The England star faces plenty of competition at the Gunners from Chloe Kelly, Olivia Smith and Caitlin Foord, but still has a big part to play
One can only imagine what Jocelyn Precheur, head coach of London City Lionesses, was thinking when Beth Mead came off the Arsenal bench last weekend and killed any chance of his team getting anything out of their first game in the Women's Super League. Just a few weeks prior, Precheur had spoken with the England forward about a potential move. Now, having decided to stay with the Gunners, here she was showing just why the club was interested, producing two assists within just 83 seconds of each other to put victory at the Emirates beyond doubt.
London City made a bigger splash in the summer transfer window than perhaps any other side in Europe – and certainly within England – by signing Grace Geyoro for a world-record fee on deadline day to cap several months of impressive business which had brought established names like Nikita Parris, Katie Zelem and Danielle van de Donk to the newly-promoted club. For a while, it looked like Mead would be added to that list, with the ambitious outfit, backed by the billions of Michele Kang, offering her a move that would surely bring with it more game time.
Off the back of a summer in which she largely played the role of substitute as England retained their European Championship crown, having also found herself on the Arsenal bench more often than not in the second half of last season, few would've questioned Mead's decision had she opted for a switch. But her incredibly impactful cameo on Saturday was evidence that she still has plenty to give in north London, as well as for England.
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Competition for places
In some ways, Saturday's performance encapsulated Mead's 2025. Since Chloe Kelly's arrival at Arsenal at the end of the January transfer window, in a loan deal that would be made permanent this summer, the 30-year-old has struggled for consistent starts at club level.
Indeed, since Kelly's second Arsenal debut, Mead has started just six times for her club and has appeared as a substitute on eight further occasions. Kelly, meanwhile, has made 10 starts and three sub appearances. Only twice have the pair started together, with head coach Renee Slegers preferring to combine the two with the other wide options in her squad, rather than with each other.
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Making the most of minutes
Yet, despite her opportunities becoming more limited than she is used to, Mead has remained effective. She scored three goals and provided three assists in that period after Kelly's arrival last season, for an average of one direct goal contribution every 102 minutes, with the biggest of that half-dozen being her classy assist in the Champions League final, setting Stina Blackstenius up for the goal that made Arsenal champions of Europe.
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Changing roles
It was a similar story at Euro 2025. Mead went into that tournament with England as a starter, having featured from the get-go in each of the Lionesses' last five outings before the competition got underway in Switzerland. She'd justified her place, too, despite reduced minutes at Arsenal, producing three goals and two assists in that spell. When Sarina Wiegman picked her first XI of the tournament against France, Mead was in.
But it quickly became apparent that a change was needed to balance the England team out. After a flattering 2-1 loss in that opener, Wiegman moved Lauren James from the No.10 role to the right wing, meaning Mead dropped to the bench. Despite that, she would still play a crucial role in the Lionesses' second-successive continental triumph via impressive cameos off the bench throughout the knockout stages.
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'Tough club to walk away from'
No senior player ever really wants to be a super-sub, especially not one with Mead's pedigree. It thus made total sense for London City to try and prise her away from Arsenal this summer, with more minutes sure to give her a greater shot of returning to that England XI. But it was always going to be hard for her part ways with the club she has grown into a superstar with over the last eight years, especially when she didn't have to.
"It’s a tough club to walk away from," Mead told last week. "When you’ve been somewhere this long it holds a very precious place in your heart. I have another year left on my contract, I still think I’m more than good enough to compete and be able to play in this team and I know I bring something different."
