Laurynas Puikys is an experienced writer who has specialised in football journalism since 2014.
A graduate of Kingston University, Laurynas was awarded the Journalism Prize in 2021, recognising his skills and performance in the final year of his studies.
At GIVEMESPORT, he covers Premier League news, delivering timely updates on transfers and trending stories in English football.
Laurynas has a strong background in reporting on major club and international tournaments and has interviewed several high-profile players and managers along the way.
Aston Villa have registered their interest in Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz following Evann Guessand’s departure, according to reports.
The West Midlands club have reportedly contacted Diaz’s camp to establish his interest in a mid-season move, which remains complicated amid Real’s firm stance.
A host of Premier League clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on Diaz, who enjoyed a standout Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
Diaz has made just four starts for Real in all competitions this season, along with a further 16 appearances off the bench, scoring once.
Aston Villa Register Brahim Diaz Interest
According to TEAMtalk, a number of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Tottenham and Aston Villa, have made enquiries over Diaz’s availability following his return from AFCON.
The 24-year-old forward is reportedly considering his options amid limited involvement under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, with his representatives assessing the market ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Although Real remain reluctant to let Diaz leave mid-season, the Moroccan forward is said to be ready to take on a new challenge away from the Spanish capital.
Diaz joined Real from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and spent three seasons on loan at AC Milan before establishing himself as a first-team regular in 2023.
The ‘superstar’ 24-year-old has made 141 appearances for Los Blancos to date, scoring 21 goals and providing 23 assists.
Diaz made just 15 senior appearances during his four-year spell at Manchester City, scoring both of his goals in the League Cup.
The Malaga-born forward has won 22 caps for Morocco to date and was named in the AFCON Team of the Tournament after scoring five goals in seven games.
Aston Villa’s January Business So Far
Aston Villa’s transfer activity has picked up pace in recent days, with Unai Emery’s side welcoming midfielder Douglas Luiz and forward Tammy Abraham.
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The West Midlands club added winger Alysson earlier in the window and welcomed back Leon Bailey from his loan spell at Roma.
Villa saw Donyell Malen join a Serie A side on loan, while Guessand also sealed a loan move to Crystal Palace earlier this week.
Emery’s side have also considered a move for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is seeking to join AC Milan ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
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The 22-year-old Liverpool midfielder played the full duration of Aston Villa’s 3-2 Europa League win over RB Salzburg on Thursday night.
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