Sports News of Thursday, 9 August 2018

Source: BirminghamLive

Leeds United join chase for Adomah

Adomah was in fine form for Aston Villa last season Adomah was in fine form for Aston Villa last season

Aston have declined the opportunity to negotiate a new contract with Albert Adomah which has seen a number of Championship clubs become alerted to his availability, BirminghamLive understands.

Adomah, who finished last season as Villa’s top scorer and collected the players’ Player of the Year award, is now attracting interest from former club Middlesbrough and Leeds United.

The 30-year-old bagged a best-ever haul of 15 goals last season and approached former director of football Steve Round over a new contract towards the end of the campaign.

Adomah and his family are settled in the area and the Londoner wanted to pledge his future to Villa after a stunning season in front of goal.

Round informed Adomah and his representatives that a new contract would be discussed at the end of the season but those talks were shelved amidst Villa’s financial crisis.

Following Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens’ takeover - and talk of new deals for James Chester and Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Jack Grealish - Adomah hoped a new contract might be forthcoming.

But manager Steve Bruce doesn't plan to extend Adomah's stay in the Second City at the moment. Adomah has one year left on his contract, with another year's option in the club's favour.

Uncertainty surrounding Adomah’s future will be ramped up in the final hours of the transfer window with Villa set to sign several players.

It’s understood initial talks have taken place with both Boro and Leeds.

Adomah remains an incredibly popular figure at Boro following his transfer to Villa two years ago and is a player Tony Pulis admires.

Adomah is believed to still own a property on Teesside which would make the move back to Boro simpler if they firm up their interest before 5pm today.