Aston Villa have agreed a deal for Wolves star Joao Gomes, and Fabrizio Romano's latest claim suggests they could be closing in on Pervis Estupinan.
Villa would be making a smart, low-risk move by bringing Estupinan back to the Premier League.
estupinan-ac-milan
The Ecuador international already understands the pace and physical demands of English football, while Unai Emery knows exactly what he can offer after working with him at Villarreal.
With Lucas Digne joining PSG, Villa need a replacement who can attack aggressively without leaving the defence exposed. Estupinan looks ready-made for that role.
The deal now appears to have taken an important step forward.
Aston Villa agree personal terms with Pervis Estupinan
According to Romano, Villa have agreed personal terms with Estupinan, who wants to move to Villa Park.
Football FanCast's Verdict
Credibility
Finances
Insight
Impact
Negotiations with AC Milan are continuing as the clubs attempt to settle on a transfer fee, with Emery personally keen to make the 28-year-old his new first-choice left-back.
Other reports suggest talks have reached an advanced stage.
Milan are believed to want around £17 million for the 28-year-old, while Villa have been working below that figure in an attempt to find a compromise.
Digne’s £10 million move to PSG would help fund the replacement and create space in Emery’s squad, and Estupinan’s attraction is obvious.
He made his name in the Premier League with Brighton, where his pace, overlapping runs and powerful crossing made him one of the division’s most dangerous attacking full-backs.
pervis-estupinan-brighton-crystal-palace-selhurst-park-premier-league
His first season at Milan was less consistent, with 19 Serie A appearances and 13 starts, but the qualities Villa need remain clear.
The move would also reunite him with Emery.
The pair worked together at Villarreal, where Estupinan helped the Spanish club compete successfully in Europe. That existing relationship should reduce the adaptation period and give Villa confidence that the player understands the manager’s tactical demands.
This is not the only major deal moving quickly, with Villa also targeting ex-Spurs midfielder Joao Palhinha, showing Emery still wants more experience and bite before the window closes.
Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye in action with Iraq's Frans Putros Related
Ibrahim Mbaye reaches agreement with PSG to leave as Man City move to hijack Aston Villa
City want to sign an "electric" forward.