Former Aston Villa man becomes available as striker attracts interest

Aston Villa’s Premier League fixtures for the 2023/24 season have been released. They will take on Newcastle United away on the opening day of the campaign.

Unai Emery’s side are preparing for life in the Europa Conference League after finishing 7th last term. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours coming out of the club...

Striker update emerges

Middlesbrough remain keen on re-signing Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this summer if he became available again, according to reporter Alan Nixon on Twitter. The youngster, who is an England youth international, was given the green light to link up with the Championship club in January for the second-half of last term and scored 11 goals in 22 games for Michael Carrick’s side to help them get into the play-offs. However, they lost over two legs to Coventry City in the semi-finals.

The 21-year-old is now due to head back to Villa Park for pre-season after his temporary stint at the Riverside Stadium and the Midlands outfit have a big decision to make regarding his future. He has made 13 first-team appearances to date and has also had stints away at Solihull Moors and Preston North End to gain experience.

Former defender becomes available

Former Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark is leaving Newcastle United on a free transfer, as detailed on the Toon Army’s official retained list. He spent the past campaign with Sheffield United and helped the Blades gain promotion from the second tier.

Clark was on the books at Villa from 2000 to 2016 and played 159 matches, chipping in with 10 goals from the back, before heading up to the North East. The Rebpublic of Ireland international will have to weigh up his options over the next couple of months as a free agent.