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Aston Villa are set to step up their efforts to sign a new midfielder after Carney Chukwuemeka left for Chelsea, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece says. 

The lowdown

Villa have spent a shade under £50million on five signings so far this summer – centre-back Diego Carlos, left-back Ludwig Augustinsson, playmaker Philippe Coutinho, goalkeeper Robin Olsen and midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

But Gerrard clearly isn’t satisfied yet, targeting more bodies in the middle of the park even after landing Kamara.

That could be because the Frenchman is a no. 6, and he still feels the team needs more of a box-to-box no. 8.

It was confirmed on Thursday that 18-year-old Chukwuemeka, one of their options in that role, has sealed his move to Stamford Bridge, netting Villa £20million.

The latest

In various answers over the course of a fan forum, Preece provided a comprehensive update on Villa’s midfield pursuit.

He told one supporter that a ‘new midfielder should be next’ through the door ‘following CC exit’.

Another was assured that the ‘midfield search will now accelerate’, ‘100 percent’, as Villa ‘look to fill Carney’s void’ after his ‘really quick’ move.

‘Lange has been given his remit’ already, with Gerrard requesting reinforcements ‘last month’.

Villa are ‘very good at keeping business under wraps’, and so he doesn’t know exactly who they will move for, but he does believe Ibrahim Sangare of PSV Eindhoven ‘is more likely than [Youri] Tielemans’ of Leicester City.

The verdict

Securing a deal for a player like Sangare between now and September could cap off the window nicely for Villa.

Capable of playing at the base of midfield or in a slightly more advanced role, he would offer Gerrard versatility in addition to his quality.

The 42-year-old is clearly an admirer, with Voetbal International in the Netherlands reporting earlier this year that he scouted him in a Europa Conference League quarterfinal against Leicester.

Significantly, the player has a £30million release clause in his contract too, enabling Villa to bypass negotiations with PSV.

While this would increase Villa’s summer outlay by more than 60%, it’s arguably worth it for a player billed ‘extraordinary’ by former Eindhoven manager Aad de Mos.

Indeed, he made more tackles and interceptions combined (169) than any other player in last season’s Eredivisie despite starting only 26 out of a possible 34 matches (via WhoScored).

Entertainment consists of various mediums, including century-old casino games and gambling. Another prominent medium is betting. The invention of the online platform has made both gambling and betting gain immeasurable popularity and acceptance. With the numerous emergent forms of betting and gambling, many people will likely start using the terms interchangeably. Additionally, gambling and betting involve wagering money on unpredictable events like a race or game. For this reason, it is vital to comprehend the significant differences between the two terminologies. Below are distinct definitions of gambling and betting and their differences.

What exactly is gambling?

Gambling is a long-standing activity that people have been engaging in since time immemorial. It refers to wagering something valuable or money on a game or race with an uncertain outcome. The activity is solely based on the concept of probability. In contrast, permutation and combination, principles of probability, and number theory are necessary for predicting the most accurate outcome of the event in question. The result varies between a ‘Loss’ and a ‘Win.’

It isn’t a secret that gambling can be addictive no matter how many times a person loses. The excitement associated with uncertainty sustains the interest among the parties, and they keep on wagering more and more of their valuables. When looking for a top-rated, legal and safe gambling site, GambleOnline NZ could be a reliable choice. Gambling relies on an unknown or sometimes calculated risk. It can also depend on one’s chance and luck, but the skill hardly comes into play. When someone mentions gambling, you’re likely to think about gaming or sports, but it is much more than that, as it can involve table games, casino games, and slots.

Definition of betting

Betting involves placing a bet on a sport with pre-defined odds or possibilities. This act is a typical agreement between two groups, also known as a wager or bet. In this case, the party that makes an incorrect prediction about an unpredictable event forfeits something valuable to the other. A simple betting scenario is two people betting on the outcome of an election (for instance, who will win the presidential seat between Biden and Trump). Sports betting is the most common form of betting. Most people often place stakes on sporting activities like hockey, football, and basketball matches.

Betting can also entail non-sports events such as reality show contests and political elections. More intriguingly,  sports betting also involves games like underground cockfighting, horse racing, and greyhound racing. Contrary to gambling, betting is somewhat organized and involves a certain skill level when placing a stake. One unique aspect of betting is that the involved parties are aware of the intensity of the condition and the external forces that may influence the final results of the wager.

