Aston Villa bid rejected by Premier League rivals as Man Utd threaten to activate clause

Villa appear to be carrying a theme throughout the early stages of the transfer window, with the future being prioritised just as much as the present.

Talks are already well underway to sign talented winger Lewis Dobbin from Everton but he’s not the only wonderkid being targeted. Unai Emery is keen to build strong foundations for the years ahead, seeking bargain deals for young players to progress and utilise, or sell on for a profit.

With that in mind, The West Ham Way reports Villa have seen an official bid to sign promising Hammers midfielder Lewis Orford turned down. The financial details of the offer aren’t mentioned but the Villans appear determined to land their man, with a second approach expected.

Orford, the current captain of the England’s under-18 side, is yet to play a senior minute for West Ham but it’s considered a matter of time until he does. The 18-year-old, who can play in virtually any midfield role, first impressed when he netted three goals and made eight assists in 25 U18 Premier League games throughout the 2021/22 season.

Things got better and better from that point on as Orford went on to contribute a further nine goals and 10 assists in just 19 games the campaign afterward. It was then a step up to Premier League 2 as Orford, a boyhood West Ham fan, scored four and set up two in 20 matches in 2023/24.

Meanwhile, Man Utd consider activating release clause

In other Premier League transfer news, Man Utd are reportedly weighing up triggering the £33.8 million clause to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Red Devils are eager to improve in attack, filling the voids left by the departing Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

The Telegraph reports United, keen to shake off competition from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Juventus, Bayern Munich and AC Milan. Interest is very high as it’s believed the release clause represents excellent value. Zirkzee, still just 23, scored 11 goals and made four assists in 34 Serie A fixtures last term.