Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings you what is being reported as Villa look to make further inroads on strengthening their squad
Southampton star Mateus Fernandes(Image: Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Aston Villa and Leeds United are said to be monitoring Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer.
The Saints star faces an uncertain future after the club was relegated from the Premier League last season. The club is now preparing for life in the Championship.
Fernandes was one of Southampton’s impressive performers in a dismal campaign and that has sparked suggestions that he could be on his way out this summer. According to reports in A Bola, Villa and Leeds are both discussing Fernandes as a potential option.
Fernandes is a product of Sporting Lisbon’s academy and they have a vested interested in what happens next with the club retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
He left for Southampton in 2024 for a fee of £13m and was a regular for them in the Premier League last season.
He scored three goals and registered six assists last term as the Saints were relegated back to the second tier.
It is claimed that Fernandes is open to moving back into the Premier League, but there is interest from Atletico Madrid.
A Bola claimed earlier this year Southampton are said to be asking for much more than €35m for Fernandes which could put off any potential suitors.
The Saints also have interest from Everton in Tyler Dibling.
Speaking about Fernandes’ future at the weekend, Saints boss Will Still said: “There’s noise around him, but he’s a good player. He’s shown his quality over the past year, and there is interest – we can’t lie about that.
“But Matty hasn’t been very well and wasn’t in the building the last three days and wasn’t here today. It’s as simple as that.”
Asked if it would be difficult to see Fernandes remain at Saints beyond August, Still added: “I don’t think so.
“The price has been set, and if that price comes in, there’ll be negotiations, but for the moment, nothing has been met, and Matty is still here. I hope he gets better and is back in on Tuesday.”
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Get your Aston Villa pre-season special edition of the Birmingham Mail
It promises to be an exciting season ahead for Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s side look to build on last season’s efforts and will look to finish even higher this time around.
Despite not achieving the same feat of the 2023/2024 season by securing a UEFA Champion’s League spot — the 2024/25 campaign proved to be a decent one for the Villains. Villa managed to get into continental football by qualifying for the Europa League and will play their third consecutive season of European competition.
It looks as though there is a lot to look forward to this coming campaign. And with that in mind, we have produced our Aston Villa 2025/26 Kick-Off special — our brilliant guide to the new season.
Our team will help you navigate through what to expect from your team this coming season, turn the spotlight on Emery while also providing in-depth analysis and opinion on your club. We look at the summer’s biggest signings, check out each ground, study the managers – new and old – and test your knowledge with our Premier League quiz.
And we also have a full fixtures guide so you don’t miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season. The guide is available at retailers from August 6 but can be pre-ordered online now and it is a must have for any Aston Villa fan. It is the perfect accompaniment to the season and you can own it before the squad’s opening fixture of the Premier League when they welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park on Saturday, August, 16.
Priced £3.50, pre-order your copy now from our online store and get it delivered direct to your door.Available to purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents in Birmingham from August 6, 2025. For online purchases, postage and packaging applies. Worldwide shipping is available.
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