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Pundit Danny Mills has been reacting to rumours of Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins potentially moving to West Ham, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: West Ham links

Watkins has been a regular this season, missing just one game since Steven Gerrard took over back in November. The 26-year-old has been in fine in front of goal over recent months, which has resulted in links of a move to the London Stadium.

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David Moyes’ side are exploring the possibility of signing the England international, with Villa likely to demand £50m for his services after suggestions Gerrard would be willing to cash in this summer.

The Latest: Mills’ comments

Mills, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Watkins amid rumours of a move to West Ham.

He said he’d be ‘surprised’ if Watkins left Villa Park this summer, as he would need to be replaced, questioning if a £50m price tag was fair.

“It’s an interesting one, isn’t it? Because he has done pretty well.

“But you do think there is perhaps something just missing. Something that isn’t quite there in some of his performances.

“Is £50million a lot? Maybe West Ham would be the club for him. He’s good but he’s not outstanding week in and week out.

“I’m sure Villa want to keep him. He hasn’t been disastrous in any shape or form and if he goes he has to be replaced.

“So I would be surprised if he went this summer. You have to remember he came from the Championship and he was down there for a reason.

“You have to find your level and work to get that Premier League quality. Maybe over the next couple of seasons, he will get there.”

The Verdict: Fair price

Watkins is Villa’s most valuable asset, as per Transfermarkt and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £31.5m valuation. Therefore, a £50m fee should be the least Villa receive should they decide to part ways with the forward this summer, given that his contract still runs until 2025.

This is a young England international under contract for a further three years and has once again hit double figures for goals in a sixth successive league campaign, so a big-money exit could be one to keep a close eye on, with Jonathan David and Luis Suarez linked to possibly come in.

In other news: Journo reveals Villa now eyeing ‘surprise’ move for 201-goal attacking midfielder 

The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans lauded Matty Cash for his opening goal in their defeat against Manchester City this afternoon. 

The lowdown: So near but so far

Villa were so close to playing a huge part in the destiny of the Premier League title and causing a seismic upset after Cash headed Steven Gerrard’s side in front before Philippe Coutinho doubled the lead.

However, it wasn’t to be as an Ilkay Gundogan brace came either side of a long-range Rodri strike to consign Villa to defeat and break Liverpool’s hearts, with the Reds consigned to another runners-up finish.

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Despite what came afterwards, one reputable journalist was full of praise for the right-back after that opening goal…

The latest: Evans wowed by Cash goal

Taking to Twitter, Evans reacted instantly as the 24-year-old Poland international broke the deadlock in the first half.

He tweeted: “#MCFC 0-1 #AVFC (Cash) Wow. Huge shock on the cards. And some more VERY good Villa news on the way…”

The verdict: Capped off a fine performance

It was so nearly a monumental day for Villa, and indeed for the league as a whole, but instead it wasn’t quite to be for them or for Liverpool.

Despite the cruel manner of the defeat and the troubling aspect of three goals being conceded in five minutes, there are certainly positives to take from the match from Gerrard’s perspective.

Perhaps the biggest overall plus was the performance of the £19.8m-valued Cash, who made two clearances, won six duels and made one interception in a 6.7-rated display (Sofascore). His goal capped off what was a superb all-round showing from the 24-year-old.

In other news: Internal discussions held as Villa now eyeing bargain move for ‘outstanding’ player

Leeds United are said to be interested in Valentin Castellanos ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, writing for GIVEMESPORT, the New York City striker is ‘one to keep an eye on’ heading into the off-season, where manager Jesse Marsch will be looking to bolster his squad even more following the early arrival of Brenden Aaronson.

The American midfielder has joined the Yorkshire giants in a £25m deal from RB Salzburg, linking up with his former boss, and now it appears as if he could look back to his roots for another addition.

Premier League rivals West Ham United have also been linked with a move for Castellanos in recent weeks. The Mirror believes the 23-year-old would be available for just £12.8m.

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Bamford upgrade

The Argentine has become something of a sensation at Manchester City’s sister club in the United States as he scored 19 goals and assisted a further eight on his way to the MLS Golden Boot, before scoring in all NYCFC’s playoff matches to win the title for the very first time.

Such form has continued into the current campaign, where he has bagged a tidy 11 goals across all competitions, also providing five assists, as per Transfermarkt. In total, he’s bagged 53 goals for the MLS outfit.

Castellanos’ playing style has been compared to one of the Premier League’s very best, too.

“He actually reminds me a lot of Didier Drogba, he’s very confident to the point where it could be seen as arrogance but has more than shown his quality the season,” claimed MLS UK Show podcaster Henry Hewitt to Manchester Evening News.

