Aston Villa throw hurdle towards Leeds pursuit for star winger, with Emery identifying key upgrade

Aston Villa are reportedly among the sides looking to rival Leeds United for the signature of Noa Lang, in order to boost their attacking threat.

Lang has been linked with a Premier League move for some time. Indeed, in 2021, Leeds apparently tabled three bids for the winger.

As well as that, Arsenal were seemingly very keen on snaring Lang the following window. However, neither of those pursuits paid off, and Lang remained with Club Brugge.

Over the summer, interest remained. That was helped by the fact Lang seemingly wanted to go on to pastures new, admitting he was “ready for the next step”.

While Lang’s comments likely had some bearing in the interest, his form definitely did.

Indeed, the Dutchman contributed to 52 goals in all competitions across the two seasons before the current campaign.

This season, having spent a period on the sidelines through injury, Lang has started just six games. He has still managed two goals and an assist.

Leeds have remained on the trail of the winger, and Brugge are reportedly willing to listen to offers.

Aston Villa charge into Noa Lang pursuit

With that being said, Leeds would likely be confident they could pull off a deal. However, it appears things will be far from plain sailing.

Indeed, a number of other Premier League sides are interested, according to a report from Voetbal Belgie.

Those sides are: Everton, West Ham United and Aston Villa. The latter, the report suggests, are ‘looking for new forces’ in the attack.

There is also interest in AC Milan, as there was in the summer, who could mount a serious challenge for Lang.

Villa could mount serious challenge

However, of those sides, Villa are the team that stand out most. That is mainly thanks to Unai Emery having just taken charge of the Midlands outfit.

He will no doubt be keen to have his own influence on the side by adding some more talent. Having been in charge for a little time now, the ex-Arsenal manager will know the changes he wants to make.

It would not be a surprise if he was keen on changing up the attack. Even when Steven Gerrard was in charge, it did not seem clear what the best combination was.

This season, all of: Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia have started in the front line.

Some of those players may not be afforded as much game time, with Emery now at the helm. The manager will also be given backing by Villa to shape the squad to his liking.

If he wants Lang, he may certainly be given the opportunity to go out and get him.

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