Transfer Roundup: Lucas Paqueta to Aston Villa, Youssef Chermiti to Rangers

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta before the end of the summer window.

The 28-year-old was linked to Manchester City during the summer of 2023, with the Citizens supposedly set to reignite their interest in the playmaker.

Paqueta scored a stunning strike to put Graham Potter's troops ahead against Chelsea last Friday night, although the East Londoners went on to lose 5-1 at home versus the Blues.

Collecting zero points and conceding eight goals across their opening two Premier League matches of the campaign, pressure is beginning to mount for the Hammers at the London Stadium.

According to the Daily Mail, last week's goalscorer Paqueta could be set for a move away from West Ham before the September 1 deadline.

The report claims that Europa League-competing Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs keen on the Brazil international.

It is believed that Paqueta is open to a move away from the London Stadium in search of European football, instead of a relegation battle with Potter's troops.

West Ham are said to be willing to accept suitable offers for the midfielder as they look to bolster their squad during the final moments of the trading point.

Rangers enquire over Premier League youngster?

North of the English border, Rangers are looking to make serious improvements to their playing ranks following a lacklustre start to the campaign.

The Glasgow giants are yet to pick up a win in the Scottish Premiership and crashed out of the Champions League after a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge.

As per Sky Sports News, under-pressure head coach Russell Martin could be helped by the arrival of a Premier League attacker in the coming days.

The report states that the Gers have enquired to Everton over a potential deal for Portugal youngster Chermiti, who played just four times in the top flight for the Toffees last term.

It is understood that Rangers are targeting a temporary deal for the 21-year-old, with the attacker searching for regular first-team minutes.

Gers sporting director Kevin Thelwell is no stranger to Chermiti, having signed the forward to Everton from Sporting Lisbon for £15m in 2023.

The attacker has made just 24 appearances across a 24-month period for the Toffees, impacted significantly by a number of injuries.

West Ham to sign Paris wonderkid?

While avoiding relegation is the immediate aim at the London Stadium, West Ham are also planning for the future during this summer's transfer window.

Such ambitions are shown by the Hammers' move for French youngster Dimitri Colau, according to European outlet Footmercato.

The 19-year-old is currently on the books of Paris FC, who gained promotion to Ligue 1 at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

However, Colau did not feature for the first team of the capital side last term, managing just five senior appearances to date.

The right-back - who can also operate in the middle of the park - is supposedly expected to sign a four-year deal at West Ham, with the option of a further 12 months.

With no experience of top-flight football, Colau is set to play for the Hammers' youth sides before aiming to break into the senior scene at a later date.