BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks dejected at half-time during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on January 30, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The latest Aston Villa transfer news highlights the intensifying competition among European giants for the promising German talent Maximilian Beier.

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - JUNE 03: Maximilian Beier of Germany reacts during the international friendly match between Germany and Ukraine at Max-Morlock-Stadion on June 03, 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Aston Villa might still be in the running for Maximilian Beier, but recent reports from Germany suggest that Borussia Dortmund could finalize a deal within the next week.

Whether Aston Villa explores additional deals before the transfer window closes remains uncertain. However, with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran expected to fully reintegrate into training after their summer breaks, Unai Emery should be satisfied with his current striking options.

The future of Jhon Duran has raised the most questions. If he were to depart, a replacement would be necessary. Beier has been a target throughout the summer for this reason, but any delay in acting could potentially close that opportunity.

Maximilian Beier of Germany looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 - Quarter-final match between Spain and Germany at Arena Stuttgart on July 5, 2024 in...

Florian Plettenberg initially reported that Borussia Dortmund would intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old Maximilian Beier following Niclas Füllkrug’s confirmed move to West Ham United. While Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Juventus were also interested, Dortmund appeared to have a stronger chance of securing Beier.

In his latest update, Plettenberg mentioned that Dortmund is working towards a verbal agreement for Beier, who scored 16 Bundesliga goals last season. The transfer is expected to cost between £21.4 million and £25.7 million, with Beier’s salary likely to be between £4.2 million and £5.1 million per year.

Maximilian Beier of Germany and Manuel Neuer of Germany and Joshua Kimmich of Germany celebrate with the fans after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage...

If Beier’s transfer to Dortmund is finalized, Aston Villa could potentially face Dortmund in the revamped Champions League league phase, with the draw scheduled for August 29.