Aston Villa and Newcastle United target ‘convinced’ by one destination as transfer edges closer

Galatasaray midfielder Nicoló Zaniolo has made his final decision on his next club after transfer links to Aston Villa and Newcastle United, a reputable report claims.

The Italy international only moved from AS Roma to the Turkish Süper Lig in January but has already set his sights on a more ambitious career path, it appears.

Signed in the past by Monchi, the new Villa president of football operations, it has been speculated the pair could reunite again in the West Midlands.

Newcastle have also shown their hand in recent weeks as they look to bolster their attacking midfield options ahead of their first Champions League campaign in 20 years.

Reports last week suggested Villa were perhaps the more interested of the two clubs following a serious injury to Emiliano Buendía. It then emerged that an official offer was lodged.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports the Villans sent a bid of an initial €3 million season-long loan. There’s then an option to buy Zaniolo for €20 million plus €7 million in add-ons.

It’s also stated that the player is “insisting” on heading to Villa Park. All that’s needed now is a green light from Galatasaray or a smoothing out of some of the financial details.