Borussia Dortmund lead Aston Villa in race for 16-goal forward as Leeds United target Wolves defender

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery remains in the market for a striker this summer to boost his team’s chances of success on both the domestic and European stage.

So far this summer, Villa have added the likes of Jaden Philogene, Samuel Iling-Junior and Lewis Dobbin to bolster their wide options after the departure of Moussa Diaby, while Cameron Archer has returned to the first team set-up after scoring just four goals in 29 matches for Sheffield United last term.

The Villains were heavily reliant on the goal-scoring heroics of Ollie Watkins last season and are keen to add a clinical centre forward to their ranks to help them cope with the new European format which sees them play eight Champions League matches instead of six.

As it stands, Sky Germany have claimed that Villa have made an opening proposal for in-form Hoffenheim frontman Maximilian Beier after an incredible breakout campaign which saw him register 16 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches.

Beier, like Watkins, is renowned for his explosive pace and ability to get in behind defences which would make him a perfect tactical fit for Unai Emery’s system. The 21-year-old, who represented Germany at Euro 2024, is also believed to have a release clause of around £25m which makes him very appealing to both Aston Villa and Chelsea. However, following West Ham’s proposed move to sign Niclas Fulbruk from Borussia Dortmund it is now understood by Sky Germany that the German side are the favourites to strike a deal with Hoffenheim.

Reporter Florian Plettenberg explains that new Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin has approved the deal, but adds that Villa, Chelsea and Juventus are still keeping close tabs on the situation.

Leeds United target Wolves starlet

Wolves left back Hugo Bueno has emerged as a top target for Leeds United ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season. The Spaniard, who joined the Wolves academy in 2019, has made 43 Premier League appearances in the last two seasons and has established himself as a key member of Spain’s U21 team.

Talking Wolves podcast host Dave Azzopradi confirmed the news last weekend. He said: “Leeds United are the latest club showing an interest in Wolves’ Hugo Bueno. Celtic and Feyernoord are still keen. Would be a straight loan, no option.”