Aston Villa have reportedly seen their initial bid for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby rejected but are expected to return with an improved offer.
The Villans are eyeing new recruits for a season back in European competition.
The West Midlanders qualified for the Europa Conference League play-off round after an amazing resurgence under Unai Emery.
The former Arsenal chief replaced Steven Gerrard in November and guided his side to seventh in the standings.
They secured 18 wins and seven draws and were a different team with the former Paris Saint-Germain boss at the helm.
The challenge now is to keep progressing and the manager has already brought in defender Pau Torres from Villarreal.
The Spain centre-back will help shore up the defence and Emery has now turned his attention to the other end of the pitch.
His first port of call has been the Bundesliga, with an opening offer for Leverkusen’s France international Diaby.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that they tabled a £35m bid.
Football Insider are now reporting that Die Werkself turned that down but are expecting a new offer from Villa Park officials.
However, several other high-profile clubs are also said to be on the case. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is eying talented additions this summer after qualifying for the Champions League.
They were linked with Diaby but have since turned their attention to Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes.
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It remains to be seen if the Magpies return for the 24-year-old.
