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Aston Villa return to action in the Premier League this afternoon as they travel away to the Molineux Stadium to face off against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Villans head into the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, thanks to Bruno Fernandes' goal, last weekend, whilst their opponents were thrashed 6-0 by Brighton.

This means that both teams will be going into the game in search of a reaction to their previous outing but not every player who started the defeat at Old Trafford may line up today.

Will Bertrand Traore start against Wolves?

Unai Emery must finally unleash talented winger Bertrand Traore from the start against Julen Lopetegui's side as the forward has the quality to be a match-winner for Villa.

The £78k-per-week gem returned to the club in January after a loan spell with Basaksehir in Turkey and is yet to start his first Premier League match of the campaign.

Despite being restricted to seven appearances off the bench, Traore has contributed with two goals in the top-flight – scoring against Leicester and Nottingham Forest in successive matches last month.

The 27-year-old has proven his quality in the Premier League in the past. In the 2020/21 campaign, the wizard racked up seven goals and six assists in 29 starts in the division, which shows that the ability is there for him to deliver goals and assists on a semi-regular basis at this level.

Journalist Matt Maher lauded his winning goal against Leicester as "ridiculously brilliant" and dubbed the magician as "nonchalance personified", which provides an insight into the type of player Traore is.

He can go missing at times in matches but then has the technique to effortlessly produce a moment of magic to win a game, which is exactly what the ace did against the Foxes.

Jacob Ramsey could be the man to make way for the Burkina Faso international after putting in a disappointing performance against United last time out.

As per Sofascore, the forward lost ten of his 13 individual duels and failed to create a single chance or manage a shot without being blocked – recording the lowest rating on the pitch at 5.9.

The England under-21 international's disappointing display could see him dropped to the bench in favour of Traore coming into the side and moving out to the right flank.

This would allow him to utilise his ability to cut inside onto his favoured left foot to either trouble Jose Sa or deliver a cross for Ollie Watkins to attack.

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race for RCD Mallorca attacking midfielder Kang-in Lee, who is also being targeted by Atletico Madrid, according to recent reports from Spain.

Which midfielders could Tottenham sign?

Tottenham are searching for a new attacking midfielder, and they are said to be leading the race for Leicester City's James Maddison, despite the fact they do not have a permanent manager, as ENIC are dead-set on signing the 26-year-old.

Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer is also being monitored by Spurs for a potential summer move, having impressed since he arrived in the Premier League, and Bayern Munich would be willing to sanction his departure for £30m this summer.

The Lilywhites are assessing some other options who would be able to play in a more defensive role, with Manuel Ugarte said to be of interest amid his uncertain future at Sporting CP, while they are also ready to swoop for Fulham's Joao Palhinha.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are in pole position for Lee, having recently joined the chase for the attacking midfielder, although they will face competition from elsewhere.

Atletico Madrid are interested in signing the South Korean; however, Spurs hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, as unlike Atletico, they would not have to sell players in order to fund a move for the 22-year-old.

The Mallorca star has a release clause of €30m (£26.5m) included in his contract, but his current club could let him leave for a lower amount, and they would be willing to accept the inclusion of players as part of the deal.

Should Tottenham sign Kang-in Lee?

Hailed as "exquisite" by members of the media, the maestro is remarkable with the ball at his feet, ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and in the 94th for progressive carries (as per FBref).

The South Korea international has recorded a solid five goals and five assists in La Liga this year, which is a respectable total given that Mallorca are a mid-table side, while he is extremely versatile having featured across the frontline.

Considering his current club would be willing to let him leave for less than £26.5m, Lee could be a very shrewd acquisition for Tottenham this summer, and they should continue to monitor his performances for the remainder of the season.

Newcastle United were linked with a move for Hugo Ekitike last summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's continued pursuit of the player.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Huge Ekitike?

The Northern Echo's Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson has claimed that Newcastle could look to rekindle their interest in the Paris Saint-Germain loanee this summer.

As per the report, the Magpies have been long-term admirers of the young centre-forward but, after a struggle to secure a deal, turned their attention to Alexander Isak last summer.

However, Newcastle could be set to reignite their interest in the player after it was revealed the player is unhappy with the Ligue One Champions due to a lack of game-time, although PSG do have an option to buy Ekitike for £25.5m from his parent club Stade de Reims this summer.

