Aston Villa 'closely watching' £6m Man Utd target as ex-Liverpool star 'listed' for transfer

The latest Premier League transfer news as Aston Villa eye a Man Utd target and an ex-Liverpool man is tipped to leave.
Charlie Haffenden
By Charlie Haffenden
Published 29th Feb 2024, 12:56 BST
Unai Emery is keen on bringing a new wing-back to Aston Villa.Unai Emery is keen on bringing a new wing-back to Aston Villa.
Unai Emery is keen on bringing a new wing-back to Aston Villa.

Aston Villa are reportedly considering a summer approach for Manchester United transfer target Raoul Bellanova after being impressed on recent scouting trips.

The Torino right wing-back has been one of the most impressive defenders in Serie A this season, with five assists in 25 appearances. He's helped Torino maintain a strong defensive record, too, with just 25 goals conceded in 26 top-flight matches.

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Italian outlet Tuttosport reports Bellanova, who joined Torino permanently from Cagliari for €7 million (£6 million) last summer, has been watched several times by both Villa and Man Utd this campaign. The 23-year-old's recent attacking form has been particularly grand, with three goals and an assist in his last six outings.

Bellanova has generated plenty of interest from Villa and Man Utd.Bellanova has generated plenty of interest from Villa and Man Utd.
Bellanova has generated plenty of interest from Villa and Man Utd.

Man Utd want Bellanova to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford, while Villa are keen to bring in a new starting right-back as Matty Cash has been inconsistent. Bellanova is yet to make his senior Italy debut but it's bound to happen sooner rather than later with manager Luciano Spalletti tempted to call him up.

Meanwhile, Villa pushing for Coutinho exit

In other transfer news, the Villans are reportedly "desperate" to sell Philippe Coutinho in the summer when his loan at Al-Duhail SC expires. The former Liverpool fan favourite has struggled in Qatar, with just two goals in seven Stars League appearances.

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Injury problems have been relentless for Coutinho, who joined Villa permanently from Barcelona for €20 million (£17.2 million) in July 2023. The initial six-month loan was successful as he scored five and assisted three in 19 Premier League games.

Villa want to sell Coutinho in the summer transfer window.Villa want to sell Coutinho in the summer transfer window.
Villa want to sell Coutinho in the summer transfer window.

Things have gone downhill since, though, and Birmingham Live now reports there's desperation for Coutinho to be sold in the next transfer window. The 31-year-old, who has been linked with David Beckham and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, is contracted at Villa until June 2026.

Related topics:Transfer NewsManchester UnitedLiverpoolPremier LeagueUnai EmeryItaly

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