Aston Villa are set to make an £8m bid for Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley.
According to The Telegraph, Villa boss Paul Lambert has given the swoop for Cleverley the green light as the midlands-based club look to pull off an ambitious move, but face competition from both Everton and Hull City for the England international’s signature.
The 25-year-old has reportedly been told that he can leave United with Louis Van Gaal preferring a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer. Although the midfielder appears to have fallen down the pecking order a little for the time being, Val Gaal still believes Cleverley is a man who can potentially assist the Red Devils to European success next season, should they qualify for the Champions League this year.
The news of the bid comes as a bit of a shock following the news that Villa owner Randy Lerner had put the club up for sale earlier this summer, meaning that Lambert has had to work on a budget significantly smaller than his rivals as he chases new players.
The Telegraph has reported that the bid has already been sent to United and that Villa are currently awaiting their response.
Cleverley’s immediate future appears a little uncertain amidst fresh reports of the Manchester club renewing their interest in Juventus player Arturo Vidal and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho, who would both play a similar central midfield role should they move to Old Trafford.