BirminghamWorld

Wolves may look to bring in new faces in their bid to avoid relegation

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Wolverhampton Wanderers remain bottom of the Premier League table but will have taken heart from a spirited performance at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

Vitor Pereira’s side came mightily close to picking up all three points thanks to a scrappy Santiago Bueno goal early in the second half, but Spurs rallied and equalised through Joao Palhinha deep in stoppage time.

While it was a devastating end to the game for the Old Gold, who remain rooted to the bottom with just one solitary point, the result represented a step forward in a game from which they may not have expected anything.

The task at hand remains a difficult one. Pereira will more than aware that positive results in upcoming fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Burnley could prevent them from having a mountain to climb as we approach the winter period. He may decide to look to the future in January and secure a potentially game-changing transfer.

Wolves should target Diogo Leite free transfer signing

Wolves would be smart to secure a free signing in January in the shape of Union Berlin centre-back Diogo Leite. The 26-year-old Bundesliga star sees his contract run out in 2026 and so would be available to sign on a pre-contract agreement from January onwards.

Though this would mean he would not be available to play for Wolves until next season, he could prove a very astute buy if Wolves were to survive in the top flight this campaign. Signed for just €7.5 million (£6.5m) from Porto in 2023, Leite has seen his profile increase in Germany. The Portuguese is viewed as one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga, averaging 2.26 tackles per 90 and 60 touches per game.

The Old Gold have struggled at the back so far this season, with Pereira going so far to change his entire defence between their most recent Premier League fixtures against Leeds United and Spurs. Leite would certainly elevate his central defensive options, should Pereira be able to secure the signing of his fellow countryman ahead of what is likely to be a host of clubs around Europe.

Standing at 6ft 3in tall and praised for his versatility across defensive systems, Leite also offers a mixture of physicality and composure, both on and off the ball, which would help him adapt easily to the Premier League. He would slot in with ease alongside multiple other Portuguese speakers in the Wanderers squad, and could be a major signing.

What next for Wolves after late blow at Tottenham?

Wolves head coach Pereira praised his side despite the late blow they were dealt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, believing his players are “mentally stronger” as they approach an important set of fixtures in October.

Pereira told BBC Sport: "We deserved the three points and almost in the end it's difficult to accept. I'm trying to come back but it's difficult. We controlled the game in the second half. The spirit was there. Everything was there but the last minute, it's football.

"It's difficult to come to this stadium and play this way. The first half we had some problems but the second half my team were the best team on the pitch. Keeping this spirit, two games in a row without losing, we played very well against Everton. Tactically and mentally we are in conditions to compete. We are on the same page. I believe we'll get points.

"They are working well, all of them, fighting for the position. We need to find our balance, give some confidence for the first XI. When they came from the bench they showed the spirit we have in this team. Mentally we are stronger. We [him and the owner] talk every day, if we have something to talk, we talk."

Vitor Pereira reserved special praise for a hard-working player after Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur.

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Wolves’ head coach headed home to the West Midlands both proud and frustrated by his side’s performance after conceding a last-gasp equaliser. Santiago Bueno’s first-ever Wolves goal opened the scoring but Joao Palhinha thumped home in the 94th minute to share the spoils.

Although it was backs to the wall for Wanderers for much of the first half, Pereira’s side - shifting to a back five after starting with a four - were ambitious and adventurous in the second period. Bueno’s goal was deserved and Wolves remained positive for the rest of the second 45 and were unfortunate to concede so late on.

Four Wolves players stand out at Tottenham

As much as it was heartbreaking to give up two points at the death, there was plenty to be proud of from a Wolves perspective. Santi Bueno’s goal was a reward for his superb defending throughout, Sam Johnstone had another solid game between the sticks and Ladislav Krejci continued his fine settling-in period.

But there was another player who didn’t have the most glamorous game yet stood out. Marshall Munetsi, so often one of the hardest-working players in this squad, ran his socks off in North London. The Zimbabwean hardly left a blade of grass untouched and his efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

Pereira describes Wolves star as ‘an animal’

Birmingham World asked Pereira about Munetsi in the post-match press conference, pointing out his versatility and capability to play in an array of systems — a handy tool allowing the boss to be pragmatic.

