(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 18 May 2026 13:15, UK

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Aston Villa feel that they are well-placed to muscle ahead of Leeds United and secure the signature of Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Unai Emery and Co. are understood to be “hopeful” that they can beat their Premier League rivals to a deal, despite the Whites being continually linked with the departing star in recent weeks.

Morita is set to depart Sporting as a free agent at the end of the season, and sources say that he is currently “exploring all his options,” with interest from across Europe also on the table.

The Villans are optimistic that they will be able to convince the 31-year-old that they are the right club for his next move, as he prepares to depart Sporting after four seasons in their colours.

Aston Villa are keen to strengthen their hand this summer, but must work against a backdrop of PSR restrictions, and that has seen them take an interest in Morita on a free.

Door still open for Aston Villa to snatch Hidemasa Morita

Links between Morita and a move to Leeds have been growing ever stronger in recent weeks, with several reports even suggesting that a deal had even been all-but agreed at one stage.

The Japan international was believed to be keen to make the move to Elland Road, provided that the team secured their Premier League status, but Villa now believe they have a strong chance of preventing that.

The second city outfit are trying to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, and feel that Morita could be a strong, cost-effective option for them.

He has already made 49 appearances for Sporting in all competitions this season, and played a significant role in helping them to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The former Kawasaki Frontale man primarily plays at the base of the midfield, but has still managed to notch one goal and four assists in the Liga Portugal this term.

He has only ever played in Japan and Portugal at this stage of his career, but he now looks set to receive the chance to test himself in the Premier League in 2026-27.

Youri Tielemans has settled on his Villa future

Football Insider revealed last weekend that Youri Tielemans is “increasingly likely” to stay at Villa this summer, despite heavy interest from elsewhere ahead of the window.

The Belgian has been a key man for Emery yet again in the middle of the park, and it is understood that qualification for the Champions League is likely to be pivotal when it comes to keeping hold of him.

Tielemans is on the radar of several top European clubs once again, but Villa have no intention of selling, and are also prepared to raise money from other sales in order to keep him in their grasp.

Emery wants to strengthen his central midfield options rather than weaken them this summer, as he knows further quality will be needed to compete in the Champions League.

Morita is already being lined up to potentially come into the group, but any arrival in that area would not necessarily mean a departure for Tielemans.