Report: Galatasaray join Aston Villa in race for £9m-rated striker

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Turkish newspaper Fanatik have claimed that Aston Villa remain interested in Genk goal machine Mbwana Samatta, but have been joined in the race for his signature by Champions League club Galatasaray.

Samatta, 26, has caught the attention of many European clubs this summer, after scoring 32 goals for Genk last season. The Belgian outfit finished the 2018-19 campaign as champions of Jupiler Pro League.

Villa were first linked with the 45-time Tanzania international back in June, with The Sun claiming Villa had been joined by Premier League sides Watford, Leicester City and Burnley, as well as Roma and Lyon.

The latest report states that six weeks later, Villa are still interested in the African striker but have been joined by Gala in the race to land his signature – worth £9million, according to Fanatik.

TBR’s view – Samatta solid Villa back-up to Wesley

Villa smashed their club-record transfer by bringing in Wesley Moraes for a fee of £22.5million, and he is expected to be first choice when it comes to Dean Smith’s side to face Tottenham in the first game of the season.

However, Villa need a back-up striker, with doubts surrounding whether Jonathan Kodjia can cope with the pressures and quality of the Premier League next season.

Bringing in a goalscorer such as Samatta might just be the difference between surviving the drop and being relegated, with the player able to score goals for fun.