Aston Villa have been instructed on how they could have a chance of signing Atletico Madrid star midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia this summer.
According to multiple sources, Aston Villa have been told that they have to increase Kondogbia's €120,000 per week salary in order to be in with a chance of signing him from Atletico.
Villa manager Steven Gerrard travelled to Madrid earlier this month in order to watch him play in Atletico Madrid's UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City, with him being top of Villa's list for defensive midfielders that they are monitoring ahead of the window.
However, a report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has claimed that Kondogbia's preference is to stay at Atletico Madrid.
Despite this, the report also adds that he could be convinced to join the English club if they agree to pay him more than his current salary, and it would take quite a large transfer fee in order to persuade the Spanish club to sell him.
This was also revealed earlier on this month by Jacque Talbot, who claimed that it 'would take a really sizeable bid and wage offer from Aston Villa to prise him away this summer window.'
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti also confirmed this, adding that while Villa remain interested in Kondogbia, they also have other names on their wishlist, including Boubacar Kamara, given that the Central African Republic midfielder will only leave the Spanish side if a 'huge offer' comes in.
The 29-year-old has become a key part of Diego Simeone's side, becoming a regular starter at the heart of the midfield, while also occasionally featuring as a centre-back.
Kondogbia has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season, and given his importance in the side, along with the fact that his contract runs until 2024, it should be tough for Gerrard to push him away from Spain.
