Aston Villa have made fresh contact with Parma over the signing of Japanese international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, according to reports.
The Premier League club are in the market for a new shot-stopper as they look to replace the outgoing Emiliano Martinez between the posts.
Suzuki, 23, has emerged as a primary target for Villa after a string of impressive performances for Parma in Serie A this season.
The young goalkeeper has drawn widespread admiration across Europe and has been compared to Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon because of his reliable performances in Italy.
Suzuki further enhanced his reputation on the international stage, impressing during Japan’s World Cup campaign and cementing his status as one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in world football.
Aston Villa have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign and will need top-quality additions to compete on multiple fronts next season.
Suzuki would represent a significant upgrade in goal and would have the opportunity to test himself in the Champions League, which could prove to be a major draw for the player.
Parma are expected to demand around €40 million for their goalkeeper, though reports suggest an offer in the region of €30 million could be enough to get the deal over the line.
Aston Villa possess the financial muscle to complete the transfer and are well placed to move quickly if they decide to firm up their interest into a concrete bid.
However, Villa are not the only club keeping a close eye on the situation, with Leeds United also monitoring Suzuki as they search for a replacement for the underwhelming Illan Meslier.
Manchester United had also explored a move for Suzuki last summer but ultimately moved on and signed Senne Lammens instead, leaving the door open for other clubs to pursue the goalkeeper.
Leeds view Suzuki as a clear upgrade on their current options and could enter the race if Villa fail to push through a deal in the coming weeks.
Suzuki will be eager to resolve his future quickly, with a move to the Premier League seen as the ideal next step in his development at this point in his career.
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