Aston Villa: Transfer insider makes Glen Kamara claim

Aston Villa could still make a move for Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bassey move?

Villa have been extremely busy this month planning for Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge. A permanent move for Philippe Coutinho has already been wrapped up, as has a deal for midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who will officially become a Villa player when his Marseille contract expires at the end of June.

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Sevilla defender Diego Carlos looks set to be the next through the door after an agreement was reached between the two clubs, and reports have suggested that Calvin Bassey is closing in on a move to the Midlands.

Bassey was brought to Ibrox during Gerrard’s tenure in Scotland, as was Kamara, and it looks as if the midfielder who he called a ‘class act’ could be of interest.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones provided GiveMeSport with a must-read Villa transfer guide on Sunday morning.

When it came to who else Villa could sign after their ‘unbelievable’ start to the window, the transfer insider stated that Kamara is possibly still in mind ahead of a summer swoop.

The Verdict: Cheaper option?

Jones said that it is unlikely another central midfield arrival would be someone like Kalvin Phillips or Yves Bissouma, so Kamara may be a shrewd cheaper target that could allow the club to splash the cash in other areas.

The Finland international is valued at just £5.4m by Transfermarkt – a career-high – and has starred under Gerrard in the past, making 122 appearances under the now Villa boss.

Should Kamara join, he’d be able to provide an option as a holding or central midfielder and could challenge his fellow Kamara, John McGinn and Marevlous Nakamaba for a starting spot, with Douglas Luiz and Morgan Sanson linked with exits.

In other news: Blow for NSWE: Villa will now miss out on key target after talks; Gerrard was desperate for him

Celtic summer transfer claim emerges

Celtic wrapped up the SPFL title at the end of Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge of the Parkhead club after his appointment back in June.

Despite this impressive feat, the Hoops did, however, fail to secure any of the other domestic trophies and also failed to make their mark in Europe.

This shows that the Bhoys certainly have some progress to make before they can be dominant in all competitions.

Luckily for them, the upcoming summer transfer window can give the Parkhead club the chance to make some improvements to their squad before their next campaign kicks off.

With that in mind, it seems as though an exciting Lennoxtown claim has emerged regarding what this window could look like for Postecoglou’s side.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say about Celtic’s potential transfer plans for the summer window.

“I think if they could get those two in [Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers] it would be good business and they’ll probably be looking at, at least another four, maybe five signings for Celtic.

“I think there are positions in the team that they’ll need to strengthen, especially in midfield with Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic both leaving the club on free transfers, making a couple of midfield spots up for grabs.”

Great news for Celtic

Looking back to the significant overhaul that took place at Celtic during the previous summer transfer window when it came to moving players in and out of the club, this news will certainly reassure Hoops fans that the club’s hierarchy are capable of doing it again this time around.

It’ll also be great for the club to see many new players come in this summer to go on and not only potentially regain the league title but also win more silverware. An important area will also be going further in Europe with their previous Champions League campaigns ending before they’ve barely even got underway.

In addition to the areas of their squad that O’Rourke mentioned for Celtic to focus on in terms of recruitment, it’ll be interesting to see where else the 56-year-old would want to strengthen his side.

This could rely on which current players end up potentially making moves away from the club in the coming weeks and months.

With a recent report from The Athletic claiming that players such as Ismaila Soro, Boli Bolingoli, Albian Ajeti, Vasilis Barkas and possibly Christopher Jullien could be getting their bags packed this summer, it would be safe to assume that the club would immediately look to find suitable replacements for them.

Considering they rarely played, finding more high-quality replacements is an eventuality that will delight plenty at Parkhead.

In other news: Postecoglou can finally axe “selfish” flop as Celtic plot bid for £3.78m-rated machine

Everton must get rid Salomon Rondon

Everton are in a vulnerable position in the Premier League with just two games left to go in their fight to avoid their first relegation from top-flight football in over 70 years.

Frank Lampard will be feeling the pressure after his team fumbled their opportunity to secure definite safety last weekend, but will have their penultimate opportunity to save themselves against Crystal Palace on Thursday in their final home game of the season at Goodison Park.

