Aston Villa plot bargain move for Thomas Meunier | OneFootball

Aston Villa have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier after finding out about a tempting price tag determined by his employers.

Despite being an omnipresent figure in European football for almost a decade, the 31-year-old could be available for a mere €3 million after being deemed surplus to requirements, reports Bild.

Meunier, who only made ten Bundesliga appearances in 2022/23, has just over a year left to run on his contract at Signal Iduna Park, hence Dortmund’s willingness to let him go for peanuts.

Die Borussen boss Edin Terzic has cast the Belgian defender away and won’t oppose his immediate departure, although finding potential buyers has proved challenging thus far.

Villa’s sudden interest in the former Paris Saint-Germain ace could change the narrative, with some reports from Italy speaking of possible interference from AC Milan and Juventus.

Unai Emery knows in-depth about Meunier’s capabilities, having coached him at the Parc des Princes between 2016 and 2018, handing him 70 appearances in all competitions.

He now has an opportunity to work with the Belgian again, and since he’d come at a ridiculously low price, the Spaniard may take the risk despite him being on the wrong side of 30.

Dortmund’s only intention at the moment is to remove Meunier’s salary from their wage bill, as he’s become a liability, so striking an agreement shouldn’t be a problem.

Villa need defensive reinforcements with Ashley Young exiting the club and Meunier would be a cost-effective option.