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Aston Villa gem Cameron Archer bagged a stunning hat-trick as the Midlands outfit defeated Burton Albion in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old was in ruthless form at the Pirelli Stadium, delivering an absolute goalscoring masterclass in front of first-team manager Dean Smith, his assistant Craig Shakespeare and sporting director Johan Lange.

Having gone two goals down, it was the young forward who kickstarted the comeback ten minutes before the break.

The Walsall-born teenager fired a low-driven effort past the home goalkeeper before doubling his tally to put Villa into the lead just after the hour mark. He beat the Brewers’ backline with a nicely-timed run before slamming the ball into the net once again.

He completed his hat-trick with less than 20 minutes to go, it was yet another clinical and impressive finish from the striker.

BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece described Archer’s display as “absolutely sensational” in his post-match ratings column.

“It was finishing of the highest order with Archer being applauded off by Smith, Shakespeare, Danks and Lange in the stands. Archer was levels above here, whacking home his trio past Balcombe in the Burton net,” he added. “Villa need to get his contract sorted now. His development since the summer has been staggering. The boy’s some finisher.”

It merely continues his electric form in 2021/22, having been given a proper opportunity for the senior side in the Carabao Cup, where he bagged another hat-trick against lowly Barrow and a magnificent header against the Champions of Europe, Chelsea.

The Claret and Blue Army have witnessed many a young talent break through the system and become regular first-team stars over the years, with the likes of Gareth Barry and Jack Grealish being prime examples.

But it’s been a while since a proper frontman went onto become a hero at Villa Park – perhaps the last being Gabby Agbonlahor. Whilst Archer and the former Lions star aren’t like-for-like, the young prospect could well be the man to break the trend.

Archer has “genuine pace” but is also “stocky”, according to Preece, so he can combine sheer speed and physicality to dominate opposing defences for years to come, and just like Agbonlahor, he had to go out on loan to the lower divisions before getting his chance.

The 19-year-old marksman enjoyed a successful stint at local side Solihull Moors, where his former boss Jimmy Shan waxed lyrical about his ability.

“He’s a centre-forward. His movement is excellent but it’s his pace that makes him such a threat,” he said. “He was rapid, let me tell you. He doesn’t look quick but he just pulls away from defenders with ease. He’s a bright and intelligent guy and very inquisitive.”

Also described as a “major talent” by Guardian journalist John Brewin, Villa boss Smith could genuinely unearth the next big thing in the Midlands by unleashing Archer more frequently.

The teenage sensation could be the first homegrown talent since Agbonlahor to go onto greatness in the senior side.

AND in other news, “Sources confirmed…”: Gregg Evans drops Aston Villa update that’ll really worry fans…

Former Manchester City defender Michael Ball reckons a switch to the Etihad Stadium could hinder Antonee Robinson’s career.

According to The Mirror, the Premier League champions are targeting a move for the USA left-back, who was recently relegated with Fulham.

Robinson joined the Londoners from Wigan 12 months ago, although that deal only came around soon after the 24-year-old had seen a sensational move to AC Milan collapsed in January 2020.

But the defender put the disappointment of that failed transfer behind him to feature 28 times in the Premier League for Fulham in what was his first taste of top-flight football.

And the flying winger is now on the radar of Pep Guardiola, who’s still not been able to find a settled left-back despite having the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo, who is predominantly a right-back, at his disposal as potential options.

But former Citizen Ball doesn’t think he would play regularly at the Etihad and has advised Robinson to decide against a possible move.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“I don’t think a move to Manchester City would help him. I think he needs to stay at a team to develop, gain experience and play week in, week out.

“Of course, he will like the links, but will he play week in, week out? I don’t think he will, so it would hinder his career.”

A contract update has now emerged on Antonio Conte’s reported pursuit to sign Stefan de Vrij for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: de Vrij interest

As per Fichajes, de Vrij is edging ‘closer and closer’ to Spurs, and Football Insider have claimed that the Inter Milan central defender is open to joining his former manager Conte in North London, reportedly telling his friends that he is ‘keen’ on the idea.

