Aston Villa & Liverpool ‘joined’ by German giants in race for 17-goal midfielder plus Leeds United star linked

Football fans across England will turn their attention back to the national side as Gareth Southgate’s boys get set for a double header of UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Meanwhile, Premier League sides continue to work in the background with the summer transfer window open and picking up pace including at Aston Villa where Unai Emery’s side are being linked with some major deals. The Villains have reportedly been battling Liverpool over the signature of a goal scoring midfielder but now a major Bundesliga club have apparently joined the race.

Elsewhere, Villa are being linked with a striker who will be familiar to them having been a stand out for recently relegated Leeds United in recent years. Here are the latest Aston Villa transfer news stories on Friday, June 16:

Aston Villa and Liverpool ‘joined’ by German giants in race for 17-goal midfielder

According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are one of three Premier League sides who are keeping tabs on Japanese attacking midfielder Keito Nakamura. The other two clubs are believed to be Liverpool and newly-promoted Burnley.

The 22-year old scored 17 goals in all competitions for Austrian outfit LASK last season and has caught the eye of several top clubs across Europe. Borussia Dortmund are now also believed to be amongst his admirers and could rival Villa, the Reds and the Clarets in the race to sign him.

Aston Villa ‘interested’ in signing Leeds United forward

Per a report from HITC, via CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Aston Villa are among the clubs who have been linked with Leeds United forward Rodrigo. Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion as well as Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keen on the Spain international.

The 32-year old scored 13 goals for the Whites last season but couldn’t prevent them from being relegated to the EFL Championship on the final day of the season. Jacobs said: “He is being looked at by a variety of clubs, PSG are one to watch, I’m told Villa are watching his situation very closely. Brighton are on the lookout. It is hard to see Rodrigo staying.”