Premier League duo Aston Villa and Southampton are reportedly battling Championship outfit Leeds United for Maritimo midfielder Josip Vukovic.
Maritimo midfielder Josip Vukovic has his heart set on a move to England with Leeds United, Aston Villa and Southampton all showing an interest, according to talkSPORT.
A 27-year-old defensive midfielder, Vukovic is entering the peak years of his career and he is not short of offers. According to talkSPORT, he has turned down Portuguese giants Benfica and Champions League-bound Lille, such is his desire to seal a move to British shores.
The report adds that Vukovic has been scouted by Wolves, Watford and Leicester City but three other clubs are in the race as it stands.
They include Leeds United, the Championship title-favourites who are looking to go one step further this season under Marcelo Bielsa.
It remains to be seen whether their interest in Vukovic, who is valued at a bargain £1.5 million, depends on the future of coveted play-maker Kalvin Phillips.
Ironically enough, Aston Villa have been heavily linked with Phillips in recent weeks though it seems that the Premier League newcomers will bring in Club Brugge enforcer Marvelous Nakamba alongside Douglas Luiz (the Telegraph). Vukovic is more than likely a back-up option should the deal for Nakamba fall through.
And links with Southampton will undoubtedly lead to suggestions that the Croatian has been lined up to replace Mario Lemino, who is expected to leave St Mary’s before the transfer window slams shut in August.
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