Aston Villa have withdrawn from the race for Brentford striker Neal Maupay, according to reports in the UK.

Sheffield United are said to have targeted the Frenchman as a key signing this summer, and it is believed they will no longer have to battle the Villans for his signature.

Villa boss Dean Smith worked with Maupay at the Bees and was reportedly keen to take him to the Midlands club, but the forward’s £15m price tag has led to them cooling their interest.

The 22-year-old has also been attracting interest from abroad over the past few weeks, but so far no club has made a bid for the striker.

Whether the Blades will make their move for Maupay, it’s difficult to say, but much may depend on how far manager Chris Wilder’s transfer budget stretches.

United have made two signings in the last two days, with Phil Jagielka having joined on a free transfer and Luke Freeman having made the £3m switch from QPR.