Newcastle United are ready to battle it out with Aston Villa for Marseille’s Michael Amir Murillo in the summer window, according to a report from Panama.
On Wednesday, we [covered claims from Panama](https://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-have-made-2-offers-for-29-year-old-e25m-is-being-requested/) which stated Aston Villa have tabled two bids for the defender. The Ligue 1 club rejected these offers and are requesting €25m to let him leave.
Newcastle intend to follow Aston Villa and make an offer for the 29-year-old. That’s what journalist José Miguel Domínguez reported on El Marcador, and [Fútbol Centroamérica](https://futbolcentroamerica.com/panama/giro-de-180-la-nueva-y-millonaria-oferta-por-michael-murillo-que-podria-sacarlo-del-olympique-marsella) have relayed his comments.
Aston Villa narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Champions League after losing the last tie of the season to Manchester United. Unai Emery’s side finished in sixth spot, level on points with fifth placed Newcastle United, who secured a berth in Europe’s elite club competition.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side, like the Magpies, have also qualified for the Champions League. The journalist states the Panama international’s desire was to continue at Marseille, but Newcastle could change his mind.
_“The player’s desire, as of today, is to continue at Marseille because he plays in the Champions League. However, a siren call and a formal offer from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who were very close to playing in the Champions League and will be playing in the Europa League. Another team, Newcastle, is expected to submit a formal offer for him in the coming days. Be careful, because they do play in the Champions League,”_ he said.
Michael Amir Murillo’s preferred position is on the right side of defence and he’s also been used across the backline and even as a wing-back. Transfermarkt currently value him at €9m, but the journalist insists it should be €40m.
_“We don’t understand the magnitude of Michael Amir’s value in European football. We Panamanians ourselves sometimes underestimate his current footballing ability,”_ José Miguel Domínguez explained.
_“His versatility, seeing him play as a full-back, as a centre-back, as a wing-back, inside or outside. He scores goals, crosses, is good one-on-one. Today, Murillo is worth around €40m.”_