Aston Villa transfer ‘still possible’ as winger update surfaces, Wolves interested in Dutchman

Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Udinese winger Gerard Deulofeu may not be over just yet according to a fresh report in Italy. The former Barcelona and Everton man has been linked tirelessly with a move to Villa Park this January and the saga has been revived, despite reports last week suggesting a deal would be unlikely.

The Villans made an enquiry to Udinese earlier this month, with new manager Unai Emery keen on bringing in a “winger with different characteristics”. Deulofeu, capable of playing anywhere across the front three, certainly fits that bill and he is in terrific form having contributed eight direct goal involvements in 16 Serie A appearances this term.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Deulofeu has a “rich offer” of €4 million per year “in hand” with Villa willing to offer around €20 million for the winger’s services. Udinese are said to be unimpressed by that particular fee and they would prefer to sell Deulofeu in the summer, however.

Udinese director Pierpaolo Marino, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “There are top clubs interested, it’s true, but nothing’s advanced as things stand. We don’t want to sell any player in January, but it could change, it will depend on many factors.” It remains to be seen what Deulofeu thinks of the ongoing saga, but with Villa pushing toward the European spots, there is certainly an attractive project to join.

The 28-year-old struggled during his last spell in the Premier League as he scored just four goals and contributed only five assists in 30 appearances during the 2019/20 season, as Watford were relegated. But since then, the Spaniard has got back to his best again. The versatile forward has recorded 32 direct goal contributions (18G, 14A) in just 67 matches across all competitions for the Italian side, putting himself back on the radar.

Meanwhile, Wolves ‘register interest’ in Dutch defender

In other West Midlands transfer news, Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of a few clubs interested in signing Heerenveen right-back Milan van Ewijk, according to The Daily Mail. The 22-year-old has emerged as a priority target for Sporting Lisbon as they look to replace Pedro Porro, who has been linked heavily with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Wolves, Southampton and Fulham are all said to have made an enquiry for the defender as they look to battle Sporting for his signature. Van Ewijk, who stands at 5ft 7in, has played every single minute available to him in the Dutch Eredivisie this season. In 17 league appearances throughout 2022/23, the Netherlands U21 international has scored three goals for Heerenveen.