Hekato Achumi

Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to sign Sevilla defender Loic Bade, with negotiations now in their final stages. The Premier League side has identified the 24-year-old French centre-back as a key target to bolster their defensive line. Both clubs are working to finalise the agreement ahead of the 3 February transfer deadline, after which personal terms with the player will need to be settled.

Aston Villa head to Monaco's Stade Louis II on Tuesday for a decisive Champions League group stage encounter. Unai Emery's squad aims to secure their place in the round of 16, while the hosts desperately need points to keep their qualification hopes alive. Villa's European journey and recent form The Birmingham side has impressed in their Champions League campaign, accumulating 13 points from six matches.

Diego Carlos nears Fenerbahce switch as Premier League club eye La Liga defender as replacement. The Brazilian centre-back's departure comes after limited playing time at Villa Park, with the Turkish giants ready to secure his services for £8.5 million as per The Athletic. The 31-year-old Brazilian joined Villa from Sevilla for £26 million in 2022, but his journey took an unfortunate turn when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in just his second appearance.