There is no doubt that if Everton can remain in the Premier League next season there needs to be drastic changes at the club to ensure they are not in this position again and getting rid of players who are ineffective or negatively impacting the team is an absolute necessity.

With that being said, following a disappointing season, Salomon Rondon should be on the list of players the Toffees boss must be willing to sell and replace this summer.

In the game against Brentford, the rarely-seen striker was given a golden opportunity to come on and positively affect the game with the side down a goal in the last ten minutes of the game. However, he lost the ball every 1.5 touches, instead of exercising some damage control and taking his chances. Rondon was also red-carded just four minutes after coming on the pitch.

The ineffectiveness displayed in the game on Sunday has been a reflection of the 32-year-old’s entire season at Goodison Park, making 20 appearances and scoring just once in a defeat against Crystal Palace.

According to SofaScore, the centre-forward has created no big chances, is unsuccessful in the majority of his dribbles (60%) and has averaged at a shocking 15.2 touches per game, proving that he has been completely anonymous and ineffective in his attacking role for the Toffees since he joined last summer.

After the £28k-per-week flop’s short appearance against Thomas Frank’s side, Sky Sports pundit Don Hutchinson made a bold statement about Rondon’s future at the club, saying:

“This will be Rondon’s last game in an Everton shirt.”

If Everton do manage to complete the great escape by the end of this week, Lampard must get to work to improve the team and take them in a new direction ahead of next season.

Getting rid of Rondon in particular should be a priority so he can focus on improving the goal-scoring opportunities the side needs to be completing to win games.

AND in other news: Talks ongoing: Major Everton transfer development will leave supporters fuming 

Celtic summer transfer update emerges

Celtic have just one game left to play this season in the SPFL before their campaign finally draws to a close.

Last night, after getting a 1-1 draw against Dundee United, the Bhoys were crowned league champions in Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge at Parkhead.

While the title celebrations have begun and will continue at the weekend when they take on Motherwell at Celtic Park, it seems as though things have been going on behind the scenes at Lennoxtown in terms of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

When asked about Celtic’s plans during the summer window in terms of recruiting new players, Postecoglou had this to say on the matter:

“The work has already started, we’re already planning and I’ve already had conversations with the club about the kind of players we want to identify and bring into the club.

“Our priority is to try to get that done early so that come pre-season, with us hopefully winning the Premiership and getting straight into the group stage, we know we’ve got a really good opportunity in pre-season to work with the group of players without the pressure of competition.

“It would be great if we could have all the new players in by that time. Sometimes these things are taken out of your hands a little bit, but our intent is to try to get our business done early.”We know what we need, we’ve already identified the areas we need to improve, so we’ve already started work on that.”

Great news for Celtic fans

Taking this into account, the fact that conversations and planning have already begun over the club’s potential summer transfer business will undoubtedly be very pleasing for a lot of Celtic fans.

After all, the club paid the price last summer when they were dumped out of the Champions League having barely signed a single player.

Looking at last summer’s transfer window, the club and Postecoglou showed how ruthless they can be when it comes to moving players in and out of the club but it came too late.

What that does mean, however, that some current figures in the squad may not necessarily be guaranteed to be at the club next term if the 56-year-old doesn’t have them in his plans.

In terms of potential incoming transfers, it’s hard to see where the Hoops may need to strengthen considering they have the best attack and defence in the league.

Although, with the Bhoys having a number of players in their ranks with deals set to expire in the summer, particularly Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, these figures will need to have their futures sorted out in the coming months.

If they can get as many players in as they need as quickly as possible, this would put the entire squad in the best shape possible to be ready to take on their next campaign.

In other news: Fewer touches than Hart: “Scary” Celtic dud with 0 shots failed to repay Ange’s faith

Spurs: Conte can land Hickey for £16.75m

Tottenham Hotspur have discovered the asking price for Antonio Conte’s reported summer transfer target, Aaron Hickey.

What’s the talk?

According to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli (via Viola News), Bologna will command a €20m (£16.75m) fee in order to part with the left-back this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all reported to be keeping a close eye on the Scotland international ahead of a potential summer swoop.

