Aston Villa-linked ace to decide new club in 'coming weeks' ahead of free transfer

Aston Villa-linked midfielder Axel Witsel is set to leave Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer this summer after the club announced they have not decided to extend the player's contract; with the player reportedly deciding on a new club in the "coming weeks".

The 33-year-old was reportedly a target for Aston Villa last summer but ended up staying with the Bundesliga side for a further season. Steven Gerrard 's side are widely believed to be targeting a central midfielder this summer which is a bill that Witsel could well fill on the cheap.

Other options in that area that are known to be among targets are Yves Bissouma, Kalvin Phillips and Boubacar Kamara. The latter of whom is also set to be available on a free transfer after exiting Marseille.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano is reporting Witsel's upcoming decision. "Axel Witsel now set to leave Borussia Dortmund as free agent," the transfer expert tweeted. "He’s not gonna extend his contract, current deal runs out in June. Witsel will decide his new club in the coming weeks, but it’s over with BVB as Marco Rose announced earlier today."

The player himself had also previously practically confirmed the exit earlier this month. “I’m very happy to have spent four years here playing at the highest level,” Witsel told German outlet WAZ. “But I am sad to be leaving the club; I have many friends and great teammates here. I was here for four years; that’s a lot. But in the end, that’s the life of a footballer. I’m looking forward to the last game, but I’ll also be very sad.”