EXCLUSIVE: Former Aston Villa academy star now keen on return to Villa Park on a free this summer after deciding to leave current club as Unai Emery weigh up bargain move for player

Aston Villa target Callum O’Hare has told Coventry City he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer, sources have told Football Insider. 

The Premier League duo and Southampton are all keen on signing O’Hare once his contract expires in June this year.

The 25-year-old, who came through the ranks at Villa Park before joining the Sky Blues permanently in 2020, can play in an attacking midfield role or off the left flank.

The former England youth international has rejected three contract offers to remain with the Championship club beyond this season. O’Hare believes he is now ready to make the step up to the Premier League after Mark Robins’s side have failed to secure their place in the playoffs.

Coventry City star Callum O’Hare could return to Aston Villa

It’s no surprise top-flight sides Villa and West Ham are looking to take advantage of O’Hare’s contract situation at Coventry.

There is very little risk in those clubs bringing in the attacking midfielder on a free transfer as they look to bolster their squads ahead of next season. O’Hare is said to be also keen on the idea of a move back to Villa Park as it has always been his dream to play for the Midlands club.

O’Hare likely caught the eye of his suitors in the Sky Blues’ FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, where he scored the second goal in his side’s incredible comeback before suffering heartbreak on penalties.

The attacking midfielder has been in fine form at the CBS Arena this season, registering 10 goals and four assists in 34 appearances as he looks to earn a top-flight move this summer.