Tony Xia has admitted that Aston Villa did make a huge offer for Abel Hernandez – but a different striker could be close to signing.
Hull City’s Abel Hernandez in action
According to The Sun, Aston Villa are offering a staggering package of £20m for Hull City striker Abel Hernandez – and whilst Tony Xia has confirmed the move on Twitter, he suggested that Villa are looking elsewhere.
Villa have splashed out for one attacking player already this summer having landed Ross McCormack from Fulham, but after Saturday’s 3-1 away defeat to Bristol City, manager Roberto Di Matteo appears to want to splash the cash again.
Hull City’s Abel Hernandez shoots at goal
With Rudy Gestede out injured, Gabriel Agbonlahor’s future unclear and Libor Kozak something of an afterthought, another striker is wanted – and Villa appear to have gone for a Premier League hitman.
The Sun report that Villa have offered an eye-watering package worth a total of £20m for Hull City striker Abel Hernandez, but the Tigers have yet to bite on their offer.
Manchester United’s Eric Bailly in action with Hull City’s Abel Hernandez
Hernandez, 26, joined Hull from Italian side Palermo in 2014 having hit 36 goals in 122 games, and whilst he struggled in the Premier League with just four goals to his name, the Uruguayan starred last season.
His 20 goals helped fire Hull to promotion back to the Premier League last season, and he’s made a strong start this term having scored against Swansea in a 2-0 win earlier this month.
Tony Xia
Now though, Villa appear keen to land Hernandez, allegedly offering £14m up front, £3m based on Villa’s achievements and another £3m based on his goals and appearancs for the club – but Hull have yet to accept.
In fact, Villa fans have been asking owner Tony Xia about the report, and he admitted that the bid is very much real – but Villa have switched targets having hit a brick wall in their pursuit of Hernandez, and even hope to announce a signing today.
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