Aston Villa: £106k-a-week star 'would be attracted' by Villa Park move

Aston Villa will be ‘an attractive option’ for defender Alessio Romagnoli this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer after his contract with Serie A giants AC Milan expired and could prove to be a valuable addition to Steven Gerrard’s ranks.

A recent report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claimed that Villa were set to battle Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Lazio for Romagnoli’s signature.

It’s claimed that both the Villans and the Magpies are prepared to offer the Italy international €4 million (£3.5m) a year to make the switch to English shores.

However, Romagnoli, who earned £106,000-per-week at Milan, is said to be receiving ever-increasing offers from Lazio president Claudio Lotito.

The 6 foot 1 ace would be Villa’s second centre-back signing of the window following the arrival of Diego Carlos, and could form a new-look defensive unit for the Midlands outfit.

O’Rourke believes signing for Gerrard’s charges is something that could tempt Romagnoli due to the ambition shown by the club’s owners in the transfer market of late.

Darwin Nunez to Liverpool! Done Deal! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

He told GiveMeSport: “I think Aston Villa are an attractive option to play for right now. You’ve seen the success they’ve had in luring Philippe Coutinho to the Premier League, obviously, they are among the biggest spenders now in the Premier League as well.

“The owners are backing Steven Gerrard in the transfer market with finances. Diego Carlos was also a big signing from Sevilla, so I think Aston Villa right now are an ambitious club seemingly going places. So, I’m sure that will be attractive to a lot of players, including