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Aston Villa have ‘no intention’ of parting ways with Danny Ings this summer, Sky Sports report.

The Lowdown: Exit rumours

Ings made the move to Villa Park last summer from Southampton in a deal worth £26.48m. The 29-year-old made 31 appearances in his first season as a Villa player, scoring seven times and registering six assists.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Steven Gerrard would be willing to part ways with Ings this summer to make room for a new marquee attacker, however, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Sky Sports provided a live TV update regarding Villa and Ings on Monday afternoon.

They were told ‘in the last few minutes’ that Villa have ‘no intention of selling’ Ings despite rumours of a move to Manchester United or Leeds United, adding that Gerrard sees Ings as an ‘integral part of his squad’.

The Verdict: Good news

Villa are fairly short of centre-forward options, with Ings and Ollie Watkins the two recognised strikers in the Midlands.

Keinan Davis and Cameron Archer spent the second half of last season out on loan in the Championship, so keeping hold of Ings appears to be the correct call.

Gerrard found success in a system using two centre-forwards, so bringing in another striker to challenge Ings and Watkins could be the better decision, and hopefully we will see that come to fruition ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge.

In other news: Villa now receive ‘official proposal’ for player with ‘unbelievable’ work rate. 

Jurgen Klopp faces the almighty task of breaking up a frontline that has led Liverpool to glory over the previous four seasons and contributed a mind-blowing number of goals between them.

The supporters might be facing up the fact that it could be the end of the line, at least for Sadio Mane anyway, with Bayern Munich increasingly linked with the player and having a first offer rejected by Liverpool.

Klopp’s recruitment strategy is excellent, however, and the signings of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have been superb. The two have settled in with ease at Anfield.

There could be another Klopp masterclass this summer too, with the club linked with Leeds United player Raphinha recently, who could well become another key part of the squad.

Lining up a move for the Brazilian right-winger makes a lot of sense, he has scored 11 times this season, whilst providing three assists as Leeds narrowly escaped relegation.

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The move could cost Liverpool around £60m, but judging by his performances this season, it could be a wise move. Klopp reportedly wants him and they simply have to acquire his services.

He has been dubbed a “magician” by Daniel James and if Klopp wants to build a team that can compete once the likes of Salah and Mane are gone, he doesn’t have far to look.

The 25-year-old has made 3.67 shot-creating actions per match in the league this season whilst also adding in 90 crosses. These stats prove his attacking abilities are excellent, he does contribute well defensively too.

By completing 574 pressures and winning 25 tackles, the winger knows that tracking back and helping with the dirty work is the key to success and this is an attribute that Klopp will love.

A duo of Diaz on the left wing and Raphinha on the right is enough to make defenders have nightmares and would get Anfield rocking.

After all, the Colombian is a dazzling trickster of his own, registering 11 goal involvements in the 26 matches he’s played for the Reds.

Klopp can make it happen as it looks like an interesting summer awaits the German.

AND in other news, Forget Tchouameni: LFC eye a move for “outstanding” £60m ace, he’s “one of the best”

Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds United’s interest in signing a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist revealed that, despite Victor Orta missing out on the signing of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, the Spaniard’s interest in the 23-year-old indicates that he will be targeting the signing of a new forward in the summer market.

In his tweet, Hay said: “Interest in Eddie Nketiah – albeit to no avail – indicates that a centre forward is on the agenda.”

Supporters will love Hay’s update

Considering just how poor Leeds were in front of goal this season – finding the back of the net 20 times fewer than their 62 goals scored last time out – Hay’s claim that the signing of a new centre-forward will be one of Orta’s priority targets in the summer transfer window is sure to be news that the Elland Road faithful will love.

Indeed, Patrick Bamford’s seemingly endless injury setbacks in 2021/22 highlighted the Whites’ severe lack of depth up top, with Rodrigo, Daniel James, Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt – all of whom were deployed through the middle of the Leeds attack at one stage of the season – scoring just 13 league goals between them this term.

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Furthermore, with the 20-year-old Gelhardt looking to be the only one of the four aforementioned players whose future in LS11 appears completely assured beyond the closure of the summer transfer window on September 1, it could well prove to be a case of Orta simply having to sign a fresh face in the position ahead of 2022/23.

As such, while Hay fails to mention any targets the Spaniard could look to pursue over the coming months, the journalist’s claim that a new striker is very much on the sporting director’s agenda this summer is undoubtedly good news for everyone involved with the club – not least Jesse Marsch.

