Aston Villa have been joined by some elite company in pursuit of one man this summer...

What's the word?

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Serie A outfit Torino have entered the race to clinch AFC Bournemouth forward Joshua King before next Monday's deadline.

It comes just a few days after the Telegraph's Mike McGrath linked the 28-year-old with a switch to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Earlier this month, his colleague the ever-reliable John Percy revealed that the Midlands side had bid £16m for the Norwegian frontman, but things have gone quiet ever since.

Late transfer tussle?

Dean Smith has already bolstered his frontline with the addition of Bertrand Traore, who has since scored and made two appearances for the club to complement the club-record splash on Ollie Watkins.

However, King isn't someone the 49-year-old should turn his nose up at as it'll add some quality depth across the front three.

The versatile sensation has been a prolific threat in the top-flight over the past five seasons, scoring at least six goals each campaign with a career-best 16 coming back in 16/17.

Despite being part of the Cherries' relegation squad, King still contributed to ten goals whilst averaging two dribbles, 1.2 key passes and one shot per game, via WhoScored.

He could allow Jack Grealish to move back into the middle and can even be a viable back-up to Watkins.

King really is the "complete package" as his former boss Eddie Howe once said, claiming that his forward is "outstanding physically, technically and mentally."

"He is a pivotal figure to how we play and what we want to do. He has the pace, strength and technical qualities, which are quite unique," added Howe.

Whilst it remains to be seen if that £16m was ever enough, Johan Lange simply can't afford to see King join a rival club like Spurs. He could help transform them from relegation fodder into genuine underdogs.

AND in other news, Aston Villa remain keen on wantaway PL starlet...