'Early talks to help Villa get ahead' in race for ace Brandt

ASTON Villa hope to steal a march on several other European clubs by opening talks for Julian Brandt before January.

- By BRIAN DICK

That's according to Spanish website Fichajes which claims Villa are 'positioned as one of the strongest candidates' for the midfielder's signature.

They say the 29-year-old's contract with Borussia Dortmund expires next summer and that Monchi sees that as a 'unique market opportunity' to sign a player who played for Germany less than 12 months ago.

Brandt has been with BVB since 2019 and has won the German Cup and been a runner-up in the Champions League in 2024. He has also played 269 games for the club, had 113 goals or assists and won 48 international caps.

The report adds Dortmund will try to negotiate a new deal with Brandt and claims they know that could be difficult if Premier League clubs come calling.

Villa have made good use of the free agent market in the last few windows with Youri Tielemans, Ross Barkley and Boubacar Kamara all joining at the expiry of their previous deals.