According to Record via Sport Witness, Aston Villa plan to revive their pursuit of Pedro Goncalves and make a new offer ahead of the January transfer window. Unai Emery expressed interest in the versatile attacker during the summer. Sporting CP is expected to be flexible in negotiations and the club believes it can return with a bid.
Viktor Gyokeres' form has overshadowed his Sporting CP teammates, even making Goncalves' impressive tally of 35 goals and assists last season seem less significant. However, Goncalves has been crucial under Ruben Amorim and demonstrated his capabilities in significant matches, including a recent clash against Manchester City.
Currently, Goncalves is also linked with Manchester United as part of the increasing speculations following Amorim's expected move to the Red Devils.
Emery was keen to sign him during the summer, but Sporting CP had demanded £80 million, which may be his release clause at the Portuguese club, so Manchester United would have to compete against Aston Villa. Villa initially offered £40 million, but have renewed their interest in the winger, who primarily occupies the left side of Amorim's front three.
Emery has been on the lookout for a new left-sided attacker, as indicated by links to Kevin Zenon, indicating the club's intent to strengthen this position. Villa are prepared to make an offer in the January window, with Emery seeking reinforcements in this area, for Goncalves' ability to perform across the front three makes him an exciting prospect.
Sporting insisted that suitors meet the release clause for some of their key players in the summer was largely due to the influence Amorim had over them. According to sources, Amorim was a major factor in keeping players like Goncalves and Gyokeres at the club. Sporting may be more willing to accept lower offers for their players with Amorim's impending departure. Aston Villa are considering returning to negotiations with Sporting in the wake of Amorim's departure.
Villa may believe that Goncalves could be signed for significantly less than his reported release clause.