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.

أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم طاقم تحكيم مباراة باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي وبرشلونة الإسباني في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، غدًا الأربعاء.

باريس سان جيرمان يستضيف برشلونة غدًا على ملعب بارك دي برانس “حديقة الأمراء”، ضمن ذهاب دور ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، قبل أسبوع من تكرار المواجهة إيابًا على ملعب لويس كومبانيس “المونتجويك” في إسبانيا.

الاتحاد الأوروبي قرر تعيين طاقم تحكيم إنجليزي لإدارة المباراة التي ستجمع بين الفريقين للمرة الأولى منذ 3 سنوات، عندما خسر برشلونة في مباراتي دور الـ16 من موسم 2020\2021، 5-1 بنتيجة المباراتين.

طالع أيضًا.. ريال مدريد يتوجه بطلب إلى يويفا قبل مواجهة مانشستر سيتي

وسيدير المباراة، الدولي الإنجليزي أنتوني تايلور، ويعاونه في الملعب الثنائي جاري بيسويك وآدم نان، وروبرت جونز حكمًا رابعًا.

بينما يتواجد في غرفة الفار، كل من ستيوارت أتويل ودافيد كوت.

وقاد أنتوني تايلور هذا الموسم مباراة لـ برشلونة هذا الموسم في دوري أبطال أوروبا كانت في دور المجموعات وفاز بها البلوجرانا 1-0 على بورتو في البرتغال، وأشهر البطاقة الحمراء في وجه جافي، لكنه لم يدير أي مباراة لفريق باريس سان جيرمان.

تاريخيًا، أدار أنتوني تايلور 6 مباريات لـ باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا، ولم يخسر بطل فرنسا معه أبدًا، حيث فاز في 5 مباريات على يوفنتوس وريال مدريد ومباراتين ضد بوروسيا دورتموند وأخرى أمام شاختار، بينما تعادل مع برشلونة المرة الوحيدة.

فيما كان صاحب الـ44 عامًا مسؤولًا عن 4 مباريات لـ برشلونة، وكان الفوز الوحيد للفريق في هذا الموسم على بورتو، لكن النتائج الثلاث السابقة، تعادل مع أولمبياكوس وباريس، وخسر من بايرن ميونخ 3-0.

West Ham United appear to be belatedly ready to begin their summer transfer spending frenzy with the addition of two new signings this week.

Who have West Ham signed so far?

United have waved goodbye to Manuel Lanzini since the end of last season, while Declan Rice's £105m switch to Arsenal is on the brink of going through, but no new players have been brought in.

After kicking off their pre-season campaign with a 4-1 win over Boreham Wood at the weekend, it looks likely that West Ham are now in a position to start getting deals over the line.

Denis Zakaria and Luiz Felipe are reportedly close to arriving from Juventus and Real Betis respectively, while Daily Mail reporter Jack Gaughan suggests the Hammers are also showing an "interest" in Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

It is claimed that London rivals Fulham are also interested in the England U21 international, who is valued at £15m by City as he enters the final year of his existing contract.

Is Taylor Harwood-Bellis a good player?

The 21-year-old's stock is particularly high at this moment in time as he has just skippered England U21s to their first European title in 39 years, fresh on the back of winning the Championship with Burnley last season.

Harwood-Bellis was stood out in the heart of the second tier's best defence last season, leading the way as he did among Burnley players for interceptions (1.8 per game), blocks (0.7 per game) and aerial duels won (2.8 per game), as per WhoScored.

The defender has also impressed on loan at Anderlecht, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers, with the then-manager of the latter, Tony Mowbray, hailing his "warrior" like attitude in wanting to win every ball.

Burnley do not appear to be in the running to sign Harwood-Bellis permanently, but the Englishman is clearly now ready to make the step up to the Premier League, rather than spending another year learning his trade elsewhere.

If those aforementioned statistics were not enough to tempt West Ham, the Irons have a good success rate when it comes to signing players from City down the years, including fellow defender Pablo Zabaleta in 2017.

Zabaleta was at a completely different stage of his career than Harwood-Bellis, having arrived at West Ham as a 32-year-old with 12 seasons of top-flight football under his belt, but the omens are certainly positive.

The former Argentina international would go on to play 80 times for West Ham over three seasons, before announcing his retirement in an emotional open letter on the club's official website in 2020.

Harwood-Bellis, who has been on City's books since 2008, will hope to have an even bigger impact than Zabaleta should he join West Ham. Like Zabaleta, the Stockport native will arrive with a point to prove, having been effectively deemed not good enough for City.

