Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, as Steve Cooper eyes quality reinforcements this summer.

The Welshman must welcome additional resources to his side, who struggled on their return to the Premier League last season, leaving it until the penultimate game of the calendar to confirm their safety.

With the opening game against Arsenal fast approaching, it’s time for Cooper to weigh up his squad options with the ability to dip into the market before it closes.

What’s the latest on Tyler Adams to Nottingham Forest?

As reported back in June by the Mail, Forest emerged as one of the clubs interested in Adams, who suffered a demotion with Leeds last season.

The American was said to be ‘one of the names’ Cooper was considering moving for, with the 24-year-old having a £20m relegation release clause in his contract at Elland Road.

More recently, however, news has suggested that the Reds should expect competition for the midfielder, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirming Chelsea’s desire to make contact with the player.

How good is Tyler Adams?

Having been hailed as a “machine” by journalist Wes Rucker, the USMNT international made quite the impact during his debut season in the Premier League, asserting himself as a rock in Leeds’ midfield.

Despite his debut campaign ending bitterly in relegation, the American midfielder prevailed as one of the Whites’ brightest individuals, hence the increased interest surrounding the 24-year-old’s services.

Obtaining a talent as combative and thorough as Adams could be one of the elements fundamental to take Cooper’s side to the next level, and cementing their status as a top-flight club, moving away from being on the fence between the Premier League and Championship.

The New York-born star showcased the roundedness of his game, and his complete skill set in what it takes to be a top performer in the engine room in England.

Maintaining a pass completion rate of 82.5% per 90, as well as averaging an impressive 5.68 progressive passes per 90 last campaign for Leeds, via FBref, the midfielder is an assured presence in possession and a strong link to transitioning play from defence to attack.

For Forest, Adams could bolster the options on show at the City Ground in such a crucial area, with the youngster having the potential to take the place of some veterans in the position.

Signed in January from Newcastle United, Jonjo Shelvey had all the ingredients to be the reliable source in the midfield to help Forest coast towards safety, however, the Englishman had the opposite effect.

Making just six starts in the league, the 31-year-old dud was kept away from the action after reacting poorly for not being in the line-up against Liverpool in April and has since been segregated from the first team.

The Essex-born midfielder has been excluded from the club’s pre-season festivities, with all signs leading to a City Ground exit, leaving room for a new face to take his place.

Adams is more recently a better performer than the former Newcastle, who fell short in terms of averages per 90 to the American, based on his figures for Leeds last term and Shelvey’s numbers for the Magpies in the 2021/22 campaign.

As per FBref, the 24-year-old averaged an impressive 3.72 tackles and 1.46 interceptions per 90 for the Whites, as well as averaging 1.00 key passes per 90 to highlight his attacking prowess amid his defensive security.

Shelvey averaged 1.36 tackles and 1.00 interceptions for Newcastle in 2021/22, recording 0.73 key passes per 90, via FBref, making Adams’ claim to replace him at Forest a particularly unquestionable one.

Leeds United have just been handed a boost in their pursuit of Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, who Daniel Farke is keen on signing this summer…

Is Josh Sargent signing for Leeds?

On Friday, it was reported that Leeds' owners, 49ers Enterprises, are ready to back the club's pursuit of Sargent, given that previous American signings have really helped increase their appeal to fans in the United States.

The Whites are said to have drawn up a striker shortlist, given that Patrick Bamford is still out injured, and last season's top scorer, Rodrigo Moreno, has left for Qatar, with the Norwich striker making the cut.

It has been detailed that a bid for the 23-year-old could be expected in the coming days, with Farke well aware of his abilities due to their time working together at Carrow Road, and there are now indications the player would be keen on a move to Yorkshire.

In the latest update from Football Insider, it is detailed that the American is keen to complete a reunion with his former manager, which could hand Leeds a major boost as they look to get a deal over the line in the latter stages of the transfer window.

Norwich are reluctant to part ways with the forward, given that he is already off the mark this season, but it is believed that it would not take a huge fee to tempt them into a sale, in what could be another boost for Farke's side.

Farke was the manager to bring the USMNT international to England, signing him for Norwich from Werder Bremen for a reported £8m back in August 2021, and he is now well-placed to seal a reunion with his former player.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE

How good is Josh Sargent?

