Aston Villa close to huge signing but deal fell through for Manchester United hero

Aston Villa worked hard, but failed, to sign Dimitar Berbatov

ASTON VILLA worked right up to the end of the transfer window to sign Dimitar Berbatov, according to reports.

 

The former Manchester United star even flew to Birmingham in the early hours of transfer deadline day.

But Sky Sports claim talks went sour at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground and they were never close to agreeing on personal terms.

 

News News Blog Sport exclusively revealed Villa had been in contact with the Bulgarian back in July.

Club legend Stylian Petrov is understood to have been instrumental in the deal.

The 34-year-old was released by Monaco at the end of last season after moving to France from Fulham in 2014.

 

He had previously spent four successful years at Old Trafford, where he was crowned Premier League champion twice and lifted the League Cup and the club World Cup.

Bulgaria's all-time top scorer score 48 international goals in 78 appearances before retiring from international football in 2012.

Villa were also close to signing Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor but that deal collapsed in bizarre circumstances.

Despite failing to get those deals over the line, Tim Sherwood's side were one of the most active in the transfer window, signing 10 new players in total.