Aston Villa are now said to be showing interest in a proven Premier League winger as they tool up for a Champions League campaign. This will not be a week that Unai Emery remembers favourably, given the loss of key midfielder Youri Tielemans, who is to join Manchester United after having his release clause met.
Tielemans was a key player for Villa, and there will be concerns about how the midfield adapts after his departure, but Villa did react quickly by hijacking Newcastle United's move for Johan Manzambi, who is now headed for Villa Park. Another midfield signing is likely after Manzambi, perhaps in the form of Joao Gomes, but there are also other areas Emery will want to strengthen, including the attack.
Aston Villa interested in Crysencio Summerville transfer
Crysencio Summerville West Ham
Villa are said to be interested in a deal to sign West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, who is expected to be on the move this summer, but they will need to get a move on. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, AS Roma have now submitted a bid for Summerville as they look to ramp up their summer business.
The report claims Roma have lodged a €45 million (£38.2m) bid for Summerville, and that discussions are ongoing between the two clubs. Roma's owners, the Friedkins, recently arrived in Roma to help forge ahead with transfers, and they are now aggressively pursuing targets.
The same report claims Villa are providing competition for the winger, with speculation that they could make a move of their own. Crucially, Summerville is currently on holiday following his World Cup participation, but he remained in the US, taking his holiday time in Miami.
The report claims Summerville was scheduled to return today, on Thursday, and he is expected to inform his representatives of his position on his future, with an exit all-but certain following West Ham's relegation.
Summerville a 'dangerous' attacker
Crysencio Summerville
Former West Ham star Kevin Nolan described Summerville as 'incredible' late last season. Meanwhile, his former coach, Alfons Groenendijk, said after the season: "He already had something special at ADO. That kid has a cheeky streak in his game. He has guts and believes in his own abilities. It’s fun to watch him. At West Ham, he had the freedom to switch sides during the match. That makes him even more unpredictable and dangerous.”
Summerville, who is still only 24 years of age, has 10 Premier League goals and eight assists during his career from 84 outings, but he has generally played with struggling teams in Leeds United and then West Ham.
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