Critical differences between betting and gambling

One notable difference between gambling and betting is that the former entirely relies on luck while the latter depends on skill, strategy, and luck. This fact implies that the gambling parties do not influence the final result. Interestingly, you can access data online stipulating how much a gambler is expected to lose while playing different casino games. Sports betting, on the other hand, allows the parties to lay unique strategies, conduct extensive research and utilize the information to place them in a better position to win the bet. Although luck is a factor, one can hardly consider it the deciding factor in the long run. This difference may seem negligible, but in practice, it is massive. Another way of looking at it is that the gambling players are sure to lose their valuables and that their only chance of multiplying their money is hoping for a big score and quitting gambling. Sports betting, however, allows the parties to multiply their money in the long run. The chances may be slim, with 3% of sports bettors profiting in the long run, but it is still something compared to gambling. Over time gambling has become more popular than sports betting in the online arena. Even though sports betting is available online, people still prefer placing their bets at live betting shops. Some countries have rules and regulations treating luck and skill games differently, meaning that the residents are allowed to engage in skill games but forbidden to play luck games. This rule implies that betting is allowed while gambling is illegal in those countries.

Both betting and gambling involve wagering a valuable item or money on the outcome of unpredictable events. Many people use these terminologies interchangeably, but after comprehending the differences, which may seem insignificant at first, you’ll never confuse them again. The primary difference between betting and gambling is that betting can be professional or amateur (depending on the skills and strategies), while gambling is usually professional. Betting also allows a certain percentage chance of winning in the long run, while gambling does not.

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TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has shared the latest involving the Nottingham Forest pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed by Brentford from Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne, Maupay directly contributed to 55 goals in just 91 outings for the London club prior to sealing a move to the south coast.

The 26-year-old former France youth international has since scored 27 times in 109 outings for Brighton, including a ten-goal 2019/20 Premier League campaign.

However, having failed to play a single minute in the opening two fixtures, it appears a move could be on the cards and one well-informed onlooker has provided an update on the situation surrounding Maupay…

The latest: ‘They are waiting…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Crook – a transfer specialist for talkSPORT – has claimed that Brighton and the player’s reps are in no rush to sell, potentially leaving the Reds waiting.

He said: “What I do know is that Maupay’s camp are not rushing to get him signed on at Forest. I think they are waiting to see what other interest there is.”

The verdict: One more needed

Even despite the arrival of Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis this summer, the departures of Lewis Grabban, Nuno Da Costa and Keinan Davis have left room for at least one more striker addition before the window closes, potentially alongside the arrival of cultured Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.

Last season, Maupay – who was hailed as ‘quality’ by Irish broadcaster Nathan Murphy in September 2021 – scored nine times and provided two assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, further proof of an ability to make the grade as a goalscorer at the elite level.

Valued at £16.2million and in the final 12 months of a deal at Brighton (Transfermarkt), getting this deal over the line for a mooted £15million would be a superb capture for Forest and would allow Steve Cooper the firepower to attack the campaign in full.

Leeds United are reportedly looking to speed up their pursuit of Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

The Lowdown: Cifuentes linked with Leeds

The 23-year-old, who has admitted that a move to Europe is a ‘dream’ transfer for him, has been linked with a move to Elland Road this month.

Reports have even suggested that Leeds have already tabled a $5m (£4.1m) for the versatile central midfielder.

It isn’t just Leeds who are keen on Cifuentes from the Premier League, though, and it looks as if Victor Orta may try to push through a move for the Ecuador international.

The Latest: Cifuentes transfer update

The Boot Room relayed an update from The Sun on Sunday print edition (21/8; page 57) regarding Cifuentes.

They claimed that both Leeds and Newcastle have been alerted to Brighton eyeing up a £6m deal for the Ecuadorian, prompting the two clubs to speed up their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

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The Verdict: Not needed

Leeds could do with getting a new player in before the September 1 deadline but possibly not Cifuentes.

Jesse Marsch’s side are now well-stocked in midfield, and should Mateusz Klich remain at the club following rumours of an exit, a move for the Ecuador international doesn’t seem needed.

The final third is where the Whites could do with bolstering their squad due to Patrick Bamford’s injury issues over the past 12 months.

Although Cifuentes could be a shrewd prospective signing in the long run, it doesn’t look as if he should be a priority for Leeds in the final days of the current transfer window.

Everton are reportedly ‘showing an interest’ in Newcastle United attacker Miguel Almiron.

The Lowdown: Attacker wanted

Having been linked with the likes of Brighton’s Leandro Trossard and Wolves’ Adama Traore in recent days, it is clear that Frank Lampard would like to bring in a new attacker before the transfer window closes on September 1st, and seemingly one with the pace to stretch teams.

The Blues should also be looking to bring in another traditional striker as well, following the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Latest: Almiron interest

Taking to Twitter, The Guardian journalist Ed Aarons has revealed that the Goodison Park outfit are ‘showing an interest’ in Almiron:

“Everton are showing an interest in Miguel Almiron. The Paraguay forward will only be allowed to leave Newcastle on a permanent deal.”

The Verdict: Sign

Almiron could be a really smart buy from the Merseyside club, given that he already has Premier League experience having played for the Magpies.

