Aston Villa are working on a last-gasp deal to sign Swansea City midfielder Leroy Fer, according to a reliable journalist.
Sun correspondent Mike McGrath reported on his personal Twitter account on deadline day that the Midlands giants are “making a move” for the Welsh club’s captain.
McGrath explained that French club Lille and Turkish outfit Fenerbahce were both keen on Fer earlier in the January window.
#AstonVilla are making a move for #Swansea midfielder Leroy Fer #AVFC. Fenerbahce and Lille looking at him earlier in window
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) January 31, 2019
OPINION
Villa have pounced as they look to take advantage of a firesale at Swansea as they feel the squeeze following relegation from last season’s Premier League. Fer’s teammates Daniel James and Wilfried Bony could also be heading for the exit door on deadline day, as the Welsh club cash in on some of their prize assets. Fer is also a big earner, a legacy of the club’s top-flight days, and Swansea are said to be eager to get him off their wage bill. The 11-times Holland international is a class act who would be a mighty fine signing for Villa, and a more than solid alternative to recently-linked pair Isaac Hayden and Nathaniel Chalobah, who appear to be staying at Newcastle United and Watford respectively. Fer has made 15 league starts among 24 Swans appearances this season and the ex-Norwich City and QPR man is proven in both the Premier League and the Championship.