Will Newcastle sign Hugo Ekitike?

There is no doubt that after a taste of the success that could be achieved at the North East club this season, their Saudi billionaire owners will be willing to invest further to strengthen the squad to ensure they can continue their pursuit of trophies and dominance.

Eddie Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth are likely to be backed heavily in the summer transfer window if the Magpies can secure Champions League football over their remaining eight games, allowing the manager to add depth in the most influential positions on the pitch.

Indeed, Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have been thriving equally in front of goal over this season, however, the departure of Chris Wood in January has prompted an opportunity to further bolster the attacking threat, especially with Wilson a year into his 30s at this point too, so he won't be able to keep up this form forever.

As a result, the signing of Ekitike could be the perfect move for Howe to continue his development and rebuild of an already highly-competitive squad, to give them the very best chance of continuously competing within the top six and Europe too.

Despite only earning eight starts under the management of Christophe Galtier with PSG this season, the 20-year-old has scored three goals, registered three assists and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.1 shots on goal per game, proving that he is taking full advantage of the few opportunities he gets in the team.

When Newcastle were in contention to sign Ekitike last summer, Ligue One journalist Lee Davey gave an insight on the striker's development over his breakthrough season in 2021/22:

"I really do feel that it could be one of the signings of the summer. I just hope that it works out for him because he’s a good lad, he’s a good kid, he’s got bags of talent, and I really think he’s going to bring a lot to the Newcastle team."

Over his first season in the Reims senior side, the goal-hungry forward found the net 11 times and delivered five assists in 27 appearances – with a goal contribution tallied up every 91 minutes played on average, proving that the potential is there for him to become a prolific goal-scorer and valuable asset if developed well.

With that being said, a move for Ekitike this summer could be a great opportunity for Howe to bring in another raw talent that can polish up his skills and develop into a player who can become Wilson's successor in years to come.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could green light the sale of Harry Maguire this summer, and he would be open to a move to the Serie A, according to a recent report from Manchester Evening News.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Ten Hag could be set for a rebuilding job this summer, with The Guardian reporting Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof and a plethora of other players could be allowed to leave Man United.

Reporter Ben Jacobs has recently told GiveMeSport that Sancho could be given some more time, as the manager still sees "potential" in the winger, while Maguire may also get one last chance to prove himself.

Owing to the Red Devils' lack of available centre-backs, journalist Dean Jones believes the defender could be handed a "lifeline" by proving himself over the coming weeks

However, if the 30-year-old is unable to kick on during the remainder of the campaign, Manchester Evening News report that Ten Hag could put him up for sale in the summer.

The player himself is said to be open to a move to the Serie A, having become the subject of interest for a number of Italian clubs, although they are all said to prefer a loan deal, given his £200k-per-week wages.

The same report also details that both Alex Telles and Brandon Williams are also set to be placed on the transfer list this summer, meaning there could be wholesale changes ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Should Man United let Harry Maguire leave?

The Englishman has impressed at times this season, with David De Gea hailing him as "fantastic" back in February, while he was also solid at the World Cup, averaging a 7.34 Sofascore match rating in Qatar, the third-highest of any England player.

That said, the 55-time England international has never managed to deliver consistently enough for Man United, having become more of a peripheral figure in the squad this season, making just 13 appearances in the Premier League.

Although he is not entirely culpable for United crashing out of the Europa League against Sevilla, the former Leicester City man made a sloppy error leading to the La Liga side's opening goal, which did his side no favours.

Maguire has had more than enough time to prove himself as a player worthy of captaining Manchester United, and he has been unable to deliver, so Ten Hag should undoubtedly sanction his departure this summer.

Manchester United will no doubt be looking to strengthen their centre-forward ranks this summer, with Erik ten Hag's side having been lacking a reliable number nine throughout the entire campaign.

Former talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored just three times in all competitions prior to seeing his contract ripped up by mutual consent in November, while January arrival Wout Weghorst – who joined on loan from Burnley – has scored just twice for the Red Devils to date.

Those woes have been exacerbated by the injury setbacks of long-serving marksman, Anthony Martial, with the 27-year-old having been restricted to just 19 appearances across all fronts this term, scoring seven times.

That inability to get the Frenchman fit and firing has likely been a source of frustration for the United boss, with recent reports suggesting that the 53-year-old could be open to letting the striker depart this summer – with just over a year to run on the player's contract.

