Aston Villa has emerged as a potential destination for Manchester United goalkeeper Randal Kolo Muani.
Muani is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this month after making just two starts for the club so far this season. United are among a number of clubs to have been linked with a move for the France international in recent weeks.
Tottenham and Juventus are also said to be interested in Muani's services. However, journalist Ben Jacobs now reports that PSG are prepared to offer the striker to Villa as part of a swap deal for Jhon Duran.
PSG are said to be keen on Duran, who has scored 12 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season, and are open to including Muani or Marco Asensio in the deal. However, Villa value Duran at £80 million and PSG remains well below their asking price.
The 21-year-old signed a new contract in October that will tie him down until 2030 and Villa boss Unai Emery believes Duran has “huge potential”. After scoring the winning goal in Villa's 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Emery admitted it could be a “challenge” managing the playing time of Duran and fellow striker Ollie Watkins.
“He (Duran) arrived two years ago, he has huge potential, sometimes passion,” Emery said. “Sometimes I have to talk to him as a person and connect with him and as a player to make him play and put him on the field because his talent is there and his ability to improve us. We have two very good strikers and the The challenge is to manage both.”
Although Villa do not want to sell unless they receive a 'crazy offer', they are trying to sign a contract this month. According to Sky Sports News, they have made an improved offer for Borussia Dortmund star Donyell Malen.
Malen, who has scored five goals in 20 appearances for Dortmund this season, is reportedly valued at around £25 million and Villa's new offer is just £21 million. Negotiations between the two clubs remain ongoing, with Malen seen as a replacement for Jaden Philogene.
Philogene returned to Villa from Hull this summer but made just two Premier League starts and is now on the verge of joining Ipswich for £20m. When asked about the upcoming move, Emery said: “I explained it.
“I believe in Jaden Philogene, but of course we always try to get the best for the club, for the team, for the team and the players. If he leaves, it is because it is good for those three options.” “
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