‘Youri Tielemans makes Aston Villa exit decision amid Saudi interest’
Youri Tielemans is expected to turn down a move to the Saudi Pro League in favour of staying at Aston Villa, according to their former senior scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout for Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old is happy working with Unai Emery and has no desire to leave.
He is also keen to continue playing in the Champions League after an outstanding season at Villa Park, and is not ready to step away.
Tielemans has made 52 appearances across all competitions so far this season, and has played the most minutes of any outfield player at Villa this season.
Football Insider revealed on 2 May that Villa are prepared to sell key players this summer as Emery eyes major improvements to his first-team squad.
However, Tielemans is not expected to be amongst those headed for the exit door and will remain an important part of the starting XI.
Youri Tielemans to snub Saudi Pro League move for Aston Villa
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Aston Villa will be forced to sell players this summer to comply with PSR constraints.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Tielemans will not be one of those considered for sale and is not interested in leaving Villa.
“Youri Tielemans isn’t interested in leaving Villa,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s done very well there, particularly this season, and he’s very happy there.
“Unai Emery has built a strong relationship with him, he’s become a key part of his starting XI and is a big part of their plans to keep progressing.
“Villa want to qualify for the Champions League again and want to keep playing at the top level.
“Why would he want to leave now and go to Saudi? The only thing would be money.
“But from what I hear, he’s happy there and wants to keep playing for Villa in the Premier League and in the Champions League.”
Unai Emery eyes Rashford, Asensio and Watkins replacements
Amid speculation surrounding a number of potential outgoings at Villa Park, they are also planning to improve their squad in the window.
Brown told Football Insider on 13 May that Villa are working on signing replacements for Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Ollie Watkins who could leave this summer.
Emery and his recruitment team have already begun working behind the scenes to identify replacements and failure to land their targets would be a “major blow”.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 5 May that Villa are prepared to sell key players this summer, with the likes of Watkins attracting interest.
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