Aston Villa are now preparing a contract offer to sign a "revelation", who is available for a bargain fee this month.
Villa remain title contenders after Nottingham Forest triumph
Villa are still just six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, following a 3-1 triumph against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but despite his side's top form, Unai Emery has hinted there could be some new additions to the squad, if the right deal is on the table.
Emery said: "We are alert. We signed Alysson and we are trying to understand how we can improve our squad, but of course intelligently, and as well, with the financial rules.
“But we are a team and my mentality is: always be alert in case we can improve something in the squad, to do it. We must be ready for different options we can have in the transfer window.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery-2
Signing a new forward appears to be of particular interest, with the likes of Manchester City's Omar Marmoush and Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt recently being named as potential targets.
However, according to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are also keen on strengthening at the opposite end of the pitch, and they are preparing a long-term contract for Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza, who they are looking to sign on a deal until 2030.
Mingueza will be available for the bargain fee of just €8m - €10m (£7m - £9m) this month, with the Spanish club willing to sanction a departure for a low price, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
There is no shortage of interest from the Premier League, with West Ham United and Newcastle United also named as potential suitors, and the defender's versatility is of great appeal, as he is capable of playing at right-back, centre-back and in a back three.
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The Villans are making plans amid their title race.
"Revelation" Mingueza could challenge for Cash's starting spot
Matty Cash has been a reliable option for Emery this season, with the right-back impressing from an attacking point of view, amassing three goals and two assists in 19 Premier League outings, and most recently setting up John McGinn's opening goal against Forest.
The Celta vigo defender is able to make an impact going forward too, chipping in with four goals and six assists in La Liga last term, during which time he was lauded as a "revelation" by journalist Zach Lowy.
The former Barcelona man has also displayed his defensive attributes as of late, making a number of important contributions as his side triumphed 4-1 against Valencia last time out.
Oscar Mingueza's key statistics vs Valencia Number completed
Tackles 4
Clearances 4
Duels won 6
Having averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.05, Mingueza is Celta Vigo's third-best performing player in La Liga this season, and he could be a smart addition for Villa for around just £9m, given their well-documented FFP issues.