Aston Villa have reportedly agreed a transfer fee with Atletico Madrid for Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri, amid late Premier League interest from Liverpool, Newcastle United, Juventus, and Roma. The 24-year-old left-back has spent just one season in Madrid after a €17m move last summer, contributing seven assists from 47 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26. Ruggeri has made over 150 appearances for Atalanta and Atletico by the age of 24, and Villa desperately need a fresh face at left-back, with Lucas Digne expected to move to Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian defender will bring height and versatility to the squad, and Villa are said to be ready to pay €18m as a fixed fee, with a further €6m coming in add-ons. Ruggeri was also named in the Europa League team of the season when Atalanta lifted the trophy in 2024. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Premier League, 65 pts, 19W-8D-11L from 38 games, recent form WWDLL. Goals this season: 56 scored, 49 conceded (+7 goal difference). Title race: 20 points behind leaders Arsenal. Next fixture: vs Bournemouth (at home, 2027-02-10) (6th in the table).