Aston Villa are now stepping up their pursuit of a centre-back, who is being targeted by a whole host of rival Premier League clubs.
Villa eyeing summer signings amid European push
With Chelsea on a downward spiral, losing against Everton and Newcastle United over the past two weeks, Villa are in a strong position to finish in the top five, which is likely to guarantee qualification for next season’s Champions League.
However, Unai Emery‘s side could also book their place in Europe’s elite competition via a Europa League triumph, having secured their place in the quarter-final courtesy of a 3-0 victory against Ligue 1 side Lille over two legs.
Reaching the Champions League is of key significance to the Villans, given their well-documented PSR issues, but they remain keen on bringing in lesser-known players this summer, in order to avoid paying more fines for breaching financial rules.
18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain ace Ibrahim Mbaye is among the targets in attack, with the winger making a real breakthrough at the French club this season, appearing 25 times across all competitions.
However, Emery & co are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch, and another youngster has now been identified as a target.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now opened talks about a deal for in-demand Hearts starlet Alfie Osborne, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Fulham and Leeds United.
The news that Champions League-chasing Villa have made an approach will come as a blow to Leeds, given that Daniel Farke’s side remain in a relegation battle, currently sitting just four points above the bottom three.
Clearly, the Villans should have the edge over Leeds in the race for Osborne’s signature, and there are signs he could be a solid addition to Emery’s squad, having impressed for Hearts in the Scottish Youth Cup this season, according to journalist Joel Sked.
The 17-year-old, who is a top target for Emery’s side, has been a key player for the Hearts B team in the Lowland League this season, making 27 appearances, and he has displayed his leadership abilities by captaining the side in their last eight matches.
The Scottish prodigy, who stands at a towering 6’4, is available for less than £250k, according to the aforementioned report, which is nothing for a club like Aston Villa, and it is definitely worth taking a chance on the young centre-back this summer.
Unai Emery tells Robert Olabe to prioritise Aston Villa deal for star with initial talks held
The Spaniard has made clear that he should be at Villa next season.