Aston Villa face rivals for summer transfer target as current midfielder eyes exit

Aston Villa will already be preparing for next season as they look to kick on following their mid-season turnaround.

At one stage, it seemed as though Villa would be lucky to dodge the drop, but Steven Gerrard has managed to turn things around sufficiently to avoid any sweat late in the campaign.

The Lions are now battling for a top-half finish, but it could be tough, with title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City still to play between now and the end of the campaign.

On the other hand, Villa do have to play Burnley twice, and they will have another solid chance at three points against Crystal Palace.

But as we wait for the end of the campaign to shake out, we have rounded up all the latest transfer rumours surrounding Villa Park.

Sangare option

Villa are said to be interested in a move for PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare ahead of this summer.

Sangare has been likened to Yaya Toure because of his impactful midfield play, and the current Ivory Coast international is still only 24 years of age.

According to The Sun, Villa are considering a move for Sangare, but they are being rivalled by both Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.

Hourihane keen on exit

Conor Hourihane seems to have found his next club amid his expiring Aston Villa contract.

The midfielder has spent this season on loan at Sheffield United, helping the Blades to reach the play-offs in the Championship.

And according to the Sheffield Star, he is willing to make the move to the Steel City full-time, and regardless of whether United manage to get promoted.

Hourihane has been with Villa since 2017, making 132 appearances in that time.

But his deal ends at the end of this season and he is very unlikely to be kept around.