Aston Villa is preparing an ambitious £50m midfielder swoop as Chelsea plans a cunning January defender raid…

Earlier this week, as part of Wednesday’s Premier League transfer rumour round-up, we brought you an update from Football Insider, who reported that Aston Villa are considering a January swoop for RB Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh. Now, in today’s gossip column, the same outlet suggests that the Villans could land their man for somewhere in the region of £40–50 million.

It is understood that Salzburg are reluctant to lose the teenage sensation partway through the campaign, but also that their exit from the Champions League has dealt a significant blow to their hopes of retaining his services beyond next month. The Israeli international only arrived in Austria earlier this year but is already making waves and could be prised away from his current side if the right offer is tabled.

The 3AM Verdict: Gloukh looks to be a real talent, and while £50 million is a lot for a teenager, if he can continue on his current trajectory, then there is no reason to believe that he couldn’t be worth significantly more in years to come. This is one prospective January deal to keep an eye on.

Elsewhere, Chelsea could make a move for Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, according to Teamtalk. With captain Reece James once again sidelined through injury, the Blues could be in the market for defensive reinforcements in the coming weeks and have reportedly identified the Switzerland international as a potential recruit.

Elvedi primarily plays as a centre-back but can also play on the right-hand side of defense and could be available for around £30 million. Monchengladbach has him tied down to a deal that runs until 2027, but could be open to the idea of selling the 27-year-old if it means they can reinvest the money to strengthen their squad in other departments.

The 3AM Verdict: Reece James’ injury concerns continue to plague Chelsea, and at this rate, it might well be a prudent idea to bring in yet more cover for the crocked England international. Logic says that signing an out-and-out right-back might be a smarter idea than pursuing Elvedi, but then again, rationality very rarely seems to make its way into Todd Boehly’s transfer thinking.