Belgium star explains Man Utd snub as Spurs 'initiate' talks with Juventus star

Manchester United’s attempts to boost their midfield options reportedly led them to ramp up their interest in Belgium international Amadou Onana prior to his move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old has impressed during what has sometimes been a challenging two-year stay at Everton after joining the Toffees in a £34m move from French club Lille during the summer of 2022. Although four goals and three assists in over 70 appearances for the Goodison Park club do not make for overly positive reading, the stats don’t really tell the tale of the impact Onana has made on the blue half of Merseyside and his performances were enough to capture the attention of a number of clubs across Europe.

Erik ten Hag was said to be a keen admirer of the 17-times capped Belgium international and there were reports suggesting the likes of Champions League heavyweights Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were also showing an interest in the midfielder. However, it was another club that will compete at European football’s top table that won the race to sign Onana when he completed a £50m move to Aston Villa last week - and the midfielder has revealed his reasons for deciding against a move to the Red Devils to put pen-to-paper on a long-term contract at Villa Park.

In an interview with Belgian outlet La Derniere Heure after joining Villa, he explained: "I think that's where I should be. And for me, Aston Villa is part of the top of English football. The ranking speaks for itself and is significant. The general public may think that it is not the most glamorous club but it was the best choice for the player I am today. The question does not arise because Aston Villa is a top club. I went where I felt the right ambition and the best project to make me grow."

Spurs initiate talks with Euro 2024 star

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly taken the first steps in stealing a march on a number of rivals for the signature of Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.

The Italy international’s future has been the subject of widespread speculation in recent months after there were strong suggestions his time with the Serie A giants could be coming to a close. The likes of Newcastle United, AC Milan, Aston Villa and Roma have all been linked with the 26-year-old but the latest reports in Italy have suggested it is Spurs that are making the most first move as they look to secure their third new signing of the summer transfer window.

TuttoSport have claimed the North London club have ‘made initial contact’ with Juve to discuss a potential deal and revealed the Bianconeri are keen to sell the winger, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer when his current deal comes to a close next summer. A potential fee of around £24m is suggested and Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is said to be a keen admirer of Chiesa, particularly his ‘versatility and skill in one-on-one situations’.