Aston Villa have emerged as rivals to Chelsea in the race to sign Maximilian Beier from Hoffenheim.
Beier is one of the names on a lengthy shortlist of centre-forward options for Chelsea, who are prioritising the signing of a number nine to bolster their forward line.
The 21-year-old scored 16 league goals during a breakthrough Bundesliga campaign at Hoffenheim, having returned from a loan spell in the second tier at Hannover 96.
Beier’s performances earned him a place in the Germany squad for Euro 2024 and the forward featured as a substitute during the group stage draw with Switzerland on Sunday.
Aston Villa have now entered the race to sign Beier, according to Sky Germany, who has a release clause of €30m (£25.3m) in his contract at the German side.
Unai Emery wants to bring in competition and cover for Ollie Watkins ahead of the club’s inaugural Champions League campaign, with Jhon Duran linked with an exit.
Chelsea, coincidentally, have held talks with Villa about signing Duran after expressing initial interest in the 20-year-old in January.
Villa are currently working against financial restrictions ahead of the deadline for the financial year on June 30, and the club’s transfer activity is expected to step up next month. The Villans have completed their first signing of the summer, however, after agreeing a deal to sign Lewis Dobbin from Everton.
Beier, meanwhile, has said he will hold discussions on his future after the European Championship. Germany, who are the host nation, will take on Denmark in the Round of 16 on June 29.
