Aston Villa told Ousmane Diomande offer will be accepted amid ‘crazy’ claim
Aston Villa are plotting an ambitious move to sign Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Portuguese side will accept a fee of £50million if they are to sell their star man in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City have all been keeping a close eye on Diomande’s performances over the last couple of seasons.
The centre-back is still only 21 years old – something O’Rourke labelled as “crazy” given how long he has been a recognisable name in European football.
With just two years remaining on his deal come the summer, Sporting are expected to be open to offers for the centre-back as they aim to maximise their profits.
Unai Emery plans to sign defensive reinforcements at Aston Villa
Following the departure of Diego Carlos during the January transfer window, Emery remains keen to strengthen his squad at the back.
Villa completed the loan signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea, but questions remain about whether they will turn that move into a permanent deal.
If they can secure Champions League qualification for next season, Emery is likely to demand the board back him heavily in the transfer market as part of his ambitious plans.
The signing of Diomande is viewed as a difficult one given the level of interest in his signature, but the Villans are prepared to spend big to get a deal over the line.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in November that Man United want to sign Diomande as part of a potential reunion with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.
Dusan Vlahovic update emerges as £30million price tag revealed
It is not just at centre-back that Aston Villa want to strengthen, with a number of key targets on their radar including the addition of a new striker.
Football Insider revealed on 4 April that Villa want to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic in a deal which could be worth as little as £30million this summer.
This comes following the departure of Jhon Duran in January, which left Emery’s side with space in their squad alongside Ollie Watkins and a boosted transfer kitty.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Tammy Abraham wants to re-join Aston Villa as he approaches a return to the Premier League.
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