‘Talks held’ - £15m Aston Villa star can ‘quit’ as transfer offer imminent

Turkish giants Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker, according to reports.

Football Insider claim that Fenerbahce are ‘readying a last-gasp move’ for the midfielder ahead of their transfer deadline. Turkey’s transfer window shuts on Friday, September 15, and could go through with a late push to sign the Belgian.

It is reported that he is ‘free to quit the club’ as he does not feature in Unai Emery’s plans following a series of signings in the centre-midfield area. Dendoncker’s Belgium teammate Youri Tielemans joined earlier this summer, whilst Nicolo Zaniolo joined at the end of August. Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn meanwhile have played the most minutes out of the array of midfield options this term.

Fenerbahce are unsure yet whether to make a permanent offer or a loan, and have two days to make a proposition to Villa. Talks have been held between the 28-year-old’s representatives and the Turkish club, and it should make for a smooth process if Villa agree to his exit. No offer has yet been made by Fenerbahce to Aston Villa but a deal ‘is possible’ according to sources at Football Insider.

Bahce are in the Europa Conference League like Villa but would be unable to register Dendoncker should he move there. The two sides are not in the same group but could meet in the knockout rounds should both teams progress in December. The Turkish side have several former Premier League players on their books including long-time transfer target Josh King, as well as ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred, whilst Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko, Michy Batshuayi and Ryan Kent are also contracted to them.

Dendoncker’s current deal runs until the summer of 2027 after costing Aston Villa £15m back in September 22. He was signed when Steven Gerrard was in charge and made 26 appearances in all competitions for Villa last season.

He has contended with an injury this season and has been limited to just 21-minutes of pitch-time which came in the second leg of their Europa Conference League play-off win over Hibernian. He was an unused substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield before the international break.