Kosta Nedeljkovic
Kosta Nedeljkovic
Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljkovic could end up back at Bodymoor Heath this summer with reports in Germany suggesting that loan club RB Leipzig aren't expected to trigger the option in the agreement to make the move permanent - but that doesn't necessarily mean Nedeljkovic won't remain in Germany.
The young right-back, who only signed for 18 months ago from Red Star Belgrade in his native Serbia, joined Leipzig in January of this year on a loan basis. That came after he'd made ten appearances for in the first half of the season across four different competitions, though he never made a Premier League start.
By comparison, made six Bundesliga starts in his 11 appearances for Leipzig after moving at the beginning of February; although the club fell short in their attempts to qualify for the Champions League again last season.
claim that sporting director Marco Schafer, who oversaw Nedeljkovic's loan move in the first place, is eager to discuss another loan move or look into a permanent deal in which parent club Villa agree to lower the previously discussed fee. It could be that Leipzig agree to spend €10m on the player.
Nedeljkovic, who signed a contract with Villa until 2029, had a clause in his loan deal which enabled Leipzig to sign him for €12m, an arrangement which was reportedly in place until the end of June. With that deadline now having arrived, reports have emerged suggesting that Leipzig are looking to renegotiate having not been willing to pay the €12m sum.
They have only just changed their manager, too; Marco Rose left at the end of March and his successor Ole Werner has only just been appointed last week, so his input will be crucial in determining where Nedeljkovic finds himself next season. So too will be Villa's willingness to renegotiate, if that is indeed Leipzig's intention.
The Lions would appear to have moved on from Nedeljkovic already, having brought in Andres Garcia from Levante prior to sanctioning his winter loan move; Garcia competed with first choice right-back Matty Cash in the second half of last season, while they also have Kaine Kesler-Hayden returning from his award-winning loan spell at Preston.
What should Villa do in the summer window?
adidas Aston Villa range - how to get yours!
Aston Villa have announced that they are selling a new range of fashion items that fans are going to be clamouring to get hold of ahead of the new season - including a limited edition of the iconic adidas Samba range.
The Villa colours are displayed on the trainers and they also show off the Villa badge.
You can also find an adidas DNA hoody which comes in simple Villa colours and a low key traditional adidas design.
The same design can be found on classic adidas track top on offer, this is the type of track top that fans love to wear -
The DNA range continues with a claret and blue t-shirt - , and on the training pants which can also be matched with any of the items -
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