Aston Villa ‘close in’ on striker transfer as talk of sale to Leeds United shut down

Aston Villa are already making real progress on their preparations for the new season as they look to kick on under Steven Gerrard.

Villa had to settle for a disappointing 14th place finish last season, but improvements were made under Gerrard.

This summer, the former Rangers boss will be looking to put his own stamp on the Villa squad, and he has already started to do so.

Villa have already snapped up Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho and Diego Carlos, while Matt Targett has been sold.

Gerrard will be thrilled with the club’s business so far, but plenty of ups and downs remains in the summer window, which is only now getting going.

And with that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours.

Wilson deal

Villa are said to be very close to completing the signing of Ranger star Rory Wilson.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa have now agreed personal terms with the 16-year-old, and he will officially join on July 1.

Wilson scored 49 goals for Rangers’ youth team this season and he is a hot property, but Gerrard is said to be the main reason behind his decision to make a move to the Midlands.

Ings move shut down

Villa frontman Danny Ings has been linked with a move away this summer.

The veteran frontman has been linked with the likes of Southampton and Leeds United.

But according to Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett. Villa won’t be selling Ings at all this summer, ruling out a move for the striker.

He wrote on Twitter: “#avfc have no intention of selling Danny Ings, despite reports saying that #mufc and #lufc are interested.”

Ings is still under contract until 2024, joining the club for just over £25million in 2021.

The striker made 31 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring seven and assisting six.