Aston Villa are counting down for Saturday August 6 when they 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 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 after selling Matt Targett to Newcastle 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.
New deal for Young
Ashley Young is close to signing a new contract at Villa this week after the former Manchester United and England utility player returned last summer on a one-year deal as a free agent.
Young, who turns 37 on Saturday and has 39 England caps, can play full-back on either side and also higher up the pitch. Villa boss Gerrard is a big admirer of the veteran's professionalism and influence in the dressing room.
Young made 25 appearances last season in all competitions and is expected to pen a new one-year deal to return for another campaign as Villa look to climb the table and compete for Europe after coming 14th last term.
Mirror.co.uk understands he is close to penning an agreement to extend his stay at Villa into a second season since returning to the club.
Villa told to meet star's release clause
Villa have been regularly linked with a move for Portuguese international Otávio and have been considering an offer of £25million plus £4.3m in bonuses for the attacking player.
However, Sports Witness have information which claims that Villa’s offer is ‘still not be enough’ and that his £34m release clause ‘must be triggered’ for any deal to go through. This figure will stand until July 15 next week but then will rise to £50m.
Otávio contributed six goals and 12 assists across all competitions as Porto won the league and cup double last term.
Gerrard tipped to raid old club
Transfer insider Dean Jones reckons Villa are set to explore a deal to sign Nigeria international Joe Aribo from Rangers ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. He claims that the Gers midfielder has had a move to another team break down and Villa Park may now be an option for him.
Aribo,25, is a versatile player who can be used in a variety of positions. His main position is in a number 10 role but he has also played out on the wing, in central midfield, and as a false nine during his time in Scotland with Rangers after signing when Gerrard was at the helm.
Last term in the Scottish Premiership he scored eight goals and provided five assists – creating nine ‘big chances’ in total.