Lauded as "fantastic" by members of the media, the former Werder Bremen man really started to come into his own last season, weighing in with 15 goal contributions in 40 Championship games for Norwich, in a much-improved campaign in front of goal.

The versatile attacker, who is capable of playing at right-wing, struggled to find the back of the net in the prior season, scoring just two league goals, although Norwich were in the Premier League at that point, so he could still be a good signing in the second tier.

Farke is clearly a big fan of the Norwich star, given that he is now willing to sign him for the second time, and he has previously lauded him as "unbelievably bright".

That being said, the £12k-per-week forward is yet to have a prolific season in front of goal, and it could be worth Leeds also bringing in a more out-and-out goalscorer alongside him, if they can afford to do so.

At 23 years of age, however, Sargent is still developing as a player, and it is promising news that he would be keen on reuniting with Farke and moving to Elland Road, so Leeds may look to test the waters with an opening bid in the upcoming days, making this one to watch.

Stumps
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Ellyse Perry kept the pressure on England at the start•Getty Images

England held sunlight sway before Australia’s bowlers regathered vital ground under lights on day one of the inaugural day-night women’s Ashes Test at a vibrant North Sydney Oval.Winning a good toss under blue skies, England’s captain Heather Knight joined Tammy Beaumont in a considered 104-run stand for the second wicket. It seemed to place the visitors on the path to a major tally, in a match they must avoid losing or leave the Ashes in Australian hands, ahead of the final T20 leg of the multi-format series.The Australians persisted, however, aided by some terrific catching, and with the additional help of the extra swing to be gained at night, left only three wickets remaining for England to build further on their first innings when play resumes. The experienced Ellyse Perry and Jess Jonassen shared four wickets between them, with another two falling to the debutant Tahlia McGrath. Another playing her first Test, Amanda Wellington, claimed the key wicket of Beaumont.McGrath had been the first change to the Australian bowling attack after Perry and Megan Schutt shared the new ball, and she was soon able to coax a becalmed Lauren Winfield into driving airily, leaving the chance to be superbly snapped up by a diving Nicole Bolton at cover. That wicket was to be the only one for quite some time, and the shadows of the Oval’s venerable stands were growing long by the time Beaumont and Knight were separated.It was to be the other bowling debutant, Wellington, who found the right delivery with the last ball of the 53rd over, a delectable, looping leg break that drew Beaumont forward and then had her thrusting her hands at a delivery that bounced and turned just enough to take the edge to slip.If Knight was annoyed to have seen that partnership broken, she was mortified to be given lbw 16 runs later when trying to sweep Jonassen’s left-arm spin. Knight was well forward and the ball did not appear to be straightening enough to hit leg stump, but the wicket arrived at another vital juncture for Australia, bringing fresh players to the crease shortly before the lights came into use.Jonassen then struck again after the dinner break, this time pinning Nat Sciver on the back foot for a far more obvious lbw verdict, after which the second new ball reaped three further victims for the hosts. Georgia Elwiss chanced a hook and watched the top edge safely pouched by Schutt, Sarah Taylor stopped her shot and offered a return catch to a juggling Perry, and Katherine Brunt chased a wide delivery from McGrath and was well taken by Jonassen.Wellington returned for the night’s final over, and though unable to find the right variation for another wicket, the Australians walked off happy with their work. England, by contrast, rued a missed opportunity.

Manchester United are now in the race to sign Santos striker Marcos Leonardo, but they may have to move quickly, with AS Roma now pushing to secure his signature, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the signing of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has now been completed, with the deal announced earlier this weekend.

It will cost United a fee of £64m, plus £8m in add-ons, with the forward agreeing a five-year contract, finally bringing an end to Man United's pursuit of a top striker, which has been one of manager Erik ten Hag's priorities for quite some time.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

Despite having already agreed a deal for Hojlund, United still remain interested in bringing in more attacking options, with reports from Italy detailing they are "very vigilant" about the situation surrounding Leonardo (via Sport Witness).

Roma are now pushing to get a deal for the 20-year-old over the line, so the Red Devils may have to move swiftly if they intend to bring him to Old Trafford, having recently been linked with a move, albeit only in the background as they've focussed on the Hojlund deal.

