Aston Villa are the frontrunners to sign Axel Disasi after Tottenham ended their interest in the Chelsea defender, sources have told ESPN.
Spurs had agreed a loan deal with Chelsea — one source told ESPN that deal included a £5 million fee ($6.1m) and no option for a permanent move — but the 26-year-old stated his preference to join Villa.
As of Monday morning, Villa had not reached an agreement with Chelsea but given the centre-back’s stance, Tottenham pulled out of the running as they assessed whether to pursue an alternative option at this late stage.
Talks are expected to continue between Villa and Chelsea for Disasi. The club ideally want a substantial loan fee or a deal containing an obligation for a permanent move this summer.
Tottenham have already added one defender after Kevin Danso agreed an initial six-month loan from Lens before an obligation to complete a permanent move for €25m a five-year contract is triggered this summer.
Villa have already signed Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, winger Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund for €25m and full-back Andrés García from Levante for €7m.