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Aston Villa could still look to complete the signing of Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in the summer transfer window, expert Dean Jones has claimed.

The Lowdown: Guendouzi linked with Villa move

The Frenchman was strongly linked with a move to Villa Park throughout January as reports even claimed a contract offer was made to the player, as Unai Emery eyed up a former student to reinforce his midfield.

In the end, Guendouzi ended up staying put at Marseille, however, where he has made a total of 20 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season.

The 23-year-old could depart at the end of the season, though, and Villa could be hovering once again when that time arrives.

The Latest: Summer transfer on the cards?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer insider Jones claimed that Villa’s interest in the former Arsenal man could resurface in the summer:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the link came back onto the radar.

“I’d say it also depends how Marseille’s season plays out. I think they had a reasonably good transfer window themselves, and it might be quite an exciting place for him to be.”

The Verdict: Could be a strong option

Guendouzi is someone who could represent an excellent option for Villa moving forward, as he continues to mature as a footballer all the time.

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During his Arsenal days he was still very young and immature, but he is now a key figure for one of France’s leading teams, averaging an 88.8% pass completion rate and 1.2 tackles per game in the league this season, showing both sides to his game.

Guendouzi has been hailed for his ‘contagious’ approach and incredible attitude by Jorge Sampaoli in the past, not to mention making one appearance for France at the 2022 World Cup, and he should be coming into his best years now.

Fresh blood is required in Villa’s midfield, in order to ensure it doesn’t stagnate with the same players in it year after year, and the Marseille leader can be that man to come in and add quality and bite alongside compatriot Boubacar Kamara.

Arsenal journalist for PA Sport Mark Mann-Byrans spotted Mikel Arteta ‘not too pleased’ at Gabriel Martinelli after losing the ball cheaply against Brentford.

The Lowdown: Frustrating afternoon

It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Martinelli at the Emirates Stadium, after he was substituted off for Leandro Trossard just after the hour mark.

He was taken off at a similar time in last weekend’s 1-0 loss away at Everton in the Premier League, and may have been disheartened by the fact that his replacement scored the opening goal against Brentford.

The Latest: Arteta reaction

Taking to Twitter shortly before Martinelli was substituted, Mann-Byrans spotted Arteta’s reaction to him losing the ball in his own half, saying he looked ‘not too pleased’:

“Martinelli losing the ball trying a neat flick in his own half. Safe to say Arteta was not too pleased.”

The Verdict: Back to basics

Martinelli simply needs to get back to basics if he is going to rekindle his form from earlier in the season.

The Brazil international managed seven goals and two assists in the Premier League before this afternoon’s 1-1 draw, but it is safe to say that he has not looked his best in the last couple of games, after being substituted around the hour mark by Arteta.

With Trossard scoring, the manager now has a big decision to make over whether to keep the faith with Martinelli by starting him in a crucial match against Manchester City in midweek, or take him out of the firing line and start the more in-form player in the Belgian.

Insider Dean Jones believes a lot of squad players will not be trusted by Everton manager Sean Dyche and that they “might as well just go and sit in the stands”.

What’s the word?

It seems as though the new Toffees boss is already imprinting his management style on the club, banning hats and snoods in training as he lays down the law.

Seeing as he has already masterminded a win over  Arsenal in his first game since taking over from Frank Lampard, the players will likely already be on board with his changes.

However, it seems as though not every squad member will be treated equally at the club if Jones’ thinking is to be believed. Indeed, the journalist claimed that Dyche will have a trusted circle of about 15 players but anyone outside of that will not be played.

While speaking on Chasing Green Arrows, Jones explained: “He’s going to use about 13 players for the rest of this season. If you’re beyond the 14, 15 players that he likes, you might as well just go and sit in the stands because he won’t pick you.

“He won’t use any subs. He just doesn’t want to do it. He’ll just trust a very minimal amount of players and that will be it.”

Circle of trust

While Dyche has only been in charge of the club for one game, it might have been telling that he only looked to the bench on one occasion – bringing Neal Maupay on for Dominic Calvert-Lewin – and opted against using any of his other four possible substitutions.

That could well suggest that he’ll only trust a select few on game day with potentially only injuries forcing him into mixing things up.

Seeing as the Toffees are out of the FA and League Cup, he won’t have to worry too much about rotation either so opportunities for squad members to impress may well be few and far between.

