Aston Villa interested in recruiting German international forward

With Jhon Duran still highly likely to leave the club this summer, Aston Villa would be left with just one option up top in Ollie Watkins if Duran was to depart. Therefore, with the club needing more depth during what will be another long and fatiguing campaign they are looking at German international Max Beier.

The 21-year-old scored 16 goals in the German top flight this season for his club TSG Hoffenheim including one in the 4-2 win against Bayern Munich in the season finale. As a result of his excellent cub form he was rewarded with a call-up to the Germany squad for their pre-Euro's friendlies and made his international debut in the draw with Ukraine. Following the friendlies and training camps, Beier was given a place in Germany's squad for the European Championships. During the group stage, Beier made just one appearance off the bench in Germany's 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

It is claimed that Beier has a release clause of £25 million this summer and therefore there is plenty of Premier League interest in him. Unai Emery seems to be one of those interested and is keen to begin negotiations to attract Beier to Villa Park.

Many people will wonder how Beier would fit into the Aston Villa system as it is clear that Emery likes to play with one striker, and with Ollie Watkins more than likely being the number one forward where would he fit in? Well, Beier is a versatile forward more than capable of playing as a number nine or alongside a fellow striker.

""He was the only player to score more than 10 goals, complete more than 10 take ons and draw more than 10 fouls in the Bundesliga last season. Of all under-22 players last season, only Jude Bellingham scored more non-penalty goals than Beier""

- John Townley (Birmingham Live)

It is rumoured that Chelsea are also keen on the forward, particularly as their interest in Jhon Duran has faded.

Aston Villa are also keen on pursuing the possibility of Tammy Abraham coming back to the club as Villa look to boost their squad ahead of their Champions League season.

UTV