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Aston Villa will target a summer move for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, according to The Athletic.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Unai Emery and NSWE appear to be putting plans in place ahead of the manager’s first full season in charge, with the owners readying a “huge” spending spree.

The Spaniard won’t be working alongside Barcelona director Mateu Alemany set to stay at the Nou Camp after talks over a move to the Midlands collapsed. However, despite this, Villa still appear to have Johan Lange working behind the scenes, and a move for Williams could well be on the cards.

The Athletic shared a transfer story on Friday regarding plans for every Premier League side. When it came to Villa, reliable reporter Gregg Evans said that ‘top of Emery’s wish list is a striker and/or wide player who can also play as a No 9’.

When it came to specific targets, he named Williams, who was linked with a move earlier in the year, alongside midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio.

Who is Nico Williams?

Williams is just 20 years of age and is primarily a right-winger. The Spain international has been a regular for Bilbao this season, making 40 appearances in all competitions, contributing to 15 goals. He also featured at last year’s World Cup in Qatar, turning out in all four of Spain’s games as a right-winger.

Valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt, a figure which has more than doubled over the past 12 months, Williams has come in for praise from brother Inaki, who labelled the winger as a “great player” who is in “incredible shape”.

“I’m not surprised by what my brother does because I’m used to seeing him practically every day, I know the capabilities he has.

“Nico is a great player, he is in incredible shape and I think he can give a lot to Spain.”

He may not have featured regularly as a centre-forward during his career to date, however, Williams would be able to play on either flank and who knows, Emery may look to coach him in a central role over time, should he move to the Midlands.

It seems as if he is an attacking target, and with a £50m release clause in his current contract, a move looks likely to be one to keep an eye on in what is set to be an extremely busy summer.

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim is unlikely to take the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Spurs' manager search?

Negotiations broke down between the club and Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, and their search for a new head coach is continuing on.

Chairman Daniel Levy has been unable to secure a replacement for Antonio Conte yet, with Julian Nagelsmann previously ruled out, and Spurs have been dealt another blow now it seems Amorim is yet another candidate they will miss out on.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Amorim looks likely to stay at his club regardless of any interest from Spurs.

"They now remain in the process to find a manager and they have options remaining in the list. It was not only Arne Slot, Arne Slot was the front-runner, but options like Luis Enrique and Ange Postecoglou remain on the list," he stated.

"Ruben Amorim is also appreciated, but sources believe that he is going to stay at Sporting so not an easy one again for Tottenham, but of course now they have to accelerate after what happened with this big shock of Arne Slot, who is not going to become the new Tottenham manager. So let's see what's going to happen."

Should Spurs pursue a deal for Amorim?

Although it does seem unlikely to happen now, Amorim could have been an excellent appointment for Spurs as they aim to compete at the top of the table and rebuild their squad.

His spell at Sporting has seen him nurture young talents, including former Spurs academy graduate Marcus Edwards, and he has also beaten both Spurs and Arsenal in European competition this season.

Amorim has been described as "one of the best" coaches by Pep Guardiola, and the 38-year-old could have been an exciting young appointment, following years of disappointment with the likes of Conte and Jose Mourinho.

The problem Spurs face is that right now, the job does not look appealing. They are still in a battle to qualify for Europe, with the Conference League their only hope of continental competition, whilst the future of Harry Kane looks unclear.

Conte was dismissed after speaking out against the club's hierarchy, and with no director of football appointed to replace Fabio Paratici, there is a clear lack of direction at Spurs.

Any manager they pursue may be wary of the prospect of working in unfavourable conditions, and someone as highly rated as Amorim may not want to risk a move which could harm his reputation.

Everton could solve their goal-scoring woes this summer, as the club turn their attention to the upcoming transfer window.

The Toffees confirmed Premier League survival on the final day, after a tough campaign both on and off the pitch.

With Sean Dyche at the helm, the break is a chance for the Blues to be strong in recruitment in the bid to improve and avoid the disappointment of the previous two seasons.

The Blues were linked to a certified goal-getter earlier this year, and with survival confirmed, Dyche should prioritise the striker in order to bolster his attack.

What’s the latest on Viktor Gyokeres to Everton?

When speaking to Football Insider last month, journalist David Lynch claimed that Everton had been watching Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres “closely”.

Lynch explained the importance of Everton signing a forward this summer (2:50), stating that Gyokeres was a player the club “like” due to his scoring accolades in the Championship this season.

The forward is said to be valued around the £25m mark, a relatively low price for an established goal scorer.

