By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

12th May, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Aston Villa handed major Moussa Dembele boost

Aston Villa target Moussa Dembele will give “serious thought” to a free transfer move to the Premier League this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed in February that Villa boss Unai Emery is a “big fan” of Dembele, 26, and tried to sign him in January.

The likes of Bournemouth and Leeds have also shown an interest in the Lyon striker – but any potential deal is contingent on avoiding relegation to the Championship.

The striker received several offers in January but was not interested in making a move mid-season and will instead have his pick of sides in the off-season.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that a free transfer swoop for Dembele is seen as a “no-brainer” for several Premier League sides due to his goalscoring exploits in leagues across Europe.

The hitman has been prolific for Fulham in the Championship, Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and Lyon in Ligue 1.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (10 May) that there is a “good possibility” of Dembele returning to the Premier League.

He played just twice for Fulham in the English top-flight before their relegation in the 2013-14 season.

This season for Lyon, Dembele has managed just three goals and one assist in 27 appearances – but has struggled for starts after the return of Alexandre Lacazette last summer (2022).

He has hit 70 goals in 171 total appearances for the French giants.

Aston Villa are plotting a big-money assault on the transfer market following their success under Emery this term.

Football Insider revealed last month (10 April) that the Midlands giants are planning to sign two A-list forwards after losing Danny Ings in January.

Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany will succeed current transfer chief Johan Lange in time for the summer window.

In other news, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris bankroll £124million Aston Villa injection.