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Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is eyeing a move for BSC Young Boys centre-back Mohamed Ali Camara this summer.

What’s the story?

With Emi Buendia from Norwich already signed, and a bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe also made, it appears Villa are keen on making some quick moves in the transfer window.

And now, according to Sport Witness, Smith’s side are interested in the 23-year-old Camara, and that they, along with fellow Premier League side, West Ham, have asked BSC Young Boys for some information.

The report claims that Camara’s club form has caught the attention of several clubs, including Villa, and that “despite the renewal (of his contract), a source has told Sport Witness the Swiss champions would allow the player leave this summer if they receive a convincing offer.”

Better stats than Ezri Konsa

When you compare his stats to one of Villa’s star defenders last season, Ezri Konsa, the 6 foot 3 titan favours very well.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old averaged 0.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, and had an impressive success rate of 58% duels won in total, while that percentage goes higher to challenges made in the air (65%).

Compare that to Konsa, who averaged 0.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, while winning 68% of his duels in total and 63% in the air.

Camara also appears to be someone is comfortable with the ball at his feet too, averaging far more touches and boasting a far better passing accuracy too.

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While he may only be playing in the Swiss league, and his stats should be taken with a pinch of salt, the centre-back certainly has some of the attributes that appear to make him a real perfect fit for English football.

His combination of size and aggression marks him out as an old-school rugged defender, but his ability to play out from the back too shows he’s got a bit more to his game than the classic ‘hack it into row Z’ style of defending.

It’s no surprise Villa are eyeing a move for him, and especially with rumours linking Bjorn Engels with a move away.

Villa could wave goodbye to Engels and reinforce the centre of defence with a move for Camara this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa must avoid selling this star this summer…

It seems as if Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe has lasted a lifetime, and reliable reporter Alan Nixon has had his say on a potential deal on social media.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s weekend boost

The Hoops were handed a boost in their attempts to bring Howe to Scotland on Saturday, thanks to his former employers Bournemouth.

Reports suggested that the Cherries’ push for promotion through the playoffs could impact Celtic’s bid to land Howe.

However, Bournemouth let a two-goal aggregate lead slip in the capital on Saturday, with Brentford advancing to Wembley at their expense.

The Daily Record claim that Howe is now closing in on a move to Parkhead as a result of Bournemouth’s loss, with a number of staff members from the south coast poised to join him in Scotland.

The Latest: Nixon answers Howe question

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Celtic fan on Twitter on Sunday morning for any Hoops news.

He replied, saying:

“Just waiting on Howe to develop now… surely they can get this done.”

The Verdict: Celtic’s time to strike

In our opinion, now is the perfect time to get a deal officially sealed for the 43-year-old, especially with Nixon’s promising claim about a move being finalised.

Reports earlier this month claimed that Howe had agreed on a move to Celtic Park, with one of the delays down to Bournemouth’s involvement in the playoffs.

But with their season coming to a close on Saturday afternoon, hopefully, the Hoops hierarchy would have already been making moves to tie up a deal over the last 24 hours.

Celtic are thought to be fearful of Crystal Palace scuppering a deal, so with that in mind, new Hoops CEO Dominic McKay may want all the relevant documents signed relatively quickly.

In other news: Celtic source shares huge off-field news; McKay looks to have found a loophole, find out more here. 

Everton are reportedly interested in signing Pedro from Roma this summer, but it would be a huge mistake by Marcel Brands to bring him to Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet CalcioMercato, Everton are keen on signing the 33-year-old this summer as they look to add to their quality out wide.

It is suggested that Carlo Ancelotti is a long-term admirer of the former Barcelona man, so whether or not Everton will still be interested should the Italian return to Real Madrid ahead of next season remains to be seen.

Would he be a good signing?

Pedro was an excellent player in his prime, impressing with both Barcelona and Chelsea before moving to Roma on a free transfer last summer after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired.

However, he will turn 34 ahead of next season and still has two years left on his contract with the Giallorossi, so it would be a mistake by Everton to spend a fee on bringing him back to the Premier League.

The 2019/20 campaign saw Pedro make just eight starts for Chelsea in the top flight, contributing one goal and one assist and earning a solid if uninspiring 6.78 average match rating from WhoScored.

This does little to suggest that he would be more of a success should he return to the Premier League with Everton this summer, especially after an injury-hit first campaign with the Serie A side.

The former Spain international made 27 appearances in Italy’s top flight this term, contributing five goals and two assists and averaging a less than impressive 6.67 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

It would be a strange decision by Everton to allow 32-year-old Theo Walcott to join Southampton on a free transfer before bringing in an older, more injury-prone replacement such as Pedro. Whilst the Spaniard has enjoyed an illustrious career, he managed just 29 Premier League goals during his five years at Chelsea (5.8 per season) and is now way past his best.

