ASTON VILLA NOW LEADING TOTTENHAM IN RACE TO SIGN ONE OF CHELSEA’S BEST PLAYERS THIS SUMMER

Both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have been busy in the last few transfer windows, although the results have been different so far.

The Villans finished fourth in the Premier League table last season to qualify for the Champions League, and now they’re in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Aston Villa are also in the FA Cup quarter-finals and remain in the picture to qualify for the Champions League this time round – testament to a superbly-assembled squad.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have brought in a multitude of players under Ange Postecoglou, but results have been mixed, although their injury crisis certainly hasn’t helped.

Now, a report has emerged claiming the Villans are leading Tottenham in the race to sign a Chelsea man Enzo Maresca deemed one of his “best players” earlier this season.

Aston Villa lead Tottenham in Noni Madueke race

The player in question is Noni Madueke, who faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey recently claimed that Villa appreciate Madueke, though Tottenham and Newcastle are also keen.

Now, GiveMeSport has reported that Villa are leading the race to sign Madueke in the summer and they have renewed optimism in the race for his signature.

This is because there is increasing confidence that Chelsea are prepared to cash in if a strong bid that allows them to make some profit is tabled.

Villa are expected to be alongside Newcastle as the frontrunners to land Madueke, who is apparently open to moving if his Chelsea game time remains limited.

It remains to be seen whether Maresca chooses to keep Madueke or decides to make him available for sale. In that case, Villa and Tottenham should be able to pounce.