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Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is eyeing a fresh swoop for Josh King in this summer transfer window, and it looks as though they are finally set to sign him.

What’s the story?

Reports ahead of the January transfer window suggested that King could still be on Dean Smith’s side’s radar, with the news over the summer suggesting that they had put in a bid of around £16m for the Norway international.

According to recent claims made by Norwegian publication VG, King is still of interest to Villa, although the likes of Norwich and Celtic have also been name-checked as clubs who are keen on signing him after Everton let him go.

But now, it seems as though Villa are about to get their man.

According to Turkish journalist and Fenerbahce reporter, Talha Arslan, “Joshua King, whose name is mentioned with Fenerbahçe, is very close to an agreement with Aston Villa”.

Premier League proven

In the 5 foot 11 King, Villa would be getting someone who’s Premier League proven – he’s played 172 times in the competition, and struck 48 times and provided another 15 assists.

King would bring what his previous manager Eddie Howe described as his “unique pace” to the table, and would offer the Villa boss a different option up front.

Described as a “complete package” by Howe, the 54-cap King is exactly what Villa need to ease the burden on Ollie Watkins for next season in the Premier League.

King will know all about the Premier League, and fits exactly what Smith has recently said is his main priority in the transfer market:

“In terms of our recruitment, we talk about the sweet spots that we’re looking for, which is that the players have Premier League experience and are (ideally) British because there is no adaptation risk at all.”

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And, given the fact he has been released by Everton and would be available on a free transfer, it’s surely a move that Johan Lange can’t pass up this summer.

The latest update on Villa closing in on a deal for King will surely have fans buzzing given they wanted him last summer, can get him for absolutely nothing, and has got a wealth of Premier League experience. He ticks all the boxes.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered an exciting update on Aston Villa…

Ralph Hasenhuttl has suggested that it is still Southampton’s plan to sign Theo Walcott on a permanent basis this summer, which would be a huge mistake considering his less than impressive form since joining on loan from Everton.

The 32-year-old winger is out of contract with the Toffees this summer and reports suggest that he will join the Saints on a permanent basis ahead of next season, having spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with the south coast club.

When asked about the possibility of the former Arsenal man joining this summer, Hasenhuttl said: “I think in the games he played he has shown that he was an important part of our game – especially his workload and effort.

“He’s a very professional guy and, as I always say, I was happy he was coming here and I still think he’s a player that can help us in the next few years.

“If he’s not always playing from the beginning, then he’s still such a good character that he supports the team whenever he needs to. I think this is for me a very important part for giving him a new contract or not.”

The Englishman has made 19 appearances in the Premier League this season, contributing just two goals and three assists, which has led to him averaging a less than impressive 6.54 average match rating for his performances from WhoScored.

Following last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, Hampshire Live’s Tom Leach gave him a measly three in his player ratings, writing that “his form seems to have vanished during the second half of the season”.

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This ranks him as the 10th-best performer in Hasenhuttl’s squad so far this season, so it would be difficult to claim that Walcott has set the world alight and is deserving of a permanent contract.

Although the experienced winger is likely to take a significant pay cut on the £100,000 per week he reportedly earns at Everton in order to join Southampton this summer, there will surely be better, younger and cheaper options for the Saints to seize upon, and it feels as this signing is for Walcott’s benefit rather than Southampton’s.

The £5.4m-rated winger will likely have no resale value either, as he will probably finish his career with the Saints, so his permanent signing doesn’t really make any sense from a financial perspective.

Therefore, when you consider all of these factors, along with his less than impressive recent form, it is certainly fair to suggest that Hasenhuttl is heading for a big mistake by offering him a permanent contract.

In other news… Semmens disaster: Southampton missed out on “perfect” gem with 18 G/A

Martyn Waghorn’s Derby County future remains up in the air ahead of the summer window, according to journalist Steve Nicholson.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The Rams secured their status in the Championship after a dramatic final day earlier this month, following a 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney looks set for a busy summer in the transfer market, with a number of players out of contract and possible new signings coming in.

Someone whose current deal expires imminently is Waghorn, with his future up in their, amid reported interest from Cardiff City.

The Latest: ‘Still waiting to hear’ about Waghorn

Speaking in a Q&A for the Derby Telegraph on Tuesday, Nicholson said a decision is still yet to made regarding the 31-year-old’s future:

“Still waiting to hear on Waghorn and Wisdom. Clubs/managers never reveal budgets, but Derby’s business this summer is likely to be a mixture of loans, permanents and free agents.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Waghorn has been an impressive servant for Derby, being hailed as ‘absolutely excellent’ by journalist Ryan Conway, so it would be nice to see him stay on.

At 31, he may be in the veteran stage of his career, but he still has plenty to offer the Rams, even if that is potentially as a squad player.

