Transfer news: Aston Villa receive boost as release clause revealed for ‘first’ name on list

Aston Villa are among several clubs interested in signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkee, according to reports in Italy. 

He is one of the ‘first’ names on their transfer shortlist though there is competition from other clubs, including Premier League rivals. According to Italian outlet TUTTO Mercato, Zirkzee has a release clause of €40m, which is roughly £34m. Milan hold an interest, whilst Spurs are interested as well as their North London rivals Arsenal. 

In an alternative report from The Sun, Manchester United 'lead' the race to sign the former Bayern Munich forward. The Red Devils are said to be the only club that has held transfer talks with the forward, but he is still very much a Bologna player with no move imminent. 

The 22-year-old boasts a Champions League win, as well as two Bundesliga titles and two German Cup wins. He has registered eight goals and four assists for Bologna in all competitions this season. Villa could be in the market for a striker given how Jhon Duran is attracting interest from both Chelsea and West Ham.

In other news, a summer move for Marcos Acuña could now be more likely. Villa along with Nottingham Forest have an interest and now he is available for a lower price according to Spanish outlet Diario AS. 

Acuna came close to joining Villa in the summer but an agreement could not be reached between Sevilla and Villa, despite Monchi, Villa's head of operations previously being sporting director at the La Liga club. 

He was reported to cost £13m, but now that price is expected to be reduced. Acuna has been limited to just 12 games this season in all competitions. Acuna has had vairous problems such as a muscular issue and a hip injury, and he last played in December. 

The 32-year-old is a left-back and is a compatriot of Emi Martinez and Emiliano Buendia. Villa already have Lucas Digne as their first choice left-back and Alex Moreno has played in his absence. AS Roma defender Leonardo Spinazzola has been linked too but so far only Kosta Nedeljković has joined.