Aston Villa have entered pole position in the race for a "magical" player, who is now being targeted by several Premier League clubs.
Villa set out to sign new winger alongside Sancho
Jadon Sancho hasn't exactly set the world alight on loan at Villa Park this season, with the winger yet to find the net in the Premier League, but there have been some more encouraging signs in recent weeks.
The Manchester United loanee registered an assist in the 2-0 victory against Lille in the Europa League, before also setting up a goal in the 2-0 victory against West Ham United in the Premier League, which saw Villa move five points clear of fifth-place Liverpool.
With Sancho putting in some improved performances as of late, Unai Emery has reportedly given the green light for Robert Olabe to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis this summer, having been left impressed by his displays.
Speaking last month, Emery said: "He is a fantastic player. Hopefully he can help us by increasing his qualities in our structure like he is doing. 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."
Talks with the Englishman's representatives have been 'encouraging', with Sancho set to be available on a free transfer when his Man United contract expires in the summer, but the Villans are also looking at another winger.
"Magical" star attracting major Premier League interest
According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa have now emerged as the frontrunners in the race for Fulham star Harry Wilson's signature, with the Welshman likely to exit Craven Cottage on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
Just yesterday, Everton were believed to be in a strong position to sign the Welshman, but after a fresh twist, Villa are now leading the race, which is news that will come as a blow to the Toffees, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Leeds United, who have all identified him as a target.
Harry Wilson celebrates against Spurs
It would be fair to say the 68-cap Wales international has been outperforming Sancho in the Premier League this season, having already scored ten goals, most recently finding the net in his side's 3-1 victory against Burnley.
Not only has the 29-year-old bagged more goals than Sancho, but he has also performed better than the winger across a number of other key metrics in the Premier League this season.
Statistic Jadon Sancho Harry Wilson
Assists 2 6
Chances created 21 31
Shots on target per 90 0.4 0.9
FotMob rating 6.63 7.26
After scoring the opening goal in the Cottagers' 2-2 draw against Liverpool earlier this season, the right-winger received plaudits from manager Marco Silva, who said: "Every time he touches the ball he looks capable of doing something magical for us."
With Wilson, who pockets £55k-a-week, set to be available on a free transfer this summer, it is exciting news Villa are now in pole position to secure his signature.
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Aston Villa plan to qualify for the Champions League and draw a number of elite talents to Vills Park.