Aston Villa scouts have been keeping a close eye on the World Cup and have stepped up their interest in a breakout star.
Villa return to the UEFA Champions League next season and thus want to ensure Unai Emery has a squad ready to compete on all fronts. That has resulted in the scouting team travelling to North America.
Several players have caught the eye during the World Cup and put their names in the shop window. That includes Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi, whom the Villans are reportedly finalising a deal to sign from Freiburg, per The Athletic.
Aston Villa Eyeing Mexico Star Quinones
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Manzambi could be followed to Villa Park by Mexico attacker Julian Quinones. A report from Sacha Tavolieri of Sky Sports claims that Villa's management "closely observed" the 29-year-old.
Quinones enjoyed a fine campaign for the co-hosts, scoring four goals and providing one assist in five games. That included a thumping finish in his nation's 3-2 loss to England in the Round of 16.
Villa have reportedly made inquiries with the Al-Qadsiah forward's entourage to assess whether a deal is possible. Contacts have "recently intensified", and this could lead to an official offer being made.
Quinones is an experienced frontman, although he's never played his football in Europe. He managed a superb tally of 33 goals in 31 Saudi Pro League games last season.
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Villa Set For Frontline Overhaul
Ferran Torres scores for BarcelonaREUTERS/Albert Gea
It's clear that Emery wants at least one new attacker signed ahead of next season. The Mexican is the latest name to be added to their growing shortlist.
The Villans reportedly hold an interest in Barcelona's Ferran Torres, whose days at Camp Nou look numbered. The Spaniard boasts a more versatile profile than Quinones and is still only 26.
There has been talk of Villa selling one of their star players to meet UEFA's spending rules. One name who is linked with a move away is Ollie Watkins, who is reportedly on Turkish giants Fenerbahce's radar, per the Daily Mail.
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If the English striker were to move on, it could pave the way for Quinones to replace him. For now, he is busy representing England at the World Cup and any potential exit will come once the tournament concludes.