Aston Villa ‘scouting’ £70m transfer as Tottenham delivered bad news

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard took in Manchester City’s Champions League draw at Atletico Madrid as he assessed one of his key summer transfer targets.

Pep Guardiola’s side secured their place in the semi-final of European football’s elite competition with a goalless draw in Spain after a Kevin de Bruyne goal gave them a narrow win in the first leg at the Etihad.

Gerrard’s long-standing attempts to strengthen his midfield options have led to interest in a number of options across the Premier League and Europe with the likes of Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara and Sunderland youngster Dan Neil all linked with a move to Villa Park.

The Villa boss was in the Spanish capital to take a personal check on Atleti star Geoffrey Kondogbia and it is believed he was sufficiently impressed with his performance against the Premier League giants to step up his interest this summer, according to Birmingham Live.

Kondogbia has been a key player for Diego Simeone’s side throughout the season and has attracted the attention of several clubs across the continent as his future remains unclear.

Villa’s Premier League rivals Spurs hold a long-standing interest in the Central African Republic international and have made a previous attempt to sign him during his time with Valencia.

The North London side were put off by a reported £70million asking price - but could reignite their interest if the midfielder is allowed to leave Atleti this summer.