Walcott’s Premier League goal return of 78 in 15 years is broadly similar (5.2 per season), while many Everton fans seemed less than devastated when reports first emerged in April about the Saints potentially making his loan move a permanent one.

If the Toffees wanted to have an experienced option on the wing in their squad for next season, they may  been better off keeping Walcott rather than signing the £6.75m-rated Pedro.

In other news… Ancelotti should end 11-year Everton association and axe £25k-p/w flop this summer

Queens Park Rangers’ loanee midfielder Stefan Johansen has opened up on his future ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Speaking in a recent interview with the QPR website, the Fulham midfielder revealed just how much he has enjoyed his loan spell at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, before claiming that he is unsure what his future holds at present with just one year left remaining on his contract with Scott Parker’s side.

He said: “It’s been brilliant, from day one I have felt so welcome. It’s been such an easy group to come into, they are a great bunch of lads and I have really enjoyed my time here.

“Personally, I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have one more year on my contract at Fulham, but, without doubt, I can say how much I enjoyed my time here.”

Warburton must seal deal

Having only linked up with Mark Warburton’s side in the January transfer window, the impact Johansen has had on the Hoops has been quite sensational.

Over the 30-year-old’s 21 Championship appearances for QPR, the £1.8 million-rated man scored four goals, provided two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.6 key passes per game, culminating in a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.00 – ranking him as the Rs’ sixth-best performer in the second tier this season.

The arrival of the £8,000-per-week Norway international also coincided with a remarkable upturn in form at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, with Warburton’s side winning 12, drawing two and losing seven of the 21 games in which Johansen featured for the club – results which left QPR sitting in fourth place in the league standings over this specific time frame.

As such, a deal to bring the midfielder – whom Ronny Deila dubbed an “outstanding” player – back to the club this summer should very much be a priority for Warburton, as it would seem as if Johansen could well play a major role in QPR’s potential push to secure a play-off place next season.

Indeed, many of the R’s faithful appear to be desperate for their side to make a permanent move for the 30-year-old this summer, with one claiming that Johansen should be the club’s “number one target” in the upcoming transfer window, while another seemed to speak on behalf of the fanbase by stating: “We want you to stay!”

QPR should listen to these fans and do all they can to keep Johansen at the club for next season.

In other news: Bhatia must not cash in on £7.1k-p/w QPR gem this summer, he’s crucial to Warburton – opinion

Everton are reportedly the main contenders to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Kvaratskhelia catching the eye

Kvaratskhelia is certainly a player that is quickly catching the eye of many clubs around Europe – he was heavily linked with Leeds last month.

The Rubin Kazan winger is very good with the ball at his feet, so much so that his playing style has even been compared to Lionel Messi, which is certainly something that the Goodison Park faithful can be excited about.

The Latest: Everton main contenders

As per Soccer.ru, Kvaratskhelia does not want to move to Zenit St. Petersburg, and the Merseyside club are currently the main contenders to sign him, although Napoli and AC Milan could also join the race from previous interest.

Nonetheless, a top winger is something that Carlo Ancelotti will surely be looking at in the window, and Kvaratskhelia certainly fits the bill.

The Verdict: Everton must sign Kvaratskhelia

If the Toffees want to climb up the table in the Premier League for next season, then Kvaratskhelia, who is currently valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, could well be the difference in the hunt to qualify for European qualification if they fall short this campaign.

The Georgia international has scored four goals and made a further eight assists in 23 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), which is a good return for a wide player, and at just 20 years of age, he will only get better.

Nonetheless, Kvaratskhelia is a player that the Blues should not be passing up on, with several top sides in Europe clearly impressed by his quick feet and sky-high potential.

In other news, find out what European Super League update has got EFC fans talking here!

Leeds must make an attempt to sign Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia this summer amid Paddy Kenny’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports last summer suggested that Buendia was someone who Marcelo Bielsa’s side had made an enquiry for as they planned for life in the Premier League, although a deal, of course, failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

Now, Kenny has suggested Leeds should be looking to target the play-maker once again, and even claimed that his Argentinian roots could be something that might play out in the Whites’ favour.

He said: “Definitely. He’s an exceptional player. Norwich are as good as promoted now and he’s played a massive part in that. Would he want to leave? Can you turn Leeds down? It’s a tough one. He’s Argentinian too. With Bielsa, that could sway it.”

Bye-bye Pablo Hernandez

With reports claiming that Pablo Hernandez could be set to depart Elland Road this summer, it’s surely the perfect time for Leeds to make a summer move for Buendia again.

