Aston Villa manager Unai Emery walks on the pitch to inspect it
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery walks on the pitch to inspect it
Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Aston Villa are now in talks to sign AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao, but the negotiations are ‘not close to a conclusion’ and no official offer has been made.
Villa boss Unai Emery wants more attackers on the books before the transfer window closes and could potentially lose Ollie Watkins from his squad.
Watkins is wanted by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal and it is a switch the England striker is keen to make.
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Aston Villa have been chasing Chelsea‘s Nicolas Jackson, who Emery worked with at Villarreal, and are hoping to bring him to Villa Park before the window closes.
Other irons are also in the fire and Aston Villa have had an interest in AC Milan’s Leao since earlier this summer.
They appear to be swinging into action now to explore doing a deal for the Portugal international attacker.
According to Italian journalist Orazio Accomando, the talks are ‘not close to a conclusion’ and AC Milan are still waiting for an official offer.
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A move to the Premier League is considered to be a real possibility for Leao, with super agent Jorge Mendes hard at work on a potential switch for the Rossoneri star.
La Liga could also be another possible destination for Leao, while there has been persistent interest from Turkey in the shape of Galatasaray.
Leao, it was suggested earlier this summer, would not be opposed to continuing his career at Aston Villa and much may come down to the price.
Emery’s side are moving on several fronts ahead of a busy end to the transfer window and also need defensive reinforcements, with Ezri Konsa gone.
They have been holding talks for Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, while Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis is also wanted by Villa.