“He doesn’t just score one type of goal. He’s strong, quick, good with his head and isn’t afraid to bring his teammates into play.”

Nicknamed ‘Taty’, the prolific marksman has also been lauded as “top class” and “difficult to play against” by his NYCFC manager Ronny Delia, who continues to benefit from his forward’s exploits.

Given the lack of involvement from Patrick Bamford in 2021/22, the MLS attacker could be seen as something of an upgrade, having barely missed a game over the past 18 to 24 months.

The injury-plagued Leeds frontman managed only nine appearances in the league this term and his absence almost cost the Yorkshire giants a place in the big time.

In terms of non-penalty expected goals, the Argentine outranks Marsch’s current no.9, whilst the NYCFC man also fires off more shots and subsequently, more shots on target than Bamford too, as per FBRef.

Meanwhile, his work rate in the final third is much greater, managing more pressures than the Englishman, making him a far greater fit for Marsch’s pressing system.

On the above evidence, Castellanos could be the man to take Leeds to the next level in the attack. Victor Orta and co must pay the bargain fee of £12.8m to seal him from the Hammers’ grasp.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Kalvin Phillips transfer update…

Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma has revealed that Liverpool have shown an interest in signing him and that he would ‘consider’ a move to Anfield.

The Lowdown: Danjuma impresses for Villarreal

The 25-year-old has become a key player for Villarreal in recent times, playing his part in them reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2021/22.

Danjuma ended the campaign with ten goals and three assists in La Liga, also netting six times in Europe and coming up against Liverpool in the last four.

The Dutchman has been described as a ‘nightmare for defenders’ by Kevin Phillips and the Reds have been linked with a move for him in the past, with that report even naming him as Sadio Mane’s successor.

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The Latest: Winger makes Liverpool claim

Speaking to Voetbal Primeur [via Sport Witness], Danjuma confirmed Liverpool’s interest in him and said he would ‘have to consider it’ if a big club comes calling:

“I’m always as honest as possible about it: I’ve never had contact with clubs or anything like that during the season. I always know about my situation after the season; I don’t want to be involved in it at all during the season. But I have been informed that Liverpool were following me closely.

“I will never lie: I think it’s a bad quality if you’re not ambitious. And if a club came along that offered me a higher platform to play on sport-wise, I would always have to consider it.”

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The Verdict: Great squad option

With speculation continuing to surround Sadio Mane’s future at Liverpool, Danjuma could be a great option to come in as a squad player next season.

He would provide competition for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, bringing direct running and end product to the team. Sixteen goals in 34 appearances for Villarreal is a testament to that.

At 25, he could even be viewed as a long-term regular alongside Diaz and Jota, although whether or not he is quite good enough to be such a key man is arguably up for debate.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

A claim has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Sven Botman heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that everyone at the Tyneside club wants a deal for the Dutch defender to be completed in the coming months.

The reporter has hinted that not every target on whom the Magpies have set their sights has had backing from every member of the club, whereas that is the case with the Lille centre-back.

Hope tweeted: “Botman is one they’d like to do. From what I gather (unlike some others on shortlist) he gets a unanimous “yes” from all at Newcastle.”

The player himself has also confirmed that the Premier League club, along with AC Milan, are keen on him, saying: “Those clubs are interested, yes. I can’t and won’t say much more about it. What do I want? To take a nice step towards a nice competition. I am also looking forward to a new step.

“I am aware of what I want. That is not necessarily to that club or that competition. You weigh all kinds of things, and then the total picture has to suit you. I must have a very good feeling about it.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Newcastle supporters will be buzzing with Hope’s claim, as it shows how highly Botman is rated within the club. The journalist’s tweet suggests that there is little doubt over the player’s ability, with the likes of Dan Ashworth, Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall, among others, all seeming to agree that the Netherlands under-21 international would be an excellent signing.

This will excite the fans as they now know that the club would be bringing in a talent that everyone on Tyneside believes will be a success, if they can strike a deal for him.

It is easy to see why the Magpies are interested in Botman, who has been a star for Lille since arriving in France from Ajax in 2020.

In his first season in Ligue 1, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.08 as he won 68% of his duels and helped his team to keep 20 clean sheets in his 37 top-flight appearances. He made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game as he produced consistently solid displays at the back, leading to his team  winning the title.

As you can see in the graphic above, Botman continued his fine form into the 2021/22 campaign, proving over two seasons that he is a reliable centre-back at the top level.

Couple this with the fact that he only turned 22 in January and has plenty of scope to develop even further, and it is no wonder that Newcastle are so keen to get him in the door.

