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Aston Villa are weighing up two major Serie A transfer swoops but face competition from West Ham United.
Villa are reportedly keen on signing two players from the Italian top flight this winter, with Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori on the radar.
Unai Emery is eager to strengthen in two key areas in the January transfer window - right-back and attack - as he seeks to bolster Villa’s squad depth. Players must be the right fit and come at a reasonable price but the Villans’ intention is to be active in the winter market.
Reports in Italy suggest former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is on Villa’s shortlist. The 26-year-old was previously a target but AC Milan wanted €30million (£24.8m), a fee considered too much. The asking price is now said to have dropped, however, with I Rossoneri willing to consider cheaper offers.
Fikayo Tomori starred in AC Milan's recent 3-1 win away at Real Madrid but he's not been as regular of a starter in Serie A.Fikayo Tomori starred in AC Milan's recent 3-1 win away at Real Madrid but he's not been as regular of a starter in Serie A.
Fikayo Tomori starred in AC Milan's recent 3-1 win away at Real Madrid but he's not been as regular of a starter in Serie A. | Getty Images
Although Tomori isn’t an out-and-out right-back, the five-time England international is more than capable of playing in that role and would also offer useful competition for Ezri Konsa at centre-half. Tomori could be keen on the move, too, as he’s no longer a regular starter in Serie A under manager Paulo Fonseca.
West Ham are interested in Tomori too, however, so Villa would have to bat away the competition to secure the defender’s services. Although Villa are in the Champions League, West Ham would likely offer more guaranteed starts.
Villa weighing up £66m winger approach
A different report, this time from Caught Offside, suggests Villa could complete an ambitious double swoop from Italy. It’s claimed the Villans are one of several Premier League clubs interested in Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, a winger who recently impressed in the Champions League visit to Villa Park.
Kenan Yildiz started for Juventus in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on November 27.Kenan Yildiz started for Juventus in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on November 27.
Kenan Yildiz started for Juventus in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on November 27. | AFP via Getty Images
The report reveals Juventus would be willing to part ways with their prized asset for around €80million (£66.2m). That may sound a scary fee but Yildiz, who has started all five Champions League matches so far this season, is one of the most promising talents in Serie A.
Villa are unlikely to fork out such a fee this winter as they are still walking a fine line with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, but a future move cannot be ruled out. As Yildiz, still just 19, is capable of playing on either flank or through the centre, he’s certainly versatile enough to fulfil Emery’s needs.
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