Sources: Aston Villa set sights on signing PL 28-yr-old this summer, he came close to Jan move

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Mateta was set to leave Palace to join AC Milan in a £30million deal on transfer deadline day after Villa had completed the signing of Tammy Abraham, but the deal was scuppered by the injury.The forward’s time away from the pitch has come at a convenient time, with the Selhurst Park faithful having been furious with his decision to lodge a transfer request. Sources say Villa transfer chiefs could well take another look this summer with Mateta’s contract set to expire in 2027. 🔄 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 could take advantage of Jean-Philippe Mateta situationFootball Insider exclusively revealed in February that Palace will drop Mateta’s valuation in the summer, with his contract situation likely requiring a sale.The striker remains an attractive proposition for any team, especially given the way that he has returned from injury. All parties will hope for a smoother saga this summer, and it could well be that Villa return for the striker’s services.Unai Emery’s usage of January arrival Abraham has been sporadic, with the striker scoring just once in nine Premier League appearances since returning.

But much of the focus is directed on Ollie Watkins, with his future at Villa Park certainly beginning to grow cloudy.Ollie Watkins could be shipped outWatkins has been ever-reliable for Villa over the years, but this season has seen a dramatic drop-off in his abilities. Emery has continued to place his faith in the 30-year-old, but should an appropriate offer arrive this summer, Villa could well be set to let the striker leave.