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay said late last week: “My gut feeling is also that Hernandez will go. I’ve written about Castellon and I know a few people out there. Part of the reason they looked at signing Hernandez in January was that they thought they could get him and believed he wanted to go (despite Leeds insisting on keeping him for now).

“Given his age and how little he’s playing under Marcelo Bielsa, a parting of ways might make sense when this season ends.”

With Hernandez set to exit, Leeds could do with trying to sign their new source of attacking inspiration, and Buendia fits that to a tee.

He has provided a remarkable 12 goals and 16 assists this campaign in the Championship, showcasing impressive qualities in the final third and being hailed as a “very special” talent by Canaries centre-back Ben Gibson.

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The Athletic have previously reported that Buendia is a player Victor Orta has “always liked” while the £19.8m-rated ace has previously been dubbed a “revelation” by ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton.

Given how he’s leading Norwich’s charge back to the top-flight this season – the Canaries currently find themselves top of the Championship table – a move for Buendia must surely be on the cards for Bielsa’s side in the summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a transfer battle to sign this midfielder…

It’s been a long, old journey for Adam Forshaw, but the midfielder finally looks set to make his comeback from injury at Leeds United.

The 5 foot 9 ace has been out of action for Marcelo Bielsa’s side since September 2019 with a hip injury, but has recently made steady progress in his bid to return before the end of the Premier League season.

He played 84 minutes of the U23s title-clinching Premier League 2 clash against Aston Villa last Friday, and will surely be given a few more run outs with the youth side before his eventual return to the first-team squad.

And in a Q&A for The Athletic’s Leeds coverage of the clash against Liverpool in the Premier League, Phil Hay delivered a couple of key updates on Forshaw and where things stand.

When asked whether he would be included on the bench, he said: “That’s something to look out for. If he doesn’t, he won’t be far away because he’s been making very good progress in the past four or five weeks – the sort of progress which makes Leeds think he’s finally over the worst.

And then, in a response to a question about what his return could mean for the club’s summer transfer plans, he revealed: “They would have to think carefully about that because Forshaw is competition for Phillips and Bielsa has always rated him extremely highly.”

Bielsa himself meanwhile has opened the door to the 29-year-old coming back into his first-team plans recently, saying: “He has basically been not playing for two seasons and to be able to play 90 minutes at a high competition after being healthy – there is still a while to go before you’re ready for that.

“He’s healthy, and has two months left of the season to prove that he is finally over his issues. We all hope it will be like this, because he is a very important player and he has made a massive effort to overcome the situation that he’s been through.”

Given the long road that the £20k-a-week earning ace has walked to getting to this point here, Bielsa will be intent not to rush him back anytime soon.

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But, given that he is well on his way to making his return, the time to unleash Forshaw in the Premier League is surely near.

Meanwhile, Leeds must land this Championship star…

According to a report by the Athletic, via West Ham Transfers, GSB and the Irons are ready to offer a new contract to defensive star Angelo Ogbonna following his performances this season – prompting excitement from many West Ham United fans.

Ogbonna, who is currently sidelined through injury, was a mainstay for manager David Moyes again in the centre of defence this season before succumbing to the knock.

Indeed, starting 23 Premier League games, he has seen the likes of Craig Dawson and Fabian Balbuena rotate alongside him while the Italian remained a fixed point in the starting eleven.

Now, as the club reportedly eye a new deal for the 32-year-old, plenty of Irons fans are overjoyed at this update – with one fan calling it ‘excellent news’ whilst others plead with GSB to get it sorted sooner rather than later.

Find all of their best verdicts on the 6 foot 3 West Ham colossus down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Ogbonna update

“Fully deserves, I’d like him to retire at West Ham.

Been massively underrated since the day he arrived, and only the last 18 months have the majority of our fans realised he’s class.

The old system with Masuaku left him covering 2 positions after we lose possession high up.”

Credit: @JameswhufcJones

“Excellent news. Get it done.”

Credit: @pmitchell1969

“Get it done”

Credit: @rustyk1971

“Needs to be done quickly, he has been a monster for us”

Credit: @Mexico20000

“Do it!”

Credit: @MarkEmms4

“Good move great player”

Credit: @SandieBarrick

“Well deserved, blokes a unit”

Credit: @RiddimSlaps

“Too right”

Credit: @callumder123

In other news: West Ham have approached this £120,000-per-week ‘outstanding player’, find out more here.

Sam Allardyce is set to stay on as West Brom manager, regardless of how the Baggies’ Premier League season pans out in the coming weeks.

The 66-year-old has done an impressive job since taking charge at the Hawthorns back in December, overseeing 19 matches to date, including Monday’s 3-0 win at home to Southampton.

Allardyce’s influence has seen West Brom give themselves a slim chance of staying in the top flight, even with eight points now separating them and 17th-place Newcastle United.

