Villa Swoop For European Starlets

Villa have swooped for three bright young European stars in their quest to add to their European star - if you get my drift, which lets face it, you probably won't as I live in my own little world.

Villa are in talks to sign Austrian players Andreas Weinann (striker at Rapid Vienna) and Dominic Hoffbaur (left midfielder at Sturm Grazas) as well as bringing in Swedish Pontus Jonsson (Midfielder at Malmo) for a trial.

Academy director Bryan Jones told the official site:

'Negotiations are ongoing with Rapid Vienna for Andreas, but he will definitely be joining us. Dominic is coming across in July. The fees for both Austrian players are yet to be decided as discussions are ongoing. They both came across for trials for us to have a look at them and Weinann in particular looked impressive. He has an eye for a goal and he's an Allan Clarke-like sniffer- one of those players who will score from six yards. He's also got a great touch and looks an excellent prospect. Dominic is strong, direct and has some pace and another one who you think has got half a chance.'

'As for Pontus, our contact has been tracking for a number of months and we're interested in inviting him across. He's a six-foot plus midfielder and the reports we have on him are very positive.'

He added that Martin O'Neill takes a very 'hands on' approach with the youth set up and talks with the young players and their parents.

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