Aston Villa are ready to wave goodbye to a loan star and sign Manchester City icon, Kevin De Bruyne, as his replacement, while Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Belgian already has a tempting offer on the table.
De Bruyne, 33, will leave Man City upon expiry of his contract this summer. The legendary playmaker does not intend to retire and previously admitted his surprise at NOT being offered an extension by City.
“I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision,” said De Bruyne.
“Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”
De Bruyne and his family are not inclined to move to Saudi Arabia. Instead, a move to MLS is possible, as is remaining in a top European league.
And according to a fresh update from Football Insider, Aston Villa could give De Bruyne the chance to take a measure of revenge on Man City for not showing more faith in the veteran.
They state De Bruyne is ‘attracted’ to the idea of signing with a different Premier League side and Villa are now ‘exploring a blockbuster deal.’
Unai Emery doesn’t lack for impactful options in attacking areas at present, though Leon Bailey has become a target for the Saudi Pro League and Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio are both loanees.
Villa hold an option to buy Rashford for £40m. Asensio’s agreement was a straight loan and does not contain a mechanism to turn the move permanent.
Asensio has dazzled during his loan stint, notching eight goals in 17 matches. However, FI state Villa believe signing De Bruyne on a free is a more sound investment than negotiating a transfer fee with PSG for Asensio.
Aiding Villa’s attempts to lure De Bruyne to Midlands would be the securing of Champions League qualification.
Villa currently sit seventh in the table and fifth position would be good enough to qualify for the UCL.