Aston Villa 'register interest' in £2.5m-per-year Brighton transfer target

Aston Villa have reportedly alerted Borussia Dortmund ahead of a potential summer move for Norway international Julian Ryerson.

The established right-back, already sounded out by Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, has impressed for BVB since signing from Union Berlin last January. The 26-year-old has already played 34 times and scored five goals for Dortmund across all competitions, with six appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

Sky Germany reports Villa and Brighton have "already registered their interest" in Ryerson, a €5 million (£4.3 million) signing from Union 15 months ago. The Norwegian's contract at Signal Iduna Park runs until 2026 and his recent form would indicate his valuation has risen far above the fee paid.

Albion could have the slight upper hand as Ryerson's cousin, Mathias Rasmussen, plays for Brighton owner Tony Bloom's Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. A strong Seagulls recommendation could come from Ryerson's relative, though Villa are set for elite European football next season, something Roberto De Zerbi's side are unlikely to offer.

Unai Emery and Monchi are keen to bring a new right-back to Villa Park, in addition to Red Star teenager Kosta Nedeljkovic. Matty Cash, albeit a decent servant, has been an inconsistent performer and Ezri Konsa's natural position is at centre-half.

Ryerson is a strong candidate as he hasn't only impressed at the highest level for Dortmund but he's also on a fairly low salary, at €3 million (£2.5 million) per annum. Sky Germany claims the defender is happy in Germany but it's unlikely interest from the Premier League will be totally ignored.