Lanzini links

Aston Villa and Premier League rivals Leeds United have inquired about the availability of West Ham United playmaker Manuel Lanzini, according to reports.

Argentina’s Lanzini, 28, was supposed to become restless after a lack of playing time this season at London Stadium under David Moyes, amid serious competition for places in the form of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and Andriy Yarmolenko.

Lanzini, Teamtalk reports, believes he is worthy of being a regular starter in the Irons squad and his representatives are testing the water to see if other Premier League sides would be interested in taking him into the transfer window January.

What to do with Wes

Brazilian media report that two clubs have withdrawn their interest in signing Wesley Moraes from Aston Villa.

It was reported that four Brazilian clubs were interested in signing the striker, but two have now reportedly dropped out.

According to Gazeta Esportiva, the Corinthians were one of the interested clubs but “ruled out the possibility” of signing him in January for a reason that has not been disclosed.

Hanging there

Burnley’s game against Everton has become the last Boxing Day clash to be postponed by the Premier League.

Leeds United’s game with Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers against Watford was both called off Thursday due to Covid-19 infections.

And Burnley’s clash with Everton has now suffered the same fate after a coronavirus outbreak in the Toffees’ camp.

Aston Villa’s meeting with Chelsea at Villa Park is one of six games still underway on Boxing Day, although further postponements could come with Premier League clubs now testing daily.

READ: Steven Gerrard makes Mason Mount admission ahead of Villa vs Chelsea

READ: Gabriel Barbosa already told Aston Villa about his transfer plan

Do not go

Gabriel Barbosa’s agent played down the prospect of the Brazilian striker moving to the Premier League in January.

“Gabigol” has been heavily linked with a move to England, and Aston Villa is said to be among his admirers.

West Ham, Newcastle United, Everton and Arsenal have also been linked with the forward, who has scored 42 goals in 60 league appearances for Flamengo, including 12 in 18 appearances in 2021.

Barbosa has hinted that he would like to have a taste of Premier League life at some point after failing to make an impact on Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Large fan

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has said he is a “big fan” of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.

Mount has become a key man under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge and is expected to feature for Chelsea against Villa on Boxing Day.

The 22-year-old has scored seven times in the Premier League this season, while also contributing four assists for third-placed Chelsea.

Aside from being a mainstay of Chelsea, Mount is also one of Gareth Southgate’s top picks when selecting England’s lineups.

Latest news on the Covid front

The Premier League will take a decision on Aston Villa’s game with Leeds United in the coming days after the Elland Road club were hit by a Covid-19 outbreak.

The Boxing Day clash between Leeds and Liverpool was one of two Premier League games postponed on Thursday, with Wolverhampton Wanderers v Watford.

There is a Covid-19 outbreak within Marcelo Bielsa’s squad which, along with the injuries, means they are unable to field a 14-man squad to face Liverpool.

More to come

Aston Villa have looked like a revitalized squad since Steven Gerrard’s arrival and their position in the standings reflects that.

Gerrard has won four of his six games in charge, with the only losses coming to Manchester City and Liverpool by a single goal.

A former club captain of whom Gerrard now finds himself in charge, Andy Townsend, has commented on the work he has done and what their potential successes could look like this season.

Townsend said: “I really like the way Steven approached the job. I think he speaks well. I think his team immediately showed up and responded under him.