Exclusive: Brentford Face Stiff Competition from Villa and Forest for Feyenoord Star Milambo

Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have entered the race to sign sought after Dutch attacking midfielder Antoni-Dijbu Milambo, SportsBoom has learnt.

Villa boss Unai Emery is believed to be a big admirer of the 20-year-old prospect, as is Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

But both Villa and Forest know they face stiff competition for the Feyenoord player’s signature with the Netherlands Under-21 international having already held provisional talks with Brentford, who are also hungry to sign him.

Milambo is valued at around £20million and someone that Brentford have monitored for some time, as did a whole host of Premier League clubs last season.

However, with Villa and Forest having now thrown their respective hats into the ring to sign the exciting attacking-minded creative talent, the Bees are facing a race to get a deal done.

Wonderkid Milambo has enjoyed a fine season for Feyenoord and it is understood Brentford sees the youngster as a potential replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, who is set to join Manchester United if the two clubs can agree a free and personal terms.

STUMBLING BLOCK

The main stumbling block for any of the clubs trying to sign Milambo is that his current deal doesn’t expire for another two years.

That gives Feyenoord plenty of bargaining power in the market – and the Dutch side want to make sure they cash in on their hot prospect, a product of their successful academy system.

It is believed the Bees have made an initial £18million off for the player, but that bid has been rejected as Feyenoord look to maximise the deal.

Brentford have already strengthened their squad with the signing of highly-rated shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher in a £18m deal from Premier League champions Liverpool.