What could Viktor Gyokeres bring to Everton?

The Swedish forward ended the season in a disappointing fashion, narrowly missing out on entry to the Premier League with the Sky Blues in the play-off final, however, it was an admirable individual campaign for the 24-year-old.

In 41 league appearances, the striker contributed to a mammoth 31 goals, scoring 21 himself and assisting ten in a year that made heads turn in the top division – as per Transfermarkt.

Everton could be a perfect club for the attacker to thrive in, playing in the Premier League and almost certainly guaranteeing a starting spot in Sean Dyche’s set-up.

Hailed as “unplayable” by former teammate Maxime Biamou, the forward could bring the basics to Goodison in abundance, with the Blues scoring just 35 goals this season, making them the second-lowest scorers in the competition.

Current forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin can be a deadly force on his day, however, has endured a period stricken by injury and low-scoring patterns, netting just seven goals in the previous two seasons.

When the Englishman is fully fit and firing, the introduction of Gyokeres could prove key in reigniting his best form, with induced competition for a consistent starting spot leading the line.

Statistically, the Coventry forward shows more threat than the Englishman, particularly in the box where he registers an average of 11.01 progressive passes received per 90 in comparison to Calvert-Lewin’s 4.33, showing his strength in positioning and attacking perception – as per FBref.

A similar strength is highlighted to suggest the 21-goal wonder could thrive in Dyche’s system more than the Everton forward is his 4.27 shot actions created per 90, an average much higher than the 26-year-old who scores 1.85 in that area.

The Coventry attacker shows more energy going forward than Calvert-Lewin, supporting claims that he could rival Everton’s number nine.

The Swede could bolster Everton the same way that the Blues could benefit the striker, fulfilling his hopes of playing in the Premier League after falling narrowly short.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have got their eye on a Premier League ace ahead of the transfer window, as Julen Lopetegui prepares for his first summer in charge at Molineux.

While the break is set to be busy for the Spaniard, it’s also projected to be far from easy considering the recent revelations of Wolves’ FFP woes.

The former Real Madrid boss may not be able to spend lavishly this summer, however, with a number of departures forecast, players are still expected to arrive at Molineux, with the latest link being one of ‘the best’.

What’s the latest on James Ward-Prowse to Wolves?

As reported by SunSport at the start of the month, Wolves have been linked with Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

More recently, journalist Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT that the Midlands club are ‘interested’ in the Englishman, who he believes would be a “really good fit” for Lopetegui’s side.

SunSport claimed that the newly relegated side are expected to demand a fee in the region of £40m for their captain.

What could James Ward-Prowse offer Wolves?

Hailed as “phenomenal” by former teammate Charlie Austin via talkSPORT, the 28-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful career in the Premier League at St Mary’s.

Following Southampton’s relegation, rumours have sparked regarding their captain’s future at the club, and with Wolves a potential suitor, Lopetegui could build a devilish midfield around the Englishman.

With an average Sofascore match rating of 7.23, the Portsmouth-born ace has been the Saints’ shining light in a dreary campaign, registering himself as the club’s top performer this term.

Despite ending the season rock-bottom of the table, Ward-Prowse was influential in the final third as he was the year prior, scoring nine goals and assisting four starring in every Premier League game.

The £100k-per-week ace could add an additional threat in the goal department, which is essential for Lopetegui with his side ending the campaign as the league’s lowest scorers.

Playing in central-midfield, the Spaniard could inject his side with added talent going forward from the engine room, in a partnership with Mario Lemina who has been an anchor for Wolves.

The duo played together previously at St Mary’s, making the possible transition from the south coast to the Midlands easier for the Saints captain, with a familiar face beside him in the middle of the park.

Having a pivot in midfield between a creative spark and a defensive-minded ace is the recipe for unlocking oppositions, as well as maintaining a strong ability to transition from defence to attack.

As per FBref, the Gabon international provides defensively for Wolves in the heart of the pitch, averaging a monstrous 2.95 tackles per 90, as well as 1.64 blocks and 1.85 clearances, winning 59% of his total duels per game.

Having such defensive assurance could allow Ward-Prowse freedom in midfield to exercise his strengths offensively, where he averages 5.05 progressive passes and 3.39 shot-creating actions per 90, via FBref.

The Englishman fairs better than Lopetegui’s current midfield set-up with Ruben Neves contributing 2.38 shot-creating actions, suggesting he could be more useful in the final third than the departing Portuguese.