AND in other news: Leeds eyeing bid for “unreal” £20k-p/w talent, he’d be an “absolutely beauty” for Orta

Everton appear to be leading the race for James Tarkowski as Frank Lampard aims to bolster his defensive options ahead of next season.

What’s the news?

According to The Telegraph, the Toffees now lead the chase for the Burnley defender, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham.

The England international is a free agent this summer following the expiry of his contract at the end of June, and with the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship confirmed on the final day of the Premier League season, it seems unlikely that he will remain at Turf Moor.

Tarkowski could be Everton’s “rock”

Lampard has endured a difficult start to life at Everton, with the club narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship as they finished 16th in the top flight, and that won’t be enough to satiate the supporters.

The Toffees conceded 66 league goals last season – only four teams let in more – and the defence is in urgent need of improvement.

Tarkowski has been earning £70k-p/w at Burnley and would likely want that matched or improved if he comes to Goodison Park.

His former manager Sean Dyche dubbed him “outstanding”, with journalist Alex James previously describing the defender as a “rock”, and there seems little doubt that he would instantly improve Lampard’s leaky defence.

The 29-year-old has an average rating of 6.97 on WhoScored this season, the best of anyone in the Burnley squad, which shows that he was a vital presence at the back despite their relegation. Also, Tarkowski ranked in the top 1% out of positional peers in the big five leagues in both blocks (2.67 per 90) and aerials won (4.95) during 2021/22.

The Everton defence could look a lot different next season if Lampard can secure the signature of the Burnley colossus. It could prove to be the most important signing that the club make during the summer, if indeed it comes off.

AND in other news, Lampard could unearth the new Richarlison with Everton bid for “dangerous” £58m talent

Aston Villa could be able to secure a deal for Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider insisted that a deal for the Frenchman – who has been tipped to move Villa Park this summer – could be ‘more achievable’ than that of Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez.

Amid speculation regarding a potential move to the Midlands for the Reds defender, O’Rourke suggested that it could be Lacroix who proves easier to sign, saying: “Lacroix could be a more achievable target for Aston Villa right now. They could maybe put in a decent offer for him. I’m sure Wolfsburg reluctantly might consider selling him to get the money.”

Reports in Germany have suggested that the 22-year-old has a €40m (£34m) release clause in his existing contract, ensuring that a deal could well be struck if Villa are willing to cough up the required fee.

The next McGrath?

The 6 foot 3 colossus has earned comparisons to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand for his quality both in and out of possession, although for the Villans his style of play could well evoke memories of another hero of the past in former Republic of Ireland international Paul McGrath.

Plucked from the Red Devils in 1989, the immensely talented defender emerged as a cult figure at Villa Park over the next seven years, notably winning two League Cups and securing a second-place finish in the inaugural Premier League season. Indeed, he was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for his form in that 1992/93 campaign.

Nicknamed ‘God’ by the Villa faithful, McGrath remains a hugely popular at his former club, with many supporters likely wishing that they had a player of his quality in the first-team ranks to help bolster what has at times been a leaky backline in recent months.

In Lacroix, however, Gerrard could well have found an heir to the Irishman’s throne, the youngster having that ‘healthy aggression’ (as per the official Bundesliga website) which is required to succeed at the top level.

It evokes echoes of McGrath, who was noted for his ‘pace, power and composure’ during his stellar playing career.

The most recent campaign saw the former Sochaux man impress once again, averaging a remarkable 2.1 interceptions, two tackles and 4.8 clearances per game in 29 Bundesliga outings, while also winning 64% of his total duels. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see him dubbed a “top tier CB talent” by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan.

In comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the £18m-rated gem also stands out from the rest, ranking in the top 1% for dribbles completed and also for interceptions, showcasing his ability to play out from the back but to also read the game commendably.

Although it may be a burden to compare him a player who Jack Charlton once described as “one of the all-time greats” of the sport, Lacroix seemingly has the speed, athleticism and quality to be a success in English football, with Gerrard potentially having the next McGrath on his hands should he secure a deal for the 22-year-old.

IN other news, Gerrard can now axe £20m “mistake” by signing £15m ace who’s “capable of leading” AVFC

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

What’s the talk?

That’s to Adam Pope’s recent post on Twitter, with the BBC journalist relaying comments made by Thomas Frank in his pre-match press conference, in which the Brentford boss revealed that he will have the same team available as the 3-2 victory over Everton last weekend – something which means Ethan Pinnocks will remain sidelined this weekend.

