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Aston Villa join Newcastle in Patrick Bamford pursuit: Chelsea want £10m
ASTON VILLA are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford in a move that could scupper Newcastle's transfer plans.
Patrick Bamford played for Norwich and Crystal Palace last season
Villa confirmed manager Roberto Di Matteo's appointment last week and are already planning new recruits ahead of their first season in the Championship.
New owner Dr Tony Xia has promised deals will take place as he looks to haul Villa back into the top flight at the first attempt.
And manager Di Matteo has reportedly earmarked Bamford as the perfect striker to aid that challenge.
A drop down a division is now a real option for the 22-year-old, with Newcastle another interested party.
Toon manager Rafa Benitez is bracing himself for a summer exodus as his star players seek a transfer to the Premier League or abroad.
Andros Townsend could reportedly be sold to Crystal Palace for just £8m (£4m less than what Newcastle paid Tottenham for the winger just five months ago), while Steven Taylor, Gabriel Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux have all left the club.
Everything you need to know about Patrick Bamford
Everton and Southampton scouts were spotted watching Georginio Wijnaldum during Holland's recent friendly win over Austria.
As for Bamford, the forward appears not to be part of incoming manager Antonio Conte's plans for next season.
Conte is supposedly a fan of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, although Italian media claim they face competition from Juventus for the Belgium international.
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