Aston Villa work to extract PSG star with deadline-busting transfer on cards
Aston Villa are working hard to bring in a centre-forward before the winter transfer window closes.
Donyell Malen left Villa to join Roma earlier this month, and Unai Emery’s side are now scrambling to bring in a replacement.
Ollie Watkins struggled during the 1-0 win over Fenerbahce on Thursday, spurning several opportunities, but Emery was left without any striking options on the bench.
The Spaniard will be desperate to get another forward through the door within the next two weeks, to help lift some of the goalscoring load off Watkins for the rest of the season.
Aston Villa make move for Goncalo Ramos
Villa are now running out of time to sign a new striker before the winter transfer window slams shut, so they are expanding their search.
According to Duncan Castles, the Midlands outfit are now tracking Paris Saint-Germain star Goncalo Ramos and are working to bring him to Villa Park.
The Portuguese international is out of favour at PSG, behind Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order.
However, the French champions do not want to sell Ramos, meaning Villa will have to convince them to part ways with the 24-year-old.
Emery’s side will also have to fight off competition from Crystal Palace to sign the centre-forward, with the Eagles looking for a potential replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Aston Villa have shortlist of striker options
Ramos is far from the only striker option on Aston Villa’s shortlist, as Emery’s side has several other targets that they are tracking.
Ironically, Villa’s interest in Crystal Palace striker Mateta is one of the reasons why the Eagles are in for Ramos.
Mateta has informed Palace that he wants to leave this month, meaning that the South London side are making preparations in case he does depart.
However, Aston Villa’s main target is still Tammy Abraham, with the other names on their shortlist simply there as backups.
The Midlands outfit have agreed personal terms with Abraham, and are working to finalise a deal with Besiktas, so that should be the main one to watch, for now.
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