Transfer column: Wolves defender claim, West Brom free agent view and Villa latest
The Premier League and EFL seasons have now been completed - as attention turns to the summer transfer window.
The talk of transfers and who will go where in the summer has already begun.
The Express & Star brings you the latest daily transfer column with all the latest talk surrounding your clubs.
Not all posts are the view of the Express & Star with some from third party outlets.
Barrett linked with Walsall exit
Walsall defender Connor Barrett has reportedly agreed a deal to join League One side Wigan Athletic.
Barrett, 24, has just 12 months left on the three-year deal he signed upon joining the Saddlers from non-league AFC Fylde in 2024.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Wigan have won the race to sign Barrett after two seasons at Bescot.
Goalkeeper latest with Wolves set for change
As reported by Liam Keen on Tuesday, there is set to be a lot of change in the goalkeeping department at Molineux.
Catch up on it all right here:
Rangers Nasser Djiga update
Wolves defender Nasser Djiga spent last season on loan at Rangers - as the Ibrox club lost out in the title race.
He joined Rangers after making just six appearances for Wolves - having joined the club in January 2025 for £10m.
Towards the end of the SPL season, there had been talk that Rangers were considering making a move to sign Djiga on a permanent basis.
However, fresh reports in Scotland have claimed that Rangers have confirmed to Wolves they will not be looking to make any deal permanent.
The defender, who signed for Wolves from Red Star, is under contract with Wolves until 2030.
More clubs in race for keeper
Earlier this week Wolves were linked with a move for goalkeeper Anthony Patterson from Sunderland.
The promotion winning keeper spent the second half of last season on loan at Millwall - having helped the Black Cats into the Premier League during the previous campaign.
He is set to leave for £8m this summer - with Wolves one of the club’s linked amid upcoming changes in the keeper department.
But there are other clubs not being linked including Wrexham, who have been tipped to make a bid.
The big areas Wolves need to address
It has been said over and over - but it really is a big summer of change for Wolves.
They have already made moves with the likes of Andre signing a new deal - and on the new E&S Wolves podcast, Jonny Drury and Liam Keen look at the two big areas that need addressing:
Why Max O’Leary decided to stay at West Brom
Albion’s first bit of transfer or contract business this summer has been confirmed as Max O’Leary signed a new three year deal.
Catch up with what he said after penning his new deal:
Southampton could be top grab for Albion - VIEW
As Championship and Premier League players are released from their clubs - they begin to be linked with other clubs as they look to nail down a new contract.
One that has come onto the radar of Baggies fans in the last 24 hours is Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone, who will be departing the club.
The Republic of Ireland international played a key role for Saints in their play-off win over Albion back in 2024 - and has featured almost 100 times for the club, before spending last season on loan at Millwall.
He is set to be hot property in the Championship - but could well be one Albion look at. He brings a lot of quality, can play in a number of different positions in midfield.
No doubt bigger Championship sides will go for him, but Albion could be one that could offer Smallbone more regular game time, and that could possibly be a pull.
Villa interest in star remains
Marcus Rashford’s future is up in the air following a season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United - which came following six months with Villa.
He enjoyed a superb campaign and now the race seems to be on for his signature this summer, and there is still reportedly interest from Villa.
Bayern Munich, Newcastle and Spurs are all looking at the situation - while Barcelona have made their intentions clear that they want to sign Rashford on a permanent basis.
Guessand future to be decided
New reports have claimed that Evann Guessand’s future is up in the air as the big money summer signing from 2025 considers his options.
Having signed for Villa for £23.5m last summer, but played just 14 times in the first half of the season before going on to Crystal Palace.
He went on to help Palace with the Conference League, and there was a clause in his loan deal that could lead to a permanent deal, according to reports.
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