“Munetsi, I tell you… when we look for footballers, technique is one thing, but football is not only about technique. Football is about tactical spirit, physicality; Munetsi is like an animal. Running and running and running,” Pereira said.

“If he plays five minutes, he gives us everything. If he plays 90 minutes or he plays extra time, I know what I can expect from him. For us, this is the kind of player – a very honest player giving everything for the club – that we need to support.”

Then, when asked whether Munetsi exudes the personality and identity Pereira wants from his Wolves side as a whole, the manager added: “Of course, of course. We need it.

“I like to see good football, I enjoy football. But, I enjoy also the spirit. When they go there and they fight and I go to the fight with this kind of player. “Today, we went to the fight with fighters, with ambition, personality and just missing the last minute. But it’s football.”

Wolves, looking to build on their performance at Spurs, are next in action on Sunday, October 5 as they play host to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge and will be difficult to beat, but Pereira will be confident his players can kick on and claim their first league victory sooner rather than later.

Player ratings from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ agonising 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Wolverhampton Wanderers earned their first Premier League point of the season but were left heartbroken by a last-gasp Joao Palhinha goal in a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

Santi Bueno’s 54th-minute opener was so nearly enough to earn a famous victory in North London but Palhinha’s clinical strike deep in second half stoppage time shared the spoils at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was backs to the wall for Wolves in the first half, but it was level going into the interval. Mohammed Kudus went closest for Spurs, twice, as he saw a close-range header tipped onto the bar by Sam Johnstone and was denied an opening goal by the lineman’s flag. Wanderers’ only real chance of the first period came from the final touch as Matt Doherty glanced the woodwork from an Arias corner.

Wolves took a surprise lead after the break as Santi Bueno poked home from close range when Spurs failed to clear away from a terrific Arias corner. Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario punched the ball straight into teammate Palhinha and Bueno reacted quickest to convert, sending the travelling Molineux faithful into a frenzy on the opposite side.

Once Tottenham went behind, they strangely looked as if they were the ones defending a lead. Wolves enjoyed several spells of sustained possession and arguably looked the likeliest to score as Hugo Bueno had a drilled strike saved and the likes of Munetsi and Jackson Tchatchoua often charged forward on the transition.

But Spurs, motivated by the fourth official signalling six minutes of added time, upped the ante when it mattered and restored parity with one of the last kicks of the game. Mathys Tel’s cross was cushioned down by Pape Matar Sarr and Palhinha struck purely first time, finding the bottom right-hand corner to give Johnstone no chance.

Pereira and Wolves have been doubted plenty at the start of this season, and rightfully so given their hideous start, but the players fought hard as a unit to earn an important point. It will feel like a defeat given how late Spurs scored, but it’s a point nonetheless.

Wolves goalkeeper and defence ratings vs Spurs

Sam Johnstone - Given the nod ahead of Jose Sa, Johnstone proved his manager right as he made a heroic save in the first half to stop Kudus’ header from point-blank range. The former England international was also commanding when defending set pieces. He’ll be devastated to have conceded so late, but he was never stopping that. 7

Matt Doherty (off 46’) - ‘Doc’ was hooked at half time after a tricky first period up against Udogie and Simons. The experienced defender was booked for a clumsy late challenge on Udogie and it was too risky for him to continue. Doherty did make one outstanding sliding tackle to stop a low Udogie cross, though. 6

Santi Bueno - Santi opened his Wolves account with the crucial opening goal and it was well-earned as he was sublime defensively. The Uruguayan made several terrific sliding tackles and he was strong in the air. He’ll be another feeling hard done-by. 8*

Ladislav Krejci - Wolves’ summer signing put in another decent display, even if he wasn’t as imperious as he was against Everton. Krejci’s presence makes the defence look so much more comfortable, both in and out of possession. 7

Hugo Bueno - The Spaniard had a mixed game up against Kudus as he let the Spurs number 20 inside on a few too many occasions in the first half but jockeyed him well in the second. Bueno also made several important interceptions to stop counter-attacks. Bueno, who saw a decent shot saved in the second half, was positive with his forward passing but lacked with his crossing. 7

