Juventus have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sell Rodrigo Bentancur to Aston Villa, with a €20m (£16m) fee likely to be agreed between the two clubs in the coming days.
According to Tuttosport, the Serie A giants are desperate to offload players this week to finance a move for Dusan Vlahovic, who could cost Juventus a reported €60m (£50m) this January and is also wanted by Arsenal as claimed by the Daily Mail.
As per Tuttosport, Bentancur is one of many players up for sale, and Villa look set to sign the midfielder this week with Juventus looking to ‘accelerate plans’ to get the 24-year-old off the club’s books.
A 45-cap international with Uruguay, Bentancur is perhaps a surprise player that Juventus have allowed to leave the club this month given the midfielder’s quality and who else the Bianconeri could sell in that position.
The likes of Aaron Ramsey and Arthur Melo have been linked with exits this January. However, it looks like Bentancur will be the first one to go this month, with Villa the destination for the South American.
A dynamic talent noted for his versatility in the midfield, Bentancur could be an excellent addition to Steven Gerrard’s side this season, with the former Boca Juniors star able to play both a holding and advanced role in the centre of the park.
Bentancur signing biggest statement Villa have made in some time
Villa went big in the summer to replace Jack Grealish with some impressive signings, with Gerrard continuing the trend this window with the arrival of Phillipe Coutinho on loan from FC Barcelona. However, Bentancur could be the steal of the bunch.
After all, the midfielder has been a regular for Juventus for the good part of five seasons. And for Villa, Bentancur has the quality to elevate the squad to new heights and to give supporters hope about a bright second half of the season under Gerrard.
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