REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
Aston Villa are looking to make a statement signing by bringing in a player who has emerged as an important player for FC Barcelona this season.
Indeed, the Villans have identified an ambitious target ahead of the January transfer window, after overcoming their rocky start to the Premier League season by taking seven points from their last three matches.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Most recently, Unai Emery's side secured a 1-0 victory against Newcastle United on the road, and the manager was left very pleased with the overall performance, saying: "I think today, the victory is really very fantastic. How we competed, how the players (won) duels, how the players as well (showed) their commitment, everybody, with the players (bringing) impact as well, they did fantastic.
"So, very happy. Grateful for our supporters as well, because they were with us here, enjoying the new time we are trying to build the team with some new players, as well with our demands."
Villa deserved to pick up all three points on the balance of play, with the hosts failing to create a single big chance in the entire match.
Match statistics Newcastle Aston Villa
Total shots 16 15
Shots on target 1 3
Big chances 0 3
xG 0.99 1.57
Hit woodwork 0 1
Having become European regulars during the Emery era, the Villans will now be looking to build some momentum and shoot up the table, but they also have one eye on upcoming transfer windows, with a Barcelona star recently emerging as a target.
Aston Villa enter contention to sign Xavi Espart
REUTERS/Pablo Morano
According to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Xavi Espart, but there could be competition, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also keen on raiding Barcelona.
Barcelona could consider sanctioning a sale if they receive a bid in the region of €50m (£42m), although Hansi Flick may have something to say about the full-back leaving, considering he has singled him out for some high praise this season.
Following a 2-0 victory against Athletic Club back in August, Flick said: "He played very well, and it isn't easy. He had a fantastic match, both on and off the ball. He is always focused and has an excellent tactical understanding. He has even more potential, and we are working with him every day to help him improve further."
Although he is just 19-years-old, the youngster has already emerged as a first-team regular for the reigning Spanish champions, making seven appearances in La Liga this season, during which time he's picked up one goal and two assists.
The Spaniard has been deployed as a left-back this season, but he is also capable of playing on the opposite side, and an average of 3.2 tackles per 90 in La Liga is the second-highest number in the Barcelona squad.