Wolves midfield and attack ratings vs Spurs

Andre - Assured again at the base of midfield, Andre won three or four tackles throughout and did well to pass and dribble out under pressure on several occasions. 7

Joao Gomes (off 63’) - Frustrated to come off when he did but protected against a potential incoming second yellow card, Gomes was composed when on the ball. His booking for wiping out Simons was sloppy, though, and he didn’t win enough of his duels (just 2/9 overall). 6

Marshall Munetsi - Munetsi marshalled Wolves in all areas - pardon the shameless pun - as he ran his socks off to disrupt Spurs’ rhythm in a demanding box-to-box midfield role. The Zimbabwean also did superbly when defending corners as he headed away five or six in total. 8

Jhon Arias (off 90+2’) - The Colombian couldn’t hit a barn door with his first flurry of set pieces but it was corner which led to the goal, whipped into the danger zone. Arias lacked with his decision-making in open play but worked hard to try and get involved in his fluid attacking midfield role. 6

Hwang Hee-chan (off 46’) - Hwang was pretty anonymous in the first half as he completed just nine passes and made only 19 touches. Although his pace gave Wolves a slight outlet, he ultimately couldn’t threaten. 5

Jorgen Strand Larsen (off 83’) - The striker was hardly involved, in truth, but it was positive to see him play 83 minutes as he steps up his sharpness following his Achilles tendon injury. 6

Wolves subs ratings vs Spurs

Jackson Tchatchoua (on 46’) - Energetic down the right, Tchatchoua was a handy out-ball and he made several great interceptions. 7

Emmanuel Agbadou (on 46’) - Dropped in favour of Krejci, Agbadou came on for the second half as Pereira changed to a back three. The Ivorian looked shaky in a few instances as he scuffed the ball back to Johnstone. He defended okay at times but still isn’t at his best. 6

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (on 64’) - Bellegarde threw himself about and worked hard to help Wolves keep possession for a decent period. The Haiti international won all six of his ground duels. 7

Dele Alli is now a free agent, with both Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion linked

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

With Dele Alli a free agent once again, the time has come for the almost-yearly reminders of what could have been for the former England international.

Once thought of as the next Steven Gerrard, Alli appeared to have the world at his feet as a teenager. He notched 51 Premier League goals for Tottenham Hotspur and was crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year twice before his career began to go downhill from the age of just 23.

Now aged 29, Alli has seen fruitless spells with Everton, Besiktas and Como and is now looking for a fresh start to reignite his career after seeing his contract terminated by the Serie A club managed by Cesc Fabregas, with several EFL outfits linked with a move.

Three Championship clubs have stepped forward to compete for Alli’s signature according to Mail Sport, including Birmingham City. But for both player and club, this may not be the right move to make at this delicate stage of Alli’s career.

Dele Alli to Birmingham would be a PR stunt - not a footballing move

It is somewhat frustrating to see that two of the three clubs linked with Alli are Birmingham and Wrexham. This screams PR move from both clubs, a transfer motivated more by TV viewing figures and social media engagements than by anything on the pitch.

With a focus put on Blues for the moment - where would Alli even fit in Chris Davies’ side? Jay Stansfield has been starting just behind the striker when fit, while the likes of Paik Seung-ho and Willum Thor Willumsson have ensured that Wolves loanee midfielder Tommy Doyle has had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes thus far. The squad already has expensive back-ups for almost every position.

Alli has played nine minutes of competitive football since February 2023 following significant injury problems, and a move by Birmingham for the former England international would be a significant risk. By the time Blues are even able to get him match fit, they would be in such a crucial stage of the season that it may not even be worth risking him in case things go wrong.

As summed up rather nicely by Mail Sport, Alli is a natural fit for ‘Documentary Land’. Tom Brady and co.’s role in his rejuvenation would make great viewing in Built In Birmingham: Brady & The Blues. But that does not mean it is the right move for the club or for the player himself. A player who, as he opened up about in 2023, has been through a lot in his life. Having a camera thrust in his face as he struggles to get himself fit may not be the answer if he is to truly get his career back on track.

West Brom move to reunite with Ryan Mason could be the right choice

The third side linked with a move for free agent Alli, according to Mail Sport, is West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies have made a strong start to the Championship season, appear a more stable project and have one key draw for Alli in the shape of former team-mate Ryan Mason.

