Aston Villa are reportedly looking to hijack Manchester United's moves for midfield target Manu Kone and winger Crysencio Summerville, in what could be seen as transfer revenge after losing Youri Tielemans to the Red Devils.
Background to the Transfer Battle
Tielemans completed his move to Manchester United earlier this week after the £35 million release clause in his contract, which had just 12 months remaining, was activated. United swiftly moved on the Belgium international after opting against signing Ederson. The club has also confirmed the signings of Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow, with another midfield addition and a left winger still targeted.
According to Italian outlet Sports Media Set, Villa are interested in both Kone and Summerville. Kone currently plays for AS Roma, while Summerville is a target for the Serie A side. The report suggests Villa see Kone as a replacement for Tielemans.
United Still Favourites for Kone
Manchester United remain favourites to sign Kone, who is expected to leave Italy this summer. However, Summerville's future is less certain, with Villa said to be 'keenly interested' in the West Ham and Dutch winger. Villa have already agreed to sign Wolves' Joao Gomes after his proposed move to Atletico Madrid fell through, and are in talks to bring in Joao Palhinha on loan.
The Europa League winners need to strengthen in midfield after selling Tielemans and following Amadou Onana's recent ACL injury. Villa have already hijacked Newcastle's deal for Johan Manzambi, who had a superb World Cup campaign for Switzerland.
United's Own Transfer Decisions
United have decisions to make on their own players before moving for other targets. According to The Guardian, they will make a formal move for Summerville if Marcus Rashford leaves. Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona and had ambitions of joining permanently, but that now looks unlikely following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi at the Catalan club.
As things stand, Rashford will report to Carrington for pre-season but only after a minimum four-week break following his participation at the World Cup with England. Kone will also have time off after playing a prominent role in France's World Cup campaign. He will face Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo in the third-place play-off this Saturday.
