Bertrand Traore already had an uncertain future at Aston Villa after struggling for playing time this campaign, but his hopes of nailing down a starting place next season could be dead in the water as CNN Portugal say Villa are preparing a bid for Otavio.
The 27-year-old is a right-winger from FC Porto and scored three goals with 11 assists from 32 Primeira Liga games, so he would be a significant upgrade on Traore if signed. Traore had a hand in 14 goals from 36 Premier League games in his debut season (2020/21) but failed to score or make an assist from 10 games this campaign.
As for Otavio, the Portuguese international had 35 successful dribbles, created 69 chances and whipped in 74 crosses with 36% finding a teammate, so he’d be a great addition to the Villa squad. Things are at an early stage, however, as an offer hasn’t been made and his release clause (€40m rising to €60m on July 15) doesn’t match the impending bid.
Traore should be worried though as Gerrard didn’t fancy him this season and is sourcing a player that would replace him.
In other news, Joe Gomez pursuit raises uncertainty over Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa’s future
