Aston Villa have been approached by Hoffenheim as the in-form Bundesliga side eye up a late-window signing from the Midlands, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Villa have orchestrated an emotionally-charged January window, mainly by securing the returns of former heroes Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz.
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Abraham completed his £18.2 million permanent switch from Besiktas on Monday, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract that reunites him with Villa Park supporters.
The 28-year-old striker enjoyed a legendary loan spell during the 2018/19 campaign, delivering 26 goals that fired the Villans' promotion charge whilst becoming the first player since Andy Gray in 1977 to reach 25 strikes for them in a single season.
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Besiktas activated their £11 million purchase option before immediately flipping Abraham to Villa for profit, with teenage midfielder Yasin Ozcan heading to Turkey as part of the arrangement.
The England international arrives to replace Donyell Malen, who departed for Roma earlier this month.
Brazilian midfielder Luiz followed Abraham through the door shortly afterwards, completing a loan return from Juventus that includes a summer purchase option.
The 27-year-old chose Villa over interest from Chelsea and Spanish clubs, with sources indicating his heart remained at the club where he enjoyed his happiest professional period between 2019 and 2024.
Juventus' Douglas Luiz reacts
Luiz's temporary switch was facilitated by cutting short his unsuccessful loan stint at Nottingham Forest.
Manager Unai Emery desperately needed midfield reinforcements following injuries to Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ross Barkley, creating an urgent void.
Earlier in January, Villa secured Brazilian winger Alysson from Gremio for £10 million alongside French forward Brian Madjo from Metz for £12 million, with NSWE not shying away from splashing the cash despite PSR limitations.
The dual homecomings of Luiz and Abrham provide Emery with experienced Premier League operators intimately familiar with Villa's culture during a crucial potential title challenge.
Abraham could potentially debut against Brentford on Saturday, but as one striker comes through the door, another could depart.
Hoffenheim make approach for Aston Villa gem Rory Wison
That man may well be young Scottish striker Rory Wilson, who will find opportunities even harder to come by with Abraham now through the door and raring to go.
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The ex-Rangers sensation has been free-scoring at youth level with 44 goals in 67 appearances across Villa's Under 18s, Under-19s and Under-21s, but he's yet to make a single senior appearance for them.
Now, third-placed Bundesliga side Hoffenheim are looking to give him a fresh start in Europe, with Romano claiming this afternoon they've made an approach for the 20-year-old.
It is also believed he could leave on loan with an option to buy set at just £6 million.
Wilson arrived at Villa back in 2022 after being tipped for big things, but despite his excellent record beneath the senior team, the forward has never quite got his chance.
"Rory is leading the line as a 2006 against big powerful 2005s," said then-Scotland under-17s boss Brain McLaughlin back in 2022.
“He is a clever player, his touch is good, his attitude is superb and his finishing, for a young boy to be able to finish the way he can finish, just clinical and calm in front of goals. He knows he is always going to get a chance because his movement gives him that.”
Luckily for him, the Bundesliga has an excellent track record of transforming young Brits into genuine world beaters.
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