Reports in Brazil claim Aston Villa representatives were at Grêmio vs Cruzeiro to watch two highly-rated attackers
Bernard (L) and Ruan Tressoldi (R) of Atletico Mineiro fight for the ball with Kaio Jorge (C) of Cruzeiro
Kaio Jorge (C) of Cruzeiro (Image: Getty Images)
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Aston Villa have stepped up their interest in two hot prospects making waves in the Brazilian League.
That's according to Globo Esporte who claim Villa scouts watched the pair in the flesh on Wednesday evening as Grêmio hosted Cruzeiro.
The report says they were in the VIP boxes to see Cruzeiro's Kaio Jorge and Grêmio's Alysson, both forwards and both highly rated, having watched them for 'several months'.
With 17 goals in 29 games so far this season Kaio Jorge is the joint top scorer in Brazil's Série A, he has also provided seven assists. He didn't score against Gremio but played 79 minutes in a 1-0 away win as Cruzeiro moved up to third.
The 23-year-old has been with the Belo Horizonte-based outfit since spending three years - but failing to make the breakthrough - at Juventus. He moved to Turin having come through at Santos as a youngster.
Since then he has scored 29 times in just 63 games and is under contract until 2029, it is reported Cruzeiro value the striker at €25million (£22million) and that he has received offers 'throughout the season'.
He won his first cap off the bench for Brazil in September in a 3-0 win over Chile.
Meanwhile, right winger Alysson is 19 years old and has come through at Gremio. This is his first season in the senior set-up.
In recognition of his progress, he signed a new contract in September, which extends his commitment to the club to the end of 2029.
He can also play striker and has scored once and added two assists in 26 league matches, with 17 starts.
Globo Esporte predict Villa 'may make an offer to sign the duo during the end-of-year transfer window'.
The story goes on to say 'The presence of representatives in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul tonight is another step in the European club's monitoring process'.
What is Villa's transfer priority in January? Have your say here
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