Aston Villa have reportedly placed Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat on their list of potential transfer targets.
In preparation for their return to European football, Villa have made some of the most eye-catching signings of the summer window thus far.
Villarreal defender Pau Torres, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans and Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby have all arrived in the West Midlands.
With Unai Emery also at the helm, Villa are now being tipped to challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League table, yet there is a desire to make more additions.
Of all the positions in their squad, Villa are best stocked in central midfield, with Boubacar Kamara, Leander Dendoncker, Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn and Douglas Luiz joining Tielemans in being options for Emery.
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Nevertheless, according to Viola News, Villa have made an enquiry regarding the valuation of Amrabat, who seems likely to leave Fiorentina over the coming weeks.
Ever since his starring performances for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, Amrabat has emerged as a sought-after player, with teams looking to take advantage of Fiorentina missing out on European football for 2023-24.
Although the 26-year-old is contracted to the Italian side until 2025, he has no intention of extending his terms when a number of top European clubs have emerged as potential destinations.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Amrabat, who is no stranger to Erik ten Hag having worked with the Dutchman during the early days of his career.
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However, as it stands, United are yet to follow up their initial interest with in excess of £100m having already been spent on Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana and Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount.
United may theoretically be waiting until they have raised further funds through player sales before upping their efforts to sign Amrabat, yet they are leaving themselves at risk of being beaten to his signature.
Fiorentina reportedly intend to demand in the region of €30m (£25.9m) for the services of their key man, who has made 107 appearances in all competitions since his arrival in January 2020.
Liverpool are also said to be a potential candidate to sign Amrabat, a result of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson's likely departures to clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Darren Plant
