Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after stepping up their search for a replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez is ready to leave Aston Villa this summer with Juventus reportedly offering the £8.5million asking price the Villans had set for the 33-year-old.
So Unai Emery needs a replacement on board as soon as possible with the Premier League season starting next weekend.
Martinez did not play for the Villans in their UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last week as he was given extra time off after Argentina's progression to the World Cup final earlier this summer with Marco Bizot selected in goal instead.
However, Bizot is likely to serve as back-up this season to a new arrival and Villa already have their sights set on Parma's Suzuki.
Japan international set for Villa
Villa had been linked with Suzuki earlier in the transfer window but have now moved quickly to land the 23-year-old after Juventus firmed up their offer for Martinez.
It is claimed Villa will pay an initial fee in the region of £25million for Suzuki, who has 28 caps for Japan and played in all four games for his country in this summer's World Cup.
Suzuki is one of the highest-rated young keepers in Europe and has kept 12 clean sheets in 57 Serie A appearances for Parma.
Five-year deal in place
Suzuki is very keen on a move to Villa and it is believed he has agreed a five-year deal with the Premier League club with the move expected to be officially finalised in the coming days.
The overall package of the transfer is set to rise with further add-ons and negotiations are already close to being concluded.
Suzuki will be tasked with replacing Martinez, who has established himself as one of the best keepers in the world while at Villa.
Big shoes to fill
Martinez has been Villa's first-choice for nearly six years, making 256 appearances, and was close to joining Manchester United last summer but ended up staying in the West Midlands.
He helped Emery's side finish fourth in the Premier League last term and also won the Europa League before playing a key role as Argentina made it all the way to the World Cup final, only to lose to Spain last month.
Villa kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to Brighton on 23rd August, when they are 15/8 to win, with the Seagulls 5/4 and the draw is 13/5.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
