Transfer links addressed as Aston Villa ‘can hijack’ £34m Barcelona move

Here’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news as eyes start to turn to what could be an exciting summer window for Steven Gerrard’s side.

Former Villa manager Dean Smith has addressed rumours linking his Norwich City side with some of his former players in the upcoming transfer window. Villa’s Cameron Archer, Keinan Davis and Jaden Philogene-Bidace have all enjoyed successful loan spells in the Championship this season. That has led to reports that Smith could turn to them as he aims to lead Norwich back to the Premier League.

The Canaries suffered relegation in the 2-0 loss at Villa Park last week, the day which saw Smith return to the stadium for the first time since his departure from the club. He received a warm reception from the home crowd, and could possibly use his relationship with the club in the upcoming transfer window.

Speaking about the links, Smith said: “We are looking at signings from everywhere. A lot of that speculation is agent led.”

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has responded to a question over his future, sending a clear message over where he sees the next few years of his career. The Argentinian has been a major player for the club since arriving from Arsenal in the summer of 2020.

He was voted as the fans’ player of the year in his first season at the club, a campaign in which he equalled Brad Friedel’s record of 15 Premier League clean sheets in a season.

In an interview in his home nation, Martinez was asked about playing for his boyhood club Independiente later in his career. “You never know what football holds for you, but today I tell you that I would not return to Argentina,” he said.

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Barcelona are said to be in ‘advanced talks’ for reported