Aston Villa launch bid for 11-goal Holland midfielder, Liverpool also interested - report

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Published on:

04 Jun 2016, 5:21 am

By Harry Sykes

Follow us on Twitter @footyinsider247

Aston Villa are targeting a summer move for Ajax winger Anwar El Ghazi amid interest from Liverpool, according to a report.

The website of Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Midlands club are one of three clubs in the race to sign the 21-year-old Holland international despite their recent relegation.

Liverpool and Crystal Palace are also weighing up bids for El Ghazi, who has emerged as a key player for Ajax this season.

It is said that the Holland international is almost certain to leave the Dutch big-hitters and move to England in the forthcoming window.

Liverpool's interest comes amid doubts over the short-term future of Jordan Ibe, who is unlikely to leave Anfield permanently in the summer but could be allowed to go out on a season-long loan in order to gain regular first-team experience.

Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked with a summer move for the England Under-21-international, who is also a long-term target of Watford.

El Ghazi joined Ajax from Sparta Rotterdam in 2013 and has climbed through the ranks of the Dutch giants to make 37 first-team appearances this season. In 27 Eredivisie matches, the 6ft 2in winger, who plays predominantly on the right flank, has scored 11 goals and supplied three assists.

Football Insider revealed in April that frustrated Ibe wiped clean his Twitter and Instagram accounts of any reference to Liverpool after he was dropped from the matchday squad to face Stoke on 10 April.

However, Ibe was subsequently restored to Liverpool's starting line-up Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Swansea, and was in the matchday squad for all the marquee European matches.

In other Liverpool transfer news, a Leicester sensation has been targeted by the Merseysiders for a summer bid.

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