As a player who ranks in the top 1% of all centre-backs over the past year for passes attempted in the eight leagues most comparable to the Championship (85.09 per 90), as per FBref, and in the top 11% for interceptions (1.92 per 90), there is no reason why Harwood-Bellis cannot now make a name for himself in the Premier League for a number of years to come – much like Zabaleta did across his spells with City and West Ham.

Rangers and Nottingham Forest are still working on a deal for Jonathan Panzo, but the proposed switch has not advanced much further in the past week, according to a recent report from Football Scotland.

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

Transfer insider Dean Jones suspects that Rangers may still have some work to do in the transfer market, despite already bringing in a number of players, recently telling GiveMeSport:

"I think it's seven they've got through the door already, at least a couple more to follow. The Cifuentes one is being held up a bit, but even with that, I don't think Rangers are finished yet. I'm expecting another forward player and another defender as well to be signed."

One defender the Gers are still considering a move for is Auston Trusty, who could be leaving Arsenal this summer, however, they now face a transfer battle, with English Championship side Ipswich Town also joining the race for his signature.

Panzo has been a target for the Light Blues for quite some time, with talks being held over a deal for the Nottingham Forest defender well over a month ago, and there has now been an update on their pursuit.

According to a report from Football Scotland, the deal is still being worked on by both clubs, but there has been very little progress in the past week, with Rangers aware it is likely they will need to pay £2.5m to secure his signature. Michael Beale is keen to add the 22-year-old to his squad, despite the recent arrival of Leon Balogun on a free transfer.

The player's salary has been put to the Light Blues, but there has been no recent movement while they are out in Germany for their pre-season training camp, and the deal does not appear to be edging any closer to completion.

Who is Jonathan Panzo?

Hailed as an "exciting young player" by Forest boss Steve Cooper, the centre-back started his career at Chelsea, making a handful of appearances at youth level, before going on to test himself in Ligue 1 with AS Monaco and Dijon, and in the Jupiler Pro League with Cercle Brugge.

Despite his age, the Englishman already has a considerable amount of first-team experience, emerging as an important player for Coventry during their push for the Premier League last season, making a total of 32 appearances in all competitions.

Forest U21s coach Dave Rogers has also praised the 6 foot 1 defender, who is represented by the same agent as Ben Davies, saying:

"He is a great professional. He's enthusiastic and has got good experience and energy too. He brings a great vibe to the dressing room too."

Over the past year, the former Monaco man ranks highly across a number of key metrics for defenders, when compared to players at a similar level, ranking in the 95th percentile for interceptions per 90, and in the 85th percentile for tackles. Therefore, Panzo could be a fantastic addition for Rangers, and Beale may well be hoping that more progress can be made in the coming days and weeks.

Alex Wakely led the way with 83 as Northamptonshire defied the elements and sealed a dramatic two-wicket win with one ball left in the Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network05-Jun-2017
ScorecardSkipper Alex Wakely led the way with 83 as Northamptonshire defied the elements and sealed a dramatic two-wicket win with one ball left in the Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.With the floodlights on for the last ten overs and steady rain falling in the final ten minutes, the visitors finished the task of scoring 100 in 17 overs by scampering a bye to the wicketkeeper.Needing 161 with nine wickets standing, no play was possible until 3.05 and tea was taken after 35 minutes when 56 had been added in nine overs. That meant a further 105 were required from 33 overs, but only one over was bowled after the break before the rain returned.The 5pm resumption favoured the NatWest T20 Blast holders against Durham’s inexperienced attack, who were bravely led by Paul Coughlin, who finished with match figures of 10 for 133.Rob Newton cut and pulled Gavin Main for two fours in the second over of the final chase to reach 50 but then miscued Coughlin to deep mid-on to end a stand of 123.Wakeley, who had begun the day on 18 and raced to a 58-ball half-century before the break, continued to score at the required rate and had the target down to 47 when he was narrowly run out attempting a second run to deep point.Rob Keogh skied a return catch to Coughlin and Rory Kleinveldt holed out at long-off. But Barry McCarthy was denied a second wicket when, with 26 needed off four, Josh Cobb was dropped at long-on by Michael Richardson.The last ball of the over soared over the same fielder for six and Cobb, the match-winner against Durham in last year’s T20 final, had all but finished the job when he was caught at third man in the final over.Alex Wakely did the job for Northants•Getty Images

Wakely said: “We tried our best to lose it at the end, but we had the upper hand from the first day and it’s a good feeling to come away with a win we really needed.”The weather threatened to deny us, but we were always holding on to a hope that there would be an opening and we felt 20 overs at the end was all we needed.”With his side even further adrift than at the start of the season, Durham coach Jon Lewis said: “We were well aware of the size of the points deduction, so that’s not an excuse. The loss of personnel is a bigger factor. We are a bit light on battle-hardened campaigners and need to work on maintaining standards over four days.”