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Conte can axe Reguilon with Hickey

Considering just how impressive Hickey has been in Italy this season, in addition to the fact that Sergio Reguilon has been heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of the current campaign, it is not difficult to see why Conte would be interested in a move for the 19-year-old defender this summer.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the £16.75m-rated full-back has highly impressed over his 33 Serie A appearances this term, scoring five goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 81.5% of his passes, 0.92 dribbles and 13 defensive pressures per 90 minutes in the league.

These returns have seen the £16k-per-week prodigy come in for a considerable amount of praise, with the Spanish press dubbing the teenager a talent in the mould of a “young Gareth Bale,” while Austin MacPhee claimed that Hickey’s positional versatility could end up seeing him “being like [Sergio] Busquets.”

Meanwhile, for comparison, over Reguilon’s 25 Premier League outings this season, the £25m-rated left-back has scored two goals, provided three assists and created five big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 75.5% of his passes, 0.85 dribbles and 14 defensive pressures per 90 minutes in the top flight.

As such, considering the fact that it has been reported that Real Madrid are planning to activate their £43m buy-back clause for the 25-year-old who John Wenham dubbed “average” earlier this season, it would seem highly advisable for Conte to allow the Spain international to move back to his motherland this summer, before reinvesting the funds received into a move for the much more promising Hickey.

AND in other news: Paratici can seal Conte’s dream deal as Spurs eye “aggressive” £49k-pw “elite presser”

Romano reveals Liverpool interest in Bowen

Liverpool have been rumoured to be interested in Jarrod Bowen since last summer, and now Fabrizio Romano has given a fresh update on the Red’s intentions with the West Ham star.

What’s the latest?

The Italian journalist and transfer insider wrote a column exclusively for Caught Offside and gave more details about the potential of Bowen making the move to Anfield this summer.

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Romano wrote: “Jarrod Bowen continues to impress, and has been a name under consideration on the Liverpool board for a long time now.

“The club have been monitoring him for years, but for the time being there has not been a proposal to West Ham or the player’s agent.

“As I said, Liverpool like him a lot.”

Previous reports have suggested he may cost upwards of £75m.

Klopp would be elated

Jurgen Klopp has been a huge admirer of the West Ham forward for a long time, so if he was to join the club the player would be warmly welcomed by the German coach.

The Liverpool boss hailed the 25-year-old whilst singing Bowen’s praises last month:

“Bowen. What a player he became, unbelievable,” he said.

Furthermore, he’s also been dubbed a “special” individual by Sporting Index and it’s hard to disagree with those sentiments.

The Irons attacker has had a phenomenal season with his club and will feature in the Europa League semi-final on Thursday evening against Frankfurt after an impressive campaign in the European tournament, but his Premier League form is his bread and butter when it comes to attracting attention from clubs like Liverpool.

Bowen holds the third most assists from set-plays, has the sixth most assists and big chances created, as well as ranking seventh for the most shots on target in the Premier League this season according to One Versus One.

Not only does he hold these impressive records, but Bowen has also scored eight goals and contributed ten assists in 32 performances. He’s successful in the majority of his duels (55%) whilst making 1.2 key passes and 1.0 tackles per game on average, proving that he really has become an all-round complete attacking threat for West Ham.

Although it is not certain how the Hammers ace would fit into the team with the attacking third of the squad already being rotated due to having several players available across the front three, he is definitely a potential prospect that continues to be linked with Liverpool and could be an option Klopp has in mind if the contracts of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino do get run down over the next year.

AND in other news: Liverpool plotting mega offer for “dangerous” £19.8m-rated gem, he’s Klopp’s new Bobby

Celtic touted to not sign Jota permanently

Celtic were involved in a massive transfer overhaul during the previous summer window with many players moving in and out of the Parkhead club.

In terms of the players that joined the club, the Bhoys brought in figures in nearly every position possible.

This hefty amount of business seems to have done the trick though, as Ange Postecoglou’s side are close to securing the SPFL title.