The Serie A side have no intention of giving up in their pursuit of the youngster, so United are set to face stiff competition if they are to pursue a deal, having now joined the race for his signature.

At the moment, Roma appear to be leading the race for the Santos star, making contact with the Brazilian club to discuss a deal over the past three days, and director of football Tiago Pinto is determined to get a deal over the line.

Who is Marcos Leonardo?

The Brazilian starlet has spent his entire professional career with Santos up to this point, making a name for himself with a very solid goal-scoring record, netting 13 goals in 35 matches during the 2022 Brazilian Serie A campaign.

This season, the youngster is on course to better that return in front of goal, having scored six goals in 12 appearances, during which time he has also picked up two assists.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the forward as "the king of the penalty area", while also saying that he "has all the tools to become an absolute killer", indicating he poses a huge attacking threat.

However, there are doubts over whether the Santos star would be a worthwhile signing for United, considering he does not offer much else to his side, averaging just 13.47 passes per 90 in the past year, placing him in the sixth percentile compared to players at a similar level.

Leonardo is something of a poacher, who could be a good option for Ten Hag to bring on as a substitute when Man United are chasing a game, but he is probably not a necessary signing.

Given that a deal for Hojlund has been wrapped up, United are now blessed with attacking options, and Ten Hag should instead focus on strengthening other areas of his squad.

The legspinner has completed a five-wicket haul in each of his four first-class matches so far since making his four-day debut against England Lions last December

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Abu Dhabi02-Dec-2017
ScorecardA rejuvenated Rashid Khan routed the UAE middle and lower order, claiming 5 for 29 in his 12.3-over spell on the final day to propel Afghanistan to a 10-wicket win that secured the country’s second Intercontinental Cup title.After taking Man-of-the-Match honors in Afghanistan’s previous I-Cup win over Hong Kong, Rashid repeated the feat after taking match figures of 8 for 152 as his side claimed the full 20 points on offer to finish 12 points above the second-placed Ireland. Both countries are now set to enter the Test world with Ireland’s first Test coming against Pakistan in Malahide in May 2018 while Afghanistan are targetting a possible date with Zimbabwe early next year.Despite going wicketless in 21 overs on day three in the face of an obdurate 146-run stand by Rohan Mustafa and Chirag Suri, Rashid’s appeals began to bear fruit on the final morning. With three men around the bat, Saqlain Haider prodded an inside edge off the pad to Javed Ahmadi who juggled momentarily before trapping the ball in between his legs at short leg to secure Rashid’s first wicket 11 overs into the day.Rameez Shahzad fought gamely to prop up the UAE middle order and stretch the game as much as possible, sweeping regularly for boundaries against Rashid and Zahir Khan. But Zahir finally managed to suck Rameez forward for an edge clipped to Mohammad Nabi at first slip. Still, UAE looked like they would make Afghanistan bat again and perhaps even fight for a draw with 17 runs needed and five wickets in hand heading into the last over before lunch.But Rashid produced a sensational over, taking three wickets either side of the interval. Muhammad Usman inside edged a flat-footed poke onto his stumps for 28. Ahmed Raza survived loud appeals for lbw on his first ball at the crease, but groped forward again next ball to edge to Nabi at slip. Lunch was taken and first ball after resumption, Amjad Javed prodded down the wrong line and was trapped in front for Rashid’s third wicket in four balls.Afghanistan suddenly looked favorites to complete their fifth straight innings victory of the tournament but some lusty hoicks over the leg side by Adnan Mufti ensured Afghanistan faced a nominal target. Mufti eventually fended an edge to wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai to give Nabi his second wicket of the innings. Rashid needed just two balls to defeat No. 11 Amir Hayat with a googly for his fifth wicket of the innings. Remarkably, it meant Rashid has completed a five-wicket haul in each of his four first-class matches so far since making his four-day debut against England Lions last December.With Afghanistan needing only 19, UAE put up little fight as the first delivery of the innings bowled by Hayat was a wide and not long after in the third over Ihsanullah was put down on 5 off Hayat at second slip. Ihsanullah eventually hit the winning boundary in the sixth over off Ahmed Raza with a swipe to midwicket.While Afghanistan had stormed the pitch 11 months earlier in the UAE after defeating Ireland by 10 wickets in front of 15,000 fans in the final of the Desert T20 Challenge, their celebrations on this occasion were a bit more muted. But the 500 fans who turned out on this occasion were fully embraced to be part of the celebrations as captain Asghar Stanikzai passed the Intercontinental Cup silverware into the crowd. Having proven themselves against the best of the Associate world in multi-day cricket, a greater test awaits.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos empatou com o Vasco, por 2 a 2, na Vila Belmiro, pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão. O gol de empate do Cruzmaltino saiu após um pênalti marcado pelo VAR depois da bola bater no braço do volante Alison. Após o jogo, o camisa cinco santista admitiu o toque, mas garantiu que foi intencional.