Jones’ claim is somewhat backed up by Dyche’s last full season in charge of Burnley when he only used 16 players in the Premier League on more than 10 occasions.

It’ll be interesting to see if he employs the same tactic now at Everton. Seeing as the squad currently has 25 senior members, this might not bode well for some.

Lucas Paqueta has dropped a positive injury update on his Instagram account after being forced in West Ham United’s last game.

The Lowdown: Positive news emerges

It will have been painful for David Moyes and West Ham fans to see star midfielder Paqueta forced off with a shoulder injury last weekend after just 14 minutes, especially when Paqueta seemed to be finding his feet in claret and blue shirt, having netted the equalising goal away to Newcastle United the week before.

After costing West Ham £51m, Paqueta has certainly had a tough time of things since joining the Hammers, having missed three games due to injuries and now being set for more time on the sidelines.

The Latest: Paqueta drops encouraging injury update

When Paqueta was helped off the London Stadium pitch last week, many may have feared the worst, however, it looks as though the Brazilian may well have gotten lucky with the severity of his injury, as he took to Instagram to send fans an injury update.

He said (translated from Portuguese): “Passing by to thank everyone’s messages, one more scare, the same shoulder as before just other ligaments, but at least the worst of the problems!! Been feeling a lot less pain and I’m recovering well hopefully be back soon.”

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The Latest: Huge boost for West Ham

The fact that West Ham have started to hit a bit of form in recent weeks, with their only loss in their last seven games across all competitions a defeat to Wolves, it will be huge to know Paqueta isn’t likely to miss too much football.

However, no matter how long he’s out for, Paqueta will be a huge loss for West Ham, as he ranks second for goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (FBref), so he is clearly one of the few players that can get things ticking in the final third.

But this is certainly a chance for the players to step up in his absence and show how good the squad depth is at West Ham – or at least that is what Moyes will indeed be hoping happens in Paqueta’s absence.

Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale has enjoyed a terrific start to life at Ibrox as the English coach remains unbeaten since taking over from Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the break for the 2022 World Cup.

The former Gers assistant manager has won ten of his 11 Premiership matches in charge and won both of his games in the Scottish FA Cup, whilst he has the opportunity to secure his first title in the League Cup final against Celtic next Sunday.

Beale has been able to galvanise the Light Blues squad and is getting the best out of the likes of Alfredo Morelos, who has four goals and two assists in his last five Premiership outings, and Malik Tillman, who has scored in each of his last three appearances in all competitions.

The way the English head coach has been able to get the team firing on all cylinders could make supporters think about how the boss may have helped former Gers players who struggled under the previous management.

One flop who failed to impress during his time under Van Bronckhorst was Switzerland international Cedric Itten, who sporting director Ross Wilson sold to BSC Young Boys last summer for an undisclosed fee.

The striker arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2020 and went on to score eight goals, whilst providing three assists, in 49 appearances for the club in all competitions, after he plundered 36 goals in 63 matches for St. Gallen.

What is Cedric Itten doing now?

Wilson is now enduring a shocker with the centre-forward as Itten has been on fire for Young Boys in the current campaign with the Gers chief now potentially wondering what a coach like Beale could have done for the striker at Ibrox.

Rangers did not get the best out of the Swiss marksman, who journalist Josh Bunting claimed “struggled” in Glasgow, and the striker is now proving his quality in his home country.

The 26-year-old has been in terrific form in all competitions as he has produced an outstanding 12 goals and nine assists in 24 appearances for his new club, including four assists in five Europa Conference League outings.

Itten has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.12 – higher than Kemar Roofe and Morelos have managed in the Premiership – by scoring 11 goals and creating five ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 14 Super League starts this season, whilst also providing 1.1 key passes per match.

These impressive statistics, with 21 goal contributions in 24 games, suggest that Rangers did not get the best out of the forward during his time in Scotland with the Light Blues potentially letting a terrific player slip through their hands had Beale managed to get the chance to work with him.

Therefore, Wilson could well regret cashing in before giving Itten an opportunity to play for another manager after Van Bronckhorst, although it was impossible to predict when he left that the Dutchman would have been sacked as soon as he was.

Leeds United return to action tonight as they travel away from home to face high-flying Premier League rivals Fulham in the FA Cup. 

