Aston Villa 'hold discussions' over blockbuster transfer raid for six-time Premier League winning titan

Aston Villa have made great strides since Unai Emery was brought in as their replacement for Steven Gerrard. They reached the Champions League last year after finishing in the top four. They are aiming to do the same again but their fate is out of their hands right now after their loss at Manchester City last time out.

The Midlands outfit remain in the FA Cup and face Crystal Palace in the semi-finals this weekend. Emery has the chance to bring in some new faces this summer. He also has the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if he wants to.

Aston Villa eye ambitious Kevin de Bruyne deal

Aston Villa have held ‘internal discussions’ regarding a potential move for Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne, according to Sky Sports. The report claims they are interested in luring the attacking midfielder to Villa Park in a surprise switch. Inter Miami, New York City and DC United want to snap him up in America, whilst Como have also been mentioned as a possible suitor in Italy.

De Bruyne, 33, is leaving City when his deal expires at the end of this term. He will become a free agent when his contract runs out. He will considering his options and has a big decision to make on where he wants to go next.

The Belgium international, who has made 109 caps for his country to date, has been a great servant to his current club over recent years under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. He has won the title on six occasions and has also got his hands on the Champions League. The former Genk, Chelsea and Werder Bremen man moved to the Etihad Stadium back in 2015 from Wolfsburg and has since scored 107 goals in 417 outings in all competitions.

Where would Kevin de Bruyne fit in at Aston Villa?

De Bruyne would be an exciting signing for Aston Villa and would inject some serious quality into their side if they got him. Eyebrows would be raised if they secured his signature and it would be a big statement of intent. However, they would have to see off competition from elsewhere to get him.

Pundit Paul Merson has delivered his verdict on the situation and has told Sky Sports: "It's a great move for Aston Villa. The problem is going to be does Kevin De Bruyne want to play every week or is he all right playing every now and then? If he wants to play every week, then he has to go to Saudi or the MLS. But if he wants to play 20 to 25 league games a season then I think Villa is a great move.

"You've got so much talent at Aston Villa going forward. There's a lot of pace and that's a dream for De Bruyne. It's a big pitch at Villa Park, get him on the ball. No one sees a pass like De Bruyne - maybe only Trent Alexander-Arnold in the world of football see a pass like De Bruyne."

De Bruyne will be weighing up what is best for him next. Joining Aston Villa would mean he wouldn’t need to uproot his family and move country. However, he may fancy living in a new place for a change of scene.