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Aston Villa are reportedly interested in former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as Unai Emery prepares to bolster his squad this transfer window.

The Spaniard has had a strong start to the summer by acquiring the talents of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby, however, there are expected to be more arrivals at Villa Park.

Who wants to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

As reported by Sky Sports yesterday, both Villa and Brentford are chasing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Anfield.

In their Transfer Centre, Sky Sports added that the midfielder has ‘already turned down’ lucrative offers from abroad with the desire to remain in England.

It was reported back in June by Football Insider that the Villans had been in ‘advanced talks’ for the 29-year-old, with a fresh update suggesting that the club remain in pursuit of the former England international.

What position could Oxlade-Chamberlain play at Aston Villa?

Having made 235 Premier League appearances, the midfielder has taken up a host of positions throughout his career, finding the most joy operating in central midfield.

Deployed primarily on the right flank while at Arsenal, the Portsmouth-born gem was renowned for his pace and strength in wide areas, however, struggled to consistently get among the goals.

Jurgen Klopp restored the faith in the Englishman by playing him in central midfield, where he immediately bettered his scoring tally in the league to all seasons prior in north London.

Despite nearing 30 years of age, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said in the club’s final matchday programme that the former Southampton man was in the “shape of his life”, and that his next club will have “won the lottery” in signing him.

For Villa, the time is now to bolster the squad currently on show at Villa Park, as the club prepares for their return to Europe for the first time since 2010.

Emery is building something encouraging in the Midlands, and the squad could still benefit from the signing of a player who boasts such strong experience in England as the Champions League winner.

Oxlade-Chamberlain could add a host of strengths to Emery’s side, most prominently in being available to replicate the service of club captain John McGinn, to whom he bears similarities.

Like the former Liverpool ace, the Scotsman has the versatility to play anywhere in the midfield, with both talents bringing energy and stability in the middle of the park in their approach to play.

Hailed as “superb” by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan, the Englishman could add another source of reliability in midfield to that displayed by McGinn, as suggested by their numbers.

Likened to the Villa skipper for his statistics obtained in the 2019/20 Premier League season where he was a regular for the Reds, via FBref, the midfielder showcased strengths in progressive play mirrored by McGinn.

That term, the former Arsenal ace averaged 5.88 progressive passes and 2.91 progressive carries in comparison to the 28-year-old’s 4.68 progressive passes and 1.14 progressive carries per 90 last campaign.

The Englishman also showed strengths in his creative play, averaging 1.03 key passes per 90, highlighting another area in which he could benefit the side.

In signing the free agent, Emery could arm his side with a duplicate of McGinn, who is highly valued at Villa Park.

Sunderland striker sees a potential move to Southampton as a 'very exciting proposition' according to journalist Dean Jones .

New boss Russell Martin sees the Scottish forward as the ideal man to lead the Saint's frontline as they look to return to the Premier League at the first attempt following their relegation last season

Is Ross Stewart leaving Sunderland this summer?

The Sunderland forward, who was hailed as "incredible", could well be calling time on his career in the North East this summer.

Following his move from the Scottish Premiership in the January of 2021, the forward has made 81 appearances for the North East club, scoring 40 goals and averaging almost a goal every other game, which is a fine record for a forward, with his 21/22 League One campaign being the best of his career, with the Scottish striker recording 29 goal contributions in 49 games as the club won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

The 2022/23 season was a strange one for the forward however, with the 16-year-old struggling with recurring injury problems that limited him to just 15 appearances across all competitions last season. Despite the limited number of games the forward shone, recording 14 goal contributions in those 15 games and showcasing that should he be able to get over his thigh problems and his Achilles Tendon injury, he could be one of the division's most dangerous hitmen.

