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Aston Villa have confirmed that the club’s new High Performance Centre at the Bodymoor Heath training ground has officially been opened.

What’s the story?

Speaking at the official opening, Villa CEO Christian Purslow said: “Creating a high-performance culture needs the right facilities. The mission of the Aston Villa Board since the summer of 2018 has been to bring our performance, strength, conditioning, rehabilitation and sports therapy functions up to 21st century standards.

“We have created a new High Performance Centre; an environment suited to 21st-century elite sports. This training complex is now one of the finest in UK sport.  Work is continuing, the creation of multi-media analysis facilities, a mini auditorium, individual player coaching and meeting areas – all these final phases will be complete in time for pre-season training in July 2021.

“Today, Aston Villa has a training ground it can truly be proud of.”

Dean Smith will be buzzing

While it may not be news of a big-money signing or that Jack Grealish will be staying at Villa Park for the rest of his footballing career, the club’s state of the art High Performance Centre will have a major impact over the coming years.

Having a training complex built to ensure the likes of the first-team and academy have got all the tools available to them to progress and simply get better is what should ensure that the club’s future remains bright.

It’s a statement of ambition from the club’s owners and hierarchy that they are keen to invest in matters not just on the pitch, but also in improving the club as a whole.

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It’s exactly why Dean Smith should be absolutely buzzing at the news. He now has a facility that is up to top-level standards, one that can help his players improve and perhaps attract new players to the club.

That is why the new centre appears to be the latest big step in Villa’s project to become a real Premier League force again.

Meanwhile, Villa must avoid selling this “magnificent” star…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ John Wenham, who regularly breaks club news on his Lilywhites Rose social media channels, has made an exit claim involving defender Joe Rodon.

The Lowdown: Spurs exits in January?

As manager Antonio Conte makes his player ‘evaluations’ ahead of the winter window, a few players have already been linked with a possible move away next month.

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Journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic recently broke news that Tottenham are open to offers for midfielder Dele Alli whilst defender Matt Doherty could also be let go in January, according to reports.

Rodon, meanwhile, has been linked with a possible move away as he struggles for game time under Conte with insider Wenham sharing his transfer belief for the Wales international.

The Latest: Wenham makes Rodon exit claim…

Speaking to FI, the Lilywhites source believes that Tottenham’s centre-back will ‘definitely’ leave north London in January – barring a serious injury to in-form defender Eric Dier.

“I think Rodon will definitely go in January,” he explained to the outlet.

“The only way he will stay is if Dier picks up a long-term injury. On the face of it, that would cement his place in the side.”

The Verdict: Right call?

Lauded as a ‘special player’ by Wales Online correspondent Ian Mitchelmore, Rodon could still have a bright future at Spurs, and we believe the best course of action could be a loan spell away in the winter window.

The defender impressed in flashes last season and showcased real potential at times, and at 24-years-old, there is a case to be made that he will only improve over time.

According to WhoScored, over his eight Premier League starts last year, he even managed to make more interceptions per 90 on average (1.8) than any Spurs player in the top flight – showcasing his obvious quality.

As he is arguably wasted on the bench, a temporary spell away from N17 for Rodon could suit all parties.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Statement’…Tottenham pundit thrilled as Paratici eyes ‘big signing’, find out more here.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds moved up to 16th in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Watford at Elland Road on Saturday.

Diego Llorente brilliantly finished from close range after the ball dropped at an awkward angle for him, expertly turning his body to drill a shot past Ben Foster.

His strike ended up winning the three points for Leeds, as Watford only managed one shot on target in the entire match.

Whilst Llorente won the game for the Whites, one player who was an unsung hero for Bielsa was right-back Jamie Shackleton.

With regular starter Luke Ayling ruled out, Shackleton was called upon to step up at full-back for the second game running and he produced an excellent performance. He was defensively solid along with offering a reliable outlet on the ball down the right, which played a part in allowing Leeds to dominate the game and ultimately beat the Hornets.

In terms of his defending, Shakleton was superb. Per SofaScore, he won eight of his 11 ground duels and made two clearances and four tackles. Along with that, he did not allow a single Watford player to dribble past him in the 90 minutes.

This shows that he was strong in the challenge and positionally aware, as he was not exposed by any players dribbling past him. By being solid at the back, Emmanuel Dennis was limited to one shot in the game and had a dribble success rate of 0% on the left wing, coming up against Shackleton.

On the ball, the youngster also impressed. Via SofaScore, he had a whopping 96 touches of the ball in the 90 minutes. Shackleton was successful with two of his three attempted dribbles and completed 84% of his passes, whilst also winning two fouls and managing one shot in the final third.

