Aston Villa have now launched their move to sign a Real Madrid attacker ahead of Premier League rivals, according to recent reports.
Emery accepts late Guessand exit
It's been a busy end to the transfer window at Villa Park. The Villans came from behind to secure victory over Red Bull Salzburg in dramatic fashion on Wednesday and have welcomed the likes of Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham back to the club in the same week.
Now, as a result of Abraham's arrival, it looks as though Evann Guessand could be heading to Crystal Palace to become their replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The forward could become the second attacker to leave the Midlands club this month and Villa boss Unai Emery has had his say - telling reporters: “It’s something similar like with Malen. Three parts of this chapter – club, team, player.
"I was happy with him and didn’t want him to leave, but accepting something - a good deal for the club - and him the chance to play maybe (he can) get another way to show his development.
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The Villans have communicated their demands.
"I accepted it. We signed a striker, a winger. Maybe the last matches was more difficult for him to play in the starting XI, then he decided to leave, we’ll continue with the players we have."
Guessand's likely exit could free up some room for more incomings at Villa Park before the end of the window, with links now emerging with Luis Henrique as well as a Real Madrid attacker.
Aston Villa launch move to sign Brahim Diaz
According to TeamTalk, Aston Villa have now made an approach to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid in a last-minute move this month.
The Morocco international has found himself on the fringes of Alvaro Arbeloa's squad since returning from AFCON, and intermediaries have now reportedly offered his signature around the Premier League.
Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are reportedly among those to be contacted, with Villa and Spurs launching enquiries as a result.
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The player, himself, could certainly do with a fresh start after suffering the most painful heartbreak at AFCON. Whether it's Villa who offer him that change in scenery remains to be seen, however.
Despite his heartbreak in the final, Diaz proved on the world stage just how much of an impact he can make. The former Manchester City star came away with the Golden Boot after an exceptional tournament.
His performance would have come as no surprise for former Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who told reporters earlier this season: "I found Brahim in good shape.
"I knew him before and I understand well the difference he can make, and the way he reads his position on the pitch. In tight spaces, he is an excellent player. So his level did not surprise me.”