Of course, de Vrij is a player Conte knows very well, given that the Netherlands international played in 88 games in total under him over two seasons, scoring five goals and making a further five assists (Transfermarkt), and winning the Serie A title last term.

Thus, a move to the Lilywhites in the January transfer window or in the summer is something that would not come as a huge surprise, as more reports come in of their interest.

The Latest: Agent talks

According to FC Inter News, agent Mino Raiola is set to hold talks with Inter over de Vrij’s future ‘in the next few hours’, with his contract at the San Siro expiring in 2023.

The news outlet states that ‘there is talk’ of Conte and THFC being ‘on his tracks’ in the summer, as well as Newcastle United, who have now been acquired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF).

However, there is still a possibility that de Vrij could renew his contract, as Raiola meets to discuss Inter’s intentions.

The Verdict: N0-brainer

Given that Conte already knows de Vrij, and has been playing left-back Ben Davies as a left-sided centre-back in recent games, it would be a no-brainer for Tottenham to sign him up, as he would be a perfect fit.

Dubbed a ‘world class’ player recently by former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, de Vrij was key in Inter’s title-winning campaign, playing in 32 matches in the Serie A in total.

He would certainly be a big upgrade on Davies at centre-half too, given that he has averaged more clearances, blocks and passes at a higher success rate than the Wales international in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, at 29 years of age, de Vrij is at his peak, and so now would present the perfect opportunity to sign him up.

In other news, find out which ‘unplayable’ Premier League star THFC could make an offer for here!

Given how Mohamed Elyounoussi is the only Southampton winger to have scored a goal in the Premier League this season, it’s safe to say that Ralph Hasenhuttl has not been able to rely on his wide players to find the net for his team at this point in the campaign.

With this in mind and the team as a whole scoring just 10 goals in the league, it seems as though the Saints could do with some extra firepower in their line-up to push them further up the table.

In his recent press conference ahead of Southampton’s Premier League clash against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday, Hasenhuttl claimed that a number of fringe players will get their chance to prove their worth in the team to help Southampton get through the busy winter schedule.

One such player is Nathan Tella, who coincidentally made his senior debut for the Saints in June 2020 in their 3-0 win at Norwich after joining the club’s youth ranks from Arsenal in April 2017.

During his time at Southampton, the 22-year-old winger, who is currently valued at £1.8m by Transfermarkt, has made 45 appearances for their B team, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists.

Tella, who pundit Owen Hargreaves has previously said “fancies himself” in terms of the pace he has to get past defenders, has not had many chances to shine in the first team so far this season – particularly in the Premier League, with just one start and two very short substitute appearances under his belt.

Now that Hasenhuttl has said that fringe players like Tella will get some decent minutes under their belts in the coming weeks and months, this could be exactly what the winger needs to really kick on with his career in the first team and prove to the manager that he has what it takes to be a regular figure for the Saints in the future.

Also, with Theo Walcott having very little attacking impact this season and his current contract at St Mary’s set to expire in the summer of 2023, this period now could be Tella’s chance to prove to the club that he can be their long-term replacement for the 32-year-old and save them millions in potential transfer fees for when Walcott eventually leaves. However, the youngster will need to make sure he adds some goals and assists to his tally before then – he has scored just twice in 29 senior appearances up to now.

In other news – Forget Bednarek: Ralph must unleash Southampton’s rarely-seen “fantastic character”

Matheus Pereira has been linked with a move away from West Bromwich Albion this summer, but there is still a small chance he stays at The Hawthorns, according to Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Express & Star have reported this week that the Baggies are hoping for a bidding war with the clubs from the Premier League and the Bundesliga among those experessing an interest in the 25-year-old star.

Hatfield told TT: “There is of course still the chance that Pereira does stick around, it could happen.

“It’s very unlikely because he will want to play at the top level possible, but if nobody matches Albion’s bid and they think that they can do without the money of that sale, then he will stick around”.

Pereira still has three years left to run on his Albion contract, but it is no surprise why clubs are interested in him after he managed 12 goals and six assists in all competitions last season.

