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Aston Villa moved one step closer to a potential trip to Wembley with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup at Villa Park at the weekend.

Goals from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers secured the victory over Ange Postecoglou’s side on Sunday, with the first goal coming inside the opening minute of the match.

Whilst the main talking point was the terrific result and their progression through to the next round of the competition, it was also a big game for two of the January recruits.

Villa pushed the boat out to land Marco Asensio on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, and both players came off the bench to make their debuts for the club.

Rashford completed one of his two attempted dribbles in his 24 minutes on the pitch against Spurs, but failed to register a shot on goal or a key pass for his teammates.

Asensio, meanwhile, was introduced to the game at the same time as the England international and made a greater impression on the onlooking supporters at Villa Park.

Marco Asensio's debut performance

The Spain international came on for Leon Bailey with 24 minutes left to play and produced a magical cameo that has created plenty of excitement heading into the rest of the season.

Asensio is on loan at Villa until the end of the season, but Fabrizio Romano recently reported that both sides are open to exploring a permanent move in the summer, which means that he may currently be auditioning for a long-term move to England.

The former Real Madrid attacker will certainly be getting a call-back after his first audition, as he caught the eye with an impressive showing against Spurs.

He completed 100% (1/1) of his attempted dribbles, 100% (15/15) of his attempted passes, and 67% (2/3) of his duels in his 24 minutes on the pitch, to go along with one chance created.

As you can see in the clips above, his cameo was full of sublime touches and turns to retain possession and create openings for the Villans in the closing stages of the win.

Asensio, who has won three Champions League trophies, arrived at Villa with a terrific pedigree, having played for PSG and Real Madrid at the top level for a number of years, and his class was on full display on Sunday.

Surprisingly, however, the 29-year-old, despite his career achievements, is not one of the very top-valued players in the squad, with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at €20m (£17m), at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa's most valuable players

Monchi and Unai Emery have crafted a terrific squad at Villa Park and it is one that is now chock-full of brilliant, high-valued, players who are contributing week-in-week-out on the pitch.

Whilst Asensio does not crack the top ten most-valuable stars at the club, fellow loanee Rashford has arrived as the joint-most valuable Villans ace, with a market value of £46m.

Ollie Watkins and Amadou Onana are also tied with the former Manchester United superstar and England international at £46m, as they make up the top three.

As you can see in the table above, Asensio does not make the top ten list, behind the likes of Rashford, Rogers, Bailey, and Ramsey, but he is far from the only star who is unfortunate to miss out.

Belgium international Youri Tielemans is currently valued at €30m (£25m) and this means that, despite being worth more than the Paris Saint-Germain dynamo, he is also not among the top ten most-valuable players in the squad.

That should not take away, however, from the masterclass that Villa have played with the former Leicester City man, as they have hit the jackpot with the midfield maestro.

Villa have hit the jackpot with Youri Tielemans

The 27-year-old magician first made a name for himself in England during his time with Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers, with a return of 28 goals and 26 assists in 195 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes.

In the summer of 2023, Leicester had just been relegated from the Premier League and the midfield star’s contract at the King Power expired, which made him a free agent.

The Villans swooped to sign the central midfielder on a free transfer, which meant that they spent £0 on his transfer fee, to bolster Emery’s options in the middle of the park ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Tielemans, who was once dubbed “outrageous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, produced two goals and six assists in 32 appearances in the Premier League in his first season with the Villans, but only started 17 of those matches.

This term, the 27-year-old star has started all 24 of his outings in the top-flight for Villa, which shows that Emery has trusted him to start week-in-week-out in the middle of the park.

As you can see in the table above, Tielemans has offered a constant creative threat in the Premier League for the Villans with ten ‘big chances’ created already.

His form has also helped his market value to soar. In December 2023, the Belgian maestro was valued at €20m (£17m) and this shows that his value has soared by millions in the past 13 months or so.

Villa have, therefore, hit the jackpot with the former Leicester star as they brought him in for £0 and he has developed into a consistent starter who is now worth millions more, and more than Asensio.

Emery will, now, be hoping that the midfielder can continue to shine for the rest of the season and beyond, which could help his value to increase even further to push into the top ten.

Aston Villa eye move to sign £43m striker outscoring Watkins this season

Aston Villa need a new forward, and this star could prove the answer.

By
Ben Browning

Feb 10, 2025

Celtic chiefs have now received a reply after making a late bid to sign an “excellent” attacker, according to Sky Sports.