The hosts dropped a staggering eight catches in England’s first innings in the opening Test
Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Dec-2024
Tom Latham was to blame for two drops himself•Sanka Vidanagama/AFP via Getty Images
Tom Latham, New Zealand’s Test captain, dismissed the notion that his team need to work on their catching after a litany of errors contributed to a chastening eight-wicket defeat in the first Test against England.The hosts dropped a staggering eight catches in the tourists’ first innings, with Harry Brook the lucky recipient of five of them on his way to a crucial 171.The lives allowed England to emerge from the first innings of the match with a 151 lead. They were able to cash in on day four, chasing down a modest target of 104 to take a 1-0 series lead.Related
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Players on both sides struggled to see the ball clearly at the Hagley Oval, particularly with the grass banks as packed as they were across all four days. But Latham refused to use that as an excuse for their disappointing display in the field.”I don’t think it’s something that requires work,” said the skipper, who was guilty of shelling Ben Duckett on 23 (who went on to make 46) and Brook on 41 on day two.”We certainly put the work in behind the scenes, training days, that sort of thing. It certainly hasn’t been a continuous thing that’s been happening. It’s just one of those games – sometimes when one goes down, they all keep falling. We like to stay nice and level and try not to over-emphasise things.”Sometimes, some grounds have different challenges with different backgrounds. From our point of view, we’re not looking for excuses.”We know we need to be better and we’ll hopefully do that in Wellington.”Tom Blundell had another poor outing but Tom Latham gave him his backing•Associated Press
It was a broadly untidy performance from the Black Caps. Having been put in to bat after Ben Stokes won the toss, they reached 199 for 3 before falling to 348 all out. But for Kane Williamson’s 93 and 58 from Glenn Phillips, it could have been worse. Then came the catching issues, which in turn allowed England to rebuild their first innings from 45 for 3, then 71 for 4.Latham ceded the team have plenty to tidy up ahead of Friday’s second Test at the Basin Reserve. But he feels the margin of England’s victory, wrapped up inside four days, did not reflect a gap in quality between the two sides.”To have them 70 for 4 with our tails up, if we take some catches – certainly myself included – things might look slightly differently,” Latham said.”Even though the result of the game does look quite big, there are small margins in a game of cricket, and unfortunately, things didn’t quite fall the right way. By no means of not trying – boys are putting the effort in and some days, that’s just cricket – it’s the game we play – unfortunately things like that happen.Latham also backed Tom Blundell to find form, reiterating his belief the 34-year-old is the best option as keeper-batter. Scores of 17 and a first-ball duck continues a dismal 2024 for Blundell, who is currently averaging 15.88 from ten matches.Will Young, having been dropped for the returning Williamson despite his player of the series display during the 3-0 victory in India, could come in to bolster the batting. Who that is for remains to be seen.Devon Conway – who is also struggling with an average of 23.43 this year – and Latham himself could take the gloves, paving the way to reintroduce Young for Blundell. Latham, however, has backed his regular gloveman to come good.”I certainly believe Tom is our best wicketkeeper-batsman in the country. And we certainly have the belief to give him the backing to play his natural game.”You’re one innings away from being back in form. He’s putting in the work behind the scenes as much as anyone. We certainly know for him the results are not far away.”
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has shared an update on top Tottenham transfer target Savinho, amid Spurs’ ongoing talks to sign the Brazilian.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Lilywhites opened talks with City over a deal for Savinho, alongside Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with chairman Daniel Levy aiming to back Thomas Frank by signing both players in separate moves (Fabrizio Romano).
Son Heung-min departed N17 after 10 memorable years for LAFC nearly a fortnight ago, while playmaker James Maddison will be absent for most of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in pre-season against Newcastle United.
FFC Spurs – James Maddison
Frank desperately needs replacements for both men, not to mention Dejan Kulusevski, who is expected to remain out for a long time with his knee injury.
However, reports suggest that Tottenham have a long way to go before agreeing a deal for Savinho in particular.
His agent, Frederico Moraes, told journalist Jorge Nicola in the last few days that City knocked back Tottenham’s opening bid for the 21-year-old, worth around £42 million, as the Premier League heavyweights hold out for around £67 million.
Savinho wants to join Spurs, though, and Moraes has jetted to Europe in an attempt to push through his client’s desired move. The ex-Girona sensation is looking to play his way into Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup by becoming a star mainstay in north London (The Mail), and Frank personally wants him.
