Aston Villa and Newcastle United have discussed Valencia midfielder Andre Almeida with Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers also big fans of the Portuguese playmaker.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
No team in La Liga posted a younger average XI than Valencia last term. And amid a sea of youngsters, Andre Almeida emerged as something of an old head at the age of just 24.
Taking on a key role at the heart of Valencia’s midfield, the £6.5 million signing from Vitoria de Guimaraes during the summer of 2022 has proven to be excellent value for money.
Almeida was one of the first names on the team sheet during his debut season at the Mestalla; The former Portugal Under 21 international the man who made things tick in the middle of the park, while taking responsibility for set-pieces.
A muscle injury restricted Almeida to just 18 appearances across 2023/24. But, as HITC have been told, that has not stopped interest from flooding in.
Wolves considering bid for Valencia ace Andre Almeida
HITC understands that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have watched Almeida over the last 12 months. More recently, conversations have been held with Aston Villa and Newcastle.
But if any offer is to arrive between now and the end of the summer window, it may come from Wolves.
The Molineux outfit like Almeida a lot and are being kept abreast of developments surrounding his future at the two-time Champions League runners-up.
Wolves are understood to be considering a bid too.
Valencia would rather not cash in on a man who still has four years left on his contract. But with a deal to sell Javi Guerra to Atletico Madrid collapsing, Wolves may hope that Los Che are suddenly more open to the idea of letting another midfielder depart with Guerra now likely to stay put.
According to Super Deporte, a big-spending Atletico were expected to pay a further £21 million for Javi Guerra having agreed deals for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, and Villarreal’s one-time Crystal Palace benchwarmer Alexander Sorloth.
Negotiations now appear to have run aground, however.
Super Deporte claim that Atletico tried to re-negotiate some elements of the deal, Valencia walking away from discussions as a result.
Retaining Guerra – who has been likened to AC Milan legend Kaka in some quarters – may potentially soften Valencia’s stance regarding Almeida.
Atletico Madrid collapse gives Wolves some hope
One of Spain’s best-supported clubs are usually open to offers for their star men, having sold the likes of David Villa, David Silva, Juan Mata, Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo Moreno, Carlos Soler, Ferran Torres and Nicolas Otamendi over the years.
HITC reported at the start of the summer that Valencia were ready to cash in on star goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. And, for the right price, Almeida may be be available too. What that ‘right price’ is, however, remains to be seen.
Mundo Deportivo previously claimed that the 5ft 8ins pass-picker is valued at around £25 million.
Wolves’ interest, meanwhile, is nothing new. The Black Country outfit are always on the lookout for opportunities in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and they reportedly held talks with Almeida shortly before he crossed the border into Spain.
Should Wolves land their long-time target, Almeida would add further depth to a midfield already containing Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina, amongst others.
Midland neighbours Aston Villa have already snapped up Amadou Onana and Enzo Barrenechea, and Wolves will be hoping that brings an end to their own interest in Valencia’s number ten.
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