Aston Villa News: Aston Villa are set to battle with Middlesbrough for the signing of Neal Maupay claims the Mirror.
The Brentford striker has a contract till 2021 and his release clause would be around €20m.
Player Stats
Maupay, a youth product of French outfit Lille, broke into the main team in 2012. Despite impressing in the reserves team, the forward couldn’t enjoy the same amount of success with the senior team.
He later had a short spell at St Ettiene before joining the Brest, a second-tier club.
Owing to his great run of form with Brest, the Frenchman caught the interest of Brentford, for whom he later signed in 2017.
The 22-year-old has been in red-hot form this season, bagging 23 goals and 7 assists in 40 appearances.
He is currently the Championship’s third highest goalscorer, joint with Billy Sharp of Sheffield United.
Maupay can play as an attacking or a wide-midfielder but he is at his best in a centre-forward role.
Maupay- a replacement for Abraham?
Tammy Abraham has been pivotal for Dean Smith in the race for a Premier League promotion this season.
He has scored a total of 24 goals so far, the most by any Villa player in a single season.
However, he is currently on loan from Chelsea and his incredible form might earn him a call from Maurizio Sarri next season.
Besides this, the English striker has also been watched by several European clubs, including Bundesliga’s, RB Leipzig.
With the 22-year-old’s future at Villa Park remains uncertain next season, the Lions will need to fill the void if the striker is to leave.
Maupay holds many similarities to Abraham; with an eye for goal, electrifying pace and predatory goalscoring instincts. Hence, the French U-21 would be the sort of man that Smith needs, in order to bolster his attack next season.
Moreover, Smith had previously managed Maupay at Griffith Park and it would be an advantage in persuading him to
Read more Aston Villa News, click here- Latest Aston Villa News
The Lions have picked up seven wins in their last seven games,