Ghanaian defender David Oduro is at the centre of a growing transfer tussle as his two-year spell with FC Barcelona approaches its conclusion.
The 19-year-old left-back is poised to leave the Catalan giants after spending the past two seasons with Barça Atlètic, with a number of clubs now positioning themselves to secure his services.
Premier League side Aston Villa have reportedly moved to the front of the queue, with Spanish publication SPORT claiming the English club are considering a move for the Ghanaian before arranging a loan switch to French Ligue 2 outfit Annecy.
The proposed pathway would see Oduro join Villa before continuing his development in France, where Annecy would provide him with regular exposure in the French second tier.
A move to the Villa group would offer the former Accra Lions defender a fresh environment in which to mature while remaining within a structure connected to an English Premier League club.
However, Villa face competition from Portugal, where Tondela have emerged as serious suitors for the highly rated full-back.
David Oduro poised for Barcelona exit, Aston Villa emerge as frontrunners
Tondela are understood to be laying the groundwork for Oduro’s arrival after parting company with their first-choice left-back, who has moved to Latvian side Riga. His departure has opened up a vacancy that the Portuguese club reportedly view Oduro as a potential solution to.
Another Portuguese top-flight outfit, Marítimo, have also expressed interest, further intensifying the battle for the Ghanaian’s signature.
Oduro’s future had previously been linked with Austrian club Sturm Graz, who went as far as submitting a formal offer to Barcelona earlier in the summer.
The Ghanaian reportedly viewed Sturm Graz favourably, with the prospect of European football making the Austrian side an attractive destination. Barcelona, however, turned down the initial proposal as they weighed up their options and assessed the depth available in the left-back position.
That stance has now changed, with the Spanish giants believed to have concluded that they possess adequate cover at left-back, paving the way for Oduro’s departure.
Barcelona are also expected to protect their long-term financial interest in the youngster by retaining 50 percent of his future transfer rights.
With multiple clubs circling and Barcelona increasingly open to a deal, Oduro’s next destination is now the subject of mounting interest, as Aston Villa, Tondela and Marítimo battle for the Ghanaian prospect.
