Aston Villa will have to make Neal Maupay the most expensive player in Championship history if they want to sign the Brentford striker, claims the London Evening Standard.
Dean Smith’s side identified Maupay as their ideal replacement for Tammy Abraham before the England international surprisingly opted against joining Wolves to stay at Villa.
Brentford have shown in the past they are prepared to stand firm on their transfer valuations in the past having collected more than £60m in transfer fees over the last four seasons.
Villa’s interest may subside now Abraham has decided to stay at Villa Park for the remainder of the season but Brentford have sent a warning to any side interested in their star forward.
In order to prise Maupay away from the Bees this month a record fee will need to be agreed, in excess of the £15.7m Wolves to make Ruben Neves the most expensive Championship player of all-time in 2017.
The 22-year-old has played a direct hand in 21 goals in 24 league appearances this season, more than any other player in the Championship.
