Aston Villa have now entered the race to sign a "relentless" £35m star ahead of West Ham United, with Unai Emery personally keen.
Villa keen on signing new winger this summer
Villa want to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, and there is a chance they could bring in Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis, with Emery recently saying: "He will need another contract, and maybe it could be here. If he plays his best football, we will want him. But also other teams could be involved in the interest for him."
However, it remains to be seen whether the Villans are able to sign Sancho, with widespread reports suggesting the Manchester United forward is open to a third spell at Borussia Dortmund.
In truth, the 25-year-old hasn't exactly set the world alight on loan at Villa Park, failing to score in his opening 16 Premier League matches, during which time he has only provided one assist.
Consequently, it may be a better idea to bring in a different winger this summer, and the Villans have now burst into the race to sign Real Betis star Abde Ezzalzouli, but there could be stiff competition for the Moroccan's signature.
Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham are also keen on signing the 24-year-old, but Aston Villa's interest could pose a problem for the rest of the interested parties, given that they are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League.
The Hammers, in particular, could struggle to compete for Ezzalzouli's signature, considering they are in real danger of being relegated, currently sitting two points from safety.
Emery is personally an admirer of the left-winger, viewing him as the 'missing piece' in Villa's forward line, and there are signs a deal could be possible.
Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli scores their second goal
Indeed, Betis are open to sanctioning the winger's departure this summer, but they are expected to hold out for the relatively large fee of €35m - €40m (£31m - £35m).
"Relentless" Ezzalzouli could be Sancho upgrade
Sancho has chipped in with just one goal and one assist in all competitions for Villa this season, whereas the Real Betis forward has been very impressive, amassing 15 goal involvements in 26 outings in La Liga, the Europa League and the Copa del Rey.
Scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the Morocco international for his "explosive" dribbling ability, while also likening him to Chelsea star Pedro Neto and Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Hoffenheim's Max Moerstedt celebrates scoring their fourth goal with teammates Related
[Aston Villa storm into race to sign £26m "proper target man" with West Ham now up against it](https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-storm-into-race-to-sign-max-moerstedt-west-ham-transfer/ "Aston Villa storm into race to sign £26m "proper target man" with West Ham now up against it")
The Villans have emerged as potential suitors for a striker.
The ex-Barcelona man has been one of Betis' key performers in La Liga this season, averaging a FotMob match rating of 7.61, the second-highest in the squad, and he has created seven big chances, which ties him with Antony and Juan Hernandez in first place.
Ezzalzouli could be a real upgrade on Sancho, and Villa should be in a strong position to win the race for his signature, considering how well they have performed in the Premier League this season.