The desire to make it happen is clearly there on both Savinho and Tottenham’s side, but the two parties still have a major roadblock in the form of City to conquer.
Pep Guardiola makes damning Savinho admission amid Tottenham talks
Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Sky Blues’ Premier League opener against Wolves, Guardiola shared some bad news about Savinho amid Tottenham’s pursuit of the winger.
Guardiola confirmed that Savinho will be out for weeks after picking up an injury against Palermo in their final pre-season game, so even if Levy does manage to pull off a deal, the player may not even be ready and available for Frank.
The City head coach did comment on his player’s links to Spurs as well, calling him an “extraordinary” player, whilst expressing his wish for Savinho to remain at Eastlands for many years.
Glasgow Rangers have suffered a big blow in their efforts to sign an experienced England international, according to a fresh update from Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.
Rangers complete Mikey Moore signing
The Gers know the importance of bringing in top-quality players during the summer transfer window, in order to give themselves the best possible chance of winning back the Scottish Premiership title. And it has now been confirmed that Rangers have completed the signing of Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore, with the Englishman moving to Ibrox on a season-long loan deal.
The 17-year-old winger is clearly excited to enjoy this next chapter in his career, speaking of his delight at joining the Gers upon his arrival.
Rangers manager Russell Martin will want further new faces through the door at Rangers before the window ends, but it now looks like one of their top targets won’t be heading to Ibrox.
Rangers set to miss out as Coady agrees Wrexham deal
According to Joseph on X, Rangers will miss out on the signing of Conor Coady from Leicester City, with the centre-back choosing to move to Wrexham instead this summer.
This is undoubtedly disappointing for Rangers, considering what a proven top-level player Coady is, being hailed by Fabio Silva during their time together at Wolves.
Coady would have brought leadership and quality to Rangers’ back-line, having racked up 377 appearances in the Premier League and Championship combined in his career, as well as a huge amount of character.
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Sadly, it looks as though the lure of Wrexham has proven too good to turn down, with the former England international keen on the idea of joining a club who are very much on the up under their Hollywood owners.
O Grêmio venceu o Athletico-PR por 2 a 1, na Arena da Baixada, em jogo válido pela oitava rodada do Brasileirão. O triunfo do Tricolor Gaúcho na tarde deste sábado foi construida com gols de Cuiabano e Bruno Uvini, enquanto Vitor Roque fez um belo gol pelo Furacão. Assista aos melhores momentos da partida no vídeo acima.
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have enjoyed a long-running rivalry after dominating world football for two decades. Both superstars are now entering the twilight of their careers, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen claiming the 40-year-old Portugal international is now in better physical condition than Inter Miami's World Cup winner.
Ronaldo & Messi still going strong
Ronaldo and Messi are still going strong despite their advancing years. The Portuguese superstar celebrated his 40th birthday in February but is still banging in the goals for club and country. Ronaldo has now scored 943 career goals and is edging closer to his dream target of 1,000 before he hangs up his boots. Meanwhile, Messi's latest goal for Inter Miami against the Seattle Sounders means the World Cup winner now has 20 in 21 MLS matches this season for Javier Mascherano's side.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesDifferences between Ronaldo and Messi revealed
Meulensteen has now shared his thoughts on the differences between the two superstars. Speaking to football betting site BetVictor, Meulensteen said: “It takes its toll, obviously. They're different players, different physical specimens as well. Cristiano Ronaldo is an athlete, 187 cm or something, and more than anything, as everybody knows, he has looked after himself unbelievably well. I'm not saying that Lionel Messi hasn't, I'm sure he has, but they're just physically different kinds of players.
"Messi has always wanted the ball to feet, and then his magic started with a lot of turns and twists and explosive runs. But I think it's just possibly nothing else other than a genetic difference between them. They're both exceptional players that have brought absolute beauty to the game.
