‘Given green light’ - Juventus boss approves Aston Villa swap deal as Wolves confirm two-year deal

New Juventus boss Thiago Motta has reportedly approved a move for the club’s recruitment team to try and land Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz as the two club’s edge closer to a final agreement.

The Old Lady are huge admirers of the Brazilian international who played a key role in helping Unai Emery’s side secure Champions League football for the first time since 1983. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that Juventus are in advanced talks with Aston Villa over a possible deal, but understands that the process is complicated as the proposed transfer would also see two Juventus players move in the opposite direction to Villa Park.

The Italian reports that highly-rated England U21 winger Samuel Iling-Junior is one of the players that could be involved in the transfer to the West Midlands while the other player is thought to be USA international Weston McKennie, who would be a direct replacement for Luiz in the middle of the park.

The deals are separate but all part of the same negotiation, according to Sky Sports News, who add that there is likely to also be a form of cash payment from Juventus to make up the difference in valuation.

Iling-Junior was born in London and was part of the Chelsea academy throughout his childhood before joining Juventus in 2021. The wide attacker, who can also play full back, has made 36 league appearances for Juventus, scoring two goals and providing three assists. The 20-year-old is tipped to have a huge future in the game and was a part of the England squad in 2022 which lifted the U19 European Championship.

McKennie played in the youth system of FC Dallas before turning professional in Europe with Schalke in the Bundesliga. He cemented his place as a first team regular at just 19-years of age and was fast tracked into the USA national team in 2017. Since making his international debut he has formed a great partnership with Tyler Adams and has helped the team to success - lifting the Concacaf Nations League three time and also reaching the Gold Cup final.

He was lauded for his performance during a tightly-fought draw with England in the 2022 World Cup and earned a loan move to Leeds where he struggled to find his best form in 19 appearances.

Wolves prodigy agrees two-year contract extension

Wolves' academy player of the season Dani Angel has signed a two-year contract extension with the club as he aims to continue his trajectory towards the first team.

The 18-year-old, who signed for Wolves in October 2023, scored 10 goals in a Wolves junior side that finished third in the under-18s Premier League behind Manchester City and Manchester United.

Academy coach Jon Hunter-Barrett told the Express and Star that the Spanish forward should now be aiming to play for the U21 side.

“We have been pleased with Dani’s progress and contribution to the group since joining. He has been working hard with the 18s staff to improve his overall game.” Hunter-Barrett explained. He has shown us a consistent work ethic every session and game along with settling in really well with his teammates. The next steps for Dani will be to establish himself in the under-21s group and continue his progress internationally with Spain.”

Angel has won two caps for Spain’s U18 squad and will be hopeful of making the U21 squad in the near future if he continues his excellent form.