Aston Villa and Newcastle United target a ‘key part’ of Leeds United plans as pre-season ‘absence’ explained

Aston Villa target Tyler Adams has not been pictured in Leeds United’s pre-season training footage as he continues his recovery from an injury.

It emerged via The Athletic last month the United States captain was ‘high’ on Unai Emery’s list of targets this summer as Villa prepare for their first full season under the Spaniard.

Leeds returned to pre-season training this week after appointing Daniel Farke as their new manager on a four-year deal. The club has shared photo and video updates of the squad preparing for their 2023-24 campaign, but Adams is one player yet to be seen.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that is due to the midfielder continuing his recovery from an injury which prematurely ended his 2022-23 season. He has not been involved in the pre-season preparations with the rest of the squad as he continues to work his way back to fitness.

Adams sustained a hamstring injury in March and was required to undergo surgery which saw him miss Leeds’ Premier League run-in as they were relegated from the top flight.

He suffered a set-back in his recovery and missed the the USA’s CONCACAF Nations League campaign as they beat Mexico and Canada to lift the title.

Leeds are awaiting full approval from the EFL on their proposed takeover by 49ers Enterprises, with the report from the YEP adding the American investors have identified Adams as a key part of their plans, but only if they can convince the player to forego potential offers from the likes of Villa.

West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for Adams, who impressed during his first season in England. The Hammers will have £100m to spend after agreeing a deal worth up to £105m with Arsenal for star midfielder Declan Rice, with reports manager David Moyes will be given a considerable portion of the fee to reinvest into his squad.

Former United States captain Alexei Lalas has admitted he would love to see Adams make the move to Villa Park. He told the State of the Nation podcast: “I don’t want to see Tyler Adams play in the Championship. And I think of the trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson, Tyler is the most valuable and did himself the best in terms of the way he is viewed. So, I would love to see this (move to Villa). I’ll put Tyler Adams up against anybody.”