Aston Villa have further competition in the race for Bologna midfielder Amadou Diawara after AC Milan contacted the player's agent.
Diawara is a wanted man this summer, with Juventus, Napoli and Roma all showing serious interest in the young talent.
But Aston Villa are the club to have taken the pursuit by the scruff of the neck by slapping in a €17m offer for Diawara.
It is claimed the midfielder prefers to remain in Italy than drop down to England's second tier at Villa Park, but Aston Villa's financial firepower could yet have a big say on the race.
They have further competition for Diawara now though after AC Milan joined the chase.
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The Rossoneri have made contact with Diawara's agent, according to Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport, as they test the waters.
AC Milan face big competition for the former San Marino Calcio player, but are not shying away from potentially battling for his signature.
Diawara has been unhappy at his contract at Bologna, where his agent claims he earns just €3,000 per month.