"We are so fortunate to have grown up to have those two players going toe to toe with each other because that competition has brought the best out of them. 100% that rivalry, but also that mutual respect that they have for each other. But Cristiano, physically, he's in such a good state. I can't see anything else than just some genetic difference, and obviously maybe Messi starts to feel it a little bit more. You know, the day-to-day routines of training and recovery and all this and that."
Messi to play at World Cup 2026?
The longevity of both players means the duo may well feature at World Cup 2026. Meulensteen certainly expects Messi to feature in North America, Canada and Mexico as Argentina aim to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. He added: "At some point, more things start to ache. It takes longer to recover. I would still expect to see Messi at the World Cup."
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Getty Images SportRonaldo chasing first silverware with Al-Nassr
Before then, both players will aim to add to their extensive trophy cabinets. Messi has already tasted silverware with Inter Miami after lifting the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters Shield in 2024 but Ronaldo is yet to taste glory with Al-Nassr. Yet he has vowed to "make history" with the club after signing a new two-year contract over the summer.
Judgement on Ruben Amorim’s spell as Manchester United manager has been held back, after the 40-year-old took the reins at Old Trafford midway through the previous campaign.
He joined the club in November 2024, leaving Sporting CP to take the reins after Erik ten Hag was dismissed from the role after a dismal start to the season.
However, this window has been the first chance for the boss to make his own stamp on the first-team squad – already spending big money in his quest for Premier League success.
Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have all joined the Red Devils, with the attacking trio setting the hierarchy back around £200m this window.
Despite the big-money additions, other areas of the pitch are set for further investment, undoubtedly helping the manager be a success during his tenure at the club.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimapplauds fans after the match
United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba & Adam Wharton
The midfield area of the pitch has been the latest on United’s shortlist, resulting in Brighton star Carlos Baleba being the main name touted with a move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old, who made 34 appearances in England’s top-flight last campaign, had previously held talks with Amorim’s side, but no deal could be completed for his signature.
The Seagulls were demanding a £100m fee to part with the Cameroonian, but changed their stance, stating the youngster wasn’t for sale at any price during the summer window.
Such a decision has seen attention being turned towards Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but a deal for the Englishman would also cost a pretty penny, given his tender age.
At just 21, he’s already made seismic waves in the Premier League, even being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships back in 2024.
His current employers are also demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload the midfielder, with such a sum evidently too much, resulting in various other options being considered by the hierarchy.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer
In an attempt to bolster the midfield, United have since turned their attention to Sevilla star Lucien Agoume over recent days, offering the side a cheaper alternative compared to the aforementioned targets.
Lucien Agoume in action against Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.
It’s been reported that the LaLiga outfit are currently demanding a fee in the region of £35m for the 23-year-old, who made 37 appearances in all competitions throughout 2024/25.
However, he’s not the only Frenchman currently in their sights, with the Red Devils also closely monitoring a move for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that Amorim’s side are preparing a £69m bid to land the 22-year-old star, who could be an immediate and long-term option at the heart of the side.
It also states that Xabi Alonso’s side could be open to allowing the former Rennes star to depart before the transfer deadline, but it’s unclear if the player would be open to a switch to Old Trafford.
Why United’s target would be a better signing than Baleba & Wharton
Given their experience in England’s top-flight, supporters may prefer any deal to land Baleba and Wharton this summer, but they could cost the hierarchy a pretty penny.
Adam Wharton in action against Chelsea.
Deals in isolation could prove to be worth it, but given the money splashed elsewhere, cheaper alternatives will have to be considered if the side are to land the reinforcements they crave.
Options such as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have often failed to deliver when called upon, as seen by the Uruguayan’s speculative effort in the defeat against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Bruno Fernandes will operate in a deep-lying position, but he will need a partner alongside him at the heart of the side if they are to have any chance of success in 2025/26.