– Não estou aqui para reclamar de arbitragem. No lance, a bola realmente tocou no meu braço. Assumo essa responsabilidade. Claro que não foi intencional, mas a bola acabou batendo no meu braço – afirmou à TV Globo.

Apesar do resultado ruim, o jogador destacou o pensamento da equipe e a luta pela vitória. Capitão do Peixe, ele já projeta o jogo diante do Ceará, fora de casa, no sábado, às 21h.

-A gente precisava muito da vitória. Entramos com esse pensamento. Buscamos a vitória o tempo todo. Infelizmente, não conseguimos.Não podemos ficar nos lamentando. Temos jogo no fim de semana – finalizou.

Com o empate, o Santos fica na 11ª posição, com oito pontos.

RelacionadasBrasileirãoSantos cede empate duas vezes e empata em casa com o VascoBrasileirão02/09/2020SantosMagia dos Meninos da Vila e chegada de Cuca motivam santistas no retorno da LibertadoresSantos02/09/2020SantosConselho é favorável a manutenção de estudo e voto a distância ganha força no SantosSantos02/09/2020

أفادت وسائل إعلامية إنجليزية، عن اتخاذ إدارة مانشستر يونايتد قرارًا جديدًا بخصوص مستقبل رباعي الفريق قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد.

ويحتل مانشستر يونايتد المركز الثامن في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، برصيد 57 نقطة.

اقرأ أيضاً.. برونو فيرنانديز يلمح لمستقبله مع مانشستر يونايتد ويؤكد: سننهي الموسم بأفضل طريقة ممكنة

وأوضحت شبكة “فوتبول إنسايدر”، أن إدارة مانشستر يونايتد قد أبغلت كل من، توم هيتون وجوني إيفانز، بالإضافة إلى أنتوني مارسيال، بالعثور على أندية جديدة في الفترة المقبلة.

وسينتهي عقد ثلاثي مانشستر يونايتد بنهاية الموسم الحالي، صيف 2024، ولن يقوم النادي الإنجليزي بتمديد عقودهم في المرحلة الحالية.

وتابعت الشبكة الإنجليزية، أنه سيتم أيضًا عرض ماسون جرينوود للبيع في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية القادمة.

وتسعى إدارة مانشستر يونايتد إلى تصفية عدد كبير هذا الصيف لإفساح المجال لإجراء تعاقدات جديدة في الميركاتو الصيفي المقبل بناءً على رغبة إريك تين هاج المدير الفني للفريق.

The city might be gaining a new familiarity with the feeling of hosting international cricket, but there is additional meaning to this latest match, given the identity of the visiting team