Allardyce to remain as West Brom manager

According to the Daily Star, the former Bolton Wanderers boss will stay in the Hawthorns hot-seat even if the Baggies go back down to the Championship.

It is claimed that the ‘nature of the side’s performances’ have persuaded Lai Guochuan to keep hold of Allardyce, saying it is a decision that ‘would make sense for all parties.’

Indeed, the displays in recent weeks have been mightily impressive, with Big Sam’s side grabbing eight goals in their last two matches.

Allardyce hasn’t yet committed his future to West Brom, however, with the report saying that his final decision will ‘largely hinge’ on discussions with Luke Dowling and Xu Ke, who are the club’s Sporting and Technical Director and Chief Executive, respectively.

He wants assurances over the budget he would be given during the summer transfer window and ‘has no desire to waste anyone’s time.’

Transfer Tavern take

Assuming Allardyce does decide to stay on as manager, this is a boost for West Brom, considering the impact he has already made and also just for the matter of stability.

The style of play has been particularly eye-catching – something he isn’t necessarily famed for – which has clearly played a part in his popularity with the club’s hierarchy.

Should Allardyce produce a miracle and keep West Brom up, retaining his services will speak for itself, but his experience and nous could be vital in getting them back into the Premier League, should they go down.

Granted, he has predominantly been a top flight manager throughout his career, but with this group of players and a manager of such stature, the Baggies would surely be among the favourites to win the Championship next season.

In other news, some West Brom supporters have been a hailing a key player after his recent social media post. Find out who it is here.

Reports by Gol Digital earlier this week claimed that Sevilla are holding out for Joan Jordan’s full release clause, but David Moyes should urge West Ham United to break the bank to sign a second Tomas Soucek-type this summer.

Jordan is one of the key pillars of Julen Lopetegui’s side in La Liga, with his ability to connect the midfield and offence unparalleled at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

But his efforts have sparked European-wide interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Irons one of five clubs understood to be presenting serious curiosity.

Serie A title-hopefuls AC Milan are said to be Jordan’s best option should he leave Andalusia at the end of the season, as the Rossoneri are likely to remain keen despite seeing a €30m (£25.5m) approach snubbed as they strive to build a squad ready for the Champions League.

Sevilla would be expected to reject a similar approach in the future, with the side who were eliminated from the Champions League in the Round of 16 earlier this month now intent on demanding that Jordan’s full €60m (£51.5m) release clause is triggered.

A sum in that region is expected to force only the top clubs to show a formal interest in the next transfer window, yet Inter Milan, AS Roma and the Irons are all listed as potential destinations for the 26-year-old.

Jordan has been a mainstay of Lopetegui’s plans so far this season, starting 20 of his 25 La Liga outings and featuring in a total 40 games across all competitions.

The RCD Espanyol product has offered Sevilla two goals and seven assists over his appearances to date, to register his highest single-season return of goals created in his career and help to take his goal contribution for the club to 14 in the past two seasons combined.

West Ham triggering Jordan’s release clause would see the midfielder become the London Stadium natives’ new record signing, eclipsing the £45m paid to Eintracht Frankfurt for Sebastien Haller in 2019.

But Moyes should urge David Sullivan, Karren Brady and David Gold to fund a lavish outlay to bring Jordan to West Ham, as the Sevilla star would offer him a second Soucek-type after the Czech Republic international’s successful adaptation to the Premier League.

Jordan is recognised for his ability to make late and dangerous runs in the opponent’s box to offer a forward threat, much more akin to the traditional English style of a box-to-box option that the tiki-taka template that has flourished in Spain, after growing up watching and learning from the way Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard operated.

“I remember watching quite a lot of Lampard when I was growing up, he was a top, top, top player,” Jordan told The Athletic in December. “What really sticks is how the way he arrived late into the box, that was spectacular. It is something very difficult, that he made look easy.

“I remember Steven Gerrard, too, talking about the Premier League. He and Lampard were standout players, especially when they got forward, arriving from the second line. I always looked at all the little details I could, from many different players, to become a more complete player myself.”

“I like to have plenty of space and freedom, to help in attack but I always like to defend and help my teammates,” he added. “Football is evolving, and everyone has to run, everyone has to sacrifice themselves and adapt to different functions that a coach asks for.”

Making those intelligent runs into the area and offering a box-to-box presence is just what Moyes gets from Soucek, who is West Ham’s top-scorer in the Premier League this season with eight goals.

The 26-year-old is also lauded by Jamie Carragher for being the best at what he does, as “there’s nobody better in the Premier League right now than Soucek”, but he could face competition for that honour with Jordan also in the squad.

AND in other news, West Ham in four-way Premier League battle for 13-goal striker who is “annoying to the defender”…