He was active on the ball throughout the match and assured in possession, as he completed the vast majority of his passes. His dribbling success shows that he was also able to offer quality in transition, beating players to push Leeds up the pitch and get the team closer to the Watford goal to build pressure on the Hornets.

Therefore, forget Llorente, Shackleton was Leeds’ unsung hero against Watford. He merged strong defending with composure on the ball and Bielsa will surely be hoping that he can maintain this level of performance until Ayling is fit to return.

AND in other news, Fresh development emerges on “unlimited energy” beast that’ll leave Leeds fans excited…

An update has emerged regarding a transfer offer for Rangers full-back Borna Barisic.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, the Gers have rejected a £2m bid from English Premier League side Watford for the Croatian left-back.

The report claims that the offer was knocked back two weeks ago and that it would take a ‘significantly’ higher bid to convince them to part ways with the 29-year-old.

Fans will be delighted

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has averted a big Rangers disaster by not selling Barisic to Watford, especially for a mere £2m. Allowing the defender to exit would have left the club in a desperate position in the full-back areas, particularly with Nathan Patterson’s exit this week.

With Calvin Bassey emerging as a strong centre-back option for the Gers, James Tavernier and Barisic are the Dutchman’s only natural full-back options as it stands. Patterson had been providing cover on both flanks of late and the club may be forced to dip into the market to replace him, which illustrates how much of a problem it would have been to sell Barisic as well as the Scotland international.

Not only would it have created issues in terms of recruitment this month, it would also have weakened the team significantly, as the Croatian has proven his quality in the Premiership for the club.

Former Gers midfielder Alex Rae previously lauded the defensive monster, saying: “He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Barisic has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.30 this season from left-back in the Premiership, providing two assists in the process. Last term, he averaged a score of 7.40 and racked up six assists as he created 2.2 chances per game for his teammates.

This shows that he has performed consistently over the past 18 months and is able to carry an attacking threat with his crossing from out wide. Therefore, Gers fans will be delighted that he appears set to remain at Ibrox after the club rejected Watford’s offer.

As we’ve outlined above, it would have been a disaster for Van Bronckhorst if Barisic had moved on from Glasgow this month, and the 46-year-old will surely be looking forward to having him in his team for the rest of the season, assuming there are no more twists in the transfer window. The Croatian is a key member of the champions’ line-up, and fans will surely be buzzing to keep him.

AND in other news, Jordan Campbell drops key Rangers transfer claim, Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing…

Steve Bruce must strive to ease the emerging tension in his goalkeeper ranks after Karl Darlow was tipped to quit Newcastle United this summer.

That’s according to former England international Paul Robinson, who told Football Insider that Darlow may look for a route out of St. James’ Park after losing his place in the side to Martin Dubravka.

Darlow had started each of the Magpies’ Premier League fixtures this term after Dubravka sustained a heel injury during pre-season, but was ousted for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Reports by The Times claimed Darlow was ‘angered’ by the way the situation was handled, having only been informed of Dubravka starting two days after speculation first appeared in the press.

Members of the United first-team were also surprised at how the decision was instigated, with Darlow proving to be one of the Toon’s most consistent performers this season.

Robinson believes Darlow could now look for a move to another Premier League side in the summer, should Dubravka remain as Bruce’s first-choice shot-stopper from here on.

“It is important now that clubs have two top goalkeepers. Almost every club has a very able number two,” the former Tottenham ‘keeper said.

“Karl Darlow is in the best form of his career. He can probably feel hard done by to have been brought out against Wolves. He has had a good run of games and played very well. The big problem he has is that Dubravka, a world-class goalkeeper, is sat on the bench waiting.

“Dubravka did not put a foot wrong before his injury. It was only a matter of time before he came back in because managers are loyal to their number ones.

“Darlow always had a difficult task. What Darlow has done is given himself an opportunity of playing again, if Dubravka doesn’t perform, or getting a move elsewhere in the Premier League.”

Any further conflict between Bruce and Darlow will only increase the tensions emerging at Newcastle, who may have to consider cashing in on the 30-year-old at the end of the season if the situation cannot be resolved.

Darlow had plenty of suitors two summers ago when it was expected that he would leave St. James’ Park, and his stock will have likely risen due to his efforts between the sticks this term.

Bruce has previously praised Darlow for producing a number of top-draw saves and exceeding expectations, while Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray was adamant that the number one jersey was his to lose earlier in the year.

“Since Darlow has come in, he’s been absolutely awesome. He makes save after save, even games where they’ve been beaten heavily – against Manchester United he was still excellent. He was Man of the Match against Tottenham,” Murray said, via quotes by The Shields Gazette.

But, like Phillips points out, Bruce will need an able number two who can step in should Dubravka suffer a dip in form or an injury, and that may not be Freddie Woodman either once his Swansea City loan deal expires.

