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Aston Villa announced on Friday afternoon that Louie Barry has joined Ipswich Town on a season-long loan, and a number of Villa fans were quick to react to the news on social media.

Barry helped Villa to win the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2002 last season and has scored 22 goals for the club’s youth sides after joining from Barcelona last year.

The 18-year-old actually scored on his first-team debut at Villa Park against Liverpool in the FA Cup and will now be given the chance to gain regular senior football at Portman Road.

Barry was included on Ipswich’s bench just 24 hours after a deal went through, but the forward didn’t get on for The Tractor Boys in their 2-2 draw with Morecambe on the opening weekend of League One.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding Barry on their official Twitter page on Friday. Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling a temporary move as ‘brilliant’.

“Wow. Get excited! And send him back safe after you have won the league :)”

Credit: @rodvik

“A season playing senior football is exactly the right thing for the lad. Hopefully he will fill out a bit similar to when Jack went to Notts County. Good luck Louie”

Credit: @SiORegan

“Brilliant for you, Good luck mate!”

Credit: @lewastbury

“Gonna light it up, I think. Very good loan move for him.”

Credit: @MarkJirobe

“Love this – step one of mission ‘new starboy’”

Credit: @nallyboy90

“It’s official! Good luck Louie, a really exciting move – this is now the top one to watch for me. Let’s add him to the list”

Credit: @AVFCLOAN

In other news: Many Villa fans fume as details on Ings move emerge. 

AEK Athens are expected to step up their attempts to sign Celtic’s Vasilis Barkas with the Hoops willing to let the goalkeeper leave, according to The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Barkas under Postecoglou

Barkas, who cost the Hoops £4.5m last summer, began Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as Celtic boss as first-choice ‘keeper. He was named in the manager’s pre-season starting line ups against Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, Bristol City, Preston North End and West Ham.

The £20,000-a-week netminder also started against FC Midtjylland in the first leg of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier, but he made a costly mistake in the second half and hasn’t featured since.

The 27-year-old, who was described as ‘great’ by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon, wasn’t even in the squad for the 6-0 win over Dundee on Sunday, and it seems as if he could return to his native country.

The Latest: Hoops happy to part ways

The Daily Record shared a late-night Celtic story on Monday regarding the Hoops’ interest in striker Thomas Henry.

Within their report, they added that Barkas is edging closer to a Parkhead exit, with AEK Athens set to firm up their interest, while clubs in Italy are also keen.

Celtic are happy for Barkas to leave, even if it is on loan, following his all-too-brief lifeline under Postecoglou.

The Verdict: The right decision

Parting ways with Barkas now makes sense following Joe Hart’s arrival in Glasgow.

The Englishman has instantly become Postecoglou’s number one, starting against Jablonec and Dundee, so having four senior ‘keepers in Hart, Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard seems to be one too many.

It appears as if the Greece international may well be the man to depart Celtic Park, so his situation could be one to keep an eye on over the coming days.

In other news: Loan to buy: Journalist in Turkey claims Celtic could now move for ‘dangerous’ ace

Liverpool have received a significant boost ahead of the new campaign after Virgil van Dijk extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2025.

What’s the story?

A report on Sky Sports revealed that the 30-year-old centre-back had put pen to paper on fresh terms after he announced the news on Twitter.

Van Dijk is the latest Liverpool star to commit his future to the Anfield club, with Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold also signing new deals over the summer.

Liverpool fans will be absolutely buzzing

The Netherlands captain became the world’s most expensive defender when he moved from Southampton to Liverpool in a £75m transfer back in January 2018.

Since arriving on Merseyside, Van Dijk has undoubtedly lived up to his price tag, establishing himself as one of the best central defenders in the modern era. He became a crucial cog in Klopp’s setup, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists in 130 appearances for the Reds, inspiring them to a maiden Premier League title and sixth Champions League crown while finishing second in the Ballon D’Or in 2019.

However, a serious knee injury sustained in last season’s Merseyside derby ruled Van Dijk out for nine months, meaning that he missed the majority of 2020/21. With fellow centre-backs Joe Gomez and Joel Matip also sidelined with long-term injuries, it left Klopp needing to cobble together a plethora of previously untried defensive partnerships.

Liverpool’s title defence duly collapsed, with an unprecedented six-game losing streak at Anfield over the winter taking hold in Van Dijk’s absence.

However, after making his comeback to first-team action in pre-season, the former Celtic ace is looking forward to what the new campaign brings.

“All the hard work we’ve put in so far continues, and I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool. I’m delighted, very happy and proud,” Van Dijk said.

“Since day one, when I joined the club, I felt so much appreciation from the fans and from my teammates and the staff, that I could be a very important member of this football club.

“It has been going well; unfortunately last season for me personally has been a season to forget, to learn from and take with me, but I have enjoyed my time here and will keep enjoying it in the next couple of years altogether with all of you,” he concluded.

Liverpool kick off their new season with an away fixture against newly-promoted Norwich City on Saturday evening, and Van Dijk is excited to get going again.

“I feel like I am ready for the weekend, so we’ll see what the manager decides. It is going to be a totally different atmosphere and mindset for me personally as well,” he added.