The Preview by Danyal Rasool28-Oct-2017

Big PictureAnd so it comes again: for the fifth time this year, Gaddafi Stadium will attract global attention for doing what it was first built to do over 50 years ago: host an international cricket match. Sri Lanka are the visitors this time, the team that has been least fussy about playing cricket in Pakistan over the years. That was to their detriment in 2009, with the attack on their team bus, and Pakistan’s status as a venue has been paying the price ever since. A number of big names from Sri Lanka’s line-up are missing, not able to bring themselves back to the scene of the devastation their peers faced on a bleak March morning on their way to play a cricket match.But Pakistan have been more determined about getting international cricket back, particular this year, no matter the cost. The security detail and lockdown of the city in preparation is something Lahoris are beginning to get used to; it comes with the territory these days. It would perhaps be best to focus on what takes place inside Pakistan’s most famous sporting venue as a Thisara Perera-led Sri Lanka look to avoid yet another 2017 limited-overs whitewash. Dead rubber it may be, but the Gaddafi Stadium tomorrow will be brimming with life.Sri Lanka will be bitterly disappointed there isn’t more at stake, given their position of dominance for large parts during the second T20I in Abu Dhabi, where only a penultimate-ball six from Shadab Khan allowed Pakistan to sneak to victory. The visitors needed the win much more, for both confidence and pride. This is a young team put together under exceptional circumstances, expected to play against one of the world’s most in-form teams, and pushing them as they did last night was no mean feat.Pakistan will be eager to take advantage of a rare opportunity to play at what really is home, and should need no further motivation to turn up.Each of these players are aware that these crowds may only be able to see them a handful of times in their careers, and do their best to grab the opportunity. In any case, it would be a bit of a shame for them to amass such a long winning streak in the UAE, only to see it snapped in Lahore.Form guideSri Lanka LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WWWLWIn the spotlightAhmed Shehzad has found himself pushed out of the ODI side by the dashing young Imam-ul-Haq, and only played the T20Is because of his form in the format against the World XI. However, two disappointing scores against a depleted Sri Lanka side means he should be dreading the axe in the shortest format too. With competition for the opening slot heating up, he needs a big performance to end the series on a high note, and to make a stronger case for T20I selection even as younger players look to take his place. His form in Lahore last month was outstanding, and returning to the Gaddafi may rekindle the confidence he has clearly been lacking of late.Seekkuge Prasanna is one of the more experienced players in Sri Lanka’s side, but his numbers haven’t done that experience justice. He played the last two ODIs as well has both T20’s, but has picked up only one wicket – none in the T20I series. He hasn’t compensated with runs either, never reaching 25 and averaging 15. Yet he has shown glimpses of why he’s in the side, and why the captain appears to trust him. But if Sri Lanka are to cause an upset, he’ll need to do more than that, and a high-profile game like this would be a good time to do it.Team newsWith the series wrapped up, Pakistan may experiment, although given the unique nature of this ‘dead’ rubber, everyone will want to start. Therefore, it isn’t unlikely that Pakistan may reward the side that won the series with a starting place in Lahore, going unchanged for three games straight.Pakistan (probable): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Usman Khan.Sri Lanka looked good in the second game, and might rely on the momentum they’ve built to challenge tomorrow. As such, the same eleven wouldn’t be a total surprise, although Lahiru Gamage bowled well in the ODIs and may merit a place.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Dilshan Munaweera, 3 Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), 4 Ashan Priyanjan, 5 Seekkuge Prasanna, 6 Mahela Udawette, 7 Thisara Perera (capt), 8 Dasun Shanaka/Lahiru Gamage, 9 Isuru Udana, 10 Sachith Pathirana, 11 Vikum Sanjaya.Pitch and conditionsThe start time was brought forward by an hour for fear of excessive dew playing spoilsport in Lahore. The weather in the evening is much more pleasant than anything the players will have experienced in the UAE, and the ball is likely to come on to the bat much better. The winner of the toss is likely to bat first.Stats and trivia If Pakistan make no changes to their side, Usman Khan will play an international in Pakistan for the first time. The other ten players haveall played international cricket in their home country. If Sri Lanka lose tomorrow, it will be their 16th straight defeat in a limited-overs international.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing a "very good" young forward capable of "making an impact" for Spurs in the Premier League next season.

Who are Tottenham signing?

There were positive signs from Ange Postecoglou's first competitive game in charge of his new-look Tottenham team – a 2-2 draw with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Tottenham have made eight signings in the transfer window, if you include Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro's loans being made permanent, with James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario all making their competitive debuts for Spurs at the weekend.

It was a much improved Tottenham performance from what was offered up last season by the Lilywhites, and the first without talismanic striker Harry Kane at the club following his Bayern Munich move.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The England captain's departure will leave a gaping void in the Spurs side that ideally needs filling this transfer window, albeit finding a like-for-like replacement is practically impossible.

Postecoglou does have Richarlison at his disposal, although goals have not come easily for the Brazilian since his north London move, while 19-year-old Argentine Alejo Veliz has also arrived at Hotspur Way.

