Aston Villa have held talks with intermediaries over a potential deal to sign Everton star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer, according to Sports Boom.
Unai Emery's side are pushing to return to the Champions League next season and currently sit fourth in the Premier League table ahead of their clash with West Ham United on Sunday. But the club are keen to make additions to make the squad stronger, regardless of where they finish this season.
Attacking midfield is believed to be a priority, with question marks around several first-team stars at Villa Park, and now there are eyes on a potential surprise move for a Premier League star.
Aston Villa Hold Talks for Dewsbury-Hall
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Everton
Dewsbury-Hall, who currently earns around £110,000-a-week at Everton, joined the Toffees last summer in a deal worth around £25m from Chelsea, following a disappointing spell in west London.
But since moving to Merseyside he has become a key player under David Moyes, registering six goals and three assists in 23 appearances for the club. That has helped Everton to push for European qualification this season, but the financial situation at the club is still not in the clear.
That has seen Villa step up their interest in the 27-year-old playmaker, and they have held talks with his representatives about potentially taking him to the Midlands.
Everton are not looking to cash in on the midfielder, but should an offer worth around £50m arrive in the summer, then they could be open to a sale, with Dewsbury-Hall keen on once again proving himself at a club competing at the highest level.
Any move would likely see Dewsbury-Hall push for a pay-rise to his current wages, with his demands expected to reach around £150,000-a-week.
Dewsbury-Hall Would Be Great Squad Addition
Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in action with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes
Able to play in a deeper midfield role or as a number ten, Dewsbury-Hall could be a fine addition to an Aston Villa squad that will need reinforcements when the summer window opens.
Morgan Rogers is likely to be targeted heavily by some top clubs, while Jadon Sancho, Leon Bailey, Harvey Elliott, and Ollie Watkins could also all be on the move before the new season. Dewsbury-Hall could provide cover and competition for all of those roles, while also helping Emery to strengthen with experience and top-level quality.
£50m is an expensive deal, undoubtedly, but he has proven that he is capable of performing when given a run of games, and if Everton are open to a deal then it could be something to look out for in the coming months.