Aston Villa, West Ham and Leeds United were clubs touted as being interested in Pereira earlier this month, with new West Brom Valerien Ismael telling The Mirror: “It’s not a secret that Sam (Johnstone) and Matheus can maybe leave the club”.

With the amount of reported interest in the midfielder and his return last season, it is clear that West Brom will command a big fee for one of their star assets.

Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes Rodrigo De Paul would be able to slot into Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side if he did make the move to Elland Road this summer.

The Udinese playmaker has been heavily linked with the club for around 12 months.

Last summer, Leeds saw a bid rejected for the Argentina international, who has enjoyed an exceptional season with the Italian club.

In total, he made 36 Serie A appearances, scoring nine goals and registering 11 assists.

He is a remarkably versatile presence, capable of playing in attacking midfield, on the both flanks, and in central midfield.

It remains to be seen if Leeds will be able to convince him to make the move to Elland Road, as Liverpool are also said to be interested, but Clancy, who is the editor-in-chief at Forza Italian Football, believes De Paul has the tools required to make a real impact at Leeds.

Indeed, he believes he would be able to adapt to Bielsa’s high-pressing demands, provided he was willing.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “With the work rate, he’s capable of it, I’m not sure if he wants to do it all that much.

“Particularly coming from Udinese, where he’s the man, he’s the star, the rest of the people do a little bit of his work for him. It might just be a case of, if he goes, he’s limited to an hour a game or something and then get someone else on but if he’s willing, he could do it.”

Tottenham Hotspur Managing Director Fabio Paratici has called summer signing Pape Matar Sarr ‘one of the most talented in Europe’ but also revealed intense interest in the prodigious young talent.

The Lowdown: Sarr a star for the future

The defensive midfielder joined Spurs in August from Metz, where he will spend the rest of the season on loan. Sarr, 18, played 25 times for the French club last season, scoring four times and followed Emerson, Bryan Gil, Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini into the door at the club.

Spurs already have Oliver Skipp in that defensive midfielder slot, but the arrival of Sarr adds competition to that position in the future, once his loan spell comes to an end in June.

The Latest: A great investment

Speaking to the club’s media, Paratici spoke highly of the teenager and confirmed his vision of looking forward to the future of the club.

When asked about his thoughts on Sarr, he said: “I think Pape is one of the most talented in Europe.

“Our job is not to look just at tomorrow, but maybe also part tomorrow or next year. This is our job, and I think we made a great signing,” he said.

“In all of Europe they speak about this, a lot of teams were interested, a lot of teams were there to sign (him), so we made a very good signing.

“He needs experience, he needs to play games, to stay in one team and play regularly – a great investment for the Club, and a great vision for the future.”

The Verdict: The future is bright

The purchase of Sarr, and the fact he has been immediately loaned out, tells the story of this transfer – Paratici and co very clearly see a future superstar and do not want to risk stagnating his development on the bench in north London.

His former academy manager at Metz, Olivier Perrin, labelled the midfielder ‘a top player’ and even compared him to the highly-decorated Miralem Pjanic.

If all goes well, Sarr will be pulling the strings for Nuno’s men in years to come, though Paratici’s comments suggest they may have to fend off interest from other clubs as the youngster begins to fulfil his potential.

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills believes Ian Poveda’s Whites career is over, following his loan move to Blackburn Rovers this summer.

The Lowdown: Poveda heads out on loan

The 21-year-old isn’t seen as a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans this season, so he will spend the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Ewood Park after a temporary deal was confirmed this week.

Poveda is yet to fully establish himself at Leeds in general, failing to make a single Premier League start last time around, coming on 14 times as a substitute.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Mills makes brutal prediction

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills gave a bleak outlook regarding the youngster’s Whites future, when asked if he thinks he will remain at the club:

“No is the answer. Once you get sent out on loan it’s very difficult to come back and have a real impact.

“The reason you are being sent out on loan is because you are surplus to requirements.

“That sticks in your mind, even if you go out and have a fantastic season, it’s always in your mind that ‘This manager did not want me last season’.