Celtic transfer plans before deadline

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers have re-signed Jota during the January window, with the winger returning to the club from Rennes. Celtic did lose Kyogo Furuhashi to the French side, with Alexandro Bernabei also being sold and Stephen Welsh and Odin Thiago Holm departing on loan.

It looks as if Celtic want to bring in a few more players before Monday’s deadline, though, with a left-back on the agenda. Rodgers recently confirmed that Celtic and Tierney have a pre-contract agreement for the summer, but “ideally”, the club would strike a loan deal with Arsenal for the second half of the season.

“Ideally it would [happen in January] but, at this moment, he’s still an Arsenal player. I think everyone is agreed that it will definitely take place in the summer. If we can do it beforehand, then great.

“I don’t know. I think that, like I said, we’d prepared that for the summer. And I don’t want to speak too much on it, with the greatest respect, because he’s not a Celtic player here now with us. But, if we were able to do it, of course we would like to do that. But that’s out of our control at this moment in time.”

It has been claimed since then that Tierney will remain at Arsenal until the summer, leaving the Hoops exploring other full-back options including Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia.

A second attacking addition of the month after Jota is also wanted, with talks held for Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden, who is valued in excess of £10m.

Celtic eyeing loan for international left-back as Tierney alternative

Kieran Tierney will be back at Celtic Park, but maybe not until the summer.

By
Barney Lane

Jan 30, 2025

Another heavily linked forward has been Sondre Orjasaeter of Sarpsborg. Recent reports claimed that Celtic had made a bid for Orjasaeter, and more details of that offer have now been shared.

Celtic bid for Sondre Orjasaeter rejected – Sky Sports

Taking to X on Thursday, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph revealed that Celtic’s bid for Orjasaeter was worth around £4.6m and has been rejected by Sarpsborg. Discussions are continuing over a transfer, with the Norwegian side looking to bring in around £7m.

Author Timothy Fellowes has recently praised Orjasaeter‘s dribbling as his “biggest asset” suggesting that “his stats & style of play are similar to Nicolas Kuhn”, believing he would have an “excellent impact” should he join Celtic.

The 21-year-old has contributed to 30 goals in 95 career appearances, and should Celtic get their way, he’ll be looking to add to that tally in green and white, starting next week.

After having been outplayed in three days in Dominica, West Indies fought back with four wickets on the first afternoon in Port-of-Spain, but it was India’s day once again, thanks to strong bookends. Captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal forged a century opening partnership before Virat Kohli grafted for an unbeaten 87 in what was his 500th international game.Kohli had walked into bat when India were 153 for 2 and he watched them slump further to 182 for 4 by tea. But Kohli defended resolutely, ran hard between the wickets, and was prepared to wait for loose deliveries. He took 21 balls to get off the mark and continued to accumulate in slow but steady fashion. Ravindra Jadeja, too, dug in, contributing 36 to an unbroken 106-run stand for the fifth wicket as India closed out the day like they had begun: playing out a wicketless session.The passage of play in the morning session wasn’t as attritional as the following two sessions. Rohit and Jaiswal ensured that India rattled along at nearly five runs an over to begin, scoring 121 together in 26 overs without losing a wicket.Having shown remarkable restraint on debut in Dominica, Jaiswal dashed out of the blocks on a more benign Port-of-Spain track. Rohit, too, kept pulling in the air, from wide lines as well as from his body, despite the presence of two men in the deep on the leg-side boundary. Rohit needed 72 balls to get to his half-century, while Jaiswal got there off just 49 balls. Rohit and Jaiswal became the first Indian opening pair to have struck up back-to-back century stands in Test cricket in this millennium. S Ramesh and Devang Gandhi were the previous Indian opening pair with back-to-back century partnerships, in 1999 against New Zealand.Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal had West Indies chasing leather in a quick century stand•AFP/Getty Images

West Indies then changed the mood and tempo of play by striking four times in the afternoon session. Jason Holder, who kept threatening the outside edge of Jaiswal, made the first incision when he had him caught by debutant Kirk McKenzie at deepish gully for 57 off 74 balls.McKenzie could have cut Jaiswal’s innings short on 4 had he not let a thick outside edge burst through his hands at gully in the sixth over. Jaiswal could have also been dismissed on 52 in the last over before lunch, but Alick Athanaze grassed an easier chance at first slip off Holder.Holder relentlessly probed away outside off though, often with two gully fielders in place, and earned his reward in the second session, with McKenzie confidently holding on to Jaiswal’s catch this time.Kemar Roach is all smiles after getting rid of Shubman Gill cheaply•Associated Press

Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican then accounted for the wickets of Shubman Gill and Rohit respectively. It was Shannon Gabriel who capped the afternoon session by sending Ajinkya Rahane’s off stump cartwheeling with a rapid inducker. Gabriel, who returned to the playing XI in place of an ill Rahkeem Cornwall, couldn’t pose much of a threat to India’s openers. His morning shift of four overs cost West Indies 24 runs, but he came back to produce a much sharper spell in the afternoon.Warrican got the ball to grip and turn as the day progressed, but Kohli was fully forward to smother it. Kohli refused to take any risks against the left-arm fingerspinner on a slow surface and just looked to wear him down.Alzarri Joseph targeted Kohli’s upper body with short balls from around the wicket, with a long leg and deep square in place, but Kohli blunted him too. Joseph’s extra bounce – or the lack thereof – caused Jadeja to lose his shape more often at the other end before he finally got the pull away in the 70th over.Kraigg Brathwaite then turned to the part-time offspin of Athanaze and himself, but West Indies couldn’t separate Kohli and Jadeja on day one.

Liverpool exceeded expectations with Arne Slot at the helm last season, winning the Premier League and comfortably at that.

It’s been a fruitful start to the transfer window for the Reds, who don’t want last year’s triumph to stand as a flash in the pan, and are instead packing Slot’s squad with enough quality to last for many years to come.

However, Trent Alexander-Arnold has left for pastures new in the Spanish capital and a few more exits could yet happen.

For example, Luis Diaz has been courted by Barcelona and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and with just two years remaining on his current deal, he may be among the sold this summer.

Liverpool don’t want to part with the Colombian maverick, something they informed Barca in no uncertain terms, but the transfer window is a long process indeed, and if he does go, the Reds must be ready to pounce on an alternative.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, it seems, is reportedly at the top of the shopping list.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

Liverpool have clearly preempted Diaz’s departure for a while, having bid to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January before the Georgian left winger completed a £59m move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.

In fact, the efforts to sign Gordon from Newcastle one year ago speak of a longer-running desire to secure a new wideman to serve as Diaz’s eventual heir.

Gordon, 24, has come off the back of a frustrating campaign in spite of his side’s silver-laden success, but he was immense in 2023/24, picking up 28 direct goal involvements, and has a connection to Anfield given he was released from Liverpool’s academy when he was just 11 years old.

But Newcastle reportedly seek at least £80m to part with the Three Lions star, and is this something that Liverpool can justify spending, given the other areas of the field that still need reinforcing?

Should Diaz go, Liverpool will need to replace him. But given that there’s a much cheaper alternative on the market, it might be better for sporting director Richard Hughes to shelve the interest in Gordon.

Liverpool open talks for new winger

As per reports in Spain – via Sport Witness – Liverpool have opened talks with Real Betis as they consider a bid for teenager winger Jesus Rodriguez.

In direct competition with Aston Villa, Liverpool have learned they will need to meet his €50m (£43m) release clause if they are to bring in one of La Liga’s brightest young talents.

Though FSG have made their initial enquiries and indeed have been scouting Rodriguez, it’s worth noting little of substance has since emerged, and this is one which could drag into the later stretches of the transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Why Liverpool should sign Jesus Rodriguez

Rodriguez might only be 19, but he’s already proven himself to be one of the most exciting talents in Spain, breaking into Real Betis’ first team last season, featuring prominently across the latter half of the term, actually starting 15 times in the Spanish top flight.

The left-sided forward would be a far more astute purchase than Gordon, but one whose natural qualities and fast start to life on the senior stage could see him leapfrog the Englishman, all the while at a cost of less than half what Liverpool would need to pay Newcastle.

With Cody Gakpo already performing so well on the left flank at Liverpool, does it really make sense to fork out an excessive figure on a player who might not even knock him off his starting perch?

That’s why Rodriguez would be perfect, having been hailed for his “explosive” style of play by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

It’s such snappy performances that could lead Rodriguez to become Liverpool’s own version of Gordon, one whose tactical brain remains malleable in its footballing infancy, and thus could see Slot bend it in whichever direction he pleases.

Matches (starts)

21 (15)

34 (28)

Goals

2

6

Assists

0

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.4)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

2

10

Pass completion

76%

81%

Key passes*

0.4

1.5

Dribbles*

1.4

1.1

Ball recoveries*

4.7

3.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Duels won*

4.1

4.4

Of course, Rodriguez isn’t as refined and complete in his skill set as Gordon is right now, but the Betis man is also five years the England international’s junior, still in his teenage phase.

