Coral’s Rumour Reel: Villa to bring back Bulgarian star to top-flight?

After losing their star man Christian Benteke to Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool this summer, Aston Villa are hoping to immediately bounce back with the capture of a former Manchester United frontman to replace the departed Belgium international.

The Villans are reportedly discussing personal terms with former Old Trafford star Dimitar Berbatov, after the Bulgarian forward’s contract expired at Monaco this year, making him available on a free transfer.

Berbatov would represent a huge scoop in the market for Villa, as they look to find a marksman capable of filling the massive void left behind by Benteke, and they are 3/1 with Coral to be relegated this season.

Although, Tim Sherwood is still vying for Emmanuel Adebayor’s signature as well, with the out-of-favour Tottenham target man set to arrive on a season-long loan spell instead of an initially hoped permanent deal.

With the former Togo international on his way out the door, Mauricio Pochettino is aiming to secure a deal for the Red Devils, 30-year-old rejuvenated winger Ashley Young, having been put off by original target Yannick Bolasie’s £25m price-tag.

Sherwood is said to be also interested in Nantes midfielder Jordan Veretout, though Leicester City could rival the West Midlands club for the 22-year-old Frenchman’s services.

Elsewhere, Louis van Gaal has been left with the prospect of missing out on a new central defender this summer, with Real Madrid Sergio Ramos appearing to edge closer to a new contract, while Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi will not leave Spain.

Liverpool want to offload misfiring Italian Mario Balotelli, after plenty of new arrivals this summer, but Serie A side Sampdoria have been scared away by the Anfield club’s £7.1m asking price and want it lowered before making a swoop.