The latest transfer news as Aston Villa race Everton to signing a talented midfielder.

Aston Villa are reportedly stepping up their interest in Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Villans are eager to bolster their depth and quality in the centre of the park and Sara is on their shortlist. The 25-year-old, on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Nottingham Forest, has impressed throughout his first season in Turkey.

Signed from Norwich City last summer for around £20 million, Sara has played 30 times in the Turkish Süper Lig, contributing two goals and eight assists. The Brazilian has also featured nine times in the UEFA Europa League for his new club.

Sara could soon ditch Galatasaray less than 12 months into his five-year contract, however, as interest from the Premier League is building. A return to England could be tempting if the midfielder is given assurances over regular game time, especially if potential suitors can boast European football.

Caught Offside reports Villa are seriously considering making an approach to sign Sara but face competition from the likes of Man City and Forest. Everton, meanwhile, are said to have been on scouting missions to keep a close eye on Sara’s progress.

It’s claimed Sara is available for around €40 million (£33.5m) this summer as Galatasaray would be pleased with a quick and healthy profit. That price could be pushed up if a bidding war commences, though, so Villa and others must take care if and when they make their approaches.

How would Gabriel Sara fit in at Aston Villa?

Predominantly a typical central midfielder but also capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker, Sara could fit nicely into Villa’s system if he were to make the move to the West Midlands.

The former Norwich man, who made 96 appearances for the Canaries before heading to Turkey, could fit into the deep midfield double pivot alongside Boubacar Kamara as an alternative to Amadou Onana, allowing Youri Tielemans to step up into the number 10 position. Alternatively, Sara could play in the more advanced attacking midfield position with Tielemans in the pivot — or maybe as wide right-sided midfielder with Morgan Rogers occupying the 10.

Unai Emery appreciates versatility and Sara has it in abundance. There may be concerns over how quickly the Brazilian would be able to adjust to the Premier League as he’s never played in the English top tier, but he’s shown strong adaptability in the past, first moving from Brazil to England before swapping these shores for Turkey.

Another option Villa could consider if they fail with a move for Sara is Rangers star Nico Raskin. Just like Sara, Raskin can play in a variety of midfield roles and could provide healthy competition for the likes of Onana and John McGinn.

Raskin, signed from Standard Liege for just £1.3 million in 2023, has racked up 93 appearances for Rangers to date. The 24-year-old, a current Belgium international, has attracted interest from the the newly promoted Leeds United, but Villa, despite probably offering less guaranteed starts, have the undeniable allure of European football.