According to reports, the South Coast side maintains an interest in the forward in the case that one of their current forwards departs the club this summer, with current player Che Adams reportedly attracting the interest of Premier League side Fulham. The report also states that the Black Cats could cash in on the former Ross County player with the player having entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Stadium of Light. The striker is also the subject of a lot of interest from Championship clubs, with Middlesbrough and Stoke City exploring the possibilities of a deal this window, however, the club's £10m price tag may force a number of suitors to pull out of the race due to financial constraints.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones revealed that the Saints don't plan on remaining in the Championship for long, and that ambition could be a driving factor in convincing the Scotland striker to choose St Mary's this summer: "Southampton aren't going to be in the Championship for very long. The model they've built over the years is too good to drop away.

I really don't believe that this is a club that's going to allow themselves to stay in the Championship for more than a year. That is a very exciting proposition for a player like Stewart, who is on the rise and looking for a step-up not just in terms of playing quality, but his profile and a way of getting into the Premier League."

Who will Ross Stewart play with at Southampton?

A number of the squad's key players from last season's Premier League campaign may depart before Stewart can play a game with them.

According to a report on GIVEMESPORT, a number of senior players are expected to depart this summer, with the like of James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia and Kyle Walker-Peters mentioned as possible departures.

The young Belgian is attracting the biggest interest this window, with Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea all interested in securing the former Manchester City youth player's signature this summer. The midfielder received high praise last season for his performances, with Manchester United legend Paul Scholes saying: "I was surprised when City let him go I think he is good enough potentially, he is only 18 years old maybe hold him back a bit. He has chosen to move on, and I think he is a player with so much potential, and he could potentially go back, but he has settled in so well."

Club captain Ward-Prowse also looks set to end his tenure at St Mary's this summer, with reports stating that West Ham United have earmarked the midfielder as a potential Declan Rice replacement following move to Arsenal. The 28-year-old has made over 400 appearances for the South Coast side and will depart as a club legend. The same report also states that right-back Tino Livramento is closing in on a move to Newcastle United this summer for a fee in the region of £30m.

Celtic "really want to compete" in the Champions League next season and "make a mark" in the competition, according to Sky Sports' Anthony Joseph.

What did Joseph say about Celtic?

Celtic will once again enter the Champions League group stage after winning the Scottish Premiership last season and will be hopeful of making a slightly bigger impact in Europe's premier competition next year than they did last.

Drawn into a difficult group with then reigning champions Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk, Ange Postecoglou's side only managed two points – two 1-1 draws with Shakhtar.

A couple of humblings by Real Madrid and competitive but ultimately fruitless encounters with Leipzig resulted in an underwhelming European venture, but luckily for the Hoops they have another chance to shine on the continent this year.

Who Celtic's opponents will be this time round will become apparent at the end of August, but the Scottish side will be hoping for a more favourable draw than last season.

According to journalist Joseph, the Hoops are relishing the chance to make amends for last season's European performances, now with Brendan Rodgers back at the helm at Parkhead.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT: "In my conversations with contacts and sources, they keep stressing that they really want to compete in the Champions League and make a mark in Europe.

"And certainly, in the new format, they feel they have the foundation and the budget to win the league this year and put themselves in that position to get that increased Champions League revenue, and the increased amount of matches and really make a mark."

The Champions League is set to change format in the 2024/25 season which will result in a shift to an overall league table and will move from teams playing six games to eight games in the opening round.

The revenue that each club makes from playing two extra games could be significant and Celtic will be hopeful of building themselves into a force on Europe's biggest stage.

Scottish clubs have generally struggled to compete with the more traditional 'big league' clubs in recent years, despite a storied history in Europe in the past, but the Hoops are evidently eager to change the narrative around clubs north of the English border.

While it will be nigh on impossible for Celtic to replicate the Lisbon Lions of 1967, they will be desperate to make it beyond the group stage for the first time since the 2012/13 season.

Who are Celtic signing?

If last season's treble-winners want to spring some surprises in the Champions League they will need to invest heavily this summer.