It marks Javi Gracia’s second game since his arrival, with his debut marking a sensational all-important victory over relegation rivals Southampton. He could truly endear himself to fans of the Yorkshire outfit should they make it two wins from two, continuing their magical cup run into the quarter-finals.

Although the Spaniard will crave as many wins as possible, he will be aware that the priority lies with safety. As such, the head coach may look to shuffle the pack as they face the Cottagers, who sit just six points outside the top four.

One such change that the boss could employ is to finally hand Georginio Rutter another start, with the club-record signing having been starved of action since his big-money move last month.

He can hardly offer less than Patrick Bamford has done of late, with the English marksman failing to hit the back of the next in his last six Premier League matches.

Will Rutter feature against Fulham in the FA Cup?

Rutter’s only start since joining the Whites has been in this competition and the manager could call upon the forward to lead the line this evening. 

It is yet another move that could have fans praising Gracia as the supporters are surely craving some added exposure to the man the club unloaded such big funds on.

Especially given the flashes of brilliance he has shown in his cameos, where the marksman has boasted a lively play style that outlines him as being desperate to try something fresh in an effort to create a moment of magic.

Against Accrington Stanley, his last start, although he missed two big chances he was constantly forging opportunities for himself and those around him with his trickery.

He recorded one key pass, creating an opportunity for one of his teammates, and was successful in two of his three attempted dribbles before being substituted after 76 minutes – as per Sofascore.

The 20-year-old is still incredibly raw but the only way to allow him to hone his skills is to offer him vital match experience at the top level.

This game against Premier League opposition in a cup competition represents a free hit of sorts, as the Frenchman looks to regain the form that led Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig to laud his “blistering pace” and “clinical” nature.

Should Gracia hope to keep his side’s FA Cup dream alive whilst furthering the development of one of his brightest stars, Rutter must start tonight.

Liverpool are showing an interest in the possibility of signing RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Will Liverpool sign Josko Gvardiol?

It was a weekend to remember at Anfield after Jurgen Klopp’s men inflicted a stunning 7-0 defeat on their bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday evening.

And on the back of the victory, there have been suggestions the Reds are still looking to make major improvements to their side in the summer window.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano has shone some light on the Reds’ interest in the 21-year-old who is playing his football in the Bundesliga.

However, it is apparent there are a number of clubs who are looking at bringing the Croatian centre-back, who is endorsed by Adidas, to the Premier League in the summer with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City also credited with interest by Romano:

(1:15) “From what I understand, Liverpool approached Leipzig in January to understand the conditions of the deal. And it was almost impossible to sign Gvardiol in January. But Liverpool have an interest in Josko Gvardiol he’s a player they appreciate.”

What could this mean for Van Dijk’s future at Liverpool?

Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since making the move to Anfield back in 2018.

However, this season has proven a tricky one for the Dutchman with Liverpool enduring an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign on the whole so far.

Even during the winter World Cup, the 31-year-old came under fire for his performances for the Netherlands by the legendary Marco van Basten.

‘Van Dijk is just waiting and watching him shoot. What is he looking at? He needs to be on top of him. He just lets him shoot,’ he said.

But it does seem as if the Reds could be turning the tide in the Premier League with five consecutive clean sheets in which Van Dijk has been involved in the last four.

At the age of 31, the Dutchman certainly has a few years ahead of him but only two further seasons remain on his current deal with the Reds.

With this in mind, it could be viewed as Gvardiol, who fans would be “very happy” to see join, being a potential long-term replacement for the Premier League veteran who has racked up over 200 appearances in the English top flight.

And comparing the two players’ campaigns so far, the Croatian has provided Leipzig with more shot-creating actions, tackles and passes per 90 minutes (via Fbref).

So it does seem as if Gvardiol could be a player who could provide Liverpool with a long-term option at the back but the notion of them playing together over the next couple of seasons could be a mouthwatering prospect.

Phil Hay believes that Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto has to start shaking up his game after being dropped on the weekend.

The Lowdown: Leeds need inspiration in the final third

Gnonto was a surprise signing over the summer from FC Zurich after Leeds missed out on bigger-name targets such as Bamba Dieng and Cody Gakpo, but he’s proved himself to be a bargain recruit.

The Italian winger has already racked up eight caps for his national side despite being just 19 and it’s no surprise why as he’s taken the Premier League by storm since arriving in the summer.

However, it appears as though Javi Gracia isn’t completely sold on Gnonto and him being the man to keep Leeds in the division as he was dropped on Saturday against Chelsea being afforded just 22 minutes.

