Aston Villa transfer twist as attentions turn to alternative and leave exit in doubt
Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia could leave the club in this January transfer window with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen interested in striking a loan deal with Villa before the deadline next week - but they have their sights set on another Premier League talent which could take priority.
Villa boss Unai Emery recently confirmed that Buendia was in a position to leave the club this month in order to secure more regular first team football elsewhere - but Villa are reportedly all set to extend the Argentine's contract before he leaves - if indeed he does - until 2027.
Buendia is of interest to Leverkusen, who played out a remarkable campaign last year under former Liverpool and Real Madrid great Xabi Alonso; they lost just one of their 53 competitive matches, winning the domestic double and only faltering in the Europa League final when they lost to Italian side Atalanta.
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Leverkusen are on the look-out for a replacement for Martin Terrier, the summer signing from Rennes, who tores his Achilles tendon in a recent win over Borussia Monchengladbach and will miss the remainder of this season. Buendia has been mentioned as a potential option to them - but they could also look to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola has been busy in adding players to his squad this month and they have added Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt to their forward ranks, which has cast doubt over the future of academy product James McAtee. The playmaker, who was on loan at Sheffield United last season, could be available for a move.
