Aston Villa are preparing an offer for Porto midfielder Otavio even as the Portuguese club continue to demand they pay the player’s release clause.
According to Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol, Aston Villa are readying to launch a fresh bid worth around €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons for Otavio. FC Porto remain adamant on suitors paying his €40 million release clause, as there’s significant interest from the Premier League in the midfielder, with Liverpool and Leeds United also keen.
Otavio has made it into the transfer shortlist of multiple Premier League sides, and Porto might look to take advantage of the mounting interest in the midfielder. Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Liverpool are among the clubs keen on the Portuguese international with an imminent transfer.
Otavio’s release clause stands at €40 million, which has made him an attractive prospect for Premier League clubs. However, the report insists the clause would be €60 million after July 15, forcing English clubs to make a quick decision on the midfielder.
Porto seem relaxed about the situation and could facilitate a sale if the right offer comes in. They ideally want the current release clause to be paid and have already rejected a bid from Leeds United worth a reported €30 million. Club manager Sergio Conceicao would love to keep the midfielder for next season, but their business model dictates otherwise.
Liverpool may also be considering a move after reportedly opening talks to sign Otavio. Despite their recent dealings with Porto, the club have made it clear they would only entertain offers that match the midfielder’s release clause.
Meanwhile, Leeds are considering making an offer worth €40 million but face fierce competition from Aston Villa, who are readying a bid for the wide midfielder. Steven Gerrard has been looking at options to shore up his team ahead of the new season.
A versatile operator who can play in multiple positions out on the flanks or as a central attacking midfielder, Otavio represents a solid option that the Aston Villa manager may not want to pass up. And the Villans are ready to attempt to convince Porto with a fresh offer, slightly less than the 27-year-old Portuguese international’s release clause.
Aston Villa are reportedly planning on offering €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons. Porto may consider the offer and study it, although their insistence on the release clause may go against Gerrard’s side. The Portuguese club recently sold Fabio Vieira to Arsenal and Vitinha to PSG for the full values of their respective release clauses and may take a similar approach with Otavio.
Whether Villa are successful with the reported offer remains to be seen. However, with rising interest from clubs other than Liverpool, Villa, and Leeds, Porto might look to wait and extract full value for their player.