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Aston Villa are preparing a £15m bid for Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: McNeil’s previous interest

Villa aren’t the first club to be linked with a move for the 21-year-old. McNeil has attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Leicester City and Wolves in recent years, but he’s remained at Turf Moor.

The Englishman has been labelled as one of Villa’s top targets this summer, with McNeil still having over three years remaining on his Clarets contract.

McNeil is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, and it seems as if Villa will attempt to seal a cut-price move going off latest reports.

The Latest: Villa source shares bid plans

A Villa source informed Football Insider that the club plan to test the water with a £15m offer early in the upcoming transfer window.

The report claims that Burnley are likely to hold out for a higher offer, which doesn’t exactly come as a surprise going off his Transfermarkt valuation and length of contract.

McNeil, described as ‘adaptable’ by Sean Dyche last year, was the 15th-most creative player in the entire league last season after creating 55 big chances.

The Verdict: In line with John Percy’s recent claim

Reliable reporter John Percy revealed in April that Villa will look to sign a winger this summer, and it seems as if McNeil could well be their man.

He’s mainly plied his trade out on the left-hand side during his career, so his potential arrival could allow Jack Grealish to move to a central role, should he remain at Villa Park.

Dean Smith should know all about McNeil following his starring display against Villa earlier this season, with the wide man scoring and providing an assist in a 3-2 win back in December.

Who knows, that performance may have caught Smith’s eye, and it seems as if the club are ready to firm up their interest.

In other news: Grealish to Man City transfer update emerges, find out more here.

Xisco Munoz’s Watford side head into their weekend fixture having already secured promotion to the Premier League, but know that only a win will maintain their hopes of clinching the Championship title.

Having beaten Millwall 1-0 last time out, Watford remain five points behind the Championship leaders Norwich City in the race for the first place.

While a Norwich win would make it mathematically impossible for the Hornets to be in with a chance of clinching the title on the final day of the season, Xisco will still be hoping for a victory against Brentford at the Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

So, will the Spaniard make any changes to his starting XI last time out? Here’s our predicted XI, along with the latest team and injury news…

Considering the fact that the title is still to be played for, as well as the challenge of Brentford not being an easy one – with Thomas Frank’s side undefeated over their last 10 league games – we expect Xisco to field a strong XI, making two changes from his starting line-up against Millwall.

Firstly, Kiko Femenia – who was withdrawn 31 minutes into the Millwall clash due to injury – is replaced by Craig Cathcart at right-back, with the 32-year-old putting in a solid performance  during his hour-long runout against Gary Rowett’s side.

The second change sees Dan Gosling drop out of the XI, with 26-year-old Philip Zinckernagel coming in as the third central midfielder, as none of Gosling, Carlos Sanchez or Nathaniel Chalobah particularly impressed against the Lions.

The front three remains untouched, with Joao Pedro retaining his centre-forward berth ahead of Andre Gray.

In other news: Get him gone: Xisco must ruthlessly axe £18k-p/w Watford flop with “great qualities” – opinion

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 99 appearances for Manchester City, believes it has never worked out for Benjamin Mendy at City despite costing the club a lot of money in wages and transfer fee.

Mendy arrived from AS Monaco after they won Ligue 1 with players such as Bernardo Silva, Fabinho and Kylian Mbappe, however, out of those players it is Mendy who has failed to live up to the expectations people had for him.

Since arriving at the Etihad for £51 million in 2016 he has managed to make just 67 appearances, with constant injuries restricting his game time and this season the emergence of Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko has seen him sit on the bench for most of the campaign.

Speaking on why City should look to get him off their books and how good he can be on his day, Howey told FFC:

“He’s been unfortunate with injuries and I think there have been one or two things off the pitch as well, but they bought him for a decent amount of money.

“He is devastating on his day down that flank, but ultimately he’ll be costing the club a fortune and it just happens sometimes where it doesn’t work out.”

The Manchester Evening News conducted a poll which saw Mendy voted as one of the players City fans would not want to stay at the club.

However, MEN have also reported that he may stay at the club because when City play with wing-backs Pep Guardiola has claimed he has the perfect qualities for that role.

Liverpool are threatening to chuck away their hopes of winning a first Premier League title, with a succession of dropped points ensuring the nerves will be kicking in at Anfield.

