'Talks underway' - club enters negotiations amid Aston Villa interest in 'incredible' Premier League star

Napoli have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne this summer, strengthening the competition Aston Villa face in the hunt for the in-demand playmaker.

On track to win the Italian Serie A title with a three-point lead over nearest challengers Inter Milan with three games to go, Napoli are eager to make a statement signing in the summer. De Bruyne, who will leave City upon the expiry of his contract after 10 legendary years at the Etihad Stadium, could be the blockbuster addition the Naples-based club are looking for.

The Times reports Napoli are the latest club to declare their interest in signing De Bruyne. It’s stated that the Italian club have contacted the player’s representatives to tell them that they would like to sign the 33-year-old Belgian, whose City contract expires on June 30.

De Bruyne has made it public that he wanted to remain at the Etihad for at least another year, but City decided against extending his deal. The six-time Premier League winner believes he’s still performing at a high enough level to remain in Europe, and he could yet stay in England.

It was previously reported that Villa have held internal discussions about the possibility of signing De Bruyne, and this is understood to be true. It’s an ambitious idea but a feasible one as there would be no transfer fee involved, just a signing-on bonus.

There have been suggestions that De Bruyne is past his best, but the 109-time Belgium international has still managed to contribute six goals and eight assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this term. He also remains the most prolific playmaker in the Premier League, with his 2.98 chances created per 90 minutes the best in the entire division.

Aston Villa must tread carefully this summer

Villa’s squad is arguably in the best nick it has been in for decades, but it may have to be weakened before it can be strengthened further. The Villans must tread carefully due to concerns over the Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR), just as they did last summer when they sold Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby for a combined £92 million.

The Premier League’s regulations state clubs cannot record a loss of over £105 million throughout a three-year period. You’d think Villa would be well in the clear considering last year’s sales and the recent £67.5 million departure of Jhon Duran, but they’re not in a safe position just yet.

High wages and an inferior revenue stream to the ‘big six’ clubs are the main factors, making it very difficult to stay competitive. Villa raked in the 18th-highest revenue in Europe last year at £263.7 million - as per the Deloitte Football Money League - but the likes of Man City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, all in the top 10, each earned hundreds of millions more.

As it stands, approaching the next PSR deadline this summer, Villa are in a position where they must sell a player - or several - to avoid punishment from the Premier League. Birmingham World understands the club are currently on track to record a three-year loss of more than £105 million. It’s not by a huge margin, but more income is required.

Due to this difficult situation, Villa must watch their finances when it comes to bringing in new additions. Turning to the free agents market could be a great way of doing that, even if the likes of De Bruyne may demand significant salaries.