With at least one new forward set to be needed in the event of the former Monaco man's exit, there have been reports in Spain that the Old Trafford outfit are interested in signing Aston Villa hotshot, Ollie Watkins.

Should Man United sign Watkins?

On current form, it would seemingly be a real coup if United were able to prise the Englishman from Villa Park, with Watkins having been in deadly form in recent months, in particular.

The former Brentford ace is currently "sitting alongside [Erling] Haaland" with regard to his form following the World Cup break, as per Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand, having notably bagged 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League games.

That remarkable hot streak has ensured that the 27-year-old now boasts a standout tally of 15 goals and six assists in the top flight so far this term, having now reached double figures for league goals in each of the past three seasons for the Villans.

Such a respectable haul is undoubtedly in stark contrast to that of Martial, with the 30-cap enigma having scored just nine Premier League goals since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, notably scoring just once in the first half of last season prior to joining Sevilla on loan.

A notable benefit of bringing Watkins into the fold would also be the £75k-per-week man's impressive work ethic as he notably ranks in the top 20% among his European peers for interceptions made, while the current United man ranks in just the bottom 32% in that regard.

The all-round quality of the 5 foot 11, Villa man – as well as his proven record in England's top tier – could well make him an ideal replacement for Martial through the middle, with it having proved near on impossible to rely on the latter man of late.

Chelsea have held "face-to-face" talks with Luis Enrique over becoming their next manager, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Is Enrique in the mix for Chelsea job?

The Blues have a massive decision to make over who their next permanent boss is, with several candidates seemingly in the mix to come in. Graham Potter has been relieved of his duties and replaced by Frank Lampard, but the Chelsea legend is only in charge until the end of the season.

The likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino have all been mooted as potential managers to come in at Stamford Bridge, but Enrique is another who is believed to be in the conversation. The 52-yeard-old left his role as Spain's national team manager after the 2022 World Cup and is now looking for a new challenge.

It appears as though progress has been made regarding Enrique potentially taking charge of Chelsea once Lampard's spell ends, with some new comments suggesting as much.

Could Chelsea swoop for Spaniard?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips claimed that the Blues have had positive talks with Enrique regarding taking over as manager this summer:

"I had that confirmed; he did have a face-to-face interview with Chelsea this week. This was after his agents had already sent an impressive presentation of his ideas and visions to Chelsea.

"Chelsea invited him over to London for an interview; he came and had that, it went very well on both sides. Chelsea were impressed with him, he was impressed with Chelsea's project and what they want to do, but the thing with Enrique is he wants to take time with this decision as well."

Enrique is certainly a strong option for Chelsea if they club decide to go with him as Lampard's successor, having racked up a huge amount of experience in the game. The Spaniard may have ultimately bowed out of national team duties in disappointing fashion last year, but he won the World's Best Club Coach award back in 2015, having guided Barcelona to Champions League and La Liga glory, as well as winning the league the following year, too.

The fact that such positive discussions have taken place can only suggest that Todd Boehly sees him as a strong option to be the next manager, and three Spanish Cup wins with Barca, in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively, are further proof of his pedigree at the top level.

Newcastle United will host Manchester United at St James' Park in their Premier League clash this afternoon and there is no doubt that there will be a hostile reception waiting for the Red Devils when they step out in front of the home support.

It will be the first time the two teams have met since Erik ten Hag's side were victorious over the Magpies in the League Cup final at Wembley back in February and Eddie Howe will be hoping the motivation to settle a score will put his team in a position to take all three points.

The North East club has enjoyed a phenomenal campaign and are currently just two points shy of a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four with 12 fixtures remaining, so a win today will not only help to heal open wounds from Wembley but put them in a great position to take points away from one of their top four competitors.

Howe has been given a huge boost ahead of the clash as Brazilian midfielder Joelinton will be available for selection following a two-match suspension and could be exactly what Newcastle need to have the edge over their opponents later today.

Will Joelinton start against Manchester United?

It is no secret that Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff have formed a formidable trio this season, so it would make perfect sense for the 26-year-old to reprise his role at St James' Park against Man United.

The fiery midfielder – who has collected 11 yellow cards this season – is renowned for his ability to frustrate his opponents and cause chaos in the centre of the pitch by breaking the lines to play an important role in the attacking threat.

