Latest transfer news and rumours: Aston Villa midfielder to Benfica, West Ham United want Bournemouth star

Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenechea is reportedly on the brink of signing for Benfica.

Soon after arriving from Juventus last summer, the Argentine was loaned out to Valencia with Unai Emery deeming that he already had too many midfield options.

Not only did Barrenechea feature on 30 occasions in La Liga, he significantly enhanced his reputation to the extent where it would not have been a surprise if he had been reintegrated into Villa's plans.

Instead, as per Record, the 24-year-old is travelling to Portugal to undergo a medical ahead of signing for Benfica on a season-long loan.

The Primeira Liga giants will be obligated to sign Barrenechea on a permanent basis at the end of 2025-26, allegedly for €15m (£12.97m).

While Villa will not immediately bolster their position with the relevant financial regulations, that income could prove invaluable when it comes to complying with the Premier League's and UEFA's rules next June.

West Ham want Bournemouth star

Meanwhile, West Ham United are reportedly prepared to press ahead with trying to sign Marcus Tavernier from Bournemouth.

Graham Potter is looking to put his own stamp on the Hammer squad after a satisfactory second half to the season.

Goals from their options in the final third proved to be an issue and it is deemed imperative that fresh faces arrive to bolster the team.

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham will have to pay in the region of £30m if they wish to add Tavernier to their senior ranks.

In three years of Premier League action with the Cherries, Tavernier has contributed 11 goals and 14 assists from 82 appearances, his versatility also proving to be a major asset.

There are still three years remaining on the Englishman's contract, keeping Bournemouth in a strong position when it comes to avoiding yet another one of their star players.

Everton keen on another La Liga player

Everton are allegedly continuing with their ambition plans ahead of the move to their new stadium by expressing an interest in Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino.

As well as agreeing new contracts with several players, the Toffees have also spent big to acquire the services of Villarreal's Thierno Barry.

According to Fichajes, Everton are looking to negotiate a deal for Lino, who is no longer a priority of Diego Simeone's.

The versatile Brazilian contributed three goals and seven assists from his 25 starts and 16 substitute outings in La Liga and the Champions League in 2024-25.

However, he featured for just 52 minutes in the Club World Cup and Simeone is seemingly prepared to part ways with someone who can play down the left and in central midfield.

Lino will allegedly only move to a club where he is guaranteed regular action, while Atletico are only prepared to consider permanent offers.

Written by
Darren Plant