With Lemina acting as a sweeper protecting the defence, and having Ward-Prowse as an option to unleash going forward, Molineux could see an exciting duo reconnect next season.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate could be "tempted" by a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, says BBC pundit and former Scotland international Alan Hutton.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

The arrival of Ange Postecoglou at Spurs has, inevitably, resulted in the north Londoners being linked to a few of his former stars at Parkhead.

Members of Celtic's imperious domestic treble-winning side have apparently attracted attention from Postecoglou and Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy, with Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi among them.

There were reports of Spurs plotting a huge bid to lure the attacker to England, though they have died down somewhat, with Tottenham instead focusing their efforts on signing a new goalkeeper, centre-backs and a move for Leicester City star James Maddison.

Furuhashi isn't the only Hoops star to be linked with a move to Tottenham, though, as journalist Sami Mokbel, as relayed by Everything Celtic, claims they're now monitoring Hatate.

A fellow Japan international akin to Furuhashi, the 25-year-old has proven a versatile asset for Celtic, featuring in midfield, at full-back and even further forward last campaign.

Following rumours of Tottenham's interest, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Hutton has told Football Insider that Hatate could be "tempted" by a move.

However, Hutton also believes that they should be focusing on a bid for Maddison instead, who is proven in the Premier League.

“There is no doubt he [Hatate] would be tempted," explained the former Spurs right-back.

“We are talking about a top four, top six team., of course he would be interested.

“That being said, I do not think that is the type of player Tottenham need. I think they need a more attacking, number ten type player like James Maddison.

“Hatate has been excellent I just do not think that is what they need at this moment in time.“

Who is Reo Hatate?

The two-cap international showcased his quality for Celtic over 22/23, ranking as one of their standout performers according to WhoScored.

Hatate is also a threat in the attacking areas, despite being traditionally listed as a defensive midfielder, having racked up an impressive 14 goal contributions in 32 SPFL appearances last campaign (WhoScored).

Members of the media, like A-League digital producer Sacha Pisani, have even called the player a "beast" in midfield.

"A beast in midfield. Quality touch, aware and shot," said Pisani on Twitter.

"Fantastic signing [for Celtic] and the best is YET to come for club and country."

Chelsea may be set to lose N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic this summer, but they could well already have a ready-made replacement of sorts in 19-year-old prodigy Andrey Santos.

What is the latest with Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos?

Between splashing out huge sums to sign Enzo Fernandez, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke in the January transfer window, the Blues also confirmed the signing of relatively unknown youngster Santos.

Brought in for an undisclosed fee, though to be in the region of £18m, Santos was denied the chance to make any sort of impact in the second half of the 2022/23 season as he was unable to obtain a work permit.

However, as reported by the Evening Standard, the teenager has now been given the green light to begin training for Chelsea. It is claimed in the report that new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, a man known for giving youngsters a chance, is ready to cast a close eye on the Brazilian during pre-season.

Can Andrey Santos be an instant hit at Chelsea?

Santos' short career to date has been spent exclusively with Vasco da Gama, where he returned in March for three months after being blocked from representing Chelsea.

The young Brazilian caught the eye from a young age at Vasco, scoring eight goals in 33 Brasileiro Serie B games in 2022. Santos' reputation would further grow at the South American U-20 Championship, with the Rio native captaining Brazil to an undefeated title triumph and finishing as joint-top scorer with six goals.

As pointed out by The Athletic reporter Simon Johnson, "it was very smart of [Chelsea] to get a deal done" prior to the tournament taking place, with his fee only set to rise further on the back of his starring displays.

Santos arrives at Premier League heavyweights Chelsea at a point in which replacements are being sought for Kovacic and Kante, who have been linked with Manchester City and Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad.

Kante barely featured for Chelsea last season due to injury, but Kovacic started 33 times in all competitions – the same number of starts Santos managed last year with Vasco.

While the quality of the two leagues must be factored in, the statistics give an indication of what Chelsea can expect from Santos, who differs from Kovacic in some areas but is similar in others.

For example, Santos averaged 0.25 direct goal involvements per 90 last year, as per FBref, compared to 0.12 for Kovacic. The former is far more accurate with his shots, finding the target 36.2% of the time, which is an increase on Kovacic's return of 9.4%.

Santos won 1.97 tackles per 90, compared to 1.11 for Kovacic, while they were alike for interceptions per 90 – 0.83 v 0.87.

As he has shown for Brazil U20, Santos – who Lyon legend Juninho Pernambucano hailed as "complete" and dubbed a "monster" – is confident with carrying the ball forward and is capable of putting it in the net, which is further highlighted by his aforementioned goal return last term.