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In his post, Pope said: “Brentford boss Thomas Frank says the same squad that won at Everton is available to face Leeds United on Sunday. Defender Ethan Pinnock remains out.”

Marsch will be buzzing

When considering the fact that Leeds simply must secure all three points at the Brentford Community Stadium this weekend if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation to the Championship this season, the news that a player as important as Pinnock has now been ruled out of the fixture is sure to have left Jesse Marsch buzzing.

Indeed, over his 32 Premier League appearances this term, the £9m-rated centre-back has been imperious in the heart of the Bees’ defence, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 4.6 clearances and winning 6.8 duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

The defender has also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.4 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.

These returns have seen the £27k-per-week talent average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Brentford’s sixth-best performer in the English top flight.

As such, the fact the Jamaica international will not be lining up against the Whites this weekend will undoubtedly provide Marsch’s chances of leaving west London with all three points with a huge boost – with a victory over the Bees’ potentially being enough to keep Leeds in the top flight heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news: Big Leeds United 49ers takeover development emerges, supporters will be fuming

Former Scotland striker Frank McAevnnie has made a claim involving Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch’s future beyond the end of the current campaign. 

The lowdown: A tough act to follow

Appointed in February following the departure of Elland Road favourite Marcelo Bielsa, the American was always swimming against the tide somewhat in Yorkshire.

The 48-year-old has taken charge of 11 matches since arriving at the club, picking up three wins and an average points per game ratio of 1.09, better than his predecessor’s 0.88 during the 2021/22 season.

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Despite the slight upturn in fortunes since his arrival, Marsch is still under extreme pressure as Leeds stare down the barrel of relegation, with just one point separating the Whites and 18th-placed Burnley.

The latest: Writing on the wall?

Speaking to Football Insider, former West Ham United and Celtic striker McAvennie claimed that Marsch won’t be at the club next term.

The 62-year-old said: “It’s not looking good, is it? Burnley and Everton look like they have turned a corner and Leeds are getting worse.

“They are pretty much going down in my opinion. The manager has done absolutely nothing. The whole thing about him coming in was that he was meant to stop Leeds conceding loads of goals, that hasn’t happened.

“I don’t think it’s worked out for him and it seems like the fans have turned on him. I don’t expect he will be there next season either way, it hasn’t worked.”

The verdict: Stay of execution needed

Having been handed a late lifeline by Pascal Struijk’s last-gasp equaliser against Brighton over the weekend, the Whites’ survival hopes have been lifted heading into the final week of a testing campaign.

However, regardless of whether or not Leeds preserve their top-flight status, Marsch will surely be granted the opportunity to oversee a rebuild in the summer.

Both Bielsa and the former RB Leipzig boss have had to cope with squads decimated by injuries to key players and more recently suspensions, making the job almost impossible with such a small pool of Premier League-ready players available.

Whilst it would be a bitter pill to swallow should Leeds make an untimely return to the Championship, Marsch wouldn’t wholly be to blame and therefore would be deserving of the chance to bring the Whites straight back, and he certainly must stay in situ should the drop be avoided.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Liverpool survived an early scare to bounce back to winning ways against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Tuesday night, having been held to a draw by Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side just a few days prior.

Manager Jurgen Klopp had been critical of Spurs’ defensive showing in that clash at Anfield, although the same could not be said of Steven Gerrard’s outfit, with the Midlands side netting inside just three minutes in what was a breathless start to proceedings.

After recovering quickly to strike back soon after through Joel Matip, the Reds completed the comeback midway through the second half through Sadio Mane, the Senegal international’s strike moving the Merseysiders level on points with Manchester City at the summit, albeit with the reigning champions having played a game less.

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The headlines will no doubt go to that man Mane for his crucial late effort – which keeps the club’s title hopes alive – although one man who endured an uncharacteristically anonymous showing was former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota, with the Portuguese sensation suffering a rare off day.

The £54m-rated man has enjoyed a fine second campaign under Klopp’s tutelage, having netted 21 times in all competitions so far this term prior to the midweek clash, although rarely looked like adding to that tally following a limp display in attack.

In his 90-minute outing, the £120k-per-week star lost possession 14 times from just 42 touches – a dismal ratio of losing the ball once every three touches – ensuring he finished with just a 72% pass completion rate as a result.

The 25-year-old also won just two of his total duels and failed to register a single shot on target, eventually ending the match with just a 6.6 match rating, as per SofaScore – the second-worst among his teammates in the starting lineup.

Furthermore, he also made fewer passes (23) than substitute Jordan Henderson who played just an hour after Fabinho’s withdrawal through injury.

