Aston Villa have now stepped up their pursuit of Marcos Senesi, holding transfer talks regarding an early deal for the AFC Bournemouth defender ahead of the summer transfer window.
Senesi is set to be available on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire in the summer, and Villa are looking to upgrade their defence, with a return to the Champions League looking increasingly likely after the weekend's action.
Premier League table Games Points Goal difference
3. Man Utd 32 55 12
4. Aston Villa 32 55 5
5. Liverpool 32 52 10
6. Chelsea 32 48 12
Seven Premier League teams could qualify for Champions League
It has already been confirmed that at least five Premier League teams will be playing Champions League football next season, which means Villa are in a healthy position, as they are seven points clear of sixth-place Chelsea after the Blues' 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday.
However, Unai Emery's side would also qualify for the competition via a Europa League triumph, and if they were to go all the way, but finish outside the top four, the Premier League will have six Champions League representatives next season.
Aston-Villa-1
The same is true for Liverpool in the Champions League, although they will have their work cut out, as Arne Slot's side need to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the second leg of the quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
If both sides were to win a European trophy, seventh place would qualify for the continent's elite competition, while Nottingham Forest could also gain access if they were to lift the Europa League.
The stakes are high for the Villans, heading into the business end of the season, and with a return to the Champions League very much on the cards, they have started identifying targets for the summer transfer window.
Villa making strong push to sign Senesi
According to reports from Argentina (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have now launched a major offensive to sign Senesi on a free transfer, and they have already opened negotiations regarding an early deal for the Barcelona target.
The Bournemouth star is planning to leave the Cherries this summer, but he has already rejected a move to Juventus, as he wants to remain in the Premier League, where the defender has put in some impressive performances this season.
Marcos Senesi's key Premier League stats
48.7 accurate passes per 90
6 big chances created
4 assists
5.1 accurate long balls per 90
1.2 blocks per 90
Lauded as "sublime" by one journalist, the £50k-a-week centre-back is now vastly experienced in England, making 122 appearances for Bournemouth, during which time he's found the net six times, with his first goal coming in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.