The 34-year-old former Spurs player was appointed Baggies head coach over the summer and has racked up 10 points from 12 so far with his new club. The ceiling Alli could reach at The Hawthorns is high and there would still be high stakes, but certainly less scrutiny. He would still need to compete for a spot with the likes of in-form Isaac Price and Jayson Molumby, which is no easy task.

There is certainly a player within Alli who could achieve great things at Championship level. It is important that the 29-year-old is given the right environment to find this version of himself, or else another year or two of his career could easily fall by the wayside. This next move for Alli could ultimately prove a very crucial decision.

Aston Villa have been linked with a last-gasp deadline day bid for an international striker worth a reported £60m.

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Aston Villa may already have signed Evann Guessand to bolster their attacking options this summer but according to the French media, the Villans could return to Ligue 1 to sign another striker – this time in a deal likely to cost at least £60m.

L’Equipe reported on Monday morning that Villa have “shown interest” in Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Randal Kolo Muani, who has spent much of the summer struggling to get a move to Serie A side Juventus over the line.

With negotiations over a permanent move to Turin stalling ahead of Monday evening’s transfer deadline, it’s been suggested that Villa could spring a surprise late move for the 26-year-old as Unai Emery looks to improve an attack which has failed to score a single goal across the club’s first three league fixtures of the season.

Aston Villa linked with late Randal Kolo Muani bid

L’Equipe has reported that negotiations between PSG and Juventus, where Kolo Muani spent the second half of last season on loan, have been “unsuccessful” – and on Sunday evening, Juventus reached a deal to sign RB Leipzig’s Loïs Openda instead, effectively ending Kolo Muani’s chances of securing a move back to Italy.

The French newspaper further claims that PSG still have interest from multiple clubs in the Premier League, with Villa the first to be listed alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, who are rushing to find a replacement for the Liverpool-bound Alexander Isak.

It is not suggested that any of the three English sides linked with Kolo Muani, who has scored nine goals in 31 caps for France, have yet made a formal offer – although Fabrizio Romano reported earlier on Monday that Spurs have made an enquiry.

Previous reports from France suggest that negotiations with Juventus collapsed due to PSG’s asking price, which is said to be set at a minimum of €70m (£60m), and it remains to be seen whether Aston Villa would be prepared to meet that, or whether PSG are willing to negotiate.

Kolo Muani could be biggest deal of a busy deadline day

Regardless of whether Aston Villa make an approach for Kolo Muani before the transfer window closes, Villa could be set for a busy deadline day as they work to find reinforcements for a team which has earned just one point from its first three Premier League games of the 2025/26 season.

Villa have been linked with a late bid for Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho as well as former United defender Victor Lindelöf, and also face the prospect of losing goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after the Argentine reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford.

Sunday evening’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace will increase pressure on president of football operations Monchi to make some moves on deadline day at the end of a quiet transfer window.

Guessand, veteran goalkeeper Marco Bizot and young centre-back Yasin Özcan are the only signings that Villa have made so far this summer, while they have seen Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey and Leander Dendoncker leave the club.

Aston Villa may have more work to do to hold onto star names as the window draws to a close

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Aston Villa have endured a difficult start to the new Premier League season and will know that the final week of the transfer window could prove crucial if Unai Emery’s side are going to continue their strong recent history under the Spaniard.

A goalless draw at home to a Newcastle United side without a recognised striker was hardly the perfect start, before relegation-predicted Brentford won their first match under new manager Keith Andrews at the hands of the Villans. Emery’s side are yet to score a goal this season and managed just five shots on target between the two games, rarely threatening to score in either one.

While a slow start to the new season is nothing to phone home about, Villa have some winnable fixtures coming up and will hope to turn things around quickly. In order to do this, they must do all they can to avoid losing any key players this late in the window.

Tottenham in ‘discussions’ over Morgan Rogers deal

Reported by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are in ‘preliminary discussions’ over a deal for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers and are prepared to go to great lengths to get a deal done.

The north London side are in need of a playmaker after James Maddison recently joined Dejan Kulusevski on the sidelines. After Spurs missed out on Eberechi Eze in sensational circumstances to arch-rivals Arsenal, they may look to seal a pricier deal for Rogers in the hope that Villa feel pressured to sell in order to reinvest in the squad.

