Aston Villa have big-money bid rejected for Porto star Otavio – report
Aston Villa have had a bid of £25.7million rejected by Porto for Otavio, according to a report in Portugal.
Maisfutebol reported on Wednesday night (22 June) that Steven Gerrard’s side had a bid of €30million [£25.7million] turned down by the Portuguese champions, who want more.
The report claimed that this falls well below the player’s €40million [£34.3million] release clause, which will increase to €60million [£51.5million] in July.
Brazil-born Otavio is a man in demand after a fine season for Porto, with Portuguese outlet O Jogo reporting that Leeds United have also had a bid rejected.
What would he bring to Aston Villa?
Otavio was a crucial cog to Porto’s double-winning team last season making 32 league appearances and racking up 16 goal contributions.
His favoured position is as a wide midfielder, a rarity in today’s game, but he can also play as an attacking midfielder.
Having a genuine wide midfielder would give Gerrard’s team another dimension, allowing them to shift to a 4-4-2 if needed.
Also, having another natural 10 would be a massive help after the likes of Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore frustrated in the role last season.
Otavio would lift some of the burden in that role off the shoulders of Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia, giving them more genuine depth.
He has been a creative force in Portugal, hitting 13 assists last season and 31 assists over the last three seasons.
However, a move for Otavio is unlikely as Porto are doing everything in their power to keep him.
Sergio Conceicao’s side have already lost Fabio Viera and are on the verge of losing Vitinha and the report states that they will do anything to prevent Otavio’s departure.
The player renewed his contract back just over a year ago, so if Villa want him they will have to stump up the cash.
In other Aston Villa news, Carney Chukwuemeka put in yet another stunning display at the Under-19 European Championships.