Aston Villa hold talks over signing ex-Leeds midfielder, international expected to leave club this summer

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands Juventus are ready to sell American star Weston McKennie this summer and Aston Villa have spoken to them about his availability.

Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League under Unai Emery in what was a superb achievement for the club and the Midlands side are already doing their due diligence ahead of potential summer moves.

HITC reported that Villa were confident that they would fend off competition from Premier League clubs as well as Antonio Conte’s Napoli for the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso.

For Juventus, the Italian giants are closing in on the appointment of highly-rated coach Thiago Motta and there could be some high profile departures under the former Bologna boss.

Big changes expected in Turin

Federico Chiesa has seen contract talks stall at the club with HITC reporting that Liverpool and Newcastle United have spoken to the representatives of the Italian winger.

With just 12 months left to run on his contract in Turin, his future is unclear, whilst Adrien Rabiot looks set to depart Juve with his contract set to expire this summer.

Weston McKennie is another that could be sacrificed despite the fact he enjoyed a good season under former boss Max Allegri. The American has had a previous spell in the Premier League at relegated Leeds United but he struggled to make an impact.

Since returning to Turin, however, McKennie has performed very well for Juve and this has led to a plethora of Premier League clubs registering their interest in the midfielder.

Villa’s interest

HITC sources can confirm that there is interest from Villa and communication has taken place between the two clubs about a possible summer transfer.

We can also confirm that Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz did come up in conversation between the two clubs but the Italian giants were given very little encouragement about pursuing that deal any further.

Villa are understood to have held talks with the representatives of Luiz about a new contract at Villa Park but, as of yet, no agreements has been reached between club and player.