Juve reject Aston Villa’s £20.5m bid Rodrigo

Juventus have rejected a bid worth around £20.5m from Aston Villa for defensive midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, according to Sky in Italy.

Villa’s opening offer was worth around £16.5m, with more than £4m in bonuses but Juve want around £21m up front to be interested.

It is understood that Juve are holding out for more money, partly because 30 per cent of the fee would go to Bentancur’s former club Boca Juniors as part of a sell-on clause in his contract.

Juventus signed Bentancur from Boca Juniors for £8m in July 2017 with his current contract expiring in the summer of 2024.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard believes the 24-year-old would strengthen his midfield options, and specifically offer good competition for Douglas Luiz.

Bentancur has made 26 appearances for Juve in all competitions this season, but has started 13 of their 23 Serie A matches.