Aston Villa are keen on completing the signing of a speedy attacking player who Virgil van Dijk has spoken highly of, according to a new transfer rumour.
Aston Villa edging towards Champions League
The Villans picked up another priceless three points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, winning 1-0 at home to Fulham to enhance their hopes of sealing a place in the Champions League once again.
It proved to be a good weekend for Villa away from their own result, too, with rivals Newcastle United only managing to draw 1-1 away to Brighton, further boosting their hopes of securing a top-five finish.
If Unai Emery’s side do achieve that goal, it will give them a better chance of signing top-level players in the summer transfer window, with Omari Hutchinson mentioned as an option this summer. The 21-year-old may wish to leave Ipswich Town ahead of their return to the Championship, and would be a long-term attacking signing.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been linked with a switch to Villa, potentially coming in as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, should the Argentine move on. The Ukrainian may like the idea of a fresh challenge, with Thibaut Courtois ahead of him in the pecking order.
Aston Villa learn Yilmaz price tag as Galatasaray make demands
According to Fotomac [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa are interested in signing Galatasaray attacker Baris Alper Yilmaz this summer. West Ham and Napoli are also said to be in the race to sign the 24-year-old ahead of next season.
His current club have ‘contacted the player’s agent to inform him that they will only accept a non-negotiable offer’ of £30m for his signature.
Yilmaz is a gifted player who could be a superb signing for Villa, having scored 11 goals in 27 starts in the Turkish Super Lig matches this season, as well as bagging one goal and assist apiece in the Europa League. The Galatasaray ace has also netted twice in 26 caps for Turkey at international level, with Liverpool captain Van Dijk lauding him after facing him for the Netherlands.
“Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive. It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”
At 24, Yilmaz is still a fairly young player, and his ability to thrive on both the left and right wing would make him a versatile option for Emery, adding depth and quality to his attack.
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The fact that the Turk has been compared to Wales and Madrid legend Gareth Bale, in terms of playing style, says all you need to know about what an exciting signing he could be for Villa.