Villa reportedly value Rogers at £100 million amidst interest from a host of top clubs this summer, but Spurs will hope to negotiate down this figure to seal a deal for the 23-year-old former Middlesbrough man. Thomas Frank’s side are unlikely to view Villa’s asking price as within their means but are said to have begun discussions as they attempt to reach an agreement.

‘The last player’ - Rogers not for sale

Villa have stated all summer that Rogers is not for sale and recent reports have underlined this fact. Graeme Bailey told TBR Football: “They’ve denied any approaches, any knowledge of the situation. I’ve been told by people who know the Villa situation that even if there was a fire sale tomorrow, the last player out the door at Villa would be Morgan Rogers.”

It remains to be seen whether Football Insider’s latest reports reflect the beginning of a change in the situation. But, this late in the window and with dreams of trophy success in the Europa League or domestically under Emery, Aston Villa would do severe damage to their prospects this season if they were to sell Rogers.

Particularly if that sale was to be to a direct Premier League rival - Spurs have begun the new season strongly and have Champions League football to offer, but it must not be forgotten that they finished 17th last season. Villa would be naive to help strengthen the Lilywhites to challenge for Europe.

It is unlikely that a firm £100m offer is to arrive and even if it did, Villa have already freed up funds through the sale of Jacob Ramsey and loan exit of Leon Bailey. The club are no longer in as worrying a state in terms of PSR and it would be counter-productive to sell their prized asset in this window.

There’s an ideal Torbjorn Heggem replacement West Brom should be eyeing – and he plays for Ryan Mason’s former club Tottenham.

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

West Bromwich Albion are looking likelier and likelier to bid farewell to star central defender Torbjorn Heggem, who is closing in on a mega-money move to Bologna.

The Baggies have been in advanced talks with the Italian Serie A club over an exit deal worth around £10 million. Our sister publication, the Express & Star, revealed over the weekend that Albion have decided to cash in on Heggem as his sale would significantly reduce any concerns over breaching the Championship’s profit and sustainability rules.

Heggem, who signed just 13 months ago from Norwegian club Brommapojkarna, cost merely £500,000. If he is to leave for £10 million, that represents £9.5 million of pure, bookable profit. To make matters better, Albion can spend much of that income on new players, as, in the eyes of PSR, transfer fees are spread over the course of a signing’s contract.

Heggem will be dearly missed by Albion

It’s a no-brainer to sell Heggem for such a substantial fee but the seven-time Norway international’s exit will certainly be felt. And hard. West Brom were such a better team defensively last season when Heggem was in it and his ability to play at both centre-back and left-back got Carlos Corberan and Tony Mowbray out of trouble on many occasions.

Most who have watched Heggem know he’s a huge talent. The 26-year-old is not only a towering figure in the box but also superb at reading situations and brilliant at timing his challenges. The Norwegian’s passing out from the back was a joy to behold at times, too, as he did well to beat the press and find teammates in midfield.

Although he’s 26 and that’s when defenders often peak, there’s a feeling Heggem is by no means the finished article. The centre-back has shown great potential over the past 12 months, though, and is bound to improve further the more he’s exposed to higher-level football.

West Brom could land Tottenham star as Heggem replacement

Who should West Brom target to replace Heggem, then? Well, it’d be difficult to land him, but Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuskovic could be perfect. Available for a loan move this summer, the 18-year-old recently joined Spurs in a £12 million deal from Hajduk Split after performing brilliantly out on loan in Belgium.

In 28 Jupiler Pro League appearances for KVC Westerlo, Vuskovic proved himself as an insane goal threat from centre-back. Compared to other central defenders, the 18-year-old topped the Belgium top-flight charts for goals (7), expected goals (3.56), shots (45) and shots on target (17).

Vuskovic also showcased his top defensive capabilities. Every 90 minutes on average, the centre-half won 5.8 duels, made 5.59 recoveries and came out on top in 3.86 aerial duels. The 6ft 3in defender, described by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge as ‘unbelievable’ when Spurs signed him, could replace Heggem’s height in both boxes – and more.