While he may lack the experience of Kovacic, who is a decade older, Santos has all the qualities to quickly win over Chelsea supporters in what they will hope is a brighter future than last season suggested.

If anyone can develop a promising talent into a first-team star, then it's certainly Pochettino and it seems like Santos will stand a good chance of being involved come the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Arsenal transfer target sign Declan Rice has sent Bukayo Saka a message of support on Instagram after the winger scored a hat-trick for England.

What's the latest on Saka and England?

The 21-year-old was in blistering form for the Three Lions this week as he scored three superb goals against North Macedonia in a 7-0 win.

Harry Kane opened the scoring and later netted from the spot, while Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips also got their names on the scoresheet.

However, Saka truly stole the show with the first senior hat-trick of his career. After the game, he seemed absolutely chuffed, telling the press (via Arsenal): "I will probably frame the match ball but I'll probably hold it in my arms for a few days first. It's a special night, a big win and [to score] a first hat-trick is really special.

"I don't remember the last time I scored three, even at junior levels! It's a decent scoring record but there is always room for improvement."

Unsurprisingly, he also took to Instagram to express his delight with a post, saying: "Honoured to have scored the first hat-trick of my career! Important steps taken towards qualification."

What did Declan Rice say to Bukayo Saka?

Excitingly for the Gunners, West Ham United captain and England teammate Rice was quick to show his love for Saka, sending him a star emoji and adding "boiii" – referencing the player's "Starboy" nickname.

Saka then responded to Rice's own Instagram post, adding red and white heart emojis – likely representing Arsenal.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with the north London outfit over the past few months and is expected to be sold this summer.

An initial bid, reported by Sky Sports to be in the region of £80m plus add-ons, was rejected, with West Ham hoping for around £100-120m.

Arsenal are expected to continue with their pursuit, with another bid of £75m + £15m add-ons recently being made (via David Ornstein) – although it isn't expected to be accepted.

Even so, the reports indicate that Rice is open to the move. This is backed up by how publicly happy he seems to be with his potential new teammates.

For instance, he was caught on camera warmly greeting Saka and Aaron Ramsdale recently and has sent messages to the winger in the past on Instagram – once congratulating him for signing a new contract.

All in all, there's plenty to be excited about for Arsenal fans, and with the international break now over for England, perhaps this transfer can finally go through.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and how much they will need to pay in order to land one of their targets in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Brennan Johnson to Aston Villa?

According to The Sun on Sunday (25/6; page 61), Nottingham Forest have placed a staggering £60m price tag on winger Brennan Johnson's head in an attempt to scare teams off.

The report claims that fellow Premier League side Brentford have made a big offer for his services and that the Villans are keen on a swoop for the Welshman ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not Unai Emery and Monchi are prepared to stump up the funds required to secure the 22-year-old ace's signature in the coming weeks.

Where would Brennan Johnson fit in at Aston Villa?

The Forest forward could be an exceptional signing for the club as he could slot in either alongside Ollie Watkins or on the right of a front three.

Johnson is adept at playing through the middle and out wide, suggesting that Emery could use him in a multitude of ways to provide the current Villa number nine with more support in the final third.

The £30k-per-week gem could help to make Watkins unplayable as the young wizard has the potential to take attention away from the England international with his own goal threat, whilst also having the potential to create chances for the ex-Brentford man.

Forest's star attacker, who was hailed as "unbelievable" by Wales boss Rob Page, contributed with eight goals and three assists in 33 Premier League starts last term which came after an exceptional campaign in the Championship to help his side to earn promotion.

The Welsh magician plundered 16 goals and ten assists, whilst he also created 15 'big chances', in 44 starts in the second tier, meaning that there could be more to come from a creative perspective as he gains more experience at the top level.

Only Kyle Walker (37.31 km/h) recorded a faster top speed than Johnson (36.7 km/h) in the Premier League last term meaning that he could offer a big threat by running in behind to open up opposition defences and drag defenders out of position.

Such an eventuality would no doubt leave Watkins with more space to manoeuvre as players get drawn towards Johnson. That freedom for the Villa attacker could make him truly unplayable, allowing him to improve on the 15 goals in 36 league starts he managed in 22/23.

Indeed, Villa would have two excellent attacking options who could occupy defenders and create space for each other with their goalscoring threat and movement, something that could make them a nightmare to deal with next season.

