Sky Sports: Aston Villa to hold talks with 20-goal target who Monchi loves

In a move that would replace Jhon Duran and sharpen their frontline even further, Aston Villa are now reportedly set to hold their first meeting with a summer target who’s enjoying an excellent season.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have endured a mixed campaign so far. Whilst they’ve undoubtedly enjoyed moments to savour in the Champions League, such as their victory over Bayern Munich, they’ve struggled to replicate such performances in the Premier League at times and sit 10th as a result. Now five points adrift of the top four, their European hopes are beginning to fade.

With that in mind, they’ll want to make the most of every game that they do have among Europe’s elite, including their last 16 clash against Club Brugge which many will have them as favourites to win and take one step into the final eight this evening.

Of course, it’s not just on the pitch that Champions League qualification is important. Away from the action, a place on Europe’s biggest stage acts as a vital attraction point for key signings more often than not, but those in the Midlands will be hoping that’s not the case with one particular target.

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Aston Villa are now set to hold their first meeting with Samu Aghehowa as they look to introduce Unai Emery to a player that sporting director Monchi loves.

Related

Aston Villa scouts making regular checks on potential £40m Mings successor

Aston Villa’s recruitment team have set their sights on a player who would be a long-term replacement for Mings.

Already in contact with his agent, the Villans are now set to schedule a one-to-one appointment with the striker, who has enjoyed an incredibly impressive campaign.

Valued at a reported £42m by Porto, the striker could become one of the bargains of the summer if he went on to replicate his Portugal form in the Premier League.

“Powerhouse” Aghehowa could take Aston Villa back to UCL place

Since Duran’s January exit, Aston Villa have been left with just one natural striker in Ollie Watkins – forcing Donyell Malen to lead the line in the Englishman’s recent brief absence through injury. And although Duran’s presence handed Emery quite the selection headache, the Spaniard could certainly do with some competition at the centre of his attack – something Aghehowa would instantly offer.

With 20 goals to his name in 32 appearances in all competitions so far this season, it’s fair to say that the former Atletico Madrid man has taken Portugal by storm at just 20 years old. Earning plenty of attention as a result, analyst Ben Mattinson described Aghehowa as a “powerhouse” and praised his “imposing” physicality back in December.

As Aston Villa begin to step up their move to sign the talented forward, there’s no doubt that Aghehowa will be one to watch this summer.