Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira is keen to bring Wesley Moraes to the Copa Libertadores champions from Premier League giants Aston Villa, as reported by Globo Esporte.
This, you would imagine, will be music to the ears of Aston Villa’s £22 million forgotten man.
Earlier this week, Wesley admitted that he’d certainly be up for the idea of returning to South America.
What’s more, he’s flattered by interest from a club who defeated Flamengo in November to be crowned the greatest football side on the continent for the second season in a row.
“I do not rule out returning to Brazil at this time,” Wesley said.
“Even more so if I am going to play for a team that will fight for titles, which has a very good structure and a very high-level squad.
“I am very happy (with Palmeiras’ interest). This gives me even more courage to continue working.”
Will Wesley Moraes ever play for Aston Villa again?
Wesley has not started a Premier League game for Aston Villa since that fateful trip to Turf Moor on New Years’ Day two years ago.
The 25-year-old suffered a horror knee injury in that 2-1 win at Burnley, one that kept him out of action for 15 months and threatens to ruin his Villa career.
Wesley returned to former employers Club Brugge on loan over the summer in an attempt to get his career back on track.
Doing so, however, will be easier said than done with opportunities limited at the Belgian giants.
From Brugge to Brazil?
A mid-season move to the city of Sao Paulo, then, could do Wesley the world of good.
According to Globo Esporte, highly-rated manager Abel Ferreira has asked his Palmeiras bosses to bring in a new centre-forward. And Wesley is at the top of his wishlist.
It is not certain, at this stage, whether Palmeiras want Wesley on loan or on a permanent basis.
Given that he has another three years left on his contract, Aston Villa are unlikely to let him go on the cheap, regardless of his recent fitness problems.
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