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It would be an "unbelievable coup" by Aston Villa if they signed Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix this summer, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

How old is Joao Felix?

The Villans have already enjoyed a promising summer transfer window, bringing in both Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres, both of whom have the potential to improve them significantly moving forward.

Another player who have been linked with a move to Villa Park is Felix. The Villans are reportedly leading the race to sign the striker, who looks deemed surplus to requirements at Atletico currently, having been loaned out to Chelsea midway through last season. The Portuguese, who is still only 23, scored four goals in 11 Premier League starts for the Blues, although admittedly never quite got going for the west Londoners.

It looks as though Villa are still in the mix to snap up the former European Golden Boy award winner, in what could be a significant piece of transfer business.

Could Aston Villa sign Joao Felix?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones talked up the idea of Felix joining Villa, admitting that it would be "unbelievable" if they managed to acquire his services:

"Joao Felix would be an unbelievable coup for Villa but there is a fine line here as to whether it is going to be possible. It fits well with the ambition Villa are showing and the direction they want to go in under Emery so from that point of view there’s no doubt he could be an incredible signing.

"He would potentially be one of the best players they have ever had. But if you are going to sign a player like this you need to be willing to invest heavily and that’s where the test will truly come for Villa. We know they are one of the teams this summer with the potential to go big in the market but his wages are massive – last season he was on about £250,000-a-week.

"Let’s see if this can gain some traction in terms of them being able to satisfy personal demands because that’s what clubs always look to before they make a serious offer for a player. If there is scope for a deal then yeah, I think they would go for something like this seriously."

Felix joining Villa this summer really would feel hugely exciting, even though he hasn't necessarily reached the heights many predicted when he won the prestigious Golden Boy prize back in 2019.

He is still a remarkably gifted footballer whose best years could easily still be ahead of him – Alvaro Morata has described him as a "special" player in the past – and he could be someone who thrives being the main man at a club like Villa, being tasked with taking them up a massive gear and raising the level of everyone around him.

Whether Felix is ultimately happy joining a club who aren't in either the Champions League or the Europa League next season remains to be seen, but if Unai Emery managed to bring him in before the new Premier League season gets underway, it could be one of Villa's most exciting signings in many years.

Nottingham Forest completing a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie would be 'pretty sensational', according to journalist Dean Jones.

Is Piero Hincapie on his way to Nottingham Forest?

According to Bola VIP, Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen man Hincapie, who would cost in the region of £34.2 million to entice him to the City Ground.

The report states that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also keen on the Ecuador international; however, Xabi Alonso isn't keen to part ways with his prize asset and has communicated to the Bayer Leverkusen board that he does not want to lose Hincapie.

Bundesliga insider Christian Falk told GIVEMESPORT back in January that Spurs have been casting an eye on the 21-year-old since last summer, stating: "Tottenham still has it's eye on him, already in the summer, but also Arsenal again and Chelsea are visiting what is happening with him."

Tuttomercatoweb also follow up these claims and indicate that contact has been made between Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen as they look to establish a potential deal.

Hincapie made 43 appearances in all competitions last term for Bayer Leverkusen, registering one goal and a solitary assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

His awareness to danger impressed onlookers during 2022/23 as Hincapie racked up 1.7 tackles and 2.5 clearances per match on average in the German top flight, according to WhoScored.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has signalled that he thinks Hincapie joining Nottingham Forest would be a 'sensational' piece of business by Steve Cooper.

Jones told FFC: "I mean, this would be pretty sensational as the player has been linked with big clubs. Not so long ago, I would have thought he might actually be considered too good for Nottingham Forest. If they are willing to stump up the cash, it might be able to happen. It's a lot of money were talking about here, but he's very good."

Who else is on Steve Cooper's radar at Nottingham Forest?

Nottingham Forest fans will hope to see Cooper make some solid additions this term as they try to consolidate themselves in the Premier League.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has detailed that the Reds are keen on signing free agent Willian, stating on Twitter: "Understand Nottingham Forest and also Fulham have sent formal proposals to Willian as he’s currently free agent. Saudi clubs are also approaching the Brazilian winger, one more option. Decision expected in the next days."