Rodgers' task of improving his squad in the market will have been made significantly easier by the £25m his side are to receive for Jota's move to Saudi Arabia. While not all this will be spent on new recruits, it certainly allows Celtic to invest in keeping Rangers at bay for another year.

The Bhoys have already brought two new faces to Parkhead with Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio, the latter a potential replacement for the departing Jota.

The two youngsters will likely be only the beginning of a wave of new signings in Glasgow as Rodgers receives the backing he needs to continue Celtic's dominance in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic have been linked with former loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi, as well as Fabian Rieder and Yang Hyun-jun in recent weeks, with Celtic preparing their attack on Europe next season.

Crystal Palace target Folarin Balogun could be a pivotal figure at Selhurst Park under Roy Hodgson if he was to move to the Eagles this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Folarin Balogun?

According to The Sun, Arsenal have slapped a £35 million price tag on Balogun this summer to ward off interest in his services following an impressive campaign on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims.

Crystal Palace are keen on the USA international, who is also attracting attention from RB Leipzig, AC Milan and Inter Milan this off-season as his stock continues to rise.

As quoted by The Mirror, Balogun has recently spoke about his future in an interview, stating: "What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again. I'm not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place, I'm not sure what's going to happen."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs has signalled his belief that Arsenal may offload the forward if he isn't granted senior minutes at the club, stating: “He wants regular game time, meaning he doesn't want to go out on loan a second time. That means that Arsenal either have to give him a pathway or sell him. The player will push for one or the other.”

Eagles' boss Hodgson has been confirmed as their manager for this campaign and is eyeing a 'top-half finish' in south London, which is a feat bringing Balogun to the club could help to achieve.

Journalist Jones thinks that Balogun would be a good fit for Crystal Palace if a move to Selhurst Park was to arise for the 22-year-old this window.

In conversation with Football FanCast, Jones said: "Goals have been hard to come by a Crystal Palace and if Balogun is going to be a top-level forward in the Premier League, it seems like a good sort of level club for him to go and prove himself. The streams of ammunition that they have to provide for the central forward would mean that there are no excuses and if Balogun wants to step forward and say 'I am the main man, put them on a plate with me, you give me a certain size type of chance and I will make sure I score goals', you're going to get that at Crystal Palace."

Would Folarin Balogun be a good signing for Crystal Palace?

Balogun is a clinical finisher in need of being relied upon as a preferred striker somewhere and Crystal Palace need a prolific forward, making him a great fit for Hodgson's project at Crystal Palace.

Last term, the 22-year-old made 39 appearances on loan at Reims, registering 22 goals and three assists across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored illustrate that the London Colney youth product carried a threat to be reckoned with among Ligue 1 defences in 2022/23, averaging around 3.5 attempts on goal per fixture.

As per FBRef, Balogun also led the line efficiently and linked play well during the campaign, successfully performing 80 shot-creating actions in total.

With Crystal Palace on the lookout for offensive firepower, Balogun could offer an exciting solution to their wishes and help them to further their aims in 2023/24.

West Ham United may have plenty of money available this summer thanks to the imminent sale of Declan Rice, but that does not mean the Hammers will not still be looking for some bargain buys.

What is the latest West Ham United transfer news?

Rice's £105m move to Arsenal is reportedly as good as finalised, meaning David Moyes will have to bring in at least one new midfielder this summer while also looking to strengthen in other areas.

Everton's Amadou Onana is thought to be high on Moyes' list of targets to replace Rice, with that deal expected to set the Hammers back around £50m.

According to The Sun, the Hammers are also lining up a move for in-demand teenage winger Dario Osorio from Chilean top-flight side Universidad de Chile for a reasonable fee of £7.5m.

However, a number of other Premier League teams have been credited with an interest in Osorio, namely Wolverhampton Wanderers, while AC Milan are also said to be weighing up an offer.

Who is West Ham United target Dario Osorio?

Osorio may only have made his senior debut for Universidad de Chile in April last year, but it did not take long for him to earn his first two caps for Chile's senior team.

