Aston Villa add £8.3m midfielder to shortlist after failed Leeds United transfer

Villa have reportedly added Mainz star Nadiem Amiri to their attacking midfield shortlist ahead of the January transfer window.

Unai Emery is eager to land an extra option in the number 10 role but can only work with a tight budget, meaning Villa must search for bargain deals. Amiri, who has contributed three goals and two assists in five Bundesliga games so far this season, definitely fits under that umbrella.

Reliable German journalist Christian Falk reports Villa sent scouts to watch Amiri in action against Borussia Dortmund recently as they weigh up a January approach. It’s claimed Mainz would be filling to get negotiations underway at the €10million (£8.3m) mark, a figure within Villa’s reach.

Although the issues with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations are now in the past following masterstrokes from board members Monchi and Damian Vidagany, Villa must still take care with their spending. Any over-exertion could get the club back to square one, so signings must only be made if necessary.

An argument could certainly be made for Amiri to fit into that bracket, though, as the 28-year-old is in his prime and has maintained strong form since leaving Bayer Leverkusen. Despite departing Xabi Alonso’s side in January, Amiri earned a Bundesliga medal for his eight league appearances earlier in the campaign and he looks determined for more success.

Leeds United were once close to signing the five-time Germany international as a £5million bid was accepted by Leverkusen in 2023. The deal fell through, however, with Leeds claiming the player requested a steep rise in wages but Leverkusen suggesting Amiri rejected the move.