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Aston Villa could have a new Gareth Barry coming through the system in 18-year-old starlet Ben Chrisene.

The versatile 6-foot gem was poached from then League Two outfit Exeter City back in August 2020 and soon found himself a regular part of the Villans’ youth setup.

Chrisene was part of the U18 squad that clinched the FA Youth Cup, where he scored the opener in the final against Liverpool U18s and back in January this year, he signed a contract extension after impressing first-team manager Steven Gerrard.

“[He is a] really good prospect,” claimed the Liverpool legend. “We’re really excited to try to help him become a Premier League player.”

By February, the teenage sensation was part of the travelling squad, featuring on the bench against Leeds United, so there is a clear intention that he could well become a mainstay this season, especially given the lack of backup behind Lucas Digne at left-back.

The former Exeter City prospect is also capable of playing in midfield, which has earned exciting comparisons to former academy graduate turned skipper, Barry.

“Chrisene’s a bit of a Gareth Barry,” suggested Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece in a recent online Q&A with supporters. “A midfielder but he has slotted in seamlessly at full-back. I see him as a CM further down the line; a good left-back at present and a position he can make his mark playing in should he move out on loan.”

Having represented England at U17 level, it’s evident that Chrisene is a hugely promising talent who could be nurtured into a future star, in the right hands.

Given Gerrard’s experience, both as a player and manager, he is surely not in better company.

The Villa View’s Ty Bracey is also a big fan of the 18-year-old, once claiming that Chrisene “is going to be some player in a few years time.”

With Villa yet to sign back up to Lucas Digne, we could well see the young prodigy feature more often heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

On the above evidence, he could well become the club’s next Gareth Barry.

AND in other news, Gerrard could save NSWE millions with Gomez alternative in “highly-rated” Villa teen…

West Ham are eyeing a move for Ligue 1 star Amadou Onana as David Moyes looks to bring in signing number three this summer.

What’s the news?

West Ham are interested in signing Lille midfielder Onana according to reports and face competition from fellow Premier League side Arsenal for his signature.

David Moyes watched the 20-year-old play in Lille’s Champions League clash against Chelsea last season and was impressed with his performance.

It is believed the French side will want in excess of £20m for their player and this shouldn’t be a problem for the club.

He can be Moyes’ own Tchouameni

West Ham have made a solid start to the transfer window, adding £30m defender Nayef Aguerd and making goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s move from PSG a permanent one after a loan spell last season.

There is scope for more additions, however, with Moyes knowing that adding in some more quality will give his team the best chance to replicate, or even surpass last season’s success.

With club legend Mark Noble retiring, there is a gap in the midfield and this is where Onana fits in.

Moyes will be hoping to land his very own Aurelien Tchouameni in a move for the Belgian, with his former club Monaco now requiring a replacement for the departed Frenchman, Onana has been touted for a move.

Although not quite at the level of Tchouameni yet, there are parallels in their playing styles that could see the 20-year-old soon be worth the £85m that it took for the Spanish giants to prise away the France international.

Onana, who was dubbed a “huge talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, offers a threat going forward from midfield, generating 2.05 shot-creating actions per match and giving himself the best chance to score with 40% of his shots hitting the target.

Defensively is where his main strengths lie, averaging 1.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and only being dribbled past 0.2 times per match over the course of the Ligue 1 season.

These qualities are exactly what Moyes is looking for, and Onana would be a very shrewd signing, not just for the future, but for the present.

AND in other news: West Ham plotting swoop for “dangerous” £10m “real talent”, just imagine him and Bowen

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has delivered his verdict on the Leeds United pursuit of RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams. 

The lowdown: Replacement required?

The long-standing admiration in Adams has been ramped up a notch in recent weeks as reports continue to link Leeds’ own Kalvin Phillips with a move away from Elland Road this summer.

Having worked successfully under Whites’ boss Jesse March previously during their time together at Leipzig and in New York, the 23-year-old is unsurprisingly being viewed by many as being ideally suited to filling the void potentially left behind by Phillips.

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One respected journalist appears to share that same view and has offered his opinion on the transfer as Victor Orta continues to be hot on the trail of possible additions in Yorkshire…

The latest: ‘Highest level…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke suggested that Adams would be the perfect choice to succeed the 26-year-old Englishman in the heart of the Leeds midfield.

He said: “I think it’d be a great way to replace Phillips if they were to go out and buy someone like Tyler Adams, who’s an American International and has played at the highest level in the Champions League for RB Leipzig.

“So, somebody like that would sort of appease the fans who are maybe upset at the fact that Kalvin Phillips might be leaving to go to Manchester City.”

