Potentially jumping ahead of Manchester United, Aston Villa could now reportedly join the race to sign a 19-year-old talent who has outscored Leon Bailey so far this season.
Aston Villa eyeing Bailey upgrade
With the international break set to come to an end, Aston Villa can set their sights on what will be a season-defining two months on all fronts - starting with their FA Cup quarter-final tie against Preston North End. The Villans haven't won the FA Cup in 68 years, but have their greatest opportunity since reaching the final in 2015 to get their hands on England's most historic trophy.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery's side are also still battling to secure their place in next season's Champions League. Although they currently sit ninth, just three points stand between themselves and Manchester City in fifth, which could be enough to earn a place among Europe's elite this season.
France's Kylian Mbappe, Jules Kounde and Mike Maignan during the national anthems before the match Related
[50% price drop: Aston Villa seriously interested in "world-class" £34m star](https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-now-seriously-interested-in-mike-maignan/ "50% price drop: Aston Villa seriously interested in "world-class" £34m star")
The Villans are strongly considering a move for a big-name player, whose asking price has dropped significantly.
Qualifying for such a competition would not only create more memories to savour - adding to memories already created in their run to the last eight this season - but it could also go a long way towards convincing one particular target to join.
According to reports in Portugal, as relayed by Sports Witness, Aston Villa could now join the race to sign Roger Fernandes this summer in a deal worth around €35m (£30m), as they are one of several teams who hold 'interest'.
roger-fernandes-braga
Should they join the battle for the teenager's signature, they will have to fend off the interest of Premier League rivals Manchester United, who have also set their sights on signing the SC Braga talent. A rising star, Fernandes will undoubtedly be one to watch when the summer transfer window swings open.
"Exciting" Fernandes is better than Bailey
Throughout a season which could yet end in major success, one problem has consistently emerged in Emery's side and that has been the form of Leon Bailey. Despite finally rediscovering his best form last season, the winger has failed to replicate that in the current campaign - scoring twice and assisting a further four goals in all competitions.
The arrivals of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen have slowly seen Bailey drop down the pecking order but the arrival of Fernandes could see the Jamaican lose his place altogether in the Midlands. Whilst the Villa man has struggled, the Braga star has enjoyed an excellent campaign - scoring five goals and assisting a further five.
Dubbed "one of the most exciting U19s in Portugal" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last summer, Fernandes has looked destined for the big move that may come courtesy of Aston Villa since breaking through at Braga.