The Reds though do still hold the aces, and a win this weekend and in their game in hand on Man City would still see them top of the pile for the time being at least.

However, there are cracks appearing in the squad, and especially in the first XI, and we here in the Tavern feel the club might have missed a trick in January by not going out to add someone with real quality to the ranks.

We feel the summer then will be a big period for the Reds, and we feel they should be looking to make a move for Lyon and France midfielder, Tanguy Ndombele.

The young midfielder has been in fine form for Lyon this past 12 months, and has made himself a regular fixture in the national squad.

However, a move to England is always going to appeal to those playing in the French league, and with Liverpool looking light in the middle of the park, Ndombele might be the perfect tonic to rectify that such problem.

Powerful, quick, and full of energy, Ndombele would give the Reds a new dynamic in the middle of the park, and with the midfielder only being 22-years-old, Liverpool could well have their central midfield presence for the next decade.

Liverpool fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!

Former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton believes Stuart Dallas is fully deserving of a new-and-improved contract at Leeds United.

It has been a season to remember for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, excelling back in the Premier League and currently sitting ninth in the table.

There have been numerous individuals who have caught the eye throughout the campaign, but Dallas has arguably been the pick of the bunch, with Football Insider claiming this week he is in line for a bumper new contract.

The 30-year-old has not only been a selfless performer, starting all 33 league games, but he also famously scored both goals in the 2-1 win away to Manchester City earlier this month.

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Hutton calls for Dallas to be given new deal

In an interview with Football Insider, Hutton said it is a no-brainer for Dallas to be awarded a new deal at Leeds despite his age, with recent reports suggesting that could be the case:

“He’ll give his all, no matter where he’s asked to play.

“That’s just within him. He looks like the type of guy that doesn’t even question it, he just wants to play football anywhere. If there are talks of him getting a new deal, he’s earned it. You can’t say that he’s not.

“He’s been a standout performer for them this season.

“I love to see it, players who just give their all, always, no matter what. Don’t question anything: ‘Yep, no problem gaffer. I’ll go play at left-back for you,’ even though it’s not his position.

“He’s definitely earned it this season.”

Transfer Tavern take

No Leeds player is more deserving of a fresh contract than Dallas, with the Northern Irishman such an understated player, in many ways, but someone who is integral to the team’s success.

He will often do the dirty work and not make the headlines, but in order to have success as a team, you need footballers of his ilk around.

When the Player of the Year award comes around, Dallas will surely be one of the favourites for the prize – he is currently just the ninth best rated Leeds player on Whoscored however, perhaps showing just how undervalued he is.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting attacking player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic’s hunt for a new manager has rather summed up how the season has played out for the Bhoys at Parkhead.

It has been a messy affair, a saga that’s drawn out more questions than answers as the Hoops are dealt repeated setbacks.

What’s the word?

Celtic were thought to be in advanced discussions to bring Eddie Howe to the club a week ago.

However, over the last few days, it’s become increasingly likely that he won’t be arriving at Parkhead.

The reason why is unclear but a source close to the Hoops hierarchy revealed all over the course of the weekend.

Telling journalist and author Phil Mac Giolla Bhain, a source said: “Can’t be coming. Heard today that he wants to bring the kitchen sink with him – up to 5 backroom staff – and Celtic have dug their heels in and said no.”

This was after another source suggested that Howe had sought assurances from Dermot Desmond that he’d be able to bring his own staff with him to Parkhead.

Not good news

There have been a number of issues plaguing Celtic’s pursuit of the 43-year-old but until now, we hadn’t really been given a definitive ‘no.’

Thus, the dreaded three-word message; “Can’t be coming,” is unlikely to be too pleasing for Hoops supporters.

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The last thing they needed after a rather dreadful season was yet more toxicity and another tired saga.

The idea of Neil Lennon departing Celtic came about in the early months of the season but he didn’t actually leave his role until February. Even then, it wasn’t the Bhoys hierarchy that sacked him, the Northern Irishman simply stepped down himself.

Desmond, however, is unlikely to get a swift resolution here. He already knows that Howe doesn’t want to return to management until the summer and with backroom issues swamping him, he’d be better off seeking alternatives.

He does have one in the form of Lucien Favre but his future also remains unclear after being linked with Saudi club Al-Hilal.

