Aston Villa double transfer claims emerge with 'scouts' dispatched abroad

Aston Villa are reportedly set to have scouts in attendance for Fenerbahce's Istanbul derby with Galatasaray on Sunday.

Among the players being watched by Villa will be Attila Szalai, the Hungary centre-back, according to reports in Turkey. Turkish media outlet Fanatik, via Sport Witness, report that Villa and their Premier League rivals Newcastle United are sending scouts to Turkey to check on Szalai.

European giants AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on Szalai, for whom Fener are expected to make a big profit on the £2 million they paid Apollon Limassol for him in January last year. Szalai was reported to be a transfer target for Villa in the summer after he enjoyed a superb Euro 2020 tournament for Hungary and at 24 and playing regularly for Fener he has made himself a transfer target for clubs on the continent.

It is expected that Szalai will move on sooner rather than later and meanwhile Villa are also being linked with Gala defender Victor Nelsson. Nelsson will line up against Szalai on Sunday with the 23 year-old expected to make his 43rd appearance for Gala this season.

The Denmark international signed for the Istanbul giants in the summer in a £6 million deal and has a £21m release clause in his contract. Villa are not expected to move for a centre-back in the summer transfer window with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings Steven Gerrard's first-choice pairing at the back.

Konsa has been linked with a move away from Villa with Tottenham Hotspur said to be keen while Kortney Hause has extended his contract with Gerrard's side but could move in search of first-team football. Calum Chambers can also play at centre-back but has impressed in defensive midfield, a position that Villa are set to