Aston Villa transfer news: Unai Emery now offered £15m target after talks

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Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign Gerard Deulofeu from Udinese during the January transfer window. The Villans have held talks with the forward Unai Emery’s target.

That is according to Alex Crook, who reports Aston Villa have held concrete talks over the transfer of Deulofeu from Udinese. An unspecified party has also put the Spaniard forward to the Villans as an achievable signing. But Villa Park chiefs are yet to finalise their pursuit.

Aston Villa are not currently 100% committed to reuniting Emery with Deulofeu. He hired the 28-year-old on loan from Barcelona whilst in charge of Sevilla. The pair also won a Europa League title together during the 2014/15 season before Everton then bought the attacker.

Deulofeu went on to enjoy a spell with AC Milan (loan), return to Barcelona, join Watford and Udinese after Everton. The Bianconeri paid the Hornets €17m (£15m) in January 2021 after an initial loan deal. He has since gone on to offer them 18 goals and 14 assists in 67 games.

The four-cap Spain international has recorded three of his goals and seven assists over 17 matches so far this season. Deulofeu’s haul includes two goals and six assists in 15 Serie A fixtures. But he has missed Udinese’s past two games whilst recovering from a knee injury.

Emery has told Aston Villa that Deulofeu’s transfer from Udinese is his priority

Deulofeu’s agent, Alberto Botines, has confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in a transfer for his client from Udinese. His representative told Messaggero Veneto: “There was interest from Aston Villa but nothing concrete.” The publication adds Deulofeu has returned from injury.

It also claims that the Villans are not alone in considering a move for the Riudarenes-born dynamo. But Emery has told Aston Villa that Deulofeu’s transfer from Udinese is a priority of his in the January sales. Birmingham Live has also reported talks between the two teams.

Deulofeu offered three goals and 10 assists over his 28 appearances with Sevilla on loan to Emery’s side. Roberto Martinez also then lauded the forward as a ‘special talent’ after his Everton team paid Barcelona £4.25m. Deulofeu also spent 2013/14 on loan to the Toffees.