Now that the next summer transfer window is on the horizon, it seems as though a clue has emerged regarding the future of one of Celtic’s more recent recruits.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football Insider, former Celtic star Frank McAvennie had this to say about the possibility of Jota putting pen to paper on a permanent deal with the Hoops once his current loan spell ends in the summer.

He said: “He’s one hell of a player but I think if he was going to sign then he would have by now.

“Maybe I’m wrong, I hope I am wrong but maybe he has his eyes on a move somewhere else this summer.”

Postecoglou would be fuming

Since arriving at the Parkhead club on loan from Portuguese side Benfica, the winger has become a star for the Hoops.

With 37 appearances to his name across all competitions, the winger has scored 12 goals and provided 12 assists along the way.

To further highlight his attacking prowess, only Liel Abada (32) has racked up more shots on target in the league than the on-loan gem (26).

Furthermore, no other Hoops player has been able to match the number of crosses (209) that Jota has made, showing just how much of an attacking threat he is for the Bhoys.

His overall performances have earned him a very impressive season rating of 7.58/10, making him the highest-rated player currently in Postecoglou’s squad according to WhoScored.

Taking all of this into account, if Celtic weren’t able to secure the 23-year-old on a permanent basis in the summer, this would surely have the Hoops boss fuming.

Moving forward, the Parkhead club need to be doing all they can to make sure that Jota is still part of the squad for next season and beyond given how much of a positive impact he’s had since being there.

In other news: Brown 2.0: Ange can save millions with rarely-seen Celtic gem who’s the “real deal”

Potter's "average" duo broken up in Nuno's first West Ham XI predicted

There is no getting away from the fact that it’s been a horror start to the season for West Ham United this year.

The East Londoners were knocked out of the League Cup at the first time of asking by Wolverhampton Wanderers and have lost four of their five Premier League games, scoring just five goals and conceding 13.

So, when taking this into account, plus last season’s dire form, which saw his side lose nine of 19 games, it was no surprise to see Graham Potter finally given the sack on Saturday.

Matches

25

Wins

6

Draws

5

Losses

14

Points

23

Points per Game

0.92

Goals For

30

Goals Against

41

In his place, the Hammers have hired Nuno Espírito Santo, who recently enjoyed a brilliant stint with Nottingham Forest, taking them from relegation candidates to European football in a season and a half.

The Portuguese manager is known for playing slightly more defensive football than the Englishman, but his ability to turn his teams into counter-attacking machines could bring some real excitement – and success – back to the London Stadium.

However, before Nuno has a chance to greet the home fans, he faces the daunting task of taking on Everton at their brand-new stadium, which will be no easy task given their current form.

West Ham and Nuno's record vs Everton

Since their first competitive encounter all the way back in February 1907, West Ham have played Everton a whopping 153 times. Unfortunately, the Hammers have won just 45 of those games, drawn 33, and lost the other 75.

However, their recent record against the Toffees has been far more encouraging, with just one loss in their last five games, two wins and two draws.

Those two draws came last season, with ex-boss Julen Lopetegui overseeing a drab 0-0 draw at home in November, and then Potter leading his side to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park courtesy of a 67th-minute strike from Tomáš Souček, which was matched by a 91st-minute strike from Jake O’Brien.

03/25

Away

1-1 Draw

11/24

Home

0-0 Draw

03/24

Away

3-1 Win

10/23

Home

1-0 Loss

01/23

Home

2-0 Win

Unfortunately, while the Irons’ overall record against West Ham is far from ideal, Nuno’s isn’t any better.

Across his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Forest, the São Tomé-born tactician has overseen nine matches against the Merseysiders, winning three, drawing one and losing the other five.

Now, his teams have scored 13 goals and conceded just 12 in those games, but it’s still a worrying record, especially when taking into account the fact that the Tricky Trees lost at home to David Moyes’ side in April this year.

However, today is the start of a new project for Nuno and West Ham, and there is every chance the former Forest boss can pick up all three points, and this is the line-up he could do that with.

West Ham's predicted line-up

Souček is still out due to the straight red card he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is still out with a stomach issue.