Waghorn is a popular figure with the supporters, highlighting why retaining his services would go down well, while 30 goals in 123 appearances outline his enduring quality.

In other news, a journalist has delivered an update on the proposed takeover of Derby. Read more here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have heaped praise on Prince William on social media following the Duke of Cambridge’s visit to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training centre.

His Royal Highness, a Villa supporter, formally opened the new ‘high performance centre’ at the club’s base and met a few Aston Villa players along the way, as reported by Birmingham Live.

The Prince spoke to injured star Jack Grealish and striker Wesley Moraes and was shown around by co-chairman Nassef Sawiris and chief executive Christian Purslow.

William paid a touching tribute to Dean Smith’s father during a speech at Bodymoor Heath and also threw in a quick dig at Birmingham City fans.

Villa’s rivals currently sit 18th in the Championship, whereas Villa are sitting pretty in 10th position in the Premier League.

The Duke of Cambridge, when talking about receiving coronavirus vaccines, said:

“I can’t think of a cooler place than Villa Park to be vaccinated – unless you’re a Birmingham City fan.”

Villa fans react

@villareport shared those comments on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

Their post received plenty of interaction, with many finding William’s comments on the Blues amusing.

“Kinggggg”Credit: @ombella”W”Credit: @Billiam40″Pure class your highness”Credit: @Chardrocknroll”Get this man a crown”Credit: @ThassosF”Prince William is a legend”Credit: @ReubenOwen_”Well he ain’t wrong is he”Credit: @will_avfc

In other news: Villa plotting move for Manchester United man, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds United, has praised Jack Harrison for the way he’s stepped up his performances this season.

Harrison is currently on his third loan spell with the Lillywhites, making 124 appearances in that time, and it’s expected that the 24-year old will finally make the move permanent this summer.

The former New York City winger has been part of Leeds’ terrifying front three this season, which has seen himself, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha score 27 goals between them in the Premier League.

Speaking on how people at Leeds have been amazed at how much Harrison has stepped up and that people rate him very highly at the club, Norris exclusively told FFC:

“I think from the people I’ve spoken to at the club, he certainly hasn’t gone under the radar because they like him and I think he’s stepped it up a level this year.

“He’s done a couple of brilliant pieces of skill and has scored some great goals but he’s really direct, quick and exciting to watch.”

Having signed for Manchester City from New York City in 2018, Harrison has failed to make an appearance for his parent club, but he has certainly found a home at Leeds.

His future may be impacted by what Marcelo Bielsa decides to do as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with some reports linking him with the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job.

According to a report by Torino Granata, the chances of a contract renewal for powerhouse Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic are practically zero as it stands, with GSB and West Ham United now ‘warming up’ in the race to sign him alongside a plethora of other interested clubs. 

West Ham ‘warming up’ for Maksimovic

Maksimovic, standing at a lofty 6 foot 4, is on the Hammers’ radar as a possible free agent signing this summer amid his contract dispute.

His current deal runs out this summer and Torino Granata report the chances of it being extended have fallen by the wayside at this moment in time – resulting in Roma, Fiorentina, Tottenham, Inter Milan and the Hammers taking note.

West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena is expected to leave in the summer upon his contract expiry, perhaps prompting the club to weigh up replacements for the Paraguayan.

Transfer Tavern take

The Irons will need more options at the back, especially if they qualify for the Champions League or Europa League, and Maksimovic comes as a potentially fruitful choice on a free.

According to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via the Daily Express), Slaven Bilic’s West Ham even offered him a contract way back in 2016.

However, Napoli beat them to the punch and signed him on loan with an option-to-buy that year (ESPN).

It appears, as per Torino Granata, that West Ham are warming up for a second opportunity to sign the Serbian colossus this summer.

In other news: West Ham fans flocked to this Lingard update, find out more here.

Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their transfer chase for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are eyeing up a move for the forward this summer, and it now appears that Brentford would be willing to do business – at a certain price.

Football League World have claimed that the Championship side will demand a fee in the region of £35m to let the striker go, with the Bees feeling that he has more Premier League pedigree than current Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.

The report reveals that Brentford believe the “25-year-old has an even greater potential to score goals in the Premier League than Watkins”.

Radrizzani must act now

With Leeds now knowing what it will take to prise Toney away from Brentford, the Whites simply have to go after the striker who’s bagged an impressive 126 goals in his career already.

Speaking earlier last year, Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry said: “He’s turned into a tremendous all-round footballer. It’s important to remember Ivan is not just an exceptional goal-scoring forward, he’s also an outstanding defender.”