The club’s majority shareholder, therefore, will need to act decisively. This is arguably the worst news he will have received yet.

Fortunately, it shouldn’t be a surprise given the events that have played out in recent days. Howe wants to bring Richard Hughes with him instead of Fergal Harkin, a man who was 90% through the door according to reports.

The former Cherries boss isn’t even at Celtic yet but he’s already causing difficulties for the club.

AND in other news, Celtic hero sees value soar by 257% after leaving, Rodgers called him a “big talent”…

Jim Pallotta namechecking Newcastle United as a Premier League club he could look to buy in the future may be music to the ears of Matty Longstaff.

The former owner of Serie A outfit AS Roma mentioned the Magpies to The Athletic recently while discussing his ambitions to one day explore purchasing an English club.

Pallotta has previously been linked with a potential takeover at St James’ Park, with it even claimed that a viability study into buying Mike Ashley out was conducted last year.

The American businessman, who had a net worth of $1bn (£723m) in 2019, has also raised further capital following the €591m (£505m) sale of Roma in August 2020 by cashing in his 8% stake in NBA team Boston Celtics.

Pallotta now appears to be itching for a return to football ownership, joking: “I was hiding for a while but since I put an offer in for Newcastle…”

He added: “I do think that if there’s a place that makes sense for me, it’s the Premier League. I think there are interesting teams in the Premier League that have great history and it would be nice to see them getting back to it.

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“The Newcastles of the world. Great, great fanbase. Those are the kind of things I think would be interesting to be a part of with a good group [of investors] and there’s more rationality there [at league level] in many ways.”

Ashley is said to value Newcastle at £300m but the figure is expected to be under serious threat if United are relegated from the Premier League this season, per Chronicle Live.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has previously suggested that Ashley may have to lower his demands by as much as £100m if Newcastle become a Championship club, while overseas buyers have already been linked with discounted approaches based on relegation.

It would remain to be seen where Ashley values the Magpies as a second-tier outfit and just how open investors truly are to financing a takeover, but Pallotta’s comments may come as music to the ears of those currently on the fringes of the first team.

A new owner may look to remove Steve Bruce from his position and hire their own head coach, a decision Ashley is currently reluctant to make due to the 60-year-old’s loyalty to the Sports Direct tycoon and his passion for the club, per Sky Sports.

Longstaff would likely be one player eager for a fresh start under a new manager, having seen his game-time fall off a cliff under Bruce this term, with Sunday’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur his first inclusion in a matchday squad in six matches.

The 21-year-old has not featured at any stage over Newcastle’s last 12 Premier League fixtures, either, having been cast into the wilderness after a run of four starts from a possible five post-Christmas.

Bruce’s position is perplexing to the player and his teammates, as he is and has been fully fit throughout his time out of the starting XI, per The Athletic, while Chronicle Live’s Ciaran Kelly quoted the Toon boss last month as claiming the midfielder’s time would come.

“He’s not in the side but let’s not forget he’s got a huge future – there’s no question about that,” Bruce said. “He had a big rise last year and finds himself not in the team at the moment, so he’s just got to stick with it. His time will come again, that’s for sure.”

It remains to be seen whether Sunday’s recall to the matchday squad was a sign of Longstaff making his way back into contention, or if he will have to wait for someone like Pallotta to arrive and dispatch Bruce for his next chance at becoming a regular in black and white.

AND in other news, Newcastle are keen to sign a £14.5m-rated star who gives Steve Bruce “something completely different”…

Lots of Manchester City fans are delighted with a video of Brazilian youngster Kayky, who is set to move to the Citizens next year.

City have a history of signing Brazilians. Ederson, Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho have all played important roles in the club’s successes down the years, while many fans will also remember the contributions of the likes of Elano, Geovanni and, to a lesser extent, Robinho and Maicon.

Kayky will soon be adding his name to this list, and it seems that Pep Guardiola and co will be getting their hands on a top talent.

On Sunday evening, @City_Xtra shared a video of the 17-year-old scoring for current club Fluminense against Portuguesa RJ, and it was an impressive strike. He picked up the ball just inside the opposition half before showing off his pace to beat a defender and slot through the legs of the goalkeeper for his third professional goal (Transfermarkt).

