Sources: Aston Villa discuss £55m bid for Man City star duo

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

22 Apr 2023, 2:30 am

Aston Villa have held internal discussions over a stunning double bid for Man City stars Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Sources close to transfer chiefs at the Etihad Stadium have revealed that City could be tempted by a £55million bid for the English duo.

Phillips, 27, and Walker, 32, are among Aston Villa's top summer targets as Unai Emery looks to strengthen at right-back and in central midfield.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (21 April) that Emery could sanction exits for full-backs Lucas Digne and Matty Cash after being left unconvinced by their contributions this season.

Walker previously played for Aston Villa on loan in the 2010-11 season and could leave Man City in the summer window after losing his place in Pep Guardiola's side.

Meanwhile, Villa could also complete a move for England international Phillips with Emery keen to add a top-class signing capable of running the midfield.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month (8 April) that the Midlands giants are planning to smash their transfer record again this summer with another “huge” spending spree bankrolled by owners Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

They could also have European football to help lure transfer targets to Villa Park this summer, following their recent run of glittering form.

Emery's side have won six of their last seven games ahead of their meeting with Brentford on Saturday (22 April).

Walker, who is out of contract at Man City in June 2024, has made 26 appearances across all competitions this term - starting around half of City's games.

Meanwhile, Phillips has seriously struggled to make an impression in a City shirt since joining the club for a reported £42million last summer - making just two starts and playing 390 minutes of football.

In other news, Emery plots raid on former club as defender offer readied.

Manchester City

Aston Villa