Aston Villa storm into race to sign £120k-a-week star who’s now pushing to leave Man Utd

Aston Villa have set their sights on a “magnificent” Manchester United player, who INEOS are now prepared to offload in the summer.

Villa eyeing new additions despite financial concerns

Although Villa have consistently been in Europe under the helm of Unai Emery, the manager has often been very limited in the transfer market, and former CEO Christian Purslow has suggested it may still take some time before they can start competing with some top clubs.

Purslow said: “It’s very frustrating if you’re a Villa or Newcastle fan. It is going to take time to break through in meaningful and massive uplifts in revenue, which are required to be properly competitive. It means you have to do it the hard way, beating those teams while employing footballers on half the wages. That is not easy, year in, year out.”

Despite financial limitations, the Villans are still punching above their weight, currently sitting in fourth place, and firmly on course to qualify for the Champions League, which would go some way to bridging the revenue gap.

With Champions League qualification in their grasp, the Villans have started making plans for the summer transfer window, and bringing in a new central midfielder is now on the agenda.

Man Utd willing to sell “magnificent” star with Villa keen

According to a report from Caught Offside, Man United are prepared to offload Manuel Ugarte in the summer transfer window, and Aston Villa have now stormed into the race for the Uruguayan midfielder’s signature.

The Red Devils have set an asking price of €40m (£35m), with Ugarte now pushing for an Old Trafford exit, given that game time has become more limited as the season has progressed.

It is looking ‘increasingly likely’ the Man United star, who pockets £120k-a-week, will be on the move this summer, having fallen down the pecking order since Michael Carrick’s arrival, predominantly featuring as a substitute over the past few weeks.

Although United are now willing to cash-in on the 24-year-old, he has impressed at times during his time in England, receiving plaudits from journalist Liam Canning courtesy of a stellar performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup last season.

The defensive midfielder is also averaging more tackles (4.0) and interceptions (2.0) per 90 than any other Man United or Aston Villa player in the Premier League this season.

As such, there are clear signs Ugarte could be a solid addition to Aston Villa’s midfield, but the rumoured transfer fee of £35m would make him one of the most expensive signings in their history.