Woodman is not believed to be willing to return to Newcastle just to take a seat on the bench, having kept 17 clean sheets in 30 Championship appearances this season. He is also rumoured to be a target for Arsenal, who are striving to land competition for Bernd Leno.

If Woodman will not return and Darlow is unhappy being the back-up again, Bruce will have to hit crisis mode to secure a suitable replacement for the duo when funds are likely to be tight, at best.

AND in other news, Newcastle are expected to revive interest in a £13m long-term target eyed across Europe…

This season has been a troubling one for Wolves; one that’s more or less been a product of Nuno Santo’s desire for further numbers in attack.

On paper, he was right to urge his side to be more attacking. That being said, moving from a system that’s been so successful for the best part of three years was a brave move.

In switching to a four-man defence, it didn’t provide them with much success, something testified by their position in the table of 12th place.

They have since reverted to a three-man defence again, and it’s providing better results.

That being said, their display at Villa Park on Saturday evening lacked a cutting edge. Plenty of chances went begging as the likes of Conor Coady and Romain Saiss spurned opportunities that looked easier to score.

Yet, the burden of scoring goals should not fall on the shoulders of Wolves’ defenders as it did versus Manchester City. Instead, they need more from their front line.

Adama Traore has been the very definition of enigmatic this term. In 2019/20, he was one of the most feared players in the top-flight. The Spaniard dazzled on his way to providing 13 goal contributions and amassing a truly ridiculous five dribbles per game.

Yet, this term, very much like Wolves, he has been disappointing. Traore hasn’t scored or assisted and his threat was incredibly minimal against Villa on Saturday.

The Midlands rivals played out a 0-0 draw with their wing sensation failing to have a positive impact on proceedings. Villa’s defenders got out to him quickly and prevented Traore from ever getting up to speed.

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Indeed, Wolves reporter Tim Spiers claimed during the game that the forward “offered nowt” and the statistics provide plenty of evidence.

The 25-year-old was playing as an inverted winger on the left-hand side on this occasion but despite completing four dribbles, his end product deserted him. The Spain international failed to have a single shot at goal while all four of his crosses into the area evaded an Old Gold shirt.

A player like Traore will naturally lose the ball more often than not, but surrendering it on 15 occasions, as he did on Saturday, was incredibly poor when he offered very little elsewhere.

In total, the attacker played just 23 passes, one fewer than Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez. His tally was only worse than Willian Jose and Rui Patricio’s in the Wolves team.

If anything summed up Traore’s poor campaign, this was it. He struggled to get out of second gear and provided very little goal threat. In short, he let his manager down.

How Wolves lust for Raul Jimenez’s return.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Kilman: Shi could replace Wolves talent with swoop for £20m “special player”…

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has reportedly now told his friends that he would like to leave Everton in the summer, with Arsenal being his preferred destination.

The Lowdown: Big interest

It has been reported that both the Gunners and Newcastle United have now made enquiries over the possibility of signing Calvert-Lewin this summer, who is almost certain to leave Goodison Park if they are relegated from the Premier League.

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His season has been plagued by injuries, but the striker has shown his credentials in previous campaigns on Merseyside (one of the best‘ in his position.

The Latest: Arsenal preferred

As per Football Insider, a recruitment source has revealed that Calvert-Lewin is now ‘likely’ to leave the Toffees in the summer, whether they end up getting relegated or not.

He has ‘told friends’ that he would prefer to move to Arsenal over Newcastle, implying that he would be happy to move on from the Blues.

The Verdict: Sell

Given that Calvert-Lewin is seemingly unhappy at EFC with his willingness to move, added on top of his injury problems, the summer may now be the best time for the board to cash in.

An England international at 25 years of age, the former Sheffield United ace should still command a big fee in today’s market, regardless of whether the club end up relegated.

Calvert-Lewin would not be easy to replace, but with the likes of Richarlison still in the squad, they could then use that money to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.

In other news, find out who has now been talked about as a potential Frank Lampard replacement here!

The transfer window is now finally open and with it, we need to prepare ourselves for the barrage of rumours and reports coming our way.

For Wolves, they will predominantly be linked with improving one area – their attack.

What’s the word?

Nuno Santo’s men were dealt a huge blow before the turn of the year when Raul Jimenez suffered a fractured skull.

As a result, the Old Gold are searching for cover in the January transfer market. The likes of Divock Origi and Diego Costa have both been linked but a fresh name has come to the centre of attention.

Coincidentally, it’s someone that Wolves reportedly wanted to sign in 2019 – Stephane Bahoken.

The new report comes courtesy of Football Insider who suggests that Premier League clubs are lining up a move for the 12-cap Cameroon striker.

