Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle United faced with transfer countdown as Juventus star linked

Aston Villa are said to have engaged in conversations with Paulo Dybala's representatives ahead of a possible move, according to reports.

Italian outlet Corriere della Sera says that Villa along with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United have all made contact asking for information surrounding Dybala's future at Roma. Earlier this month it emerged that Dybala has a shockingly low release clause of €13m (£11.1m) however that will expire on Monday, January 15 which means that interested parties will have to make an official move soon if they are to snap him at a discounted price.

Saudi Pro League clubs are said to be interested but according to the report, Dybala favours staying in Europe and so moving to the Gulf is 'unlikely' at this time. World Cup winner Dybala is under contract until the summer of 2025 at the Olimpicio Stadium, and earlier this week his club teammate Leonardo Spinazzola was linked with a move to Villa Park.

In other news, Samuel Iling-Junior has appeared on Villa's radar again. The 20-year-old was linked with a move in the summer however he remained with Juventus but the rumours have not gone away. Italian outlet Calcio Mercato says that Villa are the latest side to join the race and are 'interesed' in discussing a permanent transfer. Monza and Sassulo are said to be keen but only want to sign Iling-Junior on a loan deal.

Iling-Junior - born in London - is a 30-time England international and has represented the under-21s team three times in 2023. He was part of Chelsea's youth academy for nine years but moved to Juventus in 2020 and has made a handful of appearances for their first-team.

He has played 10 games this season with one goal and one assist however only olne of those has been starts. He did get a 45-minute cameo off the bench in Juventus' last game magainst Salernitana and scored the equalising goal in the 65th minute. It has been suggested that Juventus have held preliminary talks about extending the winger's contract which runs out in 2025.