Bulgarian international Ivelin Popov has stated that Aston Villa are “seriously interested” in signing him.

However, the Kuban Krasnodar striker has noted that the deal is far from done.

“These things are usually decided on August 31, between 8 pm and 11:59 pm,” he told Bulgaria’s gong.bg.

“I suppose I will be in for a difficult summer. I hope everything will be fine, eventually,” he said.

The 25-year-old forward said he would really like to play alongside compatriot Aleksandar Tonev, who is also reportedly among Aston Villa’s main transfer targets.

“As far as I know, the negotiations between Aston Villa and Lech Poznan are in a more advanced stage. I hope we get together with Sasho in England,” he said, referring to his fellow Bulgaria international.

Polish media have reported that Tonev would almost certainly sign a contract with Aston Villa. The 23-year-old Lech Poznan winger is expected to cost GBP 2.5 M.