Aston Villa work on signing ‘lethal forward’, Mateta talks underway

Aston Villa are working on multiple forward signings before the transfer deadline, sources have told Football Insider.

The Premier League side are exploring the market for a “lethal” forward capable of playing down the middle and out wide.

Villa have made contact with Crystal Palace over a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Eagles are adamant he’s not up for sale.

Palace are trying to tie the 27-year-old down to a new contract, and preliminary talks are underway over that extension.

Mateta boasts plenty of Premier League experience, having played 93 games in the English top flight.

Throughout that time he’s scored 24 goals and created six assists, proving himself to be a crucial member of the Palace squad.

Aston Villa are expected to lose Jhon Duran in this window

One of the reasons Villa are pushing to add an attacker to their ranks is that the club expects Jhon Duran to leave by 31st August.

Football Insider revealed Duran has agreed a £90-000-a-week terms with West Ham over a potential move.

Even though a contract is arranged, the two Premier League clubs have yet to agree on a fee and the deal has stalled.

Despite the delay in getting the sale over the line, Villa does expect Duran to leave the club before the transfer deadline.

Unai Emery is preparing his squad to compete in Europe next season after qualifying for the Champions League, which is why he’s trying to bolster his attacking options.

Football Insider revealed that Villa have also set their sights on signing Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix this summer.

In other news, Aston Villa have landed £10million profit after deal is done.

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