Over 22 league appearances, the £85k-per-week dynamo – hailed a "fierce competitor" by Howe – has scored two goals, registered one assist and created four big chances so far, as well as averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.5 successful dribbles and a whopping 6.7 duels won per game, proving he is a huge all-round presence in midfield.

Since converting from a centre-forward to a midfielder, Joelinton has had a stunning transformation from a £40m flop to an indispensable star and has drawn high praise for his impact from club legend Alan Shearer:

"I always felt it was really difficult for him personally because I never felt he was a number nine.

"For him to go from where he was to where he is now and playing such a major part in what Newcastle are doing in that midfield role, he deserves a huge amount of credit."

With that being said, it would a no-brainer for Joelinton to start this afternoon as a victory over Man United would be monumental in the race for a top four berth.

Liverpool are maintaining their interest in flourishing forward Randal Kolo Muani, who has been a clinical presence for Eintracht Frankfurt this season.

What's the latest on Randal Kolo Muani to Liverpool?

According to recent reports from Spain, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is considering a replacement for Roberto Firmino, who has confirmed his departure from the club at the end of the season, and Kolo Muani has indeed been touted as the prime target.

The French forward is reportedly available for €100m (£88m), according to L'Equipe (via the Metro), and while such exorbitant demands would be unlikely to be met by Liverpool, prospects of a move might solidify should the price be whittled down.

Liverpool signed Darwin Núñez for a club-record £85m in the summer, while dynamic attacker Cody Gakpo joined the fray this winter for £35m, but with the Merseyside outfit languishing outside the top-four and unable to add to the Community Shield in silverware this term, Kolo Muani might well be the conclusive piece of the puzzle.

Who could Kolo Muani replace at Liverpool?

While the aforementioned reports from Spain state that the 24-year-old could be the ideal Firmino replacement, he would likely flourish as the heir to Sadio Mane's throne, the Senegalese phenom joining German champions Bayern Munich in the summer for roughly £35m.

As per FBref, Mane is listed as a comparable player to the Frankfurt gem, who ranks among the top 3% of forwards for rate of assists, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, which would only enhance the robustness of Liverpool's collective attack, Kolo Muani driving at the heart of opposition back-lines with venom.

He is the prolific presence to work in tandem with the imperious Mohamed Salah on the right flank, with the six-cap Frenchman scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists from 32 appearances for his German Bundesliga outfit this season.

Hailed as a “top-class talent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Kolo Muani certainly mirrors many of the superlative qualities of the 30-year-old Mane, who ranks among the top 3% of forwards for progressive carries, the top 9% for successful take-ons, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 3% for shot-creating actions.

Praised as "brutal" and a "machine" by Klopp, Mane was integral in Liverpool's recent success since arriving from divisional rivals Southampton for £34m in 2016, scoring 120 goals and serving 48 assists from 269 appearances, winning a plethora of major honours including, notably, the Premier League and Champions League.

For such a dynamic attacking outlet, Klopp might be wise to throw everything at clinching a deal; the price might be high, but with Kolo Muani in the fold, Liverpool could create a lasting dynasty as Klopp's era at Anfield enters what feels like a new chapter.

Manchester United could well have found a long-term centre-forward solution, amid reports that the Red Devils are keeping tabs on Brighton and Hove Albion teenager, Evan Ferguson.

What's the latest on Evan Ferguson to Man United?

That's according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who revealed on Twitter that the Old Trafford outfit are among a host of European clubs who are interested in signing the highly-coveted 18-year-old:

"Bayern & Barcelona amongst clubs watching Evan Ferguson's progress but Irish starlet is in no hurry to leave Brighton. Man Utd & Liverpool were aware of him before his move to Brighton & are keeping a watching brief."

In the attached piece for 90min, the report suggests that United have 'kept an eye' on the Irishman in recent times, with the player himself previously revealing that he had been on trial at the club, prior to joining the Seagulls.

As the piece also explains, however, the impressive youngster is not angling for a move away from the Amex any time soon, with the promising marksman said to be in line for a 'new, much improved, contract', as a reward for his fine displays this season.

Should Man United sign Ferguson?

A new number nine does appear to be a priority for Erik ten Hag this summer, amid claims that injury-prone asset Anthony Martial is set to be allowed to depart at the end of the season, while fellow striker Wout Weghorst is currently only on loan at the Theatre of Dreams.

