Aston Villa’s 4 key summer transfer targets

Reports in Spain have suggested Barcelona are delighted with the impact Philippe Coutinho has made during the early stages of his loan spell at Villa.

The Brazilian playmaker scored on his debut against Manchester United and was influential in Wednesday night’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United after grabbing his second goal for Villa and providing two assists for Jacob Ramsey.

The report from Mundo Deportivo states Barcelona believe the form of Coutinho will persuade Villa to trigger the £34 million clause to make the move a permanent one.

Experienced midfielder could make Villa switch

Aston Villa will compete with Premier League rivals Spurs, Ligue 1 side Marseille and Turkish giants Galatasaray for the signing of experienced midfielder Arturo Vidal.

The 131-times capped Chile international is in the final months of his current deal at Inter Milan and is expected to leave the Serie A club this summer.

The 35-year-old will be available on a free transfer and Calcio Mercato report that he is one of a number of options being considered by Villa boss Steven Gerrard.

Seagulls midfielder now Gerrard’s top summer target

Give Me Sport have revealed Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma is now Steven Gerrard’s main priory in the transfer market this summer.

The Mali international was the subject of an unsuccessful £25million bid from Villa last month and journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested Gerrard will return with another offer at the end of the season.

He stated the centre of midfielder was the main position where Gerrard wanted to strengthen and described Bissouma as his “top target”.

Ajax defender on Gerrard’s radar

Spanish outlet Fichajes have suggested Villa are one of a number of clubs monitoring Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui.

The attacking full-back has attracted interest from Leeds United, Everton and Leicester City after scoring five goals in 17 Eredivisie appearances so far this season.

The Moroccan international is rated at around £18million and has made over 125 appearances since establishing himself in the Ajax senior ranks four years ago.

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