Credit: Imago

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 20 May 2026 7:00, UK

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Aston Villa have kept tabs on Sporting CP’s Pedro Goncalves amid plans to revamp the forward line, sources have told Football Insider.

Unai Emery has been forced to over-rely on Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins for goals, with the Villans now ready to be more active in the transfer market after qualifying for the Champions League.

It is understood that Liverpool are also eyeing a move for the 27-year-old, also known as Pote, and while Sporting are willing to listen to offers, a deal won’t be simple this summer.

Goncalves’ current contract contains an £80million release clause, and with another four years left on the deal, Villa may have to splash the cash if they are to win the race for his signature.

Pedro Goncalves may have to be a Morgan Rogers replacement

Although it has been a relatively disappointing second half to the season for Rogers, he remains an important member of the squad, helping the Villans to a Europa League final.

Despite his form, Football Insider understands that Bayern Munich are interested in the England international, alongside a plethora of clubs from all over Europe.

Supporters are Villa Park are certainly concerned about the interest in their No.27, though Stefan Borson told Football Insider that any deal for Rogers is likely to cost upwards of £120million.

Emi Buendia, John McGinn and Emi Martinez are also all linked with exits this summer, so Emery could have a challenge on his hands to find replacements at reasonable prices.

Ollie Watkins concerns to also emerge at Villa Park

Despite 10 goals in his last 11 appearances, it has also not been the greatest of campaigns for Watkins, putting his spot at the 2026 World Cup under pressure.

Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Villa plan to accept an offer for Watkins, though it is not quite clear whether the manager has done a U-turn on the striker’s future after a recent purple patch.

It is hardly a surprise to see the 30-year-old linked with an exit. He has been for the past few windows, most recently being targeted by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal last summer.

Some supporters even thought that the Villans should have kept hold of Jhon Duran, rather than the former Brentford man, but less than 18 months later, the Colombian is struggling in Russia.