Aston Villa are willing to pay £11 million to sign Galatasaray centre-back Christian Luyindama this summer, according to Fotomac.
Whether this is too little, too late remains to be seen.
With 56 goals conceded in just 29 games, Aston Villa have the worst defensive record in the Premier League and it’s fair to say this is the main reason why Dean Smith’s Midland giants have been plunged into the relegation mire.
A 4-0 thrashing at Leicester City before the 2019/20 campaign was put on pause represented a brutal reminder of Villa’s tendency to trip themselves up at almost every opportunity.
Luyindama, a 6ft 3ins Congo international, would be a welcome addition to Dean Smith’s squad with reports suggesting that Aston Villa are setting aside £11 million to bring the Galatasaray stopper to England.
But, unless they can pull off a great escape reminiscent of local neighbours West Brom in 2005, Villa will be a Championship club next season.
If they do drop into the second tier, that £11 million fee might prove rather prohibitive, especially with even the biggest clubs in England likely to be hit hard in the pocket by the ongoing global health crisis.
Luyindama shone as Galatasaray won the league and cup double last season, while impressing against both Real Madrid and PSG in the Champions League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
