Aston Villa have ‘bid rejected’ for Portugal international as interest in key midfielder grows

Aston Villa have had a ‘bid rejected’ for FC Porto’s standout attacking midfielder Otavio.

That’s according to Maisfutebol who claim the Villans have offered £30million for the Portugal international who scored five goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions last season for the Liga Portugal side.

The outlet also claim that it won’t cost much more for Villa to land the 27-year-old if they are to increase their bid.

It states that the 30 time Liga Portugal winners have a short-term €40million ‘discount release clause’ on the attacker up until July 15th when it will then once again to €60million.

The claret and blue return to Bodymoor Heath for pre-season testing on Monday before getting back into their rigorous summer schedule which will involve them flying out to Australia on July 9th.

If a deal with FC Porto for Otavio is to be struck, it’s likely that it will have to be done by then not only so he can be included on the pre-season tour but so the Villans can grab him for that cut-price fee.

Douglas Luiz interest grows from Serie A

Elsewhere and interest in Luiz appears to be growing more by the day.

The Brazilian is due to return to Bodymoor Heath with the main chunk of the squad on Monday but for how long is yet to be seen.

Express & Star claim that Jose Mourinho is a big admirer of the 24-year-old but will have to stump up the cash if they are to land him for his £30million valuation.

Serie A champions AC Milan are also monitoring the Brazilian’s situation closely according to Italian outlet tuttomercatoweb who claim Luiz’s representatives have already sat down with the Rossoneri.

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