New Lewis Dobbin twist revealed as Southampton and Wolves plot Aston Villa deal | OneFootball

Wolves and Southampton are among the clubs eyeing a move for Lewis Dobbin

Southampton and Wolves will both be aiming to be in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.

The Saints earned a place in the play-off final, but were expelled from the competition by the EFL for being found guilty of breaching their rules against spying on opposition teams.

Tonda Eckert’s side ended the campaign in a fine run of form, and will back themselves to be in the fight for a top two position next year.

However, Wolves are one of three teams to come down from the top flight this summer, and Cesar Peixoto has been tasked with guiding them straight back at the first attempt.

The two clubs have also been pit against each other in the transfer window in recent weeks, with links to Lewis Dobbin emerging.

The Aston Villa star’s future is the subject of intense speculation following an impressive loan spell with Preston North End in the previous campaign.

Lewis Dobbin transfer twist amid Wolves and Southampton interest

Action Images

It has been reported by Alan Nixon that Aston Villa want a significant sum as part of any loan deal for Dobbin this summer amid interest from Southampton and Wolves.

It’s believed that Preston covered half of his wages as part of the agreement to sign him temporarily in 2025.

However, the Premier League side are now seeking well over half of his wages being covered.

The fee required to sign him on a permanent basis is also understood to be big enough that another loan move is the most likely at this stage.

It remains to be seen what Dobbin’s preference is at this stage in regards to the next step in his career, with a number of clubs chasing his signature.

Sheffield United were also linked with a move for the 23-year-old, but it has since been reported that they are behind rival clubs in this transfer battle.

It’s been claimed that Aston Villa are seeking up to £5 million for Dobbin in order to sell him on a permanent basis.

The forward contributed 10 goals and eight assists from 39 appearances in the Championship last season, which has sparked this intense race for his signature this summer.

Dobbin has a contract with Villa until June 2028, but is not currently a part of Unai Emery’s first team plans.

Action images

Lewis Dobbin is a hot commodity for good reason

Dobbin was impressive for Preston last year, and it’s natural that he will now take a step up the Championship pecking order by possibly joining a promotion contender.

The forward is ready to compete at a higher level, and with that comes a greater negotiating position for Villa, that will allow them to seek more financial compensation for any deal.

Another loan seems the most likely option at this point, but even winning the race to him temporarily could help seal a permanent move in 2027.

By the time next season ends, Dobbin will have just 12 months left on his contract, so Villa will want to offload him permanently at that stage, if he remains outside of Emery’s plans.