Manchester United are believed to be among a host of Premier League clubs targeting Luton Town talisman Ross Barkley.
The Red Devils have joined rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in eyeing a move for the experienced midfielder, yet Aston Villa have quickly thrown themselves into pole position to acquire his signature early doors in the transfer window.
Indeed, the league’s high-flyers are already on the hunt for options to bolster their squad as they prepare to rub shoulders with Europe’s elite next season for the first time in 42 years, having rounded off their scintillating campaign with Champions League qualification.
Unai Emery is now looking to enlist the services of former Villan Barkley, who impressed on his season-long stint with the Hatters but was ultimately unable to prevent the side from dropping back down to the Championship.
While his contract at Kenilworth Road runs until 2025, their relegation means he is now available on a cut-price fee this summer, and it looks as though he won’t be short of offers.
Villa ready to pip PL rivals to Barkley’s signature
The 30-year-old, whom teammate Andros Townsend once hailed as ‘unbelievable’, boasts a plethora of top-flight experience due to his time with Everton, Chelsea and Villa, as well as one term spent with INEOS-owned Ligue 1 outfit Nice.
United will need to act fast if they have any chance of hijacking Villa’s pursuit, as HITC reports that the Midlands club are ‘confident they can quickly finalise a deal’.