A deal for Camavinga would provide just that, with the Frenchman a cheaper alternative than the pair, but also a more experienced one in the club’s hunt for future success.
Despite the Frenchman’s tender age, he’s already racked up 41 Champions League appearances, having the ability to offer top-level European experience – that’s if the Red Devils manage to qualify for such a competition under Amorim.
When delving into his stats from the previous campaign, he managed to produce numerous impressive numbers that rank him among Europe’s elite.
Games played
19
Goals & assists
3
Pass accuracy
88%
Progressive passes
4.9
Progressive carries
2.2
Tackles entered
3.4
Interceptions made
1.5
Blocks made
2.1
Aerials won
1.6
According to FBref, Camavinga ranked in the 98th percentile for tackles made in LaLiga last season, whilst also in the 96th percentile for blocks made – leading to Raj Chohan labelling him a “monster”.
Such numbers are simply superb, undoubtedly handing Amorim the ball-winner he’s desperately craved, which could free up Fernandes to operate in a free role at the heart of the side.
However, in possession, the Madrid star was just as impressive, completing 88% of the passes he attempted, with 4.9 of his efforts being labelled as progressive – having the tools to provide the new additions ahead of him the chance to impress.
His talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.6 aerials won per 90, also putting him in the 87th percentile, an asset that could make him a key threat at both ends of the pitch.
£69m would be an excellent price for a young star with bags of experience at the very top of the European game, having the chance to improve further, given his tender age.
The difference between Camavinga and the likes of Baleba and Wharton is truly staggering, with United making a better addition should they land the Frenchman, given his career achievements up to now.
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حلل جون ستونز، نجم نادي مانشستر سيتي، الطريقة الدفاعية المبالغ فيها التي لعب بها فريقه أمام آرسنال هذا الموسم في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
مانشستر سيتي واجه آرسنال يوم 21 سبتمبر الماضي في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في ملعب الإمارات، حيث انتهت المباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق.
وبالغ مانشستر سيتي في الدفاع أمام آرسنال وبالتحديد في شوط المباراة الثاني، حيث كان السيتيزن متقدمًا بهدف دون رد عن طريق إيرلينج هالاند، قبل أن يسجل جابرييل مارتينيلي هدف التعادل للجانرز والذي أنقذ أصحاب الأرض من الخسارة.
وتعرض مانشستر سيتي إلى انتقادات كبيرة خلال مواجهة آرسنال، وذلك في ظل الطريقة الدفاعية التي لعبها رفاق ستونز في تلك المباراة.
اقرأ أيضًا .. نجم ريال مدريد يعترف: فكرت في اعتزال كرة القدم
وقال ستونز في مقابلة مع “توك سبورت”: “لم يكن ما حدث بالنسبة لطريقة الدفاع مخططًا له، عندما تكون في مباراة تواجه سيناريوهات مختلفة وشعورًا بالضغط أو شعورًا داخل الملعب بضرورة القيام بذلك، بادر اللاعبون وفعلوا ذلك ولهذا السبب أثار ضجة كبيرة وأصبح موضوعًا للنقاش”.
وأضاف ستونز في حديثه: “بالتأكيد ليس من شيمنا كفريق أن نفعل ذلك، أعتقد أنها ليست الطريقة الصحيحة للفوز بالمباراة، لقد لعبت ضدهم بما يكفي لأدرك مدى الإحباط والصعوبة التي يسببها تحمل كل هذا الضغط لفترة طويلة، كان الأمر مزيجًا من عدة عوامل وبالتأكيد لم يكن مخططًا تكتيكيًا، كان الأمر مجرد شعور بالمباراة ومن الصعب تحديد ذلك”.
واختتم: “بالنظر إلى الوراء الآن كان الأمر غير معتاد، لقد حققنا نتيجة إيجابية وأعتقد أنه في المرة القادمة علينا أن نذهب إلى هناك ونلعب بأسلوبنا”.
