'Signed and sealed' - Aston Villa linked striker agrees £22m deadline day transfer

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A striker has agreed a transfer to the Premier League following interest from Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Brighton & Hove Albion have snapped up Greek wonderkid Stefanos Tzimas from FC Nuremberg, beating Aston Villa and a host of other Premier League teams to the attacker’s signature.

The Seagulls confirmed on deadline day morning that Tzimas has put pen to paper on a contract that turns until June 2030, though he will remain at Nuremburg for the rest of the current season.

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The 19-year-old has enjoyed a scintillating start to the campaign in the German second tier, scoring 10 goals and making two assists in 13 league starts. Tzimas has taken a huge step up in form after netting three times in 15 Greek Super League appearances last term.

Stefanos joined Nuremburg from PAOK Salonika in the summer on loan, in a move that included an option to buy for £15 million. Nuremburg activated that option in this current window, ahead of his move to Brighton.

Although Albion haven’t disclosed the exact fee they have paid to Nuremburg for Tzimas, transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the striker has cost £22 million plus add-ons. Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler played a key role in convincing the teenager to make the switch to the American Express Stadium over other interested clubs.

Birmingham World understands Aston Villa made an official approach to Nuremburg earlier in the transfer window to enquire about Tzimas’ services. Liverpool, meanwhile, were reported by Sky Germany to hold a strong interest. Newcastle United, Chelsea and several Bundesliga outfits were among the other clubs keen.

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Fabian Hurzeler delighted by Stefanos Tzimas signing

Reacting to getting the Tzimas signing over the line, Hurzeler said: “Stefanos is an exceptional young talent, an out-and-out centre-forward with a natural ability to score goals, and we are absolutely delighted to have signed him.

https://x.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1886356557803471117

"He will join up with us in the summer, ahead of next season, but we are really looking forward to working with him, and feel he has a very exciting future ahead."

Albion’s technical director, David Weir added: "He will spend the second half of the season with Nuremburg, who have provided him with an excellent opportunity this season, to continue his development in the Bundesliga 2.

"We will keep a close eye on his progress, and wish him the very best for the second half of the season with Nuremburg."

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Aston Villa complete one attacking signing, on verge of another

Although Villa will be disappointed to have missed out on Tzimas, there’s plenty of positive news available as a distraction. The Villans have confirmed the loan acquisition of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for starters, with the 60-time England international signed with an option to buy.

Birmingham World understands Villa will cover around 75 per cent of Rashford’s wages and the buy option stands at £40 million, a clause Emery can decide to activate in the summer if he so desires.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Marco Asensio will follow Rashford through the doors at Villa Park. It’s understood the three-time Champions League winner has passed a medical ahead of a straight six-month loan deal, with Villa paying a fee and covering his full salary for that period.

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