in the Chittagong Test against England in order to focus on the second Test in Mirpur. The buzz from the 22-run defeat was still present, however, as the team trained on Wednesday.”Everyone is saying that we played well but we have discussed as a team that we cannot be so happy with so little,” Tamim said. “We won’t be able to improve if we have that mentality. I know we were competitive but we should have won the game. We can take positives from the first Test, like we competed for five days. It would have been a different story had we won the game.”I know our Test record isn’t great but we will try our best in every way to win the next game, which is a belief that is held by every cricketer who plays for Bangladesh. We will try to do our job properly from the first to last ball.”The Chittagong Test was Bangladesh’s narrowest loss in terms of runs, the previous being the 77-run defeat to West Indies in 2012. Tamim, who made 78 in the first innings, said being competitive wasn’t enough anymore; Bangladesh have won only seven out of 94 Tests.Tamim said the team was less focused on the toss, the pitch, or DRS ahead of the second Test, and more on improving the batting and bowling.”I think the less I talk about the last game, the better,” he said. “It was a good Test match, but we lost in the end. Five years from now, it will read that we lost the game. We should stick to the processes and planning that we have. We are discussing more on what we can do with bat and ball, not on the wicket or the toss.”It is not easy to return to cricket after 14 months but I think the players adapted very well. The batsmen moved from T20s to ODIs to Test cricket. We have a number of Tests in the next six months, so we want to use the rhythm from the Chittagong Test for the future.”Tamim said Bangladesh should do better in favourable conditions and batsmen should look to score more runs after they were set. “The wicket in Chittagong was in our favour but we still lost the game. We have to reduce our mistakes and bowl according to the wicket.”Batting wasn’t easy on that wicket but we had our moments. I think we should have stretched those moments a bit. If the wicket remains the same in Dhaka, the batsman should score 20-25 runs more after they are settled.”The second Test against England begins in Mirpur on October 28.

Arsenal have now made an offer of around €80 million (£70 million) to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Who could join Arsenal this summer?

The north Londoners have already begun planning for the 2023/2024 campaign with transfer chief Edu recently admitting as much to the media.

Following Mikel Arteta's attempt to win a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, having narrowly missed out to champions Man City, it is now imperative for Arsenal to build upon this challenge and mount another fight next season.

Arteta is apparently set to instigate a major summer rebuild, according to reports, with Arsenal expecting many ins and outs this summer window (The Mirror).

Central midfield is a major priority for them in particular, and Rice isn't the only player they're eyeing for the position, with Brighton's Moises Caicedo also a target.

Arsenal could also look to sign midfielders for more advanced, playmaking roles – leading to interest in both Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan and Chelsea's Mason Mount (The Mirror).

However, Rice is believed to be their number one target, with Sky Germany sharing what is a pretty significant update on their attempts to sign him.

According to their information, Arsenal have already made an offer of around £70m for the 24-year-old, coming amid Bayern Munich's real interest as well.

Not much else is said on the bid or West Ham's stance on accepting it, though it's apparently on the table.

Bayern manager, Thomas Tuchel reportedly wants Rice at the Allianz Arena, but it's the Gunners who have made their first move, with Liverpool and Chelsea also eyeing a move.

Who is Declan Rice?

West Ham's captain and star player looks set to be one of the major talking points of this summer window.

As per WhoScored, Rice stands out as West Ham's most vital asset – averaging a higher match rating per 90 than any other Hammers star in the Premier League this season.

He is a crucial defensive midfield presence for David Moyes, having made more successful interceptions per top flight game than all of his teammates (WhoScored).

Called "utterly sensational" by members of the media, Moyes has also recently admitted he could leave, potentially opening the door for Arsenal.

"We hope he stays with us. But we are aware that he could also leave us at the end of the season," said Moyes (via Sky).

"There are two scenarios that we plan with. We plan once with Declan in the new season, but the probability it's great that he's leaving."

Tottenham Hotspur's manager upheaval over recent years has unsurprisingly seen them linked with a host of managers, yet the three chosen to succeed Mauricio Pochettino have all come under the same mould.

One crucial characteristic that at least two of them shared was the fact that they were winners, and the hope was that they could bring such a mentality to north London at last.

However, with the dugout once again devoid of a permanent boss and no silverware to show for it, it seems this was yet another failed venture to add to the ever-growing list.

With a new man now needed to take over from caretaker Ryan Mason come this season's conclusion, it seems that chairman Daniel Levy could be set to right the potential wrongs of his former sporting director Fabio Paratici, who pulled the plug on a move to appoint Paulo Fonseca back in 2021.

He has re-emerged as part of a long list of candidates, having excelled lately with LOSC Lille.

However, one negative attribute hovers over the Portuguese tactician that might worry fans. Some might suggest he boasts the club's DNA within him, as across a fine career, the 50-year-old has struggled on the big occasions.

How does Paulo Fonseca play?

Having overseen many philosophical shifts across his various jobs, French football has seemingly seen him revert to predominantly a 3-4-3, with the 3-4-2-1 as a supplementary ideal.

With a play style that demands possession but prefers solidity over a high press, there are shades of Antonio Conte in his current practices in Lille. Despite this, his desire to play through the middle is something which will benefit the style of Harry Kane, should he stick around long enough to reap the rewards.

Journalist and renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, back before the deal fell through in 2021, offered his verdict on how Fonseca might work out at Spurs. Despite the exciting upsides, there remained plenty of downsides that could worry fans.

He claimed:

"He is perfect in the dressing room and perfect in his relationship with the players.

"He had a problem here in Italy with the top matches playing against Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Napoli and never winning a top match and it was something that was criticised by football journalists in Italy."

Despite this, European football expert Andy Brassell remained confident: "He’s a really good coach, there’s no doubt about that. He’s got a strong philosophy and likes to play attacking football."

With beautiful football on show but a soft underbelly that might still remain, it seems Fonseca could be the perfect fit to comply with Spurs' DNA, but not to change it as fans would likely desire.