But, according to Gold, Spurs are interested in another young centre-forward this summer in K.A.A Gent striker Gift Orban, and may make a move to sign him this window.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he stated: "Gift Orban we know they like. He's 21-years-old, he can play through the middle, he can play out wide, he can play as a supporting striker. Very, very talented, prolific already.

"Obviously, it's the Belgian league, you've got to have a little bit of calm over that, and certainly there's people that cover the Belgian league that have told me he's very, very good, very raw, maybe isn't ready to be a regular starter in the Premier League, but certainly would be able to make an impact.

He added: "I would imagine Spurs will look to try to do something with him. I think there's a real realisation that if they don't maybe do this now then others are going to get in there and get him straight away."

Spurs need to replace Kane's goals if they have any hopes of returning to the Champions League spaces next year, but those goals may have to be shared out among a number of players rather than one talisman.

Orban would provide competition for places alongside Veliz, but also has the potential to improve under Postecoglou in the years to come. However, the Nigerian forward is valued at more than £25m and Spurs may face competition from elsewhere for his signature.

Who is Gift Orban?

A young 21-year-old striker from Nigeria, who is also capable of playing out wide, Orban has shot to fame during his time in the Jupiler Pro League with Gent.

Initially arriving in Norway from Nigeria, Orban left Stabæk IF for Gent in January 2023, meaning he has only played six months in the Belgian first division.

However, the forward – who has been hailed as "an absolute killer" – scored 20 goals in 22 matches for the Belgian side last season, including five in the Europa Conference League knockout stages.

Orban managed 19 goals and seven assists during 24 matches in Norway, and the 5"8 striker has already scored five goals in four games for Gent this season.

The diminutive forward has clearly caught the eye in Belgium and on the continent, and Spurs will be eager to get to the front of the queue for his signature.

Aston Villa are looking at strengthening their midfield even further this window, with recent reports revealing one name they are targeting in that area.

Unai Emery has already welcomed Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City to add to the quality available in the middle of the park for the Villans, however there could be more movements made before the end of the transfer window.

The Midlands club had an enjoyable summer, recruiting strongly through the acquisitions of Pau Torres, Moussa Diaby and Tielemans, as well as performing to a good standard during pre-season, however a devastating double injury blow has shaken things up.

It’s thought that the Spaniard could delve back into the transfer market to cover for the long-term injuries of Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia.

Who could Aston Villa sign this summer?

To cover the spell on the sidelines Buendia is due to endure, it’s expected that attacker Nicolo Zaniolo will arrive at Villa Park on an initial loan deal from Galatasaray.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

The Villans have been linked to a host of talent alongside the Italian, with news this week revealing the club’s interest in teen sensation Carlos Baleba.

According to TEAMtalk, Villa are one of the Premier League clubs interested in the Lille midfielder, joining Liverpool, Brighton, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

The report claims that the Midlands club have been ‘keeping tabs’ on the 19-year-old, who could be available for £30m, which is the Ligue 1 outfit’s speculated asking price.

What is Carlos Baleba’s style of play?

Deployed in central midfield, the Cameroon international has been described as a “highly energetic” figure in the middle of the park by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who also lauded the youngster as “incredible”.

The teenager is skilled in all areas it takes to be a top central midfielder, with the capabilities to perform both defensive and offensive actions in the bid to help his team.

Such claims are supported by his numbers, with FBref highlighting his strengths last season in Ligue 1, where he averaged 2.45 tackles, 6.21 progressive passes and 2.82 successful take-ons per 90, showcasing just how much of a handful he is for the opposition.

For Villa, the potential acquisition of the rising star could come at a perfect time, with there being speculation regarding the future of current defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Both Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked to the Brazilian, who was Villa’s best performer last season based on Sofascore match ratings for the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

Should the 25-year-old leave Villa Park, Emery could find his able successor in Baleba, who has similar strengths to the former Manchester City man, who averaged closely to the 19-year-old last term.

Luiz in fact averaged below the Cameroonian in his per 90 statistics provided by FBref, recording 2.24 tackles, 4.55 progressive passes and 0.74 successful take-ons in the Premier League for the Villans.

With the season already away, it would be against Villa’s favours to lose a player as integral to the squad as Luiz at this point, however, Emery could ease his potential exit by chasing the Lille sensation.