Aston Villa set for £40m transfer budget boost as Wolves star makes Man Utd transfer admission

The summer transfer window is upon us, and both Aston Villa and Wolves will want to get off to a strong start as they look to improve ahead of next season. Villa need to strengthen ahead of a Champions League campaign, with Unai Emery no doubt wanting to do more than just compete in the competition.

As for Wolves, Gary O’Neill and his men will want to use last season as a springboard back towards the European spots. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding the two West Midlands clubs.

Villa ‘agree’ bumper deal

Villa are said to have ‘broadly agreed’ a deal that will see striker Jhon Duran head to Chelsea. The Telegraph claim a £40million deal is more or less in place for the forward who scored five goals in 35 league appearances last season, although he is still just 20 years of age.

The deal that saw Duran arrive at Villa Park cost Villa up to £18million including thereabouts, but the Midlands club now look to more than double their money in the space of a year, boosting their finances along the way amid Financial Fair Play concerns.

Cunha admission

Wolves star Matheus Cunha has admitted he is flattered to have been linked with Manchester United. The former Atletico Madrid forward has been tipped to replace the likes of Anthony Martial at Old Trafford after an impressive campaign at Molineux.

Cunha said while on international duty: “You know it's a real honour to have your name linked to Manchester United. One of the biggest clubs in the world. But I'm happy at Wolves. If I'm lucky, I play another good season, but the window is open, you never know."

The better news is that Cunha has already spoken about his enjoyment in playing for Wolves under O’Neil. He told Sky Sports in late May: "It is the season that I have enjoyed the most," he says. "I think it has been the best relationship I have had with a gaffer ever. I have an unbelievable coach who supports everyone a lot. Everything together has helped me to show everyone my best version."

Grealish claim

England boss Gareth Southgate ‘never really loved’ former Aston Villa favourite Jack Grealish, according to Jamie O’Hara, who has been speaking about the decision to cut the forward from the Euro 2024 squad. "I don't think Southgate ever really loved Grealish," O'Hara told Grosvenor Sport.

"He never got the call-up for England at Aston Villa when he was playing his best football, but Southgate had to put him in when he joined Manchester City and started playing most weeks. The problem for Jack is he's been injured and hasn't played as much this season. The fact he hasn't featured much for City alongside his injuries means it's made it easy for Southgate to leave him out, I don't think he's ever admired Jack that much as a player and I reckon he thinks there's better players than him."