What’s curious is that he is crisp on the ball and combative in the duel, two staples of Gordon’s tactical approach, which have seen him bloom into one of the Premier League’s finest.

Moreover, he’s proven on the continental stage his propensity for success: as per FBref, the young Spaniard ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Conference League last year for successful take-ons and the top 16% for tackles per 90, highlighting both his pace and his willingness to get stuck in.

His fleet-footedness certainly suggests there’s a first-class player in there, and with Liverpool looking to sign a striker as well this season, this might prove the perfect signing to add a bit of depth while maintaining the harmony of Slot’s squad.

Slot won’t want to upset the tactical togetherness and coherence Liverpool have right now, nor will he want to take a big chunk out of the coffers before a new centre-forward has been brought in.

Rodriguez could be the perfect man to sign, should Diaz leave this summer.

He's a dream Isak alternative: Liverpool exploring move for £160m forward

Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-forward to replace the outgoing Darwin Nunez.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 19, 2025

A former Manchester United player was once dubbed the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’, but went against Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice in a move that may well have ruined his career.

Man Utd wonderkids who flopped after leaving

The Red Devils are famous for their academy, with numerous first-team stars being made in Carrington. From the Class of 92 to more recent graduates such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, Man Utd regularly have one of their own in a matchday squad.

Ferguson was influential to the success of many Man Utd youngsters making the grade at Old Trafford and once described how to get the best out of them.

However, some youngsters who had been tipped for greatness didn’t hit the heights at Old Trafford.

Not every Man Utd academy graduate to make a first-team appearance has gone on to enjoy the career of a Gary Neville, David Beckham or a Ryan Giggs, with many still playing at a lower level, and perhaps none fit the flop category better than Federico Macheda.

Van Gaal flops, Ten Hag disasters: The 10 worst Man Utd players post-Fergie

Man United have had some dreadful players since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 24, 2025

Macheda the 'next Ronaldo' who went against Ferguson at Man Utd

There were high hopes for Macheda at Old Trafford, especially after he burst onto the scene with a late winner against Aston Villa in the Premier League in 2009.

In fact, Macheda was called ‘the next Ronaldo’ in Manchester, but that goal against Villa would be as good as it got for the Italian under Ferguson.

Now coming into the twilight years of his career, Macheda left England in 2016 and has been playing his football in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

Federico Macheda’s career in pictures

Talking back in 2017, Macheda recalled when he decided to go against Ferguson by moving to Sampdoria on loan instead of remaining in the Premier League, something he now regrets.

In 2025, Macheda is currently playing his football in Greece with Asteras Tripolis and would make just 19 Premier League appearances in total for Man Utd, a figure which could have been more if he had listened to Ferguson.

Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez could reportedly be 'tempted' to move to Saudi Arabia amid Manchester United's stalling efforts to sign him.

• Martinez may leave Aston Villa
• Keeper could be 'tempted' by Saudi
• Man Utd transfer move stalls

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , via Sport Witness, Martinez has an offer from the Saudi Pro League and, as time passes, a move there is becoming more of a possibility. This comes at a time when United's efforts to sign the 32-year-old on loan were swiftly rebuffed.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earlier this summer, Martinez was reportedly not enticed by the riches the Saudi Pro League can offer but if the Argentinian does not receive more attractive proposals, a Middle East switch could be on the cards. The report adds that the Argentine national team doesn't want him to move to a 'lower league' before next year's World Cup but that may be out of their control.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Former Arsenal keeper Martinez, who seemed to wave a teary goodbye to Villa fans back in May, now has a better chance of sealing a Saudi move as the division has changed the quota for foreign players from eight to 10 per team ahead of next season.

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen if Martinez will still be at Villa when their Premier League opener against Newcastle United rolls around on August 16. Before then, they face Eintracht Frankfurt, St Louis, Nashville, Roma, Marseille and Villarreal for their pre-season fixtures.

Former Pakistan captain talks to Osman Samiuddin about his upcoming autobiography ‘Sultan’

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2022In the latest episode of , Wasim Akram sits down with Osman Samiuddin ahead of the release of his new autobiography and talks bout his post-career cocaine addiction, the Qayyum report, the 1996 World Cup quarter-final, and when the “Greek God” Imran Khan ordered a pint of milk at a nightclub in Sydney.