Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest set to make shock Saudi move

Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are reportedly ready to make a move many onlookers may have felt Newcastle United would make during the summer transfer window.

TEAMtalk have claimed the Premier League rivals are both considering a move for Saudi Arabia international Saud Abdulhamid after he enjoyed a successful season with Pro League club Al-Hilal. After playing alongside the likes of former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves and ex-Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, the talented full-back is said to be keen on a move into European football and is not short of suitors as the summer transfer window opens for business.

French club Toulouse have already made a move for Abdulhamid in recent weeks and are believed to be in ongoing talks with the defender and his club. However, Marseille, Villa and Forest are also said to have made ‘concrete moves’ with the 24-year-old’s agent and have also made contact with Al-Hilal as they look to secure an agreement for a player that will enter the final year of his current contract this summer.

Villa are said to be keen to strengthen their options at full-back after Poland international Matty Cash was linked with a move away from Villa Park. Emery is also said to be a keen admirer of Sunderland star Trai Hume, who also has interest from Bournemouth and Premier League newcomers Leicester City.