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Onana is likely viewed as a replacement for Douglas Luiz after the Brazilian moved to Juventus, and Villa have a strong set of options in the middle of the park, which includes the likes of Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara.

However, Villa could be set to lose Moussa Diaby just a year after signing him, with Al-Ittihad in advanced talks over a move for the 25-year-old, who picked the Premier League over going to Saudi Arabia last summer.

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Al-Ittihad pushing to complete deal for Aston Villa’s club record signing

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 21:16:47 +0000

Saudi side Al-Ittihad are pushing to sign Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Diaby arrived at Villa Park in a club record deal worth up to £52m last from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and played a key role as Unai Emery’s side secured a top four finish.

Villa have been busy in the market so far as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.

Al-Ittihad pushing to sign Diaby

Diaby had the opportunity to join the Saudi Pro League last summer, but it appears after just one season at Villa Park he could be set to make the switch.

The 25-year-old made 54 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring ten goals and proving nine assists.

Jacobs has reported that Al-Ittihad are now pushing to sign the Frenchman and they have offered him a salary of close to €15m with bonuses.

He took to X.com and said:

“Al-Ittihad pushing to sign Moussa Diaby, Diaby offered a salary of close to €15m with bonuses.

“Fee not yet agreed, but Ittihad offer closer to Villa’s €70m+ valuation, structure of the deal key.

“Diaby wasn’t in the squad for Walsall friendly.”

Al-Ittihad pushing to sign Moussa Diaby.??
– Diaby offered a salary of close to €15m with bonuses
– Fee not yet agreed, but Ittihad offer closer to Villa's €70m+ valuation
– Structure of the deal key
– Diaby wasn't in the squad for Walsall friendlyhttps://t.co/MXrRLAOZv3

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 17, 2024

Jacobs adds that Diaby is still part of Emery’s plans but the club would sanction a sale if the money on offer was to good to turn down.

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If Diaby does leave, Villa already have options to replace him having signed wingers Jaden Philogene and Samuel Iling-Junior, and the potentially lucrative transfer fee could be used to help pay for Amadou Onana who is close to completing his £50m move from Everton, or improve other areas of the squad.

Al-Ittihad have recently appointed former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc as their new manager, and if Diaby does complete his move to the club he will be playing with the likes of N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema.

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Aston Villa’s club record signing in advanced talks to leave the club a year after joining

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 19:06:06 +0000

Al-Ittihad are in advanced talks with Aston Villa over a move for Moussa Diaby, with the Saudi side optimistic of getting a deal done according to reports.

Diaby joined Villa last summer in a club record deal from Bayer Leverkusen reportedly worth an initial £43m.

The 25-year-old made 54 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring ten goals and providing nine assists as Unai Emery’s side qualified for the Champions League.

Diaby to swap Villa for Al-Ittihad

After just one season in the Premier League it appears Diaby could be set for a move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad.

The Frenchman had the opportunity to go to Saudi last summer but chose a move to Villa instead, and is reportedly keen on making the switch this summer.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage and the package being discussed is more than €55m.

He took to X.com and said:

“Al-Ittihad are in advanced talks with Aston Villa for Moussa Diaby. Even though Villa’s starting point was not to sell, understand the package discussed is actually higher than €55m. Ittihad are cautiously optimistic.

“Villa won’t sell at €55m or close. The overall package would need to be €70m+, which is not far off what Al-Hilal paid for Neymar. If Diaby departs, it will be very good money for Villa.”

Al-Ittihad are in advanced talks with Aston Villa for Moussa Diaby. Even though Villa's starting point was not to sell, understand the package discussed is actually higher than €55m. Ittihad are cautiously optimistic.?? pic.twitter.com/eTkFEBKSD2

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 16, 2024

Aston Villa have been busy in the transfer market and have made a number of signings to strengthen their squad ahead of Champions League football next season.

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The likes of Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley have joined the club, whilst Amadou Onana is close to completing his move from Everton, with Jaden Philogene also close to completing his return to the club from Hull City.