“There’s always a bit of a hangover from that. It’s quite hard to shake off sometimes.”

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The Verdict: Time up for youngster?

At 21, Poveda certainly has time on his side – some fans praised his performance at home to Manchester City last season, calling him ‘immense’, among other superlatives – but if Bielsa saw him as a key man moving forward, he would surely have kept him as part of his squad.

The hope is that the youngster impresses at Blackburn and goes up a gear, although even if he does, it is difficult to see him ever being a star figure at Elland Road.

He hasn’t done enough to justify that yet, and as Leeds move on without him, he could only get left further behind.

In other news, Leeds are believed to be interested in making a late summer move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Leicester City are close to completing the signing of Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, just days after he secured the Ligue 1 title.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, the Foxes are set to complete an £18 million deal for the 22-year-old after his compatriot Wesley Fofana convinced him to make a move to the Midlands outfit.

The report states that contractual details are yet to be finalised and that Soumare will first compete for France in the U21s Euros before confirming any transfer.

Fans will be buzzing

Soumare has been a long-term target for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who are keen to bolster their ranks after narrowly missing out on a Champions League qualification spot for the second consecutive campaign.

It appears as though Leicester have finally got their man, with just the formalities left to be completed, and the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing to learn of his imminent arrival.

The Frenchman made 32 league appearances for Christophe Galtier’s side as they spectacularly dethroned Paris Saint-Germain to secure their first top-flight in 10 years.

Although Soumare rarely grabs the headlines, scoring just once in 112 appearances for Lille, his influence over the team can be felt in many other ways.

Lille’s former CEO, Marc Ingla, described him as “a powerful and technical player who can evolve to several positions in the field” upon his arrival at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy back in 2017, and he has certainly lived up to that billing.

Soumare has drawn comparisons to ex-Manchester City man Yaya Toure in the past thanks to his lung-bursting drives through the centre of the park, but he’s much more than just an impressive athlete.

The youngster is extremely comfortable and competent with the ball at his feet and boasts an impressive passing range, attributes that should ensure a smooth transition in Rodgers’ system.

Adding a natural box-to-box midfielder to Leicester’s already impressive trio of Wilfried Ndidi, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison is extremely clever business from the Foxes’ hierarchy, and their impressive record in the transfer window looks set to continue.

And, in other news…Rudkin could land Leicester’s new Evans in £4.5m-rated beast who kept Mbappe quiet 

Reported Manchester United target Declan Rice is not for sale this summer, according to Sky Sports News.

The lowdown

The Telegraph’s Northern Football Correspondent James Ducker reported earlier this month that United would target West Ham midfielder Rice this summer, with incoming manager Erik ten Hag set to be given access to a transfer ‘war chest’.

Irons manager David Moyes said recently that the Englishman was worth £150million at a ‘minimum’.

That would be the biggest transfer in Premier League history, smashing the £105.75milllion record set by Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City.

Rice is under contract until the summer of 2024, but West Ham crucially have the option to extend that deal by a further year. He’s believed to have turn down three offers of an extension, one of which was worth around £200,000 per week (via The Guardian).

The latest

Live on air on Friday evening, presenter Mike Wedderburn relayed an update on Rice.

While West Ham won’t countenance a sale this summer, their stance could change at the end of next season, he told Sky.

“Our chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol has spoken to West Ham today. West Ham have said this: they will not sell Declan Rice this summer, even if he doesn’t sign a new contract.

“The Hammers would be prepared to sell Rice in the summer of 2023 if he doesn’t sign a new contract.”

The verdict

This presents Man. United with an interesting dilemma. They can either bide their time for Rice, who will only be 24 years old come the 2023 window. If he’s their no. 1 target, they may be patient.

Or they may decide that they simply have to furnish Ten Hag with a marquee midfield addition this summer, particularly with Paul Pogba set to leave on a free transfer.

They’ve been linked with Rice’s England team-mate, Kalvin Phillips, who is available for a fee of £60million (according to The I’s Mark Douglas). This cheaper, swifter deal could prove to be more desirable.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano drops a key update concerning Ten Hag.