Sources: Aston Villa plan January loan signing and then land superstar in the summer

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Published on:

22 Dec 2023, 1:30 am

Aston Villa are eyeing a loan deal for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner in January as they plot a superstar forward signing for next year, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (20 December) that Villa are eyeing moves for Werner and Leicester City star Kelechi Iheanacho in the new year.

It is believed Unai Emery is keen to add someone who can deputise for Ollie Watkins and provide reinforcements in attack.

The Midlands giants could pursue a loan deal for Werner in the winter window - before chasing a higher-profile deal at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Villa chiefs are laying the groundwork for a "superstar striker signing" in the summer of 2024.

It is believed Financial Fair Play concerns will have subsided by then, allowing the club to splash out on the right target.

Werner has hit just two goals in 14 appearances for Leipzig this season - and has started in just four of those outings.

He previously played in the Premier League for Chelsea, notching 23 goals and 21 assists in 89 games for the Blues before leaving in 2022.

The Germany international is out of contract at Leipzig in June 2026.

Watkins has notched 14 goals and eight assists in 24 appearances across all competitions so far in the 2023-24 campaign.

The England international has started every single Premier League game this term with Jhon Duran the only other forward option on the books at Villa Park.

Emery's side sit third in the Premier League and are just one point away from leaders Arsenal.

In other news, defender's Aston Villa deal could be terminated.

Aston Villa