Chelsea forgotten man Callum Hudson-Odoi has emerged as another target to bolster the left flank and he also has interest from Fulham and Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian.

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is being primed for a return to the City Ground on a permanent basis as he looks to bring his long-term association with the Red Devils to a close, as cited by Telegraph Sport.

Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Jose Sa is under consideration as an alternative target between the sticks to replace Keylor Navas at the club.

Plenty of arrivals will be expected this summer for the Tricky Trees and they look ready to splash the cash once again to get their favored targets in the door.

With Daniel Farke now at the helm at Leeds United, the Elland Road outfit can begin to truly get their transfer dealings underway, with new recruits no doubt need ahead of next season's promotion push.

One area which looks particularly light at present is the midfield ranks, with January loan arrival Weston McKennie having made his return to parent club, Juventus at the end of last season, while experienced Englishman, Adam Forshaw departed the club last month following the expiry of his contract.

With speculation also rife that Tyler Adams could be set for pastures new after just a solitary season in Yorkshire, there is a growing need to bring in potential replacements as soon as possible, with the start of the new campaign just over a month away.

Amid that need for further midfield depth, Football Insider recently reported that the Whites are set to rival Burnley for the signing of Queen's Park Rangers star, Sam Field, with the 25-year-old now entering the final year of his contract at Loftus Road.

The former West Bromwich Albion man – who made the move to west London on an initial loan deal in 2021 – could prove to be a wise investment as Leeds prepare for life back in the second tier.

How good is Sam Field?

As someone who typically operates in a defensive midfield berth – as well as in a more advanced role – the Englishman could represent a dream replacement for Marc Roca in the centre of the park, with the latter man having been tipped to seal a return to his native Spain after a difficult first season at Elland Road.

The former Bayern Munich man was notably described as "very, very poor" by journalist Dean Jones following the defeat to Fulham back in April, with Farke likely to need to ruthlessly ditch the £50k-per-week dud due to his errant displays last term.

The signing of Field, therefore, could help to nudge Roca out the door, with the QPR man potentially set to offer something of an upgrade in that deep-lying midfield berth.

Previously described as "classy" and "elegant" by former teammate Ben Foster after rising through the youth ranks at the Hawthorns, the 6 foot 3 maestro enjoyed a particularly strong 2022/23 campaign in the second tier, with his ball-winning brilliance showcased by the fact that he averaged 4.3 tackles and interceptions per game from his 46 league outings.

That stellar record is in stark contrast to what Roca achieved in the top flight, with the one-time Espanyol man averaging just 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game from 32 league appearances, having also been dribbled past 1.4 times per game as a marker of just what a defensive liability he was last term.

Field's ability to break up play was also showcased by the fact that he won 64% of his ground duels and 63% of his total duels in 2022/23, with that again far superior to what record achieved for the Yorkshire giants, as he won just 48% of his ground duels and 49% of his total duels.

The current Leeds man was not even able to offer much in the way of an attacking or creative threat after providing just three goal contributions, with that also less than what the former England U20 international notched up in the Championship (four goals and assists).

With the £5.6k-per-week machine evidently capable of thriving in the second tier, a move to bring him to Elland Road would likely represent an astute piece of business, while also allowing Farke to show Roca the door in the process.

Arsenal will be going into "selling mode" over the next few weeks, and Kieran Tierney is a player that could find himself "on the market" should he not have "a clear pathway" into the team, claims journalist Ben Jacobs.

Arsenal transfer news – what's the latest on Kieran Tierney?

It has been an unbelievable start to the summer window for the Gunners this year, with one major signing already confirmed in Kai Havertz, who joined the club from cross-city rivals Chelsea for £65m.

On top of that, the North London side appears to have finally made the breakthrough in the Declan Rice saga for a cool £105m, and if that wasn't enough, talks to sign Jurrien Timber of Ajax look to be entering "the final stages", per Fabrizio Romano.