The 19-year-old has made 46 appearances for the South American club, 37 of those coming in the league, during which time he has scored eight goals.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig describes Osorio as a "flamboyant winger" in terms of his playing style, one who has good pace and the ability to dribble and create, which has earned the youngster comparisons to Angel Di Maria.

That may be a fair call, but it is another star from Argentina that West Ham fans will be hoping Osorio can replicate. While not strictly the same type of player, Osorio will look to follow in the steps of a certain Carlos Tevez should he make the move to East London.

Tevez was signed by West Ham from Corinthians in 2006 for his first foray into football outside of South America, with Javier Mascherano also joining in a big transfer coup.

The fan favourite was 22 when he made his Premier League debut, meaning he is a few years further down the line in terms of his development then compared to Osorio now.

In his solitary season at Upton Park, Tevez scored seven goals in 26 Premier League games, including the only goal in a 1-0 win on the final day of the campaign at Manchester United to secure West Ham's stay in the top flight.

The now-39-year-old was named the club's Player of the Year before departing for Manchester United and then, controversially, Manchester City.

Osorio has a lot to do if he is to have a similar impact at West Ham and indeed in European football in the same way as Tevez, but the Irons certainly have proven success in getting it right when recruiting players from that part of the world.

Chelsea are now exploring a summer move for Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Chelsea have identified a number of targets to bolster their midfield, in light of the seemingly imminent departure of Mason Mount, with Manchester United recently agreeing a £60m deal and offering the England international a five-year contract.

One such player is Southampton's Romeo Lavia, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting the Blues are "monitoring" the 19-year-old, although they are not yet in "active talks" over a deal for the youngster, who's also wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool.

Other targets include Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga, who has been discussed internally as a potential signing, and Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, having recently lodged an enquiry regarding a summer deal for the Uruguay international.

Many of Chelsea's potential targets are young, up-and-coming players, and that is also the case with the latest player being linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, 19-year-old Lyon midfielder Cherki.

Journalist Simon Phillips has recently detailed that the Blues are exploring a move for the youngster. However, the deal is seemingly in the very early stages, with contact yet to be made with Lyon.

Back in May, football scout Jacek Kulig claimed the attacking midfielder has a "huge future ahead", so the news he could potentially move to Chelsea is sure to be very exciting for fans.

Who is Rayan Cherki?

Also hailed as a "magnificent talent" by Kulig, the Frenchman is a graduate of the Lyon youth academy, who has managed to cement himself as a key player for the French side over the course of the past few seasons.

The Lyon-born maestro has already made 102 appearances for the first team, most commonly being utilised as an attacking midfielder. However, he has displayed his versatility by featuring on both wings, as well as at centre-forward.

Last season was the starlet's best campaign to date, amassing a total of four goals and six assists in 34 Ligue 1 appearances.

Over the past year, the £28k-per-week midfielder ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90, when compared to his positional peers, showcasing his dribbling ability, while he also places in the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions.

Chelsea will be disappointed to be losing Mount, but Cherki is showing huge potential at Lyon and he could go on to be a fantastic long-term replacement for the 24-year-old.

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Barcelona sensation Aleix Garrido, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his side that challenged for the Premier League title last season.

The Gunners had the joint-youngest squad last campaign, with an average age of 24.4 on par with Southampton.

Arteta and Edu could maintain the trend of nurturing youngsters to world-class ability by signing Garrido, who has a talent that’s valued highly by his club.

Placing a €400m (£340m) release clause in the contract of a teenager makes it known the level of potential that’s predicted.

And indeed, it's Arsenal who could pounce on that potential with it reported by Spanish outlet Sport last week that the Gunners are one of the clubs interested in the 19-year-old starlet, stating that the north Londoners understand the player’s ‘capacity for growth’.

Having risen through La Masia, Garrido made his La Liga debut for his boyhood club last season, playing nine minutes against Elche in April in a memorable moment for the youngster.

