According to reports, Aston Villa is leading the fight for Oihan Sancet, and they may be able to hold off Tottenham in their pursuit of the Athletic Club midfielder.

Aston Villa are reportedly ahead in the race for Oihan Sancet and could keep Manchester United behind in the pursuit of the Athletic Club midfielder.

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa is well-placed to sign Oihan Sancet ahead of Manchester United. The Athletic Club midfielder has a massive €80 million release clause. However, Villa will undoubtedly try to open negotiations to reduce that price point and carry out an operation with a structure. 

Oihan Sancet has been impressed with his consistent displays for Athletic Club over the last season, including this one. His displays have attracted the prospect of moving to a bigger side, with Premier League teams eager to bring the midfielder on board. 

With an €80 million release clause and a contract until 2032, Athletic Club are more than protected to maintain the player’s valuation ahead of the future. With the January window coming closer, the Spanish side is bracing for offers to come in for Sancet, with Manchester City one of those interested in the player. 

Manchester United are also keen, with the club eager to strengthen under new manager Ruben Amorim. They have been in the market for a new midfielder who can play centrally as well as in the attacking role; Sancet fits the bill. 

However, it’s Aston Villa who are reportedly leading the chase for the midfielder, as Unai Emery has been pushing to sign Sancet. The €80 million-rated La Liga midfielder’s release clause is still the biggest problem in any deal ahead, which will need some concerted negotiations between the two clubs. 

Aston Villa to negotiate with Athletic Club?

Aston Villa are in the market for a midfielder, and Sancet certainly is a player of interest. However, the club will not be willing to pay the release clause for the €80 million-rated La Liga midfielder. Hence, Monchi may have to use his ideas better than ever to convince Athletic Club to lower their price tag. 

More importantly, under current PSR rules, it’s impossible to see any club, notably Aston Villa, pay the release clause in one shot. Hence, they will be keen to sit at the table and discuss a deal with the Spanish side, although any move in January may seem unlikely.