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Hailed as ‘Thierry Henry-like’ by former top-flight goalkeeper Shay Given after a sensational strike against Crystal Palace last season, the Paraguay international showed again how instinctive his finishing can be when he flicked home in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City last weekend.

Almiron only has 15 goals and five assists for the St. James’ Park outfit in 126 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), and so his end product still needs improving, but under the coaching of Lampard, the 28-year-old could prove to be a great asset for the Toffees should he make the move before the deadline hits.

The transfer window has been shut for just over two weeks now but Wolverhampton Wanderers are seemingly already planning their January business, with reports linking Bruno Lage’s side to Viktor Tsygankov.

What’s the word?

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, the likes of Wolves, Newcastle United and West Ham are all keeping an eye on the winger after some impressive performances in recent seasons.

The 24-year-old is a product of Dynamo Kyiv’s academy and has established himself as a regular both there and with the Ukraine national side since breaking onto the scene as a teenager.

The report suggests that Tsygankov could be available at a cut-price, as his contract with Kyiv is set to expire at the end of this season, so a January sale makes sense if the Ukrainian side want to avoid losing him for nothing, although foreign sides could approach him with a contract under the Bosman ruling.

Lage’s own Bale?

While the wide positions are one of few areas in which Lage has a lot of depth and quality, with the likes of Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Daniel Podence and Hwang Hee-Chan available there, Tsygankov’s performances suggest he could be a shrewd addition.

During his time with Dinamo Kyiv, the young winger has contributed an impressive 87 goals and 60 assists in 219 appearances, including 11 in just 18 league outings last season.

When he broke onto the scene with Kyiv, he drew comparisons with Gareth Bale because of his ability to cut onto his left foot from the right wing, while Serhiy Rebrov, his former manager, also sang his praises.

He said: “He is Dynamo’s future. It’s no coincidence he made his first start in a Champions League game and he really took his chance, providing an assist against Napoli. If he hones his natural talent the right way, he will have a great career.”

Considering goals have been a problem for the entirety of Lage’s tenure at Wolves, with just three goals in the Premier League this season, adding a goalscoring winger in the mould of Bale could be a great move in January.

After all, the Welshman did score 54 goals in the Premier League in his career with Tottenham Hotspur, before going on to win a multitude of trophies with Real Madrid.

If Tsygankov is even half as good as Bale, then Wolves will have a very good player on their hands, so Lage should do all he can to bring the young Ukrainian to Molineux in January.

West Ham United take on Silkeborg this evening in the Europa Conference League and the tie represents a chance for the Hammers to continue their 100% record in the competition.

Last week’s 3-1 win over FCSB marked a show of character as David Moyes’ men came from behind to mark their first-ever appearance in the competition with a win.

Although, with the Irons struggling in the Premier League, sitting in 18th with just one win in six, the Scotsman will be looking for any tweaks he can make that will turn games in his favour.

He did offer an injury update on one of the club’s new star signings who could do just that, and this man could make a big difference if he is to play tonight…

Maxwel Cornet is fit for West Ham

The Ivorian signed for £17.5m this summer but is yet to start in the league, and having picked up a minor neck strain in last week’s game his availability for tonight was thrown into question.

However, Moyes issued the following statement on his current injury status:

“He was fine, he actually felt it more in his neck, it wasn’t really his head. I think he landed and hurt his neck a little bit, but Maxi is fine, he has been training.”

This will be a huge boost for the 59-year-old, who can look to hand Cornet another start in a game that means comparatively little in the grand scheme of their season.

He has also performed well during his appearances in this competition, with an assist in all three of the games he has featured in, including qualifiers.

West Ham will be looking to tempt his form from last season out of him, when he bagged nine times in the league in just 26 games for relegated Burnley.

Giving him chances to acclimatise in games like these will be integral to familiarising him with his teammates, and if he can reach this form once again it could prove integral to any success they may have this season.

Reporter Dean Jones has described Leeds United duo Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper’s return to full fitness as a ‘massive boost’ for Jesse Marsch.

The Lowdown: U21 run out

Both Bamford and Cooper missed large parts of the previous season trough injury and have struggled to feature regularly during the current campaign.

Bamford has started just two Premier League games, whereas Cooper’s only appearance came in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley.

However, the pair both started for the U21s against Southampton last week in a 6-2 win at Elland Road, with Bamford netting a hat-trick and Cooper completing 90 minutes.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that having Bamford and Cooper back after the international break will be a ‘massive boost for Marsch’.

“Getting those players some minutes under the belts will come as a massive boost for Marsch, who has had a few injury problems that were starting to hit the squad in the last couple of weeks as well.”

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The Verdict: Starts vs Villa?

Leeds were last in action on September 3 so should be raring to go when they host Aston Villa on October 2. You’d like to think that Bamford and Cooper will be fit enough to feature in the match-day squad for that match, especially after they featured for the U21s last week.

