Sources: Aston Villa open preliminary talks over Fikayo Tomori deal
Aston Villa have opened preliminary talks to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, sources have told Football Insider.
The Villans' hierarchy are working on multiple centre-back deals after their nightmare start to the new season at Brighton.
Sources say Unai Emery is keen on Tomori because he possesses the traits that suit the manager's system, including pace and the ability to hold a high line.
But Milan's asking price is an issue for Villa as they want between £35million and £40m to part ways with the 28-year-old, who featured 37 times across all competitions last season.
It remains to be seen if Villa are willing to watch such a lofty valuation, especially with his Milan contract set to expire in June 2027.
Tomori has been targeted by several Premier League clubs throughout this summer window, with Ruben Amorim looking to overhaul his squad at the San Siro.
Aston Villa in talks to sign Fikayo Tomori as Premier League clubs circle
Tomori has been a regular in Milan's backline since he joined permanently from Chelsea in 2021, helping them win the Serie A title in his first full season at the club.
He has picked up six caps for England since debuting in 2019, with Thomas Tuchel handing him a first international appearance in two-and-a-half years against Uruguay in March.
Sources exclusively revealed to Football Insider earlier in the summer that Newcastle were targeting Tomori alongside Coventry and Crystal Palace.
Villa are now looking to advance in a move for his services after Ezri Konsa made a £50m move to Arsenal last week.
Emery is yet to bolster his options in central defence this summer, with just three recognised options in the position at his disposal right now.
Villa keen on Rafael Leao as double Milan deal eyed
Villa are looking to make several new signings over the next seven days to improve Emery's weak-looking squad for the season ahead.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Villa are weighing up a move for Milan star Leao alongside his teammate Tomori.
The Portuguese international is looking for a new challenge at 27-years-old after he registered 10 goals and three assists in 31 games last season.
He has also been eyed by the likes of Roma, Leeds and Galatasaray, but is not thought to be interested in a move to Turkey right now.

