Aston Villa face ‘difficult’ £33m transfer battle amid rival midfielder ‘talks’

Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa side are expected to have a busy summer ahead of them.

After showing early signs of promise under the new manager, results have plateaued somewhat in recent weeks, and the club will be eager to kick on next season with a reinforced squad at their disposal.

With that in mind, here are some of the latest rumours involving the Villans and their potential summer dealings.

Villa could struggle to wrap up Coutinho deal

Despite a slight dip in form in recent weeks, Philippe Coutinho’s January loan move to Aston Villa could justifiably be regarded as a success.

The Brazilian has brought an injection of quality into Steven Gerrard’s attacking lineup, but according to a fresh update, the chances of Villa retaining his services on a permanent basis could be relatively slim.

As per Mundo Deportivo, ‘it seems difficult’ for the Villans club to pay the £33.2 million fee his parent club Barcelona are reportedly looking for.

With his contract at Barca set to expire in 2023, it is suggested that the ‘logical thing’ for the La Liga side is to ‘earn some money’ by negotiating a significant sale in the coming months.

Duo open Fernandez talks

Real Madrid and Manchester United have reportedly held ‘talks’ about a move for Aston Villa target Enzo Fernandez.

The River Plater midfielder has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, including Villa, as well as rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

All three parties are said to ‘want’ the player, who currently has a £17 million release clause written into his deal in Argentina.

But as per TyC Sports journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, it is Man United, as well as La Liga giants Real Madrid, who have made the first tentative enquiries for the 21-year-old.