The Express writer Archie Griggs was also critical of the one-time Porto man’s performance, handing the player a 5/10 rating in his post-match analysis and stating of his display that: “Often managed to get himself into some promising areas and played a role for his team in attack but, like so many of his team-mates, appeared to lack the required end product over the course of the contest. Pressed well in the early stages of the match but ended up faltering away and did not exert as great an influence as he would have liked at Villa Park.”

A poor night in what’s largely been an otherwise fruitful stint at Liverpool – with 34 goals and nine assists to his name in 80 appearances across all fronts since joining in the summer of 2020 – the 24-cap international will likely be hoping he hasn’t played himself out of contention for Saturday’s FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea.

With Mo Salah set to return after earning a rest on Tuesday night – and with Roberto Firmino back in contention after his recent injury layoff – there is simply too much competition for places to allow for any passengers.

Jota seemingly was a passenger against Gerrard’s men and will be fortunate not to be dropped to the bench at Wembley.

IN other news, “Met his agent…”: Sky Sports journo drops big Liverpool update, Klopp will be fuming

Liverpool want to offer out-of-favour centre-back Joe Gomez a new deal at the end of the season, according to a key update on Saturday morning.

The Lowdown: Gomez struggling for minutes

The 24-year-old has found himself down the pecking order for much of this season, struggling to oust the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate.

In fact, Gomez has been limited to just three starts in the Premier League and it has led to speculation over his future, with Aston Villa linked with a summer move.

The defender’s current Liverpool deal expires in 2024 but a big update is now doing the rounds with regards to his Reds future.

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The Latest: Contract claim emerges

According to The Liverpool Echo, sharing news in the early hours before Saturday’s clash with Spurs, the Reds will offer Gomez a new contract this summer.

It is stated that the club have ‘tasked Julian Ward with looking to tie down the defender’, with Jurgen Klopp still seeing him as an important part of his plans.

The boss has described Gomez as a ‘sensational’ footballer in the past.

The Verdict: Big decision for defender

This is great news from a Liverpool perspective, although Gomez will need to decide whether or not to extend his stay, having become a squad player these days.

With the World Cup approaching, he may feel he needs regular minutes in order to make England’s squad, and he could also want to be a key starter somewhere well beyond this winter’s competition.

If Gomez is content with his current role, however, slotting in at both centre-back and right-back from time to time, it is a no-brainer to keep hold of him and it would be a huge positive seeing him stay.

In other news, a key Liverpool injury update has emerged regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could also join the race to sign a £354,000-per-week star amid the plethora of transfer rumours in recent days, according to reports.

The Lowdown: City set to be busy?

Coming after the Sky Blues’ heart-breaking defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, an arguably undeserved loss when taking into account their performances over the two legs, City could be set for a busy few months.

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Guardiola is now tasked with re-grouping his side and gearing them up for a crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Sunday as they continue to chase the title.

Following on from this season, an entertaining summer transfer window should lie in store, with City reliably believed to have already secured a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.

They’re not finished there though as Guardiola and Etihad Stadium officials allegedly cast their eye on a new midfield signing after the Norwegian.

Fernandinho’s summer exit from Eastlands will prompt City chiefs to hunt for his replacement with West Ham star Declan Rice and, shockingly, Man United outcast Paul Pogba on their radar.

The Latest: Guardiola could join de Jong race…

Now, according to what has been collected by Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan, a supremely reliable source for City news, Guardiola could also ‘reignite interest’ in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

This comes after the former Ajax sensation was ‘close to the Etihad Stadium’ in 2019 with his family even viewing houses in the North West.

After de Jong eventually decided on a move to Barca, it is believed Guardiola could try to tempt him to Eastlands again this year.

The Verdict: No-brainer…

The £354,000-per-week star comes as a real no-brainer in terms of quality.

According to WhoScored, only forward Memphis Depay has matched de Jong in terms of La Liga Man of the Match awards for Barcelona over 2021/2022.

The Netherlands international has also played the fourth-most minutes in Spain’s top flight under Xavi, coming as a real untouchable in their first team alongside Catalan veterans Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique (WhoScored).

Averaging the same pass accuracy as City mainstay and defensive midfield star Rodri (91.4%), de Jong would come as the perfect like-for-like alternative to Guardiola’s figurehead.

Lauded as ‘phenomenal’ by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, we believe he is a far more credible potential signing than the likes of Pogba.

In other news: Man City take pre-summer steps to sign ‘absolutely unplayable’ forward alongside Haaland! Find out more here.