With all of those incomings, it is perhaps no surprise that the club are now looking to move some of their own players on, with Tierney potentially one of them, per Jacobs.

The 26-year-old Scot was the club's number one left-back until last season when Mikel Arteta welcomed his former player Oleksandr Zinchenko to the Emirates, who has since become the undisputed starter on the left side of the defence.

Newcastle United have been linked with the player for much of the past season, but in a sensational turn of events, his former club Celtic could now sign the dynamic fullback.

According to the Sun, Tierney would consider a move back to Celtic Park should the club come after him, partly thanks to the return of Brendan Rodgers, with whom the player shared tremendous success.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Kieran Tierney and Arsenal?

Jacobs made it clear that the Gunners will be looking to offload a few players following their extravagant spending of late, with Tierney being someone who could find himself on the chopping block over the next few weeks.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think we're gonna see Arsenal going into selling mode resolving the future of players. Kieran Tierney is another one that will either need a clear pathway or will become available on the market."

How good was Kieran Tierney for Arsenal?

It has been a very stop-start time for the ex-Celtic star in North London, with multiple bouts on the sidelines with injuries, only to be effectively replaced in the one season he managed to stay fit for the club.

Speaking to Sport Bible about just one of the many periods he has missed through injuries, he described it as "the toughest time of my life."

However, when he was fit, he was frequently one of the few bright sparks in a period in which the Gunners struggled on the pitch.

According to WhoScored, before this last season, the flying Scotsman never achieved an average rating lower than 6.64 in his three seasons at Arsenal, which is remarkably consistent for a player that has had so many interruptions in his career already.

He has also been exceptional for his national side over the last few seasons, filling in as a centre-half with Andrew Robertson holding down the left-back position.

So good have his performances been with the Scotland manager Steve Clarke describing him as "the best left-sided centre-back that Scotland had ever had."

If Tierney, who has been hailed as "magnificent", can maintain his fitness from now on, whichever team he joins will have an exceptionally gifted player on their hands.

For all the talk of West Ham United needing to replace Declan Rice, it may well be that David Moyes is in the market for a second central midfielder this summer.

The Hammers' Europa Conference League success papered over what was a disappointing Premier League campaign that ended with the club finishing six points above the relegation zone, and a facelift of sorts may be required.

What is the latest West Ham United transfer news?

Moyes' side have been linked with an array of players across multiple positions, but it is no surprise that midfield targets are right at the centre of the gossip.

From James Ward-Prowse and Harvey Barnes to Amadou Onana and Kalvin Phillips, there are countless options for West Ham to choose from when it comes to filling the void left by Rice.

But according to Sky Sports Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, United are further down the line in signing another player. It is claimed that negotiations are already in play with Juventus over a move for Denis Zakaria, who will be eager to prove himself in the Premier League after a forgetful spell at Chelsea last season.

Juve are said to be hoping to sell Zakaria this summer, rather than exploring another loan offer with the chance to purchase, with the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace on wages of around £90k a week, according to Capology.

Is Denis Zakaria a good option for West Ham United?

On the basis of last season, West Ham supporters can be forgiven for questioning exactly why their side are interested in bringing in a player who started only five league games for their London rivals.

Quite simply, it did not work out for the Switzerland international at Stamford Bridge. But that is not to say he cannot have a major impact down the road at the London Stadium.

Indeed, if the rumours are to be believed, Zakaria's arrival could spell bad news for Tomas Soucek. Despite his limited playing time over the past 12 months, Zakaria still ranks in the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for pass completion (88.9%), as per FBref.

That compares to a pass-completion percentage of 71.3% for Soucek, which ranks him in the bottom 7% among his positional peers across Europe's elite leagues.

That ability to keep things ticking along in midfield would come in handy for Moyes, but Zakaria is also strong in other areas. Using data from the 2021-22 campaign while with Serie A giants Juventus, the 26-year-old showed he is comfortable getting the ball past an opponent as he averaged 2.13 take-ons per 90 minutes, compared to 0.54 for Soucek last season.