Fans will be buzzing with the enthusiastic interest in the Dutchman and will now be hoping that Ashworth and Howe can convince him that moving to St James’ Park is the ideal next step for him in his career.

AND in other news, “Newcastle hopeful…”: Craig Hope issues major transfer claim that’ll excite Eddie Howe…

West Ham United are reportedly interested in bringing Everton defender Michael Keane to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Football Insider who claim that the Hammers have registered their interest in the 29-year-old, with the club said to be in the market for a new centre-back this window.

As per the report, the club are set to lose out on James Tarkowski with Everton said to have offered the defender £120,000-per-week, with a full agreement for the defender said to be in place.

As such, it is said that Keane “figures prominently” on David Moyes’ wish list, with the Scotsman believing he possesses the right profile and possesses the necessary attributes to bolster his back line.

West Ham have lodged an enquiry with talks seemingly now underway for the £19.8m-rated defender.

West Ham’s next Dawson?

The signing of Keane could represent great value for the Hammers, despite the move for the 29-year-old being far from glamorous – especially considering West Ham’s bout in the European competitions.

Though, Moyes has metaphorically turned water into wine at the London Stadium and has done so by recruiting players who have not been under the spotlight, so to speak.

His signings at West Ham have been calculated and the majority have fallen in the underrated category. He’s opted to keep his squad small and refused to engage in unnecessary business, so the fact he sees Keane as a viable option is enough in itself.

The signing of Craig Dawson last year is the perfect comparison of the impact that Hammers fans could expect Keane to make. 32-year-old Dawson has had a monumental rise back to the top flight and has asserted himself as a vital part of the West Ham backline.

Of course, he was not a glamour signing either, but a true grafter at the back in the mould of a defender from yesteryear.

£69k-per-week Keane who was once dubbed an “absolute beast” offers a similar skillset to Dawson and his ability to lead will also make him an attractive asset in the eyes of Moyes.

If Everton are to officially secure the signing of Tarkowski, Keane could well depart Goodison Park for the more positive project at the London Stadium.

In other news: West Ham can seal “unreal” deal in bid for 115-goal great, imagine him & Rice 

Aston Villa are keeping an eye on Gareth Bale ahead of a potential move, according to The Guardian.

The Lowdown: Madrid exit

Bale, labelled as ‘world class’ by Wales teammate Joe Allen, is on the lookout for a new club ahead of the World Cup this winter.

The 32-year-old forward will officially become a free agent at the end of the month after spending nine years with Real Madrid.

The versatile forward has scored 183 goals and provided 139 assists at club level in more than 500 games, and it looks as if Villa Park is now a possible destination for Bale when he leaves the Bernabeu.

The Latest: Villa links

The Guardian shared a transfer rumour mill on Thursday morning, with one of those stories on Bale.

They claimed that Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham are all keeping an eye on the forward, who is keen to find a new side ahead of the World Cup.

The Verdict: Suarez alternative?

Steven Gerrard is seemingly keen to add to his attacking ranks ahead of his first full season in the Midlands after already making four summer signings. The club have continued to be linked with Luis Suarez, so Bale could be viewed as a possible alternative.

Bale impressed back with Spurs during the 2020/21 season, contributing to 13 Premier League goals in 20 games. He is predominantly a winger but does have experience of playing as a centre-forward, so he could be a shrewd signing to rival Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, while also providing a brilliant option out wide.

In other news: ‘Perfect’ – Sky Sports man buzzes as NSWE now enter in-house Villa ‘talks’ for ‘outstanding’ ace. 

According to a report by Spanish outlet AS (via SportWitness), Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to sell midfielder Giovani Lo Celso amid interest from both Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.

The Lowdown: Successful loan

On deadline day in January, it was announced that the 26-year-old had joined Spanish side Villarreal on loan until the end of the season after it emerged that he would play no part in Antonio Conte’s plans.

After making the loan switch, the midfielder went on to impress, having made 16 appearances in the Spanish top-flight. As a result, the Argentina international was ranked as the La Liga outfit’s fourth most valuable player, having received an impressive 7.09 SofaScore rating.

Due to the success of the loan move, it has been reported that both Lo Celso and Villarreal want to make the deal permanent this summer.

The Latest: Atletico executives like that they see…

On June 15th, Estadio Deportivo reported that Tottenham had offered Lo Celso to Atlético Madrid a few weeks ago, whilst his loan-side Villarreal were also mentioned as having a desire to sign the Argentinian ahead of next season.

AS (via SportWitness) have now reported that Atletico are indeed keen on signing the midfielder, meaning they will battle Unai Emery’s side for his signature.

