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 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.
Trezeguet nears exit
Aston Villa winger Trezeguet is reportedly 'close' to completing a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor. Trezeguet, 27, has been heavily linked with an exit from the club this summer after enjoying a successful loan spell in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir last season, as he netted six goals and recorded three assists across 13 appearances.
The winger is entering the final year of his deal at Villa and the club are set to cash in on him. According to Turkish publication Fanatik, via Sports Witness, Trezeguet is now close to completing a €3m transfer. The Egypt International has reportedly been offered the highest salary in the team at €2.2m per year.
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Archer in demand
Villa hotshot Cameron Archer is continuing to attract interest from a host of Championship clubs, with Preston boss Ryan Lowe confirming he wants the teenager back on loan. Archer, who is also being courted by West Brom, scored seven goals for the Lilywhites during the second half of last season.
But his suitors will have to be patient, with Gerrard prepared to give the England under-21 international the chance to force his way into Villa’s first-team plans during pre-season. Lowe, a close friend of Gerrard, said at a press conference : “I’ve spoken to Steven and what could happen is he’s (at Villa) for pre-season and doesn’t go (out on loan) anymore.”
But the Preston boss hopes to secure Archer’s return should he be allowed out, adding: “He wants to represent Villa and to get more games under his belt in a league like the Championship may be the way forward.”
Suarez move 'very close'
Aston Villa have been linked with Luis Suarez and the former Liverpool striker is searching for a new club after reaching the end of his Atletico Madrid contract. Suarez helped guide Diego Simeone’s side to the La Liga title in 2021 and made 45 appearances in all competitions last term.
The 35-year-old is now set to seal a move elsewhere, although any Villa fans who harboured hopes of him returning to the Premier League with them look set to be disappointed according to reports.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims the experienced forward is "very close" to signing for River Plate in Argentina. Club president Jorge Brito admitted earlier this month that River Plate had made an offer to Suarez, confirming: “Yes, we have contacted Luis Suarez but it’s now only up to him.”
