Aston Villa to ‘hold talks’ over £68m transfer target while midfielder ‘edges closer’ to Turkey exit

Aston Villa are back in Europe for the first time since the 2008/09 season and Unai Emery’s men are hoping to add further additions to the team in the January transfer window as they aim to build on last season’s strong finish.

The summer transfer window was a busy time for the West Midlands outfit and high profile signing Moussa Diaby has already got in on the goals at Villa Park, while Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans are other strong signings with a wealth of experience.

Aston Villa were heavily linked with Federico Chiesa during the summer window but a proposed £51m move for the player never materialised.

But it now appears that Emery has his eyes on a new wide target, who could well smash the club’s existing transfer record.

Portuguese star Pedro Goncalves is the name attracting interest from Aston Villa and Emery is believed to be a huge fan of the winger.

The 25-year-old, who was previously on the books at Wolves, has been a revelation for Sporting CP in the last four seasons and he has lifted one league title and two Portuguese League Cups.

His best individual campaign came in the 2020/21 season when he scored 23 league goals but he had a productive campaign last term as well with 15 goals.

Portuguese outlet O Jogo claims Aston Villa are in talks to try and sign the player who has a release clause of around £68m.

Aston Villa set to make midfield decision amid Turkey interest

Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker is attracting interest from Turkish side Fenerbahce, according to Birmingham Live.

Dendoncker arrived from Wolves last year but he has struggled for first team football and his only competitive appearance this season came in the second leg of Villa’s play-off game with Hibernian.

The Turkish transfer window is scheduled to close on 15 September and it remains to be seen whether Dendoncker has a role to play at Villa Park.