Aston Villa ready ambitious £50m midfielder swoop as Chelsea plot shrewd January defender raid

Earlier this week, as part of Wednesday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up, we brought you an update from Football Insider, who reported that Aston Villa are considering a January swoop for RB Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh. Now, in today's gossip column, the same outlet suggests that the Villans could land their man for somewhere in the region of £40-50 million.

It is understood that Salzburg are reluctant to lose the teenage sensation partway through the campaign, but also that their exit from the Champions League has dealt a significant blow to their hopes of retaining his services beyond next month. The Israeli international only arrived in Austria earlier this year, but is already making waves, and could be prised away from his current side if the right offer is tabled.

The 3AM Verdict: Gloukh looks to be a real talent, and while £50 million is a lot for a teenager, if he can continue on his current trajectory then there is no reason to believe that he couldn't be worth significantly more in years to come. This is one prospective January deal to keep an eye on.

Chelsea eye Elvedi

Elsewhere, Chelsea could make a move for Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, according to TEAMtalk. With captain Reece James once again sidelined through injury, the Blues could be in the market for defensive reinforcements in the coming weeks, and have reportedly identified the Switzerland international as a potential recruit.

Elvedi primarily plays as a centre-back, but can play on the right-hand side of defence, and could be available for around £30 million. Monchengladbach have him tied down to a deal that runs until 2027, but could be open to the idea of selling the 27-year-old if it means they can reinvest the money to strengthen their squad in other departments.

The 3AM Verdict: Reece James' injury concerns continue to plague Chelsea, and at this rate, it might well be a prudent idea to bring in yet more cover for the crocked England international. Logic says that signing an out-and-out right-back might be a smarter idea than pursuing Elvedi, but then again, rationality very rarely seems to make its way into Todd Boehly's transfer thinking.

Van de Beek in demand

And finally, Donny van de Beek, Manchester United's forgotten man, might finally have garnered some interest in his cobweb-strewn services. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the out of favour Dutchman is a target for both Eintracht Frankfurt and Girona.

Writing on his personal X account, the renowned reporter said: 'Understand Van de Beek is keen on the move [to Eintracht Frankfurt], talks are advancing between the two clubs. Eintracht are leading the race to sign Donny despite Girona interest. It will be a loan deal.'

The 3AM Verdict: This is going to be best for all parties, if and when it comes to fruition. Wherever Van de Beek ends up, it surely can't be any worse for his career than this disastrous stint at Old Trafford, and in years to come, his is the kind of transfer the may well make it into articles about the Red Devils' worst of all-time. Van de Beek is a talented footballer, but for too long he has been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he desperately needs a change.