Aston Villa have rejected a remarkable bid of £25million for left-back Jordan Amavi in the latest case of China’s huge financial muscle being directed at England.
Amavi was subject to the eye-watering offer from an unknown Chinese Super League club, it is understood, but Villa owner Dr Tony Xia dismissed what would have been a record fee for a Championship player.
The 22-year-old has impressed for Villa this campaign after suffering a serious knee injury last season but even so the money lodged for a defender operating in English football’s second tier illustrates the growing desire by Chinese clubs to recruit players in their prime.