Aston Villa target hints at transfer as Man City ‘commence talks’ amid Tottenham intrigue

Aston Villa are reportedly attempting a double swoop for central defenders, with contact made to Manchester City over Aymeric Laporte and an effort lined up to sign Athletic Bilbao ace Iñigo Martinez.

Unai Emery is said to be eager to bolster his backline after the Villans qualified for the Europa Conference League, regardless of the options already at the club.

Laporte saw a big reduction in game time at the Etihad Stadium throughout the 2022-23 title-winning campaign as Manuel Akanji was signed and impressed from the off.

The improvement of Nathan Ake’s performances didn’t help Laporte’s case either, and now he is said to be considering leaving City for a fresh endeavour.

90min claims Villa have already “held talks” over the potential signing of Laporte but should be mindful of Tottenham Hotspur, who are also keen.

The report states the Spaniard is “looking to leave in order to play regular first team football” and that both clubs linked would offer that. Laporte would likely be available for around £40 million.

Martinez, on the other hand, has confirmed he will be leaving Bilbao this summer, ending a five-year stay. The 32-year-old confirmed he wants to try pastures new ahead of the 2023-24 season.

“It’s not easy to leave my home, my roots and those of my family. It has been a pleasure to defend this badge. The time has come to focus on a new sporting challenge,” Martinez said.

Villa are one of multiple sides to have been linked with the experienced Spaniard as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are said to be interested. A move to Camp Nou seems to be advanced, however.

Emery already has Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos at his disposal but the arrival of European football brings with it plenty more fixtures to navigate.

The campaign just gone saw Mings and Konsa build a formidable partnership at the centre of defence but having extra depth and competition for places would go a long way.