Oman are one step closer to replicating Afghanistan’s dramatic rise up the WCL ladder from 2008-09 after they stormed past Malaysia by 131 runs at Lugogo Stadium to top the WCL Division Three table. The result helped them secure their third consecutive promotion.Naseem Khushi was the latest player to make hay with the short boundaries at Lugogo, smashing four fours and eight sixes in an unbeaten 77 off 30 balls in a late surge that took Oman to 293 for 7, after they had been sent in. It was the third fifty of the innings and the quickest after 61 off 76 balls from Aqib Ilyas and 51 off 69 balls from captain Sultan Ahmed.Malaysia went pedal to the medal early in their chase in a desperate attempt to both win and do it fast enough to take their net run rate above Uganda and USA in order to avoid relegation. They reached 94 for 3 in 10.4 overs on the back of opener Anwar Arudin’s 33-ball fifty. His innings, however, ended when slingy fast bowler Munis Ansari had him caught behind for 57 off 35 balls at the end of the over. Malaysia subsided meekly thereafter to be bowled out for 162 in 33.1 overs.Ansari, who had struggled all tournament with just one wicket coming into the match, ended with 4 for 47 while legspinning allrounder Khawar Ali wiped out the tail to finish with 5 for 23.File photo – Rizwan Cheema’s 35-ball 42 was not enough for Canada to topple Singapore•Associated Press

Singapore completed a sweep of the North American contingent at Division Three with a two-run win over Canada at Kyambogo Oval. Canada still gained promotion despite an equal 3-2 record with Singapore thanks to a vastly superior net run rate, the tournament tiebreaker, while Singapore’s win ensured they avoided relegation.Their net run rate was worse than both USA and Uganda at 2-3, so a loss would have sent them back to Division Four but Canada collapsed with victory in sight. Chasing 167, they lost their last four wickets for 17 runs to be all out for 164 with 12 overs left unused.Singapore’s innings was anchored by Anish Paraam’s 58 off 75 balls at No. 3 after they had been sent in. But when he fell to to Bhavindu Adhihetty in the 32nd over to make it 147 for 7, Singapore’s tail lasted less than five overs, before they were wiped out by Adhihetty and Saad Bin Zafar, who finished with 3 for 10 and 2 for 39 respectively.Canada’s chase got off to a rocky start when Adhihetty fell for a duck off the third ball and they lost wickets at regular intervals thereafter. Allrounder Rizwan Cheema looked set to take Canada over the line with 42 off 35 balls, including five fours and two sixes, but he fell to Anantha Krishna with eight needed to win. The legspinner kept his composure under pressure to also dismiss Hamza Tariq and then Saad Bin Zafar with just four needed to win to put Singapore one wicket away from victory.Canada only lasted two more balls before last man Cecil Pervez was run out, going for a second run off Krishna, ensuring Singapore were spared relegation in dramatic fashion.Elmore Hutchinson’s half-century at No. 9 set up a dramatic finale at Entebbe to save USA from relegation•Peter Della Penna

USA saved their place in Division Three in similarly dramatic circumstances with a 13-run win over Uganda at Entebbe, sending the hosts back to Division Four.Set a target of 146 to win, Uganda needed to get to 141 in spite of a loss to stay above USA on net run rate. But USA’s spinners wreaked havoc on a track offering significant turn with Steven Taylor taking 5 for 32.When Taylor dismissed Frank Nsubuga for the ninth wicket in the 30th over, Uganda still needed 27 runs to overtake USA on net run rate and they nearly did it as tailender Henry Ssenyondo provided valiant support, lasting 42 balls, to captain Davis Karashani. With Taylor, Mrunal Patel (1 for 27) and Nosthush Kenjige (2 for 43) all bowled out, Taylor tossed the ball to pacer Jessy Singh for a steady diet of yorkers until one finally broke through Karashani’s defense and clipped leg stump to finish off Uganda for 132 in 43 overs.Though Taylor claimed five wickets, it was Elmore Hutchinson who took home the Man-of-the-Match honors after hitting 52 off 50 balls from No. 9. USA had been reduced to 104 for 9 in the 44th over but Hutchinson scored 39 out of the last 41 runs in a 10th wicket stand with Kenjige. The last over of the innings saw Hutchinson strike two fours and a six off Jonathan Sebanja in a back-breaking sequence that ended up being the difference in keeping USA up and sending the hosts down.Oman will play Canada in the tournament final at Lugogo on Tuesday. USA will face Singapore in the third place match at Kyambogo while Uganda and Malaysia will square off at Entebbe in the fifth place playoff on the same day.