The Madrid club have long had their sights on the player and made attempts to sign him before he joined Spurs from Real Betis in 2020, and it is said that their executives behind the scenes are of the belief that he ‘fits perfectly’ into Diego Simeone’s plans.

With no future at the North London club, Lo Celso is looking for a move away this summer, and Tottenham are ready the sell the in-demand midfielder.

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The Verdict: Best option for both parties

According to FB Ref, when compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Lo Celso ranks in the 95th percentile for tackles and in the 89th percentile for pressures.

Having seemingly regained this formed in Spain, the 26-year-old could be a strong option for Conte’s squad depth, but it seems he is simply not the mould of player the Italian wants in the centre of his team.

With Lo Celso’s £100,000 weekly salary, it seems that a move would suit all parties involved, especially with Yves Bissouma’s imminent arrival at Hotspur Way.

In other news: Alasdair Gold says Steven Bergwijn exit is ‘a matter of when’

Nottingham Forest will be looking for ways to improve their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and now there has been on an update on the club’s progress in signing a key transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Nottingham Forest have approached Wolverhampton Wanderers with the intention to make the club-record signing of Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

As per the report, Steve Cooper is a huge admirer of the player and is hopeful that Forest will meet the transfer value set by his current club which is suggested as currently in excess of £20m.

Gibbs-White is currently contracted to Wolves until 2024, but 90min claim to understand that he has no interest in extending beyond that at this present time.

Johnson 2.0

Cooper’s efforts to sign Gibbs-White this summer prove that he is interested in injecting more youth into his forward line this summer and the Wolves midfielder could be the second coming of Brennan Johnson in the squad in terms of letting young offensive players lead the way at Forest.

The 22-year-old has been capturing the attention of the football world for his impressive loan spell in the Championship with Sheffield United.

Gibbs-White who was hailed “influential” by The Athletic journalist Stuart James, scored 11 goals, contributed nine assists and created 16 big chances, making 1.6 key passes and taking 2.4 shots on average per game in 35 Championship appearances.

His impressive and impactful performances led to him being ranked as the second highest-rated player in the squad this season by SofaScore.

The Forest manager is no stranger to the Wolves star as he worked with him at Swansea City back in 2020 when he joined the side on a season-long loan deal, but it was cut short when his parent club called him back in January 2021.

Cooper had high praise for Gibbs-White when talking about his loan spell at Swansea in an interview with The Athletic:

“He’s having a good impact. Like all of the young players their challenge now is to not get complacent and keep it going. He hasn’t played much football over the last couple of years. He’s getting that opportunity here so we’re hoping he gets fitter.”

“He’s just going through that young player process of making the most of their opportunities and having a good impact, fulfilling potential.”

Clearly the Forest boss wants to reunite with the player, and if they can secure a deal he could certainly have an instant impact on the team next season in the Premier League as the Welshman is already knowledgeable in Gibbs-White’s strengths and capabilities.

With that being said, breaking the club’s record to sign the midfielder would be a great piece of business for Forest in their pursuit to have a good run back in the top-flight next season.

AND in other news: Forget Spence: NFFC plot bid for “outstanding” £20m maestro, Cooper will love him

West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea striker Armando Broja in recent weeks and it seems as if David Moyes is definitely keen on the Albania international.

What’s the word?

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke said:

“He does seem pretty high on West Ham’s list right now, Armando Broja.

“He obviously had a very good season on loan at Southampton and I think David Moyes would prefer to sign players with Premier League experience, if possible he does like players who are happy to adapt to the Premier League and can hit the ground running and Broja is someone with huge potential as he showed during his loan at Southampton.”

The 20-year-old is a man in demand after catching the eye in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side last season, with West Ham seemingly among the frontrunners, although considering Romelu Lukaku is set to return to Inter after a disastrous season, the Hammers may find it harder to prise him away from Stamford Bridge.

Supporters will be delighted

Signing a striker should be the number one priority for West Ham this summer.

For too long they have relied upon Michail Antonio as the sole option up front, and considering he turns 33 next year, a younger alternative is required next season if the Hammers are to build upon their recent success.

Broja notched nine goals in his first taste of senior English football last season, including a wonderful solo goal in the Saints’ 3-1 win against West Ham in the FA Cup, so Moyes has seen first-hand what the youngster is capable of.

The young forward has already shown that he is capable of playing in the Premier League and clearly has a lot of room to develop, so could be exactly what Moyes needs as he looks to improve upon his attacking options next season.

Broja is a quick, powerful and a willing runner, in a similar mould to Antonio, so supporters will surely be delighted to hear that the Hammers are keen on bringing him in.

And, in other news… West Ham in talks for “rapid” £40m star similar to Mane, it could be bye-bye Bowen