Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans targeted by Saudi Pro League clubs as Unai Emery’s side battle against UEFA spending rules

Youri Tielemans is a target for Saudi Pro League clubs this summer as Aston Villa fight an ongoing battle against European football’s financial rules.

Villa were fined £9.5million last summer for breaching UEFA regulations, which stated that spending on wages could not exceed 80 per cent of revenue. Since then, the limit has been lowered to 70 per cent.

As Villa fight to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League to give themselves more breathing space, at least one big sale is likely this summer to satisfy UEFA.

Morgan Rogers remains a target for top Premier League and European clubs including Chelsea and is Villa’s highest-value player.

Yet Tielemans, 28, was signed on a free transfer three years ago, meaning Villa can generate a significant profit if they sell him and boost revenue accordingly. Along with Emiliano Martinez, Tielemans is also thought to be Villa’s top earner and his departure would ease the pressure on wages.

Tielemans drew interest from the Pro League last summer after an outstanding season and though he is currently out injured, the Belgian midfielder remains one of the most accomplished players in England in his role. The Saudi interest has never waned and it is expected they will make another move for Tielemans at the end of the season.

Tielemans has been absent since January with an ankle injury and was ruled out for at least two months. Villa were hoping Tielemans would be able to take a significant step forward with his recovery during the forthcoming international break as Unai Emery’s men try to halt an alarming dip in form.

Villa travel to France this week to take on Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, before meeting Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.