The countdown is on for Saturday August 6 when Aston Villa visit Bournemouth in their new Premier League campaign.
Boss Steven Gerrard looks set to have a new-look side ready for the curtain raiser after being very active early on in the transfer window. Boubacar Kamara signed as a free transfer from Marseille just after the end of last season and the midfielder has since been joined by Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, while Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have made their loan moves permanent.
Gerrard is now keen to further add to his squad with a left-back among his targets after selling Matt Targett to Newcastle United for £15million after his successful loan and there could be further out-goings among fringe players. Mirror Sport takes a look at the latest Villa transfer news and rumours.
Villa bid for Porto star
Villa have reportedly 'presented' a £26m offer for Porto's Portuguese international Otavio.
Otavio, 27, is usually a right-sided midfielder but is capable of operating within an attacking role through the centre of the pitch or on the left wing. In 32 appearances last season for Porto he recorded three goals and nine assists as Sergio Conceicao's side won the Primeira Liga for the third time in six years. According to Portuguese news outlet Mais Futebol, Villa 'presented' an initial offer of €30m for Otavio, which was immediately rejected by the club.
Porto then reportedly reminded Gerrard's side of the release clause inserted in the players contract, which stands at €60m but is reduced to €40m until July 15.
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Chukwuemeka contract stance
Former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor admits his old club must consider selling in-demand Carney Chukwuemeka if he tries to "bully" them over a new deal.
Chukwuemeka is yet to commit his long-term future to Villa after turning 18 last October which has since put the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund on red alert regarding the future of the attacking midfielder. The prospect has grabbed the attention with two outstanding performances in England's opening fixtures of the U19 European Championships this summer.
Chukwuemeka has two goals and two assists after showing composure in front of goal and an eye for a pass to create for his teammates. Villa want to sign the ace on a long-term deal but are struggling to agree terms. Agbonlahor said: "It might be a situation where Aston Villa have to say: ‘We’re going to let you go because we’re not going to be bullied into giving you money which you don’t deserve yet’. "
Battle for Luiz hots up
Villa have been warned they may need to drop their asking price to sell Douglas Luiz to Roma according to the Express and Star.
The midfielder is a target for Jose Mourinho this summer, with Villa prepared to sell at the right price in order to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract expires a year from now. But reports in Italy have claimed Roma are being put off by Villa placing a valuation of £30million on the Brazil international.
Luiz has been a regular in Villa’s first-team since joining from Manchester City for £15m three years ago, helping the club become re-established in the Premier League. But talks over a new deal stalled last season and the signing of free agent Kamara would likely see Luiz’s playing time reduced next term.
Roma are long-term suitors but their reluctance to pay up could open the door for AC Milan with tuttomercatoweb claiming the player's agents has met the club.