Toney himself has the confidence that he could cut it at the highest level, even comparing himself to Milan and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He said: “I’ve always liked Zlatan. I just love his confidence. Some people see it as arrogance but you must be like that to succeed. I’m similar to Zlatan in both my confidence and the way I play. When he wants to do something, he just does it. I have some of that in my game and personality. And I believe I’ll be a Premier League striker.”

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Given how he’s taken to the Championship like a duck to water, Andrea Radrizzani must surely open up the cheque-book and make a move for Toney this summer, who could potentially explode in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign another Stuart Dallas in this ace…

Billy Dodds believes that Connor Goldson has been Glasgow Rangers’ Player of the Year.

Dodds backs Goldson for Player of the Year

The former Ibrox striker was speaking on BBC Sportsound (via Ibrox News)and was asked by presenter Richard Gordon whether Steven Davis has been the Gers’ best performer this campaign.

Dodds praised the Northern Ireland international but quickly moved on to discuss Goldson, saying:

“I think Connor Goldson has been incredible, Goldson for me is a stalwart who plays every game.

“He has been outstanding, we talked about the nine goals that they’ve lost, that’s just an incredible record at any level of football.”

Brilliant

At the age of 36, Davis has been an important player for Steven Gerrard this season, and it is no surprise to see the Gers offer him a new 12-month contract (rangers.co.uk) despite him fast approaching the end of his career. However, Goldson has been a rock on which the Gers’ success has been built.

After 33 games in the Premiership so far this term, the Gers have conceded just 10 goals (BBC), and Goldson has started every single one of those matches (Transfermarkt). He has also popped up with four goals in the league, including two in the first Old Firm derby of the season as the Gers won 2-0.

Without the £4.95m-valued former Brighton man, it is hard to believe that Gerrard’s side would have been quite this good. Perhaps Dodds is correct in picking him out as the best performer in the Ibrox ranks during a memorable 2020/21 season.

In other news, some Rangers fans hammered this man’s performance against Celtic.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry believes Celtic regret their decision not to sign Ivan Toney.

Toney, who eventually left Peterborough for Championship side Brentford, was a target for Celtic last summer. However, according to Fry, the former SPFL champions messed about too much in their attempts to sign the 25-year-old, resulting in their failure to acquire his services.

Toney has since gone on to become the deadliest striker in English football’s second division, showing Celtic what they have missed out on. He has already scored an incredible 28 goals in the Championship this season and is now being linked with a move to the Premier League.

Discussing Celtic’s failure to sign Toney last summer, Fry told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“Toney would have got 40/50 goals playing in Scotland, no disrespect to Scottish Football. He would have been a sensation because Toney doesn’t only score goals, he makes goals. He doesn’t only score goals and make goals, he’s also the best defender we’ve had. He goes back for corners and free-kicks and nine out of 10 times, he’s the one that clears it out the box.

“And he’s hungry. He wants to listen, he wants to learn, he wants to improve. He’ll go to the very top, Ivan Toney, that’s for sure. I’m sure they [Celtic] do [regret not signing Toney] already. I’m sure they regret it, not breaking the bank for him.”

Indeed, losing out on Toney certainly looks like an opportunity missed. Having surrendered their title to rivals Rangers in disappointing fashion, the Bhoys could have done with having a player of the Brentford forward’s quality in their squad.

Liverpool have to make a move to bring Danny Ings back to Anfield if they want to challenge for the Premier League title once again next season.

The Southampton striker, who is rated at £18m, has said that his favourite environment in football is the “crazy” atmosphere of Anfield on a Champions League evening.

This comes after reports suggesting that the three-time England forward is not yet committing to a new contract with Southampton because he wants to play in Europe’s premier competition.

Liverpool should grant him that wish by bringing him back to the club, a move that has already been granted approval Rob Lee in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

Since departing Merseyside, Ings has become one of the most lethal forwards in the Premier League, boasting 42 goals in 92 Saints’ appearances.

He would certainly improve the current forward options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal with regular forward Roberto Firmino having netted just 34 goals in that time and Divock Origi scoring just 14 of his own in all competitions.

Despite the apparent differences to Firmino, Ings would be able to slot seamlessly into the Reds’ starting XI thanks to the hard work that he puts in on the pitch.

Jurgen Klopp has already said that the 28-year-old former Burnley frontman is a “wonderful” player so a move would not be a gamble by any stretch of the imagination.

Considering that Ings is out of contract in the summer of 2022 and rated at just £18m, a deal might not actually be too costly either.

With Liverpool having sold Ings to Southampton for just £20m three years ago, a fee of a similar amount would represent excellent value for the Reds given that they’ll be signing a player who has improved exponentially since leaving Anfield.

AND in more news, find out why Jurgen Klopp must restore Diogo Jota to the Liverpool lineup for Sunday’s clash against Fulham…