Aston Villa given green light for Rodrigo Bentancur transfer move as ‘official bid’ claim made

Aston Villa are reportedly set to submit an official offer for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur after talks over the 24-year-old.

Steven Gerrard is keen to add a defensive midfielder to his squad during the current transfer window with Bentancur emerging as one of the targets to fill the gap.

The Uruguayan has featured in 19 Serie A games so far this season, with Villa said to be ‘confident’ about completing a deal for the player before next week’s deadline.

Villa have already had a successful window with the additions of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, both of whom have already had a positive impact on the team.

Gerrard has also added goalkeeper Robin Olsen to his squad, although the Sweden international has come in as back-up to Emi Martinez, who signed a new long-term deal last week.

Villa are expected to continue to be active in the final days of the window, and could now move a step closer to a potential move for Bentancur.

According to Goal’s Juventus reporter Romeo Agresti , Villa are ‘about to make an official bid’ to the Italian giants for the player with ‘the ball in Juventus’ court.’

It is said that Villa are willing to pay a fee of around £16 million, although it is not reported what the official bid which will be submitted by the club is.

One potential stumbling block for any transfer is said to be Juventus’ being unwilling to let the player go without a replacement lined up.

However, the Old Lady are reportedly in talks over a potential move for Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, something which could give Villa the green light to make their move.