Leon Goretzka closing in on free transfer to Aston Villa

Aston Villa are closing in on a free transfer for Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, who has been without a club since his Bayern Munich contract expired at the end of last season.

BBC Sport reports Villa have held "advanced talks" with the 31-year-old, while journalist Matteo Moretto — the first to reveal Villa's interest — says the deal is "very close", with Goretzka "expected to give the green light shortly".

Villa turned to Goretzka after injury ruled out first-choice midfielder Amadou Onana (knee, out until next year), and their move for Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern collapsed, with the Portuguese now set for a permanent switch to Benfica instead.

It would be the latest arrival in a turbulent summer at Villa Park, following the departures of Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Youri Tielemans (Manchester United) and Lucas Digne (PSG).

Source: BBC Sport, Matteo Moretto. No official confirmation from either club at time of publishing.