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Transfer rumours: Paulo Dybala to Aston Villa, Stefano Sensi to Leicester City, Lazar Samardzic to Brighton & Hove Albion

By Ben Sully | 11 January 2024

Transfer rumours: Dybala to Villa, Sensi to Leicester, Samardzic to Brighton

Sports Mole rounds up the latest January transfer rumours, including Paulo Dybala to Aston Villa, Stefano Sensi to Inter Milan and Lazar Samardzic to Udinese.

Aston Villa have reportedly enquired about a possible transfer for Roma playmaker Paulo Dybala.

The Argentine is currently in the middle of his second season with Roma after joining the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Despite struggling with injury issues during his time in the Italian capital, Dybala has established himself as a key player in Jose Mourinho's side, scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists in 56 competitive appearances.

While he may be regarded as one of Roma's most prized assets, Dybala is being linked with a move to the Premier League.

According to Corriere della Sera, Aston Villa have made contact with Dybala's agent to gain more information ahead of a potential transfer.

The report claims that the player has a €13m (£11.2m) release clause for clubs outside Italy, which is set to expire on Monday.

In addition to Unai Emery's side, fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Newcastle United have spoken with Dybala's representatives.

There has also been links with the Saudi Pro League, but Dybala supposedly has little interest in completing a move to the Middle East.

Frosinone's Riccardo Marchizza in action with Inter Milan's Stefano Sensi on November 12, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi is reportedly open to the prospect of joining Championship leaders Leicester City.

The 28-year-old has emerged as a potential target for the Foxes after falling down the pecking order at the Italian giants.

Sensi has featured in just four competitive matches this season, with his most recent appearance coming against Udinese last month.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via FcInterNews, Sensi has given his approval to join Leicester before the end of the transfer window.

While the player is seemingly keen to complete the switch to the English side, the two clubs still have work to do to finalise an agreement.

With Sensi's deal set to expire at the end of the season, the Italian club have reportedly set his price tag at €2m (£1.7m).

Sensi, who has earned nine caps for Italy, would strengthen a midfield that already contains the likes of Harry Winks, Hamza Choudhury, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Cesare Casadei.

Udinese's Lazar Samardzic in action with AC Milan's Rade Krunic on November 4, 2023 © Reuters

Back in the Premier League, Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly entered the race to sign Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic.

The 21-year-old is being heavily linked with a move to Napoli despite having a contract with Udinese until the summer of 2026.

Although the reigning Serie A champions appear to be at the front of the queue, journalist Florian Plettenburg is reporting that Brighton are threatening to hijack Napoli's pursuit.

The Seagulls may have joined the race for the 21-year-old, who is still yet to make a final decision over his next destination.

Napoli already reached an agreement in principle with Udinese for a €20m (£17.2m) deal, which could rise to €25m (£21.5m) with add-ons.

Although there has also been interest from Juventus, Napoli stepped up their pursuit by holding further talks with the player's representatives in Milan on Tuesday.

Samardzic, who joined Udinese from RB Leipzig in 2021, has scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 80 competitive appearances for the Italian club.