Football rumours: Aston Villa warned over Romelu Lukaku transfer as Frank Lampard plots return

Things soured for Lukaku at Chelsea after he questioned Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in an interview with Sky Italia.

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What the papers say

Aston Villa have been warned against making a move for Romelu Lukaku after being linked with the Chelsea striker, Birmingham Live reports. The 29-year-old made a high-profile return to Stamford Bridge in 2021 for £97.5m. However, the paper says things quickly soured for Lukaku at Chelsea after he questioned former boss Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in an interview with Sky Italia.

Elsewhere, Chelsea and Newcastle are keeping an eye on former Manchester City forward Brahim Diaz, according to one national outlet. The 23-year-old, who is currently in his third season on loan at AC Milan, could become available in the summer.

The same newspaper reports Everton are plotting an “ambitious” move for West Ham striker Michail Antonio. The 32-year-old is among a number of forwards being monitored by Sean Dyche in a bid to bolster a squad that has been woefully short of goals this season.

And they also says Frank Lampard is already plotting a return to management despite being sacked by Chelsea and then Everton in January. The 44-year-old refuses to give up on his coaching ambitions and will watch summer developments closely, when both Crystal Palace and Leicester could face upheaval.

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Players to watch

Andre Onana: InterLive reports via Fichajes that Chelsea are interested in a move for the 26-year-old Inter Milan and Cameroon goalkeeper in the summer.

Sacha Boey: Turkish outlet Aksam says Arsenal want to sign Galatasaray’s French right-back.