The Latest: Gnonto is being worked out

While Hay acknowledges how good Gnonto has been for Leeds, he’s insisted on The Phil Hay Show that other teams have now worked him out, so he must start offering something different to games.

He said: (26:30) “Gnonto is somebody they’re going to need some output from before the end of the season.

“I think what I’ve noticed from him, and I guess the issue for him, is that it does seem after that period where he could do no wrong and was having such a big impact on games it does seem as though analysts and managers across the league have applied a clear eye to that and said this is somebody we need to keep a handle on and somebody we need to negate, double up on and whatever it is we do to stop him having the freedom of the pitch.”

The Verdict: Gracia must keep working with Gnonto

Leeds fans will be hoping that the dropping of Gnonto – who Hay believes will be in the running for ‘Player of the Year’ – was just a tactical tweak and not a sign of things to come from now until the end of the season.

Gnonto has certainly surpassed many people’s expectations as even his former manager Jesse Marsch insisted he was a signing for the Under 21s originally, before being forced to bump him up into the first teams such was his natural ability.

Costing Leeds just £3.8 million in the summer could well turn out to be one of the bargains of the season, Leeds will now just be hoping Gracia can get even more out of him, or lose him when they’d drop down into the Championship.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is now the ‘lead contender’ to succeed Antonio Conte at Tottenham, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte leaving?

It is widely expected that Conte, whose contract expires at the end of this Premier League season, will depart north London.

Spurs have the option to extend his stay by an additional 12 months but reports suggest that is very unlikely, especially after their Champions League last 16 defeat to AC Milan.

Conte’s potentially imminent departure has resulted in links to many different big name replacements, including Mauricio Pochettino, but The Athletic have shared a new favourite for the role.

The Latest: Enrique enters pole position…

According to the reliable news outlet and journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke, ex-Spain head coach Enrique is now the ‘lead contender’ to succeed Conte.

Indeed, even despite Pochettino’s availability, it is believed that the 52-year-old is likely to be top of Fabio Paratici’s managerial shortlist which has been drawn up.

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The Verdict: Major name…

Having clinched two La Liga titles with Barca and a Champions League-winner’s medal, Enrique is perhaps one of the most prestigious names on Tottenham’s list.

Indeed, the Spaniard has worked with countless footballing stars at both club and international level – including the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi, Andreas Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Xavi.

Of course, Spurs arguably do not possess that level of quality, but they’ve certainly got enough talent in their roster for a manager like Enrique to come in and make a difference.

Called a ‘genius’ by members of the media, he also encourages a 4-3-3 attacking formation and would bring a welcome alternative approach to Conte’s pragmatic style.

Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerreiro as a free agent in the summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Guerreiro is out of contract at Dortmund this summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old would certainly not be short of suitors, having amassed an impressive four goals and nine assists in 26 games in total over all competitions so far this term, mainly from the left-back position (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Newcastle interest

Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Guerreiro is ‘wanted’ by Newcastle, among a whole host of other clubs, as a free agent this summer.

Teams from both Italy and Spain, as well as some of Dortmund’s rivals in Germany, have also made their interest known, while Leeds United, Aston Villa and Wolves are also all believed to be interested in his signature.

Burnley, who are currently in the Championship at the moment but look set to make a swift return to the Premier League under Vincent Kompany, are also thought to be thinking about making an ‘audacious’ attempt to try and sign Guerreiro, while the Magpies have also looked at Arsenal and Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney as a potential alternative.

The Verdict: Statement signing

Guerreiro would certainly be a statement signing from the St. James’ Park outfit, as he has the potential to completely transform their backline for the next campaign.

Boasting a total of 214 appearances for Dortmund over all competitions, where he has notched up an impressive 38 goals and 45 assists from defence (four goals and 13 assists in 61 senior caps, including three goal contributions at the most recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Hailed as an ‘amazing player’ by his manager at Dortmund Edin Terzic, and someone who ‘oozes class’ by journalist Josh Bunting, Guerreiro would be sure to make the left-back spot his own should he make the move to the Magpies, with Dan Burn, who has Eddie Howe so far this campaign, primarily a central defender by trade.

Guerreiro actually shares the same agent as the Magpies boss, and if the North East club could snap him up on a free transfer this summer it could turn out to be a real bargain in the future.