Liverpool could accelerate their interest in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia if Fabinho leaves the club for Saudi Arabia in this window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Romeo Lavia going to Liverpool?

Football Insider report that Liverpool are preparing a formal bid for Southampton midfielder Lavia and Jurgen Klopp is said to be 'extremely keen' to bring the Belgium international to Anfield.

The outlet adds that any offer may be contingent on finalising the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson amid interest in their services from Saudi Arabia. Fabinho has a £40 million offer on the table from Al Ittihad; meanwhile, former Liverpool man Steven Gerrard is keen to take Henderson to the Gulf region and the 33-year-old is keen to reunite with his ex-teammate.

talkSPORT understand that the Reds have moved ahead of Chelsea in their pursuit of Lavia, who is valued at around £50 million by Southampton despite their drop into the Sky Bet Championship.

Chelsea recruitment co-director Joe Shields thinks highly of Lavia and has recommended him to Mauricio Pochettino as a player that has a lot of potential to develop into a Premier League star.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter earlier this year that Manchester City have a buyback clause worth £40 million that will activate in 2024, stating: "Romeo Lavia will be one to watch in the summer. Man City £40m buy back clause, valid in 2024. Chelsea [wanted him last summer] and Arsenal [still keen on Caicedo too] among clubs interested – Southampton hope to keep him."

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Liverpool could accelerate their efforts to land Lavia if Fabinho jets off to Saudi Arabia between now and the close of play.

Jacobs told FFC: "Liverpool have always been interested in Lavia; they've explored the deal seriously. We should mention Arsenal and Chelsea because they could still enter the race, but at the moment, it looks like Liverpool are slightly more active because Arsenal have been focused on getting Rice over the line. Chelsea have focused on Caicedo, so it's not to say that other suitors couldn't enter the race, but Liverpool have looked at the deal and could well move on the deal if Fabinho ends up going to Saudi Arabia."

Would Romeo Lavia be a good replacement for Fabinho or Jordan Henderson?

Liverpool look set to have a completely different midfield this campaign compared to years gone by and the notion of both Fabinho and Henderson being absent from the engine room would be a strange sight at Anfield.

Nevertheless, Lavia, who has been hailed as an "absolute monster", is a youngster with supreme potential and could form part of an exciting trio behind Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Last term, the Belgian enforcer made 34 appearances in all competitions with Southampton, registering one goal and a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

The 19-year-old is no stranger to getting stuck in for his side and managed to amass 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per match in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

FBRef show that Lavia is adept at driving his team forward from the middle of the park, evidenced by the fact he successfully carried out 41 shot-creating actions over the course of the season.

If a couple of experienced Liverpool midfielders do leave the club, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Klopp replenish that area of the field with some younger reinforcements such as Lavia.

Liverpool could still potentially be in the mix to sign Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard this summer, according to an update from journalist Christian Falk.

Have Liverpool been linked with Benjamin Pavard?

The £116,000-a-week-earning Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive career to date, enjoying a huge amount of success at both club and international level. He won the 2018 World Cup with France, scoring a memorable goal against Argentina in the knockout stages, and he has also tasted Bundesliga title glory on four occasions, not to mention winning the Champions League once for good measure.

Despite this, it does look as though Pavard could have reached the end of his time at Bayern, considering his current deal expires next summer and he is yet to agree an extension. There seems to be no sign of him changing his mind on that, meaning the German giants could look to cash in on him now, rather than lose him on a free transfer in 2024.

Liverpool are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old in the recent past, as the Reds possibly looking to bring in defensive reinforcements this summer. They have now received a boost in their pursuits of him, following an important update from a reliable journalist.

Could Liverpool still sign Benjamin Pavard?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Falk admitted that Pavard wants to leave Bayern this summer and that all of the Premier League's top six clubs will be alerted to the situation, which includes Liverpool:

"Bayern Munich has no offer at the moment on the table, but he's told the club he won't sign a new contract. So, Munich now want to sell him.

"So, I'm sure that there will be an offer in the next weeks from a Premier League club."