If Diaby does depart, Villa have plenty of other options including Philogene and Samuel Iling-Junior who could fill the void, but any transfer fee is likely to be reinvested into the squad to give the club the best possible chance of dealing with Champions League football.

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England’s semi final hero insists they don’t care how they win or score following King Charles’ message

Charlie Patrick — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:11:25 +0000

England’s semi final hero Ollie Watkins has said he feels the Three Lions don’t care how they win or score, when asked about King Charles’ message to the team.

Watkins was the match winner against the Netherlands in the semi final as he scored in the last minute after being introduced from the bench with ten minutes remaining.

Those late heroics mean England have made back to back European Championship finals, and will face an in form Spain side in Sunday’s final.

England don’t care how they win

England have been criticised for their performances in Germany, particularly at the beginning of the tournament, but a switch to a back three in the quarter final against Switzerland has seen the team’s performances improve.

The first half against the Dutch was arguably Gareth Southgate’s side best performance of the tournament, but the same issues were prevalent in the second half.

England’s route to the final has had it all from last minute winners, stoppage time bicycle kicks and a penalty shootout victory.

Watkins will be hoping for another opportunity in the final.

Whatever people think of this side they are tough to beat and have individuals who can create moments out of nothing.

The last minute victory against the Netherlands lead to a message from King Charles for the team to try and win without anymore stressful late dramas.

When asked about the message Watkins insisted he feels that England don’t care how they win or score.

“As much as it makes it more exciting, I feel like personally we don’t care how we win or score, as long as the ball goes in the back of the net,” he told BBC Sport.

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Watkins has had to be patient in Germany, and his appearance against the Netherlands was just his second of the tournament and his first since the second group game against Denmark.

The 28-year-old will be hoping for another opportunity in the final and he will no doubt be dreaming of scoring the winner and creating history on Sunday.

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(Image) “I never thought I’d play at a Euros with England” – Watkins reacts to last minute winner

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 23:23:51 +0000

Ollie Watkins admitted he never thought he would play for England at a European Championships following his last minute winner against the Netherlands.

Watkins has had to bide his time in Germany and hasn’t been handed many opportunities by Southgate, but he delivered in the best way possible when called upon on Wednesday evening.

With the game looking like it was heading to extra time Southgate turned to Watkins with ten minutes remaining and sent the Aston Villa man on in place of Harry Kane.

In the last minute Watkins received the ball in the box from fellow substitute Cole Palmer, brilliantly turned Stefan de Vrij and fired into the back of the net.

The goal sparked wild scenes both on and off the pitch, and after the game Watkins, who was named Player of the Match admitted he never thought he would play for England at a Euros.

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The 28-year-old has had quite the rise and ten years ago he was playing for Exeter City and now he’s scoring goals to send England to major finals.

His work isn’t done yet and he could yet have a key role to play in Sunday’s final against Spain as England look to end their 58-year wait for a trophy.

Ollie Watkins: "I never thought I'd play at a EURO with England." ?#EURO2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/WDE0wWZ27K

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024

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Brazilian playmaker set to return home with Premier League departure imminent

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 22:17:49 +0000

Vasco da Gama are waiting for Aston Villa to send them a document before they can announce Philippe Coutinho’s move to the club according to reports.

Coutinho, who is under contract at Villa until 2026 is expected to join Vasco da Gama on an initial loan deal.

The Brazilian has made 43 appearances for Villa, scoring six goals and providing three assists following his arrival from Barcelona in 2022.

Vasco Gama waiting to announce Coutinho deal

It appears the 32-year-old has almost certainly made his last appearance for Villa and he spent time on loan last season at Qatari club Al-Duhail, with some reports suggesting the Qatari side wanted to keep him but he chose a move to Brazil instead.

TNT Sports in Brazil have reported that Vasco have a deal in place with Villa for Coutinho but they are just waiting on a document from the Premier League side before they can make the move official.

É HOJE ENTÃO? ?? ÚLTIMOS CAPÍTULOS DA NOVELA COUTINHO NO VASCO!

