Aston Villa told transfer stance for £35m ‘gem’ as Wolves ‘line up’ move for ex-Rangers ace

Aston Villa have been boosted in their pursuit of Brazilian international defender Roger Ibañez as Roma are reportedly set to cash in due to financial insecurity. Jose Mourinho’s side have quite the dilemma as they must pay around €40 million by the end of June to avoid Financial Fair Play trouble.

Ibañez has been the subject of interest from across the Premier League with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United said to be ‘watching’ his progress. It’s clear to see why as the 24-year-old has played 45 times across Serie A, the Europa League and Copa Italia this season, scoring three goals in the process.

Italian outlet CalcioMercatoWeb claims Villa are “starting to move” for a potential deal but they will “have to pay between 35 and 40 million euros” to make it happen. There are a whole host of players Roma could sacrifice to get the funds they need, but Ibañez’s “fluctuating performances” make a sale a real possibility.

Unai Emery is said to be an admirer of the player and reportedly wants to bring in a new central defender. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have performed well this season and Diego Carlos is of course now back from a long-term injury, but the head coach is very aware of the squad depth required to compete in Europe.

Meanwhile, Wolves ‘line up’ move for ex-Rangers ace

In other West Midlands transfer news, Villa’s local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly lined up former Rangers midfielder Lassana Coulibaly as a potential midfield signing in the summer transfer window. The Mali international, who plays for Salernitana, has impressed this season with 32 appearances, three goals and two assists in Serie A.

The 27-year-old has been highly-energetic in the centre of the park, playing predominantly as a defensive midfielder or as a box-to-box. According to Salerno Notizie, Julen Lopetegui’s side have a “strong interest” in Coulibaly with a price tag of around £7 million touted. Wolves already have plenty of midfielders but added depth wouldn’t go amiss.