Veteran striker to snub summer Villa move in favour of Turkey stay

Daniel Sturridge is reportedly ready to reject a move to Aston Villa this summer because of his desire to play in the Champions League with Trabzonspor.

The 30-year-old has been at the Turkish club since the summer after his contract at Liverpool expired and has scored seven goals in 16 games this season.

Trabzonspor are in a four-way tussle for the Turkish title, with one automatic Champions League group-stage place reserved for the winners and another qualification berth on offer for second place.

It has been reported that a move to Villa could be on the cards for Sturridge this summer but according to Turkish publication Fanatik, the striker is keen to stay put.

Sturridge’s current deal expires in the summer of 2021, although there is an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The report also claims that Villa wanted to bring the former Manchester City and Chelsea star to the club in January, when they were desperately hunting for a new striker to aid their survival bid.

Sturridge opted to reject that opportunity to stay and help Trabzonspor win their first Turkish title since 1984.

 

Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly ready to step up their bid to sign Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish after learning the playmaker’s exit fee.

The Villa skipper has been an outstanding presence for his side this season, despite their struggles in the Premier League, but is expected to be sold if they are relegated. Read more…