West Brom must act quickly if they are to sign Vuskovic as Genoa, HSV, Besiktas and several other top European clubs have made enquiries to Spurs. Albion are yet to be linked themselves, though new manager Ryan Mason has a direct line to his former club and Vuskovic could gain star status at The Hawthorns.

An Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur transfer target has been told to leave his current club.

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have been encouraged to pursue Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho following an update on the winger’s future.

Villa and Spurs have both been heavily linked with Garnacho throughout this summer as both clubs seek to sign a new versatile attacker. It’s become rather common knowledge at this stage that the Argentina international does not get on well with Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim, with a summer exit on the cards for a long while now.

Garnacho was benched for United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May and he only made brief cameos during the final two Premier League games of the campaign, against West Ham United and Chelsea. The 2024 Puskas Award winner will want to be a guaranteed starter wherever he heads next.

Garnacho ‘will leave’ Man Utd amid Villa and Spurs interest

TBR Football reports Garnacho ‘will leave’ Old Trafford this month with all parties determined to clinch a transfer exit. Chelsea are said to be the club trying hardest to secure the winger’s services but Villa and Tottenham Hotspur still hold a strong interest.

United’s unrelenting desire to get rid of Garnacho, paired with the player’s desperation to move on to pastures new, will likely act as encouragement for all interested clubs. The Telegraph reported last month that Man Utd have lowered their Garnacho asking price from £60 million, with the Red Devils now open to offers starting at £40 million.

There’s undoubtedly a top player in there as Garnacho, still only 20, is still a very raw talent. Even during a woeful Man Utd season, Garnacho still managed to score six times in the Premier League and he added a further five goals and eight assists across the Europa League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield. There are just concerns over his attitude.

One of Emery’s specialities is helping troubled players put an end to poor conduct. Although wild former striker Jhon Duran was never to be fully tamed, Emery did a good job to push the Colombian in the right direction before his stunning £67 million transfer to Al-Nassr.

Does Guessand deal end chances of Garnacho signing?

Despite this update on Garnacho, Villa are now highly unlikely to go ahead with a bid for the Man Utd man. This is thanks to another big-money deal going ahead, with OGC Nice attacker Evann Guessand expected to join the Villans imminently.

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano has provided a conclusive update on Guessand, posting to X: “Evann Guessand to Aston Villa, here we go! Verbal agreement in place after €30m plus €5m add-ons bid accepted. OGC Nice authorised Guessand to travel for medical and contract signing for next steps. New striker for Unai Emery.”

Although described at first glance by many as a centre-forward, Guessand is not your traditional number nine. Instead, the 10-time Ivory Coast international operates as more of a second striker or as an inside forward. Strong and direct in possession, Guessand loves to power into the box with the ball, much like Morgan Rogers already does.

It’s come as a surprise that Villa have been able to spend so much on one player already given their troubles with PSR and SCR, so a move for Garnacho is now surely off the cards unless a significant sale is made first.

Rangers have dealt a transfer blow to both West Brom and Birmingham City.

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City will have to look at alternative winger targets as Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey Moore is heading elsewhere.

Moore, who turns 18 later this month, recently enjoyed a breakthrough season at Tottenham and thrived, impressing in the Premier League and Europa League. The teenager made history as he became the youngest Spurs player to ever feature in the top flight when he made his debut against Manchester City, aged just 16 years and 277 days.

Despite being seen as a huge future figure for Spurs, Moore was always unlikely to get as many minutes as his talent warrants. New head coach Thomas Frank has expressed his appreciation for Moore, but the wealth of attacking options at the club - including new signing Mohammed Kudus - makes it challenging for the youngster to start.

Rangers announce Moore loan deal

Beating a host of clubs to his signature, including West Brom and Birmingham, Rangers have snapped up Moore for the 2025/26 season. The Ibrox club are eager to compete better with Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title and hope Moore can help them achieve that goal.

It’s a move that really suits the winger, too, as he and his family have always been fond of the club. It’s also a decent level for him to progress. The Scottish Premiership certainly isn’t Premier League standard but it’s probably at least level with the Championship. The thrill and pressure of fighting for league a title could also be good for the youngster.