Newcastle United are “looking” at a potential move for another attacking player hailed as a “pure baller” this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Ramsey completes move to Newcastle
The Magpies’ summer transfer window hasn’t been a happy one, with key targets choosing other clubs instead, and the Alexander Isak saga hanging over them.
On the plus side, Newcastle have now completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with the Englishman looking forward to his new challenge at St James’ Park.
“I’m delighted to be here. It’s been a mad two or three days, but I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn’t take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.
“It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle – the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I’m excited to be on the other end of it now.”
Now, another gifted young player has also been mentioned as a target for Newcastle, with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.
Newcastle "looking" at move for "pure baller"
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Leicester City ace Bilal El Khannouss is a target for Newcastle this summer, with offers expected to arrive for him from clubs.
“He isn’t letting the speculation effect him at the moment, he started for Leicester in their opening game of the season and got a couple of assists as well. Newcastle have been looking at him while pursuing Jacob Ramsey. They could potentially sign both to strengthen the squad in that position.
“Eddie Howe needs a bigger squad this season with Champions League football to contend with. Leicester are open to selling him and they’ll face a real battle to convince him to stay in the Championship if he does have Premier League offers. It’s one to keep an eye on before the end of the window. I expect offers to come in for El Khannouss before the end of the window.”
Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss in action against Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch.
El Khannouss is a huge talent with so many good years ahead of him, so he could be a superb long-term signing in attacking midfield areas.
The 21-year-old has already bagged two assists in as many games in the Championship this season, while analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as a “pure baller” because of his natural ability.
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Granted, El Khannouss plays in a similar position to Ramsey, so minutes could be hard to come by initially, especially given the quality already in Newcastle’s midfield. That said, he should still feature plenty, and has the potential to be a future star at St James’.
Aston Villa bumped into PSR concerns earlier in the summer window and could be about to sanction an exit that would help their cause on that front, per reports.
Aston Villa sell Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United after league opener
In an unusual turn of events, Aston Villa have sold Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United directly after playing out a goalless draw against Eddie Howe’s side in their opening day of the Premier League season.
Earning the Villans a sum of over £40 million, he posted an emotional farewell message on social media to supporters, emphasising the honour of living his ‘dream’ by being able to pull on the shirt of his boyhood club.
Jacob Ramsey in action for Aston Villa in pre-season.
He stated: “It’s impossible to put into words what playing for Aston Villa has meant to me. From being a young fan in the Holte End to living my dream and scoring in front of it, this club has been an extended family to me, and I’ve got memories for life – from making my Premier League debut, experiencing Champions League nights back at Villa Park and scoring my first goals in those competitions.”
Although a bitter pill to swallow, there is no doubt Aston Villa will benefit from the big-money sale as they look to reinvest in key targets while adhering to PSR regulations.
Encouragingly, Marco Asensio looks set to arrive at Villa Park after enjoying a fruitful time on loan at the club last season, offering Unai Emery a premium option that can cover a variety of roles within his forward line.
Aston Villa advancing talks for £120k-a-week star who Emery wants after U-turn
The Villans could sign him for a reduced fee.
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Now, the Spaniard could be set to offload another first-team star that will clear valuable wage expenditure once he is officially off the books at the club.
Aston Villa set to let Leander Dendoncker depart for Real Oviedo
Taking to social media platform X, Athletic journalist Jacob Tanswell has confirmed that Leander Dendoncker is close to leaving Aston Villa to join Real Oviedo.
There will be no transfer fee involved in the deal, though being able to clear his £90,000 per week wages, per Capology, will reduce their chances of flying too close to the sun concerning PSR regulations.
Following Ramsey out of the door, the Belgium international spent time on loan at Anderlecht last campaign and it is clear he isn’t part of Emery’s plans moving forward in the West Midlands.
Scoring once in 36 appearances for the Villans, the Passendale-born midfielder has struggled to make an impact at Aston Villa due to injuries, making an exit once all parties work out the finer details an agreeable solution for everyone involved.