What could Aleix Garrido offer to Arsenal?

Named as being part of an “extremely talented” group at Barcelona by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the teenager could thrive in Arteta’s side that promotes and showcases its budding talent.

The central midfielder excels in ball playing and vision, areas that are attributive to his six assists and one goal in just half a dozen appearances in last campaign’s UEFA Youth League.

His efforts saw him lauded as a "wonderful" talent by scout Antonio Mango, equipped with an innate passing ability that sees him ‘stand out’ amongst others.

While his CV is short of senior European appearances, it wouldn't be the first time that Arsenal have found a hidden star.

In 2019, the Gunners secured the signing of 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli from Brazilian outfit Ituano in a deal reported to be worth around £6m.

Fast forward four years and the winger is valued at €150m (£129m) and ending the Premier League season with 20 goal involvements in 36 appearances as Arsenal’s hero.

The left-winger eased his way to the top with his electrifying performances on the flank, cementing himself as a firm starter in Arteta’s side but also one of the most terrorising attackers in the league.

Placing trust in a young player and allowing them room to trial first-team football is something that has benefited the Gunners greatly, with both Martinelli and Bukayo Saka making their presence known in the side at such a young age.

Arsenal could follow suit by signing Garrido, who too could succeed in the youthful aura at the Emirates, in a team surrounded by young players that have been trusted with the task to take the club forward.

It is no real secret that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is seeking to sign a new centre-forward and midfielder this summer, with the Dutchman no doubt hoping to fashion a side that will be capable of competing for the top honours next season.

Perhaps more surprisingly, however, is the news that the former Ajax boss is also said to be targetting a new left-winger – as per The Telegraph – despite already having the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho on the club's books.

That desire for a new addition on the flanks may appear logical amid the news that Sancho – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur – could be among those to depart this summer, while Rashford could potentially find a new home through the middle, having regularly been deployed as a number nine in the 2022/23 season.

That would then leave Ten Hag needing further competition for the teenage Garnacho, hence why a new addition could be on the cards over the coming weeks, with reports in Italy suggesting that Juventus' Federico Chiesa is among those being targetted by United.

The belief is that the Old Trafford outfit have a long-standing interest in the Italy international, with the 25-year-old also set to prove an attractive option amid the suggestion that he could be available for as little as €35m (£30m).

Should Man United sign Federico Chiesa?

That price tag does appear rather minimal for a player who has registered 42 goals and assists in just 94 games during his time in Turin, with the 40-cap ace having previously chipped in 34 goals and 25 assists in 153 outings for his former employers, Fiorentina.

While there may be concerns over Chiesa's fitness record – having been hampered by injury since returning from an ACL blow last year – the £153k-per-week speedster could prove an astute addition for Ten Hag, particularly due to his apparent likeness to Napoli sensation, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, as per FBref.

The similarity between the pair can be shown by the fact that they have the ability to bamboozle defenders on the flanks, with the Juve star having been lauded as "unpredictable" by former Udinese man, Antonio Di Natale, while Kvaratskhelia has been hailed as "instinctive" and "untamed" by journalist, Rory Smith.

The comparison between the duo – who both typically operate on the left flank – can also be illustrated by their dribbling prowess, with Chiesa ranking in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons, while the Georgian menace has performed only slightly better as he ranks in the top 6% and the top 5% for those same two metrics, respectively.

The two Serie A stars can also seemingly provide a creative outlet as the latter man ranks in the top 5% for assists, with the Italian ranking in the top 4% in that regard, proving that there is an end product to mirror their dribbling exploits.

Of course, there may be those championing bringing in Kvaratskhelia – who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford of late – as the 22-year-old racked up 12 goals and 13 assists in the league in 2022/23, although the suggestion is that the Tbilisi native could command more than £150m if he is to be sold this summer.