Reacting to putting pen to paper, Moore commented: “I’m excited to get going. As soon as I heard Rangers were interested and wanted me to come, it was a massive opportunity for me. I’m excited to be here and hopefully I can show the fans and everyone what I can do.

“I’ve always loved Rangers as a club. My family have always loved them. I think with the new boss and the way that we play, it’s a great place to be at the minute. It was a pretty easy decision for me to come here.”

Russell Martin delighted with Rangers recruit

There’s plenty of pressure on new Rangers head coach Russell Martin’s shoulders as he takes the reins from interim boss Barry Ferguson and previous permanent manager Philippe Clement. Finishing 17 points behind bitter rivals Celtic last season hurt everyone at the club, so a strong reaction this campaign is a necessity.

“We are thrilled to bring Mikey on loan for this season,” Martin said. “His profile as a brave, aggressive attacking player is one that we were keen to add to the squad, and he is certainly a player who, despite his age, can make an impact on the team from day one.

“He is a player with huge potential, and it is testament to his quality that he has been entrusted by Spurs in both the Premier League and UEFA Europa League with such regularity over the last 18 months.”

Birmingham and West Brom miss out on wonderkid

Birmingham World understands that both Albion and Blues registered an interest in signing Moore on loan earlier this transfer window. The competition was fierce, however, and Rangers of course went on to secure his services.

West Brom boss Ryan Mason was eager to cash in a favour at old club Spurs and he was confident of doing so as he had built up some decent rapport with Moore, both in the academy and the first team. Blues, meanwhile, thought Moore could be a superb direct option on the left wing who could help contribute to the goalscoring output.

Birmingham City and West Brom are interested in an England Under-19 international

Sign up to our BirminghamWorld Today newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to BirminghamWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Championship heavyweights Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion have both entered the race to sign a highly-rated Premier League prospect ahead of the new Championship season.

The Blues are aiming to assemble a squad that can achieve back-to-back promotions after a record-breaking campaign in League One last term. Meanwhile, West Brom after falling short of the play-offs are hoping that Ryan Mason can end their five-season wait for Premier League football.

Both clubs are thought to be in the market for wide attacking options this summer and have been alerted to the availability of Tottenham Hotspur prospect Mikey Moore.

Football Insider claims that Tottenham have reluctantly agreed to let Moore go out on loan to aid his development for a year before returning back to North London.

Thomas Frank had initially seen Moore as a useful squad member but in a sudden change of heart has now concluded that regular football is best for the footballer’s development rather than a peripheral role with Spurs.

Why West Brom and Birmingham want Mikey Moore

Mikey Moore is a 17-year-old prospect with a rapidly growing reputation within the Tottenham setup. He helped Tottenham win the U17 and U18 Premier League cups in 2022/23 and was named by Guardian Sport as one of the best talents to watch out for.

Moore has regularly played for England at various age groups ranging from Under-15 to Under-19. He boasts an overall record of 21 goals in 39 appearances.

The teenager became the youngest player to ever play for Tottenham when he was brought on during a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City in May 2024. He also hold the record for being England’s youngest ever goalscorer in a European competition after finding the net for the Lillywhites in a 3-0 win over IF Elfsborg.

Overall, he has a record of one goal and two assists in 21 senior first team appearances for Tottenham, although only eight of those have actually been starts, with 10 of his appearances coming in the Premier League.

Moore is a player blessed with speed, pace, flair, agility and the ability to create lots of chances for his teammates. His relationship with West Brom boss Ryan Mason is reportedly very good due to the pair's time together at Tottenham. But similarly Blues boss Chris Davies, also formerly of Tottenham, knows the winger well having worked as senior assistant head coach under Ange Postecoglou in 2023/24 in the same coaching team as Mason.

Their knowledge of Moore’s qualities make them the most likely candidates from the Championship although several other second tier teams along with sides in the Netherlands are also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Mikey Moore was once compared to Neymar

Mikey Moore made an impression last season despite often being limited to cameos from the subs bench.

His performance in a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar during a Europa League group stage match in particular earned him plaudits.

Teammate James Maddison said after the game: “I thought we had Neymar on the left wing! He is fearless, [he has] that young, fearless mentality. He’s a brilliant lad, he has bags of ability. I will hopefully help him with wise words but he has all the ability and well done to him."