NEWS NOW: Aston Villa have long-term plan to trigger £95m release clause Football Insider

Unai Emery’s side want a right-back in the upcoming summer transfer window and believe Frimpong, 23, fits the bill.

The Netherlands international will reportedly be available later this year via a release clause worth around £35million.

He has impressed for Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen so far this season, catching the eye of Villa and other top European sides.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that a potential Villa swoop for Frimpong could depend on the outcome of their battle for a top-four Premier League finish.

Frimpong is likely to have offers from Champions League sides in the off-season – with playing at the top rung of continental football an important aspect in luring the 23-year-old away from Leverkusen.

He has managed seven goals and 10 assists across 22 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

The ex-Celtic man, who is under contract until June 2028, has played exclusively on the right flank of a 3-4-3 formation for Xabi Alonso’s side.

He joined Leverkusen in January 2021 and has gone on to notch 18 goals and 30 assists in 117 games for the club.

Aston Villa have often lined up with orthodox centre-back Ezri Konsa on the right-hand side of their defence this season amid doubts over the future of Matty Cash.

Emery’s side sit second in the table ahead of their next clash with Everton on Sunday (14 January).