ASTON VILLA FACE DOUBLE BLOW IN PURSUIT OF SEVILLA DEFENSIVE STAR LOIC BADE
Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Sevilla’s highly-rated centre-back Loic Bade have suffered a significant setback, with Newcastle United entering the fray and Liverpool maintaining their interest.
Unai Emery’s Villa had been leading the chase for the French defender, but the Magpies’ late entrance into the market has thrown a spanner in the works.
According to sources, Newcastle United are willing to rival Villa and Liverpool for Bade’s signature, with the trio set to battle it out for the 24-year-old’s services.
Villa’s need for defensive reinforcement has been well-documented, and Emery had pinpointed Bade as the ideal candidate to bolster his backline.
However, Sevilla’s valuation of €60 million may prove a stumbling block, although reports suggest the La Liga outfit may be willing to negotiate a lower fee in January.
The prospect of losing out on Bade to Newcastle or Liverpool would be a significant blow to Villa’s ambitions, particularly given Emery’s desire to strengthen his squad for a concerted push on multiple fronts.
Newcastle’s interest is further complicated by their potential financial constraints, but the sale of Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almirón could provide the necessary funds to facilitate a move.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s pursuit of Bade is driven by their need for a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, whose contract is nearing expiration.
With three Premier League heavyweights vying for his signature, Bade’s future hangs precariously in the balance.
Will Aston Villa emerge victorious in the chase for Loic Bade, or will Newcastle United or Liverpool hijack the deal?