Aston Villa are preparing for a major January transfer battle after discovering it will take a fee in the region of £30 million to secure the signing of highly-rated Brazilian striker Kaio Jorge.
The Cruzeiro Standoff
The Premier League club have expressed serious interest in the Cruzeiro forward, but the Brazilian outfit have issued a firm hands-off warning. Club officials have made it clear that only bids exceeding £30 million will be considered for their prized asset.
Villa are not alone in their pursuit, with European heavyweights Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen also monitoring the situation closely. According to reports from Goal Brazil, Villa scouts were dispatched to watch Jorge in action last week as the competition for his signature intensifies.
Forest's Failed Approach
This isn't the first time an English club has tested Cruzeiro's resolve. Nottingham Forest saw a bid of under 20 million Euros rejected during the summer transfer window because it fell significantly short of the club's valuation.
Jorge's status as the leading scorer in the Brazilian top flight has only strengthened his club's bargaining position, making a bargain deal increasingly unlikely for any potential suitor.
Any prospective move is expected to be put on hold until Cruzeiro's domestic commitments are complete, with the Brazilian league and Copa do Brasil needing to conclude before negotiations can properly commence.
Villa's Striker Search Widens
While Jorge remains a primary target, Villa are reportedly casting their net wider in the search for attacking reinforcements. According to Fichajes, the Midlands club are also showing interest in Real Madrid attacker Gonzalo Garcia, who has emerged as a priority target for several English clubs.
The Spanish giants are understood to be studying offers for the young forward and have placed a £20 million price tag on his services. Real Madrid management consider this valuation appropriate given the player's potential and room for development.
Villa view Garcia as an ideal project to strengthen their attack for the coming season, while rivals Wolves also consider his profile a perfect fit for the Premier League. However, Madrid face a dilemma as there remains a possibility Garcia could force his way into their first-team plans.
Several other European clubs have registered interest in the Madrid striker, recognising both his potential and the investment opportunity he represents.
