Aston Villa, Bournemouth 'battling' for Sunderland star

Aston Villa and Bournemouth are both reportedly interested in signing Sunderland defender Trai Hume.

The 22-year-old has established himself as a key figure in the Sunderland squad after joining the club from Linfield in January 2022.

Last season, Hume started in 45 of Sunderland's 46 Championship matches and accumulated more minutes than any of his teammates.

After signing a new deal last summer, the Northern Ireland international is under contract until the summer of 2027 with an option to extend by a year.

Despite having a long-term contract with Sunderland, Hume could be presented with the opportunity to complete a Premier League move this summer.

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Aston Villa, Bournemouth considering Hume move

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa and Bournemouth are both monitoring Hume's situation after being impressed by his performances last season.

The report claims the two Premier League clubs are considering whether to step up their pursuit later in the summer transfer window.

After signing Hume for £150,000, Sunderland stand to make a considerable profit amid suggestions that they could command a £8m fee for the right-back.

Unai Emery's side may have the edge over the Cherries because they can offer Champions League football after achieving a fourth-placed finish last season.

However, the Villans may have to sell players before they pursue a move for Hume due to their concerns about staying within the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

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Why are Aston Villa and Bournemouth chasing Hume?

The Villans will be keen to add strength in depth to his squad as they prepare to balance Champions League football with their domestic duties.

There is also the possibility that their current first-choice right-back Matty Cash could be sold this summer, amid interest from Italian giants AC Milan.

As for Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola is looking to make further improvements to his squad after achieving a club-record Premier League points tally in his first season on the South coast.

Iraola is set to lose Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer and will want to bring in a new right-back to provide competition to Max Aarons and Adam Smith.