Conforme informações da nossa @alinenastari, o Vasco aguarda um documento do Aston Villa para anunciar o retorno do craque. A expectativa é que seja hoje! Caso não aconteça, será anunciado tão logo a burocracia… pic.twitter.com/KMTWjS01S6

— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) July 9, 2024

Thing’s haven’t gone to plan for Coutinho since he left Liverpool for Barcelona in a big money move back in 2018, and a return to his homeland might help him rediscover some of his best form.

Coutinho was one of the most sought after players in Europe following his form for Liverpool and his move to the Spanish side should have seen kick on and move to another level, instead he appears to have regressed and his best days look like they are behind him.

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It’s been a busy summer at Villa Park as the club look to strengthen Unai Emery’s squad ahead of Champions League football next season, and they have already signed Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, Ross Barkley from Luton and Lewis Dobbin from Everton, whilst Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea arrived as part of swap deal which saw Douglas Luiz join Juventus.

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Aston Villa told to make move for Leeds star as they seek Douglas Luiz replacement

Charlie Patrick — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:53:47 +0000

Aston Villa have been told to make a move for Leeds star Ethan Ampadu as a replacement for Douglas Luiz by Sky Sports pundit Dougie Critchley.

Luiz is cloisng in on a move to Italian giants Juventus, which would see Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea going the other way plus around €20m.

The Brazilian’s departure leaves a hole in Villa’s midfield with it likely the club will enter the market for a new midfielder as they prepare to play Champions League football next season.

Ampadu a good replacement for Luiz

Villa have already agreed a deal with relegated Luton Town to sign Ross Barkely, whilst the club have also expressed an interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher although a move for the 24-year-old appears unlikely.

Luiz played a key role for Unai Emery’s side last season as they secured a top four finish and Champions League football, with the 26-year-old making 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists.

Critchley believes Villa should be targeting Leeds ace Ampadu as a potential replacement for the Brazil international.

He shared a video to X.com and said:

“I think they need a more defensive-minded midfielder, and having heard your suggestion earlier about Leeds, I don’t think Leeds fans will be delighted with me, but I think they should have a look at Ethan Ampadu, I really do.”

“I think he’s a top player. The amount of experience he’s gained at this young age as well. He’s got 50 caps for Wales already, he’s played for Sheffield United in a relegation battle – that was a bit of a disaster. But he’s spent time in Italy with Venezia and Spezia.

Douglas Luiz replacement… Villa fans I've got you covered…

Ethan Ampadu! pic.twitter.com/IylHwIjXtv

— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) June 24, 2024

“Last year with Leeds he was captaining them at points, he played the most minutes out of anyone in that squad, he’s a pretty impeccable passer, he can play centre-back as well as defensive midfield, and I think he’s got a huge future in the game.”

After failing to gain promotion to the Premier League Leeds are faced with the prospect of having to sell some of their key players to help ease any financial issues, and whilst Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto are viewed as more likely candiates to leave, a departure for Ampadu can’t be fully ruled out.

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Inside Spain: Spain Euro hopes, Manchester United and Liverpool in limbo and Barcelona pull

Ruairidh Barlow — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:15:26 +0000

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

The big French signing of the summer will undoubtedly be Kylian Mbappe joining Real Madrid, a deal that had been talked about so much that arguably the biggest signing of the past decade has faded into the background of the Euros. The biggest battle will arguably be for Lille defender Leny Yoro.

The 18-year-old centre-back seems to be widely regarded as the next best thing at the back, and it’s hard for people to avoid drawing comparisons with Raphael Varane. But while Los Blancos pid around €10m for Varane, they have had to set a limit of €40m for Yoro’s fee. Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer both player and Lille more, closer to their €60m asking price, but it will be meaningless without Yoro’s blessing.

Paris Saint-Germain also had a bid turned down for him in January, and recently met with Yoro, which was taken as a positive for PSG. Yet Los Blancos have supposedly agreed terms with Yoro, leaving their competitors on the sidelines for now.

