Aston Villa are reportedly close to securing a loan deal for Galatasaray winger Nicolo Zaniolo.
Less than a week ago, the West Midlands outfit appeared well prepared to enter the 2023-24 Premier League campaign with hopes of a top-six finish.
While that remains the case, Villa have suffered three major blows, including a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United that also saw Tyrone Mings suffer a potentially season-ending knee injury.
In the days preceding that incident, Unai Emery also lost the services of winger Emiliano Buendia for at least six months due to a similar issue sustained in training.
Although Villa have alternatives in either area, Villa are in need of backup as they prepare for the possibility of an extended run in the Europa Conference League should they come through a two-legged playoff tie.
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With Moussa Diaby having already been acquired in a big-money deal, the club's owners are not in a position where they can freely spend on a replacement and with another centre-back now required.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Villa have reached a position where they may be able to sign Zaniolo in the next 48 hours.
Villa have been in negotiations with their counterparts at Galatasaray in an effort to reach a compromise over a player who only moved to Turkey in January.
During that stint, the Italy international contributed five goals from 10 appearances to help Galatasaray retain the Super Lig title and a return to European football.
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Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has seemingly told Galatasaray officials that he would like to make the switch to Villa to take an opportunity to play in the Premier League.
Romano adds that the attacker is due to undergo a medical in Birmingham on Wednesday ahead of completing a loan move which may become mandatory in due course.
Villa will be obligated to pay €30m (£25.8m), plus add-ons, if certain clauses are met during this season, with Zaniolo's former club Roma in line to receive 20% of any fee.
If the transfer goes through as expected, Zaniolo will be available for Villa's Premier League fixture with Everton on August 20.
Darren Plant
