Aston Villa are preparing for another season in the Champions League next season, and are ready to trigger the release clause of a Bundesliga star to bolster their squad.
Unai Emery's side claimed a spot in the top competition in Europe by winning the Europa League final against Freiburg, while they also finished fourth in the Premier League in a fine campaign.
But the club are now preparing for the new season and are anticipating a potential change of goalkeeper being necessary amid question marks over the future of Emiliano Martinez, and a target has been identified.
Aston Villa Open Talks for Nicolas
Unai Emery
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now opened talks with Borussia Moenchengladbach over a deal to sign Moritz Nicolas.
Nicolas, who has been described as 'exceptional', enjoyed a phenomenal Bundesliga campaign this season with 13 clean sheets in 34 appearances, more than anyone else except for Borussia Dortmund star Gregor Kobel.
But Villa are anticipating more interest in current number one Martinez, who was heavily linked with a move to Man Utd last summer, and that has seen them begin the process to replace him.
Emery is keen to add a younger, ambitious goalkeeper to the squad to compete with him even if he stays, and Nicolas is considered to be a top target.
The 28-year-old has a £13m release clause in his contract, but Villa are understood to be willing to pay it as they consider him to be worth even more than that with his top-flight experience. It's also noted that Nicolas is open to making the move to Villa Park, despite interest from elsewhere too.
Aston Villa Planning for Change
emiliano martinez
Aston Villa have had a terrific campaign this year, and they want to carry that momentum into next season, despite the uncertainty around several members of their first-team squad.
Martinez is one of the first names on their team sheet, and while his exit would be a big blow, it's something they're likely to have been preparing for for several transfer windows considering the speculation around his future.
Nicolas would be a top signing considering the fee and his experience in the top-flight, and Villa's hierarchy are ready to make it happen.
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