Villa in chase for Juve ace

ASTON VILLA have made an approach for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Uruguayan has become a prominent target for Villa as they seek a holding player and The Mail on Sunday understand discussions are underway.

Bentancur has made 18 appearances in Serie A this season but Juventus are willing to listen to offers as they try to rebalance their squad over the coming transfer windows.

Still only 24, Bentancur joined Juve from Boca Juniors five years ago and has held his own in Turin, helping them to seven major trophies including three Serie A titles. He is playing under Massimiliano Allegri for the second time having also worked with Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo.

After signing Philippe Coutinho, Robin Olsen and Lucas Digne this month, Villa boss Steven Gerrard was also targeting a holding midfielder and a centreback.

Bentancur was regarded as one of the top South American talents when he joined Juventus and was part of the Uruguay squad who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2018.