Aston Villa expecting offers for midfield star

Villa are braced for offers for midfielder Lamare Bogarde this summer.

Brighton and Sunderland are both monitoring the 22-year-old, who is yet to sign a new contract at Villa Park.

Bogarde made 44 appearances last season in what was something of a breakthrough campaign, providing useful cover for Unai Emery’s team both in midfield and at right-back.

Emery is a fan of the Feyenoord academy product’s versatility but Villa will consider offers which come close to their valuation.

While Brighton are long-time admirers, any move from Sunderland is likely to depend on the future of their captain, Granit Xhaka, who was this week subject of a rejected bid from Chelsea.

Bogarde signed his most recent Villa contract in March last year but talks over a new, longer-term deal are currently on hold.

Villa are in the market for a right-back this summer to provide cover and competition for Matty Cash.

But efforts to prise Brazil international Emerson Royal from Flamengo have stalled in recent days.

Villa see the former Tottenham defender as a good value signing but Flamengo are currently unwilling to sanction a move, due to their own lack of cover in the position.

Emery also wants a striker and two attacking wide players with Villa once again facing a balancing act in the market as they seek to avoid further breaches of financial rules.