??Lamine Yamal on terrorising defences at #Euro2024

"I always go down the side of the defender, because it's a very psychological game. Once I leave a defender behind for the first time, he's already scared, and I will keep on going." pic.twitter.com/uhEQPAnNXQ

— Football España (@footballespana_) June 19, 2024

A good sign for Madridistas is that they are selling young right-back Alex Jimenez to AC Milan, and 22-year-old central defender Rafa Marin, who was previously set to occupy Nacho Fernandez’s place. Marin is on the verge of a €10m move to Napoli this summer, which suggest Los Blancos think either their captain will U-turn on his future, or someone else is arriving.

Across the city, Atletico Madrid remain adamant that Samu Omorodion is going nowhere. He has a reported €80m release clause, and while Chelsea’s latest bid has moved over half of that amount, Atletico are holding firm. How long that resistance lasts remains to be seen.

Up in Barcelona, they may be struggling for funds, but they still attract the finest in Spain. Teenage talent Lamine Yamal has suggested on several occasions he wants Nico Williams to join him at club level, while another Aston Villa target in Alex Baena recently commented publicly that their style of play suits him.

Many further miles north, optimism is abound around the Spain side ahead of their clash against Italy. La Roja’s opening day performance pleasantly surprised back in Spain, and the great hope is that Williams and Lamine Yamal can be the difference-makers at Euro 2024. Hopes they can go all the way have risen, and the pair of wingers, who combined are still three years younger than Pepe, are in excellent shape.

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Juventus could replace Weston McKennie with another player in swap deal for Douglas Luiz

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 22:48:06 +0000

Juventus could decide to replace midfielder Weston McKennie in the swap deal for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz according to reports.

Villa and Juventus are close to agreeing a deal which would see Luiz head to the Italian giants with McKennie, Samuel Iling-Junior and around €20m heading the other way.

The deal has been progressing slowly, as would be expected with so many parties involved, but it’s believed it’s not far from completion.

Juventus could replace McKennie in swap deal

Illing-Junior is believed to have agreed terms with Villa, who will play Champions League football next season, but it’s been reported McKennie is the reason the deal is being held up.

Journalist Luca Marchetti has provided an update on the swap deal and suggested Juventus could choose to replace the American with another player.

McKennie is reportedly holding up the swap deal for Douglas Luiz between Juventus and Villa.

“The obstacle to overcome to date is represented by the requests from McKennie’s entourage,” he told Bianconera News.

“So, either an agreement is reached, or the American will have to be replaced by someone else, but the second hypothesis seems more unlikely to me.

“It is normal for there to be some hiccups in a negotiation that involves so many parties, also because all the players are involved, they want to make their importance count in the exchange and therefore try to maximise their income.”

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The United States international is reportedly making demands over a pay-off with his contract set to expire next summer which has been holding up proceedings.

Villa have agreed a deal to sign Ross Barkley from relegated Luton town, and have expressed an interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with Unai Emery clearly keen to strengthen his options in the middle of the park as his side prepare to embark on a Champions League campaign next season.

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Aston Villa want in excess of £20m for star attracting interest from AC Milan

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:17:37 +0000

Aston Villa are believed to want in excess of £20m for Matty Cash who is attracting interest from AC Milan according to reports.

Villa had a brilliant season under Unai Emery as they qualified for the Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League, and they also made the semi finals of the Europa Conference League.

However, Villa are likely to have to sell players they might not necessarily want to, as they are reportedly one of the clubs who need to make sales before June 30th in order to comply with Premier League rules.

Villa want more than £20m for Cash

Villa have agreed a deal to sign Ross Barkley from relegated Luton to add depth to their squad, but they are expected to lose star midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus as part of a player plus cash swap deal involving Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Jr.

Cash, who has been at Villa for four seasons is another name who has been linked with a move away, and Italian giants AC Milan are said to be interested.

Cash is attracting interest from AC Milan.

GIVEMESPORT report that if Villa are to part ways with the Poland international they would want in excess of £20m.

The report adds that the Italian giants could try and use the uncertainty surrounding Villa’s financial situation to secure Cash for a lower fee as they are concerned about the current price.

Cash, who isn’t part of Poland’s squad for Euro 2024 still has three years left on his current deal, having signed a new five year contract back in 2022.

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