Aston Villa are now preparing an ambitious January move to sign a “seriously impressive” midfielder, with his current club now willing to cash-in for £30m.
Villa looking to bolster options in midfield amid Elliott uncertainty
Despite Harvey Elliott making a solid start to life at Villa Park, scoring on his first start in the EFL Cup defeat at Brentford, his future is now in doubt, with Unai Emery unwilling to give the midfielder any game time as of late.
As there is an obligation to buy clause is activated if the 22-year-old plays in just ten matches this season, he has fallen down the pecking order considerably, and there are now major doubts over whether the Liverpool loanee will remain at Villa beyond January.
As such, Emery may need to bring in another midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, and there has now been a new update on the Villans’ pursuit of Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now preparing an ambitious January move to sign De Cat, and they are keen to accelerate talks, amid growing interest from elsewhere, with Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Brighton also in the race.
Scouts from across Europe have been left impressed by the Anderlecht maestro, and the Belgian club would be willing to cash-in for the right fee, with a £30m asking price being touted.
The Villans are now readying a bid of €22m – €25m (£19m – £22m) up front, such is their level of interest in the youngster, who has been likened to Manchester City star and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Aston Villa plotting £18m bid for “tremendous” defender, Martinez is a big fan
The Villans are planning a move for a new centre-back, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
“Seriously impressive” De Cat is one for the future
The 17-year-old is held in very high regard by scout Ben Mattinson, who took to X to provide an overview of his key strengths earlier this year.
Although he is still very young, the teenager, who stands at a towering 6’4, has already established himself as a key player for Anderlecht, making 20 appearances across all competitions this season.
Given that the Belgian is yet to prove himself in a major European league, he may not yet be at the level to make an instant impact at Aston Villa, but the starlet has the makings of a future star, and it is little wonder so many top clubs are keen.
