Sources: Aston Villa close in on two new signings as Bentancur talks advance
Aston Villa are closing in on a new defender signing, Football Insider understands.
The Midlands giants are working on recruiting a central midfielder and a centre-back before Monday’s transfer deadline.
A Villa source has told Football Insider that a deal is advancing for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur and they are also making progress on the capture of a defender.
Both deals are now expected to happen before the window shuts.
The club have made it a priority to strengthen the spine of the team following analysis from Steven Gerrard since his appointment in November.
Football Insider revealed on 25 January that Villa had submitted an offer in the region of £18million for Bentancur.
The Uruguay international, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract in Turin, is keen on a move to Villa Park.
Villa want to add another central midfielder to their squad by next Monday with Marvelous Nakamba sidelined for the foreseeable future with a knee injury.
Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is another player Steven Gerrard wanted to sign in this window.
However, Football Insider understands (25 January) Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has decided to reject all offers for the England international this month.
The departure of loanee Axel Tuanzebe has left Steven Gerrard with just three senior centre-halves.
Aston Villa have already completed the signings of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne in this window.
The Midlands club currently sit 11th in the Premier League table.
In other news, a pundit has cited Defoe after Aston Villa journalist’s update on striker swoop.