Pavard could actually be a very astute signing by Liverpool if their interest is serious in him, considering the experience and winning mentality he has built up over the years for both club and country. At 27, he is very much in his peak years of his career, and the fact that he is adept at playing at both right-back and centre-back makes him a dream when it comes to versatility.

The 49-time capped France international could be viewed as strong backup option to Trent Alexander-Arnold, or even a key starter if the Englishman ends up playing in midfield at times moving forward – Thomas Tuchel has called him "underrated" and a "top team player" – although he may want to be starting matches every week, which could be a stumbling block.

Liverpool could get Pavard in a cut-price deal, however, considering his contract situation, and while far from the most spectacular full-back around, he could be a really strong squad option. A left-footed defender who can play centrally and on the left could take precedence, though, further putting doubt over the move happening.

Tendai Chatara’s third five-wicket haul in List A matches ensured Netherlands were skittled out for 142, a total that Zimbabwe had no trouble chasing

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jun-2017Zimbabwe 144 for 4 (Ervine 44) beat Netherlands 142 (van Beek 64*, Chatara 5-34, Mpofu 3-30) by six wickets
ScorecardFile photo – Tendai Chatara removed five of the top six Netherlands batsmen•AFPZimbabwe eased to a six-wicket win in Amstelveen after their pacers, led by Tendai Chatara who took his third List A five-wicket haul, skittled Netherlands out for 142 in under 38 overs. That total looked rather unlikely when Chatara and Chris Mpofu – who finished with three wickets – had Netherlands reeling at 40 for 8, but an unbeaten 64 from Logan van Beek saved the hosts some blushes. Still, Zimbabwe got to their target with 19.4 overs to spare as Craig Ervine top-scored with 44.Netherlands openers Wesley Barresi and Stephan Myburgh were the first to go, falling in Chatara’s second and third overs respectively. The score was 22 for 2 then but four overs and six runs later, Chatara struck again, this time twice in two balls to send back both Michael Rippon and Roelof van der for ducks. When Mpofu took out Ben Cooper for 6, Netherlands had lost five batsmen inside 10 overs, and had to wait till the ninth-wicket pair for some semblance of a partnership. Van Beek combined with No. 10 Timm van der Gugten (34) to put on 86 runs to delay the inevitable and remained unbeaten on 64 off 83 balls with six fours and one six.

Aston Villa are believed to be interested in signing Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Was Weston McKennie a flop at Leeds?

The £49,000-a-week American is currently a Juventus player, with his deal there expiring in the summer of 2025, but it looks as though he is likely to move on in the current window.

Back in January, McKennie joined Leeds United on loan, coming in as what looked like an exciting signing for the Whites, and one that could help them pull clear from the Premier League relegation zone after a poor first half of the season. Instead, there is no question that he was a disappointment at Elland Road overall, ultimately failing to help his team remain in the top flight.

The 24-year-old made 19 appearances in the league for Leeds, not managing to score once and only registering one assist in that time, and his time there went "badly, very badly indeed". Unsurprisingly, there was little talk of McKennie joining permanently at the end of last season, given the Whites' relegation to the Championship, and the midfielder's future remains up in the air.

With Villa continuing to look at summer transfer business of their own, however, it looks as though the Juve man could be a target for them, according to a new update.

Are Aston Villa signing Weston McKennie this summer?

According to Italian publication Calciomercato [via The Boot Room], the Villans are keen on the idea of signing McKennie this summer, with the USA international wanting to prove himself again in the Premier League. They are far from alone in being the only club interested, however, with Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray also mentioned in the report.

While Juve are believed to have wanted £34.2m for his services at one point, there are now willing to sell him for "drastically" less than that, accepting that his stock has fallen a little in recent months.

There is no doubt that some Villa fans would have reservations about the club bringing in McKennie, due to the level of his performances for Leeds, but they are in a better position than the Whites were, and he could thrive alongside superior players, also feeling more at home if the move is a permanent one.

It shouldn't be forgotten that the midfielder enjoyed a good 2022 World Cup campaign with the USA, making four starts in impressive fashion, and he has also been hailed as "excellent" by journalist Adam Pope during one performance for Leeds, so seemingly can turn it on in the right setting.

At 24, McKennie has lots of improving to do still, and could reap the rewards of playing under Unai Emery, so if the Villa boss sees him as a strong option, his superb performance as manager to date suggests that he and new transfer guru Monchi be trusted in their decision-making.

The Juve ace could come in and provide good competition for place in the middle of the park, while Villa's UEFA Europa Conference League commitments in 2023/24 also heighten the need for the squad to be rotated sensibly, and he could add the desired squad depth to aid that.