Aston Villa and West Ham are the latest two clubs to be linked with a move for Roma midfielder, Bryan Cristante.
Cristante has got himself among the Italy squad and is considered a key player for Roma under Jose Mourinho.
However, it seems Premier League interest in him is growing. Reports over the past few weeks have suggested Tottenham have had a look at the Italian.
But it seems there could be a fight to land Cristante, with TV Play reporting today that Aston Villa are now keen on landing the midfielder as well. Villa’s interest is mentioned alongside that of West Ham, but it is the lure of Unai Emery that apparently puts the Villans on pole position.
Villa have already landing one Italian international with Nicolo Zaniolo and it’s reported that the club’s current surge towards the top four spots is attracting players in Europe.
It’s reported a bid in the region of £26m would be enough for Roma to consider selling.
Aston Villa looking to sign Bryan Cristante
Villa’s ambition is certainly growing and it seems the appointment of Emery coupled with the addition of sporting director, Monchi, has given the club a lift.
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Players now seem to be drawn to coming to Villa and there signings in recent windows have shown just what sort of quality they can no attract.
A player like Bryan Cristante would represent another shrewd piece of business by the Premier League club. The midfielder was lauded by Jorginho just this week, with the Arsenal man hailing the Roma man as a ‘real leader’ for his country.
It will certainly be interesting for Villa in January. If they are well positioned to snatch a top four spot, then the board will no doubt back Emery further.
Cristante, then, could be just the sort of player they need to get over the line.