Aston Villa 'still interested in Pedro Goncalves'

Aston Villa are reportedly yet to end their interest in signing Sporting Lisbon playmaker Pedro Goncalves.

On the back of qualifying for the Europa Conference League, Villa enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market, adding an array of world-class talent to their squad.

Pau Torres, Clement Lenglet, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby have all moved to the West Midlands as Unai Emery looks to progress into the top six of the Premier League.

In order to keep on track with FFP, a number of academy graduates were sold, and Villa are expected to be active again during the two transfer windows in 2024.

A number of players have already been suggested for January and beyond, including Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso and Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena.

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According to O Jogo, Emery and Villa also retain an interest in Goncalves.

Villa were linked with the Portuguese creator in the summer, only for Sporting to hold firm over their €80m (£68.8m) release clause.

With 15 goals and 12 assists having being contributed in 33 Primeira Liga fixtures during 2022-23, it is claimed that Sporting feel justified in retaining that stance.

Nevertheless, the report suggests that Villa continue to remain as admirers of the 25-year-old, who is no stranger to the West Midlands outfit after a stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers as a youngster.

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Goncalves only penned a contract extension as recently as last month, an indication that he remains committed to representing the Portuguese giants for the foreseeable future.

That said, the report claims that, while Villa are still the frontrunners, they face competition from other teams competing in England's top flight.

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United feature on that list of clubs and will contemplating a formal approach in January or the summer.

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has selected Goncalves in his starting lineup for his club's opening four league fixtures this season, with one goal being scored and the club accumulating 10 points from that period.