According to le10sport, Crystal Palace and West Ham have offered Aston Villa target Duje Caleta-Car a contract.
What’s the story?
Well, the Croatia international came extremely close to joining Liverpool in January 2021, and even travelled to the airport ahead of his expected move to Anfield.
However, 18 months on from seeing that deal collapse, Caleta-Car could now be moving to the Premier League with Crystal Palace or West Ham.
Le10sport believe the 25-year-old has offers on the table from both the Eagles and the Hammers, although it comes after he told fans he would “see them next year in the Champions League”.
Despite that, it is said that Caleta-Car is interested in a move to England, although he and his family are also happy in Marseille.
Interestingly, le10sport add that Pablo Longoria – President of Marseille – is not planning to offer the defender a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2023.
Caleta-Car could decide to run his contract down and leave for free, although the French news outlet state that Longoria would be against this.
Therefore, it is certainly possible that the centre-back leaves this summer, as it would be Marseille’s last chance to receive a fee for the Croatian.
Steven Gerrard is also a fan of Caleta-Car, and is keen to bring him to Villa Park.
Liverpool wanted him – now Crystal Palace, West Ham or Aston Villa could get a bargain
In our view, Caleta-Car could be the signing of the summer for whoever gets their hands on him.
As aforesaid, Liverpool nearly sealed a £20m deal back in January 2021 amid an injury crisis in defence, only for the deal to collapse on deadline day.
However, Jürgen Klopp doesn’t just sign anyone, so it speaks volumes that he thought Caleta-Car would be good enough for Liverpool.
Now, the Croatian should cost less than £20m due to his contract situation, making him a potential bargain.
Aged just 25, Caleta-Car has his best years ahead of him, while he has already racked up great experience with 23 caps for Croatia to his name – he has also made four appearances in the Champions League.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Crystal Palace and West Ham await a response.
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