As such, while Chiesa only registered two goals and five assists in Serie A amid his return to fitness, the 5 foot 9 wizard's obvious likeness to the Napoli menace could make him a dream, bargain alternative for the Red Devils this summer.

Newcastle United remain confident of completing the signing of Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney this summer, journalist Dean Jones has claimed.

Do Newcastle want Tierney this summer?

The £110,000-a-week defender was part of a Gunners team that came close to winning the Premier League title last season, but it was a frustrating campaign for him overall.

Tierney only actually started six league games in the whole of 2022/23, with Oleksandr Zinchenko invariably preferred at left-back, and injury problems not always helping either. It is hard to see how the Scot's situation is going to change much at the Emirates moving forward, so it could be that he looks to move away this summer.

Newcastle have been linked with a switch for the 26-year-old, seeing him as someone who can bring quality and fight to the squad, providing stern competition for Dan Burn and Matt Targett in the process.

What's the latest on Tierney to Newcastle?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said that Newcastle remain in a strong position when it comes to signing Tierney, partly due to a lack of competition for his signature:

"I think that they're confident that the competition isn't too fierce. They've definitely got competitors for him, but I think they'll be looking to get this one done as soon as they can, just so they know they can focus on other areas."

Tierney could be a great addition at Newcastle before the start of next season, arriving with the bit between his teeth after not quite reaching expectation levels at Arsenal.

He would bring something completely different to Burn at left-back, in terms of natural width and pace, and he would immediately enhance the squad depth at Eddie Howe's disposal, coming in as an upgrade on Targett, who only also only started six Premier League matches last season.

Tierney who has been lauded as a "warrior" by Ashley Cole, has made 123 appearances for Arsenal and 37 caps for Scotland , which shows that he is also someone with a wealth of experience at the top level now, as well as 14 assists for the Gunners.

At 26, he is at a great age to come in and hit the ground running immediately, with his best years potentially coming soon, which could further benefit Newcastle. He has a fierce attitude and playing style, with that winning edge also a positive, and while he may not be cheap, the Magpies have the funds available this summer.

Newcastle United have emerged as “firm favourites” to bring RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to the Premier League, according to journalist Bence Bocsak.

Is Dominik Szoboszlai leaving RB Leipzig?

Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to bolster his central ranks during the upcoming window and has highlighted the 22-year-old as a player that he would like to try and bring to the northeast in the weeks and months ahead.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg recently revealed that the Hungary international is “aware” of the “concrete interest” from PIF and Eddie Howe who have made him a “top target” after previously sending scouts to watch him twice within the space of a fortnight.

Marco Rose’s talisman has openly admitted that he “dreams” of joining a “big club” and named England as one of three countries alongside Spain and Germany as a possible destination, and despite there also being interest from Liverpool, it sounds like the black and white stripes are the ones currently in pole position.

Are Newcastle signing Szoboszlai?

Taking to Twitter, Bocsak claimed that Newcastle are leading the race to land Szoboszlai who is apparently attracted by the ongoing project at St. James’ Park. He wrote:

“My latest info on Szoboszlai. Leipzig are willing to reluctantly let him go. Many parties interested, but no one ready to pay his €70m [£60m] release clause. #NUFC are firm favourites, and their project is appealing. He also has other interest from Spain and PL. #LFC like him, but not in the race at this stage."

Newcastle going to the lengths that they have in their pursuit of Szoboszlai shows just how serious they are about securing his services, and having been dubbed a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, PIF should 100% cash out on the attacking midfielder.

The EM Sports Consulting client clocked up 14 goal contributions (eight assists and six goals) in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season and as recognition for his high standard of performances, received four man-of-the-match awards.

The Champions League participant was also a constant threat even when he wasn’t on the scoresheet during the previous term, recording 150 shot-creating actions which was higher than any of his teammates and 117 crosses which was the second-biggest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

Szoboszlai, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions in midfield and attack, is additionally appreciated on the international stage having been named Hungary’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, so it would be a massive coup for the Magpies boss should he successfully land his target.