AC Milan, Barca and Arsenal eye shock Palace raid as Villa consider loan decision

Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell is reportedly a man in demand - and some of his potential suitors may well surprise a few onlookers.

The Eagles star has made over 160 senior appearances since he broke into the first-team setup at Selhurst Park during the 2019/20 season and has featured in all 19 of Palace’s Premier League fixtures so far this season. However, as it stands, Mitchell will be leaving the Eagles on a free transfer at the end of the season when his current contract comes to a close.

CaughtOffside have now reported Mitchell’s representatives have held talks with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur - but have also suggested Serie A giants AC Milan and La Liga duo Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are also ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation as there seems to be little progress made in a possible new deal.

The 3AM Verdict: “Mitchell may not have lived up to the hype that surrounded the early stages of his senior career with the Eagles - but the fact he has so many big-name clubs considering a move for his services shows that he is still highly-rated.”

Villa consider major decision over winger

There was much excitement at Aston Villa when they concluded a deal for Juventus winger Samuel Illing-Junior during the summer transfer window.

However, things have not panned out quite as expected for the England Under-21 star after he failed to make an appearance for Unai Emery’s side before returning to Italy to spend a season-long loan spell with Bologna. Being back in Serie A has also not sparked an improvement in fortunes for Illing-Junior as he has made just 12 appearances for his temporary employers and just three of those have come as part of their starting eleven.

The Athletic have now reported his lack of game-time with Bologna has led Villa to consider cutting short his season-long loan and recalling him when the January transfer window opens for business next week.

The 3AM Verdict: “There is no point Villa leaving Illing-Junior at Bologna when the loan move is not working for the player or either club. If he does return to England, a loan move elsewhere may well be on the cards.”

Foxes boss eyes Man Utd move

Ruud Van Nistelrooy has reportedly made contact with former club Manchester United in a bid to add to his Leicester City squad during the January transfer window.

As per GiveMeSport, the Foxes head coach is keen to utilise his positive relationship with his old club in a bid to boost his squad. Van Nistelrooy’s side put in a promising performance in Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat against Manchester City but remain firmly in the relegation zone as they now turn their focus towards a tough looking visit to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

The January transfer window will be open for business by the time the two sides walk out at Villa Park and that will offer Van Nistelrooy a first opportunity to put his stamp on the squad he inherited from Steve Cooper. Although it is not clear which players could be discussed, it seems likely loan moves for fringe stars such as Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen could prove too costly for the Foxes.

The 3AM Verdict: “It is understandable Van Nistelrooy wants to work with players he knows from his spell at Old Trafford - but given United’s form it seems unlikely they would make an impact on the Foxes.”