The verdict: Spot on

Should Leeds be unable to prevent Phillips’ sale as now seems nigh on inevitable, Adams – a player clearly admired by Marsch – would be an adequate replacement for the 23-cap England man.

Capped on 19 occasions by the USA and having made 72 Bundesliga outings to go with 14 UEFA Champions League appearances, the former New York Red Bulls man has experienced a taste of the top-level action and should have little problem adapting to life in the Premier League.

Branded a ‘machine’ by MLS editor Dylan Butler, Adams boasts a very strong passing ability alongside impressive ball retention and aerial attributes (WhoScored).

Valued at just £15.3million despite being under contract in Germany until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the American represents an affordable and viable option to rejoin his compatriot Marsch and bolster the Leeds ranks this summer.

Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to make a sizeable contract offer to Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez, in order to try and tempt the Chilean into a return to the Premier League.

What’s the word?

That’s according to La Tercera, with the Midlands outfit named as one of the clubs who are believed to be interested in signing the 33-year-old this summer, with the player set to be allowed to depart by the Serie A side despite having a year remaining on his existing deal.

The report suggests that NSWE are willing to ‘match the current salary’ that the former Arsenal man takes home in Italy, with the 146-cap star reportedly raking in around £175k-per-week at present.

The veteran ace has been at the San Siro since joining, initially on loan, from Manchester United in the summer of 2019, having spent just 18 months with the Red Devils following his high-profile switch from the Emirates in January 2018.

Imagine him and Coutinho

Some may question the wisdom in bringing in a player no longer in his pomp, although were these reports to prove accurate it would represent another major coup for manager Steven Gerrard, with the 42-year-old having already demonstrated his immense pulling power this summer.

One notable signing in the current window has been that of former Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian playmaker joining from Barcelona on a £17m permanent deal, having spent the last six months on loan at Villa Park.

The “creative genius”, as he has been described by pundit Phil Thompson, has already shown a flickering of his quality in a claret and blue jersey thus far, chipping in with five goals and three assists during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

The thought of a player who once cost £142m ending up with the Villans would have seemed laughable a few years ago, yet it now appears he could even be joined by a player who was once raking in a reported £400k-per-week at Old Trafford in Sanchez.

Two huge names, but undoubtedly two huge talents, with the latter man having sparkled during his previous stint with the Gunners, proving himself one of the most deadly forwards in the division during his three-and-a-half-year stay in north London.

While his subsequent switch to the Theatre of Dreams failed to work out – as he provided just 14 goal contributions during his time with United – his overall Premier League record remains hugely impressive, as he netted 63 goals and provided 31 assists in 154 appearances, while also providing 396 crosses and creating 52 big chances.

Not just a creative influence, however, the diminutive forward also impressed with his aggressive and relentless all-round approach, having been rightly dubbed a “warrior” by Liam Canning.

Once also described as “electric” by pundit Martin Keown, the £3.15m-rated ace may not quite be what he once was in the present day, although he can still deliver a moment of magic when needed, having scored five goals and provided two assists in the league last term, despite only starting seven games.

Making a move for what is now a fading force may not be particularly wise, yet it would no doubt be worth it just to see both him and Coutinho share the pitch together, with the mercurial duo adding that sprinkling of star quality that can excite a stadium.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City full-back Issa Kabore, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Kabore profiled

Signed from Belgian top-flight club KV Mechelen in 2020, Man City immediately allowed the right-back to return on loan before sanctioning a temporary spell at French Ligue 1 side Troyes last season.

As things stand the 21-year-old is yet to make a single senior outing for the Premier League champions but remains a highly-rated prospect, having been named the best young player at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Now as Forest boss Steve Cooper seeks an alternative to the reportedly Tottenham-bound Djed Spence after the youngster enjoyed a glittering loan spell at the City Ground, Kabore could be the chosen one…

The latest: Reds keen

As per The Athletic, Forest are believed to be ‘monitoring’ Kabore ahead of a potential summer swoop.

It’s claimed that the 27-cap Burkina Faso defender is viewed as a player with ‘similar character to Spence’ and is ‘hungry to prove himself’ to the top level.

The report makes no mention of a fee for the youngster hailed as ‘outstanding’ by European football expert Antonio Mango, who even tipped him as a potential Kyle Walker successor.

The verdict: Test the water

Valued at just £3.6million but under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), Kabore is expected to spend time out on loan once again next season due to being behind two world-class right full-backs in Walker and the versatile Joao Cancelo in Manchester.

During the 2021/22 season, the right-back earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.7 duels and completing 1.5 successful dribbles on average per league game, less than Spence’s 5.8 duels and 1.8 completed dribbles.