Everton have made contact with the entourage of Charles De Ketelaere over a potential summer move, and AC Milan would be willing to sanction his departure for a fee of €30m (£26m), according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

The Toffees have made it clear they are interested in signing a new striker this summer, having now "formally expressed" their interest in paying the €40m (£34m) release clause to sign Almeria's El Bilal Toure, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Despite creating 48 big chances last season, the tenth-highest figure in the Premier League, Sean Dyche's men ended the season with the second-fewest number of goals, so it is no wonder the manager is so keen to sign the Almeria forward.

With Amadou Onana's future in doubt, amid interest from West Ham United, Everton may look at bringing in De Ketelaere, given that he is capable of playing in midfield, and in a more advanced role.

The AC Milan midfielder only arrived at the San Siro last summer, in a deal worth a total of €35m (£30m), however his future is already in doubt.

That is according to a report from Pianeta Milan (via Sport Witness), which states that Milan would be willing to part ways with the 22-year-old for a fee of €30m (£26m), after a disappointing first season in Italy following his big move last August.

With the Serie A club now chasing Samuel Chukwueze and Christian Pulisic, the Belgian may be squeezed out of the squad, and there is a belief that he could potentially be moved on in a loan deal.

Everton have now contacted the Brugge-born midfielder's entourage to ask for information ahead of a possible move in the coming weeks, but they are not the only Premier League club interested in his signature, with West Ham and Crystal Palace also named as potential suitors.

Who is Charles De Ketelaere?

Just over a year ago, the Belgium U21s international was viewed as a "highly rated" player by members of the media, and while he has failed to hit the heights expected of him with AC Milan, recording just one assist last season, it is still very early days in his career.

Former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed the 6 foot 3 midfielder as a "top player" who just needs "some time", while international teammate Divock Origi describes him as "half Havertz and half Kaka".

If the former Club Brugge man is able to reignite his form from the 2021-22 campaign, during which he registered 14 goals and seven assists in 33 Belgian Pro League outings, he could prove to be an excellent signing for Everton.

However, De Ketelaere has now been out of form for quite some time, which is likely to be a major concern for Sean Dyche, so it would not be wise for Everton to shell out £26m.

Instead, the Toffees should try to negotiate a loan deal, as it seems like it would be a beneficial move for all parties.

An update has emerged on Manchester United and their plans to bolster their goalkeeping options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest Manchester United goalkeeper transfer news?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are eyeing up Urawa Reds shot-stopper Zion Suzuki in the summer transfer window.

At the age of 21, the Japan international – who has been valued at around £5m – would come in as an understudy to Erik ten Hag's number one, rather than arriving with the intention of being a regular fixture in the team next term.

Inter star Andre Onana is said to be the club's main target to take over from David de Gea, whose contract expired at the end of last month, between the sticks at Old Trafford.

The reporter Tweeted: "Manchester United have Japanese 2002 born GK Zion Suzuki (Urawa Reds) on their radar. #MUFC He’s one of the option as new backup GK. Nothing done — but Man Utd informed. Priority remains to get André Onana deal done. Talks ongoing with Inter. €55m bid needed to seal it."

What has happened to Dean Henderson?

Red Devils goalkeeper Dean Henderson returned to Carrington at the end of last season after a loan spell with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

It was recently reported that the club plan to hold talks with the English shot-stopper to discuss his future, as Steve Cooper's side are interested in signing him on a permanent basis. However, United are not willing to sanction an exit until they have a clear plan in place for their goalkeeping department next term.

Therefore, the signing of Suzuki would allow Ten Hag to brutally bin the £120k-per-week dud, who – at the age of 26 – has failed to establish himself as a regular at Old Trafford.

The one-cap England international only managed 13 Premier League appearances between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns with United, which resulted in a temporary switch to Forest last season.

Suzuki, however, only turns 21 later this year and has been described as a "high-potential" backup option by writer Casey Evans, which is backed up by his impressive form at such a young age.

The 20-year-old titan has already been capped once by Japan, which shows that the gem is highly rated by his own country, and caught the eye in the J League 1 during a short stint in the team in 2021.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.36, which is higher than any league average rating Henderson has produced in his career to date, with four clean sheets in five appearances.

There is no guarantee that the exciting prospect would be able to translate that form over to England, given that he has only played 28 senior club games so far, but his achievements are promising and suggest that the potential is there for him to be a shrewd signing for United.

Suzuki could come in as the understudy to Onana, should the club secure the Cameroon international's signature over the coming weeks, and attempt to catch the eye during the cup competitions or at U21 level before developing into a first-choice option in the future.

Whereas, Henderson has already been in that position and failed to make the next step, which is why Ten Hag should ditch him in favour of another young goalkeeper this summer.