JUST IN; Villa hold ‘interest’ in £52m-rated attacker along with Newcastle United and Tottenham

Aston Villa still have time to strengthen their squad before the January transfer window closes, with attention now turning back to league matters this weekend.

Unai Emery’s side return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they host Everton at Villa Park. The match presents an opportunity to capitalise after both Arsenal and Manchester City dropped points on Saturday.

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest, while City suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Villa currently sit third in the table, seven points behind the leaders, and head into the fixture in good spirits following a 2-1 FA Cup victory away at Tottenham Hotspur. Goals from Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers sealed their progress in the competition.

Aston Villa eye Kevin Schade move

Reports from CaughtOffside suggest Aston Villa are monitoring Brentford forward Kevin Schade. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keeping tabs on the attacker, who is valued at around £52 million.

The 24-year-old is contracted to Brentford until June 2028, placing the Bees in a strong negotiating position despite growing interest in his services. Under Keith Andrews, Schade has developed into a key figure for the west London club.

A Germany international with five senior caps, Schade arrived at Brentford in 2023 on loan before making the move permanent. He has since featured 70 times across all competitions, scoring 20 goals, with 20 appearances coming this season alone.

Schade began his professional career at SC Freiburg after progressing through youth setups at SV Babelsberg 03 and Energie Cottbus. He went on to make 36 first-team appearances for Freiburg, netting six goals, before moving to England.

Would Schade suit Villa?

Villa may view Schade as a player capable of adding depth and variety to their attacking options. His pace, physicality and work rate could provide Emery with additional flexibility in the final third, while also offering genuine competition for Ollie Watkins.

Brentford are unlikely to let the forward leave easily, and any potential deal would likely command a significant fee. However, Schade’s proven scoring record at Premier League level makes him an attractive option.

Andrews recently praised the forward’s all-round contribution, saying: “He works tirelessly for the team. It’s something we demand from our attacking players, that they run back as quickly as they run forward. He’s a constant threat.

“In recent weeks he’s been getting into really good positions and coming very close, and today that was rewarded with a really nice hat-trick — right foot, left foot, header.”