Capable of operating as a right-sided midfielder as well as a right-back, Kabore appears ideally suited to play in Cooper’s system as a wing-back and as such the City Ground hierarchy should perhaps test the waters with a temporary move, including an option to buy in case he shines in Spence’s shoes next season.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has delivered an update on West Ham United’s pursuit of Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd. 

The lowdown: West Ham interested in Aguerd

This comes following a report from Le Parisien (via Get French Football News) last week claiming that the Hammers were progressing in their chase to sign the 26-year-old.

It has since been claimed that David Moyes views the Moroccan as a priority this summer, as the Irons manager attempts to bolster a problem area in the London Stadium squad.

One informed onlooker has now provided the latest situation surrounding this potential deal…

The latest: Crook on Aguerd

Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer specialist Crook claimed that West Ham could tie up a move for Aguerd in the near future, whilst also ruling out a swoop for one Premier League defender who has been linked with the east Londoners.

He said: “I’m not convinced Michael Keane would be that attractive for West Ham if they’re trying to challenge for Europe again. I don’t think he had a brilliant season for Everton, maybe his best days are behind him.

“But Aguerd, they’re keen on him, they’ve scouted him quite a lot towards the back end of last season, they sent people over to France, so I’m expecting that one to happen.”

The verdict: Could be a good fit

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, Aguerd has been described as a ‘monster in the air’ by football consultant and writer Jonathan Fadugba, and would therefore fit the mould of what Moyes wants from a centre-back.

Last season, the 19-cap Morroco ace scored four times and provided three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions in France, highlighting his prowess in the attacking third. He also averaged an impressive 3.1 successful aerial duels and four clearances per game whilst helping his team to keep 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1 (Sofascore).

Closely indexed to Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk, Lille’s Sven Botman and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique in terms of playing style (FBRef), signing Aguerd this summer would appear to be a superb piece of business from GSB and Moyes.

In other news: Journalist says West Ham are ‘in talks’ to sign an ‘amazing’ forward, find out more here.

A huge update has emerged on a group purchasing 39% of Sunderland this summer…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports presenter and journalist Tom White has revealed that The Fans Together are closing in on purchasing a stake in the Black Cats.

The Athletic had revealed that the group were in discussions with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven to take their stake in the club and White has now backed up those claims.

He Tweeted: ‘“The Fans Together” are moving closer to owning 39% of SAFC.

‘The group believe in fan ownership. Fans will be given the chance to buy in. TFT already have a stake in Greek club FC EPISKOPI. TFT were attracted to SAFC by the large fan base and the fact there is no debt.’

White added: “Bob Robinson is leading the project. Robinson was previously involved at Bradford Park Avenue, where he led a fan run initiative to resurrect the club. No comment from the EFL (they would never comment on an ongoing takeover or investment).”

Supporters will be excited

The Black Cats supporters will be excited by this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be pleased that the deal is ‘moving closer’ at the start of the summer. This suggests that an agreement can be reached well in advance of the 2022/23 campaign getting underway.

Fans will not want uncertainty hanging over the club as they head into their first Championship season since 2017/18 and having this 39% sale dragging over into August and September surely suits no one involved.

By getting it done and dusted as early as possible, Sunderland can move forward with everyone pulling in the same direction as they attempt to achieve survival in the second tier under Alex Neil.

Secondly, supporters will be excited by the prospect of being able to buy in and own a percentage of the club. This pledge from TFT shows – if their name is not enough – that they care about the fans.

The group are seemingly passionate about the fanbase and this suggests that they will work hard to have a healthy relationship with them. This will leave the Black Cats faithful excited for the future with TFT at the Stadium of Light and the notion that they will feel valued at the club moving forward.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: SAFC deal for gem who’s “loved by the fans” would get SOL rocking…

Former top flight striker Frank McAvennie has reacted to the news that Everton could be about to lose a massive behind the scenes component in assistant manager Duncan Ferguson. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

This comes as the 50-year-old Toffees favourite is strongly indexed with the vacant managerial position at Blackburn Rovers after a source informed Football Insider of the interest, following the departure of Tony Mowbray.

The Scotsman has been in situ at Goodison Park in a coaching capacity since 2011, having started out as an Under-18’s assistant before becoming a technical assistant and occupying the hot seat on a caretaker basis on three occasions.

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Now, after the appointment and subsequent relative success of Frank Lampard on Merseyside, Ferguson could be set to part ways with the Blues this summer…

The latest: McAvennie has his say

Speaking to Football Insider, fellow Scotsman McAvennie, 62, has suggested that it would be a ‘massive loss’ to the club were Ferguson to leave.

“He would be a massive loss if he went. He’s Everton through and through. He needs to be that go-between for the manager and the players at Everton. For a manager, it’s great to have Dunc on your side. I don’t know him and I don’t know what his ambitions are.

