Premier League rivals consider surprise move for Kevin De Bruyne

Aston Villa have reportedly emerged as potential candidates to sign Kevin De Bruyne once he leaves Manchester City in the summer.

The 33-year-old Belgian was not deemed worthy of a contract extension by Pep Guardiola after two injury-riddled seasons, yet he is not short of suitors outside the Etihad.

At least four MLS clubs are said to be interested in De Bruyne, while there is also thought to be admiring glances from Saudi Arabia and South America. However, the serial title winner has hinted at his willingness to join another Premier League club.

At this point, Unai Emery's side have only held "internal discussions" about a deal for a player who turns 34 in June. De Bruyne is said to have a "reluctance to uproot his family" and would not have to move far to commute to Birmingham.

Serie A side Como are also said to be "doing checks", although that would of course represent a considerable relocation to northern Italy.

De Bruyne's recent injury record may very well be a concern. Over the past two years, Guardiola has been without his leading creator for 48 matches. Yet, when fully fit and available, there has been little drop-off in his underlying numbers. This season, no Premier League player with more than a smattering of minutes has averaged more chances created than De Bruyne, who narrowly edges out Arsenal's Bukayo Saka.

Villa are no strangers to gambling on waning talent. Emery's Champions League quarter-finalists have been bolstered by the winter arrivals of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford - both of whom had been deemed surplus to requirements at Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively.

The financial package which De Bruyne may command could complicate the approach of any suitor - but particularly Villa. According to the latest published accounts, a staggering 96% of Villa's annual turnover is committed to wages. For comparison, Chelsea are the next highest spenders in the Premier League with a ratio of 72%.

De Bruyne is thought to be one of the best-paid players on the planet, boasting wages in the region of £400,000 per week.

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