'One to watch' - Insider: Aston Villa set sights on Spurs big name, 'bargain' deal possible

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(Credit: Imago) Aston Villa could sign James Maddison in ‘bargain’ deal – ‘the opportunity is there’ Tue 10 March 2026 10:51, UK Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Tottenham midfielder James Maddison ahead of what could be a dramatic summer transfer window.Unai Emery’s side are believed to be keeping tabs on the 29-year-old’s recovery from a serious injury which will see him miss the entire season.Concerns about the potential impact of that injury could see them ease off, but should Spurs suffer relegation, they could be tempted into a bargain deal.Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Emery’s side are not the only admirers of Maddison, who could become available for a cut-price fee.Tottenham are currently just one point above the regelation zone and showing no signs of improvement, placing clubs on alert as Villa accelerate their transfer plans. Credit: Imago 🔄 Aston Villa Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Aston Villa boardroom.

VISIT THE VILLA TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Aston Villa plot move to sign James MaddisonEmery is keen to add to his attacking midfield options this summer, as Football Insider revealed Aston Villa are interested in Mason Mount, with multiple options on their radar.Maddison is the latest to be linked with a move to the West Midlands, and while his injury could make the deal a non-starter, they are keeping tabs on his recovery.“Maddison is going to be an interesting one,” Brown told Football Insider.“Everybody knows he’s a quality player, so there’s going to be interest in him, and he will be on the radar of teams like Aston Villa for example.“They’ll be keeping an eye on his recovery from this injury, because it’s obviously going to be a concern when any player misses a full season of football.“But if the reports on his recovery are positive and he returns for Tottenham in pre-season, there could be an opportunity to bring in him on a bargain deal.“If Tottenham are relegated, they’re going to struggle to keep hold of players and they’ll have to sell, so the opportunity will be there for clubs like Villa.“Nobody is going to pay through the roof for a player who has been sidelined for a year, but if he can be signed for a cheap fee, it’s an opportunity clubs could look at.“A player like James Maddison at his best would improve a lot of teams in the Premier League, so I think he will be one to watch depending on his recovery.”Unai Emery could leave Aston Villa after transfer blowDespite Villa keeping tabs on a number of potentially available players ahead of the summer transfer window, there are concerns their spending may be limited.Financial restrictions at Villa Park have prevented the club from capitalising on the success they have enjoyed under Emery and preventing them from making progress.As a result, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Emery is increasingly likely to leave Aston Villa this summer, and the closing stages of the season will be key.Credit: ImagoVilla are in need of another overhaul this summer with numerous positions on their radar, but if they are unable to spend freely, the boss will be left frustrated.Qualifying for the Champions League would hand them a much-needed boost despite concerns growing and the coming weeks could be crucial. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park.