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Aston Villa to step up goalkeeper hunt following Trezeguet capture

Villa will step up efforts to sign a goalkeeper and striker after completing a deal for winger Trezeguet.

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The 24-year-old Egyptian yesterday became the club’s ninth signing of a hectic summer when he formally completed a switch from Turkish club Kasimpasa, for an initial £8.75million fee.

With just a fortnight now remaining until the transfer window closes ahead of the Premier League campaign, boss Dean Smith will turn attention towards putting the finishing touches to his squad. Villa have so far been frustrated in their efforts to add a goalkeeper, with Stoke refusing to budge on their £23million asking price for Jack Butland.

Cardiff City’s Neil Etheridge remains a target, while talks with Burnley over Tom Heaton have to this point failed to progress.

In attack, Villa are continuing to keep tabs on Brentford’s Neal Maupay. It is also likely several fringe players will depart before the deadline. The signing of Trezeguet, which remains subject to a work visa, continued an extensive squad rebuild and Villa have worked hard to get the bulk of the business done early.

Manchester City midfielder Douglas Luiz is still expected to be the next player through the door, with his £15million move also requiring a work permit.

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