The club’s supporters will be absolutely buzzing that their talismanic defender has signed a new contract, giving them a new wave of hope and optimism ahead of the upcoming campaign.

In other news…Liverpool must axe “unbelievable” £7.2m-rated beast this summer, he’s not good enough 

According to a report by Centotrentuno (via Sport Witness), Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez is now ‘at the top of [Fabio] Paratici’s wishlist’ and it is believed the player is now open to joining Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Nandez chase…

There have been no shortage of claims over the past week linking Tottenham with a swoop for the Uruguay international.

Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sports are just two reliable sources who say Spurs are indeed eyeing a swoop for Nandez as they make an approach to Calgliari.

Meanwhile, Calciomercato state that Paratici has even made an offer to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy – an operation totalling around €30 million (£25.5m).

Now, another claim from Italy has emerged with Paratici now seemingly pinpointing Nandez as a priority target.

The Latest: Nandez ‘top of Paratici’s wish list’…

As per Centorentuno (via Sport Witness), the Italian transfer chief has placed Nandez at the top of his wishlist this summer and a Tottenham bid could come soon.

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Spurs are apparently very keen on signing the 25-year-old this summer and ‘confirmations from London are constant’ over the player.

It is said that the Lilywhites are ‘attracted by the versatility and characteristics’ of Nandez that ‘perfectly match the style of the team’.

In another enticing claim, Centorentuno believe that the midfield ace ‘would like’ Spurs as a viable destination and wouldn’t say no to a move.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 41-cap star could certainly come as a real bargain for Spurs and Paratici, especially considering he can also play as a right-wing back and solve their lack of depth defensively on that side.

This report claims Spurs could seal a move to sign Nandez for just a paid loan of €10 million (£8.5m) with a future fee of €15-20 million (£12.7m-£17m) – arguably pocket change for a player who has been called ‘powerful’ and a ‘machine’ by Serie A critics (Conor Clancy to This is Futbol).

At just 25, Nandez also holds the potential for plenty of sell-on value in years to come.

In other news: Nuno U-turn: Spurs pull plug on move away for player as source shares news, find out more here.

David Norris has advised Leeds United to sign teenage sensation Noni Madueke before the transfer window slams shut.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has already bolstered his squad with the arrivals of £13million Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo, Valerenga goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson and Jack Harrison on a permanent deal from Manchester City.

But Bielsa could welcome more fresh faces to Elland Road and the Whites have been heavily linked with PSV Eindhoven ace Madueke.

The 19-year-old, who came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur before linking up with Dutch giants PSV, has made a sensational start to the new season. The highly-rated winger has scored five times and registered an assist in seven outings.

However, Leeds do face competition for Madueke’s signature as Premier League rivals Leicester City and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on the England under-21 international, who has been valued at £20million by his current employers.

Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Juventus and Bayern Munich are also understood to be monitoring his situation after an impressive run of form.

But former Leeds midfielder Norris has urged Leeds to win the race for the hot prospect.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I think he would be a good signing, absolutely.

“When you see who he is being linked with, he has obviously got pedigree, his reputation is getting bigger and he is doing a job on the pitch.

“His potential is exciting as well. I’d like him to join Leeds.”

Manchester City have reportedly made a bid for Barcelona outcast Ilaix Moriba, and the teenage midfielder could be a superb addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad in the future.

What’s the word?

After a disagreement with manager Ronald Koeman, Moriba looks set to leave Barcelona in the near future, which has piqued the interest of several top clubs across Europe.

According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the 18-year-old has already received offers from City, Chelsea and RB Leipzig, with the Citizens looking to bring him in on a free transfer in 2022 when his contract at the Nou Camp expires.

Would Moriba be a good signing?

Moriba is currently being made to train with the reserves at Barcelona due to an ongoing contract dispute, but his previous performances in the first team, as well as him being a product of the esteemed La Masia academy, would suggest that he’d fit in well at Manchester City in the future.

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In total, the teenage midfielder has made 18 appearances for the Barcelona first team, in which he has contributed one goal and three assists.

After the youngster opened his account for the Catalan side last season, Koeman sang his praises, saying: “Ilaix scored a fantastic goal, it was an incredible goal and had a lot of impact on the match. He took advantage of the opportunities he had. He is very good at controlling the ball and he is a very strong player.”

However, he now seems to have ruined any chance of having a future at Barcelona, and he deserves a fresh start at another club, with a Nou Camp exit seemingly on the cards for Moriba in the near future.

Considering that three of Guardiola’s key midfielders in Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho are all 30 or older, you could argue that the Manchester City manager needs some young talent capable of replacing them in the future.

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Moriba seems to have a huge amount of potential and City fans will surely be delighted to hear that the Premier League champions have reportedly made an offer to sign him.

In other news… Guardiola handed huge boost with academy talent, fans will be buzzing

JustJoe Football Show host and Leeds United supporter Joe Wainman does not think Rodrigo fits into Marcelo Bielsa’s system.

After some initial struggles in the Premier League last term following his move from Valencia, Rodrigo started to show his quality towards the end of the campaign, bagging four goals in Leeds’ final five fixtures.