Bamford played 45 minutes in the defeat to Brentford, so he could well feature from the off, whereas Cooper may even come in for Diego Llorente, as Phil Hay has predicted.

Tottenham Hotspur may be without Ben Davies for the north London derby on Saturday afternoon…

What’s the latest?

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, there is no guarantee that the 29-year-old will be fit enough to feature against arch-rivals Arsenal after he picked up an injury before the win over Leicester City.

He subsequently withdrew from his international duties as Wales faced Belgium and Poland without him.

“The suggestion was that he was always going to miss the two Wales games but has a good chance of coming back for Arsenal,” the reporter explained to GIVEMESPORT.

“Rob Page spoke about his injury and said it’s not serious, but I still think with the Arsenal game being so close there’s no guarantee he’ll be fit for the game, but fingers crossed because there is a good chance.”

It’s thought that the Welshman has been suffering from a hairline fracture to the bone beneath his knee, so it could be a big risk to throw him straight back in after the international break, with football.london also suggesting that there are question marks over his availability heading into kick-off.

Blow for Conte

Given Davies’ vast experience and versatility, his absence would be a gutting blow for manager Antonio Conte, who is looking to get another one up on the club’s rivals.

The Welshman has also played 14 times against the Gunners and been on the winning side in 50% of those outings, in which he has also provided two goal contributions.

Once hailed as “magnificent” by Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, the former Swansea City defender has gone on to feature 278 times for the Lilywhites, with 42 of those matches coming under the Italian, who has trusted him to be his first-choice left-sided centre-back.

“He’s a reliable player,” Conte told the club’s official website back in April, before adding: “Ben is playing in an important way with us, as a central defender and he’s showing that he’s a really good player.”

Indeed, a left-back by trade, the £60k-per-week star has become an ever-present member of Spurs’ central defensive three, very much as he has done for Wales too.

And when compared to other centre-backs across Europe, you can see why the ex-Chelsea boss trusts him so much.

As per FBref, Davies ranks inside the top 5% for progressive carries (5.82 per 90) and the top 10% for progressive passes (4.21 per 90), not only highlighting his ball-playing ability but also earning a statistical likeness to players such as Niklas Sule of Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.

Therefore, it’s clear that Davies – if absent this weekend – would be a big miss to both Conte and the squad, given his obvious fit for the manager’s system, reliability and experience ahead of a game of this calibre.

AND in other news, Conte must unleash Spurs’ £20m “Rolls-Royce” or risk repeating fatal Mourinho mistake…

Tottenham Hotspur were held by Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany to remain second in group D after manager Antonio Conte named an unchanged team for Tuesday night’s Champions League outing.

That side were defeated 3-1 by arch-rivals Arsenal in the Premier League at the weekend but were unable to make amends as Spurs were wasteful and careless in front of goal.

It’s now back-to-back European nights without a victory, leaving the north Londoners sat in second place, tied on points with Die Adler.

There were still some positives to take from the game as the Italian and his men now prepare for a top-flight clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

One player shone throughout the encounter at the Waldstadion and that was Clement Lenglet on the left side of defence. An absolute rock who gave his all during the 78 minutes he was on the pitch.

Indeed, the FC Barcelona man was heavily involved throughout the game, registering a total of 101 touches of the ball, which was the second-most of any player involved and had he played the final 12-plus minutes, then there would’ve been a good chance that he finished the game leading the way.

A lot of Tottenham’s build-up play started through him and that was further reflected by his 82 passing attempts, which he was successful in 83% of the time, whilst he also pulled off five long balls to good effect.

Also per SofaScore, the French colossus was efficient defensively, having recorded more tackles than anyone else on the pitch (five) and that was on top of four clearances, three interceptions and a total of ten duels won – a win rate of 71.4%.

Lenglet is currently Conte’s only natural left-footed centre-back, so he has proven to be a useful addition to the squad thus far and his performance against Frankfurt highlighted exactly why he can be a consistent starter for the Italian going forward.

The 27-year-old also caught the eye of Evening Standard journalist Dan Kilpatrick, who graded him amongst Spurs’ top performers on the night in his post-match ratings column – ‘Looked most comfortable of the back three in an assured display. Occasionally got forward to overlap Perisic,’ he wrote.

It’s no wonder France national team boss Didier Deschamps has previously lauded him as a “world-class,” whilst football writer Andrew Gaffney once described him as a “special talent” amid interest from Manchester United in 2018.

He’s Tottenham’s shining light now, however, and both Conte and the fanbase can count their lucky stars that the £50k-per-week titan is, as he proved absolutely crucial to the clean sheet over in Germany on Tuesday night.

The returning Ben Davies could now have a fight on his hands heading into the weekend.

AND in other news, Forget Son: £134k-p/w Spurs lightweight who lost 84% of duels cost Conte in Frankfurt…