These City fans were delighted with what they saw, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts. One excited supporter has even made comparisons with Kayky’s prolific compatriot Neymar, whose PSG side lost to City in the Champions League last week.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Kayky below

“The Premier League is in big trouble”

Credit: @Dreckel_

“Gonna be special”

Credit: @alexpaolo9

“Closest player to Neymar I’ve ever seen”

Credit: @MCFCJerrish

“Better than Sterling already”

Credit: @s10s10s10s10s10

“Which great diamond!!! I’m desperate to see him already playing for City”

Credit: @jdiazm11

“he looks like a proper baller”

Credit: @Ethan4707

In other news, some Man City fans were unhappy with this photo featuring Phil Foden.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals during his career for Wolves, believes that Steve Bruce has proved a lot of Newcastle United fans wrong after their recent run of form.

Newcastle’s hierarchy stood by Bruce after the club’s 3-0 defeat against relegation rivals Brighton before the previous international break, despite players thinking he had been sacked.

In a survey that 14,000 people took, The Chronicle revealed that 95% of people wanted to see Steve Bruce sacked by Newcastle United – since then he has taken seven points from a possible nine available to push the Magpies towards Premier League safety.

Speaking on how Bruce has proved a lot of Newcastle fans wrong and that he knows what the fans want and expect from the club and team, Bull told FFC:

“Yeah, I think he has and he’s a good friend of mine is Bruce, and I know that he wears his heart on his sleeve and he knows what Newcastle fans want and what they are all about.

“I think he’s just got that bit of spark back in the players and I think he can keep them up.”

Bruce had previously said that he believes he is the man to keep Newcastle in the Premier League, and he has been proven right in recent weeks.

That said, this can’t be a time for complacency for Newcastle, especially ahead of successive top-flight fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal, the former being at Anfield this weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing up a move for Jonathan Bamba this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas claims that the €40m-rated (£35m) Lille winger is among the forwards Spurs are taking an interest in ahead of the transfer window re-opening at the end of the season.

Bamba is another player that scouts from the north London club have been tracking. The 24-year-old joined Lille on a free transfer from league rivals Saint-Etienne in 2018.

Bye-bye Lamela

This news would almost surely spell the end for Erik Lamela’s time at the club, as this week, the long-serving Argentine has been linked with a return to the Serie A.

Bologna sporting director Walter Sabatini, who oversaw the 29-year-old’s sale from Roma to Spurs in 2013, has confirmed that his former star is indeed a target, he said (via the Evening Standard): “Lamela is one of the names we are looking into,” said Sabatini. “We are trying to understand if there are possibilities to get there and there is no guarantee.”

Given Lamela’s injury issues (133 games missed) and inconsistencies (one goal contribution every three matches), it is probably time to move on, so swooping for the Lille sensation is certainly a good place to start in trying to fill that void.

Over in Ligue 1, the exploits of Jonathan David, Renato Sanches and formerly, Nicolas Pepe have often taken the bulk of the plaudits for Les Dogues but the former France U21 international has remained a key asset.

Take this season, for example, Bamba has contributed seven goals and nine assists from 38 appearances across the French top-flight and the Europa League, via Transfermarkt.

That’s him providing a goal every two games, one fewer than what Lamela has delivered in eight seasons at Spurs. Bamba also ranks second for average WhoScored rating (7.17) this season, ahead of both David and Sanches.

Speaking in November about the winger’s form, Lille boss Christophe Galtier said: “Jonathan’s been in fantastic form at the start of this season. Full credit to him. Jo’s on the pitch more often than not, and if that’s the case, it’s because he’s an important player for the team.”

Between The Lines analyst, Zach Lowry, dubbed Bamba their “creative leader” because “everything runs through him in attack.” Indeed, the majority of their forward play has come from that left side, where the 5 foot 9 dynamo likes to operate in the pocket of space behind David.

Bamba has also been dubbed a ‘hidden gem’ in the past, too, with his ‘ lightning quick’ speed a key attribute, something that Lamela may no longer have given his age and injury history.

As evident above, replacing the Andre Villas-Boas signing with Bamba could be quite a shrewd move from Daniel Levy. He can strike gold by moving the Argentine on, and bringing in the Lille talisman as his replacement.

AND in other news, Levy must wave goodbye to 23 y/o Spurs flop, Pochettino once dubbed him “a big talent”…