However, apart from them, Nuno should have a full contingent of players to pick from to fill out his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation for tonight’s hugely important game.

Starting between the sticks has to be Alphonse Areola. The Frenchman wasn’t great against Crystal Palace last week, but Mads Hermansen has had a horror start to his Irons career, and the new boss won’t want a goalkeeping error to cost him in his first game.

The full-back pairing has to be Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf. The former has to start due to Wan-Bissaka’s stomach issue, and the latter has been one of the few players who have looked good this season, already providing three assists in five league games.

Things could change quickly under the new regime, but for the game tonight, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos will likely keep their places in the team as they’ve started the last three games together.

Now, we get to the first significant change to the team in the midfield, with the “average” James Ward-Prowse, as dubbed by one analyst, being left on the bench for summer signings Matues Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa to come in as the deeper midfield two.

The former Southampton star barely got any game time when he was on loan with Forest last season, and considering his truly dreadful start to the campaign, it would be baffling to see him start tonight.

Moreover, the former AS Monaco gem possesses the tenacity, energy, and mentality to do the necessary dirty work. At the same time, the Portuguese ace can bring more ball quality from deep, helping to create a wonderfully balanced double pivot.

Starting in attacking midfield will undoubtedly be the mercurial Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian hasn’t been at his best so far this season, but he’s still been able to score three goals in five games.

Moreover, the manager helped Morgan Gibbs-White rack up 17 goal involvements in 38 games last year, so there is no telling what he’ll be able to do with the former Lyon star.

It’ll come as no surprise to anyone to see Jarrod Bowen out on the right this evening, as even though the rest of the team have struggled this season, the former Hull City star has scored two goals and provided an assist in his six appearances.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old game-changer was able to rack up a sensational haul of 24 goal involvements in just 36 appearances last year, so he is going nowhere.

Appearances

36

Minutes

3138′

Goals

14

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.66

Minutes per Goal Involvement

130.75

On the opposite flank, it’ll probably be another start for Crysencio Summerville. The former Leeds United gem certainly needs to work on his output, but there is no denying that he makes things happen off the left, and his rapid pace could be perfect for the counter-attacking football the new boss is known for.

Finally, while some might want to see Niclas Füllkrug return to the team, it will likely be Callum Wilson who starts up top. The former Newcastle United star certainly has his drawbacks, but unlike the German, he has a goal to his name this season and a track record of scoring when fit.

Ultimately, it may well still be incredibly early on in the season, but West Ham’s game against Everton tonight feels like a massive one, not just because it’s a chance for the team to put a stop to their downward slide, but also because it’s a chance for Nuno to properly introduce himself to the fans and show them what he’s about.

As bad as Barnes: Newcastle must drop ace who lost the ball every 4 touches

It’s been an up-and-down start to the year for Newcastle United, and they suffered more adversity on their first Champions League appearance of the season when welcoming Barcelona to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle’s European campaign began with defeat. Marcus Rashford was at the double, scoring two spectacular strikes after a closely-contested opening half that will have left Eddie Howe rueing missed chances.

The manager made the bold decision to leave Nick Woltemade out of the starting line-up after the 23-year-old scored a debut winner against Wolves last weekend. Anthony Gordon deputised in his place.

It might have proved a shrewd call but for some shoddy finishing, with Harvey Barnes culpable of that and more on Tyneside.

Harvey Barnes let Howe down vs Barcelona

With Gordon up top, Barnes reprised his role on the left flank. It’s not been the finest start to the season for the 27-year-old, who has gone five games across the Premier League and Europe without registering a goal involvement.

And against the slick and stylish La Blaugrana, he toiled, not only missing a good chance to score but failing with every one of his crosses and not even attempting to win a duel, statistics courtesy of Sofascore.

Jules Kounde whipped in a neat delivery for the Three Lions star, who powered home with a header from around 12 yards out. Barnes should have closed down the French defender, who had space and time to find his target.

Woltemade will expect to start against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, and Barnes will be sweating over his starting berth, with the goalscoring Gordon sure to be eyeing up a return to his natural position out on the flank.

