DEAL CLOSE: Aston Villa willing to bid for “world-class” talented striker who set for medical according to the

Let’s say Aston Villa supporters were told back in May that club-record signing Moussa Diaby and midfield general Douglas Luiz would be sold this summer, having defied the odds to record a top-four Premier League finish and roll out the carpet to Europe’s pinnacle club competition.

Let’s say that Unai Emery found himself beset with PSR concerns that, at one point, looked almost insurmountable. Let’s also say that the sage Spaniard and Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, overcame such obstacles and repainted the squad with a shiny new tint.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery

The Midlands’ high fliers have skipped past the financial battering ram to ensconce themselves in a promising position. Emery is perhaps a little light in defence, but that may be sorted out in due course.

So too could the Lions pounce on a new forward to complement the brilliant Ollie Watkins – if the price is right.

Aston Villa transfer news

As per Corriere dello Sport – via Sport Witness – Aston Villa are in the running to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, even though he is expected to join Serie A side Napoli.

The report goes that Villa are willing to trump Napoli’s offer of €25m (£21m) plus bonuses, with Monchi informing Chelsea that he is willing to meet his €43m (£37m) release clause in full.

The Premier League suitors, moreover, boast Champions League football, whereas the fallen Parthenopeans finished tenth last term, a title defence that has left them shackled to domestic duties this season.

Imagine Romelu Lukaku & Ollie Watkins

It’s a difficult one for sure. Napoli are confident that they will sign the experienced sharpshooter and yield one of Europe’s finest and most highly-coveted strikers in Victor Osimhen – a man who, incidentally, is top of Chelsea’s shortlist.