Exclusive: Aston Villa could have deal for 23y/o done by July, his club need UCL football

Aston Villa could have a deal done for Roma’s attacking midfielder Matias Soule before the start of July, sources have told Football Insider.

Roma are facing a need to sell players before the end-of-June cut-off for Serie A’s financial fair play regulations, and the 23-year-old is one of those who could be sacrificed as a result.

The Argentine has attracted interest from the likes of Villa, Bournemouth and Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks, and sources have indicated that the race to sign him is currently “open.”

However, qualification for the Champions League could yet alter Roma’s stance regarding Soule’s future, as it would provide a welcome boost to their revenue for next term.

Villa’s interest in Soule is strong, and a deal could happen for them sooner rather than later if the cards fall into place from their point of view.

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Soule’s future is set to hinge drastically on whether the Giallorossi can make it into the Champions League at the end of their league campaign, which is now just two games away.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are currently in fifth and level on points with fourth-placed Milan, who hold a slender advantage due to their superior head-to-head record against the capital club this term.

Roma are also just one point adrift of Juventus in third, with the top four sides earning automatic qualification for the Champions League next term.

Gasperini’s side face a truly seismic derby against Lazio on Sunday, before concluding their campaign away at already relegated Hellas Verona on 24 May.

Secure positive results from those games, and it could be enough to see them safely into the top four, and in turn, hand them a far stronger chance of keeping hold of Soule for another season.

Incredible strike from the Argentinian to bring AS Roma level! 🤯

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Villa will be seriously hoping that scenario doesn’t play out, as if Roma are unable to get the points that they need, it could force their hand when it comes to their star’s future.

Football Insider recently revealed that Villa are ready to offer Bailey Rice the chance to swap Scotland for England and move south of the border this summer.

It is becoming increasingly likely that the Rangers starlet will depart Ibrox at the end of his contract in the coming months, and Premier League sides are queuing up to sign the 19-year-old.

Villa’s interest is matched by the likes of Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, with all three of that trio determined to hand the starlet the chance to impress.

Rice is widely regarded as a player with “huge potential” up in Scotland, and the Premier League could become the natural next step for his career.

Rangers are still yet to give up hope on keeping hold of their prized youngster, but at the moment it appears far more likely that he will walk away for free.

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