Zakaria also outperformed Soucek across those respective seasons in terms of carries (32.4 v 17.4) and goal involvement (0.23 goals and assists per 90 v 0.16), though the latter did come out on top for more defensive metrics such as tackles won (1.18 v 0.95) and interceptions (1.69 v 1.36).

As put by former Chelsea player and now BT Sport pundit Joe Cole after Zakaria belatedly made his Blues debut in November's Champions League tie with Dinamo Zagreb, the midfielder looked "excellent" and particularly impressed with his ability to get around the pitch.

Moyes may well have accepted that he will not find a true like-for-like replacement for Rice, with a couple of new players potentially needed to share the workload.

In Zakaria, he can land a player who thrives in many similar areas to outgoing Rice and will prove an upgrade on Soucek in what could yet prove to be an exciting midfield overhaul.

La Liga champions Barcelona are expecting to collect €10 million (£8.5m) from Tottenham Hotspur to sign defender Clement Lenglet, according to reports out of Spain.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Links to centre-backs are going to be prevalent at Spurs for most of this summer transfer window as the Lilywhites chase star defensive options for incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham conceded more top flight goals than any other side above 15th in the Premier League table last season, highlighting their dire need for reinforcements in that area of the squad.

Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, as per recent media sources, is being targeted by Spurs as talks progress – with the Burkina Faso international also very open to joining.

Meanwhile, Juventus defender Gleison Bremer is also on their transfer shortlist with Man United captain Harry Maguire, so the north Londoners appear determined to add quality to their backline.

Lenglet, who spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Spurs, has been linked with a return to the club permanently with Barca looking to balance their wage bill.

According to Spanish news outlet Sport on Monday, via Sport Witness, the Catalans are expecting Tottenham to fork out an £8.5 million bid for the Frenchman this summer.

The cheap price is down to Barca's selling desperation, which has given Spurs a strong negotiating arm to play with as they consider bringing Lenglet back to north London.

What's been said about Clement Lenglet?

The 28-year-old made 26 league appearances for Tottenham last season, amassing a solid 87.5% pass accuracy out from the back, so he could be ideal for Postecoglou's fluid, attacking system.

Lenglet did have his critics over 22/23 but long-serving Spurs number one Hugo Lloris thinks he can be strong in both one-v-one situations and aerially.

"He's a modern defender," said Lloris.

"Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he's strong in the air."

Meanwhile, Spurs pundit John Wenham said Lenglet appears "very reliable" when at his best, having given a glowing review to Football Insider after the centre-back's north London derby performance.

"“The fact he has instantly come in for Ben Davies and we don’t look any weaker, that is a huge credit to him really," said Wenham.

“He’s a new signing to the Premier League, I know he has a lot of experience from Barcelona and with France but he already seems very reliable, like we could drop him in for any fixture.“

Aston Villa reportedly remain in the race to sign one of Unai Emery’s former players in the chase for a La Liga gem.

With Monchi recruited as resident of football operations, the Spanish duo could present Villa Park with a marquee signing in his first bit of business at the club.

What’s the latest on Pau Torres to Aston Villa?

The saga surrounding Villarreal defender Pau Torres’ potential move to Aston Villa has been ongoing since January, with news coming this week confirming the club's desire to sign the Spaniard remains.

Reported by 90min in the winter transfer window, Torres was mentioned as a name that was on Emery’s radar to bring to Villa Park following his decision to trade La Liga for the Premier League at the start of last season.

This week, Fabrizio Romano stated on his Here We Go podcast that Villa were now “pushing” to sign the centre-back.

“They [Tottenham] always appreciated Pau Torres, but at the moment it is Aston Villa, the club pushing for Pau.”

As relayed by 90min, the Spaniard is said to have a €50m (£43m) release clause in his contract with the Yellow Submarine.