However, Barnes wasn’t the only one who flattered to deceive, with Joelinton failing to pack a punch in the engine room.

Why Joelinton must be dropped

At times, it can seem inconceivable that Joelinton should be dropped from Newcastle’s starting line-up, so powerful and influential is the South American in the centre of the park.

But it doesn’t always work, and he was reduced in stature against silky opposition.

Chronicle Live weren’t too unforgiving in their post-match assessment, handing the Brazilian a 6/10 rating, but they did acknowledge he lacked his usual bite and brutish efficiency against a well-oiled and cohesive La Blaugrana midfield.

However, such analysis was perhaps generous. Joelinton left plenty to be desired against the Spaniards.

Joelinton lost the ball seven times, having taken 27 touches across his hour on the field. That equates to marginally under a concession of the ball every four touches, which is hardly the sharp and composed midfield play needed against a team such as Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

After picking up a yellow card in the first half, Joelinton walked a tightrope, and it showed. He only won three of his six contested ground duels and made just one tackle all evening.

All told, it hasn’t been a fantastic start to the season for the hulking midfield presence, though he did catch the eye against Wolves last weekend and now Howe will expect him to return to form.

Minutes played

62′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

27

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

13/19 (68%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles

1

Clearances

2

Duels won

5/8

With more technically dynamic options such as Joe Willock and Lewis Miley waiting in the wings, perhaps it would be a good idea to place the 29-year-old on the bench against the Cherries, allowing Howe to freshen things up and ensure his midfield does not become too rigid and predictable in its patterns.

Joelinton is a crucial part of this team, but this is a team of many parts, and players are ready to step up and add different dimensions when the need arises.

In this sense, there’s substance to both Barnes and Joelinton stepping to the dugout ahead of the weekend.

When Wissa could make his Newcastle debut as Howe confirms extent of injury

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ByTom Cunningham Sep 18, 2025

Aston Villa: Monchi makes offer to sign "exciting" £25m La Liga star

Aston Villa are pushing hard to sign an “exciting” £25m La Liga star, having now submitted a proposal, according to a report.

Villa set sights on new goalkeeper

Emiliano Martinez may well have signed off in the worst possible way in a Villa shirt, having been dismissed for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford, before his side went on to lose 2-0 against Manchester United in controversial fashion.

However, the goalkeeper will, of course, be fondly remembered, should he decide to move on, given everything the Villans have achieved in recent years, securing a second European campaign on the spin despite the defeat against the Red Devils.

Not only that, but there have been hints that Martinez could remain at Villa Park beyond the end of the campaign, with Unai Emery simply saying “no way” when asked whether the Argentine has played his final game for the club.

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That said, while Emery clearly retains hope of keeping hold of the shot-stopper, Villa and Monchi’s pursuit of potential replacements suggests there is concern the 32-year-old will move on during the upcoming window.

According to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are now pushing hard to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, having submitted a proposal, but there is likely to be fierce competition for his signature from some top clubs.

Indeed, Newcastle United, Barcelona, Arsenal, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen have also made proposals for Garcia, and with all the aforementioned clubs set to take part in next season’s Champions League, it could be difficult for the Villans to win the race.

The Spaniard, who has a reported asking price of £25m, is set to meet with his agent later this week, in order to choose his next club, having set his sights on joining a top side, so a decision could be on the horizon very soon.

"Exciting" Garcia could be solid Martinez replacement

Having proven himself with Espanyol, scout Ben Mattinson believes the Spanish shot-stopper is now ready to make the move to a top club, saying: “An uber-athletic keeper with dominant cross claiming, composure on the ball, standing at 6’3” tall, García is an exciting keeper ready for a step up.”

The 24-year-old is at a good age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and he was an indispensable member of the Espanyol starting XI last season, appearing in all 38 of the Spanish side’s La Liga outings.

It will be a concern for Villa that so many other top clubs are in the race for the Espanyol star, but it was recently revealed that he has set his sights on being a regular starter, rather than playing second fiddle to another goalkeeper.

As such, if Martinez moves on this summer, a move to Villa Park could appeal to Garcia, given that a starting spot will be up for grabs.

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