Why Aston Villa have edge over Liverpool in race for €50m transfer target

Aston Villa are hoping they have the edge over Liverpool in the battle for one of La Liga’s standout stars as the Villains look to continue their transfer business in January.

Unai Emery’s side signed Donyell Malen from Dortmund this week, having also sold forward Jaden Philogene to Ipswich and Villa are also looking to sign a defender before the end of the month.

While they have been linked with Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo, several reports have claimed that Villa are in negotiations with Sevilla over a deal for Loic Bade.

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The deal is being led by Villa director Monchi, who signed Bade during his time at Sevilla, and they hope that the Spaniards links to his former club can swing a deal in their favour, with Liverpool believed to be interested also.

Bade is understood to have a €50 million release clause in his contract but the 24-year-old may be available for closer to €30m, having also reportedly given his approval to a move to Villa.

However, a deal may be dependent on the future of Diego Carlos, whom Villa are looking to part ways with this month, with a move to Turkey being discussed.

Liverpool and Villa set to battle it out for Bade

Villa have been active in the transfer market once again as they look for creative ways around PSR, such as the sale of Philogene, which saw the Midlands side net around €10m in profit from a player they only signed last summer.

No team in the top half of the Premier League has conceded more goals than Villa and Emery is determined to strengthen his backline after a patchy run of form.

Liverpool, meanwhile are still facing uncertainty with their star players in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom are yet to commit their futures to the club with their contracts set to expire at the end of the season.

Arne Slot’s side appear to be resigned to the departure of Alexander-Arnold, with recent reports claiming the right-back has agreed to join Real Madrid.

Talks are expected to continue with Salah and Van Dijk but a move for Bade could be a way to seal a long-term replacement for the latter even with the Dutchman expected to eventually sign an extension at Anfield.