What could Pau Torres offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as an “extraordinary talent” by former player and youth coach Javi Calleja, Torres could undoubtedly take Villa’s defence to new heights.

Such claims require support and the Villarreal-born star has recorded numbers that rank him amongst the best-performing centre-backs in Europe over the past year.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in terms of his rate of progressive carries, averaging 2.24 per 90 to showcase his advanced competency of being a ball-carrying defender.

Such traits are lauded in the Premier League, allowing play to build from the back in a quick burst from defence to attack, with Torres possessing attributes in a variety of areas in progressive play including making 5.81 progressive passes per 90.

Emery could sign himself one of the most assured centre-backs on the ball in Europe in signing his former player, having previously stated that he'd “never seen” a central defender like him, via football.london.

While Tyrone Mings was a regular presence for Villa in the 2022/23 campaign, the 30-year-old – who made 35 league appearances – could find himself as part of a positive transition at Villa Park seeing younger stars take centre stage in Emery’s reign.

While the Spaniard’s abilities in progressive play blow the Englishman’s resources in that area out of the water, his defensive attributes show to be stronger also, as highlighted by him averaging 1.27 tackles per 90 to the Villa man’s 0.43.

With Monchi on board in the Midlands, it could finally be time for Emery to be reunited with his former player whom he has been rumoured to have wanted to bring to Villa Park for months.

Liverpool will be in the market for several additions this summer to strengthen ahead of 2023/24 as Jurgen Klopp looks to kickstart a new era at Anfield following the departures of multiple experienced assets.

Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left the building following their contracts expiring at Anfield and are unlikely to be the only players to seek a new challenge this summer.

In terms of potential additions, both Manu Kone and Ryan Gravenberch have been linked with the Reds. At the same time, Alexis Mac Allister has made his move to Anfield.

What's the latest transfer news on Mason Mount?

Another name that had been mentioned in connection to Liverpool previously but now looks set to move elsewhere is Chelsea ace Mason Mount, who has agreed personal terms with Manchester United over a switch to Old Trafford, as per Football Insider.

The Football Insider report states that Manchester United and Chelsea are now 'advancing' over the conditions of the prospective transfer and it now looks like the Red Devils have beaten Liverpool to his signature.

And, it has been reported that Man United look increasingly likely to sign the midfielder, though Chelsea's valuation is a slight issue at the moment.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones thinks that Liverpool will be inconvenienced by the fact that Mount looks set to move to Manchester United.

Jones told FFC: "I mean, it'd be annoying for sure [if Liverpool missed out on Mount]. I mean, they've definitely been in the picture here and they've been kept in touch with what's going on with Mason."

How will Klopp and the Reds feel?

Losing out on a player you're interested in to a rival isn't an easy one to take, especially when you factor in that Mount fits Liverpool's system and homegrown player dilemma. In 2022/23, the 24-year-old made 35 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Following their failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham, Mount. who has been hailed as a "superstar", was thought of by some as an alternative target to the teenage sensation due to his energetic approach and eye for a pass. As per FBRef, Chelsea playmaker Mount has excelled compared to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions in the art of progressive passing, having completed around 5.95 per 90 minutes in the last 365 days, putting him in the seventh percentile for this metric.

WhoScored notes that Mount also carried a goal threat for Chelsea in 2022/23 from the middle of the park and averaged around 1.4 shots per game during the campaign.

Not by coincidence, Mount always seems to be well-regarded by his coaches and former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel singled him out for his application on and off the pitch at Stamford Bridge in an interview back in March 2022, stating: "It is always a pleasure to work with Mason because he is the kind of guy who comes with a smile on his face to every single training session. It is always 100 per cent in matches, he accepts every challenge and that is why it is so nice to work with him."

Manchester United are confident that they can get a deal done to sign Mount, though Erik Ten Hag is wary of the impact the ongoing battle for the ownership of the club may have on their transfer business, as per ESPN.

