Aston Villa ‘approach’ Liverpool and Newcastle target as Wolves ‘prepare’ for £25m transfer

Aston Villa have had an audacious approach for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa turned down, according to a reputable report in Italy.

The Villans are in the market for a new wide man and see Chiesa’s lack of game time at the Old Lady as an opportunity to swoop in.

Sky Sport Italy journalist Gianluca di Marzio claims Villa have “put €60 million (£51.4 million) on the plate” for the Newcastle United and Liverpool target.

Unfortunately for Unai Emery and all involved in B6, however, the report states “the player would not like the destination” and is waiting for another instead.

This is even despite qualification for the Europa Conference League being secured as Chiesa would prefer a transfer to a club with Champions League football.

Di Marzio claims Newcastle “want to go shopping again in Italy” after reaching a €70 million (£59.9 million) agreement for AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Jürgen Klopp “really likes the player” and wants to make a bid. It’s claimed Juventus value Chiesa at £51.4 million, the same as what Villa offered.

Meanwhile, Wolves ‘prepare’ for defensive transfer

In other West Midlands transfer news, Villa’s local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly preparing their farewells to central defender Nathan Collins.

The Ireland international only signed for Wolves last summer – in a £20.5 million move from Burnley – but he could swiftly see the exit door, just 11-and-a-half months on.

Fellow Premier League outfit Brentford are seriously interested and have already had a £21 million bid rejected, according to an exclusive report in the Daily Mail.

The Bees are confident that a second offer in the region of £25 million should be enough to secure the 22-year-old’s signature early on in the summer transfer window.

Collins was a regular for Wanderers throughout the first half of the 2022/23 season but lost his place when Craig Dawson signed at the end of January.