With the pair having scored just eight goals in all competitions so far this season for United between them, a more clinical and reliable attacking presence is set to be required if the Carabao Cup winners are to be in the mix for the title next season.

At present, the belief is that United could turn their attention towards Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Harry Kane, with the England skipper facing an uncertain future in north London with just over a year left to run on his existing deal.

Despite the playmaker's undoubted goal record – having netted 271 times for the Lilywhites to date – there may be concerns as to his potential longevity as he is set to turn 30 later this year, ensuring he is hardly a long-term fit for Ten Hag and co.

For all the potential immediate success that Kane may bring, it may be worth considering a more youthful alternative such as Ferguson, with the Republic of Ireland international a player who the Red Devils could potentially build around for the next decade or so.

The teen "sensation" – as hailed by journalist Mark McCadden – has enjoyed a breathtaking start to life at senior level this season, scoring seven goals and laying on three assists in just 16 appearances across all fronts.

The former Bohemians gem seemingly "looks like Michael Owen" such is his cold-blooded nature in front of goal, according to talkSPORT pundit Scott Minto, as he is already playing "like a 29-year-old", due is his "physique" and "maturity".

The 6 foot 2 ace has already made his mark at international level after scoring on his first start for his country earlier this week against Latvia, having subsequently been hailed as a "great striker" by Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, ahead of Monday's clash with France.

Such glowing praise is an indication that Ferguson could truly "go all the way" in the game, as per Minto, with United potentially set to have a real diamond on their hands if a deal can be agreed this summer.

On the one hand, Ten Hag may wish to target the finished article that is Kane, although the former Ajax boss may also be excited by the prospect of nurturing and developing a potential star of the future in the form of the £3k-per-week Brighton machine.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira this summer, in a deal which could be Todd Boehly's worst transfer swoop since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Could Chelsea sign Andreas Pereira?

According to ESPN, the Blues are looking at signing the Brazilian should Mason Mount depart Stamford Bridge this summer, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all eyeing the England international amid his contract dispute with Chelsea.

The report claims that PSG and Atletico Madrid are also keen on the Fulham maestro, who has impressed since his switch from Manchester United last summer, with the Cottagers valuing him at around £35m.

Although the 27-year-old has been a mainstay in Marco Silva's side this season as they eye a top-half Premier League finish, his previous displays at Old Trafford suggest that Chelsea should steer well clear of Pereira, as he managed just four goals and five assists in 75 appearances for the Red Devils.

Chelsea's worst signing since Aubameyang?

The Belgian-born midfielder boasts two goals and six assists in 27 top-flight appearances so far this term, but his WhoScored average rating of 6.73 suggests that his overall displays have been far less impressive than his goal contributions would suggest.

Pereira's FBref scouting report also tells a different story, as he ranks in the worst possible percentile for non-penalty goals when compared to other attacking midfielders across Europe, while he also scores in the worst 10% for pass completion, progressive carries and progressive passes received.

If Chelsea are looking for a creative midfielder to replace Mount, then they should avoid Pereira, whose shocking 72.1% pass success rate is the 20th-best in Fulham's squad.

He has seemingly continued that trend from his time at Manchester United, with journalist Josh Bunting suggesting that his all-round game was "poor" after a "woeful" display against Aston Villa in 2019.

Considering Graham Potter already has top-quality midfielders such as Mateo Kovacic, Enzo Fernandez and N'Golo Kante at his disposal, a move for Pereira seems rather pointless, as it would also see Boehly differ from his transfer plans of signing some of the most exciting young talents in world football.

The Chelsea chairman also veered away from that when the Blues were desperate for a striker ahead of the summer transfer deadline, with 33-year-old former Arsenal star Aubameyang arriving from Barcelona.

He has endured a shocking stay at Stamford Bridge, registering one goal in 12 Premier League appearances and averaging a dreadful 6.15 average rating from WhoScored for his performances, which saw Potter go as far as to exclude him from his Champions League squad for the knockout stages.

At least the Gabon international had some top-flight pedigree when he arrived last summer, whereas Chelsea would be signing Pereira off the back of one half-decent Premier League season, and several poor ones with Manchester United.

Therefore, Boehly must steer clear of the Fulham man this summer, or risk paying over the odds for another bench warmer, as he did with Aubameyang.