Nevertheless, it looks like Liverpool's chance to nab Mount from Chelsea has fallen by the wayside, which is a shame given his suitability to Klopp's tactical framework.

Glasgow Rangers are plotting a move for right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer, with Michael Beale looking at improving the depth of his squad.

What’s the latest on Bright Osayi-Samuel to Rangers?

According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Rangers have tabled a bid for the Fenerbahce defender ahead of the transfer window, however, the report states it is unclear how they will respond to this offer.

He could cost the Ibrox side around €10m (£8m) as per A Spor (via Sport Witness) if any deal is to go through, and with clubs such as AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United keeping tabs on the player, Beale must act swiftly if he wants to secure his signing.

Could Rangers sign Bright Osayi-Samuel?

There have already been plenty of departures out of Ibrox, with the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent and Filip Helander leaving on the expiration of their contracts, while Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin could be sold.

Beale looks set to undergo a major rebuild and having already signed three players before the window has even opened, could Osayi-Samuel be the fourth to join the Gers?

The fee could be the only barrier to a move. However, given his qualities on the right flank, he could be an ideal heir to James Tavernier over the next few years. The captain will turn 32 years old during the early stages of next season, and although he has shown no signs of slowing down, registering 28 goal contributions in all competitions during 2022/23, Beale will need to think of someone who could eventually take over from him.

He has scored 101 goals and registered 117 assists for the club, stunning numbers for a right-back and unlikely to be bettered, however, the 25-year-old Osayi-Samuel has spent the majority of his career operating as a winger before dropping to the right side of defence, thereby he knows how to score and create chances.

Indeed, the Nigeria international has 21 goals and 26 assists to his name thus far in his career, while his former manager (and ex-Rangers boss) Mark Warburton has hailed him as someone who “terrifies defenders”, further underlining his attacking capabilities.

This is further justified by the fact he has achieved more successful dribbles per game than Tavernier this term (0.9 to 0.8), although he is still some way short in terms of big chances created (13 to 1) and key passes per game (2.9 to 0.4). However, moving to the Gers could grant him a licence to roam forward in a similar vein to Tavernier and create more opportunities for his teammates.

Beale could make a shrewd investment by signing Osayi-Samuel this summer, especially with his versatility, though an £8m transfer fee could yet be a key stumbling block.

Newcastle United are looking to make a "sensational" move for West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer, according to a new update.

Is Rice leaving West Ham this summer?

The 24-year-old has grown into a wonderful player for the Hammers, and on Wednesday night, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy, following a dramatic late win over Fiorentina in the final.

The general consensus is that that was Rice's last-ever appearance in a West Ham, with the £60,000-a-week midfielder now set for a new challenge this summer. A move to a Champions League-playing club is likely on the cards, and as things stand, Arsenal look like the favourites to snap him.

Newcastle can also promise elite players a place at Europe's top table next season, however, as they approach what has the potential to be a memorable summer transfer window.

In that respect, a fresh claim suggests that the Magpies could be eyeing an audacious move for Rice, as they look to seal some eye-catching business.

Are Newcastle signing Rice?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle "are considering a sensational bid for Declan Rice as they look to hijack Arsenal’s deal", in what is a major update. The report goes on to add that they are "interested in the West Ham star in what would be a stunning swoop".

That being said, the Gunners are still believed to be "leading the race" to snap up the England star in the coming weeks and months, with a "verbal agreement" in place and move to the Emirates potentially just "days away".

Rice could be the perfect summer signing by Newcastle, should they gazump Arsenal and others for his signature, also representing a huge signal of intent if they are chosen as his next club.

The West Ham star has arguably grown into one of the best players in his position in the Premier League, being lauded as "world-class" by former Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley and maturing into a huge box-to-box presence.

In 2022/23, Rice scored four goals and registered two assists in the league, but he also averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, showing that he has become someone who can thrive on and off the ball.

For England, he was also an ever-present at the 2022 World Cup, starting every game, and he could even be a future captain of his country, further outlining why Newcastle signing him would feel so significant.