Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen are close to reaching an agreement over the transfer of Paris-born winger Moussa Diaby, RMC Sport claims.
The Villans saw an opening €45 million bid for the exciting forward rejected just over a week ago, with the Germans holding out for a fee closer to €60m.
However, there seems to have been a breakthrough in negotiations, with both clubs reportedly on the cusp of agreeing a fee that will see Villa fork out a club record €50m plus add-ons for Diaby.
Villa manager Unai Emery is keen to bolster his attacking options following a remarkable back-from-the-dead campaign where they finished in the European places despite an abysmal start to the season.
Diaby has been identified as a primary target, but Villa face concrete competition from Al-Nassr, who are also desperate to lure the 24-year-old to the Middle East.
While Villa are close to reaching an agreement in principle with Leverkusen, the Saudi Arabian club are simultaneously preparing to improve on their initial €43m proposal.
Both clubs could end up presenting acceptable transfer fees to sign Diaby, but the final decision will ultimately rest with the player.
It remains to be seen if the winger will favour a move to Saudi Arabia over the Premier League, considering he gave Villa the green light to pursue his signature.
Emery has already made two impressive signings this summer after snatching Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City and luring Pau Torres from his former club Villarreal.
Philippe Coutinho is also expected to depart Villa Park this summer amid interest from Besiktas, who are hoping to take the Brazilian on loan.
Diaby has been identified as the man to replace the former Barcelona and Liverpool forward who has fallen from grace at the Birmingham club.
