KOKCU EYES MOVE TO PLAY FOR UNAI

ASTON VILLA are among the favourites to land Feyenoord skipper Orkun Kokcu this summer.

The 22-year-old midfielder is being chased by six Premier League clubs but it is understood an offer from Unai Emery is under strong consideration. The player’s father has fielded numerous enquiries for the

Rotterdam club’s star man – and the Turkey international is likely to pick up the player-ofthe-year award in Holland next month.

Kokcu (right) is not short of admirers. Along with the half-dozen enquiries from the Premier League, he also has offers from

Portugal, Italy and

Spain.

But there is a growing feeling that the resurgence under Villa’s new coach is catching his eye and a desire to play European football is high on his list of priorities.

Kokcu agreed a lengthy deal with Feyenoord three years ago and his club are desperate to tie him to another one.

His current contract runs out in 2025 – and although the Eredivisie high-fliers want to keep their man, an offer approaching £40million will force their hand.

Villa’s scouts have been regular attendees at Feyenoord’s games this year and have returned to Birmingham with glowing reports. They are also keeping tabs on the club’s top scorer, Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican, who cost £3.5m when he joined from Cruz Azul last year, has found the net 12 times in the league this season. Gimenez, too, is being tracked by bigger fish – in his case Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid – but Emery’s Spanish influence could play a big part.

Kokcu and Gimenez have been key performers for Feyenoord this season – Arne Slot’s side are eight points clear at the top and could be crowned champions next weekend.