- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
RB Leipzig have made their move for Aston Villa target Lutsharel Geertruida this summer with over 24 hours to go before the window slams shut.
Aston Villa have been busy in the summer transfer market with the club preparing to play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the Premier League era.
Villa have signed Amadou Onana from Everton, Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, Ross Barkley from Luton Town and are closing in on the addition of a defender.
HITC reported that Villa had reached an agreement with Feyenoord for the transfer of Lutsharel Geertruida but the Dutch defender has still not completed his move to Villa Park and now another team has entered the race.
RB Leipzig enter race for Lutsharel Geertruida
HITC understands that RB Leipzig are now ready to make a move for the Dutch defender as Villa try and get a deal over the line.
Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan looks set to move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr and the Bundesliga giants are keen on Geertruida and have opened talks with the Dutch side to try and get a deal done.
Geertruida has always been on Leipzig’s radar, but they’ve accelerated efforts today as Simakan appears to be on his way to Saudi Arabia.
That’s seen them push ahead of Aston Villa for him. The Villans had shown interest in a late deal but ‘cannot reach a deal’ at this point.
That’s left the path open for Leipzig, who had already targeted the player last year and are now pushing to get a deal done with Feyenoord.
HITC understands that Leipzig have gone for Feyenoord’s Geertruida after Benfica turned down their approach for Antonio Silva.
Where Aston Villa stand on Lutsharel Geertruida
HITC reported that Villa had struck an agreement for Geertruida but as of yet the Midlands club have not gotten the deal over the line for the Dutch defender.
Sources have told HITC that Villa have agreed a fee with Feyenoord but cannot proceed with the agreement as they need to sell players before tomorrow’s deadline.
With the additions that Villa have made to their side this summer, sales will surely be required but time is running out for the Midlands club.
Leipzig have been interested in Geertruida for a while and it would be a cruel blow if the German side hijacked Villa’s deal for the Dutch defender.
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