However, it has been another lacklustre start to a season, with the £57,000-a-week striker yet to make much of an impact in either the Premier League or Carabao Cup.

He was hooked off just before the 70-minute mark in a 3-0 win against Crewe Alexandra in the latter competition, a display Wainman has been highly critical of.

“On reflection, when you see him play in the system, it doesn’t really work,” Wainman told FFC. “He was given a chance against Crewe; he was hooked off. [Patrick] Bamford came on, got two assists, was unbelievable. 

“He’s got a lot to do. He was our transfer record, you know, it’s a lot of money for us.”

As he showed at the end of last season, the quality is certainly there with Rodrigo. It is just about trying to get the best out of him and getting him to fit into the system. Will Bielsa be able to do that as the campaign goes on? It will certainly be interesting to see.

Former footballer David Norris believes that Arsenal’s transfer window was “ridiculous”, due to their immense spending.

The Gunners attempted to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad in the summer but have recruited a number of players with potential, rather than who are the finished article.

They ended the window with a spend of over £149m, according to Transfermarkt, having secured Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion, Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna, Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht and Nuno Tavares from Benfica.

Norris does not believe the club have spent the money well at all, and that may well be reflected in their results at the start of the season.

They currently sit rock-bottom of the Premier League after 2-0 defeats to both Brentford and Chelsea, and then being thumped 5-0 by Manchester City last weekend, rooting them into 20th place.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Norris said: “Crazy, ridiculous. Squad players or players with real potential. They are good players but they’ve spent marquee money on squad players.

“The keeper coming in, the centre-half, but it’s 50 or 60 million on these, who might need a little bit of time to come in. They’re not proven players who have been there and done it where you go, ‘right, they’ll come in, they’ll make us better’.

“It’s crazy money for what they need and for the money on what I would say is developing players rather than players who have been there and done it.

“It’s ridiculous, 100 million on two or three players that are not classed as marquee players is crazy.”

The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas has named three West Ham United players who could start against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Busy schedule

The Hammers begin their Europa League journey on Thursday evening when they face Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb at the Maksimir Stadium.

So far this season, David Moyes’ side are unbeaten in the Premier League with two wins and two draws and are only two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.

With a minimum of six fixtures added to their usual schedule this season due to their involvement in Europe, Moyes strengthened his squad with the signings of Kurt Zouma and Nikola Vlasic at the end of the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Chance to shine

According to Thomas in a Q&A for The Athletic, Moyes ‘will be keen to rotate’ his side in Zagreb ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

Responding to a supporter’s question about how the club’s new signings would slot on, the journalist replied: “Good chance Areola, Zouma and Vlasic will start against Dinamo Zagreb next week. Moyes will be keen to rotate his side ahead of the game against Manchester United. Great that there’s loads of competition in the squad.”

The Verdict: Right choice?

Rotating throughout European and domestic competitions will pose a new challenge for Moyes at the London Stadium this season, so it’s little surprise that the manager is seemingly planning to switch it up for the trip to Croatia.

Areola made his debut for West Ham on Saturday against Southampton, a game in which Zouma was an unused substitute. The latter could forge a good partnership with either Craig Dawson or Angelo Ogbonna if he is given ample opportunity to do so.

However, in terms of Vlasic, with Michail Antonio ruled out of Sunday’s game against Manchester United due to suspension after being sent off at St Mary’s, the Croatian could do with being kept in reserve ahead of the tough challenge against Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane at the weekend.

In other West Ham news, the reason why left-back rejected the club has been announced. Find out more here.

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a big blow as Ianis Hagi is now likely to miss their next two games.

The Lowdown: International break

Hagi was called up to the Romania squad for their FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.

He certainly caught the eye against the former, grabbing himself an assist, as well as winning five of his duels and recording three successful dribbles and three key passes (Sofascore).

The Latest: Hagi illness

As quoted by The Daily Record, the Romanian FA have now revealed that Hagi has returned a positive Covid test, and as a result missed their clash with North Macedonia:

“Today (Tuesday) around noon, Ianis Hagi complained of slight headaches in the Skopje national team’s camp.

“He performed a quick test under the coordination of the medical staff of the national team and the result is positive.

“The player immediately went into isolation. Until today, on the occasion of this action of the national team, Ianis had performed 5 Covid tests, all with a negative result.”

It also means that he is now likely to miss the Light Blues’ next two games against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership and Lyon in the UEFA Europa League respectively.

The Verdict: Blow

It is certainly a huge blow for Steven Gerrard to now lose one of their key players in Hagi for their next two fixtures, especially against Lyon.

The Liverpool and England legend would have wanted to get off to a good start in the Europa League, but it looks like they will have to try and do it without the 22-year-old.

Dubbed ‘brilliant’ by Gerrard after his impressive performance in their 1-0 home win over Alashkert earlier on in the season, Hagi has certainly been playing well so far this season, scoring two goals and making one assist in six appearances in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, the Ibrox faithful will have to find another source of creativity for the next week or so.

In other news, find out which Premier League club tried to sign this ‘magnificent’ Gers star here!