Max Beier transfer state of play as Aston Villa linked with Bundesliga marksman

Aston Villa reportedly hold a strong interest in Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier as Unai Emery looks to reshuffle his attacking options.

Chelsea were granted permission to speak with Jhon Duran earlier this month, but the Blues appear to be no closer to signing the Villa striker. Villa had agreed a deal with Chelsea for the Colombia international and Duran wants to move to Stamford Bridge.

There is no shortage of interest in the 20-year-old, who could depart for a sizeable fee. It would leave a big gap in Villa's squad as they would have nobody to back-up Ollie Watkins.

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However, Beier wouldn't be signed purely to play behind Watkins in the pecking order - he is capable of operating as a number nine or in combination with a striker. Beier has been compared to Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, who also plays in the Raumdeuter or "space interpreter" role.

Beier has a €30m release clause in his contract this summer, which equates to around £25m. It presents great value for a Premier League club considering Beier bagged 16 goals in 33 appearances last season.

In October, following a spectacular start to the Bundesliga season with six goals in his first eight games, Beier’s contract was extended until 2027.

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.

The 21-year-old has interest from Chelsea, but is fully focused on Euro 2024 after being named in Julian Nagelsmann's squad. He came off the bench to help Germany rescue a point against Switzerland in their last match.

Beier has said very little about his future, but was quoted as saying: "we can chat after the Euros", when asked about a possible transfer away from Hoffenheim this summer.

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