Leeds United ahead of Aston Villa as both 'make a move' for £26m Zion Suzuki | OneFootball

Leeds United are ahead of Aston Villa in the race for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, Calciomercato reports, with both clubs said to have 'made a move'.

The 23-year-old is at the World Cup and preparing for tonight's knockout tie with Brazil, having started the three group matches against Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

Suzuki plays for Parma and signed a five-year contract in July 2024. He has made 59 appearances for the Serie A club.

His performances for Japan have drawn interest from Leeds and Villa, as well as AC Milan and Internazionale.

The report adds Leeds have made contact over Suzuki as they look to resolve a goalkeeping picture that saw Lucas Perri dropped last season, with Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier due to be out of contract later this week.

Villa retain long-term No. one Emiliano Martinez, and once again there is speculation over the 33-year-old's future, with Juventus linked. Parma are said to want €30m (£26m) for Suzuki, and the clubs have already gone head to head this window, with Harry Wilson set to choose Elland Road over Champions League-bound Villa.

Source: Leeds Live