Newly promoted English Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham are reported to have expressed interest to buy Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.
The two clubs are understood to have put lucrative offers on the table to buy Nakamba entirely but Villa are said to have been repelling the approaches.
Reports say Villa would rather let Nakamba extend his contract beyond 2024 with them before letting him go on loan.
The EPL transfer window closes at 11:59 pm tonight.
The Zimbabwean international has not played since the beginning of the current season despite being considered as one of the “impressive” players last season when Steven Gerrard arrived.
The Warriors midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park following the arrival of Boubacar Kamara who continues to show his class since joining from French Ligue 1 but the Birmingham side can’t let him go, amid reports that they are waiting for the right offer.
A source privy to the goings on told The Herald yesterday that Nakamba, who was not in last night’s match-day squad against Arsenal at The Emirates could be one of the transfer deadline day candidates. Said the source:
The top Aston Villa hierarchy still wants him (Marvelous Nakamba) at the club. Even the coach (Steve Gerrard), also appreciates his work and likes him a lot.
But as things stand, Nakamba has to move because his involvement in the team will be limited given the options available for Gerrard in the midfield.
Nottingham Forest and Fulham have officially approached Aston Villa. They want him but they have been told he is only available for loan.
Aston Villa want him to extend his stay before they can send him out on loan.
But the two suitors are pressing to buy him entirely.
All the same, Nakamba has to move and we will see what happens in the coming hours.
Besides Nottingham Forest and Fulham, several clubs including some from France and in the English Championships are understood to be interested in signing the Warriors midfielder.
The Zimbabwean spent most of his pre-season in the country where he launched the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation Invitational Under-17 tournament.