Bahoken currently plays for Angers in Ligue 1 and is rated at just £5.4m according to Transfermarkt. Thus, it’s unlikely he’ll cost Jeff Shi and co too much money.

Must sign him

On the surface, Bahoken doesn’t look like a particularly eye-catching striker. The 28-year-old has scored just five goals so far this season, and found the net on seven occasions last term.

He’s not exactly going to fire Wolves to glory but that’s not what they need.

Jimenez won’t be out for too much longer and as we’ve already stated, they only need basic cover in January – not someone capable of scoring 20+.

Despite not finding the net on a regular basis, Nuno should be comfortable of landing a gem – that’s when you consider the previous business they’ve done with Angers.

The French club have supplied Wolves with both Romain Saiss and Rayan Ait-Nouri in years gone by and they’ve clearly learnt a promising football education in that part of the world.

Of course, they play in different positions, but the French club must be doing something right in preparing their players for bigger moves. Saiss has become a pivotal part of the way Wolves play, possessing the ability to play in a host of positions. Furthermore, he comes up with big moments.

The defender scored against Tottenham and then rattled the woodwork against Manchester United last time out. He has proven to be a consistent outlet for Nuno, one they hope will serve as an example for Bahoken.

Wolves have certainly had no trouble buying from them before. This would be a shrewd acquisition, one that solves their problem of a lack of depth in attack.

AND in other news, Shi must land Wolves upgrade in £25m “coach’s dream”, he destroyed Coady this year…

The takeover of Derby County is not currently a priority for Wayne Rooney’s side.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who, in a post on Twitter, claimed that Erik Alonso’s proposed takeover of Derby is not currently a priority for the club, as the Rams face a relegation showdown on the final day of the season.

In response to a fan requesting an update on the takeover, as well as Derby’s plans for recruitment in the summer, Nixon said: “Both are not priorities right now.”

No news is good news

Indeed, the proposed purchase of Derby County by Alonso’s No Limits Sports Limited company, which is currently awaiting the English Football League’s Owners and Directors Test approval, is not likely to be the first thought of many Derby fans at present, as the club faces the most important fixture of their season on Saturday.

Having failed to secure a point over their last six league fixtures, Wayne Rooney’s side must now ensure that they beat Sheffield Wednesday this weekend to avoid being relegated to the third tier of English football.

If they only manage a draw with the Owls, then the club must hope that Rotherham United do not defeat Cardiff City, while a loss to Wednesday would result in relegation regardless of how that other game pans out.

Nixon’s update on the Rams’ potential takeover could actually be viewed as good news for fans of the club, as the announcement of, or news regarding, the takeover prior to the weekend’s game could prove to be something of a distraction for Wayne Rooney and his players, so no news is good news in this regard too.

Plus, Alonso himself already appears to be fully invested in the club, as the Spaniard recently took to Twitter, stating, “Just one more victory!” along with a waving hand emoji and the hashtag “DCFC” – something which would seem to indicate that the businessman has his heart set on the purchase of the club.

And, if the club do go on to secure their Championship survival this Saturday, as well as Alonso’s takeover deal receiving approval from the EFL shortly afterwards, things will immediately start to look a lot brighter at Pride Park.

However, it’s great to see that everyone at Pride Park is not worrying about any takeover for now, and instead, all focus is on staying up and that is something that Derby fans will undoubtedly be buzzing about.

In other news: Rooney must avoid Derby swoop for 29 y/o flop who “plays like he’s on roller-skates” – opinion

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 278 appearances during his career, has claimed that Charlie Wyke would not be making a step up in his career if he left Sunderland to join Middlesborough.

Wyke has been in scintillating form for the Black Cats this season as his 25 goals have spearheaded them into the play-offs as they prepare for a two-legged affair against Lincoln City.

The 28-year old has been linked by Keith Downie with a return to his boyhood club, Middlesborough, where he failed to make an appearance before being sold in 2015 but with his contract set to expire this summer, Neil Warnock could look to Wyke for goals next season.

Speaking on why joining Middlesborough would not be a step up but why Wyke may feel he’s earned the chance to play in the Championship, Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“If I’m being brutally honest Middlesborough is a lovely club, but it’s not Sunderland. You don’t get the support that you do at Sunderland because when the Stadium Light is packed it’s one of the top atmospheres in the country.

“If Sunderland don’t go up, then he might want to test himself in the Championship and if that’s the case then that’s absolutely fine, I’ve got no problems with players wanting to play at a higher level.”

This has been Sunderland’s third season in League One and they will be hoping they can gain promotion this time around after tasting defeat against Charlton Athletic in the 2019 final.

Sunderland are currently experiencing their worst form under Lee Johnson at the worst time as they head into what could be a defining moment for them against Lincoln.