“But if his ambition is to become a manager then I always thought it would be for the Everton job. I’m surprised but if he wants to be a manager he has to go and try it.”

The verdict: Big blow

There can be no denying the potential departure of Ferguson would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow for the Toffees this summer.

One of the pillars of the club in recent years filled with turmoil, the towering ex-frontman may feel he has served his time as a bridesmaid and is deserving of a shot at the big job, and rightfully so.

However, the Everton hierarchy will no doubt be doing everything in their power to keep the experienced coach at the club to work closely alongside Lampard in what is hopefully the start of a resurrection on the blue half of Merseyside.

In other news: Everton: PSG ready to make move for Richarlison

West Ham United are eyeing a summer move for Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd from Ligue 1 side Rennes this summer according to recent reports.

The Daily Mail recently revealed that The Hammers were looking to add depth to their squad after an impressive season that has seen them qualify for Europe and reach the semi-final of the Europa League.

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One their list of targets is defender Nayef Aguerd, with The Evening Standard recently reporting that talks between Rennes and West Ham over Aguerd were progressing.

Any move is expected to cost £15m with the player contracted until 2025. Moyes is searching for a defender who is fast and can provide balance on the left.

If he sings then one of the players he will be competing with for a spot in the starting line-up is Craig Dawson. Despite Dawson being Premier League proven, Aguerd would be an upgrade and an option for the long term.

When you compare both players this season, the 26-year-old excels in a number of areas and offers attributes different to Dawson. He has recorded a higher number of combined tackles and interceptions at 84 compared to the Englishman’s 63.

It’s in possession where he is the most impressive, completing 26 more progressive carries of the ball than Dawson this season and 401 more touches in the defensive third, despite playing fewer games.

The Morrocan international is even good in the air, having won 108 aerial duels this season compared to 103 won by West Ham’s 32-year-old.

Ultimately he offers a lot more than Dawson, and even though he has played a massive part in The Hammers’ successes this season, if they want to push on for a Champions League place it’s about time they upgraded him.

Aguerd would be a complete bargain and offers all round skill as well as experience on the international stage with 19 caps for his country.

He’s even been described as a “cerebral person” by former Rennes manager Julien Stephen.

It’s set to be an exciting summer ahead for manager David Moyes and it’s important that they spend the money they are given wisely.

They’ll struggle to compete with the bigger clubs in the league for the top players, so their best bet is to buy smart, and Aguerd should certainly be one of the first on the list – at £15m, he’s an absolute bargain.

AND in other news: “Said to fancy…”: Ex drop teasing West Ham transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing…

Leeds United escaped relegation back down to the Championship as they beat Brentford 2-1 away from home on the final day of the campaign.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison scored the goals as the Whites finished three points ahead of Burnley – who lost to Newcastle at home.

Jesse Marsch will now be looking forward to the future as he enters his first transfer window in charge of the Lillywhites, giving him the chance to put his own stamp on the team.

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One player the club have been linked with a swoop for is Derby County winger Tom Lawrence. The attacker is out of contract this summer and is attracting interest from a number of teams, including Leeds, Bournemouth, Southampton and Fulham.

Imagine him & Raphinha

Victor Orta must swoop in to land the Welshman on a free transfer as he can form a deadly wing duo alongside Raphinha.

In the 2021/22 Premier League, the Brazilian winger scored 11 goals and provided three assists cutting in on his left foot from the right wing. He provided a much-needed spark from out wide, for Bielsa and Marsch, and keeping hold of him would be a major boost because of his attacking quality.

By signing Lawrence, Leeds can bring in a player with similar qualities to Raphinha but on the left side of the pitch. The Derby man is a right-footed left winger who can cut inside, as the Lillywhites man does on his left from the right side, and shoot with his preferred foot.

One of his former managers, Gary Bowyer, previously showered him with praise, saying:

“He’s a wonderful player, a joy to watch. He’s one of these players that when he picks the ball up, half-turns and starts running, you get off the edge of your seat because you know something’s going to happen.

“I think today in the second half, he had a couple of runs and looked like he would make something happen. He’s a fabulous talent.”

These comments suggest that he will be an exciting player for the fans to watch, like Raphinha, and his statistics in the Championship suggest that he could have the end product to match.

The £27k-per-week gem ended the 2021/22 campaign with 11 goals and five assists as Derby were relegated. Lawrence was able to thrive in the final third in spite of his team’s position and this is why he has the potential to make the step up.

If he can translate that form over to the Premier League then he can form a deadly partnership with Raphinha on the wings for Leeds next season and that is why Orta must sign him.

AND in other news, Orta eyeing Leeds swoop for “exceptional” £20k-p/w “example”, Marsch needs him badly…