Aston Villa ‘thrust into' £12m transfer war with Liverpool and Newcastle United

The 18-year-old midfield sensation has been linked with the majority of Europe’s elite clubs following an impressive breakout season with Schalke in Germany’s second tier and appeared to be off to Bayern Munich – but that move is now off the cards.

Ouédraogo netted on his first-team debut last July as Schalke lost 5-3 in a thriller away at Hamburger SV. The goals dried up for a while afterward but the game time didn’t as Ouédraogo was a regular until suffering an injury in October.

The teenager returned with a bang, scoring and earning the man of the match award on his first start back - against Hannover 96 - before adding another to his tally two games later against Osnabrueck. Ouédraogo’s three goals and two assists in 17 league matches during his maiden campaign have earned plentiful attention.

Sky Germany reports Bayern were set to sign Ouédraogo but have pulled out of the deal as they must prioritise immediate first-team signings. It’s claimed several Premier League clubs - including Villa - are keen on taking advantage of the situation, thrusting themselves into the race as Ouédraogo has a £12 million release clause until mid-June.

Villa face Ouédraogo competititon

Bayern’s German top-tier rivals Red Bull Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are hopeful of completing a deal but a switch to the Premier League could prove tempting. Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all been linked with Ouédraogo, though immediate game time wouldn’t be likely.

It’d likely be a similar case at Villa Park but Unai Emery’s tendency to rotate the roles his midfielders occupy - and the presence of added games in the Champions League - could open up opportunities. Ouédraogo, who is predominantly a deep-lying playmaker, has already played 17 times for Germany at under-17 level. He certainly won’t